Kaieteur News

Guyanese should demand all contracts related to

Gas-to-Energy project be made public - Int'l Report - Urges Govt. to answer key questions on feasibility of project

4. Which party bears the needed to reduce losses to megawatt (MW) combinedenergy project which will energy—will help Guyana programme would take risk of delays or cost lessthan10%? cycle gas turbine (CCGT) use natural gas from the meet its climate goals. An profit oil and provide overrunsinconstruction?

The proposed gas-to- investment in solar aggressive rooftop solar

13. How much will the power plant at Wales, West ExxonMobil-operated investment in rooftop solar households with something

5. Is there a transparent government of Guyana have Coast Demerara (WCD), Stabroek Block to supply panels for residents and they can see and touch, a c c o u n t i n g f o r to spend to reduce rates by Region Three. The historical 300MW of power to the businesses will provide a reduce monthly utility bills ExxonMobil's profits as a half? signingofthecontractforthe nationviatheGuyanaPower direct benefit to individual and put people to work in builder of the pipeline and In addition to the US$759 million project took and Light (GPL) grid Guyanese households in the every community in lender to Guyana for the foregoing, IEEFA believes place at the Office of the systems will not only form of solar panels and low Guyana.” moneytobuildit? citizens should demand that President, Shiv Chanderpaul increase the country's debt electricity costs,” said Cathy While the IEEFA report

6 How is Guyana's all contracts related to the Drive. but lead to an oversupply of Kunkel, IEEFA consultant offers troubling insights on decision to build the Gas-to- gas-to-energy project should In January 2023, power and co-author of the report. the dangers that lie with the Energy plant related to bemadepublic. President Irfaan Ali

This critical perspective “It will employ local people gas-to-energy project, its ExxonMobil's attempts to BACKGROUND ON witnessed the signing of a was outlined in a damning and help small contracting authors have been keen to solveitsflaringproblem? GAS PROJECT contractbetweentheGuyana 33-pagesreportpublishedby businessesgrow.” note that their analysis has

7. Is there an agreement

The People's Progressive Power and Gas Inc. and the Institute for Energy

The IEEFA report also been limited by the lack of between ExxonMobil and Party Civic (PPP/C) plan for Engineers India Limited Economics and Financial notes that Guyana is poised public information and the government of Guyana a gas-to-energy project (EIL) for the provision of Analysis(IEEFA)lastweek. to embark on the path of transparency, both on GPL's that all of the natural gas entails partnering with Consultancy Services for the

The report which rapidly overbuilding the electrical system and on the supplied for this project will ExxonMobil Guyana Wales Natural Gas Liquids Kaieteur News has reported electricitygenerationsystem financing arrangements in befree? Limited to construct a (NGL) facility as well as the on extensively over the last that serves about two-thirds place for the project. For

8.Ifnot,whatisthebasis massive 218 km offshore 300-megawatt (MW) power four days warns that the of its population By citizenswhoareinterestedin for the government's pipeline structure that would plant That contract is increased levels of debt significantly overbuilding demanding greater clarity assertion that it will be able bring gas from the Stabroek peggedatUS$22,143,190. which will be contracted by fossilfuelgeneration,IEEFA f r o m t h e G u y a n a to obtain 50 million cubic Block's Liza field onshore The consultancy is for the Guyana Power and Light believes GPLwill crowd out Government on this project, feet of free natural gas per and feed into two facilities, a the Consultant to assist the (GPL)willlikelyresultinthe the possibility of renewable they have offered a list of day for the duration of the Natural Gas Plant and a Government of Guyana Government of Guyana energy “The Gas-to-Energy questions that could help project?

300MWPowerPlant,bothto through the Gas to Energy bailing out the utility planwillcausetheGuyanese increase transparency and

9. What are the financial be situated at the Wales Task Force in the design company government and its utility accountability for the consequences, if any, to the DevelopmentZone. review, construction,

Instead of spending company to go into debt for project. Those questions are governmentofGuyanaifnot The 12-inch pipeline supervision and general billions for an overbuilt, s o m e t h i n g t h a t i s asfollow: all 50 MMcf/d of natural gas being constructed by Exxon project management of the fossil fuel-reliant grid that unnecessary In the end,

1. What are the terms of isused? will have the capacity to development of the willleaveGuyanaindebtfor future oil profits will be the pipeline agreement 1 0 W h a t a r e t h e transport 50 million cubic integrated plants, and years, IEEFA found that squandered,” said Tom between ExxonMobil and anticipated terms of the US feet per day (MMcf/d) from contract administration Guyana could use its oil Sanzillo, IEEFA director of thegovernmentofGuyana? Ex-Imbankdeal? the offshore Liza field, and throughout the project profits for a reliable, low- financialanalysis.

2. What is the estimated 11 What alternative will be able to deliver a implementation process and cost rooftop solar solution “There are long-term capitalcostoftheproject? financing is the government minimum volume of no less thereafter during the defects that would save billions decisions that are being

3 Are the annual of Guyana considering if the than 10 MMcf/d The liabilityperiod. while providing low-carbon made here that will increase p a y m e n t s f r o m t h e U S Ex-Im loan is not Government of Guyana and Government has said electricity to the entire taxpayer costs and benefit government of Guyana approved? U S c o n s o r t i u m , project generation costs, c o u n t r y “ T h e foreign corporate and subject to adjustment for 12. Has GPL quantified LINDSAYCA/CH4 on taking account of payment alternative substantial financial interests An inflationorotherfactors? the level of investment December 13, 2022 signed for the pipeline, operations the contract for the andmaintenance,andcapital construction of the cost recovery will total less integrated Natural Gas than five US cents per Liquids Plant and the 300- kilowatt-hour.

Suriname ringfences first oil project to avoid Guyana's mistakes with Exxonmobil

Suriname is ensuring profitability is separately come with a mere 2% operations undertaken that it does not fall prey to a accountedfor royalty and an essentially within Suriname, injecting grave flaw in Guyana's But ringfencing is not zero tax regime since approximately US$90 Stabroek block production the only difference between Guyana shoulders the million into the economy sharing agreement (PSA) the two countries' main oil companies' taxes from its TotalEnergies' project is with ExxonMobil - the lack contracts A comparison profit oil share. Moreover, expected to be a huge boost ofringfencingprovisions. between TotalEnergies' there's no option for state for local content in With oil company Block 58 and ExxonMobil's participation. Suriname.

TotalEnergies announcing Stabroek block highlights

Staatsolie's potential

Moreover, Suriname's plans for the first Suriname the distinct inferiority and 20% participation in Block President, Chandrikapersad oildevelopmentatBlock58, unfairness of the Exxon 58 could translate into a Santokhi, views the project ringfencing has been deal. TotalEnergies' project windfall for the Surinamese as a beacon of economic included in their petroleum offers a 6.25% royalty rate state. Based on the model hope. He said, “We will agreement. It will critically and a 36% income tax. It production sharing contract, make sure that future prevent revenue losses for alsoallowsforcostrecovery the state could reap between incomefromtheoffshoreoil Suriname, and ensure that up to 80% of quarterly US$16 billion and US$26 and gas will be spent wisely. thegovernmentgetsahigher p r o d u c t i o n , w i t h billion over two decades, Those incomes will shareofupfrontdollars. unrecovered cost oil contingentonoilprices.And contribute to the prosperity Ringfencing, in the balances carried forward on it doesn't stop at direct and stability fund, and will context of oil and gas, refers a project-by-project basis. revenues. Indirect revenues, be a means to diversify our to isolating the finances of a Additionally, Suriname's stemmingfromlocalcontent economy by developing specific project such that s t a t e o i l c o m p a n y, – the provision of local sustainable sectors such as costs incurred in one project Staatsolie, has an option of goods and services – further agricultureandtourism.” cannot be offset against 20% participation. In stark underscore the benefits. The Suriname's approach, revenues from another. This contrast, ExxonMobil's recent drilling of five wells emphasizingringfencing ensures that each project's Stabroek block projects in Block 58 saw all (Continued on page 9)

Kaieteur News

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

Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Trusting ExxonMobil

Any Guyanese that places an iota of trust in what ExxonMobil does here needs to obtain some professional attention. Anynationalgovernment,populatedbypatriotic leaders, that thinks of ExxonMobil as a trusted partner, reallyoughttobenowherenearthecorridorsofpower We sayitasbluntlyaswecan:ExxonMobilisnottobetrusted, ExxonMobil has done little to garner credibility with Guyanese on their oil, has been as untrustworthy as they comewhencertaindeplorableaspectsofitspresencehere areweighed. Thecompanyhasbeenfoundwanting,andby alargemargin.

ItistheviewofanincreasingnumberofGuyanesethat ExxonMobilshouldnotbetrustedtobethesoleproviderof oilproductionandotherdatatothiscountry Wecouldnot agreemore,forthecompanyhasdonelittletodispelsucha hard, dismissive judgment. As more developments about the kind of partner that ExxonMobil is surface, more citizens get to see more about what ExxonMobil is most consumedby

Inreverseorder,thereisthisfascinatingUS$214million in audit findings that was mysteriously shaved all the way downtoUS$3million Rightnow,bothExxonMobilandthe PPP/Cleadershiphaveeggontheirfaces,anditisnotofthe freshly cooked kind This US$214 million audit is a stink bombthatitisnotlosinganyofitsaroma,evenasthePPP/C Governmentlaboursaroundtheclocktosuppresstheodors thatintensify WhydidExxonMobilengageinwhatitdid, andhowcouldapartnershipthatcallsforthehighestlevelsof reciprocal trust deteriorate to this ugly state? With the productionofoilsome120milesfromGuyana’sshoreline, this question takes on even more severity With Guyana limited in terms of capacity and technology, and all the essentials of requisite expertise, the issue of trust becomes evenmoreurgent Then,thereisthisinexplicablematterof billions in oil expenses that the Government of Guyana conceals from its own citizens Guyanese are the ones payingtheseexpenses. Givenwhatistakenoutfromtheir oilrevenues,theyhaveeveryright,therefore,toseeevery item that ExxonMobil has billed Guyana for under one projectheadingortheother Thisassumesanevengreater momentum when the absence of ringfencing is given the sharpestgaze. CouldExxonMobilbetrustedtobefairand principled in billing this country for expenses that belong onlytoouroilprojects? Weatthispaperareinsistent:NO! ShouldExxonMobilbetrustedtobillGuyanawithaccurate quantitiesandpricesformaterialsandlabourandsystems said to be used in our oilfields? Again, our answer is a resounding:NO!

Goingdeeperintothepast,butwhichhasonlymadethe news now, ExxonMobil executed two transactions with Shell,anotherglobaloilgiant,whichhadtohavegenerated somerevenue. Yetthereisnosuchrecordinthecompany’s books. We agree that Guyana must honour its share of legitimate expenses pertaining to its oil, but this country mustalso,bythesamestandard,participateinanymonies that are a product of subleasing any portion of any block that is under the control of ExxonMobil. It is likely that tensofmillionsofAmericandollars,attheveryleast,were involved, but on those ExxonMobil has gone blank. Its accountingbooksandrecordsare,forastart.

In focusing on ExxonMobil’s accounting books, the company was caught with its pants down, and it is a sight fromwhichGuyaneseturntheirfaces. ExxonMobilbilled Guyana US$460 million for pre-contract costs from 1999 to 2015, but its own accounting systems disclose the revealingamountofUS$368million. ThisishowaUS$92 milliondifferentialgotbaggedandtaggedanddroppedon Guyana’shead. HowcanthiscompanycalledExxonMobil everbeconsideredasworthyofanysmidgenoftrustfrom any Guyanese? ExxonMobil is ripping off Guyanese, laughingallthewaytothebank,andactivelyseekingways togougethiscountrystillmore.

Givenallthis,itisclearthatExxonMobil’sproduction numbers cannot be trusted. The same can be said for everythingthatitdoesoffshore.

Open letter to Mr. Parsram, Director of EPAon Manipulative and Dishonest Press Release

DEARMR.PARSRAM: The Press Release published in the Guyana Chronicle and on Facebook onOctober5,2023,entitled: “Environmental Protection Agency, Press Release, Court Refuses Activist Request to Cancel EPA’s Permit for Gas to Energy Project” is less than honest, misleading, and betrays a lack of neutrality and genuine commitment to i n c l u s i v e p u b l i c participation that the very release claims to be fostering. This disgraceful attempttomanipulatepublic perception and undermine citizen’sparticipationshould be retracted with a public apology Thereleaseomitted

the vital truth of Justice Beharry’s ruling. The court foundthattheEPA’sdecision to grant the permit to Exxon Mobil was “contrary to law and improper” since Esso Guyana [Exxon Mobil] had not submitted all the necessary documents which wouldprovetheyhadalegal rightorabilitytoconductthe project without the consent of the landowner or occupier” (as mentioned in paragraphs 63 and 64 of the Judgment).

However, the Judge decidednottogranttherelief the Applicants sought, that is, to quash the permit, because of considerations like the significant fiscal expenditure already injected

into the Gas to Energy pipeline, potential harm to innocent third parties, and potential negative impacts on Exxon Mobil and the State (Paragraphs 70 and 71 of the Judgement). Further, thecourtmentionsthatthere is “no evidence that the Applicants were personally aggrieved by the EPA’s decision to grant a permit”, stating that the main matter the Applicants took issue withwastheEPA’sfailureto comply with the law (Paragraph 65 of the Judgement). Therefore, the court denied the reliefs sought.

The court does clarify that judicial review is not about public vindication but

about remedying real injustices Your public advertisement accurately quotes this sentiment but takes it out of context. The court is emphasizing that judicial review is not a tool for mere satisfaction but to address real and substantive injustices (as per Paragraph 65oftheJudgement).

The Judge does not appear to have been concerned with the fact that this is the third time the courts have found the EPA acting illegally in matters of environmental permits relatedtothesamecompany, Exxon Mobil, and that the very consistency in either beingunwillingorunableto

(Continuedonpage06)

VPDr.BharratJagdeo’sLegacyofDeception, Lies,Manipulation,andtheErosionofTrust

DEAREDITOR, In the realm of politics, honesty and integrity are critical. When a leader abuses their position by leveraging lies and deceit, they undermine the foundations of democracy and sap the public’s trust. Such is the case with Vice PresidentDr BharratJagdeo, whose trail of falsehoods has finallycaughtupwithhim Itis essentialtoexposethepatterns of manipulation, deception, and dishonesty that have markedhistenureasapublic servant,forthefutureofour democracy depends on holding our leaders accountable.

The Pandora’s Box of Lies: From the outset of his political career, Jagdeo has displayed a penchant for deception His tenure as President of Guyana was fraught with controversies that stemmed from his alleged involvement in widespread corruption, nepotism, and manipulation However, it is the consistent pattern of lying to the public thathasremainedadarkcloud overhislegacy

Oneofthemostegregious examples of Jagdeo’s deceit was his handling of the country’s economic development Whileinoffice, he routinely touted false economic growth figures, painting a rosy picture of progress when, in reality, the majorityofGuyanesecitizens were left trapped in poverty Jagdeo’s manipulation of economic data not only harmed the nation’s development but also undermined the trust of the

people.

Exploitation:

Jagdeo’sdeceptionextends beyondeconomicsandreaches deep into environmental stewardship Despite being laudedasaglobaladvocatefor sustainability, his real actions telladifferentstory Foryears, Jagdeo claimed to champion the preservation of Guyana’s rainforestsandthefightagainst climatechange Hepromisedto protect these precious resources, but his promises melted away when faced with economicgainsandthesamehe isdoingwithouroilresources

ItisallegedunderJagdeo’s watch, large-scale deforestation, illegal logging, and land grabs reachedalarminglevels.The very forests he vowed to safeguardweredecimatedin the name of agriculture and mining interests This blatant betrayal of trust not only undermines Guyana’s reputation globally but also exposes the depths of Jagdeo’s lies. The Shrouded Manipulator:

Jagdeo’s propensity for dishonesty extends to his political manoeuvring

Throughouthiscareer,hehas beenknowntoemploytactics of manipulation and misinformation to achieve personal and political gains His ability to twist facts, manufacture narratives, and stirdivisionhasallowedhimto maintain a stranglehold on power,benefitinghimselfand his cronies Jagdeo’s tactics also include the suppression of dissenting voices and the marginalization of those who dare challenge his

authority.Underhisdevious influence, the pillars of democracy crumble, as citizens grow disillusioned andafraidtospeakout.

Conclusion: Thetimehascomeforthe Guyanese people to wake up from the spell of Bharrat Jagdeo’s lies His legacy will forever be marred by deception, manipulation, and the erosion of trust in our political system As a nation, w e m u s t d e m a n d accountability from our leadersand refuse to tolerate this culture of dishonesty anylonger

It is imperative that we support leaders who value integrityandhonesty,forthey are the foundation upon which a thriving democracy is built We must reject the false promises and divisive tacticsofindividualslikeDr Bharrat Jagdeo, as they ultimately lead us down a destructivepath Icanrecall one of our Veteran Trade Unionist, Lincoln Lewis, referred to him as “The ButcherFromUnity”,which I know for the fact that he butchered Guyana and continued to do so In recognizing and exposing Jagdeo’s lies, we take the first step towards restoring transparency,truth,andtrust in our political landscape. OnlythencanGuyanamove forward towards a future guidedbyvaluesthatuphold the best interests of its citizens.

Pt.UbrajNarine,JP, COA

Former Staff Sgt. (GDF),Mayor CityofGeorgetown

PresidentAli’s announcement of fixing National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and Passport backlogs most commendable

DEAREDITOR,

The announcement by PresidentAlitofixproblems at NIS (National Insurance Scheme) and fix slow processing of Passports are tobehighlycommended.We need the same for Birth Certificates, TIN numbers, other Government documents and approvals. HighfivesforthePresident. ItmeanspeoplewillgetNIS benefits before they die. It shows the President understands these ongoing issues that are vexations to the working class. When Government agencies fail to do their jobs or operate in a persistent inefficient mode, t h a t b r i n g s m u c h embarrassment to the President’sadministration.It alsomeansMinistersarenot on top of things at their Ministries The Ministers themselves are problems when they don’t return your calls,texts,oryoucan’tmeet with them. Ministers being arrogant and inaccessible is not good leadership. They are supposed to be servants of the people. The Public ServiceMinistryshouldlead in this area. Maybe find better Ministers or train the current ones what good customer service looks like. Icandoforfree.

TheNIShasforeverbeen a poster child for

governmentalinefficiencyin Guyana. After dealing with the NIS, my 88-year-old cousin is being given the royal run around for 28 years, I have concluded that the NIS is like Humpty Dumpty – all the King’s horses and all the King’s men cannot put Humpty Dumptytogetheragain.(See Haji Roshan Khan’s “An OpenLettertoPresidentAli: The NIS is sadistically murderingGuyanese,please dosomething,”SN,Aug.26, 2023. See M. Singh’s “The NIS:aschemeofDarwinian proportions, meaning, that Ministers are failing,” SN, Sep04,2023).

TheNISwassupposedto be a safety net for retired people at a time when they are most vulnerable and in need of support. When you call the NIS and can’t reach anyone, when you call until you are blue and they will not return your calls, when theydealwithyouincallous waysdevoidofanyempathy or sympathy, this agency needsamakeoverwithanew crew President Ali is doing the right thing to jack them up With 10,000 angry, upset, frustrated people, the NIS can cause the Government to suffer electorally Ten thousand working class people given therunaroundisalmosttwo

seats! In my cousin’s case, the Minister’s Office arranged meetings for us to meet the General Manager but she cancelled twice and never responded to many emails The NIS keeps saying my cousin is missing contributions, when in fact he did work. Not because NIS does not have all your contributionsmeansyoudid not work. It means the NIS did not do its statutory duty inmonitoringemployersand making sure all records are up to date They bully people. So when you reach 60 and you apply for NIS, it isthenyoufindouttheyhad notbeendoingtheirjobsand your contribution record is incomplete. So why is NIS punishingpoorpeoplewhen missingcontributionsrecord isnottheirfault?TheCourts had already ruled that if employers had deducted money from your paycheck for NIS but did not turn the money in, you still have to give the employee credit. It wasnottheemployee’sfault. There needs to be a similarcourtrulingorpolicy change for cases where employers did not submit complete records of employees’ contributions Mr President,thereneedsto be a more worker-friendly, humaneapproachwhen

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Lower oil extraction/ production rate

DEAREDITOR,

The continual heatwave that has resulted in power outages is quite ironic.

Especially when you consider the extremely aggressive oil extraction process taking place just a short distance off of our shores. The hot air and hot gases being released come intothecountrythankstoour very dependable north easterntradewinds.Thelack of consideration for the environment and those in it, has now resulted in unbearable heat where most of our citizens reside. This has caused the need to use more energy to cool down

homes and working environments. There must be a balance in the planning process. We are not in Saudi Arabia where their environment is already a desert with unbearabletemperaturesand a lack of incentive to enjoy the outdoors. We are in the tropicswherenatureandthe outdoors have a maximum appeal to visitors and those living in the country We must not give this up in preferenceforanaggressive energy extraction process which will have to be countered by high energy consumptiontoallowforour citizens to live comfortably

The only winners in such a gamearetheoilcompanies.

The oil extraction / production rate must be lowered and the extraction plan must consider the resulting localized temperature change that it will cause Planning in accordance with such a reasonable environmental constraint will allow our citizens to enjoy both the beautiful outdoors in comfort, and the benefits of havinganoilindustry

Bestregards, Mr JamilChanglee Chairman

T h e C o o p e r a t i v e RepublicansofGuyana

PresidentAli’sannouncement...

Frompage05

contribution records are m i s s i n g a n d incomplete Punish the NIS for doing a bad job, don’t punish the employee.

Since incomplete records are not the fault of the employees, how will the NIS resolve that issue?

They simply cannot tell

people we don’t have your records, you do n o t q u a l i f y f o r monthly benefits, go away

That’s what they said to my cousinandmanyothers.

As for the current NIS Board, it is useless because they go along with the NIS story and don’t listen to the employee’s story It’s not an honestbroker

R e g a r d i n g t h e

Close to $1M in rum stolen from GRA’s bond found at security guards’ homes

Almost a million dollar worth of liquor that went missing from Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Bond in Berbice, Region Six, was on Friday found stashed in the housesoftwosecurityguards.

TheGRAbondislocatedatBankRoad, Corriverton,Berbice.

According to information received by thenewspaper,aquantityofrumworthsome $742,998 were discovered missing around 13:00hrs on Friday by a supervisor employed with the GRALaw-Enforcement Department.

The supervisor was reportedly making checks around the bond when he made the discovery

He immediately alerted his co-workers andtheybeganinvestigating.

They soon found that someone had

brokenintothebondbypryingopenoneof thezincsheetsontheroof.

Further investigations revealed that a quantityofalcoholincludingpopularbrands such as Hennessey, Johnny Walker, Black Label, VSOP, Ciroc, Grey Goose, Tequila Rose, Jack Daniels, Heineken, Corona beers,etc.alongwithaquantityofmosquito coilsandRedBullbeverageswerestolenon Thursdayevening.

Thetrailledthemtotwosecurityguards whoarereportedlyemployedwithapopular securitycompany

Bothoftheirhomesweresearchedanda quantityofthemissingliquorwasfound.

Another quantity was found in a businesswoman’sshopandataxidriverwas alsodetainedafterhewasreportedlycaught selling some of the stolen rum Investigationsareongoing.

Passport Office, not too long ago, you could get a Passportinoneweek

Then it moved to one month

Nowtheytellyou come backin10weeks

The reason why people come to Georgetown for Passports is because it takes longer in the regions

If the regions can process as quickly as the Georgetown Office, we can eliminate the daily long lines in the GeorgetownOffice

Can we stop this inequity in treatment, and reduce the sloth of Government in the regions?

Let’s end this culture of inefficiency which seems calculated to fuel thebriberyindustry

On the brighter sidein the Government, the Drivers’ Licence Section needs to be commended as you can get a licence renewedthesamedayatthe Georgetown Office CongratulationstotheGRA.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jerry Jailall

Frompage04 uphold the rule of law, even in the face of heightened public attention, could be a legitimate personal grievance for a rightminded citizen, and may constitute a substantive injustice In 2020, Justice Jo Ann Barlow found that the EPA unlawfully i s s u e d a 2 0 - y e a r environmental permit whenthelawonlyallowed for a 5-year maximum

Just this year, in June, Justice Sandil Kissoon found that the EPA had a b d i c a t e d i s responsibilities by aiding and abetting Exxon Mobil tobreachtheconditionsof apermit

To be clear, these are only instances of grievances that havecomebeforethecourts.

In the press release you state that: “As the EPA commitstolawfullycarrying outitsfunctions,membersof thepublicareencouragedto participate by making meaningfulandconstructive contributions, in good faith, t o i t s d e c i s i o n -

makingprocesses ” Yet, you use the judgment’s wording out of context to underscore that the relief sought was not granted because the activists were not “personally aggrieved” and that a judicial review should not be a means for “public satisfaction”, implyingthattheApplicants were not engaging in the exercise in “good faith”.

F u r t h e r , i t i s extraordinary that you would seek to spotlight the Judge’s view of what a judicial review should be used for when you k n o w t h a t t h e Environmental Appeals Tribunal for review of decisions regarding environmental permits has still has not been constituted even though the Environmental ProtectionActhasbeenin effect since 1996, and despite multiple pleas to the President of Guyana toremedythissituation

In the absence of the Tribunal, citizens have no choice but to engage in costly and complex judicial reviews of decisions. If you truly care about inclusive

participation, you should put your energies towards doing your job and advocating for the immediate establishment of the Tribunal instead of betraying the public’s trust with this dishonest and obnoxious press r e l e a s e T h e misrepresentations stand in stark contrast to the ethos of transparency and integrity that the EPA shouldembody

The core mission of the EPA is not merely bureaucratic enforcement but,morecritically,fostering an environment of collaboration and open dialogue with the public Attempts to discredit or stifle citizens who rightfully seek clarity, transparency, and fairness arenotjustunbecomingof the EPA’s stature but are antithetical to its foundational mandate In your esteemed capacity, Director, you bear the responsibility to steer the EPAawayfromthesemurky waters and toward the transparent and principled path it was always meant to tread.

SimoneMangal-Joly

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

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DO YOU HAVE THE METTLE, PRESIDENT ALI?

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Former President, Donald Ramotar, has finally seen the light and sounded the horn on the need to renegotiate the Stabroek Block Production SharingAgreement.

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It is so easy to shout from the sidelines about what needs to be done, when you have no real power.

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APNU and theAFC are doing the same thing.

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But what about when you’re the one on the field?

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PresidentAli, it’s your play, and the nation is watching.

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Do you have the mettle to make the call when the ball is in your hands?

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Or will we hear your voice only when your game is over?

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We’re all ears, waiting for a leader, not an echo.

Damning International Report finds solar is cheaper alternative to Gas-to-Energy Project

A damning international “We estimate that such a offshore Guyana are used Guyana.

on track to meet its feet per day (MMcf/d) from report by the Institute for s y s t e m w o u l d c o s t directly to pay for the “Over time, with renewable energy goals the offshore Liza field, and Energy Economics and approximately US$7,800,87 planning and installation of thousandsoffamiliesgetting They added that electricity will be able to deliver a Financial Analysis (IEEFA), and would generate power at solar panels in Guyanese rooftop panels, new outside the GPL grid system minimum volume of no less aUSthinktankhaspointedly approximately15cents/kWh homesandbusinesses. businesses that buy and sell would be 100% renewable than 10 MMcf/d The underscored that going solar less than the cost of GPL’s On GPL’s grid, IEEFA panels and perform local by2032,andaprocessforall Government of Guyana and is a less costly alternative to current rates (20 cents/kWh said providing a rooftop installation services can residential users Guyana- U S c o n s o r t i u m , the gas-to-energy project for residential customers) or solar and storage system to grow It takes labor to install widewouldbeestablished. LINDSAYCA/CH4 on which carries an almost of a diesel generator,” the every household would solar panels, which would BACKGROUND ON December 13, 2022 signed US$2Bpricetag. IEEFAexpertssaid. eliminate slightly more than result in more jobs,” they GAS PROJECT the contract for the In the report co-authored For thousands of 50% of the current system- said. The IEEFA analysts ThePeople’sProgressive construction of the byTom Sanzillo, Director of households outside of GPL’s wide sales. They said this further noted that the cash Party Civic (PPP/C) plan for integrated Natural Gas financial analysis for IEEFA grid, some of whom today would preclude the need to that is invested in rooftop a gas-to-energy project Liquids Plant and the 300and Cathy Kunkel, an have no access to this m a k e t h e m a s s i v e solar tends to stay in entails partnering with megawatt (MW) combinedEnergy Consultant at electricity, the IEEFA investments in centralized communities and is spent ExxonMobil Guyana cycle gas turbine (CCGT) IEEFA, it was explained that analysts said this would generation that GPL has locally They said this is in Limited to construct a power plant at Wales, West distributed (rooftop) solar represent significant p l a n n e d , e v e n stark contrast to the dollars massive 218 km offshore Coast Demerara (WCD), p o w e r p r o v i d e s a n progress For those acknowledging the time that that would be borrowed and pipeline structure that would RegionThree.The historical alternative to the gas-to- connected to GPL’s grid, would be required for this paid using international bring gas from the Stabroek signingofthecontractforthe energy project that can be they proffered that it would transitiontooccur l e n d e r s , a n d l a r g e Block’s Liza field onshore US$759 million project took built out in small increments represent a substantial “If we consider a centralized fossil fuel plants and feed into two facilities,a place at the Office of the to avoid overbuilding the improvement in reliability scenario in which the built by engineers and Natural Gas Plant and a President, Shiv Chanderpaul generationsystem. andresiliency installations of residential experts usually not from 300MWPowerPlant,bothto Drive.

IEEFAexperts explained Expounding on the cost rooftop solar and storage Guyana. be situated at the Wales In January 2023, thatforresidentialcustomers to power the entire nation systems are deployed over a Overall, the IEEFA DevelopmentZone. President Irfaan Ali of the Guyana Power and with solar, IEEFA said its periodof14years,itislikely experts said providing a The 12-inch pipeline witnessed the signing of a Light (GPL), the current e s t i m a t e c o v e r e d that GPL would be able to solar and battery storage being constructed by Exxon contractbetweentheGuyana average monthly electricity approximately 230,000 meet its remaining load for systemtoeveryhouseholdin will have the capacity to PowerandGasInc.and consumption is 171 kilowatt households in Guyana the next decade through Guyana would put Guyana transport 50 million cubic (Continued on page 9) hours (kWh), projected to “Providing each with a existing resources plus the growto320kWhby2027. 2.8kW solar system with 10 new oil-fired units that GPL

The experts stated that a kWh of battery storage plans to install in 2023, rooftop solar and storage would cost approximately assuming load growth of 7% system consisting of 2 8 US$1.8 billion, less than the per year (or less), consistent kilowatts (kW) of solar total investment for the Gas- withorhigherthantherecent panelsand10kWhofbattery to-Energy project,” IEEFA past,”theexpertssaid. storage would be more than experts said.They noted that They were also keen to sufficient to meet this level this plan presumes that oil note that one of the other of current and projected profits derived from the Liza important economic benefits consumption, producing and Payara fields and any isthatinvestmentsinrooftop approximately 368 kWh per other oil and gas producing solar keeps money made in month. assets in the Stabroek block Guyana circulating in

Guyana Cancer Foundation gears for packed observance programme

ByAlex Wayne

TheGuyanaCancerFoundationispoised for a series of impacting month-long events inobservanceofobservanceofBreastCancer AwarenessMonth.

President and Founder of the body, Bibi Saeedah Akhtar Hassan told this publication yesterday that celebrations have begun with their Tree Wrapping Exercise which was conducted in sections of Georgetown, last Tuesday

This year the CancerAwareness month is dubbed ‘Pink Power’, while the much anticipated Cancer Walk is themed ‘Walking forHope.’

On October 13, 2023, the foundation will be hosting their ‘No Bra Day’ exercise in recognition of men and women who are suffering with breast cancer Women with This event is customarily staged to raise breast cancer will take photos at this event in awarenessonbreastcancer tank tops, while the men in support will be October 22, will see a large gathering donningbrasovertheirshirts. congregating for the ‘Annual Breast Cancer

On October 17, the foundation is Walk’ which will commence from the expected to stage an Educational Awareness Seawall Band Stand, along Main Street, and CampaignattheCheddiJaganDentalCentre, backtoitspointofcommencement. whileonOctober20wouldthelaunchoftheir The annual Candle Light Vigil is set for National Mammography Day which would October 27, and this will be hosted in honour be observed across the globe. Women are of all cancer survivors, and those that would urged to take advantage of breast screening havesuccumbedtothedisease. onthatday That aside, the foundation will be hold

On that day, the foundation will also host educative sessions with schools across the ‘International Wear it Pink Friday’event. Guyanainobservanceoftheoccasion.

Guyana’s recent oil blocks auction has heavily favours one operator - ExxonMobil. garnered feedback from Shadow Oil He said CGX energy, despite making Minister and Member of Parliament, David discoveries, is yet to put forward a Patterson, expressing concerns about the development plan. Patterson explained that government’sapproach. this is due to there being disparities in fiscal

“First overarching comment - terms offered to CGX, as compared to underwhelming,” Patterson stated, when ExxonMobil. Patterson also mentioned the asked about the performance of the auction. vindictive environment these companies He pointed to a perceived lack of operate in, which might deter them from transparency and stability that may have making these concerns public. CGX has deterred major oil companies from showing made two significant discoveries at the thesameenthusiasmtheyoncedid. Kawa-1 and Wei-1 wells, but have not

“And I can tell you based on the hype pronounced on the commerciality of the they had… while we were in government in finds. The government has said that all new 2020, the major oil companies expressed discoveries outside of the Stabroek Block interest directly to us that they were would have to be developed with the new interestedin[gettingablock],”theMPsaid. fiscal terms, including a 10% royalty, a 65%

He added that companies like Chevron cost recovery ceiling, and a 10% corporate had expressed great interest, under the tax. Meanwhile, ExxonMobil continues to coalition government, in those same areas add projects in the Stabroek Block, while that were auctioned. “Fast forward three benefiting from the internationally years, the manner in which they are going condemned fiscal terms, which include 2% about seems very partisan it lacks royalty, a 75% cost recovery ceiling, and no transparency.” taxes.

Patterson believes the current manner of In addition to CGX, all awardees in the management of the sector creates a sense of auction would also have to accept the new uncertainty for potential investors He terms.TheNationalProcurementandTender commented, “They would prefer some sort Administration Board (NPTAB) revealed ofstability.” that six companies submitted bids for 14 of

TheabsenceofaPetroleumCommission Guyana’soffshoreoilblocks,withonlyeight wasaprominentconcern.Hesaidcompanies blocks receiving bids Although the are looking for a buffer between them and government initially set the auction to run policy makers, one that a Petroleum until April 14, 2023, delays pushed the Commission could potentially provide. He submissiondeadlinetoSeptember12,2023. said this would offer them a level of comfort The Ministry of Natural Resources whendealingwithGuyana.Thegovernment explained these delays were a result of hadpromisedthisinitsmanifesto,butitsyet efforts to improve the petroleum regulatory to deliver, three years down the line. In framework. addition to a Petroleum Commission, Feedback from stakeholders also played Patterson emphasized the need for a clear a part. The government recently passed the developmentalplanfortheoilandgassector, Petroleum Activities Law and has also which would provide certainty for investors finalized new Model Production Sharing forthenext10-15years. Agreements governing the awards of both

When questioned about the perceived deepwater and shallow water concessions. uneven playing field in the sector, Patterson These blocks, range from 1000 square responded that the current infrastructure kilometersto3000squarekilometers.

Lack of Petroleum Commission, unlevel playing field interfered with success of oil blocks auction - Patterson

President and Founder of the Guyana Cancer Foundation, Bibi Saeedah Akhtar Hassan

Clearing the backlog is not the same as clearing the demand

If you are not in line by 5 capacity of passports estimated total annual Police Station, one on the there is still a problem, then am each morning outside of Persons are still going to demand. East Coast of Demerara, one it means there needs to be the Passport Office, you are have to line up from early Based on this amount, on the West Bank of audit to determine why there not likely to be successful in morningandpersonsarestill the passport office needs to Demerara and one on the is a greater demand that handing-in your passport goingtobeturnedawayby9 be able to process 300 EastBankofDemerara.This usual. pay a hefty fee and not the application form The am, unless there is an passports per day This is wouldeasetheburdenonthe The President is having normalfee.Thiswillserveas Central Passport Office increase in the daily number challenging for the Central Central Passport Office. In the passport office work an incentive for people to works on a daily quota, of passports which can be Passport Office. As such, fact, that office should be around the clock to clear a take greater care of their key based on their assessment of processedeachday the government needs to closed to the public and a backlogof5,000passportsin documents But if we the number of applications There is now no longer a investment in a large pool of policestationinGeorgetown one week. But what happens continuewiththetraditionof which can be processed system for renewing equipment and workers for identified for the processing when this backlog is cleared charging unrealistic and during the day. By 9 o’clock passports every five years.A thepassportoffice. of passport applications. and the additional demand uneconomical fees, we are that quota is reached and the renewal now amounts to It also needs to continue Unless this sort of kicks in. We will be back to goingtocontinuetohavethis disappointed have to return having to be issued with a what was done under the decentralization takes place, squareoneandthelonglines demandforpassports. another day in the hop of newpassport. APNU+AFC – have more the passport office is not and the early morning E v e r y G u y a n e s e having their application A n d s i n c e e v e r y than one center for the going to be able to cope with queues. regardless of their place of processed. Guyanese here and many collection of passport thedemandforservices. Officialdom likes to see residence should be entitled

As much therefore as the overseas want to have a a p p l i c a t i o n s T h e It is not rocket science. queues. It makes them feel toapassport. publicmaygetexcitedbythe Guyanese passport, we are APNU+AFC did what the Merely clearly, the backlog important. Guyanese have But surely if you are President’s announcement looking at an average of PPP/C was afraid to do; it is not going to clear the long lost the sense of what travelling on a foreign that a backlog of 5,000 200,000 passports having to offices for passport demand for passports. There customer service means passport, you should be passports is going to be be issued each year – applications in Berbice and are thousands of Guyanese Now that the President has asked to not travel on a cleared in one week, this 150,000 passport for LindenandAnnaRegina. who are not part of the taken an interest in the Guyanese passport. People does not address the resident Guyanese and an The PPP/C should take backlog but are without backlog of passports – have to make a choice. No fundamental concern about average of 50,000 for non- this a step further and have a passports because they incidentally this was major one should be allowed to the average daily processing residents This is an passport office at Rosignol simply are not willing to be complaint raised in his travel on both a US and a part of the hassle to join any recent meeting with the New Guyanesepassport. long line from early York diaspora – perhaps (The views expressed in morning. therecanbemoresystematic this article are those of the

Dem Boys Seh...

Being thrown under de bus is a national pastime

Anybody who has ever standing tradition of the world of office politics worked in an office will Guyana’s politics. Someone and in politics, “throwing know about someone being is always the fall guy for someone under the bus” thrown “under the bus” or someoneelse. isn’t just a metaphor; it’s an having to take the fall for Wehaveafairnumberof artform. someoneelse’smistake.Itis sacrificial lambs, willing

But what goes around a part of the brutality or onestoo.Inpolitics,wedoes comes around. The wheels heartlessness of corporate always gat we fall guys. of karma have a way of culture. Dem does willing to tek catching up with even the

There is hardly an office blame for their political most skillful bus throwers. inGuyanawhereatonetime masters.

So, as you plot your next or the other someone was Some call it loyalty blame-shifting manoeuvre, not forced to take the blame Others believe, is because be prepared for the day and the hit for somebody therewardscomelater when someone decides it’s else’s mistake. And we gat Guyanesepoliticiansare time to throw you under a some people who does shed like magicians when it different kind of bus - the blamewithastraightface. comes to having someone accountabilitybus.

But it is also a long- else take the fall. And so in Talk half. Leff half.

Damning International Report finds...

From page 8 project management of the development of Engineers India Limited (EIL) for the the integrated plants, and contract provision of Consultancy Services for the administration throughout the project Wales Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility as implementation process and thereafter wellasthe300-megawatt(MW)powerplant. duringthedefectsliabilityperiod. ThatcontractispeggedatUS$22,143,190. Government has said project generation

The consultancy is for the Consultant to costs, taking account of payment for the assisttheGovernmentofGuyanathroughthe pipeline, operations and maintenance, and Gas to Energy Task Force in the design capital cost recovery will total less than five review,construction,supervisionandgeneral UScentsperkilowatt-hour

Suriname ringfences first oil project...

It all comes down to approach to both the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t math. If the passport office issuance of passports and necessarily reflect the can print 300 passports per birthcertificates. opinions and beliefs of this day sustainably, then there Ifyouloseyourpassport, n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s should be no problem. If you should be required to affiliates.)

From page 3 Corporation, plans to invest US$9 billion in and better fiscal terms, indicates the the Block 58 development, targeting the government is keen on maximizing the Sapakara South and Krabdagu fields, which benefitsof its oiland gas sector for its people boast nearly 700 million barrels combined. and economy In contrast, the government of Positioned in water depths ranging from 100 Guyana has said it will not renegotiate the to 1,000 meters, the project will employ a Stabroek PSA to include ringfencing and floating production, storage, and offloading betterterms.

(FPSO)vessel,capableofproducing200,000

The deepwater oil development offshore barrels per day Development studies have Suriname is the beginning of the country's already been initiated, with TotalEnergies arrival on the global energy stage and APA Corporation each holding a 50% TotalEnergies along with its partner APA stake.

US$214 million audit – talk about the best of all scapegoats

Poor Bobby So, Mr Gopinath theideathatthisisaboutMr Gossai The whole of Guyana may Bobby G ‘ain’t gon taak bout who corporate prowess of Exxon Gossai (Bobby G) of the Ministry and his purported serious lapses in delightatbeingthisdumb,butnotI, taak to he.’ And should any other operate, I could envision a couple of Natural Resources is the chosen judgment, I say think about what I sire. We are led to believe that one ministry official, petro unit ofmillionUSforhelpfulGuyanese. one to carry the burden of falling nowputinthepublicdomain. man, one worker, one so-called presence and contributor in those Think “unauthorized” and think down on the job in this unending If there is one thing that “unauthorized”officialactedonhis backdoor (“unauthorized”) further, as in who gave them the US$214 million Exxon audit separatesMr Gossaifromthepack, lonesome in a matter involving negotiations get any bright ideas signaltoproceed. mystery NowBobbyGisanamed it is that he is a team player, and approximately GY$42 billion, and about spilling the beans about what Now, all that is left is this to be associated with notoriety, one especially when politics is he decided on his own to surrender really went on, and what came standing circus in Georgetown specially selected by his own to go involved. The man and the public GY$40 billion to Exxon. Simply down from where, they should called the Cabinet. Most of them down in infamy Don’t cry for servant (if that is what he was/is) put, that calls for a lot of reckless remember an investigation like this hear oil and they think castor oil. Bobby G, fellow Guyanese, he will has a nose for politics and who are adventurousness from Mr Gossai. can always be resurrected When they hear about audit, the bounce back for falling on his the ones to be pleased, as in tender But if there is one thing that could Meaning, that PPP Government first silent prayer is that it is better sword for his friends in the local the right degree of obeisance. He be said of him is that he is no fool. principals could have a change of that it is someone else, and not one political cabal. Trust me on this knows how and when to consult. Mr Gossai knows how the wind heartaboutgivingupBobbyonly of them under the national one, his rewards will come later I More importantly, he knows to blows, and from which direction, Allofthisfailstopassthesmell microscope. foresee and I guarantee it. Maybe, whom he should escalate, and then and what elevations. Yet, we are test, particularly when there is so In the best traditions of all for High Commissioner to India. In howtofolloworders,andtothetee. now ceremoniously informed that much micromanagement from the one, and one for all, Guyana’s this country “erring” and The beauty about Bobby G is that Mr Gossaipulledthetrigger[allby political heights If there is cabinet is now going to go through “discipline” follows some strange he is so good at what he does (the himself] in this US$214 million anybody in this society who is of the motions of deliberating and paths. cloudy areas), he would do the fiasco. Itisnotafiascobutasnafu. the belief that artful politicians deciding what was an already done

By way of disclaimer, I have no Germans in the Third Reich one I urge fellow citizens to familiarize would stand aside, and leave deal with Bobby G. Take the rap relationship with Mr Gossai: never better: he would never admit to themselves with the American somethinglikethisUS$214million and spare bigger ones the rack. spoke to him, never met him. But I followingorders. translation of snafu. I give a little auditmattertoaBobbyG,thenthey Takethisoneonthechin,andleave doknowwhatheiscapableof,from Not him, which is why I say headsup:situationnormal,all… are the Guyanese equivalent of Rip ustocomeupwiththespin. absorbingsomeofhishandiworkat don’t cry for Bobby Good things Now, I extend congratulations

vanWinkle. ThePPPGovernmentpromised the Ministry of Natural Resources. will happen in due time to this to Natural Resources bosses Slumber some more. Moving a probe. Now look at how it did

Indeed, there are some people brother doing his bit as the good [whoever they may be] for the along,thethoughtcameaboutwhat disrobeitself,withthisfarce. naturally talented in a special way, solider, taking the hit To masterstroke of fingering one saintly Exxon was planning to do (The views expressed in this and resourceful beyond belief summarize: Mr Bobby Gossai was individual: the faithful, agreeable, withitsUS$105.5million,whichis article are those of the author and Bobby G is such a high caliber the best man to have around that andavailableMr BobbyGossai. A its share of the US$211 in audit do not necessarily reflect the person, as his work product attests. US$214 million audit and close to masterstroke it is, because there is savings Knowing how opinions and beliefs of this But before anyone runs away with thewheeler-dealersfromExxon. only one point of exposure, and multinationals possessing the newspaper and its affiliates.)

New PSA terms did not deter oil companies’ participation in auction -VP Jagdeo

When the Government of sought to put measures in place to smaller contracts, including

He said that while people often Guyana (GoG) released the draft ensure the country enjoys more Guyanese who would be getting an complain about the tax waivers Production Sharing Agreements fiscal benefits more from its oil opportunity to bid - they are going granted to companies for instance, (PSAs) that would govern future resource. to be shut out. They are going to be it does not match the risk being commercial oil discoveries outside It therefore increased royalty basically priced out of the market takenbytheinvestors. of the Stabroek Block, it triggered from2to10percentandhascapped with this gimmick…just to get “A lot of people complain oh an almost immediate reaction for cost recovery each month at 65 away from the fundamental too much tax breaks to these oil giant ExxonMobil to be percent. The new agreements also business and moral principles that investors but the same thing with subjected to the new terms to level require petroleum companies to is expected of every democratic theauction,itwassolucrative,why theplayingfield. pay their own taxes, unlike what society and country which is to couldn’t he come up with a

TheAmericanoilmajorentered obtains in the agreement with have open, free and fair consortium or some group like one intoanagreementwiththeprevious Exxon.Inthatcontract,Guyanahas competition.”

Guyanese has done to put in a bid government that has been agreed to pay the taxes of the ExxonMobil holds the licences and then they will make a lot of denounced by both sides of the StabroekBlockpartners. to the country’s largest oil block - money too, but it doesn’t represent political divide, civil society and Despite calls from several Stabroek- which measures the way you do business and the even international experts. The sections of society for ExxonMobil approximately 26,800 square risk,”theformerPresidentstated. Ventures Exploration Limited, and deal, among other things, ties to be subjected to these modified kilometres. Meanwhile the 14 oil Guyana launched its initial bid CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Guyana to a meager two percent terms on future projects, the PPP blocks recently auctioned range round in December last year Limited; Liberty Petroleum royalty and 50 percent profit share, administration has maintained that between 1,000 to 3,000 square Following the close of bid Corporation (USA)and , Cybele after Exxon deducts 75 percent of thecompanywillnotberequiredto kilometres. submissions on September 12, Energy Limited (Ghana); Sispro the monthly earnings to recoup its digintoitspockets.

Despite the vast variation in the 2023, the National Procurement Inc (Guyana), and lastly investments It also lacks a The Alliance For Change size of the blocks and the lofty and Tender Administration Board International Group Investment ringfencing provision, meaning (AFC) Executive Member, Dr terms extended to ExxonMobil, (NPTAB) office revealed that six Inc. (Guyana), in joint venture with that the oil company and its Co- VincentAdamshadpointedoutthat Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has companies participated in the MontegoEnergy SA(London). Venturers, Hess Corporation and the Government is allowing denied that the “unfair process,expressinginterestineight Previously, the Vice President CNOOC, can use Guyana’s oil to “disadvantage” and “unfair competition”couldhaveresultedin ofthe14blocks. said, “We are very pleased with the payforprojectsthatareyettocome treatment” to new investors, which Guyana attracting interest for only Thecompaniesthatparticipated offers that we had from the bid on stream. In this manner, the could potentially include eightofthe14offshoreareas. include: Total Energies EP Guyana round. The blocks that we did not country will continue to see measly Guyanese, while the giant- During his October 5, 2023 B.V, Qatar Energy International receive bids for are D3, S1, S2, S6, returns while the oil companies ExxonMobil- would be allowed to press conference at Freedom E&P LLC, & Petronas E&P S9,andS11.Sothatmeanssomeof enjoythelion’sshareofthenation’s enjoy the terms included in the House, Robb Street, Georgetown, Overseas Ventures SDN BHD the blocks are very competitive. A wealth. existing lopsided deal that ensures the VP said in response to a (Malaysia); Delcorp Inc – Guyana, number of people are questioning

In the new PSAs, drafted under massiveprofitstoitsshareholders. question from this newspaper, Watad Energy, Arabian Drillers whether this was a successful bid the People’s Progressive Party Dr Adamsargued,“Sohereyou “That has nothing to do with it. It’s (Saudia Arabia); Exxon Mobil roundornotbutwearepleasedwith (PPP) regime, the administration are now with the leff-leff that these anoldGlennLallissue.”

Guyana Limited, HESS New howtheroundhasgone.”

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

SUNDAY

Govt.removesAugustoil productiondatafrom websitewithno explanation

Intheeraofdigitization, where timely access to information is not just expected but demanded, the Ministry of Natural Resources seems to be falling short on its commitments Recently, with no explanation provided, the August oil production data vanished from the Petroleum Management Program Oil Production Data Centre, leavingstakeholdersandthe publicbaffled.

Stakeholders believe the recent introduction of an interactive interface displaying oil production dataisindeedcommendable.

It has resolved the previously criticized userinterface issues, allowing Guyanese citizens to view data spanning from December 2019 to the present.

The charts, including both individual and combined oil production volumes from projects operating offshore Guyana, Liza Phases One and Two, offer a more comprehensive insight than ever before However, stakeholders have saidtimelyupdatesremaina glaringconcern.

With data from August missing and September data yet to be uploaded, the lag hasreachedanalarmingtwo months.

The lack of timeliness is not a new complaint

Historically, oil production data would only be updated at the end of the subsequent month, creating a three to four week lag While stakeholders appreciate the interactivedatapresentation, there is an urgent call for diversifyinghowthisdatais presented.

Simpler graphs, tables, and more interactive visuals could cater to the broad demographic of Guyanese society, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their education level, understandstheinformation.

The issues don’t stop there Well Drilling

Activities, another section on the website, is notably missing data on over 15 wells drilled in the past two years. The last update, dating backtoSeptember2021,was abouttheTurbot-2discovery by ExxonMobil Despite subsequent drillings by ExxonMobil, Repsol, and

CGX Energy, these remain unlisted.

Furthermore, there is a concerning lack of updates on other sections of the website The Natural Resource Fund’s monthly and quarterly reports are absent post-September 2021, although they are available on other government websites. The eventssectionisoutdatedby two years, and the section designated for ministerial speeches has seen no new addition since September 2020.Justtonameafew Despite being a relatively new platform, establishedin2021underthe current governing administration,thewebsite’s maintenance is grossly neglected Intended to inform the public about Guyana’s most valuable sector, the oil and gas industry, stakeholders say the lack of upkeep is more than just an oversight— it is a disservice to citizens and theindustry Thisisthevery website that hosts information for interested partieswhenGuyanaheldits first offshore licensing round.

This newspaper highlighted many of these concernsaweekago,andthe silence from the Ministry is deafening.

There has also been no attempt to rectify the issues stated, apart from the oil p r o d u c t i o n d a t a visualization section Transparency advocates continue to issue a clarion call for the Ministry to rectify these glaring issues and uphold its commitment to transparency and accountability

PregnantVenezuelan womanidentifiesdoctor asrapist

T h e p r e g n a n t Venezuelanwomanwhowas raped last Sunday night has identified a prominent doctorasherrapist.

On Saturday, the traumatized woman trembled and cried after she saw a photograph of the doctor, who she positively identifiedasherrapist.

In tears she said, “Ay (mentionsaname)porfavor

Qnadieledigaaesehombre dondeyoestoy,quenosepa, tengomiedo(aypleasedon’t let anyone tell him where I am,Iamafraid”.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that this is not the first time the doctor has been fingered in sex crimes. He has been accused of

molesting others and has reportedly used his “connections” to have the investigations launched ducked or he would reportedly bribe his victims with money to settle the matters.

On Friday, Kaieteur News reported that the suspect in the rape case has beensearchingforthevictim tosettlethematterbutcould notfindher

The man has reportedly allegedthatheisinnocentof theallegationsandwantsthe victim to withdraw the police report made against himbecauseitcoulddamage hisreputation.

The man reportedly allegedtoothatafterpicking thewomanupfromthehotel, sheaskedhimtotakehertoa locationtobuyfoodandafter she stepped out the car, he never saw her again However, footage seen by thismediahousehasproved otherwise.

Meanwhile, the victim continuestoliveinfear.She had alleged that after raping her, the suspect threatened thatifsheshouldtellanyone about what happened to her, hewillfindher Sheclaimed thatthesuspectsaidthatheis a very important and well connected man in the countrywithsecurityguards watchinghisback.

Accordingtoreports,the pregnantVenezuelanwoman was raped on Sunday night during a job interview at Eccles,EastBankDemerara (EBD). The alleged rape took place around 19:00hrs atthesuspect’shomeafterhe tricked her into believing that he is a businessman seeking painters and cleaners.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, the young lady said that she was recently kicked out by her Guyanese boyfriendafterherefusedto accept her pregnancy She alsolostherjobasawaitress

atabarafterherfemaleboss said that she cannot have a pregnant woman working forher

As a result, she was left homeless and jobless Subsequently, she managed to book a room at a popular hotel and it was there while scrolling through a Facebook group called ‘Venezuelans in Guyana’ t h a t s h e s a w a n advertisement posted by the suspect looking for live-in cleanersandpainters.

Desperate for a job, she immediately made contact with the suspect via a WhatsApp number he had postedontheadvertisement. Kaieteur News was shown screenshots of the exchange between the two. He asked, “Ok you work to paint road already?” and she responded”Yes I need a job urgently and somewhere to sleep.”

The suspect agreed and optedtopickherupfromher hotel for an interview at a locationinEccles,EastBank Demerara(EBD).

Sherecalledthathewasa short light-skinned man dressed in black that picked her up in the white pick-up. TheVenezuelanwomansaid they talked about work all the way to a yellow twostorey house with a small whitecarintheyard.

According to the victim at one point she became suspicious but brushed her fears aside and entered the house.

“He offered me somethingtodrinkandIdid not accept it,” she said in tears while explaining that the man then suddenly became aggressive demanding that she take off herclothes.

The woman said that he then grabbed her, held her down, and threw a white substance in her mouth before stripping off her clothes.”

“He then raped me,” the pregnant woman said while relating that he also sodomized her brutally leaving her bleeding and in pain.

“It was horrible,” she added.

She alleged too that he wanted to keep her against her will but she managed to convincehimtotakehertoa locationtobuyfoodbecause she was hungry He complied and when she got there, she exited the car and ran with the money he gave her to buy food and left her pursebehind.

The matter was reported to the police who have c o m m e n c e d t h e i r investigations.

MONDAY

‘Exxoncannotbetrusted tosupplyGuyanawithoil productiondata’ ...OGGNurges independentmonitoring

As Guyana prepares to hand ExxonMobil a sixth Permit to conduct oil production offshore in the Stabroek Block, the country is yet to put measures in place to independently monitortheactivities.

This means that the country is presently dependentontheoperatorto share the daily number of barrels produced and other relativedatasuchasgasand waterproduction.

Stakeholders have e x p r e s s e d t h e i r dissatisfactionoverthisstate ofaffairs,giventhatGuyana is now nearing is fourth anniversary since oil productioncommenced.

The Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) during its weekly broadcastonKaieteurRadio (99.1/ 99.5 FM) delved into the importance of independentmonitoringon (Continuedonpage13)

Members of OGGN during a recent programme discussing the need for independent monitoring of Guyana’s oil production. (From left: Host, Charles Sugrim and panelistsAlfred Bhulai and Frederick Collins.

The pick-up truck used in the rape ordeal

Frompage12 Friday evening, urging the Government of Guyana (GoG)thatitcannottrustthe developer of the Stabroek Block to supply accurate data.

The programme was moderated by Charles Sugrim while panelists, Director of OGGN, and former Science teacher, Alfred Bhulai and President oftheTransparencyInstitute

Guyana Inc (TIGI), Frederick Collins shared their perspective on the issue.

Bhulai started off the conversation by intimating the need for monitoring of the operations 24/7. He said this should be done by competent individuals contractedbytheMinistryof NaturalResources.

Meanwhile, Collins shared the view that while some may believe few companies in the extractive i n d u s t r y d o d g e s transparency, his conclusion is that none of them are interested in doing business transparently He said it did not matter if the company was involved in gold, petroleum, uranium or any otherextractivesector

“When you have this type of extremism going on in terms of unfairness, nobody wants to be transparent, they want to keep it a secret as (far as) possible. So when we are talking about Exxon, don’t expect with their track record they are going to be any more transparent and they have had decades of practicing the finer arts of eclipsing information,” the President of the watchdog bodycautioned.

Hethereforeinsistedthat Guyana moves urgently to conduct its own monitoring of the petroleum production activities.

D u r i n g a p r e s s conference last month, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo saidGuyanawillsoonmove toinvitetendersinsearchof a suitable company to conductmonitoringoftheoil andgasactivities.

“The next step is to go out to tender and request a proposal for a company to track production on a daily basis,”hesaid.

Jagdeo had previously announced that government will construct a state-of-theartoperationscenterthatwill be fed information from the oil company to verify oil productiondata.

The VP had said, “On issues relating to production verification, we said that

Exxon is building an operational center as part of the head office. They are gonna have a fiber optic cable coming in, we may have to get an access to the fiber or in the short term we will probably use satellite technology to have an independent measuring of the flows and everything else.”

Citizens had voiced concerns over this move, arguing that it could deprive the nation an opportunity to confirm the data being supplied by the oil giant. This means, Guyana could have settled for blindly accepting the production rateswhichcouldbegrossly understated by the oil companies.

Schoolgirl,14,gang-raped -knownsuspectsonthe run

Residents of the quaint Mahaicony district are in shock after a 14-year-old school girl was brutally rapedbyseveralmen.

The young girl has since been hospitalised at the

police have not been able to properly interview the victim as a result of her condition. The rank noted, however, that investigations areongoing.

Reports are that the suspect would normally contact the victim via social mediumplatformFacebook.

Yesterday, the victim’s distraught, and agonized grandmother related betweensobsthattheyoung girl had not related much after the incident. However, the teen informed relatives that she left home on Thursday evening after she was invited to a public gathering by some of her femalefriends.

The victim related to relatives that the suspect, whomsheiscloseto,invited tomeetherashewas‘thebig brothertype’toherandmany ofherfemaleschoolfriends.

According to the teen’s grandmother, the victim related that the perpetrator picked her up in a ‘black wagoncar.’

Heinformedher,thatshe should not be afraid if she sees more than one male in

completing investigations via interviews with her daughter. She said her daughter is traumatized and that she is still shocked by theincident.

Police sources familiar with the case, have assured that the matter would be investigated speedily, and theperpetratorswillbedealt withaccordingly

Meanwhile, a source in Mahaicony informed this publication that the suspect seemed to be in the habit of luringyounggirlstospecific locations and , along with others, would gang-rape the teens. The man is said to be connected to a similar incidentwhichoccurredjust overaweekagointhesame area.

Inthatincident,ateenage girlwasfoundalmostnaked bymarketvendorsinthewee hours of the morning, frothing at the mouth and moaning. When contacted yesterday, a vendor said the childrelatedthatshewentto a party, and may have been druggedandgang-rapedbya group of boys from Mahaicony One source reported that the horrified young lady has since relocatedfromthearea.

One source said that the prime suspect appears “up close and personal” with many young school girls fromtheareawherehepreys onhisvictims.

Teenkilledaftercar crashesintolightpole

collision, the driver and the occupant in the front seat were flung out of the motor car,” police stated while adding that the other three passengers in the back seat weretrappedinside.

Cell phone recorded videos showed publicspirited citizens pushing overthevehicletorescuethe victimsofthecrash.

The other three passengers-namely17-yearold Mahendra Ramnarine and 18-year-old Mark Thomas, both of Supply, Mahaica as well as 32-yearold Vickey Seeram of Chelsea Park, Mahaica and the driver of the carsurvivedthecrash.However, they sustained severe injuries.Theywererushedto the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)alongwithMahabal viaambulance.

M a h a b a l w a s pronounced dead on arrival attheGPHCwhiletheothers wereadmittedfortreatment. News of his death plunged hislovedonesintoastateof mourning.

sectorhaskeptquiet,leaving the heavy lifting to be done by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo who said he is only charged with oversight on policy.

GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation (GPHC) A medical source at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, told this publication that when the young girl was taken to that institution last Thursday night following the ordeal, she had to be referred to GPHC as a result of the extent of injuries she sustained; the child was bleeding profusely, the sourcesaid.

Thesourcenotedthatthe teen appeared to be a victim as a result of a prolonged, forcefulsexualassaultonher body given the extent of her injuries. It is suspected that she was raped by more than oneindividual.

A21-year-old man from the Mahaicony area (name and address provided), who issaidtobetheringleaderof the attack on the child, has gone into hiding, according to a police source. While police are tight lipped about the case, a source noted that as of late yesterday, the

thecarwhenhearrived.The victim related that after pickingherup,shewastaken to a village close to her home. She believes she may havebeendruggedsinceshe cannot remember what subsequentlyoccurred.

Her grandmother said thatwhilehergranddaughter cannot remember if she was given anything to drink when she was picked-up by the man, she recalled the suspect touching her in the car inappropriately, and that he became aggressive when sheresisted.

A cousin of the victim said the girl arrived home aftertheincident“seemingly stupefied”, bleeding, and weeping uncontrollably He saidshewasbleedingbadly, and did not “look like herself.” He added that the teen then slumped to the ground as relatives were preparingtorushhernearest hospital.

Themotheroftheyoung girlyesterdayexplainedthat th

Relatives of an 18-yearoldmanwereplungedintoa stateofmourningonSunday after he was killed in a car crashatNabaclis,EastCoast Demerara(ECD).

DeadisGaneshMahabal

“OMG waking to this break my heart one million timeGaneshMahabal. Why you my child, lord I pray givethisfamilycourageand strength to hold up,” one of his family members posted onherFacebookaccount. His sister said, “Can’t believe this brother Why so early? Who will I get to check up on me now? Ganesh please come back!!! Ganesh you broke my heart insomanyPieces.”

TUESDAY

Threeyearsin… Guyana’soilministeryet toholdasinglepress conferencetoaddress criticalmatters

While civil society groups and the political O p p o s i t i o n h a v e continuously underscored the need for transparency and accountability to be the hallmarks of the multibillion dollar oil and gas sector, Minister of Natural Resources,VickramBharrat, continuestostaymilesaway from a press conference podium.

Guyana, which boasts one of the fastest-growing economies globally, owes muchofitsrecentprosperity totheboominoilwithinthe massive Stabroek Block operatedbyanExxonMobilled consortium. With this newfound wealth comes a responsibility to keep citizens informed and involved. Minister Bharrat’s pressconferenceistherefore not just expected. Industry stakeholders say it is imperativetoensurecitizens are informed about the government’s handling of keycriticalissues.

1. Relinquishment Clauses and Contract Administration: Over the past years, there have been ambiguities surrounding oil companies’ adherence to relinquishment clauses in their exploration contracts. Relinquishment, as it pertainstotheoilsector,isa provision that allows for a company to return a portion of an oil block after an agreed time of conducting explorationworks.

Such a provision is considered fundamental to ensuring that oil companies are not sitting idly on portions of blocks which couldbereturnedtotheState and later utilized by authorities via an auction. Bharrat’sMinistryhasyetto say how it is handling relinquishment of portions ofoilblocks.

of Belmont Mahaica, ECD. PolicesaidthatMahabalwas among four passengers in a car that crashed into a light pole around 02:04 hrs on Sundayafterthe28-year-old driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a turn. Thecarthenreportedly toppledintoanearbydrain.

“As a result of the

For three years, Guyanesehavebeenwaiting for such a forum, for the deliveryofinsights,updates, and explanations about the nation’soilandgasdealings directly from the person entrusted with the management of this pivotal sector Instead,themanwho is charged with the day-today management of the

2.Reportonprogressof Local Content Act: Instituted in 2021, the Local Content Act has been operational for close to two years now. A report on its performance,itsimpact,and future prospects, is due for Parliament.

TheMinistryhasnotably put out numbers on the performance of the Act, whichhadbeencalledinto

(Continuedonpage14)

Dead: Ganesh Mahabal

NaturalResources Minister,VickramBharrat

Frompage13 question. But the Ministry g a v e n o explanation/response.

3 . C l a r i t y o n enforcement of Petroleum Activities Act: With the recent passing of the PetroleumActivitiesActand the forthcoming auction of 14oilblocks,eightofwhich received offers, there is an undeniablepublicinterestin understanding the government’s roadmap for regulation. Concerns loom about the administration of new blocks, especially in light of past challenges and the fact, the nation faces a shortage of technical skills fortheoilindustry

4. Introduction to the Petroleum Unit: An entity as significant as the Petroleum Unit, managing a multi-billion-dollarindustry, has not been formally introduced to the public. Industry stakeholders have saidthislackofintroduction raises questions about transparency and the government’s commitment

weekly press conferences, hisbroadmandatemeanshe cannot delve deep into specificissuesrelatingtothe sector Moreover, from his own admission, Dr Jagdeo has said his insights are based on reports from the Ministry of Natural

Resources Industry observers therefore believe that the Natural Resources Minister as well as its PetroleumUnithasadutyto inform the nation on their day-to-day management of the sector over the last three years.

Teacherscomplainabout heataffectingclassrooms …askPres.Aliforfansor insulatewalls

On Monday, during a meeting at State House, President IrfaanAli listened to teachers from across the country as they voiced their concerns about the stifling heat in classrooms, exacerbated by climate change.

Accompanied by

Nine, explained, ‘with climate change, the place is veryhot,andthenweandour students have to walk very far.’

Imran Ally, Principal of Skeldon Secondary School and an Executive of the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU), echoed these concerns, emphasizing the adverse impact of heat on both students and teachers. To address this issue, he recommended insulating classroomwallsandceilings andinstallingfans.

Sodturnedfor$178M Magistrate’sCourtat AnnaRegina

Attorney General, Anil Nandlallandtopmembersof the judiciary on Monday turned the sod for the construction of a $178M Magistrate’s Court at Ann Regina,RegionTwo.

Nandlall was joined by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette CummingsandChiefJustice (ag), Roxane George. This

beenhousedwithintheAnna Regina Police Station, and thisprojectwouldprovideit with a long-awaited new home. He also highlighted the ongoing construction of various Magistrates’ Courts throughout the country, drawing attention to the completed construction of brand-newcourtbuildingsin SuddieandCharity Notably, asubstantialedificeisunder construction in Suddie to accommodatetheDeedsand Commercial Registries Authority, while living quarters and offices have already been established in Onderneeming to house prosecutors from the Director of Public ProsecutionsChamberswho handle cases on the Essequibo Coast These developments reflect the sweeping transformations underway, not only in the r e a l m o f j u s t i c e administration in Region Two but also in various sectors throughout the region, the AG’s Chambers saidintherelease.

optimism that it would s t r e a m l i n e t h e administration of justice in theregion,usheringinanew eraofefficiency

WEDNESDAY

Todaymarks1,154 dayssinceoilministerwas swornin,butneverhelda pressconference

Today marks 1,154 days since Vickram Bharrat was sworn in as Minister of Natural Resources on August 6, 2020 and he has not held a press conference to address critical questions

about his day-to-day management of the multibillion dollar oil and gas sector At a press conference held last month, Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo made it clear that he is tasked with providing the publicwithanunderstanding of the government’s policy position in the oil and gas sector He said however that the implementation of the

industry, the political opposition in Guyana has incessantly advocated for t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountabilityasthesector’s guiding principles. In this light, a press conference led by Minister Bharrat isn’t merely expected it’s imperative for fostering understanding and trust among the populace and stakeholders.

Industry insiders and stakeholders are eagerly

toopengovernance.

5 Addressing the Petroleum Management Programme Website: The currentstateofthewebsiteis far from satisfactory With outdated data, missing information, and a questionable user interface, it hardly seems fitting for a country with Guyana’s burgeoningeconomicstatus.

While Vice President, Dr BharratJagdeo,explores anumberofissueswithinthe oil and gas sector in his

MinisterofEducation,Priya Manickchand, Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, and Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, President Ali invited teachers to discusstheirchallenges.

Teachers highlighted the escalating heat in classrooms, making it arduous to teach effectively Inresponse,theyappealedto the Government of Guyana (GoG) for electric fans to alleviatethediscomfort.One teacher from Kato, Region

ambitious project is slated forcompletionwithinaspan of 9 to 12 months, with an estimated budget of $178,232,102, the Ministry of Legal Affairs said in a pressrelease.Alsoattending the ceremony were the appointed Magistrates for RegionTwo,Ms.EstherSam and Ms Faith McGusty respectively

In a brief address, Nandlall noted that, historically,theMagistrate’s Court in Anna Regina had

Justice CummingsEdwardsexpressedgratitude to the Central Government for its continued support of the judiciary and pledged additional resources to the Magistracy to expedite case processing in the region. Additionally,sheassuredthe appointmentofaLandCourt Judge for the Essequibo Coastinthenearfuture.Both the Regional Chairman and the Mayor of Anna Regina conveyed their appreciation for the project, expressing

policiesandtheintricaciesof the sector fall under the minister’smanagement.The Vice President has underscored this point in recent times, as members of the media have raised questions about the ministry’s handling of key matters.

WithGuyanaheraldedas

the fastest-growing

e c o n o m y b y t h e

InternationalMonetaryFund

(IMF), thanks to its burgeoning oil and gas

awaiting Minister Bharrat’s engagement with the media to shed light on pressing issues such as those listed below:

1. Relinquishment Clauses & Contract Administration: Questions loom regarding oil firms’ c o m p l i a n c e w i t h relinquishment clauses in exploration contracts Stakeholders contend that there’s a pressing need for clarityonhowtheministry

(Continuedonpage54)

ScenesfromthesodturningonMonday

NaturalResources Minister,VickramBharrat

Fromleft:MinisterofFinance,Dr AshniSingh,President IrfaanAliandMinisterofEducation,PriyaManickchand.

AsectionofthegatheringatStateHouseonMonday.

Mahipaul calls on NDIA CEO to provide answers

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Ganesh Mahipaul, has voiced concerns regarding the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA)'s handling of crucial projects, calling for accountability from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDIA, Dave Hicks.

Mahipaul, a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), has concerns over what he perceives as a haphazard approach to managing substantial taxpayer funds withintheNDIA.Heasserts that the NDIAmust provide answers and be held responsible for what he views as a worrisome level of incompetence in project execution.

Presenting facts to support his call, Mahipaul pointed out that on July 08, 2022, a contract worth $544,890,203 was awarded toAdamantiumHoldingsfor the construction of a pump station at Charity, Region Two.

The contractual

deadlineforthisprojectwas set for July 08, 2023, however, only 10% of the workhasbeencompletedto date This alarming progress, or rather lack thereof, not only raises eyebrows but also underscores the need for a thorough examination of taxpayerresources,hesaid.

Adding to the concerns, Mahipaul highlighted that Adamantium Holdings, the same entity responsible for the Charity pump station, alsosecuredthecontractfor

the rehabilitation of the pump station at Cozier, Region 2, with a contract value of $261,080,869. The stipulated completion date was April 16, 2023, but the projectstandsatamere45% completion rate, casting doubts on the efficiency of theawardedcontracts.

Another worrying case involves the contract awarded to Civcon EngineeringContractorsfor theconstructionofthepump station at A-Line Sluice, West Bank Demerara

Berbice woman dies after run over by GDF rank's bus

(WBM). This contract was valued at a substantial $717,095,940, with a completiondatesetforJune 12, 2023. Currently, only 8% of the project has been finalized,despite25%ofthe contract sum having been disbursed This alarming scenario raises serious questions about the prudent utilizationofpublicfinances Mahipaulsaid.

M a h i p a u l a l s o highlighted the contract granted to Well Built ConstructionServiceforthe Construction of the Pump StationatCanalNo.1Sluice (Southern Side). Valued at $650,074,684, the project was originally expected to be completed by May 31, 2023, but only 25% of the work has been completed, andasubstantial30%ofthe contract sum has already beenexpended.

In addition, Mahipaul disclosed that the construction of the pump station at Cottage on the West Coast of Berbice, assigned to VALs Constructionwithabudget (Continuedonpage61)

A West Coast Berbice (WCB)residentwaskilledon Saturday morning after she wasrunoverbyabusdriven by a Guyana Defence Force (GDF)rank.

The dead woman was identifiedasLavieLong,38, of El Dorado Village, WCB. The accident occurred at FoulisVillage,WCB.

PolicesaidthatLongwas struck down and ran over around 01:05hrs on the public road. She was killed on the sot, police said. Her body was subsequently removed and taken to the Bailey's Funeral Home Kaieteur News understands that the 46-year-old GDF rankwhowasdrivingthebus at the time might have fled thescene.

Police related that ranks intercepted him at the Vigilance Police Station on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).Heandhisbusarein police custody Investigators said too, that closed circuit television camera (CCTV) footage of the accident has been obtained to assist their investigation.

Dead, Lavie Long

Meanwhile,theGDFina statement released later on Saturday,saidthatthearmyis cooperatingwiththeGuyana Police Force in the investigation of a fatal accident.“TheGDFwishesto makeitclearthatwetakethis incident with the utmost seriousness and will ensure dueprocessisfollowed”,the GDFstated.

The GDF rank involved hassincebeenidentifiedasa Staff Sergeant of Timehri North, East Bank Demerara (EBD) attached to Base CampStephenson.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDIA, Dave Hicks

PublicAccounts Committee (PAC), Ganesh Mahipaul

President IrfaanAli has criticized recent statements made by former President Donald Ramotar on the renegotiationofthelopsided deal Guyana signed with U.S.oilmajor,ExxonMobil.

On Friday, this publication reported that the former President said he would have renegotiated the lopsideddeal–underscoring that “it's better to fight than nottofightatall.”

However, President Ali during his address at the Guyana-CanadaChamberof Commerce Maple Leaf Ball on Friday night, addressed the criticism while not namingRamotar

Ali said, “You know everybody is a specialist now Whether you're former presidentorpresident,you're whoever, engineer or owner of Beharry Group, everybodyspecializednow.”

He continued: “I don't spend my time on negative energybutit'stiringtolisten to some of these guys. You want us to change the contract.

You have an existing contract. You think that is how it happens.That is how theworldoperates.Thatyou canjustwalkinonedayand decide I had this contract with you. I'm changing it now.”

Ali contended that if suchamoveistakenGuyana can face legal repercussions from the oil major for not honouringthecontract.

“This is not play thing, andsomeoftheseguyswere

policymakers To believe that, you know, fanciful is nice and exciting and very populartosaywecanchange thecontract.

That is why we were very careful to say that we have to learn from the mistake and ensure that future contract does not make the same mistake and that is what we have done that is what you are doing,” PresidentAlisaid.

Furthermore, President Ali stressed the importance of maintaining investor confidence, explaining that sophisticated investors observing the situation mightlosefaithinthesystem if contracts were changed. Ali added that such move wouldcauseinvestorstosay, “you can't depend on them [Guyana].”

P r e s i d e n t A l i acknowledged the challenging hand that Guyana had been dealt in relation to the Exxon deal, but emphasized the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ' s

commitmenttoensuringthat future dealings were more favourabletothecountry

Hesaid,“Buteverybody wants a front page now Some of them had plenty years to change it. But they want a front page now The easiest thing to get on the frontpageshere,Isupposeis changing the contract. For God heaven's sake, I wish if itwasabettercontract.Allof uswishthat.”

Moreover, President Ali urged a realistic approach overopportunism.

While President Ali has maintained a firm stance against renegotiating the existing Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed in 2016, the debate rages on. Calls from locals and industry experts have urged Guyana's leaders to reopen n e g o t i a t i o n s w i t h ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and China's CNOOC, to ensure more equitable benefits from the lucrative StabroekBlock.

Last Monday, Ramotar revealed his disagreement during a discussion moderated by Dr Asquith Rose.Ramotardescribedthe current contract as detrimental, depriving Guyana of vital resources, and expressed his willingness to renegotiate forthecountry'sbenefit.

Theformerhead-of-state said,“Iamoneofthepersons who believes that the contract is a very bad contract…thatdeprivesusof a lot of resources.”As such, hestatedthathewouldhave been in agreement to renegotiate the deal to seek more benefits for the country

ExxonMobil is the operator of the lucrative Stabroek Block, with its partners,HessandCNOOC. Exxon and its co-ventures made its first discovery in the block back in 2015 and by December 2019 moved into production phase. The oil companies already sanctioned five US-multibillion projects in the Stabroek Block with an investment of over US$50 billionthattheywillrecover fromGuyana'soilresources. They are currently pumping about400,000barrelsoilper day with hopes to reach one million bpd by 2029. Exxon is preparing to sanction its sixth oil project in the StabroekBlock.

Lopsideddeal

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who served under

Former Guyanese President, Donald Ramotar

the APNU + AFC Coalition government between 2015 and 2020, was the one who signedthedealin2016with Exxon. The deal Trotman signedwaivesalltaxesfrom the oil companies, gives Guyana a 2% royalty on its richresources,andagreesto theoilcompaniesrecovering 75% of investments before theremaining25%isshared, with Guyana receiving 12.5%.

The arrangement, with thelackofring-fencing,sees Guyana paying for projects that are yet to commence production activities. Each month bills from future producingdevelopmentsare addedtothelistofexpenses to be cost-recovered by Exxon.

A few months ago, Trotman in his book titled, 'From Destiny to Prosperity' offered support to the government to renegotiate the lopsided Stabroek Block deal the country has with an

E x x o n M o b i l - l e d consortium. Trotman's offer was refused by Vice President Jagdeo, and the calls by citizens for the deal to be renegotiated have fallen on deaf ears as PresidentAliandVPJagdeo are adamant that they will not renegotiate the deal because of 'sanctity of contract'.

Moreover,onSeptember 11, President Ali during an interview with British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) Senior Journalist Gideon Long reiterated his administration's position to not renegotiate the lopsided Exxon deal, but admitted that the contract is one that benefits the oil major more thanthiscountry Responding to a question, PresidentAli said, “Well,Iwouldsaydefinitely, we did not have the best of deals, Exxon have a good deal signed by the last government.”

Ali then highlighted that sanctity of contract is “very important” to his Government, adding, “and wecan'tgobackonthat.”To this end, Long asked, “So t h e r e w i l l b e n o renegotiating of the contract?”

“We cannot go back and renegotiate,” President Ali responded. He went on to state that while the Government of Guyana is unable to renegotiate the deal,theyhaveembarkedon several initiatives to reap more benefits for the country

$865M contract award to Guyanese

Critic under review - PPC

An $865 million contract awarded to a company affiliated with Mikhail Rodrigues, better known as the 'Guyanese Critic' is under review by the Public Procurement Commission(PPC).

SourcesattheCommissiontold this newspaper yesterday that MemberofParliament(MP)David Patterson had requested the investigation flagging the contractor's inexperience among otherirregularities.

Patterson during an Alliance For Change (AFC) press conference told Kaieteur News on Friday that the PPC responded to his request for an investigation datedOctober3,2023.

He said he was told that his

complaint was on the agenda for Friday's meeting and that a letter would be sent to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for information such as the evaluationreports,criteriausedand other relative information to examinetheaward.

The former Minister of Public Infrastructure said it was “an encouragingdevelopment.”

Atthesametime,hesaidhewas not informed whether the PPC has directed NPTAB to hold on the award of the contract while it conducts the investigation.

Patterson urged that this was critical since it can result in the wastage of taxpayers' dollars should the company be unable to

completethejob.

He was keen to note that this investigation may uncover alarmingfindingsthatanofficialat NPTAB may be involved in corruption.

InhislettertothePPC,seenby this publication, the former Minister said that, “the technical requirementsofthebiddocuments required the successful bidder to have successfully completed projectsofasimilarnatureandsize withinthelastthreeyears.”

He however pointed out the company that received the $865M contract- Tepui Group Inc. was established in August 2022, thus failingtomeetthoserequirements.

Tepui Group was awarded the contracttoconstructapumpstation

atBelleVue,WestBankDemerara (WBD) through the tendering process at NPTAB on August 14, 2023. The procuring entity of the contract is the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

Thecompanythatwasawardedthe contract is affiliated with the 'Guyanese Critic' who is a close friend of leaders in the People's ProgressiveParty,particularlyVice PresidentBharratJagdeo.

In his letter to the Public Procurement Commission, the Opposition Parliamentarian requested that should the award prove defective, necessary actions shouldbetakenagainsttheentities andindividualsassociatedwiththe award.

Social media commentator, Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as “Guyanese Critic”

chairedbyPresidentoftheGuyana Bar Association, Pauline Chase. C

government nominees Rajnarine SinghandJoelBhagwandinaswell as Opposition nominees, Diana RajkumarandBerkeleyWickham.

President of Guyana, IrfaanAli

Pres. Ali attack former Pres. Donald Ramotar for supporting renegotiation of lopsided Exxon deal

Waterfalls WateThe Waterfalls

Devoted language

teacher isa,'SpecialPerson’

High School dropout turns new leaf, obtains prestigious oil & gas scholarship

Richie Rich nominated best local music producer of the year

Richie Rich nominated best local music producer of the year

Richie Rich

Dianna Persaud shares encouraging words

with the graduating students of her alma

mater Camille's Academy Inc. in 2020 Mrs.Tamika

Mrs. W ilson-Jerrick

Lateefah Forde Lateefah Forde

“Uniting the World Through Beauty and Tourism," is the captivating Guyanese beauty Lateefah Forde. Lateefah is the reigning Miss Global International th Guyana and 4 year medical student. She is also the face of Shasha Designs. Besides her goal of becoming a gynaecologist, Lateefah wants to travel the world. This beauty enjoys reading, learning new languages and taking up new adventures. Her favourite quote is “Endure with beautiful patience.”

Threats to Democracy:

The Erosion of Judicial Independence

By:Sir.RonaldSanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the UniversityofToronto.

The views expressed are entirelyhisown.)

From Canada in the North to Argentina in the South, including the nations in the Caribbean, the nature of threats to democracy is undergoing a significant transformation.

While traditional overthrow of governments has receded, other more sinister threats have arisen.

In Latin America and even now in the United States of America (US), elected opposition parties are manipulating parliamentary procedures to throttle policies and programmes of electedgovernments,orthey are mobilising their hardcore supporters to engage in unlawful activity to prevent elected representatives from assumingoffice.

The co-opting of the Judiciary

Among these threats, is also the co-opting of the judiciary by governing bodies for partisan objectives. In several instances, there is visible collaboration between government and judicial officers, leading to the sacrifice of judicial independence for political gain. This alliance not only j e o p a r d i z e s t h e constitutional order but also erodes the bedrock principles upon which democracyitselfisbuilt.

Guatemala:ACaseStudy

The present situation in Guatemala serves as a disturbing example

According to the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), actions initiated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office seriously jeopardize the constitutional order and the independence of the government’sbranches.

The Public Prosecutor, with assistance from judges inthelowercourts,ismaking a concerted attempt to suspend the registration of theSemillaMovement.

This political group, led by Bernardo Arévalo de León, has successfully

secured the presidency with León scheduled to assume officeonJanuary14,2024.

In response to these actions,largepublicprotests haveeruptedinGuatemala’s streets This widespread unrest sets the stage for potential conflict and highlights the nation’s palpabletension.

This public outcry could escalatefurtheriftheSpecial Prosecutor is successful in his attempt to overturn the will of the majority of the Guatemalan electorate, who havechosenArévaloandhis Semilla Movement to representthem.

Amidst this turmoil, the judiciary in Guatemala has notably remained distant fromtheissue. Anexception to this detachment is the ConstitutionalCourtandthe Supreme Electoral Tribunal. These bodies played crucial roles in ensuring Arévalo’s participation in the presidential election’s secondroundheldonAugust 20, where he garnered more than64percentofthevote.

JudicialCollapseinHaiti

In the Caribbean, Haiti stands out as the country wherethejudiciaryhasbeen systematically weakened by successive governments, leadingtoadearthofjudicial autonomy and a failure to deliver justice to the Haitian people. Inthisenvironment, u n c o n s t i t u t i o n a l governmental actions go unchallenged, further eroding the democratic framework.

The Essential Role of an IndependentJudiciary

Yet, throughout the Americas, including in the Caribbean, “the role of an independent judiciary in protecting people’s right to voteinfreeandfairelections is essential” as declared in a recentpublicationbyTamara Taraciuk Broner and RebeccaChavezoftheInterAmericanDialogue.

Thus far, in the Caribbean, apart from Haiti, the judiciary has acted in accordance with their constitutional duties and the lawinrelationtodemocracy and elections, and governments have not sought to erode judicial independence and authority For example, the high standards to which the high courtandCourtofAppealin Guyana adhered in that country’s 8-month elections impasse, contributed greatly tothepeacefulacceptanceof

theresultsofthegeneraland presidential elections in 2020.

Similarly, there are nations within theAmericas where the judiciary has steadfastly upheld its constitutional duties, acting asabulwarkagainstattempts to subvert democracy Countries like Brazil, Mexico,andEcuadorandthe countries of CARICOM (Haiti excepted) offer examples of judicial robustness, with their courts playing pivotal roles in ensuring free and fair elections despite political pressures and challenges. In these cases, the judiciary serves as the ultimate safeguard of people’s rights and freedoms, acting independently of transient political powers or majority pressures.

Persistent Challenges to JudicialIndependence

However, when the judiciary succumbs to political pressure, failing to uphold the constitution and the law, democracy is endangered Broner and Chavez regard El Salvador as a place where an extreme case of politicalinterference with the judiciary has taken place. They state that the “ N a y i b B u k e l e administration arbitrarily dismissed independent Supreme Court justices and the attorney general in 2021 and packed the court with allies”,thusallowingBukele to run again in February 2024despiteaconstitutional prohibitiononre-election.

Otherblatantcasesofthe erosion of judicial i n d e p e n d e n c e a n d impartiality exist in Nicaragua and Venezuela according to the UN Commission for Human Rights.Conclusion:ACallto P r e s e r v e J u d i c i a l IndependenceAsdemocracy delicately balances on the principles of majority rule and the protection of individual and minority rights, an unyielding, independentjudiciarystands asitssteadfastguardian.Itis incumbent upon judicial members, and society at large, to relentlessly uphold and defend the rule of law againstencroachment.

T h e u n s e t t l i n g developments unfolding in theAmericas are not merely isolated incidents but are alarmbells,ringingloudlyto warn of democracy under siege.

It is an alarm that must not be ignored, for the preservation of judicial independence is not just a legal imperative but a covenant of peace, freedom, and democracy that we hold

with each other n o w a n d f o r generationstocome.

(Responses an previouscommentaries: wwwsirronaldsanders com)

Sir. Ronald Sanders

Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back to Black’Video Joins the YouTube Billion Views Club

Billboard.com read: “R.I.P. the Heart of Amy on-and-off boyfriend Black

The2007blackandwhiteclipis Winehouse” (that bit was excised Fielder-Civil. Midway through the thelatesinger’sfirstvisualtoreach afterthesinger’sdeath). video, Winehouse is shown themilestone. For the most part, the visual walking slowly through a cemetery

Amy Winehouse has finally shot at Abney Park Cemetery in and throwing a single white rose reachedtheYouTubebillionviews northeast London focuses on into the grave site as the girl groupclub The Grammy-winning late Winehouse performing the inspired song shifts into a soul/R&B star who tragically died heartbreak anthem in a black dress, downtempostringsandtambourine at 27 of alcohol poisoning in 2011 her signature beehive hairdo and section, with Winehouse repeating is now part of that elite society dramaticeyelineras her band await the phrase, “black black thanks to her 2007 “Back to the beginning of a grim funeral black…black.” Black” visual crossing the nine procession. “We only said goodbye It ends with Winehouse zeromark with words/ I died a hundred lamenting that her lover has

The elegant black and white times,” she sings as the camera returned to his ex as she sprinkles a Phil Griffin-directed video is hovers inches from her intense handful of dirt on the grave. The Winehouse’sfirsttoreachabillion. gaze. Back to Black album — which also

Inkeepingwiththedramaticnature The third single from the includedthesingles“Rehab,”“You of the singer’s rapid rise to fame singer’s second, and final, studio Know I’m No Good” and “Tears and equally precipitous fall into album of the same name was Dry On Their Own” — won best substance use and early death, it written by Winehouse and frequent pop vocal album, record and song originally featured a funeral collaborator Mark Ronson — who of the year (“Rehab”) and scored procession and the singer paying also produced it — and inspired by thesingerthatyear’sbestnewartist her respects over a headstone that her troublesome relationship with award.

Blackpink’s Jennie Announces Release Date for Solo Single ‘You & Me’

Blackpink‘s Jennie is prepping a solo track for release this week. The singer announced that the “special single” titled “You & Me” will drop on Friday (Oct. 6). The reveal came on the K-pop group’s official Instagram, accompanied by a shot of Jennie in a red ruffled shirt and matching top standingintheoceaninfrontofafullmoon.

AccordingtoNME,thesongdebutedduringtheopening dateofBlackpink’sBornPinkworldtourattheKSPODome in Seoul last October, with a remixed version spotlighted duringtheband’ssetatCoachellaearlierthisyear

The song will be Jennie’s first solo venture since the releaseofher2018debutsolosingle,“Solo,”whichhitNo.1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart in Nov 2018. Thoughcriticssavagedtheone-seasonshow,Jennie’sroleon TheWeekend’sill-fatedHBOdramaTheIdolwasoneofthe fewhighlightsofthemusicindustrysoapopera.

Among the handful of memorable take-aways from the show was the down-tempo single “One of the Girls,” an emotionally turgid song about fame, control, desire and choking during sex featuring Jennie, show star Lily-Rose Depp and the Weekend (who now goes by his birth name, AbelTesfaye).

Blackpink wound down their Born Pink Encore Tour at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles with a final show on Aug. 26, following stadium gigs in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Rutherford,NewJerseyandtwoshowsatForoSolinMexico City

One of the most Miami Beach’s Versace recognizable and celebrated mansion wearing highstarsontheplanet,Shakirais waisted jeans, a looseT-shirt the cover star of the 2023 and a baseball cap pushed Latin issue of Billboard low over her forehead, her magazine. hairpulledbackinatangleof S h a k i r a i s a l s o dirty-blondebraids.Farfrom notoriously meticulous, a cameras, her face is perfectionist known for practically devoid of leaving little to chance. But makeup save for mascara, inthepast14months,the46- and her eyes are wide over year-old has thrown prominent cheekbones convention, expectations Clear-skinned, barely over 5 and her own personal brand feet tall in her sneakers, she of allure-driven celebrity to looks young and almost the wind following her fragile — a far cry from the infamous split from Spanish powerful, wrathful woman soccerstarGerardPiqué,her of infidelity on Piqué’s part mantra: “Women don’t cry; she has played in her recent, partner of over a decade and was immortalized when we make money.” The song hugely successful songs and the father of her two Shakira recorded “Bzrp hit No. 2 on the Billboard musicvideos. children, Milán, 10, and Music Sessions, Vol. 53” Global200. “I’m still in a reflective Sasha,8. with Argentine DJ Bizarrap, During her shoot with period,” she says pensively Covered ruthlessly by an incendiary track in which Billboard Shakira is “I’m still exorcising some Spanish tabloids, the shemadeaproclamationthat captured walking into a demons.ThelastIhaveleft,” separation amid allegations became a global feminist luxurious upstairs suite at sheaddswithaheartylaugh.

Amy Winehouse

BlackPink’s Jennie

A photo of Shakira from the Billboard Cover shoot

The First-Ever Annual Caribbean Music Awards: What You Missed

DancehallMag

com - B o u n c e C r e w w i t h

Toni-Ann Singh, and

The first annual Caribbean appearances from R&B Romain Virgo performed a Music Awards was held on singer Mya, Majah Hype, medley of Hammond’s hits, Thursday at King’s Theatre DJs Jabba and Bobby including Step Aside, Rock in Flatbush, Brooklyn, the Konders, and more Away,DoubleTrouble,andI neighborhood known as throughout the night, the Feel Good. Kranium, who New York’s “Little energyinKing’sTheatrewas sang Sweet Lies and Caribbean ” Hosted by infectious.

StandinginmyWayinhonor

Grammy-winning artist Dancehall artist Ding of the Reggae lovers’ rock Wyclef Jean, the show was a Dong amped up the crowd icon said, “It was a great vibrant and spirited along with an entourage of feeling to perform and celebration of all music, dancers who joined him in actually doing a tribute to people, and culture with performing some of his most him was one of the most rootsintheWestIndies. popular songs, including amazingfeelings.”

“I’ve been to the Genna Bounce, Fling, and “We grew up listening to Grammys, MTV Awards, Happiness. Later on, he was Beres and I’m happy I get a and all kinds of awards awarded Dance Song of the chance to be in the music around the world. This is the Year for his 2022 song, industry and actually meet only award show I feel so Bounce. him and do a tribute to him,” comfortable, I can wear my From Best New Artist K r a n i u m t o l d bloodclxt sandals,” Clef told winner Tempa to veterans DancehallMag. “That was a the audience at the top of the like Wayne Wonder and highlightforme.” show Machel Montano, who “The best place to be in “Tonight is a very, very received the Lifetime the world tonight is right important night as we Achievement Award, to h e r e , ” C h a m t o l d behere.”Hammondwasalso The night concluded awardinthePerformerofthe celebrate the Caribbean Barbados-born rapper Doug DancehallMag “This officially honored by the with a high-energy Year–Dancehallcategory region. Tonight is history,” E Fresh, the Caribbean should’ve been going on for New York City Council for performance by Wayne [* Object too big for the Haitian music mogul MusicAwards accounted for a long time, but nothing his contributions to the Wonder, Cham, and Dexta pasting as inline graphic. | said. “They steal our culture decades of Caribbean music, happens before its time, so Caribbeancommunity Daps,whowonhisfirst-ever In-line.WMF*] and they change the name of and music influenced by the we are blessed and happy to it.Theycallit‘pop.’Tonight, Caribbean, that has not we’re taking everything received recognition from backtotheCaribbean.” larger, mainstream music

Unlike other major o r g a n i z a t i o n s A s music awards like the generations of artists and Grammys or Billboard fans sang and danced M u s i c Aw a r d s , t h e together, the evolution of Caribbean Music Awards Caribbean music and its recognized artists from need to be celebrated was Caribbean music genres, undeniable. including Soca, Dancehall, “The music has evolved, and Kompa, among others. and life is all about changing Award recipients were too,” Joseph Stepper told chosen by fans, who had DancehallMag The Wife opportunities to vote for singersaid,“Musicislife,so their favorite songs, artists, it have to change. If we see and music videos online, the youth them goin astray, I monthsbeforetheevent. andIastheancientandsome

“It’s much more special of the elder artist have to when it’s from your own teach them the right thing people,” said Kabaka too The youth is the Pyramid, who was awarded future.” the 2022 Impact Award. He Inoneoftheshow’smost told DancehallMag, “The memorable moments, a vibe in here is crazy Real younger generation of Caribbean culture inna di Jamaican artists sang in place. It’s just a lovely vibe, honor of Beres Hammond, andI’mgladtobehere.” who was the Elite Icon

O p e n i n g w i t h a AwardHonoree. performance by Karnival Dexta Daps, Kranium,

Queen Of Dancehall Spice accepts her award at the Inaugural Caribbean Music Awards at Kings Theatre on August 31, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Amaya McDonald/DancehallMag)

Interesting Creatures...Goblin Shark

(National Geographic Scientists don’t know

A goblin shark’s top and K i d s ) - Goblin sharks much about the behaviour of bottom teeth are attached to (Mitsukurina owstoni) are a these rarely seen animals. ligaments, or bands of skin species of fish that usually But they believe that goblin tissue, tucked into its mouth. live at the bottom of the sharks are solitary, just like When prey is just out of ocean along continental many other shark species. reach, the shark extends the shelves (or a continent’s They also think the fish are elastic tissue out of the edges). most active in the morning mouthtonabthegrub.

These pink animals can andevening.

This allows the animal to grow 12 feet long and weigh These animals are likely chow down on snacks such up to 460 pounds.They have sluggish creatures, which as teleost fish and squid. It narrow snouts and fanglike can make it hard to chase also makes the shark one teeth. Spotted mostly off the food. jaw-droppingfish. coast of Japan, they’re L u c k i l y f o r t h e

Source of Information named for their likeness to slowpokes, their special (https://kids nationalgeogra mythical goblins that appear extendable jaws give them phic.com/animals/fish/facts/ inJapanesefolklore. someextrabite. goblin-shark)

The Goblin Shark

Featuring glitz, glamour and bed bugs

(Adapted from the Cut) - What isn’t taking any risks either Any do fashion grifters and bedbugs clothes they wear outside are have in common? They’re both immediatelyplacedintoblackbags apparently incredible at weaseling upon arriving home and thrown their way into places they weren’t into the freezer in hopes of killing invited at the recently held Paris anybugstheymayhavepotentially Fashion Week {PFW) September picked up on public transportation. 25—October3,2023. They also have a barrier made of

The gleaming city of Paris is in diatomaceous earth, a substance the midst of a battle against made of fossilized remains of tiny, bedbugs, with videos of the alleged aquatic organisms typically used pests crawling all over metro seats, for pest control, at the door to their rumors swirling of buyers fleeing bedroom. They also have been their hotels after the insects were steaming their mattress once a found, content creators posting week. videos of their bug bites, and “Everyone is stressed and a bit reportsofthemsurfacingatCharles on edge,” Pisano said. “Especially de Gaulle airport sending the workinginfashionbecauseit’salot glitteratiintoafrenzy Bedbugsare of fabric changing hands and cantaketoavoidthatnightmare. in the dryer and then send it to the herself from location to location insects from the genus Cimex that moving around the city.” It does He recommended a thorough dry cleaner,” one user wrote. “If among the madness of the week, feed on blood, usually at night. seemabittooonthenosethatthese inspection of suitcases/backpacks, you have outdoor space (and it’s that she didn’t fully tune in to the Theirbitescanresultinanumberof pests that thrive within upholstery etc.issmartbeforecatchingaflight hot) leave your suitcase outside fear or potential repercussions of health impacts including skin and textiles have descended upon a back home to prevent the critters wrapped in a black trash bag.Wash theweekuntiltoday Sheis,though, rashes, psychological effects, and city and industry week solely fromhoppingcontinents. everything on hot. Put Vaseline on acceptingprayersbeforeshebegins allergicsymptoms. predicated on showing, Even if you’re sure your gear is the legs of your bed frame because her journey home. “This is of

Hottest Looks From Paris Fashion Week

Withthehustle ng, borrowing, bed bug-free, Dr Fredericks says them suckers crawl,” said another course a massive problem, I just bustle of fashi d sleeping on anyone visiting Paris oughta do a Still, some had zero hope in pre- personally haven’t seen any If I week and the passed-around thorough wash of all their clothes, mitigating the situation: “I fear knewthenwhatmyexperiencewas pride of a spot at fabrics across anddrythemonahighheatsetting. there[is]nothingyoucandotostop like thus far, I’d still come,” t h e m o s t thecity Once back in the U.S., he says it’s it. You have [too] much faith in O’Sullivan said of attending the e x c l u s i v e

Now, with better to be safe than sorry so, a people who do not care.” Cool! week.Andwhilesheacknowledges fashion shows Paris Fashion drycleanwouldn’thurteither. Anyway, the official advice from the blissful state of un-suspicion in the world, Week drawing Pisano, who’s had the personal theEPAwhen itcomestoclothesis she’s been in, she’s mentally the little tiny to a close, the misfortune of experiencing drying your clothes on hot to kill preparingfortheworst. gremlins were concern has bedbugs, and others in the same any hitchhikers. Hopefully we “We have to be ready to throw crawling betwixt t u r n e d t o boat took to X, formerly Twitter, to won’tneedtouseit. out or leave behind our most sheets in exchange t t e n d e e s warn travelers and impart upon Megan O’Sullivan, a writer beloved garments if our civic duty for a second-row rning to their them wisdom and advice for based in New York, is aware of the requires it, girls,” she said. “No attheshows. own cities with the stayingsafe. bedbug hysteria, but has been so Marni sweater is worth infesting

French officials have nightmarish possibility they “Wash on hot and then throw it preoccupied with simply getting ourhome!”. begun mobilizing against the might be transporting bed bugs scourge of bugs, but with a French home with them. After all, this health agency reporting that 11 industryisrifewithfreeloaders. percent of households in the Statesiders have taken to social country had an infestation between media to share their concerns. “All 2017 and 2022, Fashion Week those Americans over there for guests had more to be worried fashion week Jesus fix it,” one about than Sarah Burton’s usertweeted.

successor Paris deputy mayor

The emerging publication

Emmanuel Grégoire told the Byline asked its Instagram population which included followers “Which NYC Fashion fashion-show attendees, partially editor is most likely to bring made up of the rich and famous for bedbugs back from Paris?” Editor whom most discomforts are Mario Abad, in a seemingly escapable—“Nooneissafe.” subconsciouscalltoanswer,posted

Social media users have been a photo to his story on his flight sharing videos of #bedbugs being back from Paris with a joking spotted on train, bus and cinema (hopefully) caption: “Bedbugs seats in Paris. Paris City Hall are comingforyouNewYork.”Dr Jim urging the government to deal with Fredericks, of the National Pest the infestation before they host the Management Association, issued a #olympics2024 next year warning for celebrities traveling #punaises #channel4news home from fashion week. Could #tiktokfrance #punaisesdelit this city or perhaps Los Angeles #ugcparis#pourtoi#pariscinema soon be hot spots for these vermin?

Louis Pisano, a fashion After the floods and rats and Eric journalist attending shows during Adams serving as our mayor, I ask Paris Fashion Week, told me the universe, haven’t we suffered industry professionals are enough? beginning to take precautions. “At Dr Jim Fredericks said bed Christian Cowan, a stylist friend bugs are highly capable told me how he’s being extra hitchhikers, so the possibility of careful checking looks brands sent them catching a ride to the States to his client, thoroughly steaming from infested Paris remains high. things,” they said. Pisano themself However,therearemeasurescelebs

A bed bug found snug on a blanket during PF

This week in History

Malala Yousafzai a Pakistani female education activist was shot by a Taliban gunman

October9,2023

further denouncing Yousafzai, indicating

On 9 October 2012, while on a bus in plans for a possible second assassination Swat District after taking an exam, Malala attempt which they felt was justified as a Yousafzai a Pakistani female education religious obligation. This sparked another activist and two other girls were shot by a internationaloutcry.

From Russia with Love, British spy film was released

October10,1963

Taliban gunman in an assassination

Malala was born 12 July 1997 attempt targeting her 2014 Nobel Peace activism; the gunman laureate at the age of the scene. She was struck She is the world’s in the head by a bullet youngest Nobel Prize a n d r e m a i n e d laureate, the second unconscious and in Pakistani and the critical condition at first Pashtun to the Rawalpindi receive a Nobel I n s t i t u t e o f Prize.Yousafzai is Cardiology, but her a human rights condition later advocate for the improved enough e d u c a t i o n o f f o r h e r t o b e w o m e n a n d transferred to the children in her native Queen Elizabe omeland, Swat, Hospital in Birmingham, re the Pakistani UK. The attempt on alibanhadattimesbanned sparked an international girlsfromattendingschool.Her outpouring of support. Deutsche Welle advocacy has grown into an reported in January 2013 that she may have international movement, and according to become “the most famous teenager in the former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan world”.Weeksaftertheattemptedmurder,a Abbasi, she has become Pakistan’s “most group of 50 leading Muslim clerics in prominentcitizen.” Pakistan issued a fatwâ against those who In 2011, she received Pakistan’s first triedtokillher National Youth Peace Prize. She rose in The Pakistani Taliban were prominence, giving interviews in print and internationally denounced by governments, on television, and was nominated for the human rights organizations and feminist International Children’s Peace Prize by groups.Theyrespondedtocondemnationby activistDesmondTutu.

Anita Hill testifies at hearing of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, whom she accused of sexual harassment

October11

Anita Hill, in full Anita Faye Hill, (born July 30, 1956, Lone Tree, Oklahoma, U.S.), American attorney and educator who garnered national attention for her testimony

On October 11, 1991 Senate confirmation hearings for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, whom she accused of sexualharassment.

From Russia with Love, British spy film, released on October 10, 1963, that was the second in the James Bond franchise. With notable performances by Lotte Lenya and Robert Shaw, it is considered one of the best Bond movies, and it stays relatively faithful toIanFleming’snovel.

Bond (played by Sean Connery) is assigned to walk into what may be a death trap. British intelligence has been contacted by Tatiana Romanova (Daniela Bianchi), a young Soviet cipher clerk with access to a highlydesirabledecodingmachinecalledthe Lektor Romanova tells MI6 that she is willing to help Bond secure the Lektor in return for safe passage to England. Bond and his boss M (Bernard Lee) do not believe her story,butMcannotpassupthechancetogeta Lektor

Bond arrives in Istanbul, where he meets the local station chief, Kerim Bey (Pedro Armendáriz), a charismatic man with killernamedRedGrant(RobertShaw)aspart seemingly endless connections to people in oftheplottousetheLektorandRomanovato theespionageworld. lure Bond to a humiliating and scandalous

Bond continues to work with Romanova, death as revenge for killing SPECTRE unaware that she is being used as a pawn by operativeDr No. the secret criminal organization SPECTRE, PublicitystillwithHumphreyBogartand where her superior in Soviet intelligence, Ingrid Bergman from the motion picture film RosaKlebb(LotteLenya),holdsapositionof “Casablanca” (1942); directed by Michael authority Klebbhasrecruitedapsychopathic Curtiz.(cinema,movies)

Kathryn Sullivan becomes first American woman to walk in space

October11

Kathryn Sullivan, in full Kathryn Dwyer Sullivan, (born October 3, 1951, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.), American oceanographer and astronaut, the first Americanwomantowalkinspace(1984).

Sullivanreceivedabachelor’sdegreeinEarthsciences fromtheUniversityofCalifornia,SantaCruz,in1973and a doctorate in geology from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1978. While at Dalhousie, she participated in several oceanographic expeditions that studied the floors of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. In 1978 Sullivan was selected as an astronaut by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Her first spaceflight was aboard the space shuttle Challenger on the STS-41G mission (October 5–13, 1984). Sullivan and mission specialist David Leetsma performed a 3.5-hour spacewalk in which they operated a system designed to show that satellites couldberefueledinorbit.

British first female Prime Minister

Attorney-at-law, Anita Hill

Hill,theyoungestof13children,grewup on a farm in Oklahoma. After studying psychology at Oklahoma State University (B.A., 1977), she earned a law degree from Yale University in 1980. Shortly thereafter she joined a law firm in Washington, D.C., but she left in 1981 to work at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil However, she alleged that the harassment Rights, where she served as legal adviser to restarted, with Thomas discussing his own Thomas,whowasassistantsecretary During anatomy and commenting on her clothing, that time she claimed that Thomas began to amongotherclaims. make unwanted sexual advances. According Finding her work environment to Hill, he frequently discussed sex, such as increasinglyintolerable,HillleftinJuly1983 graphically describing pornographic films, to accept a teaching position at Oral Roberts and he repeatedly asked her on dates despite University herrefusals.

Three years later she joined the faculty of Hill claimed that the harassment later the law college at the University of ended, and, whenThomas was made chair of Oklahoma (OU), where she became (1989) the Equal Employment Opportunity the first tenured African American professor Commission in 1982, she followed him. attheinstitution.

Margaret Thatcher is born

Margaret Thatcher, in minister (1979–90) The full Margaret Hilda only British prime minister Thatcher, BaronessThatcher in the 20th century to win of Kesteven, née Margaret three consecutive terms and, Hilda Roberts was born on atthetimeofherresignation, October13,1925. B r i t a i n ’ s l o n g e s t

She was the first female continuously serving prime British prime minister and minister since 1827, she the longest-serving of the accelerated the evolution of 20th century As prime the British economy from minister, she implemented statism to liberalism and political leader since economic policies that became, by personality as Winston Churchill. She was becameBritishConservative much as achievement, the arolemodelforalaterprime Party politician and prime most renowned British minister,LizTruss.

Pakistani female education activist, Malala Yousafzai

A screenshot from the film From Russia with Love

Kathryn Sullivan

Margaret Thatcher

Over 100 local agro-processors registered for Agri-expo to date

As preparations for this month's AgriInvestment Forum and Expo gain momentum, over100localagro-processors have already registered to participateintheevent.

The update was provided by Coordinator, Cathy Martin during an interview with the Department of Public Information(DPI)onMonday, attheMinistryofAgriculture's head office, Regent Street, Georgetown.

The expo will run from October 20 – 22, 2023, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) under the theme: “Achieving Vision 25 by2025.”

Coordinator of the AgriInvestment Expo and Forum, CathyMartintoldDPIthatthe anticipationsarerunninghigh, withthisyear'sexpoandforum poisedtosurpassthesuccessof thepreviousyear'sevent.

“We want to give local producers opportunity t exhibit their products.Interms of the other exhibitors, we have over 50 exhibitors that have registered so far This includes local and international

(Continued on page 43)

Aglimpse of some of the booths established at the upcoming agri-investment forum and expo

Coordinator of theAgri-Investment Expo and Forum, Cathy Martin

Breast Cancer awareness…

How to do a Breast Self-Exam

A breast self-exam is an early regularmammogramsandclinicalbreast detection tool that uses a combination of exams. physical and visual examinations of the How Often ShouldABreast breasts to check for signs and symptoms Self-Exam Be Performed? of breast cancer The purpose of a breast Adult women of all ages are self-exam is to become familiar with the encouragedtoperformbreastself-exams wayyourbreastsnormallylookandfeel. at least once a month. Lillie D. Knowing how your breasts normally Shockney, Johns Hopkins University look and feel, also called breast self- Distinguished Service Professor of awareness, will help you identify any Breast Cancer states, “Forty percent of changesorabnormalitiesinyourbreasts, diagnosedbreastcancersaredetectedby suchasanewlumporskinchanges.Any women who feel a lump, so establishing changes in your breasts discovered a regular breast self-exam is very during a breast self-exam should be important ” For women still reported to your healthcare provider menstruating, a breast self-exam should rightaway be performed a few days after her period

While a breast self-exam is a useful ends For those who are posttool for the early detection of breast menopausal,abreastself-examshould cancer, it should not take the place of (Continued on page 39)

Demonstrations of three ways to selfexamine your breast

How a Chain-Snatching and a Vegas Beatdown Led to Tupac’s Murder

The NewYork Times - Grand jury witness testimony describes how hyperlocal clashes between warringgangfactionsspilledintoa fatal dispute that would alter the courseofhip-hophistory

As the Las Vegas police announcedanarrestinthekillingof the rapper Tupac Shakur, they showedanimageofMr.Shakurand the impresario Marion Knight on the1996nighttheywereshot.

In the adrenalized aftermath of a MikeTyson prizefight in 1996, a black BMW carrying the rapper Tupac Shakur pulled up to a red light just off the Las Vegas Strip, thrilling the women in the car next tohim.

As Mr Shakur hung out of his passenger-sidewindow,hisfriends in the Lexus behind him assumed that he was inviting the women to his record label’s new nightspot, Club 662 — its numeric name a barelydisguisedtelephonecodefor “MOB.”

The women pulled away and a white Cadillac took their place. A large, muscular arm emerged from itsrearwindowandfiredabarrage of shots from a .40-caliber Glock pistol into the BMW Mr Shakur washitfourtimes.

The driver of the BMW, the Death Row Records impresario Marion Knight, better known as Suge, was grazed by the gunfire. Buthemanagedtotakeoff,making a U-turn over a traffic median and drivingthewoundedMr Shakurin the opposite direction before pullingover

Malcolm Greenidge, a rapper and close friend of Mr Shakur’s whohadbeenfollowingtheminthe Lexus, rushed out of the car to check on Mr Shakur, he testified this summer to a Las Vegas grand jury Mr Shakur seemed less concerned with his wounds than with Greenidge’s safety as armed police officers approached the chaoticscene,herecalled.

“Get on the ground, they’re going to shoot you,” Mr Shakur told him, Mr Greenidge testified.

Mr Shakur would die less than a weeklater,at25.

In the 27 years since, accounts ofwhathappenedonSept.7,1996, have existed in an unwieldy tangle ofnewsreports,truecrimespecials, streetgossip,internetinnuendoand dubious self-mythologizing. The casewentcold.

Butwithlastweek’sindictment of Duane Keith Davis, a former Compton gang leader known as Keffe D, who has been saying publiclyforyearsthathewasinthe whiteCadillacwhenthefatalshots werefired,prosecutorshavebegun to map out the most detailed narrativeyetofthechainofevents theysayledtoMr.Shakur’sdeath, onethatwillbetestedincourt.

WhilethebroadoutlinesofMr Shakur’s killing and its possible motive have long been known, hundreds of pages of grand jury witnesstestimonyreviewedbyThe New York Times — given under oath and with surprisingly vivid descriptionsforadecades-oldcase offer new details of how hyperlocal disputes between warring gang factions had spilled intoanultimatelyfatalrapbeefthat would alter the course of hip-hop history

The son of Black Panther parents and a onetime performing arts student turned hip-hop backup dancer, Mr Shakur had broken out as a solo artist in the early 1990s

withauniqueblendofintrospective streetpoetryandyoungman’sfury Shakur’s music and public personahadtakenonadarkeredge following his 1993 arrest and subsequent conviction for sexual abuse, as he aligned himself with gangster rap label Death Row Records and its leader, Suge Knight, who orchestrated his $1.4 millionbondpendingappeal.

In December 1994, while still awaiting the verdict in the case, Shakurhadbeenambushed,robbed andshotinthelobbyofaNewYork Cityrecordingstudio. Hesurvived butpolicesaidthethreemenfledon foot after making off with $45,000 in jewelry, including a diamond ringandseverallargegoldchains.

He later blamed the attack on his former friend the Notorious B.I.G. and affiliates of the New York-basedlabelBadBoyRecords, includingSeanCombs,knownthen as Puff Daddy (They denied involvement, with the Notorious B.I.G. claiming that his taunting track “Who Shot Ya?” had been writtenbeforetheincident.)

After Shakur responded with the furious, personal dis “Hit ’Em Up”inJune1996,whatwasoncea simmering competition between the hip-hop vanguard on the East and West Coasts became a boiling feud, with each side relying on supportfromswornenemiesinthe gangunderworldforprotectionand

Jodie Turner-Smith filed for divorce from Joshua Jackson

Jodie Turner-Smith filed for divorce from Joshua Jackson on Monday after nearlyfouryearsofmarriage.Thebreakup wasunexpected,giventhatthecouplewas recently photographed together during New York Fashion Week However, sources have made it clear to Us Weekly, Entertainment Tonight and Daily Mail that,privately,it’sbeenonthehorizonfor sometimeonTurner-Smith’send.

“Jodie and Joshua have been having issueslately,”asourcetoldEntertainment Tonight “They celebrated Jodie’s birthday on September 9 at The Flower Shop in NYC but arrived separately and leftseparately Itwasabigparty,andthey were distant throughout the night and barely around each other Jodie spent majorityoftheeveningdownstairs.”

Workwasalsoafactor,aseparate (Continuedonpage39)

streetcredibility

Those rising tensions began to boiloverasplayersfromeachside prepared to travel to Las Vegas to watchTyson fight Bruce Seldon at theMGMGrandGardenArena.

Not long before the fight, a brawl at the Lakewood Mall in Southern California set off a sequenceofretaliation.

On Wednesday, Mr Davis made his first appearance in Clark County District Court for a scheduled arraignment, which the judgepostponedbecauseMr Davis did not have a lawyer present, sayingthathislongtimeCaliforniabasedlawyer,EdiFaal,couldnotbe there. In a brief phone interview, Mr Faal said Mr Davis, 60, intended to plead not guilty; he declined to discuss specifics about the case, saying he was in the process of getting Mr Davis a Nevadalawyer

“Like in all cases, I think we should allow things to play out in thecourtroom,”Mr Faalsaid.

Some of the new evidence challenges the conventional wisdomthathadformedaroundthe

killing While Mr Davis had previously told law enforcement officialsthatthegunhadbeenfired by his nephew, OrlandoAnderson, who was killed in a gang-related shooting in 1998, two witnesses sharedaccountswiththegrandjury casting doubt on the widely believednarrative.

Those close to the case have reacted to news of Mr Davis’s arrest with a mixture of shock and relief.

Allen Hughes, who directed two of Mr Shakur’s early music videos and worked with his estate on“DearMama:TheSagaofAfeni andTupacShakur,”adocumentary series about the rapper and his mother that was released this year, said the family had wondered if there would ever be accountability forhisdeath.

Now someone has been indicted in his death. And Greg Kading, a retired Los Angeles police detective who began to reinvestigate the killing in 2006, said, “Tupac Shakur’s murder will neveragaingodownasanunsolved mystery.”

Beyoncé released trailer from her Renaissance World Tour

Beyoncé on Sunday night released the trailer for the concert doc about her Renaissance World Tour (RWT), the singer’s highestgrossing tour to date She debuted the trailer during her tour’slaststopinKansasCity,

s Parkwood Entertainment and AMC Entertainment made the announcement Sunday night that the film will hit theaters

Dec. 1 in the United States,

Additionalglobalcitieswillbe added, “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé accentuates the journey of Renaissance World

Tour,fromitsinception,tothe opening in Stockholm, Sweden,tothefinaleinKansas City, Missouri. It is about Beyoncé’s intention, hard

work, and involvement in everyaspectoftheproduction, hercreativemindandpurpose tocreateherlegacy,andmaster

(Continuedonpage39)

Duane Keith Davis, a former Compton gang leader known as Keffe D during his arraignment this week

The immortalized American rapper Tupac Shakur

Jodie Turner Smith and Joshua Jackson

Singer Beyonce during her RWT

Beyoncé released trailer from her Renaissance...

Frompage37 her craft. Received with extraordinary acclaim by InternationalandU.S.media alike,Beyoncé’soutstanding performance during Renaissance World Tour created a sanctuary for freedom, acceptance, and shared joy Its maximalist

productionwelcomedmorethan 2.7millionfansfromaround the world, who travelled across oceans to enjoy Club Renaissance.

Now, millions of moviegoers will get caught up in the Joy Parade, the monumentaldancepartythat celebrates everyone’s

right to be themselves, close to home.”The singer also posted the trailer on Instagram, with the caption: “Becarefulwhatyouaskfor, ‘cause I just might comply.” Beyoncépreviouslyreleased a concert doc via Netflix. That project, Homecoming, documented her 2018

Jodie Turner-Smith filed...

Frompage37 source told Entertainment Tonight.“JodieandJoshua’s hectic work schedules started to weigh on their relationship starting over a year ago when they were bothfilmingprojectsandnot always in the same place,” that source said. “They tried to make things work and were taking steps to help their relationship and deal with managing their busy schedules. From an outside perspective, things looked great for a while, but privately, they were slowly growing apart.” “They are tryingtobeamicableasthey move forward with their divorce and trying to avoid any feelings of animosity,” the source continued.

“They’re both respectful of each other and focused on co-parenting their daughter Theywanttohaveapositive relationshipforhersakeand forthemselves.”

Another source gave DailyMailmuchmoredetail about Jackson’s feelings regardingthesplit.Hedidn’t wantit,thatinsiderclaimed, but the couple just didn’t

work romantically anymore and are better as co-parents to their three-year-old daughter

“Joshua is heartbroken over the impending divorce. He always thought that he would be married and grow old with his family, and everythingwouldbehappily ever after,” the source said.

“He had the dream scenario in his mind, and Jodie was hispersonandthepersonhe thought he would be with forever ” Jackson would reconcile,thesourceclaimed: “Hewouldhavelovednothing morethantostillbewithJodie andinaperfectworldwould probably even take her back if she were to stop the divorce, but now that they have got to this place, he is goingtohavetoacceptit.”

Thatsourcesaidno“bad behavior” caused the split: “Nothing horrible happened betweenthetwolikeinfidelity, the relationship just went its course, and it is just a sad time.”Asourcegavesimilar intel to Us Weekly later on October3 “Joshuawasclearly caught off guard by Jodie’s decision to divorce,” the

source said. “They had their issues, as many couples do especially two busy actors who are also juggling a child. Joshua obviously didn’trealizeitwasthisbad, thatJodiewasthisunhappy.”

Their friends don’t see their “whirlwindromance”as being what caused the split as muchasjustlifestylechanges.

“Theybecamegluedtoeach otherafterthefirstnightthey met, and then parenthood soon followed,” the source said.“Itwasahugelifestyle change, especially for a free spirit like Jodie. But they seemed so devoted to each other,soeveryoneisshaking their heads.” While their friends hope they reconcile, the source said Turner-Smith “seems quite sure of her decision. The ball is in Joshua’s court, though right nowhe’slikelytryingtosort things out himself.” TurnerSmith listed “irreconcilable differences”astheircauseof divorce and their date of separation as September 13, rightaftertheirfashionweek appearances Neither she, Jackson, nor their reps have commented

How to do a Breast Self-Exam

Frompage35 be performed on the same day of each month, such as the 1st or 15th day of the month.

Whilemammogramscan help you to detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breastself-examshelpyouto be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. Alert your healthcare professional if you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump, sore spot, changes in the appearance of the skin, or nippledischarge.

3StepstoEarly DetectionGuide

Breast cancer can’t usually be prevented, but youcantakethreeimportant stepstohelpdetectitearlier

This free guide can increase yourchanceoffindingbreast cancerbeforeitspreads.

HowShouldABreastSelfExamBePerformed?

1)IntheShower

With the pads/flats of your3middlefingers,check the entire breast and armpit area, pressing down with light, medium, and firm

pressure.Checkbothbreasts each month, feeling for any new lumps, thickenings, hardenedknots,oranyother breastchanges.

2)InFrontofaMirror

With your arms at your sides, visually inspect your breasts, looking for any changesinthecontourorshape of the breasts, any dimpling, swelling, or other skin irregularitiesonoraroundthe breasts, or any changes in the nipples

Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flexyourchestmuscles Look for any dimpling, puckering, or other changes, particularly ononeside Notethattheleft and right breasts will not exactlymatch fewwomen’s breasts are perfectly

symmetrical

3)LyingDown

When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your 3 middle fingers around your right

Coachella Valley Music and ArtsFestivalperformance. Afterreleasingheralbum inJuly2022,Beyoncékicked off her Renaissance World Tour on May 10 in Stockholm She’s hit major cities around the world and playedformillionsofpeople, including celebrities like Pedro Pascal, Issa Rae, Gabrielle Union, Kelly RowlandandTraceeEllisRoss, amongmanyothers Sofar,the Renaissance World Tour has

grossed $461.3 million, according to Billboard, becomingthehighest-grossing tour of all time in the BoxScorearchives.

Above the Line previously reported that Beyoncé worked with filmmakerNadiaLeeCohen onavisualalbum.

The news of the concert film comes after Taylor Swift has also set The Eras TourdocwithAMC.

In addition to North

America,itwasrevealedthe Eras film will also hit cinemas in more than 100 countriestimedtoitsOct. 13 domestic launch.

Early North American box office tracking data for The ErasToursuggeststhemovie will open to a massive $75 million, with some more bullishanalystsbelievingthe opening weekend numbers could cross $100 million withanupperceilingof$125 million

breast, covering the entire breastareaandarmpit.

Use light, medium, and firm pressure to feel for any new lumps, thickenings, hardenedknots,oranyother breastchanges.

Also squeeze the nipple to check for discharge

Repeat these steps for your leftbreast.

CanIRelyOn BreastSelf-Exams

AloneToBeSureIAm BreastCancerFree?

Mammography can usually detect tumors before theycanbefelt,soscreeningis key for early detection But when combined with regular medical care and appropriate guideline-recommended mammography, breast selfexamscanhelpwomenknow whatisnormalforthemsothey canreportanychangestotheir healthcareprovider

If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but don’t panic — 8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous For additional peace of mind, call your doctor whenever youhaveconcerns.

Long nails are in, but here is the problem

USAToday

Long nails are a major trendthesedays,seenonthe hands of superstars like CardiBandBillieEilish.But a biologist warns this new trend may come with health hazards when considering what may be growing underneath.

JeffreyKaplan,abiology professor at American University, told USA TODAY that the area under the fingernail in the crevice iswheremostofthebacteria live.

“The longer the nail, the moresurfaceareathereisfor microorganisms to adhere,” hesaid.

“Studies have found 32 different bacteria and 28 different fungi underneath fingernails.”

Kaplan said it doesn’t matter if you have long artificial nails, long natural nails, gel nails, acrylic nails or nail polish, because there isanincreasedprobabilityof carrying microorganisms which makes it more difficult to decontaminate with handwashing or s c r u b b i n g One study found MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant bacteria thatcausesseriousinfections in hospitalized patients, underneath half of the fingernailsamplescollected, accordingtoKaplan.

A judge checks on the contestants’ nails during a nail art creative design contest at the China 2011 Hair and Beauty exhibition inBeijing,China. Also, some of the

bacteria under nails can be found on the skin like staphylococcus which canleadtoaninfection

“You can transmit fingernail bacteria to y o u r s y s t e m b y scratching, nail-biting, nose-picking and fingersucking,”Kaplansaid

He said the worst thing that could happen from the bacteria and fungi is a nail infection, which would not be lifethreatening, but could leave your fingernails disfigured

Infant deaths are linkedtolongfingernails

That is why most, if not all healthcare workers, are required to wear short nails due to being at risk for

transmitting disease, accordingtoKaplan Two nurses at an Oklahoma City hospital

may have contributed to the deaths of 16 babies in 1997 and 1998 because of b a c t e r i a f o u n d underneath their long nails, The New York Timesreported.

Epidemiologistsfounda link between the deaths of the infants in the neonatal unit and the bacteria under the nails but did not prove it wasthedefinitecause.

“When surgeons scrub forsurgeryandthentheytest their hands, there’s always bacteria under the fingernail and you can’t get rid of it,” Kaplansaid.

Kayla Newman, a nail techbasedinNorthCarolina, told USATODAYthat none of her clientele has had infectionsor“nastynails”in hereightyearsofservice.

“Generally, people who havelongnailsknowhowto maneuver with them and keep them clean,” she said. “Ifyou’respendingupwards of$60togetyournailsdone and you don’t keep them clean, that doesn’t make sense.”

‘IcallitaspiritualCPR’: Mobile hair and beauty

service provides makeovers forthesoulinSkidRow

T h a n k G o d I t ’s Natural:30 Black-owned beauty brands you may not haveheardofyet.

Newman has seen the trend for long nails grow over the last couple of years, and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok showcase artistic designsonnailsthat canbeover2incheslong.

She said the most common complaint she gets from clients who have long nails are broken nails, especially if they are new tothetrend

Newman suggests for people with long nails to r e g u l a r l y m a k e appointments with their nail tech because the strength of nails can shift whentheygrowout “Nails are an awesome luxurytohave,”shesaid.

“I encourage people to getthemdonebecausewhen you look at your hands and see them nice and done whether they are long or short, it makes you feel amazing.”

GNBS IN FOCUS GNBS UNVEILS EXCITING CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES FOR NATIONAL QUALITY WEEK 2023

Today, Sunday October 08, m a r k s t h e beginning of National QualityWeek (NQW) 2023, which is spearheaded by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards(GNBS).

Thisyear,theGNBShas several engaging activities planned for its staff, its stakeholders,andthepublic, tocelebratetheworkdoneto promotequality

The week of activities s u r r o u n d s Wo r l d Standards Day, which is observed annually on October 14. For World Standards Day this year, the theme is “Shared Vision for a Better World: Incorporating SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) ”

Thethemeissimilarto previous years as the international standard bodies engage in a multiyear World Standards D a y j o u r n e y t h a t showcases the many ways in which international standards contribute to thesuccessoftheSDGs

In accordance with this theme, the GNBS is collaborating with the Ministry of Health to host a Laboratory Symposium to engage approximately 100 laboratory personnel on their role in helping to promote good healthcare throughstandards

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, at the Arthur Chung ConferenceCentre.

The participants, from certified and uncertified laboratories, will be given the opportunity to learn about the National Standard, General requirements for the operations of a laboratory (GYS 170:2021), the GNBS’ Laboratory Certification programme, and the requirements of other international laboratory standards Additionally, information will be provided on the importance of safety in laboratories complement of theMinistryofLabour

On Wednesday, October 11, the Bureau will be hostingitshallmarkNational Quality Awards (NQA) ceremony at the Guyana Marriott Hotel which will see seventeen (17) manufacturers and small

businesses being awarded

for their excellent implementationofstandards and quality in their operations.

This significant event, which is hosted biennially, received the largest number of applicationsthisyear

On Thursday, October 12, the GNBS Corporate

C o m m u n i c a t i o n s

Department will be hosting an Impromptu Speech competition for Secondary Schools in Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara) on the importance of standards and accurate measurements.

The participating s c h o o l s a r e We s t

Demerara Secondary, Leonora Secondary, Patentia Secondary and ZeeburgSecondary

In addition, a free Food Safety training for small business owners i n v o l v e d i n t h e preparation and delivery of food to consumers is also set for Thursday, October12

This training, which will be collaboratively done with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), and is set to benefit thirty (30) participants Topics to be covered include good hygiene and storage practices along with other foodsafetyrequirements

On Friday, the focus will be internal to the GNBS as it hosts its Staff Appreciation Day and Awards Ceremony.

A s c u s t o m a r y, employees who have been with the Bureau for five, ten, fifteen, twenty years and more will be awarded for their

longevity with the Standards Body. There will also be a ‘Like and s h a r e ’ F a c e b o o k c o m p e t i t i o n t o encourage more people to subscribe to the GNBS social media pages and utilise standards in the d e l i v e r y o f t h e i r products and services

Throughout National Quality Week, the GNBS Corporate Communications and Marketing Departments will share information via newspapers, radio, television and social media

to ensure that the public is updated and involved. On this occasion of National

Quality Week, the GNBS encourages all Guyanese to getinvolvedwithstandards.

For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-

0064/65//66, hotline 2190069 or WhatsApp us on 692-4627.

36 prisoners to be trained

annually in garment construction ...asFFTPdonatessewingmachinestoGPS

Food For The Poor (FFTP)GuyanaInc.recently handed over 10 industrial sewing machines to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) to be used at the LusignanPrison. The equipment will

improve the garment construction programme at the facility, enabling 36 prisonerseachyeartobenefit fromtraining.

The handing over ceremony was held on October 3, 2023. FFTP said

that the inmates will be trained in various aspects of sewing and will be paid for thegarmentstheyproduce.

Sharing her thoughts at the simple ceremony was FFTP (Guy) Inc Senior Project Manager, Andrea

Benjamin, who said, “These machines are going to strengthenthecapacityofthe Prison Service’s garment construction programme and,byextension,aidintheir rehabilitation efforts. Food for the Poor recognizes the importance of promoting changed behaviour to facilitate the successful reintegrationofinmatesinto societylaterinlife.”Shealso highlightedthatFFTP(Guy) Inc. has been supporting the Guyana Prison Service for severalyears.

Benjamin committed that the organization will continue to contribute to a positive impact on the inmatesandwillmaintainits partnershipwiththeGuyana PrisonService.

Meanwhile, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, revealedthatheispleasedto beapartofthecollaboration between GPS and FFTP (Guy)Inc.Hecomplimented FFTP (Guy) Inc. on a job well done, as the donations will greatly benefit the garment construction programme.

“This will enhance our training programme, in line withourmanifesto,strategic

plan,andmandate,toensure thatprisonersareexposedto various methods of rehabilitation So, once again, we at the GPS would like to thank FFTP (Guy) Inc. for this kind gesture,” Elliotshared.

The prisoners were grateful to FFTP (Guy) Inc. for providing them with the necessaryskillsthatcannow affordthemasecondchance at life. The garment construction programme is part of the Prison Service’s efforts to successfully rehabilitate and reintegrate inmatesintosocietythrough skills training and job creation.

FFTPsaiditisitsgoalto assist in the rehabilitation andreintegrationofinmates.

The organization also noted thatitisimportanttoconduct rehabilitation programmes, suchasthese,forinmates.It said the donation will no doubt will help build their capacity and provide them withskillsthatcanbeusedto earn an income upon reintegrationintosociety By doingso,thiswillreducethe likelihood of them returning to their previous lives that ledthemintoprison.

Inmates of the Lusignan Prison utilizing the sewing machines donated by FFTP(Guy) Inc.

FFTP(Guy) Inc. Senior Project Manager,Andrea Benjamin (right) hands over the equipment to Director of Prisons, Mr. Nicklon Elliot as other prison officials watch on.

Over 100 local...

Frompage34 exhibitors,”shestated.

The coordinator highlighted that one of thekeyaspectsoftheexpoistostrengthenthe connectionbetweeninvestorsandexhibitors.

This year, a broader spectrum of topics will be addressed through additional panel

discussions,comparedtolastyearwhichsaw focusbeingplacedonseveralpresentations.

Specialists will be available to provide crucial information on financing, women, and youth involvement in agriculture, agroprocessing, and fertilisation among other topics.

A business-to-business pavilion will be established where entrepreneurs, investors, andprivatesectorrepresentativesfromother countrieswillmeettoconsult.

“Ifyouareaninvestorlookingtofinance some project in agriculture, you can definitelysignupandwewillmatchyouwith potential entrepreneurs If you are an entrepreneur and you are looking for an investment, we want to take a look at what youhave.Evenifyouarelookingtogetinto the CARICOM market, we will facilitate that,”Martinpointedout. Meanwhile, the agro-processing section has approximately 150 spaces. The pavilion

section will have 70 booths and will be dividedintotwoareastocatertothelocaland internationalexhibitors.

Of the eight executive booths available, onlyfourarecurrentlyavailable.

“Wewanttogivecompanieswhowanta more executive style of exhibiting their products and where people can come in and have one-on-one meetings there,” Martin stated. Registration for the expo closed on October5.(DPI)

A Night With A Living Pumpkin

Written by Glenn FrancisF

Faelnar

Matthew and Jessica came rushing down the hallwayandstoppedjustshy ofthefrontdoor Theywere filled with energy and excitement while they watched their parents walk towards them. Halloween hadfinallyarrivedandtrick or treating was all that was on their mind. Once their frontdoorwasopened,they ranoutsideanddisappeared.

JessicawantedtobeRed Riding Hood that year, so she dressed up as the character, complete with a red hood and a basket. She also carried around her ScoobyDoostuffedtoyasa stand-inforthebigbadwolf.

Meanwhile, Matthew dressedupasthefastestman alive. The Flash had been one of his favorites ever since he saw the Justice League cartoon on television. The roads in the neighborhood were filled with children in colorful costumes bringing baskets andplasticbags.Therewere olderchildrenaswell.Most ofthemwerechaperonesfor their little brothers and sisters.JessicaandMatthew even bumped into a few of their friends. They showed off their costumes and gave m u c h d e s e r v e d complements to one another

As the evening progressed, Jessica and Matthew visited more and more houses until they reached the more deserted partsoftheirneighborhood. Noneofthemhadbeenable to walk that far from their house the night before. While they were strolling, Jessica saw something that madeherstopabruptly The sweet delicacies rustled inside when the basket shook at the sudden halt in motion She grabbed Matthew by the arm to get hisattention.Whenshehad hisattention,shepointedto a house that seemed empty andsaid,

“Was there always a househere?”

Matthew saw the house and began to question whether or not he had seen the house before They passedbythatstreetontheir way to school, so surely he would've noticed. But that night, he wasn't sure if it was. The house in front of them looked old and timeweary Instead of clean cut grass, weeds had sprouted initsplace.Thelackoflight

insidemadeitseemlikethe house was empty Both of themfeltcuriousbutequally scared. They both shared a look which telegraphed that they thought of the same thing, without saying a word.They gave each other a nod and approached the housetogether

The wooden floors creakedastheysteppedonto the front porch. The door was full of cobwebs and Matthew had to pull some awayfromthedoorknob.He turned the knob and found that it was unlocked. The door creaked as it slowly opened. Before they could enter the house, something appeared in front of them and said “Hello” They immediately ran away from the house screaming! They both stopped when they were far enough from their house to catch their breath.

Jessicafeltherheartbeatso fast, she thought it would leap out of her chest

Matthew looked at his little sister and asked her if she was okay She nodded and toldhimthattheyneededto go home He noticed something was missing and askedJessicawhereScooby was Jessica gasped in horror when she realized thatshehaddroppedScooby backatthecreepyoldhouse.

Both of them knew that they were going to have to gobackthereandgetit.

They tiptoed their way

FUNWITHPOETRY

across the front lawn, making sure they weren't makinganynoisethatwould alertwhoeverwasinsidethe house. They looked around the front porch for the toy but were unable to find it. Then someone behind them said, “Are you looking for this?”

They turned around and were left speechless when they saw him. He was a small boy He wore a plaid shirt and pants with suspenders He appeared normal,exceptthathehada pumpkinforahead.

Matthew grabbed the chaironthefrontporchand was ready to use it as a weapon, while Jessica hid behindherolderbrother

“G-GiveusScoobyback orI'llhityouwiththischair I'm not kidding,” he said shakily Despite the clear conviction in his threat, it didnothingtohidehisfear

“No-No. I mean you no harm. Here, I'll give you yourtoyback,”theboysaid. He had his arms stretched out in front just to assure them that he truly meant no harm. He walked closer to them and left the toy on the stepsoftheporch.

The pumpkin-headed boy backed away slowly Matthew took that chance and picked up Scooby from thesteps.

Continued on next SundayEdition

STAY STRONG

Paper Halloween Luminaries

BY AMANDA FORMARO ON OCTOBER 9, 2020 UPDATED ON OCTOBER 29, 2022

HowToMakePaper

HalloweenLuminaries

Findthefullprintableinstructionsand supplylistattheendofthispost.

1.Printeachpatternonwhitepaper.

2. Color in with crayons or colored pencils.

3. Roll paper into cylinder and tape closed.

4.Turnontealightandplaceinsideglass jar

5.Placepaperluminaryoverthejar

6.Turnoutthelights!

TIP:Ifyoudrawyourowndesigns,usean

8.5″ x 11″ sheet of printer paper placed horizontally Drawyourdesigninthecenter Remember you will roll the paper into a cylinder and if your design is too wide the wholethingwon'tbeseenatthefrontofyour luminary

thingsIneedtodo, Inworking,studyingandplaying.

ThenIneedtoeathealthyfood, Likefruitsandgreensandmilk, Andstayawayfromtoomuchsweet, Asincandy,andsoftdrink.

Continue with the effort to achieve success in your Life by Caring for your Body

You must realise that a healthy body is the foundation on which you need to build the other parts of your personality This meansthatyouneedtomake a special effort all throughout your life to ensurethisisachieved.

Herearethestepsthat are necessary in this endeavour:

1.Get enough rest and sleep

You must know that regular periods of rest and sleep are vital to our personal well-being. Being

deprived of sleep is dangerous as it limits our ability to do the things that call for energy, and can also makeusill.

Of course everyone's needs for sleep differ slightly What is important is to be aware of your personal sleep patterns, and ensure that you get enough sleep on a regular basis to functioneffectively

2.Your diet is important tomaintainproperhealth.

Mostofusknowthat moderndietscancontaintoo many processed foods that are high in fats, sugar and salt, and that we should eat more fresh fruit and vegetables as part of a healthybalanceddiet. A healthy diet must contain enough protein, fibre,vitaminsandminerals. You may need to do a little research to get aware of the foodsthatcontainthese,and ensurethattheyareincluded in the right proportion in yourmealsandsnacks.

3.Getinvolvedinregular physicalexercise.

Kepingfitinvolvesthe practice of regular exercise, someofhighintensity,when youworkoutwithstrenuous exercises, and then with

Suguru

Theheavylines indicate areas, called cages, from one to five squares insize.

Fill each cage with unique digits, countingupfrom1. Soforexamplea2s q u a r e c a g e contains the numbers 1 and 2; anda5-squarecage contains the numbers from 1 to 5 A d j a c e n t (touching) squares, even ones that touch diagonally, may never contain thesamenumber

lesser power, which will keep your body able to stay healthy and able to succeed intheotherfunctionsofyour body

4 Do not indulge in taking drugs and too much alcohol,andsmoking. In the modern world, weareoftentemptedbyour peers to indulge in these dangerous habits, and you willbeonlyhelpingyourself to better health if you resist thesetemptations. Refrain from taking any opiates, like ganja and cocaine, and be very moderate in the use of alcohol, perhaps only on occasionsofcelebration.

YouhavewhatittakestosucceedYouhavewithinyoueverythingyouneed tobecomeanythingyouwanttobe, andthezealtoapproachyourtasksenthusiastically; Youhavethepowertoapplyyourselfenergetically, andthewisdomtodosowisely;

Youhaveallwithinyoutoanswerthecall tobewhateveryouwanttobeinthisworld; Youhaveimaginationwithinyoutoseeclearly whatyouwantmanifestedfruitfully;

Youhavelovewithinyoutobelovingalways inallyouractionsandmethodsandways; Youhavelifewithinyoutomakeright thehappinessthatisyourbirthright;

Youhavestrengthwithinyoutoholdandpursue theideasyouknowareevergoodandtrue; Youhaveintelligencewithinyou torenounceeverythoughtandactionthatisbadforyou; Youhavefaithwithinyoutofulfilyourdestiny andmakethemostofyourselfforalleternity

Solutions to last week’s

CROSSFIGURE

Halloween crosswords

A determined effort is needed to make the most of the four parts of your personality

6 Self-care Habits That Ease PMS Symptoms

By IsadoraBaum

Thewholepointofselfcareistolookafteryourownneeds—so youfeelhappierandhealthierandfunctionatyourbest.Andreally,is thereanymorecrucialtimetogiveyourselfsomeextraTLCthanin thedaysbeforeyourperiod?

One2016studyreportedthatabout85%ofpeoplewhoget periodsofreproductiveageexperienceoneormorePMSsymptoms, includingcramps,fatigue,bloating,fogginess,troublesleeping,and moodchanges.1

Here'sHowPMSCanChangeinYour20s,30s,and40s HowToHelpRelievePMSSymptoms

Whilethere'snocure-alltokeepthesehormone-inducedchanges atbay,therearesomeself-careeffortsyoucantaketorelievePMS. Thesesixhabitsshouldhelpyoufeelawholelotbetteruntilyour flowbeginsandyourhormonesgoontheupswingagain.

EatProteinandFat

Studieshaveshownthatduringthelutealphaseofyourmenstrual cycle,whichstartswiththereleaseoftheeggatovulationandends whenaperiodbegins,youmayexperienceanamped-upappetite.2

Thatincreasedappetite,plusPMSexhaustionandirritability mightbemakingyoucravesugar.3Buttoomuchsugarcanmake symptomsworse,causingyourenergytospikeandthencrashand affectingyourmood,cognition,andevenbloatlevel.4

“[PMSweek]isoftenatimewhenweloaduponthecarbs,which isactuallycounter-productiveandworsensourbloating,"saidNikki Walden,MD,ob-gynatBodyLogicMDinDallas.

Agreatoptionisahearty,satisfyingmealwithlotsofproteinand goodfats—likeaveggieomelet,pokebowl,chickenonabedof greens,orayogurtandavocadosmoothie.Proteinplushealthyfats (likeomega-3s)willdecreaseinflammationandreducemuscle cramps,whilethewholegrainshaveagoodamountofproteinand magnesiumtorelaxyourbodyandmanagestresslevels.

8WaystoGetRidofPeriodCrampsThatActually WorkHaveanOrgasm(OrTwo,orThree)

Sexcanbeagooddistractionandmood-booster,butthere'smore toitthanthat.Touchingandbeingtouchedbyyourpartnercanhelp calmfrazzlednerves,andhavinganorgasmwillfloodyourbrain withoxytocin,thehormoneresponsibleforfeelingsofcomfortand pleasure,saidAlyseKelly-Jones,MD,ob-gynatNovantHealth MintviewObstetricsandGynecologyinNorthCarolina. Notpartneredupatthemoment,orhaveaspousewhois unavailable?PMSreliefcancomefromyourvibratororbygiving yourselfahand.

WorkOutinYourFavoriteGymClass

Itmightbethelastplaceyouwanttogo,butyou'llbehappyafter asweatyworkoutyouknowyoulove.“30minutesadayof moderate-intensityexercisemayhelpimprovemoodandoverall senseofwell-being,”saidDr Walden,thankstothereleaseofmoodboostingendorphins.

Soevenifyou'redraggingandwanttobagyogaordanceclass, doyourbesttogetyourselfthereanyway;thinkofitasatreatthat youknowwillmakeyoufeelbetterfast.Youcangetlotsofrestin, too.

SnackonAlmonds

Thesesuperstarnutsareloadedwithmagnesium,whichcan reducecrampingandalleviatetension,saidDr Walden.Keepabowl ofthematyourdeskatworktomunchon,orgowithother magnesium-richfoodssuchasedamame,pumpkinseeds,andleafy greenslikespinach.5Ifyou'renotfeelingsnacky,popping400 milligramsofmagnesiumcitrateduringeachPMSdaycandothe trick,saidDr Walden.

TakeaLong,HotBath

Heatmakeseverythingfeelbetter,andthatgoesforPMS-related crampsandtensionaswell.Forevenmorerelief,addEpsomsaltto thesteamywater Themagnesiuminthesaltwillrelaxsoremuscles andmakeyourbodyfeelhappieroverall,saidDr Walden.

TuckYourselfinEarly

SleepproblemsduringPMSdaysareacommoncomplaint.Butif there'sonetimewhenyoushouldreallymakeaneffortnottostayup bingingonNetflix,it'sduringyourpre-perioddays—whenhormonal changesaremessingwithyourenergylevel.Asolidseventoeight hoursofsleepwillhelpyoufeelrefreshed.

“Sleepisanaturalmoodrestorer;whenwegetintoREMsleep, ourbodycanbegintorepairitselftotakeonthenextday,”saidDr Kelly-Jones,referringtothesleepstagethat'sassociatedwithlearning andmemory ThatmeansrepairingPMS-relatedmusclesorenessas well,addedDr.Kelly-Jones.

AQuickReview

ThesymptomsofPMSsuchasfatigue,moodchanges,andfood cravingscanmakelifealittlebitmoredifficult.ButthesesixselfcarestrategiescanhelpwithyourPMSsymptomsandgetyoufeeling backtoyourselfsoonenough.

https://www.health.com/condition/menstruation/pms-symptomsself-care

Miss Global International-Guyana on a campaign to highlight Guyana's beauty Lateefa Forde

Beauty Queen Lateefa

Forde is embarking on a campaign to showcase Guyana's beauty and the reigning Miss Global International-Guyana(MGIG) says she is excited about the adventure which awaits her

“I am personally very excited about this adventure and can't wait to share my experiences to the whole

Guyana!” Forde told The WaterfallsMagazine

According to MGI-G pageant organisation, through social media campaigns, community outreach programmes, or participationininternational events , the beauty queen, “ will serve as a passionate ambassador, sharing the wondersofGuyanawiththe world and encouraging

others to explore and experience its beauty firsthand.”

The MGI-G team and Forde will embark on the venture under the theme, "Uniting the World through BeautyandTourism."

According to the beauty queen, the MGI-G team plans to showcase Guyana's stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and

vibrant local experiences through a variety of channels.

“Weaimtohighlightour natural landscapes, such as mountains, beaches, our untouched forests, and wildlife, that make our country unique and attractive to tourists,” she said. “This would include sharing breathtaking photos and videos on social media,

writing informative stories and posts on our social networksandgoingontours andengagingwithourlocals andindigenouscommunities to share their experiences andknowledge,”sheadded. Shesaidtheteamwishes to collaborate with travel enthusiasts and with platforms that market, campaign and promote our beautiful land for example; Visit Guyana. “We would like to engage with the Ministry of Tourism with upcoming projects,” she added. She said by sharing content on social media we aim to provide coverage to both the private and public sectors so that they too can share information about the beautiful wonders of Guyana.

Thepageantexperience

Asfortheglobalpageant which was held in Jamaica, Forde described the experienceasonewhichwas beautiful and emotional. “I met some amazing people andIwasabletotraveltothe beautiful island of Jamaica for the very first time and it all felt like a dream. I'm really grateful for everything,”shesaid.

It was the first time the damsel took part in a pageant. “This is my first international pageant as well,” she added. She was judged Best Figure by the judges. The beauty queen came in first place in her interview; which was the pre-judging segment as that wasthe

(Continuedonpage58)

Lateefa Forde, the reigning Miss Global International-Guyana, is embarking on mission with the MGI-G organisation to promote Guyana's beauty

Miss Global International-Guyana, Lateefa Forde

HighSchooldropoutturnsnewleaf, obtainsprestigiousoilandgasscholarship

About seven years ago, Dianna Persaud was given theopportunitytoturnanew leafafterdroppingoutofhigh schoolatage15. Shedidnot waste the opportunity and todayisoneoftwoGuyanese women who have benefitted from a prestigious scholarship to undergo oil and gas studies for Noble

Corporations at the University of Massachusetts USA.

The young woman told The Waterfalls that though

herjourneywaschallenging, she hopes her story would offer hope to other people in similar situations She expressed gratitude to those who helped her along her journey

“ To the teachers of my alma mater, Camille's Academy Inc, especially the CEO, Ms. Camille Deokie Gorakh who did not hesitate togiveasecondchanceafter I dropped out of school for two years, without them, noneofthiswouldhavebeen

possible,” the scholarship awardeesaid.

Persaud said if one looks at her life today, no one would believe that she was onceateenagerstrugglingto find her place in the world. Due to financial difficulty, the Soesdyke East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident saidsheleftschoolearlyand entered into a common-law unionasameansofassisting herfamily

“

My family was struggling and my parents

were under the impression that I could get married because the guy I was marrying would be able to better take care of me,” Persaudsaid. Shesoonfoundoutthatit wasallafaçade.“Hecouldn't give me a better life so I returned home to my parents,” she said. By this time,Persaudhadagedoutof theschoolsystem.

“I was older than the average high school student but my mom is a seamstress

and she did work for Camille's Academy Inc and the CEO, Ms Camille allowed me to attend classes thereaspartofthepayment,” theyoungwomansaid.

She revealed that Ms. Camille did not hesitate to give her a 2nd chance to finish high school and as a result, she served as an inspiration throughout her schoolyears.

“I remember when I returnedtoschool,shedidn't look at me as if I was older than the others, she didn't judge me, she welcomed me withopenarms,helpedmeto grow.”

Persaud recalled that there was a point in time when she wanted to give up on writing all Caribbean Secondary Education

Certificate (CSEC) subjects buttheCEOwouldn'tlether As a result, she became the 2017 valedictorian of Camille'sAcademyInc.after copping sixteen subjects at theCSECexams.

'”SheletmebelievethatI candoitandrefusedtoallow metodowhatIwantedtodo. Ineverregretlettingherplay thatpartinmylife,I'llforever be grateful to her I'm also grateful for the opportunity I was given, to become the personIamtoday.”

Today, Persaud and her fellow awardee, Kavita Singh are the only two Guyanese who earned scholarshipstopursuehigher e d u c a t i o n a t t h e

Massachusetts Maritime Academy,apublicuniversity located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts Noble Corporation, a critical drillingcompanyforExxon's Guyana operations, awarded the two young talents fully paid four-year scholarships, paving the way for them to earn bachelor's degrees in MaritimeTransportation. Theselectionprocessfor this prestigious scholarship was rigorous, with over a hundredapplicantsvyingfor the opportunity To secure theirspots,candidateshadto meet specific qualifications and submit compelling essays outlining the purpose oftheircandidacy

As a result of the award, Persaud and Singh will have the chance to gain hands-on experience as interns next summer, with the Noble family Noble Corporation had announced, earlier this year, four fully paid scholarships for students pursuing bachelor's degrees in Maritime Transportation or Maritime Engineering In addition to covering tuition fees; the award extends to providing comprehensive support, including room and board, books, and round-trip travel to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Upon graduation, these talented individuals will join the Noble team, bringing their expertise and knowledge backtoserveGuyana.

Dianna Persaud shares encouraging words with the graduating students of her alma mater Camille'sAcademy Inc. in 2020.

Dianna Persaud is decked in her uniform as she undergoes training in oil and gas studies in Massachusetts USA.

Tamika

Shaping the lives of students for a world beyond the classroom… Devoted language teacher Mrs.

Wilson-Jerrick is a, 'Special Person’

“As a teacher, my ultimate goal is to create a space for my students to see the learning process as fun but meaningful. I want them to take what they have learned and transform the world... They must always know that I am in the corner regardless…”

The teacher is a wife and mother of two beautiful children

The language teacher brought the Nine Nations group to help PC observe Amerindian Heritage Month. She is seen with Nine Nations Executives and members of the English Department of President's College.

Mrs. Wilson-Jerrick poses with my students who just wrote CSEC

Mrs. Wilson Jerrick poses with the trophy as PC got 2nd the Regional Impromptu Speech Competition.

Mrs. W ilson-Jerrick

Richie Rich nominated best local music producer of the year

RichieRichisoneofthenomineesto receiveanawardforbestmusicproducer inGuyanafortheyear2023atthesecond annual DemRoc Music and Entertainment Awards celebration scheduled to be held on December 16, 2023inNewYork,USA.

The award celebration will take placeattheOceanaTheaterinNewYork and will see a number of Guyanese, musicians, artistes and other entertainer being awarded for their significant contribution to local entertainment and musicindustry

Richie Rich and three other local producers have been nominated for the category of best music producer 2023. Richie is counting and is grateful to his artistes,DennisKing,SpanishMan,Issi Baby who played a major role in him becoming a nominee. In an interview withTheWaterfallslastJune,Richiehad said that he is a re-migrant producing musicbecauseoflove.

“Iamnotdoingitformoney,Iwant toleavealegacythatthereisaGuyanese producer in Guyana working and that Guyaneseartistescameoutofmystudio. IwanttoleavealegacythatRichieRich always sends something good to the public.,” he had told The Waterfalls Magazine

To vote for the producer to be become the best in 2023, fans can visit https://demrocradio com/votenow/?fbclid=IwAR11vedukeS5Tf7fokl AMqPmfED 4KnbtwS0HDliB4GxH8 gyYgfMG7kTd88 to place their vote. Voting, according to DemRoc Music Awards,endstoday

The DemRoc Music Awards is a celebration of talent, creativity, and the vibrantmusicscenethatwealllove.

Devoted language teacher Mrs. Tamika...

Frompage51 certificates of appreciation and commendation for her continued contribution to extracurricular activitiesatPresidents'College.

As she explained, “I came to President'sCollegein2012asapartof my teaching practice while I attended CPCEandafterIgraduated,Iwasgiven a place here in 2013. Within the same year,Iwasgivenanactingappointment toHeadtheEnglishDepartment.”

Shecontinued,“Duringmyfirsttwo yearsatPC,IstartedaDramaclubthat saw President's College winning the Secondary School Drama Festival in 2014 and represented Guyana at the Caribbean Secondary School Drama Festival in 2015.”“Over the years, I have taken students to various competitionssuchasPhysicalDisplays bothattheRegionalLevelandNational level, Jump Rope, Debate, and Impromptu Speech Competition, and have even started the President's College Annual Inter-House Spelling Bee Championship,” the educator added.Butherbiggestgratificationhas always been to have her students succeed.“For me, teaching has never been my dream job but once I got in, I became committed to it. In 2014, I receivedtheTeacheroftheYearAward for an outstanding year I believe that every child has the ability to learn and thatitismydutytoensurethattheydo.

My biggest motivation is seeing my students secure 100% passes on the CSEC exam every year but more so seeingtheymoveontosucceedinlife,” sheexplained.

PROUDHERITAGE

Wilson-Jerrickisofmixedethnicity andsheisveryproudofherAmerindian and African heritage. However, she explained that it has not always been this way.She explained: “As a mixed child between these spaces was sometimes difficult. I felt like I always had to choose a side or was forced to deprive a side of me depending on whereIwas Itwasn'tuntilcollegethatI understood the importance of embracing both sides which gave me my identity”Theteachernowcelebratesboth of her cultural roots, especially from her indigenousside.“AsaproudLokonogirl,I alwaysstrivetocreateaspace,especially within my school for those Indigenous students, who have to leave their homes andcometothecitytostudy,”shestatedIn fact, the educator told theWaterfalls that she has always done work for young people, for a period of time she was teachingattheHinterlanddorm Recently, sheteamedupwithEmpowerGuyanato movebeyondtheschoolanddowhatever shecantohelpGuyaneseyouthbecome their true selves “I have recently completed the Youth Allies Virtual Civic Education Training and attended the upcoming Youth Conference on

September 30.”Outside of teaching, Wilson-Jerrick is a happily married motheroftwobeautifulchildren.

She said “At this point in my life, I just want to immerse myself in my cultureandbethebestwife,mother,and teacherIcanbe.IamtrustingGodthat he will guide me to be those things ultimatelybecauseIfeellikeIhaveonly begun to scratch the surface of my best self”The educator noted that balancing work can sometimes be a challenge but she often reminds herself of her commitment to both her work and family“So, when things get chaotic, I take a step back and try again I remember my commitment to husband Lex Jerrick, my 5-year-old daughter, JanessaJerrick,andmytwo-year-oldson Alex,” she said.Despite the challenges, Mrs Wilson-Jerrick is reflective of her accomplishment with gratitude. She said: “For my accomplishments, I am gratefultomyauntsparticularlyAuntie Kim, on whose shoulder I stand They've taught me the values of being kindandhumbleregardless.”

“To my mom, who is the strongest womanIknowIamforeverindebtedto her To my past principal, who never stopped believing in me and provided opportunities for me to grow and become the person I am today I am forever grateful to all those who contributedtomysuccess,”theteacher added.

NIS to resolve 10,000 backlogged cases before year-end – Pres. Ali

President Irfaan Ali on Friday announced that Government will take proactive measures to resolve some backlogged 10,000 cases at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) by the end of this year The President made the announcement via his Facebookpage.

He said that to speedup this process, a specialised secretariat within the NIS will be established and spearheadedbyNIS'General ManagerHollyGreaves.

The Head of State made itclearthatthecasesneedto be resolved in a timely manner Further, he announced that a separate Diaspora outreach programme will be held to addressover300claims.

This is expected to be done next month in New

York, USA, and Toronto, Canada.

MembersoftheDiaspora are urged to contact the Diaspora Unit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and provide detailed information and supporting documentation, relating to theirNISissues.

President Ali urged that thisbedonesothattheteam can examine the issues and advise persons on the status oftheirclaimsorobjections.

Over the past two years, the administration has successfully closed more than 4,000 historical cases, both at a national and Diasporalevel.

President Ali has commended the diligent workoftheNISstaff,whohe said,despitechallengeshave worked relentlessly to bring resolutiontothesecases.

Richie Rich

Richie Rich and some the artistes he works with

Anew project initiated by Richie Rich in 2023.

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

SUNDAY – Administration Board painted graphic picture of almostnothing. violation or the other in a threeyears.

OCTOBER 01, 2023 (NPTAB) could drum up, or how learners are struggling Like the jaws of a surprise sweep, this does not Then what about the

Corruption at NPTAB! pluck out of thin air, any inill-equippedclassrooms. ferocious pitbull, corruption speak well about what the head of the Petroleum Unit,

These days anybody that rationale that justifies what And while Guyanese and political discord have reality of local roads is. whoeverthatmysteryperson is friend of the PPPcan get a took place- in that a children are suffering, the latched on to Guyanese, and However, why so little was mightbe? contract. particular group wins a bid childrenofoilexecutivesare justwouldnotletgo. putinplacetoarrest? Vice President, Bharrat

No experience? No foragovernmentproject. going to private schools ButnowGuyanaisricher Indeed, the road has its Jagdeo continues to bob and problem! Highest bid? No Was it because a side where the air conditioning is thanithaseverbeen.Thereis share of ranks on police weave on the matter with the problem. street media operator, a low so ‘loud’, the students have theCNBCreportcelebrating motorcycles and other hope that citizens will take

When will these blatant gravy media contributor, been instructed to wear a real GDP (Gross Domestic official vehicles all on the their eyes off that issue. All actsofcorruptionend? was listed as a principal in jackettoschool. Product) projections for an move from location to Guyanese have their eyes on

Is there any hope for this that bidding group? Was it incredible 115% growth in location. him. oil producing nation under becausethesameprincipalis WEDNEDAY – the next five years, which Yet the madness, the rule of the PPP, or is the closely, some would say OCTOBER 04, 2023 means the economy more indiscipline, and litany of SATURDAY –oil money only for a few to embarrassingly, wrapped up Corruption test than doubling. We at this troubling issues were visible

OCTOBER 07, 2023 enjoy while the rest of the with a politician of Guyana sometime this paper think that that 115% for all law-abiding When will Vickram face nationstrugglestoputameal unmatched power in month will be undergoing its GDP projection has merit. commuters, drivers, and the media, now that ontheirtables? Guyana? sixth-roundofon-sitereview And, we also agree that the passersby to observe, shake Jagdeo has given him Was it because the very through the Follow-Up two cancers of corruption their heads, knowingly It is permission to speak?

MONDAY – presence of that name sent M e c h a n i s m f o r t h e and political hostility can Guyana, and what now

The PPP/C has been

OCTOBER 02, 2023 messages to the NPTAB Implementation of the Inter- damage national prospects, contributes to a state of three years in office, and

Low-gravy media screenersandevaluatorsthat American Convention if both are not approached g e n e r a l i s e d r o a d counting. operator handed contract thisistheonethathastogain a g a i n s t C o r r u p t i o n urgently, honestly, and lawlessness. Yet, our beloved Oil to build pump station the nod, and that there is no (MESICIC). frankly Minister, Vickram Bharrat,

Our attention has been otherwaythatitcanbe? The review is in keeping FRIDAY – has never faced the media in drawn to the recent award of with Guyana’s treaty THURSDAY – OCTOBER 06, 2023 apressconference. a nearly one billion dollar TUESDAY – obligations under the OCTOBER 05, 2023

Bobbing and weaving

We all know the real contract to a firm associated OCTOBER 03, 2023 Organisation of American Road rage over the audit probe reason for this is that the Oil with a known propagandist Heatwave and States’ Inter- American In recent weeks, the FormerPresidentDonald Emperor, Dr Bharrat forthePPP/CGovernment. Exxon’s flaring Convention Against public has been bombarded Ramotar has weighed in on Jagdeo, had not given

Wehaveseenthistypeof For months we have Corruption (IACAC) with police statistics on the the US$214M Exxon audit consent. For it is Jagdeomessy arrangement before, warned in these pages of the Guyanese do not need any number of traffic offences fiasco. and only Jagdeo - who holds the consequences of one of devastating impact of the international report to being made out daily and He said no one being the transport for all of which we are currently unchecked flaring of gas by enlighten them as to how those found culpable fired for reducing the Guyana. livingwith. US oil giant, ExxonMobil in things are here, they know sanctionedappropriately

questionable US$214M However, Emperor

We speak of the contract the Stabroek Block and how because this has been their We commend the expenses to US$3M is Jagdeo has recently decreed awarded to an entertainment it has contributed to the life since Independence Guyana Police Force Traffic alarming. Mr Ramotar is on that he has no issue with our group to build a school in climatic problems we are Corruption and political Department for its efforts in point. dearly beloved Oil Minister Region10. facingatpresent. discord have been almost going after the errant drivers By now heads should holding a press conference.

Now we come to this Guyana has been like close family members. andotherroadusers. have been rolling, starting This news has been a joyful latest ordeal It is experiencing severe heat for The two sicknesses have However, when one with the Minister of Natural noisetoourears. inconceivable to us at this a prolonged period dominated in seasons where considers that 350 road Resources, Vickram Bharrat So what will it be, Oil publication that the National Yesterday teachers meeting there was more, and other users, on average, were who has failed to hold a Minister? We have so many Procurement and Tender with President Irfaan Ali times, when there was caught in some traffic single press conference in questions!

Govt. hold talks with Unions on Budget 2024

Senior Government Agricultural, Commercial officials on Friday met with and Industrial Employees representatives of a number (NAACIE), Clerical and of trade unions in Guyana to Commercial Workers Union discussBudget2024. (CCWU), and Guyana

On the government’s Labour Union (GLU), the side were Prime Minister, Guyana Teachers Union Brigadier Mark Phillips, (GTU), the Guyana Local Senior Finance Minister Dr Government Officers Union Ashni Singh, Minister of (GLGOU) and the General Parliamentary Affairs, Gail WorkersUnion(GWU). Teixeira, Minister of Public

In a statement to the Service, Sonia Parag, media, the Ministry of MinisterofHealth,Dr Frank F i n a n c e s a i d t h e Anthony, Minister of consultation, hosted at the E d u c a t i o n , P r i y a Arthur Chung Conference Manickchand,Advisortothe Centre (ACCC), allowed for participation from unions Minister of Public Service, the Unions to raise and affiliatedwiththeFederation J e n n i f e r We s t f o r d , discuss issues of interest, of Independent Trade Permanent Secretaries of the particularly in relation to the Unions (FITUG) and the Ministry of Agriculture and National Budget and other Guyana Trade Union Labour, Delma Nedd and matters.

Congress (GTUC) as well as Mae Thomas respectively, Prime Minister Phillips the Guyana Public Service Director General of the during remarks indicated Union (GPSU). The specific Ministry of Agriculture, that government is open to participating Unions Mandanlall Ramraj, and receiving suggestions, included the Guyana Chief Labour Officer, comments and other inputs Agricultural and General DhaneshwarDeonarine. from the Trade Unions on Workers Union (GAWU),

i

, t h e mattersofinterestand National Association of

n s u l t a t i o n s a w (Continued on page 61)

Union representatives during the meeting with Government officials

Government officials engaging with Union leaders

Frompage14 intends to manage the relinquishment of oil block portions, ensuring optimal nationalbenefit.

2. Update on Local Content Act: Having been in effect since 2021, a comprehensive report outlining its achievements, influence, and forwardlooking insights is yet to be presented to Guyana’s Parliament. Although some procurement numbers have been presented by the Ministry, a detailed analysis remains conspicuously absent.

3.InsightonPetroleum Activities Act: The recent act’s passing and the upcoming auction of 14 oil blocks - with offers on eight already-necessitatesaclear outline of the government’s strategic direction on capacitybuilding,especially considering the nation’s current skill gap in the oil industry

4. Introduction to the Petroleum Unit: The conspicuous absence of a formalintroductiontosucha pivotal entity raises eyebrows Stakeholders question the government’s commitmenttotransparency and wonder who is steering this multi-billion-dollar ship.

5 Revamping the Petroleum Management Programme Website: Guyana’s soaring economic t r a j e c t o r y s e e m s mismatchedwiththecurrent subpar state of the website, marked by production data that lags two months behind current timelines, glaring omissions on discoveries and drilling programmes, and a lackluster user experience.

$30M booster pump failstofireatFourandFive Mile,Bartica

Although a $30 million booster pump was installed to improve the supply network in the area three years ago, residents of Four and Five Mile, Bartica have been without potable water forseveraldays.

Reports are that low water pressure has been a major issue preventing the residents at Four and Five Mile along the Potaro Road at Bartica from accessing potable water Late last week, the water pressure decreased and was subsequently reduced to drips, leaving householders without water Yesterday, Guyana Water Inc (GWI)

power all weekend as GPL remediedthesituation.

Power was restored to sections of the town during the wee hours of Monday, however, power outages continued throughout the day

personnel at Bartica worked around the clock to remedy the situation.According to a resident, prolong power outages last week have compounded the situation, leavingthemwithoutwater

The water supply was affected since the pump relies on power supplied by theGuyanaPowerandLight (GPL).

As such, residents called on the management of GWI toinstallageneratortowork independentlyintheeventof apoweroutage.

GPL stated on Monday that an “unforeseen mechanical problem” arose

In April 2021, the Ministry of Housing and Water announced that a sum of $30M was set aside to source a booster pump form overseas to improve water supply at Bartica. At the time, Minister of Housing andWater, Collin Croal told residents during a visit to Four Mile that the water treatment plant in Bartica is at an elevation of 25 meters however, it could have only pump water to an elevation of 45 meters. As such, only residentsofFourMilecould haveaccessedpotablewater.

However, the booster pump was expected to increase the water pressure, pumpingwatertoaheightof 85meters.ResidentsofFive Mile were able to access potable water for the first time.

However, they never received water 24/7 and frequent mechanical issues coupled with low water pressurecontinuedtodisrupt

result of climate change, some of the most intense warming is expected to strike many of the same nations that produce the fossil fuels responsible for climate change. In Guyana while citizens complain bitterly about the heat wave with little to no relief, as oil andgasactivitiesundertaken by ExxonMobil offshore continue to result in flaring over 180,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) and the release of 200 toxic chemicals into the atmosphere,annually

During his radio programme on Monday, Kaieteur News Publisher GlennLallblamedGuyana’s petroleum activities for the c o u n t r y ’s r i s e i n temperature. Lall lamented on the extreme heat that the country has been facing. He notedwhiletheheatwaveis a result of climate change, most of it is created by oil and gas activities happening offshoreGuyana.

He explained that: “The heatwavewearewitnessing isasaresultoftheburningof millions of cubic feet of gas happening 24/7, which is called flaring and the dumping of millions of

gutter or trench in front of your home day and night, what happens, you can’t sleep with all that heat around you? You will go crazyinthathome.”

“This is what has been goingonfouryearsnowwith Exxonoutthereburningthat gas nonstop and dumping that produced water into the ocean,” Lall said adding “that gas and the superheated produced water that comes up from miles beneaththeoceanfloorwith theoilthatissupposedtobe pumped back where it came from, miles beneath the oceanfloor.”

Mobil,” he continued “watchingtheirprofitsatthe pain and suffering of the Guyanese people, and Jagdeo doing nothing and sayingnothingtocorrectthat situation...”

The Publisher noted that justrecentlyPresidentIrfaan Ali met with teachers who complainedabouttheheatin theclassroomsandaskedfor fans or insulated walls to keep them cool during classroom hour He noted that the situation is most ridiculous. “Look what our teachers and our children already start going through, it’s no wonders all the teachers running away and running to private schools. The American School is air conditioned from top to bottom with your oil money.”

Meanwhile, the businessman estimates that the situation is bound to get worse as Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is intent on approving a bigger project by year end. “At present, those two are burning gas and dumping water, pumping over 400,000 barrels per day, when the other three start pumping, a million barrels a day, you will be seeing a fire ball in theAtlanticOceanwithheat galore on the coast. Now you can’t walk a good 10 minutes anywhere without sweating like a pig, imagine what will happen with those 3whentheystartpumping…

“Inlessthan2yearsfrom now, when Exxon start pumpingoilinLiza3,4and 5,Guyanesewillnotbeable to walk in the streets in the dayorsitoutsidetheirlovely home at nights. Soon every home will have to have AC units or you live and smell likearoastedanimalinyour home.”

“Right now, I am told is $1,500 a pound fuh tomatoes, yuh know the price for the rest of the greens, I don’t know what will become of the lil rice crops and sugar crops, we willhavetowaitandseethe endresults,”hesaid.

Addedtothis,Lallwhois an advocate for a better oil dealforGuyanastressedthat the country is getting less than nothing from its oil resources.

with one of its two operational generators last Thursday, leaving one generator operational in conjunction with the town’s solar farm; the latter generatespoweronlyduring thedaytime.

The town was without

thepowersupplynetwork.

Petroleum activities majorcauseforheatwavein Guyana

–GlennLall

According to Climate

ntial

for all things climatechange—whileheat waves sweep the planet as a

gallonsofsuperheatedwater theycallproducedwaterinto theocean24/7.”

Lall continued “Let me makeitsimpleforyouifyou light a big fire next to your home and have it burning dayandnightnonstop,dump super-hot water into the

Added to this, he noted that the heavy-duty machines and vehicles serving the oil sector that is drivingonthestreetsallday and at nights, is also adding totheheatwavepollutingthe airspace.“Butthosegreedy, selfish, bastards Exxon

“This country has to go andborrowmoneytofixthe damages and correct the wrongs being caused by the oilindustry…”hesaid.

While Guyanese have beentakingtheheatwavein strides,citizensinfirstworld

(Continuedonpage55)

Cathy Kunkel, Energy Consultant at IEEFA

Tom Sanzillo, Director of financial analysis for IEEFA

Frompage54 countries like the US have filed lawsuits against major oilandgascompaniesovera deadly 2021 heat wave that killeddozensofpeople.Inan article published by the Guardian earlier this year reported Multnomah county Oregon’s most populous county sued major oil and gascompaniesoveradeadly 2021 heat wave that killed dozensofpeople.

The new lawsuit draws on research showing the scorching heat was exacerbated by climate breakdown. It aims to hold 17fossilfuelcompaniesand interest groups – including Exxon, Shell, Chevron, BP, Koch Industries and the American Petroleum Institute – accountable for theirroleintheevent.

“Theheatdomethatcost somuchlifeandlosswasnot a natural weather event. It did not just happen because life cannot be cruel, nor can itberationalizedassimplya mystery of God’s will,” the litigation says. “Rather, the heat dome was a direct and foreseeable consequence of the Defendants’ decision to sell as many fossil fuel products over the last six decades as they could.” The suit seeks $50m in damages for the 2021 heat dome’s consequencesand$1.5bnfor futureclimatedamages.And it demands the defendants spend an additional $50bn on a county plan to upgrade public healthcare services and infrastructure to protect residents from coming extreme heat events and otherclimatedisasters.

THURSDAY

DamningInt’lReport findsGas-to-Energy Projectwillleave Guyanesepayingformore powerthanneeded -ExposesGPL’shistory ofinflatingforecastsfor powerdemand

Despite years of multimilliondollarinvestmentsin expansionandupgrades,the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is yet to bring an end to blackouts. Its inability to provide reliable power generation has earned it ghastlynamesovertheyears from frustrated consumers, one of the colloquial favourites being “GPHELL.”

Since the discovery of massive amounts of oil and gas in the Stabroek Block situated in Guyana’s deep waters, two governments havefloatedtheideathatthe

gas resources could be harnessed for electricity to once and for all eradicate power interruptions. During the period 2015 to 2020, the former APNU+AFC government had consulted with several regional and international experts, devising a blueprint for a gas-to-energy project that could produce 188MW of power plus 2,200 barrels of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)dailyforapricetagof under US$600 million. But that never saw the light of day.

When the PPP/C took office in August 2020, it promised to deliver what its predecessorcouldn’t.Before the 2025 General and Regional Election, the PPP/C administration had promisedtodeliveragas-toenergy project at approximately US$1 7B The government has teamed up with ExxonMobil, the operator of the oil-rich Stabroek Block, which is tasked with constructing a massive offshore pipeline structure That pipeline pegged to cost around US$1.3B, would bring gas from the Stabroek Block’s Liza field onshore and feed into two facilities, a Natural Gas Plant and a 300MW Power Plant, both to be situated at the Wales Development Zone in Region Three. The PPP’s gas-to-energy project is e x p e c t e d t o c o s t approximately US$1.7B but this does not include funds needed to rejuvenate the weary GPL, the designated vessel for channeling this amplified power surge to coastaldwellers.

Stakeholders over the past three years have expressed deep worry about this venture, said to be the largest such undertaking in the country’s history Many stakeholderscontendthatthe PPP/C’s blueprint for this projectiscloakedinmystery and feasibility concerns Some sections of society even worry that the project could give the country a debilitating taste of bankruptcy

Echoing the deep-seated fearspercolatingthroughthe citizenry is the Institute for Energy Economics and FinancialAnalysis(IEEFA). The US based think tank which focuses on issues related to energy markets believes citizens have every right to be dreadfully concernedaboutthisproject.

Infact,TomSanzillo,IEEFA directoroffinancialanalysis previously sounded the

alarm on the potential fiscal calamity this project might unleash upon the nation’s coffers.Inaconcertedeffort to shed light on the monumental risks of this i n i t i a t i v e , I E E FA collaborated with renowned energy consultant Cathy Kunkel. Their joint findings paint a grim picture, suggesting that the venture may result in an oversaturated grid, churning out electricity that far exceeds the genuine demands of the Guyanese populace. In the ensuing weeks, Kaieteur News will be unraveling the damning findings of the IEEFA’s 33-page report. Today marks the first publication. Stay with us on this gripping journey into G u y a n a ’ s p o w e r conundrum.

GPLANDINFLATED NUMBERS

When IEEFA’s experts examined GPL’s expansion plans for 2022 and 2023, it was firmly concluded that the state-owned company does not know how to properly estimate the country’senergydemand,or even how to meet same in a practical and affordable manner In fact, they made the startling discovery that GPL has a history of overestimating energy demand.

Delving deeper, IEEFA officials referenced GPL’s 2023 Development and ExpansionProgramme.That document forecasts that sales in the DemeraraBerbice Insolated System (DBIS) will grow at an annual rate of 16.4% from 2022 through 2027 and an annual rate of 9.4% from 2027 to 2032. This reflects an overall average annual rate of 12 9% IEEFA’s report states that this results in a more than tripling of sales from 2022 through 2032.

Although this would represent unprecedented growth,thereportstatesthat thissalesforecastinthe2023 DevelopmentandExpansion Programme represents a reduction over the forecast presented in the 2022 DevelopmentandExpansion Programme. IEEFA pointed out that the 2022 Programme’s forecast resulted in a nearly sevenfold increase in sales for the DBIS grid over the same period, between 2022 and 2032, resulting in projected sales in 2032 that were 2.65 times higher than projected inthe2023programme.This forecast was published in November 2021, and the

government issued the requestforqualificationsfor the construction of the 300MW gas plant and NGL facilitythefollowingmonth.

The IEEFA officials highlighted that government took key steps towards the building of the plant based onGPL’s2022Development and Expansion report of future electricity demand that was significantly reducedthesubsequentyear Despite GPL publishing a 2023 forecast that cut projected sales for 2032 by more than half, the report said the Government of Guyana did not revise its plans for the gas-to-energy project IEEFA was also keen to highlight that in 2020, an independent consultant to the Guyana Government provided 20yearloadforecastsof3%per year and 5% per year, far lower than either of the recent forecasts provided by GPL.

Importantly, the IEEFA report states that this is not the first time GPL has been found overestimating its energy demand “Even before ExxonMobil’s major discovery of offshore oil in Guyana, GPL had a history of overestimating future electricity demand. Figure 4 (attachedtothisstory)shows

proposed new capacity, including the proposed 300MWgasplant,thereport finds that Guyana would be saddled with an oversupply ofpowerthatitmustpayfor The report added that the new natural gas plant is highly unlikely to operate at full capacity in its initial yearsofoperation,ifever

Because no details have been released on the financialagreementbetween ExxonMobil and the Government of Guyana for thedeliveryofnaturalgasto the plant, IEEFA’s report statesthatitisalsounknown what contractual risk the governmentisassumingifit does not use all of the 50 million standard cubic feet ofgasperday(MMcf/d)that Exxon is building the pipeline to deliver This is a critical grey-area IEEFA officials urge Guyanese to demandgreaterclarityon.

BACKGROUNDON GASPROJECT

The PPP/C’s plan for a gas-to-energyprojectentails partneringwithExxonMobil GuyanaLimitedtoconstruct a massive 218 km offshore pipelinestructurethatwould bring gas from the Stabroek Block’s Liza field onshore andfeedintotwofacilities,a Natural Gas Plant and a 300MWPowerPlant,bothto be situated at the Wales DevelopmentZone.

peggedatUS$22,143,190.

The consultancy is for the Consultant to assist the Government of Guyana through the Gas to Energy Task Force in the design review, construction, supervision and general project management of the development of the integrated plants, and contract administration throughout the project implementation process and thereafter during the defects liabilityperiod.Government has said project generation costs, taking account of payment for the pipeline, operationsandmaintenance, and capital cost recovery will total less than five US centsperkilowatt-hour

‘PresAli’shousingloan promisetoteachers unrealistic’-GlennLall -warnsteachersnottobe fooled,saysPresident sellingdreams

In the realm of political promises and policy proposals, President Irfaan Ali’scommitmenttoprovide housing loans to Guyanese teachers has raised questions. Businessman and Kaieteur News Publisher, GlennLall,hasemergedasa vocal critic, raising compelling questions about

previous GPL forecasts of electricity demand versus actual demand,” the report said.

In addition to the gas plant,theIEEFAreportnotes thatGPLisplanningseveral new power generation projectsintheDBISsystem. GPL’splansinclude85MW of new oil-fired generation in 2023, 25 MW of utilityscale solar projects in 2024 and 2026, and the 165MW Amalia Falls hydropower project around 2030. GPL’s current generation capacity in the DBIS system is approximately191MW Adding in all of GPL’s

The 12 inch pipeline being constructed by Exxon will have the capacity to transport 50 million cubic feet per day (50 MMcf/d) fromtheoffshoreLizafield, and will be able to deliver a minimum volume of no less than 10 MMcf/d The Government of Guyana and U S c o n s o r t i u m , LINDSAYCA/CH4 on December 13, 2022 signed the contract for the construction of the integrated Natural Gas Liquids Plant and the 300megawatt (MW) combinedcycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant at Wales, West Coast Demerara (WCD), RegionThree.Thehistorical signingofthecontractforthe US$759millionprojecttook place at the Office of the President,ShivChanderpaul Drive.

the viability and practicality ofthisendeavour

Lall’s reservations revolve around the core componentsoftheplana$15 million housing loan for teachers combined with the acquisition of house lots. Whilemanyviewthispledge with optimism, Lall urges a more circumspect analysis, brandingitasan“unrealistic dream.”

“PresidentAli’sproposal sounds promising,” Lall concedes, “but $15 million canhardlysecureaflathouse with 2 or 3 small bedrooms, letaloneatwo-story

(Continuedonpage56)

That contract is

In January 2023, President Irfaan Ali witnessed the signing of a contractbetweentheGuyana Power and Gas Inc. and Engineers India Limited (EIL) for the provision of ConsultancyServicesforthe Wales Natural Gas Liquids (NGL)facilityaswellasthe 300 megawatt (MW) power plant

Businessman andKaieteurNews Publisher,Dr.GlennLall President,IrfaanAli

Frompage55 dwelling.

To fulfill this dream, teachers would need more than just loans; they’d requireafinancialmiracle.”

According to Lall, “$15 Million at 3 75% means interest is $70,000 on monthlymortgage.

That teacher will take some30yearstopayoffthe bank,consideringthatmany teachers earn around $120,000permonth”

“Such a mortgage could mean dedicating a significant portion of their income for an extended period and raises a fundamentalquestion.

Howwouldteachersand theirfamiliesmanagetolive comfortably under such financial constraints, “ a visiblydisturbedLall asked.

Lall’s concerns encompass the broader financialresponsibilitiesthat teachers shoulder, including utility bills, transportation costs, and the everincreasing expenses associated with educating their children He emphasizes that when factoring in these essential costs,theprospectofowning a home with this housing loan becomes increasingly untenable.

The issue of the 3.75% interest rate, Lall asserts, warrantscloserscrutiny

He challenged the president to find a bank offering such favourable terms in the current economic climate, echoing the skepticism that has greeted this aspect of PresidentAli’sproposal.

In light of these reservations, Lall presents an alternative avenue for financing housing projects forteachersandotherpublic servants. He points to the suggestion put forth by the InternationalMonetaryFund ( I M F ) a n d o t h e r international organizations: capping interest rates on offshore investments, notably those associated withExxonMobil.

Lall envisions that redirecting profits from these lucrative ventures could potentially generate ample resources to fund housingprojectsthatcaterto theneedsofteachersand,by extension, other essential publicservants.

In conclusion, Glenn Lall’s skepticism towards PresidentAli’s housing loan pledge to teachers raises vital questions about the feasibilityoftheplanandits potentialimpactonthelives ofeducators.

FRIDAY

Fmr.Pres.Ramotarsays hewouldhave renegotiatedlopsided Exxondeal …says:‘bettertofight thantonotfightatall’

Former Guyanese President, Donald Ramotar recentlystatedthathewould have renegotiated the lopsideddealGuyanasigned onto with U.S oil major ExxonMobil - underscoring that “it’s better to fight than nottofightatall.”

S i n c e t h e 2 0 1 6

Production Sharing Agreement(PSA)wasmade public,therehavebeencalls by locals as well as industry expertsforGuyana’sleaders to bring Exxon back to the tableandcarveoutadealthat would share equal benefits from the lucrative Stabroek Block. While President IrfaanAliandVicePresident Bharrat Jagdeo have taken a firm stance against renegotiating the contract, Ramotar revealed his disagreement during a discussionmoderatedbyDr Asquith Rose Ramotar described the current contract as detrimental, depriving Guyana of vital resources,andexpressedhis willingness to renegotiate forthecountry’sbenefit.

Theformerhead-of-state said,“Iamoneofthepersons who believes that the contract is a very bad contract…thatdeprivesusof a lot of resources.”As such, he continued by stating that he would have been in agreementtorenegotiatethe dealtoseekmorebenefitsfor the country To this end, Ramotar acknowledged the current administration’s reluctance to change the existing deal while noting that they have explored alternative avenues to maximise benefits for the nation.

ExxonMobil is the operator of the lucrative Stabroek Block, with its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC. Exxon and its co-ventures made its first discovery in the block back in 2015 and by December 2019movedintoproduction phase. The oil companies already sanctioned five USmulti-billion projects in the Stabroek Block with an investment of over US$50 Billionthattheywillrecover fromGuyana’soilresources. They are currently pumping about400,000barrelsoilper day with hopes to reach one million bpd by 2029. Exxon is preparing to sanction its

was asked, “those big oil deposits that we started by talking about, those were discovered before you came to power and some critics have said that the previous government when they signed those contracts with Exxon and its partners, they were too generous, they didn’t get a good deal for Guyana. They gave away Guyana’s oil riches too cheaply Howtrueisthat?”

intended to transport natural gas from the Liza Fields offshore to the Wales, West Bank Demerara site, where the Government of Guyana (GoG) will be separately constructing a Natural Gas Liquids(NGL)facilityanda 300-megawattpowerplant.

sixth oil project in the StabroekBlock.

LopsidedDeal

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who served under the APNU + AFC Coalition government between 2015 and 2020, was the one who signedthedealin2016with Exxon. The deal Trotman signedwaivesalltaxesfrom the oil companies, gives Guyana a 2% royalty on its richresources,andagreesto theoilcompaniesrecovering 75% of investments before theremaining25%isshared, with Guyana receiving 12 5% The arrangement, withthelackofring-fencing, sees Guyana paying for projects that are yet to commence production activities. Each month bills from future producing developments are added to the list of expenses to be cost-recoveredbyExxon.

A few months ago, Trotman in his book titled, ‘FromDestinytoProsperity’ offered support to the government to renegotiate the lopsided Stabroek Block deal the country has with an E x x o n M o b i l - l e d consortium. Trotman’s offer was refused by Vice President Jagdeo, and the calls by citizens for the deal to be renegotiated have fallen on deaf ears as PresidentAliandVPJagdeo are adamant that they will not renegotiate the deal because of ‘sanctity of contract’.

Moreover,onSeptember 11, President Ali during an interview with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Senior Journalist Gideon Long reiterated his administration’s position to not renegotiate the lopsided Exxon deal, but admitted that the contract is one that benefits the oil major more thanthiscountry

This publication had reported that during the interview, the Head-of-State

InresponsePresidentAli said, “Well, I would say definitely, we did not have thebestofdeals,Exxonhave agooddealsignedbythelast government ” Ali then highlighted that sanctity of contract is “very important” to his Government, adding, “and we can’t go back on that.” To this end, Long asked, “So there will be no renegotiating of the contract?”

“We cannot go back and renegotiate,” President Ali responded. He went on to state that while the Government of Guyana is unable to renegotiate the deal,theyhaveembarkedon several initiatives to reap more benefits for the country “What we have done is to ensure that, there arechangeswehavealready outlined a number of changesinfutureProduction Sharing Agreements completely different. All of this is geared to improved accountability, to ensure there is greater transparency and to ensure the country itself benefits greater from oil and gas resources,” PresidentAliadded.

ExxonMobil’sGas-toEnergyProject... CourtrulesEPA decisiontograntPermit wascontrarytolawand improper

Even though the High CourtruledonThursdaythat the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acted ‘contrary to the law’ and ‘improper’, by granting a Permit to ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL)formerly Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited- for the pipeline aspect of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, it did not quashtheapproval.

Citizens Vanda Radzik and Elizabeth Hughes in a FixedDateApplicationfiled onMarch27,2023askedthe Court to reverse the Permit, since the Agency failed to comply with the legal requirements.

The pipeline is being constructedbyExxonandis

Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry in a 24-page ruling saidthatRegulation17ofthe Environmental Protection Act Regulation (EPAR) requires all applicants seeking an environmental

a u t h o r i s a t i o n o r environmental permit under Section 11, Section 19, or

Section 21 of the Environmental Protection (EP) Act to submit certain relevant information to the EPA.

S h e n o t e d t h a t Regulation 17 (2) (c) (ii) directstheprojectdeveloper or applicant to prove an entitlement, of some sort, to conduct the activity on the lands impacted by the project development However, if the Applicant doesnothavealegalrightof ownershiptothepropertyor the consent of the landowner, the Applicant is required to submit information to the EPA to proveitslegalentitlementto conduct the activity without such consent from the landownerorlandoccupier

To this end, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry stated that the respondents relied onvariouscorrespondences, MinisterialOrdersandother documentswhichtheyclaim to amount to establish Exxon’s legal rights or ability to conduct the activitiesassociatedwiththe GTE Project without the consent of the landowner or occupier

For instance, the High Court Judge cited a letter datedJune23,2021inwhich Project Head, Winston Brassington related Government’s intention to acquirelandsfortheactivity TheJudgemadeitclearthat, “This statement of the government’s intention has no legal impact on the owners and occupiers of the landsanddoesnotauthorise EssoGuyanatocarryoutthe activityontheland.”

Further, she highlighted that the respondents cited a letter dated July 29, 2021 whichstatesthattheGuyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) will seek permission to appoint Exxon as an agent of GLSC forthepurposeofsurveying or otherwise examining the land with a view to acquisitionthewholeorpart

of such land Justice Sewnarine-Beharry added thattheletteralsoauthorised Exxon to conduct geotechnical surveys and environmental studies for the Gas to Energy Project. Shewaskeentonotethatthe document “does not authorize Esso to carry out the activity in the application.”

Additionally, she indicated that the respondents relied on Order Number18of2021madeon August 7, 2021 which declared the land to be a publicwork.Inthisinstance too, the High Court determined that the document only authorised the GLSC to conduct surveys and examine the landratherthancarryoutany activity relative to construction and operations oftheGTEproject.

Meanwhile, the High Court Judge stated that in another letter dated October 18, 2021 from Exxon to EPA, the company said it was authorised to access the ‘privately owned lands’that the government is acquiring through compulsory purchase.

JusticePriya Sewnarine-Beharry

Consequently, she said, “The need for compulsory purchase shows that Esso Guyanadidnothavealease, arrangement with the land owner or occupier or any otherlegalrightorabilityto carry out the activity in the application.”

In her ruling, the Judge highlighted that extracts f r o m E x x o n ’ s Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA)wereused toestablishthecompanyhas a legal right /ability to conduct the project activities. The EIAhowever made it clear that the government will acquire landsfortheactivity

Furthermore, she said Orders 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 of 2023 whichrelatetotheproposed

(Continuedonpage57)

FormerGuyana’s President, DonaldRamotar

Frompage56 gas pipeline route clearly establish that at the 4th January 2023 the lands described therein were privately owned hence the need to compulsory acquire them.

Consequently, the Court ruled,“Itthereforecannotbe said,thatatthetimeofgrant of the permit on 25th November 2022, that Esso Guyanahadsubmittedallthe relevant documents which could potentially evince a legal right or ability to conducttheproposedproject without the consent of the landowneroroccupier.”

To this end, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry said, “It can be concluded therefore that the decision by the EPA to grant the permit to Esso Guyana was contrary to law andimproper.”

NogoodtoquashPermit

Eventhoughsheflagged the improper decision made by the EPA, the High Court Judge determined that the reliefs sought by the Applicants would not be granted.

She said, “There is no evidence that theApplicants were personally aggrieved by the EPA’s decision to grant a permit to Esso Guyana. The Fixed Date Application took issue with compliance to the law and sought, in essence, vindication through various orders and declarations the effect of which would bring theprojectworkstoahalt.”

The Judge stated that Judicial review is not concerned with vindication inthepublicsphereandwas neverintendedtobeasword for satisfaction but rather a shield against excesses of public functionaries She noted that the Applicants have not clearly articulated what real or substantial public wrong occurred to them or the wide Guyanese populace upon the grant of the environmental permit facility, which would justify quashing the decision of the EPA.

To this end, she stated, “Cognisancemustbepaidto thefactthatsignificantfiscal expenditure has been injected into the Gas to Energy pipeline.Aquashing o r d e r w o u l d disproportionately disadvantage Esso Guyana and the State by halting significant project development already underway. Moreover, it may also have an unintended consequence of impacting innocent third parties to the

project development, all whileprovingtobeabrutum fulmen in the way of substantive relief for the Applicants.”

As a result, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry said, “It is upon a delicate balancing exercise, that I am of the view that no good to the public can be done by grantingthereliefssoughtin the Amended Fixed Date Application.” Consequently, she refused the Orders soughtbytheApplicants.

Attorneys-at-Law Abiola Wong-Innis and Melinda Janki appeared for the Applicants, while the EPA was represented by Francis Carryl. Meanwhile, Andrew Pollard SC and Edward Luckhoo SC appearedforEMGLandAnil Nandlall SC MP, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs appeared in person. The AG and Exxon were added as a second and third respondent in the matteronJune12,2023.

Operatorattachedto companyownedby ‘GuyaneseCritic’diesas cranetoppleson constructionsite

A 34-year-old crane operator was on Thursday killedafteracranetoppledat awharfunderconstructionat Lot 49 Parker Street, Providence, East Bank Demerara(EBD).

The dead man has been identifiedasShawnAnthony Joseph of Number 76 Village,Corentyne,Berbice. He was at time employed with“TepuiGroup,whichis owned by Mikhail Rodrigues,called‘Guyanese Critic’” The company, according to police, is contractedtobuildawharfat the location and at around 11:30hrs while Joseph was performing his duties when thecranetoppled.Policesaid Joseph jumped from the falling crane to save his life but ended up getting pinned afterthemachinefellonhim.

Rodrigues was on the scene and identified himself as the Public Relations consultant with the company He told reporters that the workplace accident took place while the crane operator was driving a pile.”…he was driving a pile, some movement happenedatthefootingatthe pile and the crane tilted”, Rodriguessaid.Hecalledthe incident unfortunate and added that his company is working along with the family

Meanwhile,theMinistry of Labour stated that it is investigating the fatality “The purpose of the investigation which is being conducted by Mr Darwin Bourne, Occupational Safety and Health Officer is t o e x a m i n e t h e circumstancesthatledtothis fatality to determine the causes and to make recommendations for the prevention of similar accidents”, the Labour Ministrystated.

SeniorPetroleum Coordinatortoface disciplinaryactionfor Exxon’sUS$214M auditfiasco

Senior Petroleum Coordinator within the Ministry of Natural Resources is expected to face disciplinary action for the unauthorized reduction ofUS$214Minquestionable expenses by ExxonMobil to US$3M.

Making this disclosure last evening was Natural Resources Minister, VickramBharratfollowinga probe that was done into the matter Kaieteur News previously reported that an investigation was launched twoweeksagotounderstand whowerethepersonswithin the ministry that engaged in the reduction of the questionable sums that were first flagged by British company, IHS Markit. That firm was hired back in 2019

by the Guyana Government to audit ExxonMobil’s expenses in the Stabroek Blockfortheperiod1999to 2017totallingUS$1.7B.IHS later flagged US$214M in questionable sums which weregivenano-objectionby the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). Despite GRA’s advice to proceed with the closure of the audit atthatsum,theministrystill engaged Exxon in the reductionofthesum.

Inamissivetothemedia, Bharrat stressed that the position of the Guyana Government has always been that the Guyana Revenue Authority is the sole and final authority to determine the final outcome in relation to the audit of an oil company’s expenses. He said the Ministry of Natural Resource’s role was to oversee the process of conducting the audit as per the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), as well as,tofacilitatetheexchange of information and documentation among the relevant parties, including the Guyana Revenue Authority

“However, based on advice from Mr Gopnauth Gossai that the initial claim of USD$214,911,994 was r e d u c e d t o USD$3,414,853.68, I wrote the Guyana Revenue Authority on the 28th of November, 2022 to confirm this figure by seeking a no

repetitionofthislapseinthe future. He said too that staff members will be advised to make full disclosure of all contact and sharing of i n f o r m a t i o n w i t h stakeholdersinthesector

SATURDAY

GPL’sdebtwillclimb fromUS$621Mto US$1.7Bwithgas-toenergyproject-Int’l Report

An alarming report from the US based Institute for Energy Economics and FinancialAnalysis(IEEFA), paints a bleak financial futurefortheGuyanaPower andLight(GPL).

objection,”Bharratsaid.

AsrecentlyasJuly2023, theministersaid Gossai in a meeting with Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo andhimselfreportedthatthe initial sum was reduced to USD$11,497,140 then f u r t h e r d o w n t o USD$3,414,853.68. “Given that I had written the GRA sinceNovember,2022andit was established that the GRA’s involvement is necessary to finalize the audit, I was under the impression that the reduce figure was done in collaboration with the GRA,”theministersaid.

Bharrat said he subsequently learnt that GRA did not agree with the positionandtheinitialclaim of USD$214,911,994 remainsthesame.

“Iwishtorestatethatthe position of the Government of Guyana today remains consistent with its original position that the only authority to make a final determination is the Guyana Revenue Authority,” the minister said. He added, “Therefore, after examining all the facts, it is clear that Mr Gossaiactedwithoutthe requisite authorization to engage Exxon and provided inadequate advice and as such, I have asked the Permanent Secretary to take the necessary disciplinary measures.”

Minister Bharrat said further systems will be established to ensure no

As the gas-to-energy project gears up for operations just before the 2025 General and Regional Elections, the report states that GPL stands at the precipice of a massive debt crisis The American research institute warns that substantial bailouts will be essential to counter this spiraling debt, with a significant portion likely to be siphoned from Guyana’s largest source of income: its oilresources.

This comprehensive study,collaborationbetween TomSanzillo,theDirectorof Financial Analysis for IEEFA, and Cathy Kunkel, an esteemed Energy Consultant at IEEFA, meticulously breaks down GPL’s 2023 Development andExpansionProgramme.

The findings are concerning, indicating that the utility company’s debt will swell dramatically through 2027. The report projects a staggering rise in GPL’s indebtedness to the Guyanese government, skyrocketing from US$621 million in 2023 to an overwhelming US$1 7 billion in 2027, primarily fueled by the gas-to-energy initiative.

The experts also contrasted the projected debts from GPL’s previous five-year plan (2022-26), which anticipated an indebtedness of US$716 million by 2026, with the current projection This older plan had even envisioned a more aggressive infrastructure development, adding 20% more power generation than the2023blueprint,yetitwas based on sales projections that were a whopping 65% h i g h e r f o r 2 0 2 7

Furthermore,thereport (Continuedonpage58)

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GPL’s debt will climb from US$621M...

From page 57 emphasized that even the Guyana Public Utilities Commission had voiced reservations about the predicted debt in the 2022-2026 plan, signaling potential unsustainability. And, alarmingly, the current trajectory has more than doubled this already worrisome level of debt.

Among other concerns, the IEEFA report sheds light on GPL’s opaque financial forecasting regarding the gasto-energy project. It also questions the comprehensiveness of the projected expenses, such as annual pipeline payments to ExxonMobil.

ing oil and gas sectors.

The IEEFA’s warning is clear: this financial quagmire should deeply concern every Guyanese citizen and calls for pressing parliamentary representatives for increased transparency and accountability concerning GPL’s economic stability.

BACKGROUND ON GAS PROJECT

VEHICLES FOR SALE

One CRV Honda, $3.3M negotiable and 1 Toyota Allion, $3.350 M, fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage . Contact: 649-0956.

The IEEFA researchers concluded, “It is evident that the 2023 plan shows GPL going into debt at a much faster rate than previously anticipated, overbuilding its generation system and providing electricity at rates that do not cover costs. GPL also has no plan for paying off its central government loans. GPL’s financial projections for 20242027 reflect paying a very nominal level of interest (an interest rate of less than 1%) on its central government loans.” As Guyana grapples with balancing legacy debts, costs related to new energy initiatives, and the prospect of rate reductions, the financial strain on its annual budget will be palpable, even when factoring in the potential revenue from its burgeon-

The Peoples Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP/C) plan for a gas-to-energy project entails partnering with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited to construct a massive 218 km offshore pipeline structure that would bring gas from the Stabroek Block’s Liza field onshore and feed into two facilities, a Natural Gas Plant and a 300MW Power Plant, both to be situated at the Wales Development Zone.

the Gas to Energy Task Force in the design review, construction, supervision and general project management of the development of the integrated plants, and contract administration throughout the project implementation process and thereafter during the defects liability period. Government has said project generation costs, taking account of payment for the pipeline, operations and maintenance, and capital cost recovery will total less than five US cents per kilowatt-hour.

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The 12-inch pipeline being constructed by Exxon will have the capacity to transport 50 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) from the offshore Liza field, and will be able to deliver a minimum volume of no less than 10 MMcf/d. The Government of Guyana and US consortium, LINDSAYCA/CH4 on December 13, 2022 signed the contract for the construction of the integrated Natural Gas Liquids Plant and the 300megawatt (MW) combinedcycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant at Wales, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Region Three. The historical signing of the contract for the US$759 million project took place at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

Speedboat operator killed after falling into river A freak accident at the Supenaam Speedboat Stelling, Essequibo Coast, Region Two on Wednesday has resulted in the death of a father of five. The dead man was identified as Elton Wong, a well-known Essequibo speedboat operator. Kaieteur News understands that on Wednesday afternoon Wong was reportedly pushing a boat out from the stelling when he accidently fell overboard. It is being alleged that he was knocked unconscious after hitting his head on a huge plank in the water. He was taken out of the water and rushed to a hospital on the Essequibo Coast. He died on Thursday while receiving treatment. Wong’s death has plunged not only his loved ones into a state of mourning but the countless passengers that travel the Parika to Supenaam route.

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In January 2023, President Irfaan Ali witnessed the signing of a contract between the Guyana Power and Gas Inc. and Engineers India Limited (EIL) for the provision of Consultancy Services for the Wales Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility as well as the 300-megawatt (MW) power plant. That contract is pegged at US$22,143,190.

The consultancy is for the Consultant to assist the Government of Guyana through

Anil Singh, on his Facebook page, “He was the most amazing person you could ever meet and talk with. His passing is a great loss to everyone who knew him. Especially the speedboat services within the Essequibo River. May his soul rest in peace.” Another individual described him as kind and supportive. “Our entire community is thrown in a state of shock at your passing.”

Meanwhile, Wong’s son, Shane Wong posted, “Gonna miss you a lot dad” on his Facebook page.

Miss Global International-Guyana...

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From page 48 important segment of the international pageant that provided her a place in the top 10 then to the top 5.

In addition, her director Reneé Chester, who is the franchise owner of MGI-G, received an award for the Best National Director.

The fourth-year medical student, who plans to become a gynaecologist and to have her own practice, may have a packed agenda ahead of her. But she noted that she is prepared for the challenge which awaits her. “Well, it all has to do with effective and proper

time management and organization. It’s about having a balanced life,” she said.

As for future pageants such as the Miss Guyana World and Miss Guyana Universe, Forde said there is a possibility that she will compete for the coveted beauty crowns. “It’s a possibility that I would pursue that path given the fact that I have a strong support system that I have right now by being a part of the MGIG team as all of my needs are taken care of,” she said. “There are no shortcomings at all,” the beauty queen added.

Woman who was savagely beaten by toshao’s daughter seeks justice

A41-year-old woman of Santa Rosa, Moruca who was savagely beaten by the daughter of the village Toshao, is seeking justice after the village leader allegedly bullied her into accepting a settlementinthecase.

Bernadine Cornelius, a single motheroffour,wasassaultedbythe woman, Stacy Stanley, back in April this year after Stanley accused the woman’s son of stealingapursecontainingmoney

Reports are that in the wee hours ofApril 17, 2023, Cornelius wasathomearound01:30hrswhen acarloadofpersonsarrivedather home Stanley approached the woman’s home and requested to see her 14-year-old son who she accusedofstealingherpurse.

According to a relative, Cornelius woke her son and he admittedtopicking-upthepurseat a wedding earlier that night which Stanley and others attended. He said he hid it at a location in the nearbyvillageofPoloma.

Stanley,whowasaccompanied by several siblings, aggressively urged Cornelius and her son to enteracarandvisitthescenewhere the young man hid the purse. However, when they arrived at the location,theteencouldnotfindthe purse. He also informed Stanley that he recalled seeing $13,000 in the purse and a phone, the latter whichhegavetohisfriendtokeep.

ReportsarethattheStanleyand her affiliates then assaulted the woman’ssonashesearchedforthe purse. “Them beat he bad, they bankheandbeatheup,”arelative said.

Cornelius, on seeing her son

beingbeatenbythegroup,wentto his aid, however, Stanley became aggressive and pushed the woman to the ground and stomped her several times. The group then entered the car and drove away leavingthehaplesswomanandher soninthedarkness.

Thewomanandhersonstarted lookingfortheroadwaywhenthey heardacarinthedistance.Several minutes later, Cornelius related to relatives,Stanleyappearedwiththe carload of persons and ordered the woman and her son into their car while leveling expletives at the womanandherson.

Reports are that the group informedthewomanthattheywill report the matter to the police at Acquero Police Station and issued severalthreatsatthetime. Beaten duringthedrive

According to a relative, during the drive, Cornelius looked in Stanley’s direction and the latter grabbed the sickly woman and assaultedherbypunchingherinthe facewhilegrabbingherhair “Stacy cuffedherinhereyeswhilecussing her,”therelativenoted.

Thecarthenstoppedinfrontof Cornelius’ home and Stanley’s associates bungled the victim and hersonoutofthecar

Moruca residents noted that Stanleyhasbeenillforyearsandat the time of the assault, she was using medication for her ailment. They noted too that the woman’s husband died many years ago and she raised her children as a singlemother

Policeintervene

Cornelius’ relative told this publication that the day after the

incident, Stanley and her relatives visited the police station and reported that Cornelius’ son had stolenapursewhichcontainedcash andaphone.Thewoman’srelative notedthatStanleyandherrelatives gaveconflictinginformationabout the amount of money which the purse contained. “They started by saying is $13,000 then $40,000 then$60,000,”therelativenoted.

It was while the police were taking statements from the parties involved,thattheofficersobserved thewoundsonthefaceofCornelius as well as her son’s wounds. She then related to the officers that she andhersonwereseverelybeatenby Stanley and a group of persons during the wee hours of that morning.

The officer on duty then instructed Cornelius to seek a medical certificate at the Kumaka

District Hospital. The medical, whichwasseenbythispublication, indicated that Cornelius suffered general pain caused by physical assault.

In addition, officers at the AcqueroPoliceStationatMoruca, charged Stanley with assault causingactualbodilyharm.

Cornelius relatives related too thatdaysaftertheincidentStanley issued threats to the family and informed them that she is well connected. They alleged too that thewomanwasinthepolicestation at Moruca when a female officer calledCornelius’relativestorelate what transpired on the night the woman and her son were beaten. Bullied to settle Reports are that whenthematterwascalledbeforea magistrate at the Acquero Magistrate’s Court at Moruca in July, Stanley did not appear in court. However, her father, Santa Rosa Toshao Stravos Stanley, appeared on her behalf and informed the magistrate that his daughter could not attend court.A datewasthensetforthecasetobe calledonOctober3,2023.

Cornelius alleged that she was on her way to court on October 3, whenshemettheToshaoalongthe roadoutsideatthevillageofficeat Santa Rosa and he invited her into hisoffice.“Heputmetositandask meifIstillwanttoproceedwiththe matter against he daughter,” the womantoldthispublication.

SheallegedthattheToshaotold her to accept a sum of money as settlement. “He started telling me, hewillbringupallkindaccusations against my son. He said meh son steal $250,000 from he daughter

whichhesaidwasinthepurse,”she said.

Shesaidshegotupandtoldthe village leader that she wanted to seek advice from a relative on settling the matter, however, the Toshaorelatedthatonlyhecangive her advice. “With that, me walked outthevillageoffice,”shesaid.He then informed the woman that his daughtercouldnotattendcourtthat day and continued urging her to acceptasettlement.

Reports are that the Toshao informed the court that morning that the victim agreed to a settlement of $30,000. However, whenquestionedhowmuchmoney she would accept a settlement, Cornelius told the magistrate that she wanted a $100,000 in compensation to settle the matter However, theToshao informed the courtthathecouldnotpaythatsum since“onlyalilslapsheget.”

Cornelius said she tried to explain to the court that she was beaten about the body by the Toshao’s daughter and that her bodywasinpainfordaysfollowing theincident.Shetoldrelativesthat she wanted to leave the court and that she wanted to drop the matter since she felt frustrated about the entirescenario.

“That is wrong, totally wrong. Not because he is Toshao that he daughtercanbeatsomeoneandget awaywithit,”arelativenoted.

Reports are that Cornelius left the court dejected and she told family members that she believes she was bullied into accepting a settlementbytheToshaowhoused hispowerasvillagecaptaintobeat herintosubmission.

New wells at Covent Garden & Diamond to become functional next month – Shaik Baksh

Customers residing along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) will soon experience greater levels of water provided by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI)asthewatercompany will be commissioning the new wells at Diamond and CoventGarden.

This is according to GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh who told reporters on Thursday that the new wells will be in operation from November

Baksh said, “There has been a drop in the level of serviceincertainareasandI want to pinpoint especially the East Bank corridor I know the population there hasbeensufferingwithvery low water supply We have

been doing a lot of work to bring back the situation to normalcy as a result of a collapsedofawell.”

According to the CEO, the drop in water service experience on the EBD corridor was as a result of a well that collapsed at Diamond This affected areas such as Peter’s Hall, Prospectandtosomeextent, partsofGrove.

“But we have been workinghard,wehaveanew well being drilled, the drilling is completed at Covent Garden and the well is being developed. We are hoping that by the end of October that well would be functional and that would bring good relief to the population at Diamond and surrounding areas of Prospect,newhousingareas also.Soweareveryhopeful

ofthat,”hementioned. The GWI CEO said that

the Diamond, EBD well has been completed and engineers are currently installing the casing and screens. This he said should be completed by the end of October He disclosed that the Diamond well was drilled at a depth of over 700ft “We have experienced challenges in the drilling of that well especially because of the unusual clay formation and attempted collapse at variouspointsinthedrilling. We have overcome that situation and like I said, we have start developing that wellandsothatbytheendof November that well should be up and running,” he explained. Baksh said GWI received many complaints about the level of service

provided.Whileapologizing to customers, the CEO said that a larger pump was placed at the Providence wellstationtoprovidesome level of relief to the aggrievedcustomers.

He disclosed too that in thecomingweeks,GWIwill makesomeinterconnections between the Eccles and Providencewellstationsand treatment plants and also a new well will be drilled at Grove,EBD.

“A new well has been completed at Eccles and would be put into distribution system very shortly,”headded.

Recognizing the hardshipresidentsarefacing onthecorridor,theCEOalso appealed to its customers to conservethewater

The wounded Bernadine Cornelius.

Ruling on unlimited flaring defies science - Former EPA Head

...says Exxon given green light to ruthlessly exploit oil at the expense of our environment

Former Head of the Exxon in exchange for a fine but not to the extent when and everything proffered by Environmental of US$30 per tonne of suchconsequentialdecisions the litigants as “opinions”. ProtectionAgency carbondioxideequivalent. as this one clearly defies The former EPA head

( E P A ) , D r In her ruling on Tuesday, science. continued, “The Judge

Vincent Adams views the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane Dr Adams reasoned that acclaims that the evidence recent High Court ruling on George Wiltshire noted that the case brought by the profferedbythelitigantswas the flaring of gas during oil whilereferencesmadebythe litigantswasintendedtostop “confusinglyexpressed”and production offshore Guyana counsel for the applicants theindiscriminatedangerous ultimately “difficult to as a travesty of justice wereacknowledged,thecase flaring of unlimited follow”.Idon’tthinkanyone Judge stated that while EPA of gas already flared would against the people of ultimately turns on the quantities of toxic produced withanunbiasedmind,upon did not respond to have any additional adverse Guyana. evidencepresented. gasintotheatmosphere. reading the evidence allegations about pollution effects and the fee based

Flaring refers to the According to the Chief He shared that the Liza provided by the litigants, fee, ExxonMobil’s country upon the PPP is in burning of associated gas Justice (CJ), the evidence One Permit, granted by the would ever arrive at such a M a n a g e r p r o d u c e d recognition of some adverse during oil production proffered in support of the Coalition government was conclusion.” evidence of comparative effects.” Studies conducted by a p p l i c a t i o n w a s guided by international He contended that the flaring fee for other Dr Adams said this specialists have concluded “confusinglyexpressed”and standards and required gas evidence proffered by countries including the defies established science thatthisprocessisextremely ultimately “difficult to must be re-injected It International Lawyer, European Union and andthewell-knownlogicsof harmful to the environment follow” Justice George allowed flaring only on the Melinda Janki on behalf of CentralandSouthAmerica climate change, with energy since it releases methane Wiltshire noted too that the conditions of emergency, the litigants is crystal clear, To this end, Dr Adams policies being drafted which has about 25 times application consisted of a lot maintenanceandstartup. adding that no one could noted that though the laws globally to cut back on gas greater global warming of opinions by the applicant The Permit was later have better presented those and practices of other emissions that are affecting potential than carbon andtheirlawyer modified by the new facts since the Lawyer countries are worthwhile theplanet. dioxide.

“I got the distinct government to allow played an integral role in i n f o r m a t i o n , i t i s He explained that there

Other pollutants such as impression that the unlimited flaring; however, crafting the Environmental inexplicable that the judge seems to have been a sulfur oxides and volatile applicants were cherry- the contractor would be Protection (EP) Act, thereby would use this information misinterpretation of the organic components (VOC) picking what they wanted to charged US$30 per tonne of p o s s e s s i n g a g r e a t from Exxon while at the Court as it regards the are also released from rely on to support their case, carbon dioxide equivalent understanding of the sametimenoteveninquiring polluter pays principle to flaring.Theseareconsidered identifying and relying on released into the atmosphere language. about the laws and practices mean “pay to pollute” majorcausesofacidrainand clausesorpartsinisolation,” duringtheactivity

Further, he noted, “Ms. of the USA - the home Contrarily, the former EPA fog, which harm the natural theChiefJusticesaid. Dr Adams equated this Janki is an internationally country of Exxon- where the Head clarified that this environmentandhumanlife. Weighing in on the to having sand truck owners accomplishedAttorney,soto standard is a mere 48 hours principle is for cleanup after During an Alliance For ruling, Dr Adams said, pay a small fine to drive suggest that she is incapable of flaring startup which was the fact and not to pay for Change (AFC) press “Exxononceagain,hasbeen without brakes, lights and of explaining herself clearly adopted by the EPA under pollution while you operate. conference on Friday, Dr given the green light to propertyres. on a subject which she thecoalition. He argued, “It would be Adams a Petroleum and ruthlessly exploit our god He said, “In her own knows as good as anyone, is Furthermore, he argued, flying in the face of the Environmental Engineer givenwealth,whilefillingits words, the Judge seems to toohardtoswallow.”

Mahipaul calls on NDIA CEO to provide...

From page 15 Inhisroleasamemberof contractors for incomplete their responsibilities without of $903,371,020, was slated the PAC, Mahipaul demands projects,asevidentinseveral reimbursingthefunds. for completion on December t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d instancesmentioned. In such scenarios, 1, 2022. As it stands, only accountability from the Emphasizing the Mahipaul said it raises the 44% of the project has been NDIA. He emphasized that importance of adherence to question of whether the finalized, raising concerns taxpayer monies must be the Fiscal Management and NDIA will be held about the efficient use of managed responsibly and Accountability Act of 2003, accountable for the potential taxpayerresources. efficiently, and the any violations of this reimbursement of these

“The Judge unbelievably fundamental principle of shared his thoughts on the pockets at the unmerciful have believed everything Flaring fee saysthatthereisnoevidence environmental protection to decision made by Chief expense of the health, safety, proffered by Exxon as facts The Engineer said the thatthe20+billioncubicfeet paytopollute.” Justice (ag) Roxane George environment and wellbeing Wiltshire to dismiss a case of our people and future brought by three Guyanese generations.” w o m e n a g a i n s t t h e The Environmental Environmental Protection Engineer noted that the Agency (EPA) In their acting CJ’s ruling is “no application, the women doubtgravelypuzzlinganda asked the Court to quash the travestyofjusticeagainstthe decision to replace the peopleofGuyana”. original permit with a He was keen to note that modified document that he is very respectful of the allows unlimited flaring by judiciary and its decisions,

Govt. hold talks...

From page 53

importance to inform Government policies in crafting Budget 2024. He also thanked the Unions for their cooperation and interest in engaging with Government on behalfoftheworkerstheyrepresent.

Meanwhile, Dr Singh told the Unions that government intends to reach every citizen on the ground through direct consultations and not just through representative organizations.

The Minister also underscored the government’s commitment to sustained improvements in the lives of the workingpeopleofGuyana,accordingtothepressstatement. Healsooutlinedthevariousinitiativesalreadyimplemented by Government since resuming office and emphasized Government’s commitment to continued engagements with the Unions and other stakeholders as the country undergoes rapidtransformation.

Dr Singh noted, “We have increased job opportunities, invested heavily in the macro economy and we continue to ensure that we maintain macro-economic stability,” as he added that in all of its decisions, Government focuses on strikingabalancebetweentheimmediateneedsoftodayand theneedsoftomorrow

The MP also mentioned incomplete projects warrant legislation should warrant monies. the construction of the pump thorough investigation and appropriate disciplinary The NDIA is now under station at Black Bush Polder correctiveaction. actions against those increased scrutiny as the to irrigate Black Bush front He said that the public’s responsiblehesaid. government and the public lands The contract was trust and the prudent use of Payments should strictly await answers, the MP said. awarded to Yunaz Civil & their hard-earned money are align with completed work, He called for corrective Building Construction for a at stake, and the PAC will thus addressing the measures to address several s u b s t a n t i a l s u m o f continue to fulfill its p e r s i s t e n t i s s u e o f glaring issues of project $978,715,000 and had an oversight responsibilities overcompensation to mismanagement and expected completion date of diligently contractors, he said. In cases inefficiency in the allocation April 23, 2023. However, Mahipaul urged Auditor where substantial sums have oftaxpayerfunds.Hicksface only 14% of the work is General, Deodat Sharma to already been disbursed, but mounting pressure to completed, with 20% of the conduct a thorough work remains unfinished, provide explanations and contract sum already investigation into the there is a concern that take appropriate actions to disbursed. disbursement of funds to contractors might abandon rectifythesituation.

Former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams

Shimron/Nirvanie Hetymer Berbice Trust Fund…

Hetymers donate $1.5M to Berbice Cricket Development

“We are very pleased to assist Berbice cricket as we are fully aware of the current state of development taking place across the county. We as a family had made a commitment to assist Berbice cricket as long as Hilbert Foster remains at the helm and we intend to fulfill that promise”.

Those were the words of West Indies middle order batsman Shimron Hetymer as he handed over a cheque for $1.5 million towards the Shimron/ Nirvanie Hetymer Berbice Cricket Trust Fund for the year 2023.

On the election of Hilbert Foster as President of the BCB in 2018, the Hetymers made a commitment to assist Berbice cricket as long as

Foster remains in office. Over the years, the Shimron/ Nirvanie Trust Fund has assisted cricket clubs with cricket balls, provided educational grants to cricketers attending school, provided cricket gear to less fortunate cricketers, sponsor cricket tournaments in the New Amsterdam/Canje area, assisted cricketers with bicycles to attend school and sponsoring coaching sessions for youths among others.

This year’s contribution of $1.5 million will see over eighty second division clubs in the county benefitting from $1 million worth of red balls. The clubs would include Bush Lot United, Paradise, Bath, Achievers, Cotton

Tree, Edinburgh, Mt. Sinai, Rose Hall Canje, Chesney, Albion, RHTYSC, Port Mourant, Whim, Kildonan, No 43, No 70, No 72 Cut and

Sunday October 08, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

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

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

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

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days. Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you'll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside. You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Scorpio. Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

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

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Aquarius. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

are expected to participate in the tournament and they include Rose Hall Canje, Sheet Anchor, St. Marks, St. Alyosius and Bohemia Primary. Distribution of cricket balls would start this weekend in all five sub zones – Berbice River, West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne.

a daily bases at different clubs while the BCB has invested in coaching equipment, cricket gears, uniforms, batting cages, bowling machine among others. The county would soon benefit from another donation of twenty-six bowling machines for schools and clubs from an Australian based supporter of Berbice cricket.

Load, Skeledon, Radna Krishna Foundation and No 72 All Stars. The remaining $500,000 would be used to host two cricket tournaments in the New Amsterdam/ Canje area where the Hetmyers live. The first tournament would be a second division one for sixteen teams while the second would be a Tapeball tournament for primary schools. Over fifteen primary schools

Former Weightlifting...

From page 63 birthday and reminisced about his 1956 Junior Mr. Guyana competition victory and, three years later in 1959, his triumphant participation in the Senior Mr. Guyana competition. In 1959, he transitioned to weightlifting, explaining, “I was strong. My body looked a certain way because I was in the gym all the time.”

At the 1966 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, France secured a silver medal, which was a significant achievement for Guyana’s Independence.

Later that same year, he again earned a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica.

In 1967, France added another silver to his collection, this time at the Winnipeg PanAmerican Games.

Commonly known as Joey, he and his wife migrated to the USA in 1971, marking the end of his competitive journey in both bodybuilding and weightlifting.

He explained, “I couldn’t do it anymore. We had kids. We had to work both day and night. My wife and I used to take turns looking after them as well, but I cherish those days. We had real sportsmanship. In fact, I believe we played more sports back then. Almost every day or most weekends, those grounds used to be packed, but that’s not the case anymore.”

Foster expressed gratitude to the couple for their continued support of Berbice cricket and noted that since 2018, the county had produced twelve players for the West Indies at the different levels.

The BCB President stated that his administration was investing heavily in youth development so that players like Rampertab Ramnauth, Isai Thorne, Jonathan Rampersaud, Matthew Pottaya and Realanna Grimmond can fulfill their full potential. Twenty coaches are working across the county on

Over one hundred young crickets are also expected to benefit shortly from donation of cricket gears while legends of Berbice cricket would also be honored shortly. Foster, whose third term as President ends in December, called on cricket officials to work together for the continued development of the game.

Hetymer, who has represented the West Indies at the Test, T/20 and ODI levels, reassured Foster of his continued support and urged youths in the county to take opportunities provided to them.

Berbice Under-17 Captain receives the sponsorship from Shimron Hetymer in the presence of BCB President Hilbert Foster.

Guyana gains two additional Archery Continental Judges

hostcountryandGuyana. The seminar included classroomandfieldsessions and closed with a written exam that required an 85% pass mark The National Judges were also given international exposure by

being part of the judges team,lead by International Judge Liz Perez, that officiatedattherecentlyheld 5th Caribbean Development Championships.

Nicholas Hing’s and R o b e r t S i n g h ’ s

achievements bring the number of Guyanese Continental Judges to three (3) as Mohamed Gamal Khan was certified in May 2022 after attending a seminarheldinNovaScotia, Canada.

NicholasHingand Robert Singh h a v e b e e n officially welcomed into the Continental Judges fraternity by World Archery Americas after having successfully completed the World Archery Americas Continental Judges Seminar hosted in Tobago in early October2023.

This Seminar is the first ever WAA Judges seminar held in the region. This initiativeispartoftheWorld Archery Americas’strategic development plan to train more Continental Judges in more countries. This will result in more regional Continental Judges being available for events at the Central American and

Caribbean Games and Pan Amgames.

The seminar was held in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago and was conducted by International Judge Liz Del Carmen Perez Ortiz (Mex) and Continental Judge Kristy Wapniarski (USA), Participants were NationalJudges,withover2 years’ experience, from the

CWI addresses concerns raised by GCB regarding the March 2023 Election

Cricket West Indies (CWI) acknowledgesthereceiptofaletterfromthe GuyanaCricketBoard(GCB)datedOctober 04, 2023, expressing concerns about the validity of the election for the post of Vice President held during the Annual General MeetingonMarch25,2023.

The Board is confident that the election process was fair and transparent, and was conducted with due regard for the rights, views and opinions of all shareholders of CWIInc.

Suchwasthecase,thatattheconclusion of the election process the elected Vice President received congratulations and commitment of full support from ALL shareholdermembers.

The Board of Cricket West Indies has thoroughly examined the matters raised by the Guyana Cricket Board and wishes to assure all stakeholders that the election for the post of Vice President was conducted in accordance with the Memorandum and ArticlesofAssociationoftheorganisation.

CWI recognizes the importance of transparencyandfairnessinallitsoperations, including elections, and is committed to upholdingthehigheststandardsofintegrity

Notwithstanding, the Board continues to engage with the GCB, seeking an amicable

resolutiontothematter

CWI values its relationship with all memberboardsandemphasizestheneedfor unity among the shareholders and by extensionthecricketingcommunity

The Board implores the members of the GCB to put the interests of cricket above all else.

CWI remains focused on its mission to promoteanddevelopthesportintheregion, and it is in the best interest of all parties to resolvethismatteramicablyandexpediently

Demerara dethrone Berbice...

Frompage65 proactive during his approach, finding the boundary on five occasions before Sinclair struck. The West Indies all-rounder removed the Demerara Captain, Rutherford and Persaud to help push the momentum back in favor of the Berbicians. Looknauth ran out of partners

eventually but his presence in the middle was needed as hetookBerbiceoutofahole. Hispairofsixesandhandful of fours proved to be more than enough fuel for his team’sinnings.

The Berbice bowlers made inroads, including removing the half-centurion as well as the tail to restrict the opposition to a

psychologically gettable total The post match p r e s e n t a t i o n s a w Chanderpaul copping the most runs award for his 169 runs including 2 halfcenturies.KevinSinclairfor his 13 wickets was named leading wicket-taker while Chanderpaul was also named Most Valuable Player

Nicholas Hing (right) and Robert Singh (2nd left) among the participants of the WorldArcheryAmericas Continental Judges Seminar

GHB First Division League returns in Grand Style at Guyana National Stadium

The Guyana Hockey Board is delighted to a n n o u n c e t h e commencement of the Farfan & Mendes and WoodpeckerProductsMen’s and Women’s First Division LeaguesonOctober8,2023, attheprestigiousProvidence National Stadium, with the action set to kick off at 16:00hrs.

Originally scheduled for August,theleagueshadtobe repeatedly postponed due to inclement weather conditions rendering the grass fields of traditional

clubs unplayable. However, thanks to the intervention of the Minister of Sport, Mr Charles Ramson and with unwavering support from DirectorofSportsMr Steve Ninvalle, the GHB has received the green light to utilise the Guyana National Stadium,widelyregardedas oneofthetopgrassfieldsin the Caribbean, to host the leaguematches.

To add to the grandeur, the opening ceremony and the final two evening games will be conducted under floodlights, an exciting

spectacle that underscores thesignificanceofthisevent.

The Guyana Hockey Board extendsitsheartfeltgratitude to Minister Ramson and his team for their invaluable assistance.

T h r o u g h o u t t h e competition, which will run every Sunday from October8toNovember12, 2023, fans can expect to witness four of the country’s premier clubs in action: GCC, Hikers, Old Fort, and Saints Hockey Club

It is noteworthy that the

Today’s opening ceremony is scheduled to get underway from 19:00 hrs.

Farfen&Mendesmen’sfirst division league is currently the longest-running hockey competition, spanning over four decades since its inception in the 1980s

Furthermore, WoodPecker Productshasbeenasteadfast

sponsorofthewomen’sFirst Division league for over a decade, demonstrating its commitment to the hockey community

The opening ceremony, scheduled for 19:00hrs, will feature the participation of bothmaleandfemaleteams, creating a memorable kickoff for the league However, it is important to

note that the games themselves will commence at 16:00hrs, and all are invitedtoattend.

The President of the GHB has expressed great anticipation, stating,

“This league has been eagerly awaited, and we are thrilled to finally be able to launch this excitingcompetition ”

Former Weightlifting champion ‘Joey’ France passes on

ByRawleToney George “Joey” France, a

former champion in

b o d y b u i l d i n g a n d weightlifting, passed away on October 5th 2023, in the USAattheageof86.

Heleavesbehindhiswife Lynette France and kids, whoalsoresideintheUSA.

Hailing from ‘Pakoo Dam’ in Werk-en-Rust, Guyana,hewasreveredasa localidolinhiscommunity

When discussing

b o d y b u i l d i n g a n d weightlifting in Guyana, the nameJoeyFranceinvariably emerges.

He was one of the rare individuals who excelled both domestically and internationally in both disciplines of these power sports.

The late Sydney Paul, affectionately known as the ‘GodFather’ofweightlifting in Guyana, documented that the sport was introduced to what was then British Guiana by the Bacchus family, residents of Queenstown, Georgetown,

in1936,justoneyearpriorto France’sbirth.

A 2017 article in the Guyana Chronicle, authored byRawleToney,remainsthe sole publication chronicling France’sjourneyinthesport.

In the article, France revealed that he ventured into bodybuilding at the age of 16, thanks to his involvement with the CatholicYouthOrganisation (CYO)ClubonRobbStreet.

By 1955, France believedhewaspreparedfor his bodybuilding debut, competing at the Muscle Beach Competition and surprisingly securing a second-placefinish.

“It was an Easter Monday, and back then we used to have the Muscle Beach competition by the Seawalls. I went out there and did my thing, came second,whichwasasurprise becauselikeIsaid,itwasjust an exercise for me,” highlightedFrance.

In the same article, Francecelebratedhis80th (Continuedonpage62)

Former National Bodybuilding and weightlifting champion, Joey France.

GCBSeniorInter-County50-OverFinals…

Demerara dethrone

Berbice to lift 50-Over title

Tagenarine Chanderpaul was named the Most Valuable Player

President Ali gifts ‘Jackie Chan’ new home …JeremyGarrettfurnisheshomeforformerNationalstriker

ByRawleToney

Former national football star, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, found a silver lining after his Charlestown residence was tragically consumed by a devastating firelastWednesday

The fire left Richardson and his family completely displaced, as their cherished home on Howes and Lyng Street in Charlestown was reduced to ashes, with the former Carolina Railhawks striker losing all of his possessionsintheblaze.

On a positive note, Fridaybroughtaglimmerof hope as Richardson had the opportunity to meet with President Irfaan Ali at State House.

Garret.

A spirited all-round effort from Demerara saw them dethrone now exchamps Berbice as they hoisted the 2023 GCB Senior Inter-County 50Over championship title following yesterday’s huge 63-run win at the Bourda Ground.

A lower-order knock from Richie Looknauth was the cornerstone of the Demerara innings, saving his side with a resilient knockof52off50(5x42x6). Captain Tevin Imlach resisted the effects of class bowlingtohit39off45with 5foursasthepairsealedthe toptwoscorersspot.

Demerara bowlers shared the spoils as 4 bowlers including Qumar Torrington (1-11), Sherfane Rutherford(2-35)returneda wicket apiece as Ronaldo Alimohamed led with 4 wicketsfor29runs.

All-rounders Sherfane Rutherford (21), Akshaya P e r s a u d ( 1 9 ) a n d Chandrapaul Hemraj (29), finishedastheotherprimary scorersforDemerara.

Berbice never looked settled during their chase, losing wickets at regular intervals attributed to their loss, as Demerara managed tokeepthemto131alloutin 28.3overs.

Apart from Kevlon Andersonwhoscored40off 52 with 3 fours, Berbice misfired tremendously with the bat as only Shimron Hetmyer (25) and Kevin Sinclair(10)reacheddouble figuresforBerbice.

After the Demerara seamers Bernard Bailey (118) and Qumar Torrington (1-11)landedthefirststrikes to removed Kevin Sinclair (10) and Nigel Deodat (7), Berbice were forced immediately onto the backfoot.

Hetmyerstruck5foursin his short stay at the crease b e f o r e k n i c k i n g Alimohamedintothegloves of Imlach.Anderson looked set for another half-century thiscompetitionbuttheclass of the seamers proved too much as he fell to Rutherford.

Alimohamed and

Looknauthwastednotimein mopping up the tailend, as they blew away the Berbician lower-order to seal one of the biggest wins ininter-countyhistory

Demerara did well to recover from 38-3 at one point, after losing their leading run-scorer in TagenarineChanderpaul(5).

Left-hander Chandrapaul

Hemrajforyetanothergame had an aggressive start, smashing 29 off 23 with 3 fours and 2 sixes, before fallingtospeedsterRomario Shepherd(2-18).

Off-spinner Kevin

Sinclair was again magical, returning figures of 4-31, operating with skill especially during crunch time of the innings

Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph and Nial Smith each chipped in with a wicket each from their overs bowled. Imlachwas (Continued

During their meeting, President Ali shared the government’s plans to provide essential support to helphimgetbackonhisfeet, withanewhome.

Yesterday marked a significant milestone as Richardson and his family moved into their new home in Little Diamond, which was thoughtfully furnished by former youth national captain and current Golden Jaguars defender, Jeremy

“I sat in the meeting with His Excellency and Gregory,listeningtoallthe wonderful things being done for Gregory from the government side and couldn’t help but do my part as a current national footballer who looks up to Gregory to this day,”

Garrett shared with KaieteurNews

He continued, “To be fair, the president had all of this covered, but I insisted thatImustplaymypart,and they agreed Gregory deserves this and more, not

only from me but from the entire country! Seeing that heisalegendlivingamongst us.”

Meanwhile, in this moment of transition, Richardson expressed his profound gratitude, not only to the Government and President Ali for their swift assistance but also to the compassionate individuals who rallied around him whenheneededitmost,with a special acknowledgement ofthesportscommunity

“I feel great, you know Everyonereachedouttome. I brought joy to them on the

field,andtheybroughtjoyto meandmyfamily.Imustsay thanks to them because everyone reached out. Cricketers, tennis players, rugby players; they all supportedandensuredthatI got this fresh start,” Richardsonsaid.

F u r t h e r m o r e , Richardson extends his heartfelt plea for assistance to the other families who have been similarly affected and displaced by the recent fireinCharlestown.

“While I’m grateful for thesupportshowntomeand my family, there were other people who also lost everything. There’s a lady there, a single parent with two children as well, who will need support,” the former prolific striker emphasized.

Gregory Richardson is a household name in Guyana, havingleftanindeliblemark on football with his exceptionalperformancesin every league he participated in.

He has scored an impressive 17 goals for the Golden Jaguars, cementing his legacy as one of the country’sfootballlegends.

Jeremy Garrett (Photo: LSUE)

Demerara team pose with coach Gavin Nedd and GCB president Bissoondyal Singh following their GCB Senior Inter-County 50-Over title win against Berbice yesterday at Bourda Ground

Former National player, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’Richardson and President IrfaanAli following their meeting at State House.

…Jeremy Garrett furnishes home for former National striker