Kaieteur News

to

lopsided deal

Apressconference iswarranted!

We are managing a US trillion dollar oil and gas sector Little is being heard from Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo who is spearheading thissector

G u y a n a s i g n e d a P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g Agreement (PSA) in 2016 which the PPP/C condemned and promised to renegotiate in order to get more benefits. Jagdeo,however,approvedthe 3rd and 4th projects for ExxonMobil’s affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) without correcting the mistakes made in Liza 1 and Liza 2. More importantly, he did not eke out an additional blind cent from those two projects to help the majority of people starving in this nation. Nor did he secure full liability coveragetoprotectthecountry in the event of an oil spill disaster He failed, also, to o b t a i n r i n g f e n c i n g provisions, environmental

protection,taxes,etc.

Now Jagdeo is moving to approve the 5th project – the largest thus far In addition, he is utilising a World Bank loan to pay for a review of this project. Guyana learnt about thisthroughastatementissued by the government. No press conference was held to update the nation as to what they can expect to gain from this project Jagdeo is also embarking on a US$2 billion gas-to-energy project without anupdatedfinancialfeasibility study Again, neither he nor Winston Brassington has hosted a press conference to address the nation on this project.

Taking all of this into consideration, we believe another day should not elapse without President Irfaan Ali hosting a press conference to let the Guyanese people know just where he is taking this country and its non-renewable wealth.

Govt. would receive global support for pushing Exxon to renegotiate lopsided deal

...ithastheopportunitytobeachampionofthepeopleinsteadofashieldforoilgiant

- New York-based lawyer

By Kiana Wilburg

M

ultinational

Corporations (MNCs) are well known for using all their legal and technical powers to e x t r a c t u n f a i r a n d unconscionable contract terms, especially from developing countries.

While this has been the case for decades, the rising number of legal challenges, as well as protests against oil companies' behaviour worldwide, proves that the tolerance for such contractual atrocities has worn thin says New-York based lawyer, Dr V i v i a n W i l l i a m s

In an interview with Kaieteur News, Dr Williams saidtherehasbeenincreasing pressure from activists and shareholders in pushing MNCs to behave ethically and conscionably in ventures a c r o s s t h e w o r l d

Dr Williamssaidthisnew m o v e m e n t h a s s e e n companies apologising for past unconscionable behaviour that harmed vulnerable communities and groups in the past

With such a trend, he posited that Guyana could have therefore embarked on a campaign of moral suasion to soften ExxonMobil's usually tough stance on contracts.

Dr Williams said, “This effort could have built on the c o n s e n s u s a m o n g international experts that the 2016 Stabroek Block P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g Agreement(PSA)islopsided. It is likely too, that Guyana, a country ravished by exploitation, would have gotten global support to force ExxonMobil to balance what is described as a lopsided and exploitative agreement ”

Even if the government is banking on future contracts with ExxonMobil to compensate for shortcomings of the current PSA, Dr Williams said it still should havepursuedrenegotiationof the deal. Even if the effort did not produce substantial consensual revisions, he said it could have served as a p r i m e r f o r f u t u r e n e g o t i a t i o n s

Now that the government has announced that it is kicking the proverbial can down the road by staying chained to the deal, the

New York-based Lawyer, Dr. Vivian Williams

lawyersaidExxonMobilisno doubt preparing for the next e n c o u n t e r

He said authorities should be expected that the oil giant willfindwaystostayaheadas it has done in the past

In fact, Dr Williams firmly asserts that Exxon would be emboldened by the government'sadvocacyofthe sanctity of contract doctrine.

“This stokes fear that the cycle of error in the misapplicationofthedoctrine will continue,” the lawyer e x p r e s s e d

Furthermore, Dr Williams noted that the government's attachment to the sanctity of contract doctrine is flawed on three m a i n d i m e n s i o n s

Ontheeconomicfront,he said it sends the wrong signal to investors, that the government is willing to roll over and accept unscrupulous behaviour from investors

Fromthelegalperspective,he said the doctrine is being misappliedsinceitisoftenset aside when contracts are not negotiated fairly and competently by both sides.

F r o m a p o l i t i c a l standpoint, he reasoned that the government erred in essentially being the “fall guy” for Exxon and shielding itfromtheangerofthepeople regarding the lopsided terms.

Dr Williams said failure to be resolute and clear from the start has caused the administration to be sucked i n t o t h e p r o b l e m

He insists that the government could have aggressively and swiftly approached ExxonMobil to revisit the agreement after

Kaieteur

Sanctity of contract

Lifeitselfisashifting,changing,passingreality Lifeis not permanent. Even stones wear away with the march of time,theycrumble. Ifwhatwasoriginallysetasstonecan flake away, fragment by fragment, and oftentimes in a collapsing heap, then so can all other things. Nothing is written in stone, not a single thing is set in stone, nothing oncesaidtobemadeoftheunbreakablesteelofstonestands forever, past its appointed time. This is where we at this publication are with this contract written in our blood, constructedoutofoursinews,prosperingfromoursorrows. It must go, this vile contract must go. Not one Guyanese should want to hear anymore about this abomination about sanctity of contract, which is itself a criminal repugnance. Themereexistenceofthis2016ExxonMobilcontractisared flagmockingourmanhood,womanhood,andnationhood.It is the work of an army of men with the minds of piratical foreignexploiters,crookednationalbetrayers,andallthose localconspiratorswhorushtokneelandbowatitsaltar.

There is nothing sacred about the ExxonMobil 2016 oil contract. The ExxonMobil contract has no sanctity in its contents,itsmanycriminalparts.

Itisanevilwindthatpoisonsthepeopleofthislandwhen our billions of barrels fill the covetous eyes and diseased hearts of both aiding and abetting Guyanese and predatory Americans. This 2016 ExxonMobil oil contract has no standinginoureyes;therefore,itmustnotstand. Itisoftoo little value to Guyanese. It was concocted and crafted and perpetuatedintrickery,secrecy,andbymenwhoarenothing but dirty Those men who stand up today and talk about sanctityofcontractstandasthebestexampleofthehustling, grovelingclass.

Our politicians grovel too much under the heel of the plunderers and pillagers from ExxonMobil and their companions, this new group of gangsters, robber barons. The worst ofAmerica come here to raid and takeaway the best of Guyana, and they call it sanctity of contract. Guyanese,whataboutsomeangryvoices? Guyanese,what of pride? Guyanese, how about some backbone, some courage,andsomesimpletruths?

Thefirsttruthisthatourpoliticiansandgovernmentssell usout,joinwithforeignerstobleedusblind. Theforeigners tear the riches away; they wrench the children from this nation’swomb;theystealthefuture. Andthentheyburyus with a legion of local louses rushing forward with what is nothingbutdefending,glossingover,andprettyingup,those whoparalyzeourpromise,diminishourhopes,andendanger our existence. Locals are not the worst of sellout, those talkingaboutthesanctityofcontract,butamongthefoulest ever found anywhere. When circumstances change, people change,theymustchange. Visionsandoutlooksareadjusted withinterveningactionstakecentrestage. Itiswhatismore beneficial to an aggrieved party when developments make what is lived with unacceptable, even torturous, definitely not in keeping with human self-respect. Sports stars break contracts; entertainers have done so, in a changing marketplace. Countries come up with, and carve out, the rationales for breaking binding treaties. Not too long ago, the British did so with Brexit. So, what of Guyana, why is Guyananotthinkingsimilarly?

As matters currently rest, contract sanctity in the minds and from the mouths of politicians in both the PPP/C Government and Coalition Opposition is more sacred than our parliament, our constitution, even our sovereignty In substance, the sanctity of this criminal contract subjugates ourpowersofgovernancetotheyokeofcorporatedictates. This cannot be, and must not be, what our sovereignty, political leadership, and governing power is compressed into, as can be interpreted from the words and postures of leadersacrossthelocalpoliticalstage. Thisisunacceptable, degrading,andenraging,andithaslastedtoolong.Itiseither that the contract and all its sanctified provisions that insult Guyanese be cast into the sea or all of our present crop of politicians be cast out of office. It is time to confront this monstrosityofsanctityofcontractonceandforall.

All teachers should be able to own a car – abolish duties

DEAREDITOR,

into UG or a teachers’ training Bahamasasateacher,Iwasabletobuya

As we just observed World programme, you graduate with your carrightaway,withabankloan,asyou Teachers’Day,Isubmitthatallteachers, degree,andwhenyoubecomeateacher, willgetaloanaslongasyouhaveajob. asprofessionals,shouldbeabletoowna you cannot own a car? You have to The Bahamian dollar was the same car, as happens in many other Caricom depend on the much-dreaded public valueastheAmericandollar. countries.

transportationallyourlife.

WhenIwasinGuyana

How is it that you study hard, got In 1986, when I went to the (Continuedonpage5)

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

October leaves us mystified, mortified and mesmerized

DEAREDITOR, thepast–itisthemethodwe

Itisafactthatmanyfrom w e l f a r e a n d t h e

Lamming wrote “ those stockforthecentury.’It’san MarinaHyde,aGuardian have evolved of organizing the Opposition bench, both opportunities available for Indian hands – whether in albatrossthattheywillnever columnist, reminds us about ourignoranceofthepast.It’s at home and abroad are the improvisations of their BritishGuianaorTrinidad– beabletogetridofandwill fragments of historical the record of what’s left on claiming that East Indians lives.

All teachers should be able to own a car...

Frompage4 system as an urgent priority have some exemptions on Since education is now so inthe1980s,Ihadabicycle. In the recent news, there duty, why can we not allow pivotalforongoingprogress Most teachers did not even were some pictures of a all teachers to purchase in an oil economy, the have a bicycle. Those were Black Bush School - the vehicles duty-free, since we Governmentmusthonourall thedaysofBurnhamism.My furniture looks dinghy, boast that we are the fastest collective bargaining bicycle gave me a little needing painting, and the growingeconomy?Teachers agreements.Wemusthavea higherstatus. floor looks unlacquered and must speak up for goaltodoublesalarieswithin

have fed us They are, forever haunt them in any writing from the British therecord.”Asthecolumnist are responsible for their Somechoosetosacrifice perhaps our only jewels of a deliberations. writer, Dame Hilary Mary puts it, “Mantel could (Afro Guyanese) economic and build with minimal true native thrift and A quick and quiet stroll Mantel, a 2009 and 2012 transport you so completely deprivation. But, of course, resource becoming industry down memory lane through Booker Prize winner who that you felt you were this is not the truth and as a successful ultimately, while They have taught us, by the eye of a needle will see passed away on 22nd breathing the air of another Mr Whittaker writes, others choose to neglect or examplethevalueofmoney the month of October is September, 2022: “Facts are century, feeling the emotion “…often it is the choice we squander and evidently For they respect money as certainly a classified month not truth, though they are of other people, moving make.” In life, people make s e c u r e m i n i m a l onlypeoplewithahighsense to coincide with historical partofit…Andhistoryisnot throughothertimes. choices pertaining to their achievement George of communal responsibility events which left us can.” When one plays the mystified, mortified and blame game and points the mesmerized. finger at the other, that Mohandas Karamchand personhastorememberthat Gandhi was born in this there are three fingers month. He fought for truth pointing backwards! and non violence. Rosa Burnham’s history of Parksdiedinthismonth.She dictatorship is certainly not wasanAmericancivilrights the past as evidenced from fighter and she refused to therulinghandsofDesmond give up her seat in the bus HoyteandDavidGranger whenitwasdemandedfrom

Only the Principal and filthy Building more space themselves I was 3yearstoretainourteachers. twoteachershadacaratmy at QC as the PS recently disappointed when teachers A starting salary of at least school In most schools, touted, is the problem we played politics and opposed $100,000 is barely principals did not have cars. wantsolved. vaccination. That was a low reasonable. There is a huge In the USA, almost WhyaddbuildingsatQC point, and they must not teacher shortage worldwide, everyone,includingjanitors, when the Regions need allow themselves to become so our Government must be have cars. Many students at massive help to level the politicalpawns. visionary and treat teachers high school level drive to e d u c a t i o n a l a n d However, we must give welltoretainthem. school. infrastructuralplayingfield? credit to President Ali For their part, teachers

Itistimethatallteachers The recent fiasco at Santa announcing some good must stop being docile and in Guyana should be able to Rosa Primary makes my measures improving educate themselves and ownacar.Itwasgoodtohear point about inequities in salaries, day-care centres, s t u d e n t s t h a t o i l the Minister saying teachers rural areas compared to data connectivity, good renegotiation of the bad were “professionals,” and Georgetown and Region 4. working environment, and Exxon oil contract is that’s why the Ministry was We are watching the drama schoolcounsellors. essentialforustohavemore thinkingabouta“Licensure” with the Amelia’s

The Guyanese leader money to have the good life processforteachers.(Atthis Ward/Bamia School and stated,“Ineverysecondary now point, that seems to be a hope this does not become school, we want to have The silence of teachers solution looking for a another Kato Secondary guidance and counselling andtheirunionsisdeafening problem. How did a company with officers to support our on a matter so important for

It is not a high priority little experience in school teachers, and we have national progress. Wake up and the Ministry does not construction land that already deployed to 86 teachers,andlendyourvoice have the required contract? secondary schools across and advocacy to a good professional development Ateacher’sabilitytoown our country.” So, which of causeaschangeagents! capacityoutsideofRegion4 a car is good for teacher the 116 secondary schools

Sincerely, to make a licensure system recruitment and teacher will not get counsellors?

Dr JerryJailall workable).Mysuggestionto retention. Guyana’s customs the Ministry is not to duties and taxes on a car dissipate its energies on which almost double the “useful but not necessary” imported cost are ungodly, activities, but to first deal immoral, reprehensible, and with the school level and unfair IfwecanallowExxon regionalinequitiesacrossthe to not pay profits taxes and

The method we have her ActorRogerMoorewas evolved of organizing our born in October He played ignorance of the past is JamesBond,thefamous007 clearly reflected in the role. John Lennon was born demonical attitude and onOctober9. aptitude of the PNC when He was one of the four they attempted to rig the famous “Beatles.” The 39th 2020 general and regional US President, Jimmy election. Carter’s 94th birthday was

Theirrecordoffraudwill on 1st October He has a beglorifiedandthelastbash legacy of monitoring will be recorded as the Guyana’s election through clumsiest,foolishandidiotic the Carter Centre and endeavour in the history of contributing towards the election record keeping. It restorationofdemocracyfor wasa‘windowtotheworld’ thisnation.

as the international He will not be forgotten community looked on for his stand against mockingly and nicknamed DesmondHoyte the PNC as the ‘laughing (Continuedonpage6)

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur

The filthy business of gold: so much more to know

DEAREDITOR, TreasuryandtheBoG intakelevels. Second,while inaccuracy through digit) deficit still existed on stop. Theemphaseswerefor

SN’s September 30th 7 Gold bought is the market price of the deliberateandnotsoskillful. GGB’s books, and senior FOREX earnings, with the editorial ‘A filthy business’ accumulated,processed,and commodity fluctuates, the misrepresentation. In street Central Bank officials were next being the deficit saidmuch. Yetmuchmoreis exported GGB could come out ahead lingo, it is called plain old- dogged in their pursuit of reduction, getting the books not known by the general 8 All the foreign orbeleftwithabigfinancial fashioned lying A big reduction. inorder population of how this exchange (FOREX) earned hole. Therefore, timing and gamble was taken with Simultaneously, top On a few occasions, the national enterprise works. I returnstoGovernment hedging have their roles. almost 100,000 ounces, and officials inside the Finance subtlewordfromtheCentral canassist. 9. Pre-oil, and as other Efforts to introduce

great losses ensued. The Secretary’s office were also Bank was that continuing

The Guyana Gold Board crucial sectors struggled, derivativehedgingstrategies mandate has always been to callingfortheirbillionstobe advances to the GGB (to (GGB) has existed from the gold was the leading (even to earn income) were buy gold, export, and bring addressed. That is, GGB operate, buy from miners, early 1980s with a curious FOREXearner neither practised, nor back much-needed FOREX. paying back some money and pay them) may be a culture that compelled it to 10.GGBpurchaseswere favoured. In sum, the GGB I doubt if this practice has At no time, on no occasion, problem. function with a well not part of any gold reserve was subject to the volatility beendiscontinued. was there any policy, any Further, there is another practiced formula, and aggregation and retention of market prices. In 2012, Meanwhile, it should be program, any push for issue requiring ventilation. operate within well-defined programme period there was, to put politely, noted that the BoG retaining GGB purchases Thereisanancient boundaries. In the tightest 11.Goldexportproceeds bettingthattheupwardspiral multibillion dollar (double (inventory)asreserves. Full (Continuedonpage72) terms and sequence of keep things floating, and of gold prices would events,thisisit: helps address the continue indefinitely, and

1.GGBbuysmetalfrom multibillion deficit at the huge upside recorded miners BoG Instead, prices plummeted,

2. GGB pays miners for 12 The multibillion andgoldboughtandpaidfor m e t a l t h a t m e e t s dollar Treasury deficit at around US$1900 an oz requirements stayed largely untouched - stagnatedininventory,while

3 GGB obtains its nofreefunds new prices languished paymentfundsfromGuyana 13. The written record hundreds of American Governmentagencies (and conversations) of both dollarsperouncebelowwhat

4. The Finance Ministry theBoGandTreasuryreflect GGBpurchasedfor,andwas first advanced GY$108M in pushfordeficitreduction leftholding. Itiskeytonote 1981 to kick start the Editor, there are several that the 100,000 ounce institution othersurroundingissuesthat inventory (approximately)

5. When the Treasury impacttheGGB’soperations was not part of any gold stopped doing so, the Bank and its viability. First, gold reserve per se of the State, ofGuyanafilledthebreach is accumulated for shipping, butheldintheexpectationof

6.GGBincurreddecade- which could be monthly, or market conditions long deficits at both the otherwise, depending upon improving, selling, and earningFOREX,onlyforthe opposite to occur It would beaninstanceofraretruthon the part of the PPP Government, if this whole truthissharedsothatcitizens understandwhatwentwrong under its stewardship, and wheretheGGBwasleft. To insert deceptive narrative about reserves, or any such thing, is the height of

October leaves us mystified, mortified and...

Frompage5

wasfoundedonOctober1st, Grenadawas invadedby the which ensured that the 1949 with Mao Zedong as US on 25-30 October, 1983 PPP/C was duly elected the Chairman. to restore ‘order and legal and justified winner in After 70 years of democracy.’ the 1992 election. Cheddie American control, the On 27th Oct., 1904, the Jagan, the Father of the Panama Canal Zone was New York City subway Nation, finally became the formally handed over to began running from City President of Guyana. Abdul Panama on 1st Oct., 1979. HalltoWest145thSt.,being Kalam, India’s 11th On 3rd October, after 45 the first underground and President was born on 15th years of Cold War division, underwaterrailsysteminthe October He was also a East and West Germany world Indian Prime scientist, aerospace were united as the Federal Minister, Indira Gandhi was engineer,poetandpolitician. RepublicofGermany. assassinated on 31st Oct., He was known as “the The Russians launched 1984 by three Sikhs, People’sPresident.”After33 thefirstsatelliteintoorbiton membersofherbodyguard. days at sea, Christopher 4th October, 1957 to begin Back to October 1992, ColumbuslandedintheNew the Space Age. Sputnik 1 Jimmy Carter had to deal WorldatElSalvadoron12th weighed just 184 lbs. and it with many of the Elder type Oct.,1492. sent a shockwave through inorderforGuyanatorealise

Hethoughthehadlanded the American political its first free and fair inAsiaandhecalledthefirst leadership On 8th Oct , elections. islanders he met, ‘Indians.’ 1993, the UN General Manyoftheguardiansof Sir Walter Raleigh was Assembly lifted economic morality from various beheaded on the orders of sanctions against South societies, be it civil or King James 1 on 29th Africa following the end of otherwise, were silent over October, 1618. The famous racialapartheid. the monstrosities and writer and explorer visited G r e e n w i c h w a s atrocities which took place, Guiana in 1595 The establishedon13thOctober, stillareandwillbe. People’s Republic of China 1584, as the universal time The October phenomena from which standard times alsocausedmanytocrossthe throughout the world are floorwhileothersresignedin calculated.TheUSembargo disgust. The Hunt for Red of Cuba began on 19th Oct., October was a movie many 1960onallshipmentsexcept Guyanese became intrigued medicine and food. On 24th with. October, 1945, the United Yoursrespectfully, Nations was founded JaiLall

BLUNT

Oh Guyana! This Oil -the bitter blood, the brine, the bile

Sweet oil flows into the deep holds of tankers

Pockets overflow for schemers, operators, bankers

The children of Guyana first dream, then all they do is scream

This is what their oil has come to mean, criminals reigning supreme!

Oh Guyana! This oil -the blood, the brine, the bile

Those at the top lie and falsify Daily, the cabals multiply and justify

Coated, crooked tongues of one, another, then more of the beastly

They are a parade, this dirty gang that leaves us sickly, empty,

Oh Guyana! This oil –bitter blood, the brine, the bile

We have these liars, tricksters, and distorters Daily Guyana’s sons and daughters become paupers Government goes, government comes Acarnival of bums, then more bums

Oh Guyana! This oil –the bitter blood, the brine, the bile

Curse, and cry, Guyana! Then rise!Then rise!

Clench fist, tighten smile. Upturn their lies Band bellies, say goodbyes! Then rise! Then rise! Let it be a new, different day. Let there be surprise.

Oh Guyana! This oil –the bitter blood, the brine, the bile

th

‘Don’t let Jagdeo approve 5 Exxon project without better terms’

- Glenn Lall urges Guyanese to stand up against giveaway

Businessman and higher royalties and full that the time has come for aided by the country’s Lall, who is also newspaper publisher, Glenn liability coverage in the citizenstotakeastand. leaders. Publisher of the Kaieteur Lall has called on Guyanese eventofanoilspill. In a special message

He alluded to the signing News, noted that Trotman tostandupagainstthePPP/C These demands have shared on his social media of the Stabroek Block had signed the contract Government’s intention to been on the lips of all platforms, Mr Lall asked Production Sharing against the backdrop of one approve the fifth project for Guyanese who have been Guyanese when will they

Agreement (PSA) between billion barrels of proven oil ExxonMobil until the championing the cause of a wake up to the reality of the Guyana and ExxonMobil by resources in the Liza 1 and 2 contract is amended to better oil contract for plunder of the nation’s former Natural Resources fields. Since that time to provide for ring fencing, Guyana, and Mr Lall said resources by foreigners Minister,RaphaelTrotman. now, the oil company has discovered 10 times more oil. The contract from the time it was made public has beenpilloriedforthemeagre two percent royalty; the lack of ring-fencing provisions and a host of other things including the absence of full liability coverage in the eventofanoilspill.Thethen opposition, the PPP/C, which is now in government led by Bharrat Jagdeo had decried the inadequacies in the contract and even promised to renegotiate it once it got into government. However, over two years since that party has taken the reins of government, the PPP/C administration has been staunchly defending keepingthePSAinplaceand has out-rightly declared that it will not renegotiate the contract, described by many aslopsided.

In his message, Mr Lall not heed the advice ofsaid the whole world, experts to install ringincluding Vice President fencing provisions toBharrat Jagdeo and prevent ExxonMobil fromPresident Irfaan Ali, agree taking advantage on us withthat the contract is not good US billions, he did not evenfor Guyana and even though get the oil companies to paysince the signing of the deal the taxes on the oil theywith Trotman Guyana has fetching away, somethingdiscovered more oil, that every working“instead Jagdeo and Guyanese pays. Now he isPresident Irfaan Ali call thgearing up to approve the 5Exxon back to the drawing project, giving the oilboard, they keep on companies the biggestapproving more and more Christmas gift they wouldprojects without correcting have ever had in theirandgettingbetterterms.” lifetime.”

“Jagdeo went ahead and d Lall’s call for Guyana toapproved Payara, the 3 demand more has beenproject, and got not even a backed by numerouspenny more for the nation.

persons Only recently,Jagdeo did not even correct formerExecutiveDirectorofthe mistakes made in Liza 1 t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a land 2 when he approved that rd Protection Agency (EPA),3 project. Months later, he Dr Vincent Adams said thatwent further and approved th given the amount of provenYellowtail, the 4 project, oil resources discovered, theand again he got nothing for callforarenegotiationofthethe starving Guyanese out of lopsided deal is justified. Drthatproject. Adams, during an online

The mistakes made in interview with GlobespanLiza 1, 2, 3, were not 24×7 recently, told viewerscorrected, not even the that not only has Guyanaguarantee Exxon parent uncovered more richescompanypromisedinLiza1, subsequent to the agreement2 and 3 for full liability beingsigned,butexplorationcoverage in the event of an activities are still ongoingoil spill was not secured in th whilegovernmenthasturnedthe 4 project he approved,” its face against seeking moreMr Lallexplained. value for its resources. The

HesaidboththeUS$20B former EPA Head is not3rd and 4th projects were convinced that the politicalapproved by Jagdeo without excusebeingusedtonota proper and comprehensive

expert review “Again he did

KN Publisher, Glenn Lall

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Look at Glenn’s Tik Tok video!

Glenn Lall has done a productioncosts–thekeyto the actual project itself. The one major and modern Chinese government to fix most interesting Tik Tok the turnaround the sugar risksarethereforeextremely factory the Arthur Chung video. In that presentation, industry The factory, highthatthecountrycanend TheSkeldonSugarPlant Conference Centre The he raised an important point however, did the very up with another white issomodernthatitcannotbe Chinese government did so which goes not only to the opposite,itsetbackthesugar elephant. If this happens, properly fixed onto now to the tune of more than heart of the country’s industry As was said in the then Guyana would have Again, the APNU+AFC G$600M. So why was the butnothingwouldbeableto management of its oil and National Assembly, the ended up squandering its oil failed the country by not Chinese government not rescue Guyana from gas sector but also to the factory became a financial wealth. Is that what it will asking the Chinese asked to fix the Skeldon economicdoom. economy behemoth. taketoforceJagdeotoretire, governmenttofixthefactory SugarFactory?

(The views expressed in

Lall mentioned that the The construction of the once and for all, to his at their expense.This would What is certain is that if this article are those of the old sugar factories are Skeldon Sugar Factory sank mansion in Sparendaam, nothavebeenimpossiblenor the gas to energy project author and do not producing sugar far cheaper the sugar industry But quite neveragaintobeinvolvedin would have created an follows in the footsteps of necessarily reflect the than the Skeldon Plant amazingly, the architect of any major economic unusual precedent The the Skeldon Sugar Factory, opinionsofthisnewspaper.)These old factories have the project was elevated enterpriseinthiscountry?

APNU+AFC asked the notonlywoulditnotbefixed machinery that looks as if back into the political Guyana cannot risk the they came out of the Steam limelight. If history is not a billion dollars experiment Age.Themachinerybelongs contradiction then what is. which Jagdeo and the PPP in a scrap yard. Yet, these After the debacle of that are undertaking in this sameold‘corkball’factories factory,Jagdeo–withalldue country This is not areabletoproducesugarata respect – should never have monopoly money that is lowercostthanthespanking been allowed to come being dabbled with. This is new,almostUS$200Msugar anywhere near a cake shop, realmoneyandthefutureof factor,whichwasconceived much less to have a major real lives is at stake. After and constructed under the role in the management of Skeldon, every single Jagdeoadministration. the country’s oil and gas Guyanese should be

It is the failure of this sector circumspect about having investment by the Jagdeo The government, with Jagdeo anywhere near any administration which bears Jagdeo in the pilot seat, is majoreconomicprojects. the greatest responsibility moving fast ahead with a TheAPNU+AFCmadea for the sending home of gas-to-energy project which colossal blunder It should some 7,000 sugar workers, will transport natural gas h a v e l a u n c h e d a an act which ironically fromtheoilwellstotheWest Commission of Inquiry into b a c k f i r e d o n t h e BankofDemeraraandallow the Skeldon Sugar Factory APNU+AFC and allowed for the construction of an and the sugar turnaround forthereturnofthePPP/Cto energyplantwhichwillfeed plan.Itdidnotdosobecause office. an industrial complex. By it did not understand the

The construction of the the time that price tab is i m p o r t a n c e o f new Skeldon Factory was completed, it may end up accountability Those supposed to be the keystone costing taxpayers in excess responsible for the failed of the much vaunted of 3 billion United States economicjuggernautshould turnaroundplanforthesugar dollarsormorethan15times have been held accountable industry That plan was thecostofthedysfunctional fortheiractions. never put before the SkeldonSugarFactory Why instead of Guyanese people for their But what is most constructing that monstrous input;itwasimposedonthe frightening is that this factory, did the PPP/C not sugar industry without project is going ahead continue with the plans to adequateconsultations. without a feasibility study increased packaged and

The construction of the thatisspecifictotheproject. branded sugar? This would Skeldon Sugar Factory was There is only a feasibility havemadegreatersensethan supposedtomodernisesugar studyinrelationtotheuseof trying to reduce overall production but more natural gas compared to national production costs importantly, slash fossil fuels but none about through the operations of

Dem boys seh...

De complex might build before de Mon Repos charges meet de court!

Aneel seh how de govament building judicial complex. Dat pique dem boys some judicial complex. Dis is like music to interestbecausedemboyswaitingfuhknow dem boys ears because dis is needed in de whichareaitganbuildinsuhdemboyscould country Decourtsystemtoocloggedup.We goandbuyupsomelandnearby need more judges, more magistrates and But dem boys don’t want no inside more courts. De complex sound like a good information. Dem boys gan wait until de idea. locationannouncebeforedemboysstartdem

Demboysbinlookingfuhalongtimefuh investing. something fuh invest in and when dem read Dem boys gat a plan. Dem gan buy up about dis massive judicial complex, dem some land and build a skyscraper near to de boysgetexcited.Disiswanopportunityofa judicial complex. Den dem boys gan rent lifetime. office space in de skyscraper fuh dem

Suh dem boys hoping dat dis complex lawyers.Soundslikeaplan? Demboysthink ganbuildfast,farfasterdandechargeswah suh! we still waiting pon fuh de Mon Repos Demboyshopingdatworkganstartonde mayhem.Aneel did tell we how de charges complexsoonerratherdanlater Andassoon comingandisseriouscharges. as dem boys hear weh de complex building,

Dem boys wan know if it coming pon dem boys gan start looking fuh land nearby turtleback. Wish dem boys luck because all de land Datiswhydemboysgladwhendemhear mussydonegone! dat dere is urgency in building dis new Talkhalf,leffhalf.

Percy Hintzen’s flawed analysis: Distance or manipulation?

h a v e k n o w n Oneisthathedidnotdiscuss resurgence of the political transnational neoliberal has remained silent Professor Percy the essential difference dreamsoftheCMC. capitalism by the global onthefivemonthsof Hintzen since my between the Indian petty

It is ironic but Professor women’s movement. A attempted rigging and

FrederickKissoon

I studentdaysatUG.I bourgeois and the CMC in Hintzen may be cultivating global environmental has a symbiotic regard him as the best Guyana with regards to the anassociationwiththeCMC movement is posing similar relationship with an sociologist this country has expression and shape of that may be using him for challenges with similar extremely reactionary Hintzen refers to, have their produced. His work on the classmentality propagandistic purposes. I resonances in Guyana. groupinGuyana–theWPA. surrogates that collaborate cultural contempt of the He is correct in pointing say this without offence and Collectively, these might I would suggest Dr with the very political Creole middle class (CMC) out that both classes are I remain an admirer of Dr become the deus ex Hintzenlookattheoutputof classes to perpetuate the for the descendants of the divorced from the masses Hintzen’swork. machina that ends the the Minister of Education, tragedyandpoliticsofrace.I Guyanese indentured buttheculturalcontemptfor Iamwillingtoadmitthat tragedyofGuyana.”

Priya Manickchand and would like to know which community is excellent people based on class and his second misanalysis may I live in Guyana, the what she had to say about organisations the professor stuff. colour runs deeper in the be due more to an enduring professordoesnot.Iamata this silence on the election puts in the category of

His examination of C M C t h a n i n t h e absencefromGuyanarather loss to understand his rigging by groups that Dr politicalclasses. contemporary Guyanese embourgeoisified post 1992 than manipulation by the understanding of political Hintzen puts too much Ironyissaturatedallover society in a recent issue of rich Indian community But CMC I will warn Dr dynamicsinthisland.There positive emphasis on. It can Dr Hintzen’s essay He the newspapers here is well thatisforanothercolumn. Hintzen that the CMC in arenoresonancesinGuyana be obtained on YouTube writes that the collective written and must have had The second omission in Guyanasincethefive-month andifthereare,theyarenot under the title – Gildarie- efforts of some groups may theclaimantsofanemerging Dr Hintzen’piece is what I old election imbroglio in in the form and shape that FreddieKissoonShow be the dues ex machina to apartheid system in Guyana will devote the rest of this March 2020 has become a Dr Hintzen puts down on Dr Hintzen wrote: end the tragedy of Guyana. running scared. Dr Hintzen articleto. hardened, anti-Indian, anti- paper It is a different “Once the political energies Come home to Guyana, Dr in that piece argued that Mycontentionisthathis democratic cabal and their resonance. It is an anti- of the people are freed from Hintzen and you will see in there is in fact, an African adumbrationonpoliticaland efforts are going to weaken Indian, anti democratic the tactics deployed by the kaleidoscopic colours the Creole bureaucratic, social activism is seriously Guyana’s democratic

assaultcomingfromthevery politicalclass,theycanturn tragedy you wrote about professional, political and erroneous because of his consolidation. He should be people that Dr Hintzen sees their attention toward when I met you at UG has administrative class right longabsencefromGuyana. careful. as attempting to transform systemic transformation of taken on longer tentacles. hereinGuyanathathasclass Professor Hintzen has to Here now is the second Guyana. His essay is titled: governance.”

Those groups are extending contempt for the African knowthattheGuyanathathe defect that I noted above. I “National Tragedy and the This is old, outdated thetragedy,Dr Hintzen. proletariat. lived in during the 1970s quote from D Hintzen: PoliticsofRace,”butabitter political theorizing (The views expressed in

There are two flaws in when he lectured at UG is “Challenges, replicated in irony canopies his essential Guyana’spoliticallandscape this article are those of the his analysis which compels long gone, transformed by Guyana by groups such as argument.

d e f i e s r a t i o n a l author and do not one to reply to him because the crystallization of class Red Thread, are being Red Tread is not viewed comprehension The necessarily reflect the ofthepotencyofthedefects. and race loyalties and the m o u n t e d a g a i n s t as multi-racial in Guyana. It political classes that Dr opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Jagdeo pulling numbers out of thin air to justify –Engineer

US$2B Wales gas plant

…believes new costs to generate power may triple …challenges Jagdeo, economists to prove otherwise

Jamaica-born Engineer, Fitzroy Fletcher Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

By Davina Bagot analysis of the project andwishfulthinking.” explaining that its intent of The engineer explained

Anengineerwithover50 lowering electricity costs by that the EN study, which years of expertise is 50 percent will not be relied on their international challenging Vice President possibleconsideringthenew experience, and assessment Bharrat Jagdeo’s figures as it developments. of locally supplied data, relates to the cost to generate In an interview with this including GPL’s financial electricity via the US$2 newspaper, Fletcher noted and accounting records, billion Wales gas-to-energy that Energy Narrative (EN), p r o v i d e d v a l u a b l e (GTE)project. the consultancy firm that information in arriving at

Intheabsenceofanynew conducted a pre-feasibility their conclusions. This study feasibility studies for the study for the gas project, estimated that at a pipeline venture – even though the concluded that the pipeline and NGL plant construction cost has significantly andNGLplantwouldcostan cost of US$450 million, the increased from US$478 estimated US$450 million costoftheenergysuppliedto million to US$2 billion – and the Guyana Power and G P L w o u l d b e Jagdeo said he “estimates” Light Inc (GPL) would approximately USD3.50 per the project to generate generate electricity at million British Thermal Unit electricity and distribute approximately 8.5 US cents (BTU),Fletchernoted. same at US$0.15 cents per per KWh, which would be He went on to point out,

A chart used in the feasibility study of the Wales Gas-to-Energy project that estimated the total upstream and pipeline cost to be US$478 million. Today, the cost of the pipeline alone is now estimated to be US$1.3 billion

kilowatthour(KWH).

about a 40 percent reduction “ A s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d

He explained during a on GPL’s generating costs calculation, using the latest press conference in June that when the world market price pipeline cost, the projected while the five US cents per o f c r u d e o i l w a s pipeline lifespan of 25 years, kilowatthourmaybethecost approximately USD60 00 and, a cost of capital of 10 to generate the electricity, perbarrel. percent, would increase the another five cents may be Now that the cost of the energy cost to GPL to lost in the transmission and pipeline alone has increased USD7.80 per million BTU. distribution of the power to US$1.3 billion, Fletcher This dramatic increase of This could take the final reasoned that this mammoth GPL’s energy costs, and price for the sale of the increase, would necessarily factoring in the information electricity to about US$0.15 drive up the cost of gas that energy normally cents, after adding five US supplied to GPL, and averages about 65 percent of cents as profits for the consequentially, place the generating costs, would company viability of the project in result in GPL generating

However, Mr Fitzroy jeopardy power at approximately 15 Fletcher, a Jamaica born To this end, he pointed US cents per KWh An engineer does not agree with out, “The Government’s increase of this order would these “estimates” as estimates that with the latest obliterate any benefit of provided by the VP In fact, pipeline cost, the cost of usingnaturalgas.” thespecialist,whograduated generating power by GPL Notably, Jagdeo said that from the University of the would be less than the EN the US15 cents would be the WestIndiesin1969 andlater estimate of 8.5 US cents per total cost to generate the achieved an MBA from the KWh, and be as low as 4 or 5 power, make a profit and University of Toronto in UScentsperKWh,appearto caterforlossesduringthe 1974,hasprovidedadetailed befiguresdrawnoutofahat,

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.

To every problem, there Machel Wake up dude, straight. They are good at is a solution; we just have to nothing was done for counting their chips, which find the right solution and teachers since your can be changed for wads of apply it – and the solution governmentwasformed.7% cash. Now, the clarion call is that always works, some of increase, 8k uniform ‘Up with capitalism!’Down us have realised, is simply allowance don’t mean squat with doomsayers and SUNDAY greens lady at Bourda Politicians, but because we taking the problem to the with the inflation happening naysayers questioning Don’t sit back in silence! Market who has hiked her know too that if someone Lordinprayer now So do something that capitalism’s crimes and

If we take some time out vegetablesandtothegrocery does not pay attention to If we apply this principle makessenseandstoptalking criminals The latter are of our busy schedule to shop to face the daily what is happening, there is a to every problem we face in nonsense.”

Politicians, the cast of observe what is happening increasesinbasicfooditems. high likelihood that we will life, rather than worry or Everything in this pundits, and oil men running around us - in our homes, GuySuCo is still to be never truly develop as much wish them away, the world country is a struggle and by racketshere. communities, country and fixed, public servants are as this resources could allow would most definitely be a now, the teachers are well even the world at large - the still to receive a livable us. betterplace.

aware that all the glowing SATURDAY list of wrongs could far wage; racial tension and Our Government is not Ponderonthat!

tributes yesterday were as Jagdeo is the best, the best outnumber the few things alleged discrimination are concerned that our oil hallow and fake as it could inAmerica, forAmerica thatmaybegoingright. still high and most of all we expenses far outweigh what THURSDAY get. President Ali should Children and adults in

While we might be are still stuck with a we receive, and that we may Paying lip service back up, which would America are singing a new temptedtogetfrustrated,itis dangerous, lopsided contract never benefit from that 50 to our teachers otherwise be empty words song. important to remember that with ExxonMobil, where the /50shareasaresult.Theyare Y e s t e r d a y , o u r with an announcement of a What a friend we have in each day we have the power US oil major reaps all of the not concerned that our politicians sang all the 50% pay hike for our Jagdeo. to make choices that can benefits and we, who own institutions and human glorious praises for teachers. nation’steachers. America never had a correctmanysituations. the resources, have settled resources are lacking. Yet One party even proposed an friendlikehe.

It’s about time that each forthecrumbs. Government is allowing across-the-board increase of FRIDAY Exxon never had a better of us endeavour to be the President Ali can jump Exxontogofullsteamahead $100,000foreachteacher Do PPPleaders stand for helperthanhe. changewewishtosee,rather high or jump low- one thing with its production with no We at this newspaper anything these days? than sit back in silent, is sure, he and his intention to renegotiate the know that all that was said The PPP in recent years Jagdeogivewetheoil, essentially consenting to the governmentcannotwineand contract. Our environment is was paying lip service to our do not celebrate October 5- Jagdeo watch Exxon undesirable. wave away the sorrows and still not secured, yet we are national treasures. The AFC the so called return to back. sufferingsofGuyanese. docile in our response which made the $100,000 democracy like they did Jagdeo is the best!

MONDAY Guyana there is too much at proposal was in government before Perhaps an Jagdeoisthebest!

Back to regular TUESDAY stake to go down as a few years ago and teachers acknowledgement that the Tohellwiththerest. programming Guyana there is too weaklings! had to protest to get basic hard work by Cheddi Jagan

After all the noise, much at stake to go increases, but now in isbeingundermineddailyby What a friend we have in distractions and the down as weaklings!

WEDNESDAY opposition, they are loud in this new breed of Freedom Jagdeo. promises, we are back to We at Kaieteur News Why worry? theircall.

Houseleaders. All our profits he regularprogrammingasthey have been doing our best to At school, children are President Irfaan Ali also Look at oil Guyana handover, all our company usedtosayinradioland. highlight all that is wrong taught to ‘solve problems’, spoke about how much his today; the people who loved troubleshewaveaway

The CPL cricket is over withthismassiveoilfindthat notworryaboutthem. government has been doing Jagan, now attack those who and so is the cricket carnival ourcitizensarelosingouton. It is therefore perplexing for teachers- claims which mention what he stood for Jagdeo is the best! all intended to distract We have bent over that many grow up to be were quickly debunked by a and against. The Yanks win Jagdeoisthebest. citizens from the real backwards to show worryingadults.

teacher commenting under a again; always win With Hip,hiphooray! Hooray struggle and suffering going Guyanese the dangers that By worrying, we are storysharedonsocialmedia.

leaders that can’t stand for Jagdeo is what they’re oninthiscountry lurk, not just because we defying the Creator himself The teacher said thusly: “He straight. Can’t look straight chanting and singing in

After citizens would know that we are being who literally challenged us believeshestillonstagewith in the eye Can’t speak America. have finished wining down cheated out of our oil wealth to give all our worries to led by their President, they by the foreign companies, Him, for he cares about us (1 must now return to the with the assistance of our Peter5:7).

Govt. would receive global support...

From page 3 political blunder of allowing itself to own a assuming office in 2020. “What this would problem it did not create. Therefore, any have done is direct agitation towards the problem or discontent that develops will fall powerfulmultinationalcorporation. squarelyonitsshoulder

Through this process, the government

Atatimewhenthecountryisamagnetfor would have cast itself as a champion for the foreign investment, Dr Williams posited that people and stayed clear of any buildup of the government must send the right message. animosity “That message should not be that investors

Its failure to do this has placed it as a who obtain unconscionable and unfair shield for ExxonMobil, absorbing all the contractterms,whetherthroughcorruptionor anger of the people ”Importantly, Dr power asymmetry will be get away with Williams said observers must take note that it…,”expressedthelawyer ExxonMobil has cleverly evaded a Hesaidthisislikelytoinviteenterprising confrontationwiththepeoplebyremainingin foreign investors to extract unconscionable the background while the government deals either through corrupt practices or marchesforwardintheroleofitsdefender power and information asymmetry The NY

In essence, he said the ruling PPP/C lawyer said this is not the message the administration has made the strategic governmentshouldbesending.

WEEKINREVIEW of contract renegotiation, common the Government for sidelining the sense should have shut down that Opposition highlighting that their SUNDAY argumentbeforeitwasevenmade.” refusal to engage has been at the

Thelawyeradded,“Simplyput, centre of many of the disputes BOTH GOVERNMENTS sanctity of contract means, an facingthetwosidesoftheHouse.

MISUSED ‘SANCTITY OF agreementmadefreely,knowingly,

With the bid round for the oil CONTRACT’DOCTRINE TO AVOID and fairly by competent parties, blocks expected before year end, ACTING IN NATION’S BEST must be kept. It operates as a Low said that the Opposition is INTEREST -NYLAWYER fundamental principle of contract keenonseeingtheprovisionsofthe law, reflected in principles such as Government given that they also

Though the 2016 Stabroek pactasuntservanda,wellunknown have ideas on what the new Block Production Sharing to state actors. Therefore, despite agreementshouldlooklike. Agreement(PSA)hasbeenheavily sovereignty, a state is liable if it Low said that “the fact that the criticized for having a gross unilaterally breaches an

new model PSA has not been number of fiscal weaknesses, the agreement.” released for public consultations, PPP/C administration has However, Dr. Williams when we are only days away from maintained that no renegotiation contendedthattherenegotiationof the expected beginning of the oil willtakeplace. acontractisacommonpracticethat blockauctionshouldfillGuyanese

Theparty’stopofficialssuchas doesnotcollidewiththesanctityof withsuspicionandalarm.”Hesaid Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo contractdoctrine. that the Parliamentary Opposition have categorically stated that they Hesaiditinvolvestherevisiting would have demanded the release abide by the sanctity of contract of problematic terms of an of the new PSA document over a doctrine. This principle states that agreement by parties who may or month ago, but still there has been the companies involved as well as may not reach agreement on a hesaidoccurredinJune1999when exploration,youhavenoassurance no information in this regard. He the State will uphold their revision. Therefore, Dr Williams the government signed a clumsy that the exploration would lead to said that “similar to the passage of obligationsunderthedeal. arguedthatsanctityofcontractand explorationagreement. anydiscovery However,predictive the Natural Resources Fund Act

ANew York based lawyer, Dr renegotiation of contract are That agreement granted a analytics and other factors should amendments, where there was no Vivian Williams has since parallel processes that compliment petroleum exploration licence to leadtobetterbargaining.” meaningful consultation, we are challenged this standing by the ratherthanoffendeachother Esso Exploration and Production Afterthe2015discoveryofoil, again seeing no effort by the Government, as he believes there Furthermore, the lawyer stated Guyana Limited (EEPGL) that he noted that the APNU+AFC government to engage with are clear grounds for which that thattherehasbeenanescalationof violated the country’s Natural Government at the time signed a stakeholders during this process. principle can be set aside or grave errors by the current and Resources Law on the number of PSA which did not correct the Guyanese must ask why the overruled. In an invited comment, previous governments when it blocks that can be awarded to a award of the blocks. He recalled secrecy,” the opposition advisor Dr Williams said successive comes to the 2016 deal Dr company The company was given thattheamendedcontractwaslater said. He questioned, “What is the administrations have, for too long, Williamssaidthistakestheformof 600 blocks when only 60 are condemned as lopsided and unfair Government hiding in this new invoked the common law doctrine escalating a commitment to bad allowedbylaw tothecountrybythepoliticalparty PSA?” ofsanctityofcontracttoevadecalls decisions because one is already When that error came to light now in government and global Low charged that, “Given the for renegotiation of the Stabroek vested. “…In this case, Guyana’s after oil was discovered in experts. Thenexterrorhesaidwas debate that has surrounded the BlockPSA. escalationoferrorinvolvesvesting commercialquantitiesin2015,Dr that the PPP Government existingPSA,onewouldthinkthat

Hesaid,“Whatisplayingoutis itself in the defense of what it Williams said the political actors inappropriatelyinvokedthesanctity theGovernmentwouldwanttogive the misapplication of a legal acknowledges is a bad deal,” the now in power, used justification to of contract doctrine in defense of stakeholdersachancetoparticipate doctrine to avoid acting in the lawyerstated. defendtheerror what it has accepted as a lopsided in the process of crafting a new nation’s best interest. Because the Expoundingfurther,thelawyer “Thejustificationofferedisthat contract Hesaiditthenkicksthecan one.”Henoted,however,that“rest sanctity of contract doctrine does outlined how key errors have oil was not yet discovered. Of down the road, promising to do assured we will use various notapplytotheconsensualprocess escalated over the years. The first course, if you are engaging in betterinfuturecontracts. strategiestopursuethis.”Headded that the Opposition will be taking

STILL NO PUBLIC CONSENSUS furtheractionsinthenearfutureto OR RELEASE OF NEW PSA ensureitsnecessarycontributionto AS OIL BLOCK AUCTION the new oil resource sharing APPROACHES -OPPOSITION SAYS agreement It is expected that

IT WILL USE ALL AVENUES TO relinquished portions of five oil ACCESS NEW DOCUMENT blocks will be part of the auction that will now be held in the fourth

Given the raging debates quarterofthisyear regarding the lopsided Production Still accepting advice, and Sharing Agreement (PSA) that examining their approach to the Guyana currently has with auction, President Irfaan Ali had ExxonMobil’s subsidiary Esso said that the bidding event was Exploration and Production pushed back to ensure that the Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and administrationcoversallitsbases. partners, it was thought that the While the Government has not Government would have by now yet stated which blocks are up for commencedconsultations,ormade grabs, it is believed that the public, information on the new Kanuku, Corentyne, Demerara, agreement to ensure stakeholders’ CanjeandtheKaieteurBlockswill input for a more satisfactory share bepartoftheauction,whilenopart oftheoilresources. of the prolific Stabroek Block

This has not beenthecase,and would be included in the nation’s the parliamentary Opposition says maiden bid round since the itisconcernedaboutwhatcouldbe provisions of the 2016 contract hidden in the new contract that the only allows for 20 percent of the Government is yet to engage the acreage to be relinquished after Opposition,despitetheirrequestto seven years. It means, therefore, beinvolved. that a portion of the oil-rich block Economist and Advisor to the would only be surrendered to the Opposition Leader, Elson Low has Stateuntil2023. expressed worry over the Callshavegottenloudertohave Government’s posture to not Guyanese involved in the auction involve the Parliamentary despite, utterances that locals will Opposition in major decisions that beabletofinancesuchendeavours. directly impact constituents Callshavealsobeenmadetodebar supporting both sides of the Americanoilgiant,Exxonfromthe politicaldivide.Lowhascalledout

NewYork based Lawyer, Dr. Vivian Williams

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki

Frompage14 effective.” As such, Janki told (PSA) it has with Exxon’s Guyana, they have not only auction given their hold on the viewers of the online programme subsidiary Esso Exploration and exposed their corrupt ways, and massive Stabroek Block and the thatthedealmostdefinitelycanbe Production Guyana Ltd (EEPGL), how weak they are to acting belief of some that their changed. However, she did point thebodysaysstakeholdersarealso correctly, but they have exhibited involvement could mean the out, “The government, Esso, Hess beginning to think that the their intention to stay in power monopolizingofthestateresource. and CNOOC can sit down and government is deliberately through the adherence of the oil

Recently,Exxonsaiditwasnot change that agreement. They can supporting this unfavourable companies’calling. Dr Mahadeo surewhetheritwouldbetakingpart amend it. The difficulty is why agreement in return for the oil told the newspaper that Article 13 in the auction, but based their would they Exxon is here to make companies’support in maintaining has always supported the decisiontodosoonthepossibilities money; so is Hess, so is CNOOC politicalpower Article13founder, renegotiation of the one sided oil thatthenewPSAmayprovide. and the worst that the deal is for Dr Yog Mahadeo said that the contract as more benefits could be Guyana the more money they will situationinGuyanacontinuestobe secured for the nation. “We said

MONDAY make.” viewed from all sides with the fromdayone,ourpositionhasbeen

Only Sunday Kaieteur News discussion now increasing as to consistent, that is, renegotiate this ‘EXXON CONTRACT reported that both the former and whytheGuyanagovernmentisnot rotten contract so that Guyana can NOT CAST IN STONE’ present governments have been seekingmorefromitsoilcontract. benefit. The current government -INT’L LAWYERS SAYS misusing the sanctity of contract Hetoldthenewspaperthat,“in said the same before getting to ‘SANCTITY OF CONTRACT’ doctrine to avoid renegotiating the my recent interaction with powerandthentheslickofoilmade DOCTRINE DOES NOT lopsideddeal. internationalwatchdoggroups,itis them change their position,” Dr. MEAN AN AGREEMENT

This is according to a New now being adjudged that the Mahadeosaid. partners will not be changed toCANNOT BE CHANGED York-based Guyanese, lawyer, Dr. Government’s position is being Hechargedthat“government’s maintain“sanctityofcontract”.But Vivian Williams who explained in dictatedbyExxon.Inexchangefor handling of the oil contract various experts have clarified that“There is a willingness not to an invited comment that, “What is not renegotiating, the Government exemplifies its embrace of the lopsided contract can betreat contracts as cast in stone (so) playingoutisthemisapplicationof isassuredmassivesupportthrough corruption; putting a corrupt changed.thatwhilecontractsbindustoterms a legal doctrine to avoid acting in the next elections.” Dr Mahadeo government and a corrupt contract

More recently, Internationaland conditions, if the conditions the nation’s best interest. Because continued that, “in other words, in context ” Dr Mahadeo Lawyer, MelindaJanki weighed inhave changed so dramatically and the sanctity of contract doctrine there is a growing belief that the maintained too that, “the on government’s position on theso detrimentally, then the does not apply to the consensual government has been assured it government has shown the oil deal, explaining that this ‘sanctityreopening and renegotiation of process of contract renegotiation, could stay in power by agreeing to companies that we are a country ofcontract’termdoesnotmeanthatcontractsisareasonabledemandof common sense should have shut non-negotiation and to facilitate withweakleaderswhocannottake arenegotiationisimpossible.Jankithe people of Trinidad and Tobago down that argument before it was highcostprojectstoboostcostoil.” hard decisions for fear of personal was a presenter on a Globespanand we anticipate that our partners evenmade.”

Thetransparencyadvocatesaid loss.” He said that the government 24x7discussionwhereshepointedinthisbusinesswillseeourclaimas

Thelawyeradded,“Simplyput, that this show of reluctance on the prefers to “stay in power with out“whenwehearpeopleyappingafairandjustoneandweanticipate sanctity of contract means, an government’s part leaves Guyana supportfromtheoilcompaniesand aboutsanctityofcontractsandthatthattherewillbesomereopeningof agreementmadefreely,knowingly, in a very vulnerable position; the US government until this is the reason for not changing thecontracts so that at the end of the and fairly by competent parties, pointing out, that in the current position changes on the contract,” contract that is of course completeday, we can all sustainably benefit must be kept. It operates as a administration’s failure to be bold insteadofgettingforGuyanesethe nonsense.Sanctityofcontractdoesfrom the God given riches of fundamental principle of contract and demand a better oil share for (Continuedonpage16) notmeanthatthecontractcannotbeTrinidadandTobago.” law, reflected in principles such as changed by the parties to the

This is the position of theT&T pactasuntservanda,wellunknown contract.Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley tostateactors.

Sanctityofcontractmeansthaton the issue of renegotiation, and

Therefore, despite sovereignty, one party cannot unilaterallygettingmorevaluefromthenatural a state is liable if it unilaterally suddenlydecidethatheorshe,oritresources his country is blessed breachesanagreement.” doesn’tlikethesetermssotheyarewith,foritscitizens.Rowleymade

However, Dr Williams not gonna do it. It’s two differentthese statements during an Energy contendedthattherenegotiationof things…”Conferenceheldinthetwinisland, acontractisacommonpracticethat

The lawyer was keen to noteputtingoilcompaniesonguardthat doesnotcollidewiththesanctityof that the 2016 PSA, specifically athe will be “reopening” the oil contract doctrine He said it

Article 31 2 states, “Thiscontracts as “dramatic changes” involves the revisiting of agreementshallnotbeamendedortriggerthisreasonabledemand. problematictermsofanagreement modified in any respect except by

Here in Guyana, the leaders by parties who may or may not written agreement entered into byhave taken the position that the reach agreement on a revision. all the parties which shall state the2016 Production Sharing

Therefore,Dr Williamsarguedthat dateuponwhichtheamendmentorAgreement (PSA) the country has sanctity of contract and modification shall becomewith oil giant ExxonMobil and its renegotiation of contract are parallel processes that compliment ratherthanoffendeachother

INTERNATIONAL WATCHDOG GROUPS BELIEVE EXXON CALLING THE SHOTS ON GUYANA’S OIL …ARTICLE 13 SAYS PPP/C GOVT. DANCING TO COMPANIES’TUNE TO STAY IN POWER

Based on interactions with international watchdog agencies, local transparency group Article 13,saysitisbecomingincreasingly obvious to anti corruption advocates and other stakeholders that US oil major, ExxonMobil is calling the shots when it comes to Guyana’s lucrative oil find in the offshoreStabroekBlock.

Given the government’s continued resistance toward renegotiating the lopsided 2016 Production Sharing Agreement

Guyanese were out in their numbers for the first ever Cricket Carnival Road parade.

The parade was the culmination of several days of entertainment, which coincided with the just concluded CPL Cricket Tournament.

Dr Yog Mahadeo

Frompage15 instead.” the oil companies do things Guyanese into paying their children and if everyone benefitsdeserved. Assuch, The Lawyer told differently, which at the share of taxes, amounting to pulls together, if we all play “The reach of corruption is listeners that the current moment, points to the legal millionsofUScurrencyeach ourpartincludingtheoiland now leaking all over, in all Production Sharing framework. year gas producers then I believe ministries. Nepotism and Agreement (PSA) Guyana “Guyana can actually

This figure is likely to wecanfindtherightpathand cronyismisthelegacyofthis haswithExxonis“oneofthe change the conditions under further balloon too as more then there will be a very government,” the Article 13 most abusive, exploitative which these companies are operations come on stream.

successfulindustryhere.” memberinsisted. deal ever inflicted on a taking petroleum out but it In addition, the country is In highlighting the In its unrelenting stance sovereign people.” She was hastobedoneinawaythatis allowing ExxonMobil to importance of safe for the renegotiation of the keen to note that while a within the regulatory operateoffshorewithoutfull operations, she pointed out 2016PSA,Dr Mahadeohad renegotiation of the contract framework and is not liability coverage in the

thatwhenthings“gowrong” supported the argument of is possible, Government beggingthemtocomeandsit event of an oil spill, which inthe“highriskindustry”in formerEPAheadDr Vincent cannot simply invite atthetableandbeggingthem means that the risk is borne whichtheyoperatelivescan Adams when he made the ExxonMobil, Hess and for more money because byGuyana. be lost and families pointthattheGuyana/Exxon CNOOCtothetableseeking theywillnotgiveupasingle Another key provision devastated. PSA could be renegotiated more money as this would dollar,” she reasoned. The that is lacking in the

To this end, she urged, for the simple fact that a lead nowhere “This Lawyerwentontohighlight document is ring fencing “It’s vital to have technical major change had occurred, operation should be shut t h a t t h e c u r r e n t provision, which would capability to run an offshore that what the oil contract downbecauseIthinkitisso Environmental Protection avoid the oil company from operation but without a nocovers now was not what dangerous,”Jankisaid. Acthasbeenusedinthepast usingthepetroleumrevenue tolerance culture to unsafesector to forge business was negotiated for in 2016, Former Chief Executive by Dr Adams to rein in the in one field to cover for practices your industry herecollaborations. Both local when the oil find was of the Environmental oil companies. To this end, expensesinanother wouldnotbesuccessful.Wecompanies and international significantly smaller The Protection Agency (EPA), the Lawyer contended, all saw what happened withfirmsareattendingtheevent civil rights advocate agreed Dr VincentAdamswhowas “What I care about is the

WEDNESDAY Macondo.whichisbeinghostedbythe that “the context of the also a panelist on the safety and security of the

The technical, financialGeorgetown Chamber of contract has changed.” He programme,explainedsome people of this country The OIL AND GAS PRODUCERS and reputational falloutCommerce and Industry said what was represented of the current dangers money is not important ASSOCIATION HEAD almostputoneofthebiggest(GCCI) with the aim of before is now different. He associated with the oil becauserightnow,giventhat TELLS GUYANA BASINS companies in the world outexploring new areas of addedthatthefactthatsince production activities that operation offshore, the SUMMIT 2022 of business; over a decadeinvestmentinthecountry 2016thevolumeofoilbeing currently risks the revenues Guyanese people stand to EXPLOITATION OF later,theyarestillpayingtheIOGP is the industry borne out of the same garneredfromthesector lose far more than they will RESOURCES MUST price.”body that represents the agreement that envisaged a Dr Adams firstly ever gain from any

BE DONE SAFELY In Guyana’s case, Hillglobal oil and gas industry fraction of what is now detailed that both the Liza renegotiation.”

…GUYANA MUST explained to delegates thatThe organisation has more expected, is itself a call for One and Liza Two

Formonthsnow,citizens PROTECT ITSELF,REGION

the country’s proximity tothan2000expertsfromover renegotiation. operations are producing in Guyana have been Suriname means that safety80 member organisations, Dr Mahadeo, in his crude without proof of full protesting Government to Recent events have and mutual agreements oninclusive of 25 national oil submission, went further to liability coverage, in renegotiate the oil contract highlighted the high risk safety will be crucial incompanies, to help ensure cite the 2020 Clyde & Co violation of the Permits withExxon. involved in oil and gas further petroleum activities.

safe, efficient and report; reminding Guyanese granted. This means that In fact, the PPP had production, but to ensure a

Moreover,shesaidthat,“anysustainable energy supply that the independent find should an oil spill occur, promised to ‘review and sustainable world for oil spill will directly affectand more importantly, to highlighted Guyana’s Guyanacouldbeleftthefoot

renegotiate’the deal entered generations to come, Guyana - the land of manyenablealowcarbonfuture. disadvantageous position costsaboveUS$600million, into by the former petroleum companies have waters - and this reinforcesHill during her duringthenegotiationofthe 2016contract.

TUESDAY

INT’L LAWYER CALLS FOR HALT IN STABROEK BLOCK OPERATIONS

UNTIL DEAL CHANGES

SAYS GOVT SHOULD NOT BE BEGGING OIL COMPANIES TO COME TO TABLE

The ‘dangerous’ oil and gas operations in the Stabroek Block, led by oil giant, ExxonMobil, should be shut down pending a credible international, independent investigation This is according to International Lawyer, as this is the current Government however, the been urged to step up their presentation alluded to the the importance of investingMelinda Janki who said insurance offered by the partyhasnowdecidedthatit game when it comes to three pillars of building a in strong partnerships andduring a recent online operator Not only that but must maintain the s a f e g u a r d i n g t h e sustainable oil and gas collaboration between thediscussion, facilitated by he said the Liza One safe agreement. environment. industrywhenshepointedto region…”‘Globespan 24x7’, that the operating limit, as outlined Citizens in Guyana Delivering this charge the important role of the While the Executiveproduction of oil and gas intheEnvironmentalImpact believe that the present was Executive Director of energysectorinmaintaining acknowledged theshould only resume if it is Assessment (EIA) is agreement only favours the theInternationalAssociation asafeenvironment. challenges involved withfound to be beneficial to the 120,000 barrels per day, oil company, as Guyana of Oil and Gas Producers

In a specific address to developing oil and gaspeopleofGuyana.

however Exxon has receives a mere two percent (IOGP), Iman Hill – the the oil companies in the industries that enableJanki explained, “There increased production to royalty for its sweet light keynote speaker at the auditorium she said, “In this economic growth in ashould be an independent about 150,000 barrels per crude and settled for 50 Guyana Basins Summit industry, you have an sustainable manner, sheinternational, credible day without following the percent profit sharing, after (GBS) that opened on obligation to bring pointed out that this can beinvestigation into those procedure for changing the Exxon takes 75 percent of Tuesday at the Pegasus considerable know how, done through Region andoperationsanditshouldonly EIA. To this end, Janki the earnings to clear its SuitesandCorporateCentre, skills, innovation, global collaboration Hillberestartedifitmakessense pointed out that for the expenses. inGeorgetown. technology and investment pointed out that althoughand it is at that point, in a country to have a

The deal that the oil The GBS is a three-day powertocreateasustainable Guyana and Suriname arediscussionforrestarting,that renegotiated deal it must company often brags about event aimed at uniting key worldthatwewanttoseefor neighbours,thetwoalliesthepeopleofthiscountrycan have something that makes toitsshareholders,alsoforce stakeholders in the energy our children and their

saywellthisiswhatwewant

Executive Director of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP), Iman Hill

Asection of the audience at the Guyana Basins Summit

Guyana Shore Base signs with NCB Merchant Bank to increase services to energy sector

CB Merchant

NBank (Trinidad and Tobago) Ltd, a subsidiary of the Jamaica based NCB Capital Markets Group, has signed an agreement with Guyana Shorebase Inc. ('GYSBI') for the disbursement of a syndicated term loan to the value of US$10M. Guyana ShoreBaseInc.isaGuyanese majority owned company that provides a multi use facility offering support and logistical services to satisfy the highly specialised needs of Guyana's oil and gas industry

Fourteen international oil companies are currently engaged in petroleum operations onshore and offshore in Guyana's territorialwaters.

The company in a release noted that “This loan facility will allow GYSBI to expand its capacity in the delivery of secure open and covered storage, berthing for supply vessels, operational p e r s o n n e l , a n d loading/unloading logistics support.”

GYSBI offers services ranging from waste management, chemical storage, warehousing, construction, supply chain management, expatriate management, and customs and logistics services. The

company currently has four berths, 30 acres of developed land at its main port and owns and manages 140 acres of industrial estate Guyana's estimated reserves as at August of this year stands at more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) and 13.2 billion cubic feetofassociatedgas.

With an estimate of 750,000 barrels of oil per day in the next two years and potential revenues of US$50US$200 billion by 2050, the industry is ramping up for the l o n g h a u l NCBMBTTL has been providing financing in Guyanasince2015.

ItwaspartofawiderNCB syndicate out of Jamaica that extended a US$20M loan to t h e G u y a n a S u g a r Corporation (GUYSUCO), and in 2020 NCBMBTTL arranged financing for Nabi/ KCL Oilfield Construction Services JV to aid in their construction of a corporate campusinOgle,Guyanafora prominent energy company “We were able to provide financing that is flexible, forward thinking, and facilitative of GYSBI's business model,” said Mr Marli Creese, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at NCB Merchant Bank(TrinidadandTobago)

(Continued on page 69 )

Representatives of Guyana Shore Base and NCB Merchant Bank

Mr. Robert Albiez, General Manager Guyana Shorebase Inc. (left) and Mr. Marli Creese, Head of Corporate

Investment Banking, NCB Merchant

(Trinidad and Tobago)

GPHC team successfully addresses rare defect in newborn

o n d

Ca n o t

e r groundbreaking surgery, Chief Neurosurgeon at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Amarnauth Dukhi le

lti disci

a

September 30, last, that successfully removed a rare neural tube defect from an 11-day-oldbabygirl.

The baby, Shailah Ariya Persaud, was born on September 19, 2022 at the Suddie Hospital to Altia Atkinson, a 34 year old housewife, and Satesh Persaud, a 41 year old carpenter, both of Reliance, EssequiboCoast.

The GPHC in a release revealed that whenAtkinson, a mother of five found out that she was pregnant, she sought prenatal care at her community health centre where her ultrasounds appeared normal and showed nocauseforconcern.

It was not until she was admitted for the delivery of her sixth baby that her ultrasound showed some irregularity However, physicians at the Suddie Hospital were unable to determine if the mass they were detecting was growing on Atkinson or her unborn child.

Following a caesarean section operation on September 19, the baby was immediately referred to the GPHC on account of a malformation that presented as a second head. There she was reviewed by Chief Neurosurgeon, Dr Dukhi, who quickly diagnosed her withaneuraltubedefect.

After a number of MRI scans of the brain and cervical spine was done, Dr Dukhi had confirmed a rare Cranio Cervical Junction malformation, which is a combination of the neural tubedefectsofthebrainand

Chief Neurosurgeon at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Amarnauth Dukhi (left), alongside baby Shailah Persaud and her parents. (Photo Credit: GPHC)

The

Dr.

team

at the GPHC.

Comata Lindie posing next to 'Emergence', one of her

NisanaGobin-S tanislaus

Meet the mesmerizing Nisana Gobin-Stanislaus, a 23-year-old small business owner and social media marketer. This week's belle resides at Coldigen, East Coast Demerara and enjoys modelling and giving back to those in need. Her favourite quote is by Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”.

VILLAGE

– an accommodating indigenous communityOrealla

By Malisa Playter-Harry

ituated along the Corentyne River, some 53 kilometres south of

S Crabwood Creek and approximately 80 kilometres away from Skeldon, Upper Corentyne, is theprestineandtranquilindigenous communityofOrealla.

Travelling to the community can be done either by boat or plane. These days, there is an active speedboat and passenger boat service that operates weekly and it takes just over an hour to get there. There is a dock where the boats moor, giving easy access to the village.

However, many years ago,

Sighting-seeing in Orealla is enticing to any fun-loving tourist.

waysanddosoproudly Embracing their indigenous ways is one of the many things that they are admired for

In the village, you can find the Orealla Police Station, the primary and nursery schools, a newly constructed ICT hub, a radio station, a health centre, a community benab, shops, a guest house, among other business places.

However, some of the most interesting sites to visit in Orealla include the Haiwabo Creek, Mora Point, White Hill, Chalk Hill, Waramuni Point and Mango Landing.

One of the major activities is

abundance of fruit trees, hilly and Another interesting fact about decisionsforthecommunitytravelling by larger boats was the bird watching. Also, you can get asandy walkways, and quite a few Orealla is that it is populated by Residents, this publicationnorm but it took hours to reach to chancetoseethetraditionalmakinghouses made from wood and zinc. multiple tribes including: Arawak, understands, are known to plantthevillagefromSkeldon. ofcassavabread,farine,piwariand

Whatevermeansyoutaketoget evenmorebeingdonebythelocals.immeasurable flora and fauna, the Warraus. But of recent, quite a few provisionsandrearlivestock.Theirthere, once you arrive, you are

Especially alluring, owing to its Wapishana, Macushi, Carib and fruits, primarily pineapple, ground

As the modern and traditionalcommunity can easily be listed as a non-indigenous folks have been produce are utilised right in thecertaintoseeacommunitybursting cultures mix, Orealla is fasttourist destination and, indeed, it optingtocallOreallahometoo. community or sold at the Skeldonwith rich indigenous culture. The becomingameltingpotofcultures.has left many a visitor in awe over Like other indigenous Market.people of this enthralling

Just recently, the Indigenousthe years. Just a short stretch away communities, Orealla is governed Logging and fishing activitiescommunity are friendly,

residents celebrated heritage dayfrom is its sister indigenous by a Toshao who is supported by are common in the communityhardworking and very close and there was much dancing andcommunity, Siparuta, which is councillors Together, they are What is noticeable, too, is thatknitted. other forms of entertainment alongsparselypopulated. expected to make developmental despite its development with a

You are sure to find an with other activities that weremodern touch, the people are still enjoyedbyall.extremelyrootedintheirtraditional

Human Services Ministry has critical role to play in shaping

Guyana’s success with oil

By Kiana Wilburg

here are thousands of

Centre at Mahaica and a individuals who have Production and Retail Centre won the lottery at some at Canje, for persons with

T point in their life, but disabilities will commence later continues to focus on thedue to mismanagement, have this year.The latter will be the first reunification and reintegration ofnothingtoshowforittoday. of several such centres across the children from formal care, both

On a global scale, many country institutional and foster care. Thecountries are known for being

Additionally, in the first half of mandate here is to provide a familyblessed with significant natural 2022, the ministry reported that the for every child that needs one. Toresources worth trillions of dollars Child-Care and Protection Agency complement this programme, 56yet their citizens are wallowing in spent $333 5 million of the parents received capacity buildingabjectpoverty allocated $955.4 million. Focus forimprovedparentingskillsinthe

The clear trend in both cases is was placed on the improvement of first half of 2022, while in thethat winning the lottery doesn’t the operations of care facilities second half, 90 parents aremean you’re set for life. How you providingchild-careservicesandat expected to benefit. Thus far, 47manage that new found wealth is mid-year 2022, 88.6 percent (311) percent of children affected bywhatmakesallthedifference. of the facilities providing childchild abuse who were placed inT h i s v e r y p o i n t w a s care services were operating with formalcare(institutionalandfosterunderscored by international minimum standards, compared care) were reunified and

experts who attended the recently with 68 percent (241) at the end of reintegratedwithfamilies.concluded Guyana Basins Summit 2021.Inthesecondhalfof2022,60

Theforegoingarebutfewofthe(GBS). Iman Hill, Head of the Oil day-care facilities will receive a numerous accomplishments of theandGasProducersAssociationwas $50,000 subsidy to improve their HumanServicesMinistryfor2022.keen to remind of the importance services for compliance with the They all aid in building a strongGuyana must place on prudent requiredminimumstandards. foundation upon which othermanagementofitsoilresourcesfor

Further, 444 essential workers development projects can bethebenefit“ofallGuyanese.” areearmarkedtobenefitagainfrom implemented.

On this premise, I advance the financial support of $15,000 per

Dr Persaud no doubt has aargument that the work of several month, per child for day care unique opportunity to dare to doministries will determine in the service for three months, payable whathasneverbeendonebefore;toyears to come, Guyana’s success in directly to the day-care facilities. transformthepathaheadbackedbytranslating its oil production into Additionally, Government would the country’s oil resources. Onemeaningfuldevelopment. market. In fact, a total of 1,277 of persons with disabilities. In this be launching a ‘night care’ waits, with much hope, to see thatThe Ministry of Human personsgraduatedwithaskillinthe regard, the survey to record all programme for children to be in a sherisestotheoccasion.ServicesandSocialSecurityledby first half of 2022 through theWIIN persons living with disabilities was safe space whilst their parents or The Waterfalls wishes her theDr Vindhya Persaud is one agency Business Clinic (WIIN in completed in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 guardiansareatwork.Theministry verybestinthisendeavourthat will be exceptionally Business) and the Board of and 10 and a hotline was set up to has said as well that 1,100 persons

If you would like to share yourimportant to the process. Minister Industrial Training, of which 980 capture information on identified will commence training in childthoughts on this week’s column,Persaudhasagoldenopportunityto were women and 297 were men. persons with disability, in order to care services in the second half of please feel free to email me atchannel a portion of the oil funds ThesecoursesincludedChildCare, expeditetherecordingoftheirdata. theyear kianawilburg@gmail.comintoprogrammesthatwilltouchthe Care for the Elderly, Garment Additionally, the ministry has In addition, the ministry said it lives of men, women and children. Construction, Home Management been successful in establishing a She also has the power to lead and Patient Care Level 2. Another national classroom for autistic initiatives that can improve the 5,657 applications are being children with classes set to livesofvulnerablegroups. processed for the skills training commence in the fourth quarter of

A precursory examination of scheduled to commence before 2022. her ministry’s accomplishments at yearend.

The Waterfalls understandsthat halfyear,signalsthatsheisalready Importantly, the ministry’s there were 101 children identified headinginthedirectionoffulfilling public assistance also increased by forSpecialEducationNeeds(SEN) theforegoingobjectives. 14 3 percent from $12,000 to services through the continued

According to the Finance $14,000permontheffectiveMarch assessment of the schools in Ministry’s Semi-Annual Report, 2022 and approximately 16,500 Regions 1, 4 and 9. This will bring Dr Persaud’s ministry continued persons benefitted in the first half the total number of children with efforts to improve the well- of2022,atacostof$1.4billion. receiving SEN services to 192. In being of senior citizens. Old age In addition, the ministry’s legal addition, 706 persons commenced pensioners for example, benefited aid service continued to make traininginvariousareastoenhance fromanincreasedmonthlypension progress as it aimed to reach more SENservices. of $28,000 Last week, the eligible persons in 2022, with a With effect from the third government also announced the totalof1,330casesfacilitatedinthe quarter of 2022, the ministry has distribution of a one-off grant to first half.At the end of the first half said that its Public Assistance pensioners also totalling $28,000 of 2022, 174 alleged Trafficking- programme will be extended to beforetheendoftheyear In-Persons victims were assisted benefit eligible persons living with

Looking ahead, the Human with shelter, food, clothing disabilities. Further, by the end of Services Ministry said it intends to psychological counselling, among 2022, 239 persons living with trainpersonstocarefortheelderly others.

disabilities are expected to be This is intended to commence in In May, the government had trained in the employable skills, of thesecondhalfoftheyear announced a cash grant of which 39 were trained in the first

Also at mid year, the $100,000 for each child with a halfof2022. implementation of the ministry’s disabilityaspartofitscommitment

The government was also keen initiatives for women and men’s tosupportfamiliesofchildrenwith to note that the construction of the empowerment gained momentum, disability This adds to progress Mahaica Disability Complex is particularly in the development of made on the implementation of the scheduledtobecompletedthisyear employable skills for the job interventionsfortheempowerment while the construction of the Care

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud

Border matters, bus park killing, and rum (yes! Rum)

The bold stances of theHonVicePresidentinhis the error of their ways old Samuel Grannum. The with what we President Ali and the Vice salvo directed at the When it must be roughly, implements of murder, a have. President on matters Surinamese about fishing then that, too, should not be waitingcar,andayoungman Then, there involving our neighbours licenses, and whatever else flinched from, or avoided. beaten to a pulp amid a was rum. I said encourage. In the instance hethrewintothemix. There Now, just in case anyone bustling crowd. What nothing about of the former, it was at the is time and place for the thinks I am going soft on disturbs is the spiraling UG and that UN and over the border fineries of diplomatic PresidentorVicePresident,I disregard for law, the sheer sponsorship. I controversy with Venezuela. etiquette, and there is a time call out both on that cricket brazenness of what appears now hear about The fact that the Venezuelan when people must be called carnival revelry It disturbs to be a premediated crime. s o m e ‘ R u m leadership took objection out to their faces. Indeed, that I have to tell these Baseball bats and hockey Nite’ and on conveys to me that His the Vice President’s wayward brothers of mine sticks were not as tools of Diwali of all Excellency took the right broadsidewasashadeonthe that circuses are not the way play that day, but weapons nights See course, and it is alright by sharp side, but Guyana Also, the differences with withseriousintent. Isensea what I mean me If interpreted as cannot continue being the neighbours indicate a new case of our young patterning a b o u t jingoistic, then don’t look in punching bag of neighbours, and self-confident Guyana, themselves after their standardless and this direction for an apology. who are bent on persisting in ascouldbegatheredfrom seniors in leadership v a l u e l e s s ?

By GHK Lall

tender that circus carnival asAfter all, that is why Exxon theirbullyingways. The President’s and Vice positions, who themselves These things creep up on us, ExhibitA.got such a sweet deal in On this fisherfolk President’s postures. Thus, havescantregardforthelaw. and before we know, they

(The views expressed incontractransomsitextracted licensing issue, all the there is surprise that it was I have said it before, but it is become the norm. Like this article are those of thefromGuyana. Ihavealways Surinamese leadership has feltnecessarytoimitatewhat worth repeating: Guyana is a leadership’s ethical and a u t h o r a n d d o n o ttakenthatstance,andthereis done is kick the can up the othersdo. lawless, standardless, and financialkillings. Likeabus necessarily reflect theno backing away In my road, with nothing of We have our own valueless society The top park killing. Like how rum opinions of this newspaper.)book,PresidentAlididright, substancedevelopingforour celebrations, and if we have deals this way, so we live is killing us, and which I anditisthewaytogo. None deliberately shortchanged to get a new thing to of this is intended to be citizens plying the waters to captivate our interest, then provocative, simply Guyana makeanhonestliving. let it be something original. coming into its own, and As should be known by But please move away from standing up for its rights. most by now, I do not find this disturbing panem et This land is our land. This favour with many things that circenses (bread and circus) land is my land. Let the come from the Vice mentality We have oil, we jurists decide, and let’s see President, but on this one, I shouldn’tbeplayingheathen whereeveryonestands. am with him all the way games. Or what neighbours

Those fisherfolk in There are times when cards own. Berbice are brothers, and have to be laid on the table, Well, the monstrous their families are ours also. and sometimes even the best occurred at the bus park in Therefore, I am as one with of friends have to be shown thesavagekillingof19-year

By Davina BagotBy Davina Bagot

Chest exercises are great for both men and women. Exercising the muscles in this area helps to do morethanjustlookgreat.

Dr Amy Ravindra, a US certified orthopedic surgeon who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of orthopaedic injuries and musculoskeletal disorders, with specialised focus on the shoulder andelbowsaidina2021articlethat exercising your pectoralis major andminor(chestmuscles)canhelp with improved posture, better breathing, breast support and the ability to excel at daily events that require lifting, holding or pushing, among others. For some however, the greatest advantage is the gaze you earn from strengthened musclesinthisarea.

I can tell you that hard work in thisareamostdefinitelypaysoff.If you're new to exercise and have never tried working out, I'll share with you some simple exercises you can try to shape this part of yourbody

My personal favourite is the dumbbell chest press. If you are using a bench, grab the two dumbbells and lay on your back. Plant your feet on the opposite

Chest exercises to boost your gaze

The barbell bench press

o u t a n d press your upper bodybackuptothestarting position while squeezing your chest.After a brief pause, you may repeat this exercise for as manyrepetitionsasyoulike.

sides of the bench and keep them firmlyontheground.Nextraisethe dumbbells above your chest, with your elbow straight and palms facing forward and not each other

To perform the exercise, slowly loweryourelbowstothesideofthe bench into a 90 degrees anglemeaning that you should create an almost triangular shape with your arms.Whentheweightsreachyour chest, slowly raise them up again andrepeatthissimplemovementto tonethispartofyourupperbody Research shows that pushups are not only a great exercise for your arms, but also work out your chest muscles too There are different variations of this exercise that can help you strengthen this area and I will share just about two with you for now Since almost everyone knows to do a regular pushup, you'll learn to do the

decline pushup

'incline-pushup' and the decline push-up.

To perform the inclined pushup, begin by standing face towards a bench or a sturdy elevated platform Place both hands on the bench or platform, slightly wider than shoulder width. Keep your body straight lowering thechesttotheedgeofthestructure by bending your arms. Push your bodyupuntilthearmsareextended againandrepeat.

Similar to the inclined pushup, you are going to need a bench or a sturdyobjecttoperformthedecline pushup.Startbylyingfacedownon the floor and place your hands about36inchesapartwhileholding your torso up at arms length. Move your feet up to the box or bench. Next, lower yourself downward until your chest almost touches the floor as you inhale. Now breathe

Ifyou'reheadingtothegymand you're not sure what exercise you can do to work out your chest muscles with the equipment available,youwillwanttocontinue reading!

Two simple exercises that you can do at the gym to grow your chest include the barbell press and the machine fly These are to be done on separate machines as I'm surethenamessuggest.

Starting off with the barbell bench press, you will need to lie back on a flat bench. Using a medium width grip (a grip that creates a 90 degree angle in the middle of the movement), lift the bar from the rack and hold it straight over you with your arms locked. This will be your starting p

recommends breathing in as you bring the weights towards your chest. After a brief pause, push the bar back to the starting position as you breathe out. Remember to

focusonpushingthebarusingyour chest muscles and lock your arms and squeeze your chest in the contracted position at the top of the motion. It is recommended that the time to lower the weight should take about twice as long as raising it. When you're done repeating the motion, replace the bar onto the rack.

The final one for this week which I'll share with you is the machine fly First of all, locate the chest machine in the gym and set it to a weight that you can work it. You may ask for assistance in setting this up before you get startedoryoucangetinjured.Once the weight has been set, adjust the chair also to ensure your arms are straight and even with your chest. Next, grip the handles and keep yourshouldersdown,chestoutand feet firmly on the floor; exhale as youbringtheweightstothefrontof your body, and inhale as you move the weights back to the side of you. Make sure that you keep your back straight against the pad and your feet stays firmly in place at your sidetosupportthismotion.

The incline pushup

Machine fly

chest press

Don’t let your guard down, not for a moment!

here are some noble alwaysbeingonguard. things that we may

Although sometimes we want have to do in this life to be trusting; let our guard down

T that will probably go and just take it easy, at least for a unseen. They may even warrant moment, we run the risk of being usdoingsomeunflatteringthings, pounced on in the most sometimes putting ourselves in unceremonious of ways. This can harm’s way, but once convinced at times manifest through various that they are important enough, forms of temptation that can lure verse4. most of us will be inclined to get us into doing things that do not

By Sharmain Grainger

Added to this, I am themdone. glorify the name of Jesus encouraged to stay focused since

Of course, some of us would

It is for this reason that the It is verses like these that help

Allowing situations, persons or 1 John chapter 5, verse 4 much prefer being in the thoughts to thwart our focus from underscores that “…every child limelight, and there is nothing theSaviourisawinfortheenemy ofGoddefeatsthisevilworld,and wrong with that, but being in the and these must be rebuffed at all we achieve this victory through backgroundcanturnouttobejust cost. ourfaith.” asgratifying.

Getting things done in the bibleremindsthatweareto“Stay to grow my faith daily which is background, I assure you, can be alert! Watch out for your great currently my most important and very rewarding and I know this enemy, the devil. He prowls treasuredasset. because I have experienced this aroundlikearoaringlion,looking I cannot express enough how first hand on many occasions. As for someone to devour,” 1 Peter elated I am to know that I don’t such, I can safely say that it is chapter5,verse8. have to face this cruel world important to be yourself; don’t At first, I used to be alone. ever endeavour to imitate others.

traumatised by the thought of With Jesus as my shield and Whether you are in the back or beingatarget–Ididn’tevenwant fortress, I can now boast of being tobemockedbecauseofmyfaith, that woman that Proverbs chapter ofcoursethismeantIhadnofaith 31, verse 25 alludes to: “She iswith me even today as I strive to at all – but these days, I refuse to clothed with strength and dignity,liveforJesuswholeheartedly do things alone and in my own and she laughs without fear of the

Iamwellawarethatthereisan strength.I’mnolonger‘aboutthat future.” I FEAR NOTHING OR enemy, much like that dog, that is life’. “…I trust in God, so why

NO ONE WITH JESUSalways on the prowl and ready to should I be afraid? LEADING THEattackatanunguardedmoment. What can mere WAY.

While some attacks may mortals do to manifest through the actions of me?” Psalm some fellow human beings, I am chapter 56,well aware that the real enemies that I am required to combat at thisjunctureofmylifeare not “flesh and blood” but “evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this

for me – I felt a sudden piercingforeground, only aspire to play dark world, andpain in my lower right foot thatyour role well and you will reap against evil spirits insimplydidn’tmakesense.deservingrewards. the heavenly places,”

Instinctively, I screamed and

However, there are times Ephesians chapter 6,kicked that foot at the same timewhentryingtodoyourbestcanbe verse 12 (New Livingbut somehow managed to stayundermined by egregious Translation).alert enough to not dropobstacles.

Whenever I recallsomething very important I was

One of my experiences in this the stealthy nature ofcarrying in my hands. Thatregard occurred back in 2020 at that dog, how viciousvicious creature had succeeded inthe onset of the COVID 19 and demonic itlaunching its long desired attackpandemichere. appeared, it makes meon me. The owner of the dog didI was tasked with undertaking develop a greaterlittle to pacify my resulting rageanalmostdailytaskthatcateredto appreciation forwhich only subsided after Ithe needs of a number of people. sought the assistance of my dearAtfirst,itwasnobigdealbutthen mother who attended to thean extremely annoying obstacle wound and comforted me as bestsurfaced. asshecould.

In order for me to get the task

As much as I wanted to put andone, I had to encounter this end to the task I was entrustedobstacle – a ferocious dog, with with that very day, I simplycrafty demeanour, that tried to couldn’t bring myself to do that.attackmeEVERYSINGLEDAY

Believing that it was somethingBeing the owner of a dog, at the Godwantedmetodo,Icontinued,time, that was rather welcoming but with a plan that would guardto visitors by their second visit, I against me ever lapsing to thethought that eventually the attack point of being attacked evermode would wear off and the again.animal and I would develop a

As suddenly as the task camecordial relationship. IT NEVER that exposed me to that attack, itHAPPENED! ended, leaving me with a very

A month went by and that valuable lesson – there are likelycreaturewasstillstrategizinghow to be enemies that will target youto best attack me. One day when even when you are trying to domy guard was down – at the time, good.I probably thought that the dog

That valuable lesson remainshad gotten over its intense dislike

Necrotizing fasciitis:

The deadly “flesh eating” disease

e c r o t i z i n g

Nwater and pat fasciitis is a rare them dry with a but serious cleantowel

b a c t e r i a l

• keep wounds

infection that affects the clean and dry – after fascia; which is tissue a wound has been beneath the skin and cleaned,coveritwith surrounding muscles and a sterile dressing, organs. such as a plaster, and

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Emergency Medicine Specialist

It’ssometimescalledthe change the dressing if it Necrotizing fasciitis can “flesh eating disease”, getswetordirty progress very quickly and although the bacteria that

• wash your hands lead to serious problems, causes it do not “eat” flesh, regularly with soap and such as blood poisoning and but release toxins that warm water – alcohol-based organ failure Even with damagenearbytissue. hand gels can also help, but treatment, it’s estimated that

It can start from a washingwithsoapandwater 1 or 2 in every 5 cases are relatively minor injury, such isgenerallybest fatal.Peoplewhosurvivethe asasmallcut,butgetsworse

• If you’re in close infection are sometimes left very quickly and can be life- contact with someone who withlong-termdisabilityasa threatening if it’s not has necrotizing fasciitis, ask result of amputation or the recognised and treated early yourdoctorifyouwillneeda removal of a lot of infected on. I have seen lives lost course of antibiotics to tissue. because of this disease, as reduceyourriskofinfection Do take steps to decrease patients didn’t recognise it

WHAT IS THE your risk of getting this andpresentearlyforcare.

through the bloodstream or Necrotizing fasciitis

OUTLOOK LIKE

• treat wounds quickly – deadly disease, and advise

Today I will discuss this WITH NECROTIZINGaninjuryorwound,suchas: needs to be treated in a after stopping any bleeding, others, so that we may avoid deadly condition so that we FASCIITIS?

•cutsandscratches hospital. The following are clean wounds with running lossoflivesfromit. can understand the •insectbites the main components of importance of early • puncture wounds treatingthisdeadlydisease: detectionandtreatment. causedbyinjectingdrugs

• surgery to remove

WHATARE

•surgicalwounds infected tissue – this may be SYMPTOMS OF The infection can also be repeated several times to NECROTIZING spread from person to ensure all the infected tissue FASCIITIS? person, but this is very rare. is removed. Amputation of

The symptoms of Anyone can get necrotizing affected limbs may be necrotizing fasciitis develop fasciitis, including young necessarysometimes. quickly over hours or days. and otherwise healthy • antibiotics – usually They may not be obvious at people, but it tends to affect several different types are first, and can be similar to older people, and those in givendirectlyintoavein less serious conditions, such poorgeneralhealth.

• supportive treatment –as flu, gastroenteritis or WHAT SHOULD YOU including treatment to cellulitis. DO IFYOU SUSPECT control your blood pressure,

Early symptoms can NECROTIZING fluid levels and organ include: FASCIITIS? functions

• a small but painful cut Necrotizing fasciitis is a • p a t i e n t s w i t h orscratchontheskin medical emergency that necrotizing fasciitis often

• intense pain that’s out requires immediate need to be looked after in an of proportion to any damage treatment. You should go to intensive care unit and may totheskin your nearest emergency need to stay in hospital for • high grade fever and department as soon as severalweeks. otherflu-likesymptoms possible if you think you • while in hospital, they

Afterafewhourstodays, haveit. may be isolated from other youmaydevelop: Doctors may do blood patients to reduce the risk of • swelling and redness in tests and scans to find out spreadingtheinfection. the painful area the what’s causing your

CAN NECROTIZING swelling will usually feel symptoms Often, a FASCIITIS BE firmtothetouch diagnosis of necrotizing PREVENTED?

•diarrhoeaandvomiting fasciitis can usually only be There’s no vaccine for

• dark spots on the skin confirmed by having an necrotizing fasciitis, and it’s that turn into fluid filled operation to examine the not always possible to blisters affectedtissue. prevent it. The following

• If left untreated, the HOW IS NECROTIZING measuresmayhelptoreduce infection can spread quickly FASCIITIS TREATED? yourrisk: through the body and cause symptoms such as dizziness, weaknessandconfusion.

WHAT CAUSES NECROTIZING FASCIITIS?

Necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by several different types of bacteria. The bacteria live in the gut, throat and, in some people, on the skin, where they do notusuallycauseanyserious problems. In rare cases, the b a c t e r i a c a n c a u s e necrotizing fasciitis if they get into deep tissue, either

The OAS is broke and broken

As we meet at this havedeclareditbankrupt. governments promised and an obligation to stand up commonsolution. 52nd Regular The Organization is also whatisbeingdelivered. against any nation that Development Session of the structurally broken. The And, let it be clear that violates the global legal and economic

G e n e r a l OAS is hardly known by the the failure to bridge that gap order, as Russia has done in advancement must A s s e m b l y o f t h e peoplesofourstates. is not the fault of the Ukraine, creating world be a goal for all in Organisation of American And, collectively, we do Secretariat and its largely economic turmoil and ourhemisphere,for States, the OAS is notseemtoknowifwearean capablestaff. instability that looks set to which all in our financiallybroke. organisation of 35 states or It is the fault of worsen.

hemisphere should

We are trying to run an of34. Governments that do not That is why Antigua and work diligently in Organization that costs $118 The OAS has a Charter provide the resources; it is Barbuda contributed our collective million on an unrealistic and rules of procedure that the fault of an antiquated actively to the resolutions interest.

Sir Ronald Sanders

The alternative is theBudgetof$81million. were produced in the days Charter; and it the fault of and declarations that sought Human rights creationofacriminalstateinThe result is that the before cellular phones and anachronistic rules which to tell President Putin that and human freedom must our midst, and a base forS e c r e t a r i a t o f t h e theinternet,beforetheworld urgentlyneedreform. this war must end, and end also remain a fundamental criminal activity in ourOrganization is unable to became a neighbourhood, Therefore, Governments now objective of this OAS, but neighbourhood.carry out a mountain of and before interconnectivity mustresolvetoaddressthese The innocent and we must devise early

The Haitian people domandates from a hill of between nations occurs in problems, and commit to smallest of our nations have warning mechanisms, with not want this. They are themeagrefinancialresources. thefractionofasection. providetheresourcestogive been burdened the most, implementation machinery, victims. This OAS has anSadly, because of this, Yet its ancient Charter the OAS the vibrance, trapped in an international to address violations before obligation to help and helpthe staff of the Organization and rules of procedure have relevance and importance financial system that ignores they become so persistent nowliveinuncertainty remained the guide of an thatitshouldhave. our needs; health issues also and pervasive, that there are

Mr Chairman, the OASMany are seeking better Organization, operating in Not for the first time, confrontusall. empty chairs and lowered can be a force for good, ansecurityelsewhere,andthere the modern world with Antigua and Barbuda urges COVID-19 is not the last flagsatourmeetings. instrument of peace andis an exodus of talent, as unprecedentedchallenges. the establishment of a group pandemic the world will In this regard, my prosperity and an influenceskilled people flee to seek The result is that the of eminent persons from endure.

delegationmakesitclearthat f o r d e m o c r a c y a n drefuge in destinations with Organization moves at the across our hemisphere to Thishemisphereneedsto Haiti cannot be left by itself development, but only if webetterprospects. slowcrawlofaturtlewhenit produce a report and bereadyforthenextone. to deal with rampaging, reform it, respect it andIt is little wonder that the shouldbemovingatthepace recommendations on what And ready – not with armed gangs who kidnap, resourceit.peoples of our countries do of Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, must happen to recreate the nationalistic protectionism terrorize and enrich not see the benefits of the responsive to needs of OAS to serve the needs of but in multi nation themselves, defying all laws

(In replacement of hisOAS and, therefore, place peopleateverylevel. our Hemisphere, and the collaboration. a n d t e a r i n g d o w n weekly commentary, Sirlittleornovalueinit. That is why a General needs of our Hemisphere in Thereshouldneveragain institutions.

Ronald Sanders hasMember states with the Assembly can impose a theWorld. be vaccine hoarding by the The gangs in Haiti must provided the followingfinancial capacity to pay, violation of the Charter by Mr Chairman, there are rich and deprivation for the be brought under control statement made at the OASw i t h h o l d t h e i r d u e 19votesincludingadisputed critical issues that confront poor, the mantra of none is withoutanyfurtherdelay General Assembly in Perucontributions, and others representative but cannot allournationscollectively safe, until all are safe will The countries, in this on 6 October)seek incentives to pay on changeitby19votesoffully Theyareissuesthatnone continue to be true in the Assembly, with the timewhattheyagreedtopay, qualified and accredited of us can fully satisfy future as it was as we all resources to help should do and have an obligation to representatives as happened individually, but we can all trembled in fear at COVID- so, and the Haitian meet. thismorning, meetcollectively. 19. authorities must provide

The Organization is still The Organization has an Those issues include the Addressing economic them with the guarantees, booking as receivable obligation to respond to the impact of Climate Change inequalities is also a including stomping our income, contributions from needs of its peoples because from which none of our common challenge for corruption, that are countries that have severed its member governments nations can escape. The which there can only be a necessarytohelp. their ties from it, in fictional havepromisedtodoso. m a i n t e n a n c e a n d transactions that claim these That is the compact preservation of the monies, running into tens of between governments and international legal order millions of dollars, are p e o p l e w h i c h t h i s which is the basis for peace somehowpayable. O r g a n i z a t i o n w a s and prosperity across the

If the OAS was a public established to fulfill. But world. company, its auditors would there is a gap between what Inthisregard,weallhave

By Zena Henry

Energy vampires are among the biggest hindrances to self-empowerment and success

vampires rarely recognise that is what they exhibit, the websitesaid.

A

s a young person destined for success, one major hurdle to look out for are energy vampires. Those who drain you in various forms. They are among the biggest hindrances to selfempowerment and success. See, one can choose to take responsibility for one's self and actions by leaving home each day and consciously deciding to act in a responsible, considerate way

And by that, I mean they trytodogoodtoothersevery time they interact, to exhibit toleranceandactinamanner that promotes co-existence and peace. As highly as a person may want to think of himself or herself, s/he can still choose to be humble, recognising the benefits of humility so that they treat everyoneasequal;oratleast, with respect, never seeking to belittle, discourage or be condescending.

On the other hand, there are those who stay exactly this way They have portrayed little to no respect for the opinions of others, and despite being within the same circle, fail miserably to peacefully co-exist because they are often on an unnecessary, intimidating, ego feeding joy ride. These people are not to be kept close if these types of behaviour or attitudes interfere with your stability and peace of mind which for some, including me, is absolutely imperative towards happiness and maintaining balance. No one deserves to be abused, physically or verbally, belittledordrained.AsIsaid, that is the energy to stay far away from, especially when these persons are aware of these unsavoury traits but refuse to take responsibility for themselves and address it.Forthosewhocan'tignore or escape it for whatever reason, it becomes a burden to carry and a significantly drainingsituation.

How then is one supposed to be successful and at peace, when you are doing what must be done to co-exist, while others refuse to take responsibility for

behaviours? Are you then supposed to be meek, kind or humble to that person who snatches your peace of mind, while trying to feed their own ego or using you as the pedestal on which theywishtostandsothatthe world can take notice of them? I say absolutely bleeping not! Energy vampires are hurdles that can and must be crossed. Your success and peace depend on it. Never should you let a person or persons trample you, your opinion and you're right to exist for the simple fact that they are not more valuable than you, and you have the right to be yourselfeveryday

Success seekers have numerousriverstocross,and for me the deepest one has to do with one believing in themselves and actively working to create the characteristics necessary for surviving the swim ahead.

Theriverofselfisfilledwith fear, uncertainty, worry and so many other unhealthy traits, that preparing one's self for success not only requires deep diving into the empowerment of self, but in some cases, demands divine intervention.

Healthline Media, Inc., an American website and provider of mental health information, describes energy vampires as people w h o s o m e t i m e s intentionally — drain the emotional energy of others. They feed on people's willingnesstolistenandcare for them, while leaving them e x h a u s t e d a n d overwhelmed Energy vampires can be anywhere andanyone.

They can be your spouse or your best friend.They can be your cubicle mate, your neighbour or your boss Learninghowtoidentifyand respond to this toxic

behaviour can help to preserve your energy and protect yourself from a great deal of mental, emotional — andphysical—distress.

In identifying energy vampires, the website said they always find themselves in the middle of a catastrophe, flailing from target to target with their emotional and dramatic behaviour When they've landedonyou,theyflingthis

contribution into their emotional buffet People who are sensitive and compassionate are prime targets for energy vampires.

You offer a listening ear, a kind heart, and endless energy

In that way, energy vampires use your very nature against you, draining youofyourvitality

They often rely on guilt tripstogetwhattheywantas well. They know shame is a great weapon against people who are compassionate and c a r i n g L i k e w i s e , ultimatums are an effective

way to capture a person's attention and coerce them into doing something they otherwise may not want to do. Intimidation is one of theirpowerfulweapons.One s t e p r e m o v e d f r o m criticising or bullying you, intimidation is a tool, which some energy vampires turn to when they need to stir up someemotionalfodder

Fear too is a very strong emotional reaction. If an energy vampire can upset you, they can bolster their ego.

It's a vicious cycle of behaviour, but energy

They demand a lot from the people they target, when at their core, they are often insecure and may use dehumanising tactics and criticisms to keep their “prey” insecure, too. In this state, you feel like you owe them your attention and should work harder to stop theunwarrantedattacks.

This continuous drain on your resources can have a noticeable effect on your well being Over time, excess stress can lead to anxiety, depression, heart disease,andmore.

That's why it's important to recognise the behaviours and then work to remove them This may involve putting up walls to protect againsttheireffortsortotally removingyourselffromtheir company Whatever choice is made, however, it must be in keeping with your own wellbeing Achievements can't be made with a depressed and saddened mind; so eventually a decision would have to be made for the maintenance of yourownhealth.

drama onto you and wait for your reaction in hopes that you'll absorb it, fix it, or engage in an exchange. Thesetypesofpeoplealways one up you. An energy vampire never likes to be outdone,andtheyaren'tkeen to share the spotlight. This is oneoftheirmanynarcissistic tendencies. They struggle to feel genuine happiness for another person. Instead, they prefer to pull energy to feed their own emotional demands. The website said, theywouldcommendyouon an achievement on one hand and snatch your glory with theother,e.g.theywouldsay “I am so proud of you! Only three more certifications to gotocatchupwithme!”

Energyvampiresfeedoff your emotional energy And if you're sad or upset, your energy supplies are dwindling.To drain the most energy,energyvampireswill shift the attention of the discussion to themselves, turning your dismay or

Lessons from a Lashpreneur !!!

The Best Halloween Lashes to Elevate Any Costume

ByLatoyaZephyr

Hey lash babes,

Halloweenisjustaroundthe

theireyes.Unarguably,Neoncorner and every client is Eyelash Extensions are thedefinitely looking for a ideal solution if you want touniquelashlookforcostume make your eyes stand outparties. Obviously eyelash perfectly,whichisdefinitelyextensions are absolutely an something regular coloredideal solution if your lashes can’t offer. It’s alsoprecious customers want suitable for Halloweentheir eyes to appear bolder costume parties or specialHowever, regular matte events.

black lashes are never

If you are a trueenough for special events trendsetter, you need to takesuch as Halloween when advantageofthislatesttrendtheir colored lashes need to beforeitbecomessopopularbe matched perfectly with in the eyelash extensionstheircostumes.

1. Mixed colors lashes 2. Two tones eyelash

percentageofcoloredlashes tones colored lashes can do field. However, what makes

It’s when colored lashes with a slightly larger the trick. The integration of Neon Colors Eyelasheseyelashextensions extensionswithblackbaseplaytheirroleinbringingthe percentage of standard colored lashes with black different from normalMixed colors lashes will There are various kindsmost charming and lashes to create an ombre lashes can do wonders and ColoredLashesisthatNeonplease every look of colorful eyelash

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Additionally, these lashes extensions to choose fromyou. number of colored, the twotoneseyelashextensions fluoresce vividly andaregreatformakingvolume, that can make your eyes

Anotheramazingbenefit bolder the final result. This with rich black base and perfectlyunderUVorBlackmega volume and classic standout.is colored lashes going createsaneffectthatcolorful colorfulhues. light. It will absolutelystyles.Youalsocanaddabit

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E-Networks to feature five must watch shows

This week on the Enetworks DreamTV, be sure to sit back, relax with your favourite drink and snacks and enjoy yourfavouriteshows.Seeattachedphotoformoredetailson Enetworks’mustwatchshows.

Music enthusiasts launch Creative Titans GY to promote new talent

Creative Titans’ is celebrating its five year anniversary by launching Creative Titans GY, a new imprint dedicated to the regionalWestIndiesmarket.

The imprint will be headquarteredinGeorgetown, Guyana (South America) which has been experiencing rapid growth due to recent oil findings. Enhancements have been happening across all industries and the music industryisnoexception.

(From Left to Right) Ron Telford, Jhosy, Frank Design,Joe On The Beat, Luis Gabriel (High Connection), John Eddie Perez (A&R - Sony Latin)

RonAndré Elvis Telford

attention of the Latin music

Creative Titans has plans industry which lead to new on promoting Guyana as business ventures with Sony another music hub for the Latin & The Orchard and we

Almost one year ago, Ron TelfordCaribbean. are looking to amplify our and Creative Titans took a gamble on

“WithCreativeTitansGY,weareon relationshipsacrossLATAM” High Connection - Cartagena basedtracktodevelop,launch,distributeand

For those who may not be aware, music collective consisting of Jhosy,publishnewtalentfromtheWestIndies, Creative Titans is a full service Frank Design, Joe On The Beat, D.and also, our roster – likeWalshy Fire, entertainment company with years of Wolther&more.PopeyeCaution,J.Perry,andIzyBeats experienceinthemusicindustry

In May 2022, the team made it to— wanted to develop their own artists

It believes in fostering uncanny Spotify’s Viral Colombia and Deezerparalleltotheirowncareers,”explained collaborations to create unique music Top 300 Tracks Venezuela All GenresAdrian Johnson, Managing Partner of across all genres, and across the charts, as “Aurora,” the smash hit byCreativeTitans. diaspora. Jhosysoaredtothetop.ItwasJhosyand

“IlovemybirthnationGuyanaand

trends of the future. CT also provides

It also hand delivers talent with High Connection’s first taste ofopeninganofficetherefeltlikeanatural excellenceandhassaiditwillcontinue commercialsuccessandbythelooksofstep.Weplanonpromotingthecountry to bridge culture, technology to set the things,itwon’tbethelast.and creatives to the rest of the world.”

Alongside the launch of the new artist management, music publishing, successes which have been paying offimprint, Creative Titans has partnered consulting, events, and artist in a major way,” says Ron Telford.with Sony/The Orchard for Latin development, marketing, career “This year alone, we caught thereleases. strategyandmore.

“We’ve had small but impactful

Spinach Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects

Introduction: Propertiesof clinical trial conducted on caseofanyhealthissue.

Youmighthavewatched SpinachJuice: elderly women, consuming 2.Potentialusesof Popeye the sailor man, Spinach juice may spinach juice in a diet could spinachjuiceforobesity gulping down spinach and demonstratetheseproperties show antioxidant properties Healthcare experts often saving Olive! Well, that as observed in various inhumans.

recommend lifestyle showdidgetsomefactsright research.

In another clinical study, modifications like diet and aboutspinachevenifitwasa ·Itmayshowantioxidant it was observed that the exercise for people looking cartoon! Spinach juice is property consumption of spinach in to lose or manage weight.

protectiveroleagainstcolon, HowtoUse packed with vitamins, It may show anti healthy men and women Spinach can be essential breast, and oesophageal SpinachJuice:mineralsandmacronutrients inflammatoryproperty couldreduceoxidativestress dietary addition for people cancers.

You may consume raw essential for your health. It may show anti inthebody whowanttomanageweight.

As per a case study, the spinach juice to enjoy the Spinach (Spinacia obesityproperty

Inflammation is the Spinach extract may help consumptionofspinachwas numerous health benefits oleraceae) is a nutritious ·Itmayshowanticancer body's natural response to induce satiety (feeling full) associated with a decreased that this leafy vegetablevegetable that is consumed property stress and injury and thereby reduce calorie risk of breast cancer in offers To make spinachby boiling the fresh leaves. · It may help manage Inflammation for prolong intake as per studies women Though the juice, blend some fresh You can consume spinach blood glucose levels periods can lead to diseases conducted on humans and protective effects of spinach spinachleaveswithaglassof raw as well as in cooked (Hypoglycemicproperty) likecancer,heartdiseaseand animals. Evidence suggests have been observed in water to a consistency of form.Spinachleavescontain · It may help reduce type2diabetes. thespinachdietreducesfood clinical and animal trials, yourchoice. plenty of antioxidant b l o o d p r e s s u r e Therefore, you need to intake, controls hunger, and more research is needed to Onceitisblended,strain compounds that can (Hypolipidemicproperty)2 getridofinflammationinthe reduces weight gain in support the consumption of the mixture into a glass.potentially really save you Potential Uses of body Functional foods like people. spinach juice in cancer in Voila! Your spinach juice is fromalotofhealthtrouble. Spinach Juice for Overall spinach can be a safe and However, more research humans. ready

Many believe spinach Health: effective way to manage is needed to support the use

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As more and more havepotentialuseinmany several labs and animal changes to your diet before glucose lowering property medical treatment for anypeople are trying to make healthconditions. studies. talkingtoyourdietician. ofspinachinhyperglycemia health condition. Likewise,better dietary choices, such 1.Potentialusesof Animals receiving 3.Potentialusesof (high blood sugar) or type 2 you should not discontinue nutritious foods are spinachjuiceforchronic spinach showed a decrease spinachjuiceforcancer diabetes. or replace an ongoing spreading rapidly to conditions in the levels of chemical

Cancerisaseverehealth

During a trial, a spinach treatment of modern countrieswheretheyarenot Theantioxidantandanti- markersofinflammation. issue and one of the leading diet could improve insulin m e d i c i n e w i t h a n native. Spinach juice can be inflammatory properties of Moreresearchisneededto causes of death worldwide. sensitivity and reduce blood a y u r v e d i c / h e r b a l an excellent choice in this spinach juice may help supporttheconsumptionof Diets rich in dark green glucose levels. Therefore, preparation without regard because of the manage chronic disease spinachjuiceinmanaging vegetables such as spinach consumingwholespinachor consulting a qualified presence of its high conditions. Spinach extract andpreventingchronic may help reduce the risk of intheformofjuicemayhelp doctor.  nutritional value. Continue showed good antioxidant diseaseconditions. cancers. reduce the levels of glucose SideEffectsof reading to find out what's in activity in lab and animal

Therefore,youmusttalkto M a n y s t u d i e s inthediet.

SpinachJuice:itforyou! trials. As observed during a ahealthcareproviderin demonstrate spinach's

Side Effects Banana Flower

Uses,

However, spinach or Spinach juice shows no other natural remedies side effects when taken in should not be used as an prescribeddoses. alternative treatment for H o w e v e r , diabetes. Do not use herbal overconsumption of spinach remedies for diabetes juicemayposehealthrisks. without talking to a doctor Before using spinach juice first. foranyhealthcondition,talk

material while producing BananaFlower:

saponins, superoxide bananas, but it has high

by

nutritional value. The

found

their glycosides, steroids, and flowers of bananas are study

banana phenoliccompoundsmight huge, red, pointed flowers, flower contains the be present in the banana some of the flowers are followingnutrients: flowerIntroduction: yellow or pink in colour Protein–19.60% Also Read: Red Chilli:One of the most

Precisely, the colour of the Fibre–70% Uses,Benefits,SideEffectsconsumedfruitintheworld flower can range from Carboh

drat

s

ByDr SmitaBarodeis bananas and bananas orange to purple and it 53.78%

Properties of Banana(Musa paradisiaca) are contains pale yellow or Sheng et al , and Flower:grown in almost every white florets inside it Elaveniya et al., found in The banana flowercountry, especially in the Banana flowers have many their study that the mightpossessthefollowingsubtropical and tropical bioactive compounds and following minerals are properties:regions. are nutty, crunchy and present in the banana It might be an

Itisproducedmostlyin starchytotaste. flower: antioxidant.India, followed by China,

It might also have the Sodium

It might possess awhich is the second largest potential to help with Phosphorous cytotoxic effect (Killsproducerofbananas. certain health conditions Potassium damaged cells) It might

5.Potentialusesof to your healthcare provider Spinachjuice about the possible side forcholesterol effects of spinach use. This Increased blood will help you make wellcholesterol is a significant informedchoices. risk factor for liver disease, PrecautionstoTake pancreatitis, and heart withSpinachJuice: disease. Thylakoids present Herearesomegeneral in spinach may help reduce precautionsyoushouldtake the levels of lipids, as whileusingspinachjuice. observed during a trial ·Precautionsfor conducted on men and pregnantandwomen w o m e n S i m i l a r P r e g n a n t a n d observations have been breastfeedingwomenshould madeinanimalstudiestoo.2 consult a qualified doctor or However,donotusespinach healthcare provider before juice to control blood drinking spinach juice cholesterol without Likewise, pregnant women consulting your healthcare should avoid taking herbal provider juices without talking to

Itmightprotecttheliverherbaceous plant and a lot

The banana plant is the like diabetes, diarrhoea, Calcium possessanti-inflammatorylargest flowering andcancer Magnesium

Let us discuss the Iron (hepatoprotective).of banana flowers are importance and health Zinc1

It might be antiproduced in a single benefits of the banana Other research showed microbial.collectionofbananas.

that

These flowers are Nutritional Value of

followingbioactive It might help lower the

like alkaloids, bloodsugarlevels.

Though some studies their healthcare provider showthebenefitsoftheherb first. in various conditions, these ·Precautionsfor arenotsufficientandthereis elderlyandchildren a necessity for further Children should avoid studies to establish the true taking spinach juice unless extentofthebenefitsofherb recommended by a onhumanhealth.  healthcareprovider

This Day in History - Oct. 09

Compiled by Zena Henry Ernesto “Che” Guevara is captured and executed for attempting to incite a revolution in Bolivia

n October 9, 1967, socialist 1928. While studying medicine at the revolutions to combat social injustice in revolutionaryandguerillaleader University of BuenosAires, he took time off ThirdWorldcountries. Che Guevara, age 39, was killed to travel around South America on a Guevara resigned—some say he was

O by the Bolivian army. The U.S.- motorcycle; during this time, he witnessed dismissed—from his Cuban government military-backed Bolivian forces captured the poverty and oppression of the lower post inApril 1965, possibly over differences GuevaraonOctober8whilebattlinghisband classes. He received a medical degree in with Castro about the nation’s economic and of guerillas in Bolivia and executed him the 1953 and continued his travels around Latin foreign policies. Guevara then disappeared followingday America, becoming involved with left-wing from Cuba, travelled to Africa and

His hands were cut off as proof of death organisations. In the mid-1950s, Guevara eventually resurfaced in Bolivia, where he and his body was buried in an unmarked met up with Fidel Castro and his group of waskilled. grave. In 1997, Guevara’s remains were exiled revolutionaries in Mexico. Guevara Following his death, Guevara achieved found and sent back to Cuba, where they playedakeyroleinCastro’sseizureofpower herostatusamongpeoplearoundtheworld were reburied in a ceremony attended by from Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista in as a symbol of anti-imperialism and considers Guevara a President Fidel Castro and thousands of 1959 and later served as Castro’s right-hand revolution.A1960 photo taken by Alberto hero: He is accused, Cubans. man and minister of industry Guevara Korda of Guevara in a beret became iconic amongotherthings,oforderingthedeathsof Ernesto Rafael Guevara de la Serna was strongly opposed U.S. domination in Latin and has since appeared on countless posters hundreds of people in Cuban prisons during born to a well-off family in Argentina in America and advocated peasant based and T shirts However, not everyone therevolution.(Source:History)

Ernesto Rafael Guevara de la Serna

Pope John Paul II greets the Dalai Lama during a private audience in Vatican City

Pope John Paul II received Tibet’s exiled criticize the Indian caste system, praising spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, at a private Mohandas K. Gandhi as a man who helped break audience at the Vatican. The Vatican press office downsocialbarriersanddivisions. confirmed the meeting had taken place without JohnPaul’smeetingwiththeDalaiLamaatthe givingdetails. papal nunciature, or embassy, lasted 20 minutes

AVatican source called it “a spiritual meeting andappearedtobepartofthePope’sefforttobring of prayer and exchanges of ideas on religious together the world’s spiritual leaders for a period themes.PopeJohnPaulII,unruffledwhenayoung ofretreatandreflection. man tossed a firecracker in his direction at the end

Several times the Pope spoke of the need for of a mass, met with the Dalai Lama, and urged the people of all religious traditions to seek common world to look to the spirituality of the East in its ground in the struggle against war, poverty and a searchforgenuineliberation. loss of spiritual values. (Source: Chicago Tribune

The Pope had also used guarded language to andNewYorkTimes)

Pakistani Taliban attempt to assassinate outspoken schoolgirl, Malala Yousafzai

On the afternoon of October 9, 2012, valley She had been writing a blog for the MalalaYousafzai was shot in the head in her BBC in Urdu under the pen name “Gul school van. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Makai”sincetheageof11. (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack. As the Taliban were driven out of the According to the information, Malala Swat valley in 2009, her identity was made Yousafzai was shot by three unidentified public. She received the National Peace gunmen from the TTP, in the bus taking Award from former Prime Minister Yousuf children home from school after a mid-term Raza Gilani on December 19, 2011 and was exam. nominated for the International Children’s

The incident occurred in the city of Peace Prize the same year by the Dutch Mingora situated in the Swat valley, organisation “Kids Rights”. Yousafzai was Northwest Pakistan, as the bus was coming also a speaker for the Child Assembly in from Khushal Public School. According to Swat, an initiative supported by UNICEF in testimonies, the unidentified assailants got 2011 She appeared on national and on the bus and asked the other children to international television to express her views point to Malala. Yousafzai was shot in the ontherightsofchildrenandgirls. headandasecondshotinjuredherintheneck On the day of the attack, spokesperson area. Two other girls were also wounded in for the Pakistani Taliban, Ehsanullah Ehsan, callingPresidentObamaheridol. She[was] Sharif Medical Complex in Mingoratheattacksurvived. confirmed to international media that they young but she [was] promoting Western immediately after the incident and was laterYousafzai was targeted for advocating attacked her because “she[was] anti-Taliban culture in Pashtun areas,” he said. He moved to Peshawar in an army helicopterthe right of girls to education, and for and secular”, adding that she “would not be reiteratedthethreatstokillherifshesurvives Yousufzai was later flown abroad for furtherexposing the daily violence and intimidation spared She was pro West, she [was] the attack. Yousufzai was carried to Saidu treatment.(omct.org)after the Taliban took control of the Swat speaking against Taliban and she [was]

The Dalai Lama and Pope John Paul II (Reddit photo)

Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her campaigning work (bbc.com picture)

InterestingCreatures...

Cracidae Cracidae

The chachalacas, g u a n s a n d curassows are birds in the family Cracidae. These are species of tropical and subtropical Central and South America. The range of one species, the plain chachalaca, just reaches southernmost parts of Texas intheUnitedStates.

Twospecies,theTrinidad piping guan and the rufousvented chachalaca occur on the islands of Trinidad and Tobagorespectively

EVOLUTION

Recent research has analyzed mt and nDNA sequences, morphological, and biogeographical data to study the phylogenetic relationships of cracid birds, namely the relationships among the genera (Pereira et al., 2002), the relationships between the species of curassows (Pereira & Baker, 2004)andbetweenthepiping - and wattled guans (Grau et al., 2005). The traditional groups—chachalacas, guans, and curassows—are verified as distinct clades, but the horned guan represents the sole survivor of a very distinctandancientlineage.

Inaddition,themolecular datasuggestthattheCracidae originated in the Late Cretaceous, but the authors caution that this cannot be more than a hypothesis at present: as the rate of molecular evolution is neither constant over time nor uniform between genera and even species, dating based on molecular information has a very low accuracy over such long timespans and needs to be corroborated by fossil evidence.

The fossil record of cracids is limited to a single doubtfully distinct genus of chachalaca, Boreortalis (Hawthorn Early Miocene of Florida, USA; may actually be a junior synonym of

Ortalis) and some species in the modern genus Ortalis, however

Thisdoesnotprovideany assistance in evaluating the hypothesis (Pereira et al., 2002) that the split between the 4 main lineages of our time occurred quite rapidly, approximately in the Oligocene or slightly earlier, somewhere between 40 and 20mya.

The genera Procrax and Palaeonossax are often consideredcracids,butthisis not certain at all; they may belong to a related extinct lineage. It is unfortunate that of these too, few good fossils are known, as they date to about the time when the modern groups presumably diverged.

Should they be cracids, they are not unlikely to represent either some of the last members of the family before guans, chachalacas, etc., evolved, or very early representatives of these lineages.

Thus,theassumptionthat the modern diversity started to evolve in the late Paleogene, continuing throughout the Miocene and onwards, must also be considered hypothetical given the lack of robust evidence Still, the "molecular" scenario is entirely possible considering what is known about the evolutionandradiationofthe Galloanserae, and consistent with the paleogeography of theAmericas.

T h e i c h n o t a x o n Tristraguloolithus cracioides is based on fossil eggshell fragments from the Late C r e t a c e o u s O l d m a n Formation of southern Alberta, Canada which are similar to chachalaca eggs (Zelenitsky et al., 1996), but in the absence of bone material their relationships cannot be determined except that they are apparently not

fromadinosaur

B y c o m p a r i s o n , speciation within curassows (Crax, Nothocrax, Pauxi and Mitu) and the piping/wattled guans is supported by better evidence.

It was usually caused by changesintopographywhich divided populations (vicariant speciation), mainlyduetotheupliftofthe Andes which led to the establishment of the modern riverbasins.

The distribution of curassow and piping-guan species for the most part follows the layout of these river systems, and in the latter case, apparently many extinctions of populations in lowland areas (Grau et al., 2005).

Another result was that the wattled guan belongs to thesamegenusasthepipingguans, which thus use the

older name Aburria (Grau et al.,2005).

Originally interpreted as a turkey by Othniel Charles Marsh, Meleagris antiquus wasreferredtoasCracidaein 1964 by Pierce Brodkorb. It is nowadays considered unambiguously to be a Cariamiformes under Bathornithidae, and indeed a very different animal from cracids, being a 2 meter tall terrestrial predator Similarly, Palaeophasianus has been reassigned to Geranoididae, a lineage of large, ostrich like stem cranes.

DESCRIPTION

Cracids are large birds, similaringeneralappearance to turkeys. The guans and curassows live in trees, but the smaller chachalacas are found in more open scrubby habitats. Many species are fairly long tailed, which may

be an aide to navigating their largely arboreal existence. They are generally dull plumaged, but the curassows and some guans have colourful facial ornaments. The birds in this family are particularly vocal, with the chachalacas taking their name from the sound of their call.

Cracids range in size from the little chachalaca (Ortalis motmot), at as little as38cm(15in)and350g(12 oz), to the great curassow (Crax rubra), at nearly 1 m

(39in)and4.3kg(9.5lb).

BEHAVIOURAND ECOLOGY

These species feed on fruit, insects and worms They build nests in trees, and lay two to three large white eggs, which only the female incubatesalone.

The young are precocial and are born with an instinct to immediately climb and seek refuge in the nesting tree.

They are able to fly within days of hatching (Source:Wikipedia)

IN

GNBS PUTS TOGETHER A GRAND PLAN OF ACTIVITIES FOR NATIONAL QUALITY WEEK 2022

Today, Sunday, October conduct a Media launch of 09, marks the beginning of the National Quality National Quality Week Awards (NQW) for 2023. (NQW) 2022, which is This early launch will spearheaded by the Guyana outline plans for the National Bureau of prestigious Business Standards (GNBS) This Awards and make way for year, the GNBS has several earlier applications from engaging activities planned participating companies to commemorate the Meanwhile, the Bureau’s occasion, for its staff, its Marketing Department will stakeholders, and the also launch a Made in public. Guyana Video Campaign

The week of activities on social media to surrounds World Standards encourage more local Day, which is observed businesses to apply to use annuallyonOctober14.For theMarkontheirproducts. World Standards Day this On Thursday, October year, the focus continues to 13, the doors of the GNBS be on standards to build a will be fully opened as its worldthatisfairerandmore hosts an open day and sustainable for our future exposition at its Exhibition generations The theme Site, Sophia Head office for identified by the key students, clients, and International Organisations members of the public. At for Standards is “A t h e e v e n t , w h i c h SHAREDVISIONFORA commences at 09:00 hrs, BETTER WORLD.”As in participantswillbeexposed 2021, this theme for 2022 to a wide range of standards continues to focus on and services provided by affirming the importance of the Bureau to ensure the SDGs to “build back consumers protection and better” after the COVID-19 businessgrowth.Anoutside pandemic. radio broadcast on NCN

To start off the week, on 98.1 FM from 10:00h will Sunday, October 09 and also be done to highlight to Monday October 10, video proceedings of the day’s messages will be aired by event.

the Hon. Oneidge Walrond, On World Standards Minister of Tourism, Day,Friday,October14,the Industry and Commerce, focus will be internal to the and the Acting Executive GNBS as its hosts its Staff Director of the GNBS, Appreciation Day and respectively. These Awards Ceremony. As messages will be published customary, employees who on social media and other have been with the Bureau mediaoutlets. for five, ten, fifteen, twenty

On Tuesday, October and more years will be 1 1 , t h e G N B S i n awarded for their longevity collaboration with the with the Standards Body

CARICOM Regional The list of awardees Organisation for Standards includes two staff members and Quality (CROSQ) and who have worked with the CARIFORUM will host a Bureaufor35years. National Dialogue forum Throughout National for Agro-processors at the Quality Week, the GNBS Regency Suites, Hadfield CorporateCommunications Street Georgetown This a n d M a r k e t i n g forum will focus on Departments will share increasing the awareness i n f o r m a t i o n v i a and the use of Quality newspapers, radio, infrastructure Services to television and social media buildcompetitivenessinthe to ensure that the public is localindustry updated and involved. On

Additionally, the intent this occasion of National is to identify the challenges Quality Week, the GNBS of the industry and to encourages all Guyanese to develop an action plan to getinvolvedwithstandards. providesupport.TheGNBS F o r f u r t h e r encouragesagro-processors i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h i s to participate in this half- subject, contact the GNBS dayforum. on telephone numbers: F o r We d n e s d a y, 219-0064 or 219-0065 or October 12, the GNBS will WhatsApp us on 692-4627.

Ramps Logistics’ licence could have been pulled

...their actions have ramifications for cost oil - GRA Boss

F Guyana Revenue inconsistent with its

ollowing the information that Ramps in compensation of $500,000 without having the vessel institution of 10 certain instances made for the acts committed.” The used, properly inspected charges by the declarations that were report further noted that GRA seemed particularly

Commissioner General disturbed by this case since Authority (GRA) against invoices.

Godfrey Statia also directed specific instructions were Ramps Logistics Guyana for In this regard, the that the company be advised issued for the vessel to await false declarations, the division had cited a case on that should there be a inspection but said company with Trinidadian December13,2019,whereit recurrence of this nature, instructions were never rootshascategoricallystated checkedashipmentofgoods strict penalties would be acknowledged. thatsuchamovehasnolegal consigned to EEPGL where imposed. GRA was therefore legtostandon. R a m p s L o g i s t i c s

The document at this unable to determine

The company, in a Incorporated was listed as point went on to state that independently the quantity statement to the media, thedeclarant.

LEID was conducting an of items that left these explained that all of its The LEID report reads, investigation based on shores The said items were imports are duty free since it “The said declaration was information received that soldtoRampsbyEEPGL works for major oil deemed false since the Ramps Logistics Guyana companies which enjoy quantity of the goods Inc., “continues to falsely blanket tax waivers thus declared was inconsistent declare consignments under there has been no loss of with the information stated the guise that same is being revenuetotheState. ontheinvoice.

i m p o r t e d f o r E s s o

While the company Thesaidactconstituteda Exploration and Production holds that view, GRA breach of Sections 217 (1) Guyana Limited and its Commissioner General, (a) and 219 of the Customs subsidiaries/subcontractors GodfreyStatiasaidevidence Act, Chapter 82: 01, using their blanket tax gathered by its officers was respectively In the said exemption letter when in carefullyconsideredassuch, matter, the Commissioner fact, same is being imported the charges were laid in the General (Godfrey Statia) in forotherpersons.”

Georgetown Magistrates’ accordancewithSection271 K a i e t e u r N e w s CourtsagainstRamps. of the CustomsAct, Chapter understands that Ramps was

Without divulging 82:01, invoked his also a few months ago, fined details of the evidence discretionary power and $20M for shipping items out c o n s i d e r e d b y h i s waived the proposed of Guyana to Trinidad investigators, Statia said the importation licences for the company could have been pulledunderSection204Pof the CustomsAct. “Instead of resorting to that measure, I gave the company the opportunity to defend itself as well as the benefit of the doubt Before executing suchaction,Iwouldconsider the impact it would have had on their clients,” expressed Statia.

He was keen to note that he deals with all matters in a fair and consistent manner hence explanations are alwayssolicited.

“They are saying whatever they import using blanket tax waivers from oil companies is therefore tax neutral.

I will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that GRA has a credible case because w h a t t h e y d i d h a s ramifications for cost oil and adherence with obligations as brokers and logistics operators,”thetaxchiefsaid.

K a i e t e u r N e w s previously reported that the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division of the authority was probing Ramps Logistics Guyana for abusing blanket tax waivers granted for the importation of goods to be used by Stabroek Block operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited ( E E P G L ) , a n d i t s subcontractors.

Key documents seen by Kaieteur News stated that LEID was in possession of

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia

Hide and seek

by Susan Box Mann the bathroom behind the brother when a small, white, (April 04th 2019) shower curtain, behind the icy cold hand came out, curtains in every room, and grabbed his wrist, and tried

Two young brothers under all the beds, but he topullhimintothecloset. were at home alone in the couldn’t find him The As he is trying to pull apartment while their apartmentwaseerilysilent. himselffree,hehearsanoise parents visited their Thenheheardascraping behind him, looks over his neighbours next door for a sound coming from the shoulder, and sees his while. wardrobe. The boy was sure brother behind him

“Be good boys,” their he’d already looked there, “Couldn’t you find me?” parentssaid. but he went anyway and askstheboy

Junior page

Spooky SPIDERS

alloween is creeping upH

closer, so

here’s another fun and k i d f r i e n d l y Halloweencraftforyou.

TOOLS & MATERIALS:

•1"roundwoodbeads

• Folk Art black acrylicpaint

•Spongebrush

•SilhouetteCAMEO

•cuttingmat

•Blackcardstock

•Hotgluegun

•Googlyeyes

•Blackfelt

• Scissors

DIRECTIONS

To keep themselves called out, “Come out I’ve

The older brother occupiedtheboysdecidedto found you!” but there was screams in fright and playagameofhideandseek. onlysilence. desperately tries to free The older boy turned his Again he called for his himself from the grip of the headtothewallandbeganto brother to come out and hand, all the while being count. He could hear his againnothing. pulled into the wardrobe. little brother’s feet as he Opening the door, the The younger brother grabs scamperedaboutlookingfor boy tried to peer behind the him and together they aplacetohide. wall of dresses and coats manage to pull free. They “Ready or not I’m hanging there He bent both run screaming from the coming,” cried the older down, but he did not see any apartment. brother and off he went feet standing there He Nobody knows what looking for his brother He began to rise up and put his would have happened if the looked in all the usual hand out into the mass of hand had managed to pull places, behind the sofa, in clothing to feel for his little himin.

Halloween sudoku Puzzle

(FOR ONE SPIDER):

1. Give the bead 1 - 2 coats of black paint with thespongebrush.

2. Cut the spider shape on your Silhouette using this file (Or, download the PDF version HERE). Glue the bead to the centre of the cutout with the hot glue gun.

3 Glue matching googlyeyestothefrontof thespider'shead.

4. Cut small pieces of felt for eyebrows. Glue them on top of the googly eyes.

FUNWITHPOETRY

My Friends

By Uncle Roy

The best people I know besides my family

Are the friends that make me feel so good; They are the children who help me out, And keep me as happy as I could.

My friends and I like to be together, Whether in school, work or play: I feel that these special people Are what makes my life okay

My father is glad I have such nice friends, He often lets me bring them along, But he says I should be careful That they do not make me do wrong.

When we try to keep each other happy, And help one another to always do right, Then I know we would always be friends, And never have to quarrel and fight.

Fulfill your personal responsibility for developing your Sense of Belonging

As we promised last week, we will of our group, we can be easily Bytakingthestepstohelpothers discuss the last steps towards this all- discouraged. Whatcatersforeveryone tobelong,wegetthesatisfactionwhich importantSensethatwillhelptoensure is cooperative behaviour, which makes comes from being unselfish, and this that you move forward with the us willingly contribute to the common serves to maintain this sense of confidence that you are accepted in all goals of our group and make ourselves belonging which is necessary for our the environments in which you will be livingandworking.

Firstly,youneedtosearchforand make use of opportunities for social interaction. This may partly be taken care of when you are carrying out your obligations towards an organisation, but you need to purposely make the time for strengthening the social relationships among your peers, keeping this within the bounds of proper conduct, and in an atmosphere of appreciation for each individual. Thiswouldcertainlyneedyoureffortto be sociable and accepting of others, so astobeacceptedyourself.

In this effort towards being accepted, you will need to develop available to be of service to others. personal development into a mature supportive behaviour in your own This helps to develop our character by adult. This can be made much easier dealings with others While instilling a sense of social for all concerned if we approach all our competitionisusefulingettingthebest responsibility in contrast to only interactions with an attitude of outofus,ifwearenotinthetopsection lookingoutforoneself. affectionforourfellowhumanbeings.

Kakuro Puzzle

KakurobuzzlesarelikeacrossbetweenacrosswordandaSudokupuzzleInsteadofletters,eachblockcontains thedigits1through9.Thesamedigitwillneverrepeatwithinaword.Ifyouaddthedigitsinaword,thesumwillbe thenumbershownintheclue.Cluesareshownontheleftandrightsidesof"across"wordsandonthetonandbottom sidesof"down"wordsNeedsomehelp?visitkrazydad.com/kakuro

True Friendship

God in His wisdom made a friend, Someone on whom we can always depend, Aloyal friend who’ll understand, And always lend a helping hand.

He felt we’d need somebody who Could comfort us when we just feel blue, Whose special warmth and happy smile

Would make us feel that life’s worthwhile, Someone with whom we can take a walk, Or share a joke or have a talk, Who’d chat for hours on the phone, Or sense our need to be alone.

In short, God made a friend to be Someone we’re always glad to see; There’s little else that God can send That means as much as one true friend.

Solutions to last week’s

Word scr Costume Storeamble:

Bridges Puzzle

The effort towards getting others to feel worthy and acceptable will result in making you develop the same feelings.

Home remedies for bad breath

Parsley

Parsley is a popular folk remedy for bad breath. Its fresh scent and high chlorophyll content suggest that it can have a deodorizing effect. StudiesTrusted Source (not done on human breath, however) have shown that parsley can effectively combat foul sulfur compounds.

To use parsley for bad breath, chew on fresh leaves after each meal or buy a parsley dietary supplement here.

Pineapple juice

Drink a glass of organic pineapple juice after every meal, or chew on a pineapple slice for one to two minutes. It's also important to remember to rinse your mouth of the sugars in fruit and fruit juice afterward.

Water

Source shows that mouth dryness often causes bad breath. Saliva plays a very important role in keeping your mouth clean. Without it, bacteria thrive.

Prevent dry mouth by keeping your body hydrated. Drinking water (not caffeinated or sugary drinks) throughout the day will help encourage saliva production.Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day

Yogurt

Yogurt contains healthy bacteria called lactobacillus. These healthy bacteria can help combat bad bacteria in various parts of your body, like your gut.

Research shows that yogurt may also help reduce bad breath.Astudy found after six weeks of eating yogurt, 80 percent of participants had a reduction in bad breath. Probiotics in yogurt are effective in reducing the severity of bad breath.

Milk Milk is a well-known cure for bad breath. ResearchTrusted Source shows that drinking milk after eating garlic can significantly improve “garlicky” breath.

To use this method, drink a glass of low- or full-fat milk during or after a meal containing strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions.

Fennel or anise seeds

Since ancient times, fennel and anise seeds have been used to freshen breath. In parts of India, roasted fennel seeds are still used as “mukhwas,” or mouth fresheners, to cleanse after dinner breath. They taste sweet and contain aromatic essential oils that give the breath a fresh scent.

Fennel and anise seeds can be eaten plain, roasted, or coated with sugar

Orange

Oranges not only make for a healthy dessert, but they also promote dental hygiene.

Many people have bad breath because they don't produce enough saliva to wash away foul-smelling bacteria. Research shows that vitamin C helps increase saliva production, which can help eliminate bad breath. Oranges are rich in this vitamin.

Green tea

Source shows that green tea has disinfectant and deodorizing properties that can temporarily freshen the breath. Mint has similar effects, so a cup of green mint tea may be an ideal breath freshener

Apples

Source found that raw apples have a powerful effect against garlic breath. Certain natural compounds in apples neutralize the foul-smelling compounds in garlic.

Homemade mouthwash with baking soda

StudiesTrusted Source have shown that baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can effectively kill bacteria in the mouth. ResearchTrusted Source indicates that toothpastes containing high concentrations of baking soda effectively reduce bad breath.To make a baking soda mouthwash, add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to 1 cup of warm water. Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out.

Homemade mouthwash with vinegar

Vinegar contains a natural acid called acetic acid. Bacteria don't like to grow in acidic environments, so a vinegar mouthwash may reduce bacteria growth.Add 2 tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water. Gargle for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out.

A self-taught artist telling stories through paintings...

By Shervin Belgrave

Truly outstanding creatives are sometimeshardtofind.Assuch, it was nothing but a blessing to bump into a young woman who though exceptional at what she does, is probably one of the most down-to-earth human beingsaround.

Her name is Cosmata Lindie and she hails from the ancient county of Berbice. Lindie describes herself as a self-taught artist and writer who prefers to tell stories aboutlifeespeciallythroughherpaintings.

Lindie was among the talented creatives who were invited to showcase their talent at the recent Cricket Carnival event, called 'A Night of Jazz, Art and Fashion Show', which was held on September 18, last, at Castellani House. She stood gracefully at the entrance of the venue where a wide range of exquisite paintings,sculpturesandotherpiecesofart wereondisplay.

With pride, she showcased some of her captivating paintings that easily caught the attention of many who attended the event. When asked where she learnt the intricate techniques evident in her paintings, Lindie with a girlish smile intimated that “I am self-taught.”

She said that she has been painting for 30 years now In fact, she revealed that she was drawing and painting since she was a child and was never fortunate to be taught by anyone. But somehow, she developed a natural talent to create captivating pieces. “Since I know myself, I was drawing and painting, it was something that came naturally but it took some practice to be whereIamtoday,”Lindieasserted.

Of course, her childhood pieces were notimpressiveasthoseshecreatedasateen orsincebecominganadult,butdeveloping the skills without the help of a tutor or

attending an art school, she related, notanespeciallydifficulttask.

Her work has been catching of quite a few people across the The self-taught artist recently Guyana Women Artists' Association has since been given the opportunity exhibit her pieces at several shows. However, she admitted, Carnival Cricket event has thus the first major she has been privileged showcaseherwork.

ForLindie,paintingandcreating not just a hobby or a means income, rather through art exhibitions, she said that she is able to relate meaningful stories, which she first imagines in her mind before capturing theminherartwork.

“It's kinda difficult to describe the feeling when I paint but I go into a zone where you don't focus on anything else, it does just be blank and all I would see is these images in my head,” a passionate Lindierelated.

In fact, she excitedly pointed to some her pieces that she created while in her “blank zone” and, indeed, they are captivating and interesting even to those whoarecluelessaboutart.

Especially captivating is a piece she calls'GhettoKing'.Thepaintingisoneofa catthatlooksbatteredbuthiseyesarescary but yet very captivating. Persons were scarcely able to pass by the exhibit without staringback.

Amidst a chuckle, she explained that theGhettoKingispremisedonatruestory A stray cat, she narrated, used to visit her home in search of scraps. According to Lindie, who loves animals, she took a special liking to the tom cat. He had no owner and would prowl around the neighbourhood looking for food, especially raiding the garbage bins for scraps.

Oneofhisfavouritelimingspotswasat her home and this was because she would alwaysfeedhim.Asheate,Lindiesaidthat she would observe him and notice his dirty furcoatmarredwithafewscarsfromstreet fightswithotherstraycats.Manytimesshe imagined what his life was like as a cat in thestreetsandtheimagesstartedappearing

Since I know myself, I was drawing and painting, it was something that came naturally but it took some practice to be where I am today

for the emergence of a new or in other words, destruction is end; sometimes it is necessary to emerge into something beautiful.”

cruelstreets.

Onedayhisimagepoppedintoherhead so vividlyas she enteredherpaintingzone, andastheysay,therestishistory

Two other meaningful paintings with positivestorieswereexhibitedbyLindieat the Cricket Carnival event. These were captioned 'Disintegration' and 'Emergence'.

Lindie explained that the two paintings are related to each other The first she painted was Disintegration. It depicts the face of a woman that was connected to the earth. Two birds were picking away at the head while part of the woman's face looks as though it is being blown away by a strong wind.

For the self taught artist, it's a story of things b e i n g s l o w l y destroyed into pieces and can represent many things, “our lives, the earth and nature ” Lindie recalled that as she looked at the p a i n t i n g , s h e realisedthatanother had to be painted, 'Emergence' The messagebehindthat painting is to emphasise that s o m e t i m e s “disintegration is

'Emergence', is a painting of a beautiful woman holding the earth in hands and indeed it lived up to the of emerging brand new after a previousimagewasslowlydestroyed. rt from telling stories via meaningful paintings, Lindie is also a writesshortstoriesforchildren of them include: “The birds” and “Crossroads”. Crossroads is a tale of hope and redemption, and having the courage to start again when it feels like everything is fallingapart.

One of her more recent writings is a shortstorytitled“StarChild”.It'saliterary piece that earned her a place on the 2022 longlist for the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival (BCLF) Elizabeth Nunez AwardforwritersintheCaribbean.

For being blessed with a gift to captivate many people through her paintings and writing too, today we at this publication recognise Cosmata Lindie as our'SpecialPerson'oftheweek.

Comata Lindie posing next to 'Emergence', one of her meaningful pieces

The scary stare of the 'Ghetto King'

Lindie's painting called 'Disintegration'

Two art lovers who fell in love with Lindie's painting.

Cuisine Culture

‘Home-bakedwithlove’...

Cynthia Seepersaud bakes up a 'sweet-treats storm' in Berbice

By Malisa Playter-Harry

Some of the tasty treats from Vintage Délicieux

Toplaceanorder,visitherbusinessonFacebookorInstagramatVintageDélicieuxoryoucan

The proud owner of Vintage Délicieux, Cynthia Seepersaud

The owner Vintage Délicieux, Cynthia Seepersaud

Frompage16 slicks do not respect currently have no cross geographical boundaries,” border agreements in place IEEFA warned. It said that tobuildresilientecosystems Payara’s environmental for instance. She believes impactassessmentshowsthe that the Heads of States project’spotentialtodamage should collaborate to not only Guyana, but also strengthenthesesystems. Trinidad,Tobago,Barbados,

EvenastheInternational Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Association of Oil and Gas Curaçao, Colombia, the Producers gave this charge, Dominican Republic and Guyanaisyettoputsystems Venezuela “Oil on the in place to ensure it beaches is not good for adequately protects itself tourism and fishing, two and the Caribbean from an industries that sustain oilspill. regionaleconomies,”IEEFA

Va r i o u s m o d e l s urged.

presented in ExxonMobil’s

President of the Environmental Impact Transparency Institute of Assessments (EIAs) for Guyana Inc (TIGI) projectsthathavesofarbeen Fredericks Collins and approved have underlined another Guyanese citizen, the impacts such a disaster Godfrey Whyte, moved to towards diversification can wind. While this is critical, multi-billiondollarloanwith six lawsuits have been filed

can have on Caribbean the High Court less than beachieved. the envoy said it is a major shore base facility againstthestatetoforceittocountries. three weeks ago to get the

S p e c i f i c a l l y recognized that the world “What is happening in adequately protect the

While this is so, Guyana Environmental Protection underscoring these key cannot switch off the use of Guyana, the exponentiality environment againstonly has a US$600 million Agency(EPA)toenforcethe pointsduringtheopeningof oil and gas, as these requires non traditional possibleoilspilldamageareinsurancepolicyinplaceper liabilityclauseinthepermits the summit were Canadian resources would be needed strategies. This means we all indicators of “weakoil spill disaster, while Vice issued to ExxonMobil High Commissioner to well into the future. Berman needtoseethedevelopment policy and highlyPresidentBharratJagdeohas Guyana and partners. The Guyana, Mark Berman; said this multi pronged of domestic capital markets questionable management”assured that Esso lawsuit, IEEFA pointed out Gerry Gouveia Jr., Senior approach is outlined in the in Guyana to ensure of the petroleum sector,Exploration and Production the terms and conditions Vice President at the nation’s Low Carbon Guyanese are able to get Institute for EnergyGuyana Limited (EEPGL) – expected of insurance Georgetown Chamber of Development Strategy moreaccesstofinancingand Economics and FinancialthelocalsubsidiaryofExxon coverageandsanctionsifits Commerce and Industry; (LCDS)2030. develop and make Analysis(IEEFA)hassaid.– has over US$6 billion in provisions are not carried Professor Paloma Mohamed As for Professor meaningful contributions in Theinternationalagencyassets that can be used to out. The questions raised in Martin, Vice Chancellor at Mohamed Martin, she was oil and other sectors,” the whichmonitorsandassessesfinanciallycoveraspill. the litigation include the University of Guyana; keen to note the importance RegionalHeadsaid. energy markets, trends, andThe permits that have therefore, whether Guyana Angus Young, Regional of upskilling the Guyanese Lorena Salazar, Chief of policies,indicatedinitsmostbeengrantedtotheoperator, EPA obtained the insurance HeadofInvestmentBanking populace as well as the role Operations and Guyana recent writing on Guyana’showever, outline that a policy from Exxon and and New Markets at NCB oftheUniversityofGuyana, Country Representative at petroleum sector, that theparent company guarantee partners, whether EPA Capital Markets Limited; a 60 year-old institution, the Inter American fight to protect theshould be provided to cover ensured ExxonMobil’s andLorenaSalazar,Chiefof addressing this state of Development Bank (IDB) environment from oil spillany liabilities above this commitment to cover the Operations and Guyanacost. total costs of restoration, Country Representative atGovernmentontheother cleanup and damage from a the Inter Americanhand is merely negotiating spill or well blowout or DevelopmentBank(IDB).with the companies for a whether the terms and

ThestakeholderswereatUS$2 billion guarantee conditions that are in the the time, participating in aMeanwhile, a group of insurance coverage comport panel discussion thatprivatecitizenshasmovedto withthepermit,contractand damageisrampingupasthefocused on ensuring localthe court for proof of the statutes. It also questions government has failed toprosperity and sustainabilityparent company’s guarantee whether the companiesduring her presentationaffairs. The Professor said release the details of thethrough robust strategic andtobepublished. involved have the resourcesstressed the need to have oilUG produces about 3000 ExxonMobil / Essoinvestment partnerships. necessary to cover the costs and gas used to accelerategraduates but the country Exploration and ProductionThis discussion was of a significant spill, which social and economic targetsneeds about 15,000 to meet Guyana Limited (EEPGL)moderated by Chris

GUYANA BASINS corporate entities are to ensure widespreadits needs. “So we need to insurance policy, while aChapwanya, ChiefSUMMIT 2022... responsible for those costs growth.ShesaidtheIDBhadscale up significantly and recent oil spill at the Liza 2Executive Officer at

GUYANA AT CRITICAL and how much of the costs been a trusted partner oflook for partners and project has made theSagacity(and)OilNOWJUNCTURE IN OIL are covered by the actual Guyana for 45 years andopportunities.” potential danger even moreHigh CommissionerHISTORY, MUST CHANNEL permit agreements. The since her appointment inProfessor Mohamed realistic.Berman noted that he hasREVENUES INTO HEALTH, lawsuit is also demanding2018, there has been aMartin also spoke about the IEEFA reminded of thebeen in Guyana for 20EDUCATION, RENEWABLES that the EPA cancel the remarkable evolution ofimportance of tapping the “ o n e s i d e d ” 2 0 1 6months and based on his-INDUSTRY LEADERS permit if the offshore opportunities for prosperityDiaspora to meet the Production Sharing contractobservations, the country is operatordoesnotprovidethe inGuyana.country’s labour and skills governing the explorationon a transformationalIndustry experts and insurance, guarantees and demand While the and development of thetrajectorypotential investment indemnitiesrequired.

THURSDAYUniversity is not moving as

resource has several

The envoy was keen topartners participating in the IEEFA noted the fast as it ought to, Professor provisions benefiting thenote that Guyana andthree day Guyana Basins plaintiff, Frederick Collins’ GUYANA ONE OIL SPILLMohamed Martin said a lot consortium to the detrimentCanada have a longSummit (GBS) which concern based on former AWAY FROM LOSINGof progress is still being of Guyana “The latestrelationship, adding thatopenedatthePegasusSuites EPA head Dr Vincent PROFITS TO ANOTHERmade She said the litigation exposes one of theCanada has been the largestand Corporate Centre on Adam’s utterances that the GLOBAL DISASTERinstitution has already loopholes Weak contractsourceofexportspriortotheTuesday all agree that the insurance compliance

SIX LAWSUITS, WEAKintroduced 21 new terms provide vagueoilandgassectorcountry’s success with its provisionsarebeingviolated POLICIES POINT TOprogrammes but will catch protections. And the failure“So we have a strongpetro dollars lies in the and that the EPA had not

QUESTIONABLEupinabouttwoyear’stime. byenvironmentalauthoritiespeople link. We also have astrengthening of its health, obtained guarantees that

MANAGEMENT OF OIL

Angus during his to enforce even vaguecommercial footprint thateducation,andinfrastructure ExxonMobil would cover

SECTOR -INT’Lperspective stressed that protectionsmeansGuyanaiscontinues to grow,” theindustries as well as its the full costs of a cleanup.ORGANISATIONNCB is no stranger to just one substantial oil spillCanadianofficialstated.humancapital. “The plaintiff said Guyana Guyana, adding that the away from turning its

Furthermore, the HighT h e r e w a s a l s o authorities have refused to TheWorldBank’srecentcompany has extended expected windfall intoCommissioner said Guyanaunanimous agreement that provide copies of the findings on Guyana’s poorsignificant credit to the anotherglobaldisaster.”hasasignificantopportunityGuyana must invest in existing insurance policieshandling of the oil and gasGuyana Sugar Corporation

such as solar thatwouldshowthe sectorandthefactthatsome(GuySuCo), and closed a Guyana’s borders as oilresources such as solar andpower so that its efforts

“This issue goes beyond

Lorena Salazar, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) Chief of Operations and Guyana Country Representative (right) participating in the panel discussion on Tuesday at the Guyana Basins Summit

Frompage65 their demands and no longer seek unlimited liability guarantee their electoral support given the providedinthepermit.” increased funds that are now

Based on its observations, accessible from oil money Dr IEEFA said that stakeholder’s Mahadeo said that “Government’s concerns were amplified by handling of the oil contract ExxonMobil’s recent disclosure of exemplifies its embrace of an oil spill at the Liza 2 site. The corruption; putting a corrupt conditions surrounding the Governmentandacorruptcontract discharge and the details of the incontext.”Hesaidthatcorruption cleanup were not known when the has already leaked into various latest case was filed, and at the sectorsandGovernmentMinistries sametime,theformerEPAdirector as “nepotism and cronyism is the had said that ExxonMobil is legacyofthisGovernment”. currentlypumpingonLizaOneata

In the same vein, Dr Mahadeo rate of 150,000 barrels per day, 50 agreed,citizenscouldbeevenmore percent more than the permitted disadvantagedandrisklosingtheir rate. “The overproduction, if power over Politicians who now corroborated, has implications for havemoremoneytofunneltoward safetyandhealthrisksatthesite,as end games that are not necessarily well as increasing the chances of a beintheinterestofthecountry. “A major failure such as a well no-confidence motion is a typical blowoutorspill. example of votes lost due to

Essohasalreadyacknowledged political will or to wealth using a faulty gas compressor that distribution,” Dr Mahadeo has resulted in gas flaring beyond highlighted. He suggested that just permittedlevels.” for a moment “forget the APNU/AFC’s (A Partnership for

AMERINDIAN COMMUNITIES National Unity +Alliance for MUST REAP BENEFITS OF OIL Change) torrid performance in AND GAS SECTOR -IDB office, and see the roles of COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE democracy take strange and ugly turns, all in the name of

The revenue stream from the democracy...” For example, the burgeoningoilandgassectormust anti-corruption activist explained, notstagnateonthecoasts,butmust the constitution democratically Tuesday’s opening of the million.trickle down to Hinterland allows a no-confidence motion in conference.communities in Guyana to ensure Parliamentasameansofunseating

The Guyana Basins Summit FRIDAYequitable development in the a democratically elected will draw the curtains today at thecountry Government. “APNU was elected Pegasus Suites and Corporate ‘DON’T TAKE BUY OUT FROM

This is according to Lorena to serve five years... but a noCentre,inGeorgetown. OIL DRUNK POLITICIANS’ -YOGSalazar, the Inter American confidence motion brought an end

In the meantime, government MAHAEO WARNS CITIZENSDevelopment Bank (IADB) Chief to it Now, supposing has made it clear in the NaturalofOperationsandGuyanaCountry hypothetically,theonevoteneeded ResourcesFund(NRF)Actthatthe More money, more problems,Representative. Salazar was at the (inthiscaseCharandass’(Persaud)) revenuefromtheoilandgassector may be the most suitabletime responding to a question, as was“bought”(amnotsayingthatit shall be used to fund national description for the potentialpanelist on the Guyana Basins was), but hypothetically, if it was development priorities, including dangers civil society activist, DrSummit discussion, on ‘Ensuring bought,thenmoney/oilinterest-or any initiative aimed at realizing an Yog Mahadeo says, are lurking asLocal Prosperity & Sustainability other special interest can “buy” inclusivegreeneconomy Itdidnot Politicians become untouchable,Through Robust Strategic and Parliamentarians and have them specifically outline some of the backed by windfall revenues fromInvestment Partnerships’ on bringdownaGovernment...” investment areas, but made theoilsectorTuesdaywhenshegavethecharge. Inthemeantime,“whataboutthe provision for an Investment Dr Mahadeo has been a strong

To ensure the success of electors’ votes that democratically Committee to fulfill this mandate. critic of the lopsided 2016Guyana’s petroleum sector, she elected them to power? It’s been The Committee was appointed by Production Sharing Agreementexplained that decisions must be bought out within the national President IrfaanAli onAugust 30, (PSA) which puts Guyana in antaken to diversify the economy assembly ” Dr Mahadeo posited“So there are several areas that a last. economically disadvantageouswhich means not only targeting He said that while the situationcountry of new oil and gas should

Meanwhile, Vice President positionwiththeoffshoreStabroekefforts to the oil and gas industry seems strange it is true as, “in thetakealookandIwouldsaythatifI Bharrat Jagdeo has told Guyanese Block operator Despite numerousAs such, the IDB Country USA, the electoral college literallycan compare to my country and that the oil money collected each pleas from both local andRepresentative who hails from the sweeps away the rights of theother countries, I would say that year for the two oil projects is international stakeholders for theoilproducingstateofEcuadoralso individual voters ” He indicatedthat is the best part, of when a merely enough to complete two renegotiation of the contract,gave specific advice to the that the example given is just onecountry focus on the other sectors projects.

Government remains reluctant togovernment to ensure each citizen simplewaythatincreasedmoneyto(on)howtodevelopthecountry.”

The VP was at the time address the agreement Drof Guyana benefits from the oil Governments allows them to actWeighing in briefly, the High speaking in Berbice about two Mahadeo said that in exchange forboom.Shesaiditiscriticaltoleave undemocraticallyandintheinterestCommissioner of Canada to weeks ago when complained that not renegotiating the PSA, thenoonebehind. ofpartyandaffiliates

Guyana, Mark Berman said he themoneyreceivedfromthesector administration is assured massiveAccording to her, “that means

Dr Mahadeo told the Kaieteur“absolutelyagrees”thatthenoone is“notawholelot”. support by the oil companiesnot just focusing on the coastland News that, “the Government hasshould be left behind in the

He explained, “When you hear throughthenextelections.but also checking the Hinterland. shown the oil companies that wedevelopment of the country from alotabouttheoilmoneyandwe’ve He said too that internationalWhat are the opportunities of the are a country with weak leadersthe oil and gas revenues. Offering collectedaboutUS$350millionper watchdog groups are alsopeopleintheHinterland?”TheIDB whocannottakeharddecisionsforhis country’s experience, Berman yearsofar,thefirsttwoyears,you beginning to internalize theCountry representative argued that fear of personal loss.” He said thatsaid Canada has significantly thinkit’salotofmoney troubling news that ExxonMobiltheopportunitiesshouldnotonlybe the Government prefers to “stay ininvested in Indigenous

But the Demerara Harbour andpartnersarecallingtheshotsonextended to the education and power with support from the oilcommunitiesandhavealsofocused Bridge alone, the four-lane bridge, thenation’soilindustryandnotthehealthsectors,butalsointheareas companiesandtheUSGovernmentheavily on addressing women and there is US$260 million and the Government.of communication and access until this position changes on thegender equity issues. He believes, hospital,theChildrenandMaternal Dr Mahadeo has gone furtheramongothers. (2016)contract,”insteadofgetting“these are very important issues Hospitalthatwearebuildingwhich howevertowarncitizensabouttheSalazar was keen to note that for Guyanese, the benefitsthat can be left behind and if you will be a World-class hospital for devastating effects of thatthe future of the country is its deserved.wanna have success, you have to our children and women combination. He explained in anpeople,hencemeasuresshouldalso Thisshowofreluctanceontheensureyoukeepyoureyesonthose specialised hospital with the best invited comment that citizens’be taken to explore the skills Government’s part leaves theballs.” carethatyoucangetlikeanypartof power could be reduced or lostneeded that may not have been countryinaveryvulnerable

It is important to note that no the world that’s about US$170 whenGovernmentsnolongerheedtaught in school. She pointed out, (Continued

Government official attended

Dr Yog Mahadeo

Frompage66 services of its insurance

K a i e t e u r N e w s oilcompanies’calling. broker for the purpose of understandsthatGDWULis lodging same” and that a limited- liability company SOLMUST FORK OUT $2B despite the insurance duly incorporated and OWED IN TAXES TO GRA broker’s best efforts “the registered in the United

AS COURT STRIKES bond could not be put in Kingdom and whose

DOWN APPLICATION TO placepriortoJune27,2022.” registeredofficeissituatedat APPEAL ASSESSMENT

The Court was keen to Lot 7 Albemarle Street, notethateventhoughSOL’s London, WIS 4HQ, United Application was filed after Kingdom That company, SOLGuyanaInc.haslost June 27, 2022, no evidence based on Kaieteur News’ an appeal before Madam ofabondwasputbeforeit. research, is an affiliate of JusticeDamoneF J.Younge Nonetheless, the SBM Offshore, the Dutch overthepaymentof$2.7Bin company’s request for company which has been Corporation Taxes owed to approval was not favorably buildingGuyana’soilships. the Guyana Revenue considered by GRAand this

Thecourtcasestatesthat Authority(GRA). was stated in a letter dated GDWUL is and was at all

The judgment was June 24, 2022 addressed to materialtimestheregistered handed down on September Counsel for the Applicant. owner of the Liza Destiny breachesanagreement.”30, 2022. SOL had filed a The Applicant contended Floating Production StorageFor Change (AFC) party, is position clear about

However, Dr WilliamsFixed Date Application that the failure of the and Offloading (FPSO)willing to stand with the changingthecontractdueto contended that theseeking an order to expand Respondenttorespondtoits vessel.People’s Progressive Party the changed circumstance, renegotiationofacontractisthe time to file an appeal in request to lodge a bond as

TheAppellantsaidthatit(PPP)tochangethelopsided he does not believe that acommonpracticethatdoesthecase. suretybeforeJune24,2022, hasaCharterAgreementNo.2016 Production Sharing General Secretary of the notcollidewiththe‘sanctity

According to the frustrated its right to appeal, LIZ CM C 16 05 withAgreement (PSA) with PPP, Mr Bharrat Jagdeo ofcontract’doctrine.HesaidApplicant, GRA had raised whichformedthebasisofthe GDWUL effective JanuaryExxonMobil. would bewillingtomovein it involves the revisiting ofanassessmentofcorporation proceedingsthatfollowed. 1, 2017. At all materialD u r i n g a P r e s s thisdirection.

problematic terms of antax against it for the years The Applicant further times,EEPGLsaidtheFPSOConference on Friday, the Several stakeholders agreement by parties who2014 to 2020 which totaled contended that it could not hasbeenusedbyGDWULtoparty’s Chairperson, have in the past highlighted may or may not reach$2, 713, 212, 251.00. The lodge a bond to secure its provide certain specialisedCatherine Hughes explained the importance of agreement on a revision.Applicant objected to the appeal unless and until the technological servicesthat the group believes GovernmentandOpposition Therefore, Dr Williamsa s s e s s m e n t s a n d Respondentapprovedofit. and/or functions it requiresrenegotiating the agreement working together on the argued that ‘sanctity ofcommunicated same to the SOL said GRA later in its petroleum productionshould not be approached in management of the oil and contract’ and ‘renegotiationRespondent by letter dated issued a document to it operations at the Stabroekan isolated manner but the gassector of contract’ are parallelOctober 13, 2021, in which urging the payment of the Block oilfield. It said thesecountry’s leaders should Jagdeo has said multiple processes that complimentthe grounds for the taxes owed. The company include the treatment andholdhandsonthematter times that his party will not ratherthanoffendeachotherobjections were set out in said it was able to get an preparation of crude

Inresponsetoaquestion enter into a renegotiation of somedetail. InterimOrdergrantedbythe petroleumforexport,andtheby this publication, Hughes the lopsided agreement in STABROEK BLOCKT h e r e s p o n d e n t Court staying the Execution treatment and processing ofsaid, “the renegotiation of ordertomaintain‘sanctityof OPERATOR MOUNTS LEGALsubsequently wrote to the of the Notice of Intended associated gas and waterthe contract should be contracts’.

CHALLENGE AGAINSTApplicantindicatingthatthe Judgment until the hearing recoveredfromitspetroleumconsideredinthesamespirit A New York based $4.2B TAX CLAIM BY GRAAuthority maintains its andthedeterminationofthis reservoirs at the Stabroekwith which we work Lawyer,Dr VivianWilliams

- TAX AUTHORITY SAYSassessment of corporation FixedDateApplication. Block oilfield into atogether- Opposition and has challenged this standing MONEY DULY OWED ONtaxfortheyearsmentioned. GRA in response condition where they can beGovernment, we work by the Government, as he $42B PAID TO UK FIRM

By way of letter dated vehemently denied re injected into the saidtogether on issues that have believes there are clear MANAGING LIZA DESTINYJune17,2022,theApplicant frustrating the company’s reservoirs.to do with our border and as grounds for which that VESSELtold the court that it had ability to appeal its

EEPGL contended thatyouknowtheborderdispute principle can be set aside or signaled to the Respondent assessment and contended these processes are highlyand this is where we’ve said overruled.

ExxonMobil’s affiliate,its intention to appeal its that it was the applicant’s skilled and technical ones,quiteafewtimesthatweare In an invited comment, Esso Exploration andassessment of corporation ownactionsthatpreventedit the provision and carryingwilling to support the Dr Williamssaidsuccessive Production Guyana Limitedtax and also requested fromappealingintime,since outofwhichbytheFPSOareGovernment in going to administrationshave,fortoo (EEPGL) has moved to theapproval “to post a bond, at the time the request was vital for its efficientExxonasGuyana-aunified long, invoked the common High Court to appeal aguaranteeoranyappropriate made to lodge a bond, the production operations in theGuyana - to look at how we law ‘doctrine of sanctity of $4,223,604,522 withholdingform of security in lieu of applicant was not even in a Stabroek Block oilfieldrenegotiate.” contract’ to evade calls for taxassessmentissuedtoitbytaxes”assuretyforitsappeal position to do so The Importantly, EEPGL said

Meanwhile, Leader of renegotiationoftheStabroek the Guyana Revenueagainst the Respondent’s authority’s position was that paymentsaremadeunderthethe AFC, Khemraj BlockPSA.

Authority (GRA) for theassessment. it acted in compliance with Charter Agreement toRamjattan pointed out that Hesaid,“Whatisplaying period January 2020 to JulyIn that letter it was thelaws. GDWULforitsservices.the whopping 10 billion outisthemisapplicationofa 2021.furtherstatedthat“giventhe In its ruling, the court The company said itbarrelincreaseinoilreserves legaldoctrinetoavoidacting

According to the courtsize of the company’s said it finds it difficult to r e c o g n i s e s a n dintherichStabroekBlockis in the nation’s best interest. case perused by Kaieteuroperations in Guyana, the a c c e p t t h a t t h e acknowledges that themore than enough reason to Because the sanctity of News,onoraroundJune15,quantum of the assessment, Commissioner General United Kingdom of Greatget the oil company back to contract doctrine does not 2017, the Appellant said itthe impact of rising would be called upon to BritainandNorthernIrelandthetable. apply to the consensual was granted a Petroleumcommodity prices, and in grant approval of a bond, and Guyana have entered“We have indicated, and process of contract

Production Licence toreviewing the company’s sightunseenwherenoactual into a Convention for theIpubliclyhaveindicatedthat renegotiation, common produce oil in the Stabroekfinancial obligations in bond was put before him or avoidanceofdoubletaxationyes, indeed (we can senseshouldhaveshutdown Block located approximatedGuyana,thecompanywillbe where, for instance, he had and the prevention of fiscalrenegotiate) because we that argument before it was 120milesoffshoreGuyana.severely impacted from a no information on the evasionwithrespecttotaxesunderstand the changed evenmade.”

Theoilandnaturalgastocash flow perspective if it proposedbondoranykindof on income and capital gainscircumstancesbutmorethan The Lawyer added, which the Appellant’sattempts to settle the undertaking from an and the encouragement ofthat, the PPPwhen it was in “Simply put, sanctity of licence relates is located inassessed tax, and is indeed insurancebrokerorfinancial international trade andOppositionhadsaidthatour contract means, an w a t e r d e p t h s o funabletodoso.” institution as the case may investment.agreementwassorottenthat agreement made freely, approximately between

Byitsownadmission,as be. That agreement wasthey will renegotiate. Did knowingly, and fairly by 1000-3000metresindepth.at June 17, 2022 when signed in August, 1992they fool all of us here? It competent parties, must be Consequently, in order toapprovalwassoughttolodge SATURDAY Under Article 14 of thewould appear so because kept. It operates as a produceoiloffshoreGuyanaabond,theApplicanthadnot Convention, EEPGLthey have an obligation, a fundamental principle of in furtherance of theyet secured the bond. The AFC READY TO SUPPORT through its lawyers saidboundingdutytogonowand contract law, reflected in Appellant’s licence, theApplicant claimed, at PPPIN RENEGOTIATING

technical fees arising in arenegotiate with all that is principlessuchas‘pactasunt Appellant engaged theparagraph 9 of its Affidavit EXXON CONTRACT ContractingStateandpaidtohappening,” Ramjattan told servanda’, well known to services of Guyana Deepin Support, that it “took all a resident of the otherthemedia. state actors Therefore, Water UK Limitednecessary steps to effect the Guyana’s third major

He added that while the despitesovereignty,astateis (GDWUL).bond by engaging the political force, the Alliance taxedinthatotherState.AFC has already made its liable if it unilaterally

Contracting State may be

Head of EEPGL, Alistair Routledge

AFC Chairperson, Catherine Hughes

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan

Jagdeopullingnumbersoutofthinairtojustify...

To this end, the engineer told come down; the US$1.6 cents will transmission phase However, utilisationofthenewplant.Usinga cost, two other cost areas must be Kaieteur News that the costs come down to about US$ 1.4 cents Fletcher has made the point that rounded figure of USD8.00 per added. These are the cost of the associated with developing the soitcomesdownlower Ifitgoesto US15 cents would merely be the million BTU as the cost of energy capital investment, and, the GTE project have escalated too US$1 1 billion, it may go to cost to generate the electricity, supplied by the pipeline to GPL; operatingandmaintenance(O&M) much therefore rendering the US$1 7 cents that’s just the giventhenewpricedifference. the cost of energy to produce a cost. The capital cost per KWh is projectnolongerfeasible. pipeline part…then if you estimate The engineer said the KWhworksoutat8.0UScentsper calculated at 3.5 US cents per Fletcher has challenged both the power plant and the NGL conclusion that the pipeline is not KWh.” KWh, using the US$600 million the Vice President and economists facility to be about US$700 feasible can be arrived at even In explaining his logic, the capital cost, a 30-year lifespan of to prove his estimates wrong million…thatwilladdanotherone without using the EN study He engineer defined the formula he the plant and a 10 percent cost of regardingtheproject. point something cents per kilowatt explained,“Dataaboutthepipeline used to arrive at his conclusion. He capital O&M costs are often Back in June when Jagdeo was hour.” that is in the public domain tells us said that the bids received for the estimated at about 20 percent of questioned about the feasibility of VPJagdeo said that if one were that the pipeline transporting 50 power plant so far are between total costs The total power the venture, he explained, “We are toconsiderestimatesforpayingfor million cubic feet of gas per day US$500 million and US$700 generating cost of GPL, with the doing estimates. We are saying thepipeline,NGLandpowerplant, would be required to power the million.Therefore,usingaUS$600 above figures totals about 13.5 US US$1 billion now for the pipeline. it can come down as low as four new300MWplant.Thattranslates million estimate, Fletcher noted he cents per KWh, which is almost That is where we run the numbers. cents to about five cents per to 10 cubic feet of gas to produce theninsertedthecapitalcost. triple the 4 or 5 US cents SoassumingitcomesinatUS$900 kilowatt hour He said this would one KWh of electrical energy, According to him, “To arrive at announcedbytheGovernment.” million,thenifitcomesinthatwill bepaidbackover20years.

From page 12 assuming a 70 percent average GPL’s overall power generating

1 injured, “significant damage” as fuel vessel slams into Demerara Harbour Bridge

By Shervin Belgrave

One month after a barge crashed into the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) and damaged one of its retractor spans, another vessel, an oil tanker, on Saturday did the same. This time, officials

have been inconvenienced. said that the damage caused Added to this, he said that a is the worse ever seen by the majordisruptionoftradeand bridge engineers and will commerce between Regionsrender it inoperable, likely 2, 3, 4 and 7 can cause a forthenextfewdays. shortage of basic supplies

The Panamanian flagged suchasfood,fuel,etc. vessel, MV Tradewinds Engineers, he said, arePassion, reportedly crashed working a 24 hour shift into the bridge close to system to get the bridge02:00hrs Saturday during a operable hopefully byretraction for the passage of tomorrow night. But Edghillfive vessels It was moment, Duke decided to tanker damaged four noted that the repairs could reportedlyfilledwithfuelfor jump for safety but ended up retractor spans and ripped takemuchlongerthe Guyana Oil Company injuringhisleg. out some cluster piles from “We are working hard to Limited (GUYOIL) and was

“…he jumped from his their position and dropped get this done by Mondaythe last vessel to pass tower to get to safety and them across the channel. A night but then again that is through from north to south injured his leg, he is pontoon was also badly being optimistic and wewhenthecollisionoccurred. hospitalised,” Edghill told damaged to the point of don’t wanna deceive the

Not only has the impact mediaoperatives. taking in water. Some new people,itmaybe72hoursorseverely damaged the bridge

Up to press time, Duke end posts will be needed, 96hours,”Edghillsaid. butithasleftoneoftheDHB was still hospitalised and along with several parts, for So far, related Edghill,staffers hospitalised with a doctors reportedly notified theretractortoworkagain. “We have members of the fractured leg and others are his superiors that he will Theministersaidthathis private sectors that areleft traumatized after barely have to undergo surgery government is working manufacturing componentsescapingunhurt. because his leg is severely along with the private sector (parts for the bridge)…We

Speaking at a Saturday fractured. to get the bridge up and expect that by tomorrow afternoon press conference, Asitrelatestothebridge, running as soon as possible (today)someofthese Minister of Public Works, Edghill said that the oil since thousands of people (Continued on page 72)Juan Edghill identified the injured staffer asAndy Duke andrelatedthathewasashift supervisor directing the retraction from his tower on the bridge while his colleagues were underneath c o n d u c t i n g r o u t i n e maintenance.

EdghillrelatedthatDuke observed that the vessel was not in alignment with the channel to pass through properly and therefore made attemptstoavoidthedisaster by contacting its pilot via radio. He reportedly called on them to stop and turn around the oil tanker but it kept coming, and at the last

Guyana Shore Base signs with NCB...

From page 19 and Trinidad & Tobago Stock exchanges. It Limited.”By taking the time to understand tradesunderthetickersymbolNCBFG. GuyanaShoreBase,wewereabletocreatea In 2015, Muneshwers Limited, Pacific custom-tailored financial solution.” GYSBI Rim Constructors, LED Offshore, and Total General Manager Mr Robert Albiez stated Tec Oilfield Services – all companies with that, “This bridging loan agreement is a relevantexperienceandexpertise,combined precursortoamoresignificantmultimillion- interests to establish Guyana Shorebase dollar deal involving NCBMBTTL and Incorporated The company was later three other Guyana banks to provide capital awarded a five-year mandate to provide for projects that will further build and ExxonMobilwithshorebaseserviceswhich enhance GYSBI’s capacity to support has been subsequently extended to 2032. ExxonMobil’soffshoredrillingcampaign.”

With the increasing demand for services,

The NCB Financial Group has assets of GYSBI will now be able to provide USD12 billion, a capitalbase of circa USD1 increased services as a single source billion and is publicly traded on the Jamaica resourcetothesector

The oil tanker that crashed into the bridge, offloading its fuel at the GUYOIL Providence terminal

Photos that were taken moments after the crash. (Photo Credit: Office of the President)

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill speaking at the press conference

Minister within the Ministry of Public Affairs, Deodat Indar

Persons boarding water taxis at the Georgetown Stelling last evening

WANTED

Driver, Sales man, Porters to work in warehouse. Must have experience, attractive salary offered. Call: 6 96-4444.

One Male Accountant needed, must have a valid driver's licence. Call: 6447088/ 624-7248.

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One general Maid between ages 20-40 years, from Cummings Lodge or Liliendaal. Call: 231-8737 between 8am-4pm.

Elderly bus driver wanted for 42 bus route. Call: 2336175/ 676-3963.

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

Male factory workers, $3500 per day. 7am-4pm lunch hr inclusive, transportation provided. Call: 611-7839.

Male clerical staff needed @ Prestigious Private Company. Minimum requirements, 5 subjects cxc 1-3. Call: 611-7839.

One male able bodied lerk.Tel:231-2029,693-8462.

One female and male able bodied clerk: 226-1497,2252313/658-8559.

Domestic required, to work in Georgetown from 7am3pm(4-5 days per week). Call: 623-6383.

Handymen and women required for compound maintenance @ Prestigious Private Company. Transportation provided, $3,100 per day. Call: 611-7839.

Live in Domestic must know to cook Indian dishes, 3550yrs. Salary $35000 weekly, call: 610-3974. Babysitter required. Must have US Visa. Contact: 954253-2517.

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Lorry driver with sales experienced to work as sales representative. Attractive salary and benefits offered. Call: 611-7839.

1 Jeweller needed at Charles work shop, very attractive salary offered. Call: 6781046/ 677-2390.

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A part time young Housekeeper is required. Call: +5926376700

Sport Ministry to construct table tennis training facility

- estimated to cost $49M

Having received some $3.2 billion in this year’s budget for the continued development of sport in the country, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport is preparing to spend some of its allocation to facilitate the construction of a table tennis

training facility.

Since table tennis is said to be one of the country’s important sports, this facility the Ministry revealed is estimated to cost $49 million.

During the recent opening of tenders at the National

Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), a total of 13 contractors have bid to execute the construction.

Also, NPTAB revealed, that the Guyana National Bureau of Standards is looking to build a sub-office in Region Nine for an estimated cost of $6 million, which only two contractors bid for. Below are the companies and their bids:

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Construction of table tennis training facility - National Racquet Centre

North Korea fires two missiles after US-South Korea drills

SERVICES

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Office of the President

IAST – rehabilitation of eastern boundary fence

(AL JAZEERA) - North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles towards its eastern waters – the latest in its barrage of weapons tests after Pyongyang warned against the US redeployment of an aircraft carrier for a new round of drills with South Korean warships. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement it detected the two missiles launched early Sunday from the North’s eastern coastal city of Munchon.

Both missiles reached an altitude of 100km (60 miles) and covered a range of 350km (217 miles), Japan’s State Minister of Defence Toshiro Ino told reporters.

South Korea’s military boosted its surveillance posture and maintains a readiness in close coordination with the United States, it said. The Japanese government said North Korea fired what was possible ballistic missiles.

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IAST- rehabilitation of parking area

IAST - repairs and painting of IAST main stores, workshop, biodiesel area, plastic line area

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed officials to gather and analyse information while ensuring the safety of aircraft and ships around the country. The Ja panese coastguard said it warned ships off the coasts about falling objects and urged them to stay away. Ino said Tokyo would not tolerate the repeated actions by North Korea. The launch, the North’s seventh round of weapons tests in two weeks, came hours after the United States and South Korea wrapped up a new round of naval drills off the Korean Peninsula’s east coast.

The drills involved the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and its battle group, which returned to the area after North Korea fired a powerful missile over Japan last week to protest against the carrier group’s previous training with South Korea.

‘Righteous reaction’

On Saturday, North Korea’s defence ministry warned the Regan’s redeployment was causing a “considerably huge negative splash” in regional security.

It called its recent missile tests a “righteous reaction” to intimidating military drills between its rivals.

Guyana Energy Agency Supply and delivery of stand-alone street lamps for the GEA

VEHICLE FOR SALE

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

“Our missile tests are a normal, planned selfdefence measure to protect our country’s security and regional peace from direct US military threats,” said state media KCNA, citing an aviation administration spokesperson.

Body of unidentified man found at Palmyra

The body of a man of Africandescent,whoisyetto be identified, was on Friday discoveredbehindtheANSA McAl Complex at Palmyra Village,EastCanje,Berbice.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the body, which was discovered in a crouchedpositioninaclump of grass, was clad in a green threequarterpantsandalight green shirt. According to police,theskinfromtheright side face, ankle and hand werepeeled.

The body is presently at theArokiumFuneralParlour awaitingapostmortem.

The unidentified body

GPHC team successfully addresses...

Frompage20 neural tube to close malformation and repaired s p i n e a s o n e , a completely during foetal the defect at the junction Myelomeningocele development, which may be where the brain and spinal encephalocele occurring at attributed to several internal cordarejoined. the back of the head where and external factors, mainly

The GPHC noted that the brain joins the spinal lackingtheuseofFolicAcid thistediousandcomplicated cord,thereleaseexplained. duringpregnancy medical intervention for the

The GPHC noted that Thereleasefurtherstated new-borncommencedfirstly whileneuraltubedefectsare that the management of with the placement of VP quiteacommonbirthdefect, encephalocele and shunt for the developing they usually occur on the myelomeningocele is often hydrocephalus that was also head or the spine separately associated with numerous diagnosed.

In fact, the occurrence of challenges including blood

The large malformation, encephalocele and loss, cardio respiratory the hospital described, was myelomeningocele together d i s t u r b a n c e s a n d the size of the normal head as one defect in the same hypothermia Surgical which was then carefully patientisrarelydescribedin intervention is critical to separated from the head and medical literature, the prevent hemodynamic upper cervical spine of the hopitalrevealed. fluctuations and excessive baby This procedure was

In these uncommon pressure on the sac which then followed by the cases,thehospitalnoted,the may result in premature reconstructionofthecranioneural tube defect presents ruptureandeventualdeath. spinal junction’s defect to as a sac-like protrusions on Dr.Dukiandhisteamon prevent the leakage of the brain and spine and are September 30, last, cerebrospinal fluid and caused by the failure of the separated the large a l l o w f o r n o r m a l development of brain and spinalstructures.

Sport Ministry to construct...

GuyanaCivilAviationAuthority

Upgradeofcommunication,navigation,surveillanceand airtrafficmanagementsystems-hardwareandsoftware.

GuyanaNationalBureauofStandards

ConstructionofGNBSsub-officeinRegionNine

The operation, which was deemed a successful one,lastedformorethansix hours.

After spending seven days in the hospital’s neonatal post-operative care unit, the GPHC stated, “Little Shailah was dischargedintohermother’s arm without any obvious neurological deficits and is expected to lead a normal childhood.”

GeorgetownPublicHospitalCorporation

Repairstomulti-purposebuildingsroofing

Close monitoring, however, will be done to determine any difficulty in the child’s developmental lifecycle.

N/A man hospitalised with serious chop wounds

incustody

Police have arrested a cane harvester of publication, the victim was seen on the Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, East Berbice, ground screaming in pain as he held the afterhechoppedhisfellowvillagerabouthis bicycleinfrontofhimtoshieldhimselfasthe bodyduringanargumenttheyhadonFriday suspect continued to fire chops and hurl

Currently hospitalised in a serious expletives at him. There were villagers and conditionattheNewAmsterdamHospitalis passersbylookingonbutnoneintervened.

LawrenceRodrigues,56,ofRoseHallTown, The victim was eventually taken to the Corentyne,Berbice.

Port Mourant Public Hospital and later

According to police, the victim entered transferred to the New Amsterdam Public the suspect’s yard on Friday and tried to Hospital where he remains in a serious remove a bicycle and this spurred a heated condition. argument between the two. The suspect Kaieteur News wastoldbyavillagerthat armed himself with a cutlass as the victim the suspect had borrowed the bicycle and a washeadingoutoftheyardwiththebicycle, pressurepotfromthevictim.However,when and confronted him. The suspect began thevictimshoweduptouplifthisbelongings choppingRodrigueswhofelltotheground. thesuspectattackedhim.

In a video of the incident seen by this Aninvestigationisunderway

1 injured, “significant damage” as fuel vessel

Frompage69 watertaxistooperateona24 vesselsfromtheDHB’send. that parking will be made throughtheDemeraraRiver be allowed to leave componentswillbeinplace. hours basis from Stabroek The authorities are available for them at the Local river pilots are Georgetown until the We expect that some of the (Georgetown) to Vreed-en- considering arrangements Providence National normally hired to bring in investigationiscompleted. endpostsandanewpontoon Hoop (Region Three),” forpersonslivingatWalesto Stadium. He assured that it vessels from the ocean to Edghill said that while (toreplacethedamagedone) Edghillsaid. board boats from an Upper will be safe for persons to Georgetown ports because the government does not will be here by 10am Apart from the Stabroek East Bank Demerara (EBD) leavetheirvehiclesthereand they are more acquainted know yet the cost for the tomorrow.” and Vreed en Hoop location, perhaps at catch a boat home since the withthelocalriver repairs, the bill will be

Astheemergencyrepairs stellings, the MARAD DiamondorGrove. Guyana Police Force (GPF) The pilot in question handed to the owner of the are being conducted, the boathouse at the Vreed-en- As he assured that the will provide 24 hour reportedly has years of Panamanianoiltanker Public Works Ministry is Hoopendwillalsobeusedas boat taxi fare will remain at protectionforthevehicles. experience under his belt. Inorder,toavoidafuture working along with the a boarding point for $100, Edghill noted that Meanwhile, Edghill said Following the accident, he accident,Ministerwithinthe Maritime Administration passengers using the water MARAD and the Public that a Board of Inquiry has was taken into custody and Ministry of Public Works, Department (MARAD) to taxis. Works Ministry are also beensetuptoinvestigatethe handed over to police Deodat Indar, who also put temporary measures in F r o m t o d a y , examining port landings for accident. That process is Police, this publication was spoke at the press place to ensure that citizens arrangementswillalsobeput bargestodockwithvehicles expectedtobegintoday informed, tested his blood conference, said that the can still travel across the inplaceforpersonswholive transporting supplies to the So far, the captain of the alcohol level but the results system of vessels moving river at La Grange, La Parfaite westside. vessel at the time has been returnednegative. through the Demerara River “…Wehave,sinceabout Harmonieandotherareason For citizens who might identified as a local river He was released but is willhavetochange. 04:30 this morning the West Bank of Demerara have been left stranded with pilotwhowascontractedvia currently being monitored. Oneofthosechanges,he (yesterday), initiated the (WBD) to board passenger their vehicles, Edghill said anagencytobringthevessel According to authorities at noted, will be to bar private MARAD, he has been river pilots from bringing in suspended from monitoring vessels and only allow the anyvesselandwilllikelybe onesworkingwithMARAD bannedpermanently. todoso.

Edghilldisclosedthatthe Currently, MARAD has vessel has been permitted to 15 river pilots within its offload its fuel at the employ while there are five GUYOIL terminal at private pilots, including the Providence, East Bank one who crashed the vessel Demerara(EBD)butwillnot intothebridge.

KaieteurM@ilbox

The filthy business...

Frompage6 business practices met with presetformulathattheGGB fierce resistance from is held to, which works like mining powers, and their this. It buys and pays for escalating the issue. The gold at the daily London practice continued. To be ‘Fix’ (the conventional clear, the financial result of pricing mechanism), but the this particular regime of reimbursement exchange buying and paying at an rate that it receives is less. international price, and

The GGB’s receiving rate is collecting at the lower local theaverageoftheUS$:GY$ level, is that the GGB lives rate paid by the six under a regime of losing commercial banks less money for every single GY$4 25 The six ounceofgoldthatitbuysand commercial banks’ average exports. rateisalwaysmorethanwhat Of course, the selling the GGB has historically pricecouldbeadvantageous, received from BoG, for butcannotbewaitedupon,or exported gold sold takenriskswith,forFOREX

Moreover, all parties needs are always pressing, (benefiting) speak of some the BoG wants deficit mysterious document reduction, and business supporting this longstanding turnovercontinues. average rate arrangement, To summarize, at every but nobody can produce level, presences in the gold anything. sector, with few exceptions,

In effect, this means that embody incomparable selfthe GGB lives with two interest.

harms: first it could lose Those contributing to it, throughbuyingatthemarket those piloting it, those price of the day (Fix), and standing above it. People selling at price (after export previously associated with and refining) that could be the GGB have gambled and lower than what was paid to lost big using taxpayer miners; and second, losing money out again given the FOREX People standing over the setup that has been in place GGB have falsified and for the last two decades deceived Gold in this (commercial banks average countryisnotjustfilthy,itis ratelessGY$4.25). Itshould monstrously ugly, with b e n o t e d t h a t n o people in the PPP organizationalcosts(fixedor Government to match operational) are mentioned. Sharing facts, allegiance to There was nothing coming truth, could be differencefromanysourceforthose. makers, just don’t expect

Moves to correct the eitherfromtheGovernment.

FOREX practice (formula) Sincerely, that conflicted with basic GHKLall

Guyana gets one barrel of sewage for every barrel of oil pumped at Liza 1

By Davina Bagot

Environmental

I m p a c t

Assessment (EIA) submitted by ExxonMobil Guyana for the Liza One operations in the Stabroek Block, the developerisallowedtodump as much as 4000 barrels of sewageeachdayinGuyana’s territorialwaters.

Environmental Lawyer, Melinda Janki, who has been flagging the dangers associated with the offshore operations since its commencement in 2019, has explained that a careful analysis of the EIA unearths

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki

Former Chief Executiverather“nasty”findings. of the Environmental

While appearing on a Protection Agency (EPA),recent panel discussion aired Dr.VincentAdams,whowasby Globespan 24x7, the also a panelist on theInternational Lawyer programme, explained someexplained that not only is the of the current dangersoil company allowed to associated with the oildump4000barrelsofsewage production activities thateachday,butitalsoraisesthe currently risks the revenuesquestion as to where this garneredfromthesectorexcessive amount of waste is

Dr Adams firstlycomingfrom. detailed that both the LizaShesaid,“Wehaveasked OneandLizaTwooperationswhere is this sewage coming are producing crude withoutfrom (but) we don’t know.

proof of full liabilityThere are only a couple coverage, in violation of thehundred people on board the permitsgranted.Floating Production Storage

This means that shouldand Offloading Vessel so an oil spill occur, Guyanaclearly they are not could be left to foot the costsproducing 4,000 barrels of above US$600 million, assewage.” this is the current insuranceIn explaining the gross offeredbytheoperatorimpact of the situation, Janki

Not only that, he said theexplained, “Four thousand Liza One safe operatingbarrels of sewage over the limit, as outlined in thelife of the project is 1.2 Environmental Impactbillion gallons of sewage. Assessment (EIA), isNow the Liza One has about 120,000 barrels per day, but1.2 billion barrels of oil so Exxon has increasedroughly for every barrel of production to about 150,000oil they take, Guyana is barrels per day withoutgettingagallonofsewage.” following the procedure forThe lawyer added, “I changingtheEIA.think that is the best

So far, Janki has takendescription I can give you of Exxon to court over mattersthispetroleumdeal.” relating to the safety of itsSince the startup of oil operations. For instance, theproduction, Janki has been lawyer has challenged theh i g h l i g h t i n g t h e excessive burning of naturalenvironmental harm being gas offshore Guyana by thedone by the operator Only oilcompanyrecently this newspaper

More recently, shehighlighted that she has moved to the courts too tocalled for ExxonMobil’s question the validity of the“dangerous”operationstobe Liza One Environmentalshut down, pending an Permit renewal – arguingindependent international that insurance provisionsand credible investigation werenotcompliedwith.intotheiractivities.

While these two mattersJanki explained, “There arestillbeforethecourts,sheshould be an independent was already successful ininternational, credible litigation against the oilinvestigation into those companyin2020.operations and it should only

Janki had moved to thebe restarted if it makes sense court to reduce the oiland it is at that point, in a company’s environmentaldiscussionforrestarting,that permit from 20+ years tothepeopleofthiscountrycan five, the correct time assay well this is what we want prescribedbylawinstead.”

- Melinda Janki

From page 8 contract is when there is a coveragesothatwasamajor Ramjattan pointed out that renegotiate the Exxon majorchange.” change.” the whopping 10 billion contract is valid. In fact, he He went on to point out, Political support barrel increase in oil isconfidentthatGuyanacan “Asamatteroffact,inevery Only on Friday last, reserves in the rich Stabroek get a better deal now that it government contract we during a news conference, Block is more than enough has discovered 10 billion had, we had what was called the Alliance For Change reason to get the oil more barrels of oil in the a change control board explained that it believes company back to the table. Stabroek Block, where Esso Every change that comes in, renegotiating the agreement “We have indicated, and I Exploration and Production it goes to the board and then should not be approached in publicly have indicated that Guyana Limited (EEPGL), we figure out what to do an isolated manner but the yes, indeed (we can commonly referred to with it in terms of the country’s leaders should renegotiate) because we ExxonMobil Guyana is contract so all this stuff holdhandsonthematter understand the changed operating. He said that it is about sanctity is all In response to a question circumstancesbutmorethan customary for changes in an nonsense.” In addition to by this publication, AFC’s that, the PPP when it was in environment to inform this, the former EPA boss Cathy Hughes said, “the Opposition had said that our modificationstocontractsin highlighted the fact that renegotiation of the contract agreementwassorottenthat countriesaroundtheworld. modifications have already should be considered in the theywillrenegotiate.

According to him, “I been made to the 2016 same spirit with which we Did they fool all of us have spent 30 years at the contract, which further work together - Opposition here? It would appear so highest level of the US shows the invalidity of and Government, we work because they have an governmentandInegotiated government’s “sanctity of together on issues that have obligation, a bounding duty (and) I evaluated contracts. contracts” argument. Dr to do with our border and as to go now and renegotiate That was part of my life and Adams said, “The full you know, the border with all that is happening,” as a matter of fact that was a liability coverage that I put dispute and this is where Ramjattantoldthemedia. mainpartofmylife,andI’m into the Permits that was a we’ve said quite a few times He added that while the talking about the Exxons of major change to the that we are willing to AFC has already made its the world. I have seen many contract. The contract has support the Government in position clear about contracts you can think said that they are gonna going to Exxon as Guyana – changing the contract due to about and changes are leave all liabilities to aunifiedGuyana–tolookat the changed circumstance, expected and the one thing EEPGL, but EEPGL does howwerenegotiate.” he does not believe that that you always have a not have any assets so I Meanwhile, Leader of Jagdeo would be willing to justification for changing a forced the full liability t

inthisdirection.

This chart shows the amount of waste being discharged per day at the Liza One operation (Source: ExxonMobil Liza 1 EIA)

Gobin Persaud Memorial T20 Tournament…

Belle Vue whip Lochan Stars, McGill Superstars gain walkover

By John Ramsingh

Recent favourable weather has permitted the resumption of the inaugural Gobin Persaud Memorial Twenty/20 Tournament for teams along the West Bank of Demerara. Last Sunday the action resumed with two round one matches at two venues. At Belle Vue Sports Club ground, the hosts beat Lochan Stars by 94 runs while McGill SuperStar Sports Club had an easy day at the office winning by walkover after

New Windsor Sports Club failed to show up at Canal Number Two Sports Club ground.

In the match of the day, Belle Vue won the toss and opted to bat. After their allocation of 20 overs, they reached a whopping 231 for 7. The total was built around an entertaining knock of 63 not out (4x4; 6x6) from vicecaptain Dyal Rajpat while Lucian Sam with a blistering 28 not out (2×4; 2×6); Ryan Seecharran with 26 (3×4; 1×6) and Colin Boucher with a quick fire 25 (3×4; 1×6) all

chipped in.

Lochan Stars bowlers were untidy in leaking 35 extras but it was Avesh Chan and Navendra Persaud with two wickets each that showed the most fight. Luen David, Anthony Daniels and Johnathan Samaroo bagged one wicket each.

In their turn at the crease, the visitors folded for 137 in 16.3 overs with only Neil Joseph 34 (4x4; 2x6) and Avesh Chan 26 (3x6) offering any resistance with the bat. With the ball, Captain Randy Ramrup had impressive figures of 4/

13 in his 4 overs while Kelvin Singh, Vishan Gannie and Dyal Rajpat supported with 1 wicket apiece.

The inaugural tournament which began with 12 teams in May of this year was suspended due to rain with only four matches possible. With all round one matches now completed, the remaining six teams will continue the battle for supremacy today.

At Canal Number Two ground from 09:00 hrs, Independence Sports Club will take on All Youths Sports Club followed by Canal Num-

- Round two begins today

ber Two Sports Club and Sawpit Sports Club clash from 13:00 hrs. Over at Bellevue ground at 1pm will have Bellevue Sports Club versus McGill Superstar Sports Club.

The tournament is organized in memory of Gobin Persaud, who died on May 6, 2021 at the age of 85 years old.

Persaud was one of the founder members of Cultural Cricket Club and was the captain and later the president of the club located at Canal

Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara.

Off the field, Persaud was a former Headmaster at Endeavour Primary School and Commons Primary School, former secretary of Vidya Daan mandir and overall a very prominent member of Canal Number Two Polder.

The tournament is sponsored by Star Sports, ND&S Furniture Store, SP General Construction and Triple C Brokerage and Banks DIH Limited.

Sunday October 09, 2022

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

You may want to remedy every situation by talking things out or taking some sort of action, Aries. Be careful of making any sudden moves before you really understand what you're feeling.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

Compliments are apt to feel like gold to you, Taurus. There's nothing you need more than love and affection on a day like this.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

If you find that there's tension in a close relationship, you may get the feeling that this isn't the right partner for you, Gemini. Don't automatically assume that the problem lies in your partner.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

When tension builds, your sense of security is likely to falter, Cancer. You may have a hard time dealing with other people. You could be tempted to turn to food or alcohol.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

You might have difficulty expressing your needs, Leo.

The bottom line is that there's no right or wrong way, although it may be difficult to see this on a day like today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

AAlthough you may find it hard to express yourself in some ways, Virgo, the one avenue that's completely wide open today is art. Difficult tension is laced.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

You might be feeling rather insecure when it comes to your peace of mind, Libra. Because of the insecurity, it may seem like your relationships are on the rocks. At the same time,

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

You may feel more reserved than usual, Scorpio, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. You may be feeling apprehensive about expressing yourself fully,

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Be careful about being too boisterous and chipper around people who don't exactly feel the same way, Sagittarius. Be sensitive to other people's feelings.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Your mood should be quite good for the most part, Capricorn, but there's apt to be some tension in your relationships. Romantic endeavors aren't exactly in your favor now.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

There's a deep longing to be comforted and reassured, Aquarius. You may want nothing more than for someone fix you some warm, homemade soup. If this is the case.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You may feel like you desperately need something, Pisces, yet you're unsure as to what it is exactly. Someone close to you may be trying to fit the missing puzzle piece into place.

GCB hails President Ali’s Cricket Carnival as trailblazer for the Caribbean

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), in a release, commendedPresidentIrfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana for the historic Cricket Carnival Event which coincided with the hosting of the Caribbean PremierLeague(CPL).

The historic feature was conceptualized successfully to merge cricket and sports tourism thereby stimulating muchinterestamongcricket enthusiasts from local, regional, and international levels.

According to the GCB, under the leadership of President Ali, the Government of Guyana through its Ministry of Tourism, will be driving the promotion of sports as a complementary tourist attraction to Guyana’s wildlife, natural marvels, and other outstanding landscapes.

The GCB said the hype ofCricketCarnivalactivities blended effectively with a high number of ecstatic tourists throughout the hostingoftheGuyanalegof theCPL.

President of the GCB, Bissoondyal Singh, remarked that the executives of the GCB and affiliate boards believe that this concept has borne fruit and should remain a core component of cricket developmentandpromotion inGuyana

The massive crowds at all CPL matches in

Guyana, especially the second qualifier match b e t w e e n J a m a i c a Tallawahs and the host team Guyana, served to rekindle memories of past, high spectator support for cricket.

Additionally, the GCB said, the Government of GuyanathroughitsMinistry of Culture,Youth and Sport and Ministry of Education must be commended for affording thousands of school children an opportunity to witness and

beapartoftheexcitingCPL matches, most of which recordedsold outcrowds

The GCB was keen to point out that Cricket is a career option for both males and females, and with the lucrative opportunities offered these days, they’re of the view that the game should be marketed to facilitate supportforlocalspectators and visitors to our country during the period of professionalmatchesbeing conducted

EBFA/GFFSeniorMen’sLeague…

Resumption is set for today Doubleheader on at GFF NTC

It’s down to a battle for pride when the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Senior Mean’s League powered by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) resumes today at the Federation’s National Training Centre,Providence, EBD. Two Groups of six clubs each commenced the League in March and its virtuallynowdowntothetop four, two each from Groups AandBwhowillclashcome October 23rd next for the right to meet in the final which will be contested on October30th,allatthesame venue.

Today, however, St Cuthbert’s Jaguars, in their firstcompetitivetournament at this level under the Association, will contest their final match when they come up against fellow Linden Soesdyke Highway team, Swan FC; action will kick off at 13:00hrs The main attraction today brings together Friendship All Stars and Soesdyke Falcons which is leading Group B and one of two

unbeaten teams in the League, the other being Group A leaders, Agricola RedTriangle.

The Falcons have made a huge statement in this competitionasitisthefirst time in many years that they have been this dominant and no doubt would be seeking to go all the way; already handing Timehri Panthers the lone defeattheyhavesufferedso far

Theyarecurrentlyon12 points and boast the best goal difference of all 12 teamsintheleaguetodate

EventhoughtheFalcons are already through to the final four, they will be aimingtoendthegroupstage on a high note today against Friendship.

The layoff from active play could however have an impact on all the teams so one must be cautious as either team can walk the preverballosingplank.

Fansarelookingforward to an exciting match up despite the fact that Friendship is fifth on the

table.

The Soesdyke fans will be out in their numbers for suresotheFriendshipteam might be well advised to ensure their fanscomesout in their numbers too to counter the vociferous Falconssupporters.

Meanwhile, the final threegroupmatchesareset for Sunday, October 16 when Mocha Champs match skills with Samatta Point Kaneville from 10:30hrstobefollowedbya clash between Diamond United and Grove Hi Tech from13:00hrs.

Thefinalmatchwillsee Timehri Panthers taking on Kuru Kururu Warriors from 15:30hrs.

The winner of the League will pocket $200,000 with the losing finalist taking home $100,000.

Atotal of $50,000 is set aside for the third place winner and a trophy for the fourth-placeteam.

Thetopthreeteamswill alsoreceivetrophies

The Most Valuable

ByRawleToney

Desmond Amsterdam earned Guyana’s first medal at the South American Games following his quarter-finals unanimous decision win over Venezuela’s Diego Mejia lasteveninginParaguay

It was the opening day for boxing at the ChampionshipsinAsuncionandAmsterdam was the first of three Guyanese boxers competing at the SouthAmerican Games on show

Amsterdam left nothing to chance in his clashwithhisVenezuelancounterpart,taking into consideration his decision at the CommonwealthGamesinJuly

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeantwoncomfortablyonallfivejudges’ scorecardstoset-upasemi-finalsshowdown againstArgentina’sBenjaminGrimaux.

In the sport of boxing, the top four boxers are awarded medals the two losing semi finalist are given bronze, however, Coach Terrence Poole remains confidentofAmsterdamreachingontopof thepodium

Amsterdam, inApril, competing at the American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Championship, became the first Guyanese boxer to medal at the tournament, following his performance whichsawhimfinishingwithabronze

Meanwhile, the other two members of Guyana’sboxingteamwillbeinactiontoday

Allicock will step into the ring against Peru’s Darwin Perez in the men’s featherweight quarter-finals, while Lewis is downtofaceLeodanSavoy,alsofromPeru, intheMen’sLightweight.

Some of Soesdyke Falcons’main goal scorers, from right, Tyrone Khan, Malcolm Harry, Kelcey Benson, and Terrence Glasgow

President Dr. Mohamed IrfaanAli

GCB president Bissoondyal Singh PHOTO NAME: GCB PRESIDENT

Harry, Khan and Hopkinson emerge victorious

The Guyana Sport S h o o t i n g

Foundation on Sunday, October 2, 2022 successfully hosted a Practical Pistol match sponsored by Orinduik DevelopmentInc.

Local practical shooters gathered at the Camp Stephenson’s GDF Timehri

As such, prizes were awarded from first to third placeineachdivision.

As is customary with a GSSF event, strict adherencetofirearmsafety wasfollowed

The afternoon match commenced with Stage 1 called ‘Vex &Goin’ Home”

caused shooters to audibly amendthenameofthestage astheyengaged2classics,8 platesand10poppers.

“No Fancy Thing” stage which was designed by Rajiv Latchana was a fun quick fire stage, which involved the shooters engaging 3 classics, 1 no shoot and 1 pooper from

computedbecauseoftheuse of electronic scoring methodsbywayofaspecial application called ‘Practiscore’ under the efficient eye of designated StatsOfficerfortheday,Dr PraveshHarry

Match results were announcedasfollows:

Orinduik Development Inc.

is the 100% Guyanese owned company, engaged in various training services being offered in Guyana such as Helicopter Underwater Evacuation Training (HUET), life boat operations, multi level liftingandrigging,working at height, Mechanical Joint Integrity (MJI), confined space operations and other varioustypesoftrainingthat is mandatory for persons working in the booming oil andgassector

David Dharry taking aim from behind the hard cover

All of these courses are offered on the shores of Guyana in keeping with the building of capacity for local content

Like the shooting sports, focus on safety is paramount, as in the oil andgassector

O r i n d u i k Development Inc is also building in Guyana a commercial Heliport on theLusignancomplex.

shootingrangetotakepartin an exciting Practical Pistol match which comprised of five challenging but fun stages.

T

Director Mr David Dharry, whodeclareditopen.

Shooters participated in 3 divisions, namely the Limited, Production and Opendivisions.

Each division had its unique requirements and restrictions,asprescribedby the USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association).

Since each division has its own regulations, the shooters do not directly compete with each other acrossdivisions.

The course designer, Ryan McKinnon made this afunandchallengingstartto theafternoonwhereshooters wererequiredtostandinthe start box, holding a cricket bat in strong hand and a suitcaseinweakhand.

Upon start signal, the shootershadtoengagethe10 classic, 2 no-shoots and 5 plates from within fault lines.

This particular stage challenged shooters’ strategic abilities with multiple possible routes to completethecourseoffirein asafemanner

Thesecondstageentitled “Watch Steel” proved to be another fun and challenging one, once again designed by Mr McKinnon, which

withincloserange

The fourth stage, “Paper Poppers” required shooters tostartstandinginboxaina surrender position (wrists above shoulders), handgun loaded and holstered and uponstartsignal,theyeither engage array 1 (paper targets) array 2(steel targets).

Amandatory reload was requiredwheneverchanging arrays.

The final and fifth stage “Takeem’down”testedtheir ability to shoot from behind cover as barrels were set up at two distances and caused shooters to run to two positionsandsecureastable positionbeforeengagingthe targets.

Scores were promptly

Theprimaryobjectiveof the proposed heliport is to provide an independent facility for helicopter operations in close proximity to Georgetown, and to facilitate the growing need for such air transport services coming from many sectors, including the extractiveindustry

The heliport is slated to provide a location for the

providing commercial services(movingpeopleand cargo, mining, tourism, oil industry, construction, agriculture,newsandmedia) from and near Georgetown and is also intended to support the medical, coast guard, security, search and rescue,lawenforcementand otheremergencyservices

The Board of Directors wishes to commend the Match Director, Range Master, Stats Officer, Range Officers and the shooters for ensuring an efficientevent.

Special thanks also to theGuyanaDefenceForce, Chief of Staff Brigadier G o d f r e y B e s s , Commissioner of Police Mr Clifton Hicken, Deputy C

O p e r a t i o n s , M r Ravindranauth Budhram, OC Mr Lowenfield, the ranks of TSU and the Guyana Police Force, the Media and GSSF members

for their support in promotingpracticalshooting locally

Thanks also to Mr Rajiv L a t c h a n a a n d t h e ManagementofAquafinafor coming on board as the Water sponsor for the event. Thanks also to Mr. Harold Hopkinsonfortheuseofhis personal props, steel plates, poppers and targets stands forsomeofthestages.

More information on the GSSF is available on its websitewwwGuyanaSportS hooting.com.

(This is an official releasefromtheGSSF)

Lancelot Khan (left) placed first in the Production Division. He received his trophy

Santos claim inaugural Joshua Denny Memorial Title

Santosproducedanother impressive performance to claim the inaugural Joshua Denny Memorial Under-20 Football Title on Friday evening when they defeated Georgetown Football Club (GFC) in the final at the Ministry of Education (MoE)Ground.

It ended as a one sided affair as the victors claimedvictory3 1while the third place spot was c l a i m e d b y F r u t a Conquerors, after a dominant performance against Camptown, which ended 6 – 0 in the former’s favour

Thefinalewaspartiallya see-sawencounterinthefirst half but Santos drew first blood in the 53rd minute whenSolomonAustinfound thebackofthenet.

Sixminuteslater,Darron Nilesdoubledtheleadforhis

side,withagoalthatwasthe firstofhisbrace.

Three minutes after that, Niles made his presence felt once more when he pierced the uprights to give his side anunassailablelead.

The opposition was able to pull one back in the 70th minute through a Ravi Costa-strike, but could not mustertheprecisiontofinda second.

The match that preceded that had goals being scored at regular intervals as Fruta Conquerors cruised to victoryagainstCamptown.

DoublesfromTylerLyle (20’, 72’) and Jamar Jackman (30’, 69’) along with a goal each from Anriano Waldron (55’) and Christopher Whitten (60’) completely overshadowed the efforts of the opposition thathadthefighttakenoutof themquiteearlY

Doublestrikeseachfrom Captain Keon Hall and Delon Luke set the platform for a huge 7-0 win for Topp XX over Blueberry Hill FC which marked a hectic weekend for the Upper Demerara Football Association as rivalry in their men’s senior league sponsored by the Guyana Football Federation continued at the mecca for the sport there, Mackenzie

Sports Club Ground Blueberry Hill never caught theirlengthinamatchwhere the dominance of the Topp XXladswastheorderofthe dayfromstarttofinish.Hall foundthebackofthenetsin the 27th and 37th minutes while Luke scored in the 56th and 78th minutes

The other players on target for the winners were Jamal Bentick in the 30th, elder statesmanTravisWatertonin the 53rd minute and Jevon Maynardinthe89thminute.

The other match on Sunday produced a 1-1 stalemate between Hi Stars and Silver Shattas.

Damien Williams’ 39thminute effort brought parity to the score line for Silver

Shattas after they found themselves trailing Hi Stars which took the early lead throughanOsadhoRoss7thminutegoal.

On Saturday at the same venue, Eagles United sailed to full points without effort as their intended opponent, Kwakwani FC did not show up for the encounter The other match played ended in a 1-1 tie between Amelia’s WardUnitedandNetrockers. Netrockersracedtotheearly lead when Amaniki Buntin blasted home in the 8th minute; they did a fantastic job in defending that slim advantage and maybe felt thattheywerehomeanddry But like so often happens in the dying moments of fiercely contested battles, especially with slim advantages, it slipped away in the twinkling of an eye. Four minutes into added on time was when Amelia’s Ward found the back of the netstoearnanequalshareof the points, thanks to an alert Kevin Gittens. The wellplaced shot was timely for the boys from the Ward. League action is set to continuethisweekend.

Onewinandadrawwere recorded when competition in the Upper Demerara Football Association leg of the GFF/NAMILCO

Thunderbolt Flour Power, Under-17 Intra Association League continued at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground this past weekend.

OnSundayintheloneclash, Golden Stars battled back from one goal down to earn an equal share of the points against Amelia’s Ward United which took the lead through a D. Warner 27thm i n u t e s t r i k e

TheladsfromtheWardwere abletodefendthatadvantage deepdownintothefinalhalf and were almost certain of pulling off the win However, Golden Stars’ K.

Jameswasabletonudgeone pastAmelia’sWardUnited’s goalkeeperwithjustthreeto f u l l t i m e

On Saturday at the same venue, Milerock took full pointsfromCapitolFCwhen they romped to a 2-1 win. Aaron Murray handed Milerock the lead in the 9th minute Capitol FC, but that advantage was canceled out in the 18th minute when

Capitol FC’s Omarion Ramsammy rocked the nets. Milerock was intent on restoringtheiradvantageand whileittooksometime,they succeeded in the 68th minute,thankstoaRodensio T

l

Matches are set o continue this weekend at the same venue.

Aferya Denny (left) hands over the inaugural Joshua Denny Memorial Championship Trophy to Santos’captain.

De Costa’s brilliance earns Redeemer Primary thrilling win

ByRawleToney

The opening day of the COURTS Pee Wee football tournament was nothing short of excitement, however, it was the match between Redeemer Primary and North Georgetown Primary that was the most excitingofthemall.

Redeemer’s David De C o s t a a n d N o r t h Georgetown’s Shawn Douglas stole the show on thepitch,sincetheirobvious superior skills and understanding of the game saw them standing out; and they didn’t disappoint as bothnettedadouble.

Thegameended3–2in favourofRedeemerPrimary butitcamedowntothewire todecidethewinner

Douglas scored his first of two goals eight minutes into the heated contest, but Donald Choo pulled one backforRedeemerPrimary

The loud cheers by parents and students alike drew the attention of others at the Ministry of Education Ground on CARIFESTA Avenue, where games are playedsimultaneously

DeCostascoredabeauty in the 18th minute to give Redeemer Primary the advantage, but Douglas, not to be outdone, levelled the scores in the 25th minute at twogoalsapiece.

However, De Costa had other plans. In what was the final play of the contest, he rifled home a well-placed right-footed volley that the North Georgetown Primary keeper had no way of stoppingtoearnthreepoints

forRedeemerPrimary

Meanwhile, in the other matches,ShamarBishop(8’, 12’) netted twice to give WinferGardensPrimarya21 win over Colaaco School. Isiyah Williams (11’) found thenetforhissideinalosing cause.

EnterprisePrimaryhada dominating performance in their 5 – 0 win over Craig Primary, thanks to goals from Dontay Kowlessar (11’, 24’), Jashan Haynes (12’, 14’) and Isandro Vincent(34’).

Mickel Arthur was the loneplayertofindthenetin Soesdyke Primary 1 – 0 win over F E. Pollard Primary, whileMarianAcademyheld on to win 3 – 0 against Timehri Primary Marian Academy goals from Kaleigh Todd, who scored twice (13’, 15’) and Nyhl George(18’).

West Ruimveldt held

Stephens Primary scoreless while finding the net three times Aaron Archer’s double in the 13th and 15th minute, along with Malachi Alleyne’s strike in the 40th minute was enough to see West Ruimveldt earning pointsonopeningday.

In the final match on the day, St. Margaret’s Primary and Smiths Memorial Primaryplayedtoagoalless stalemate.

The COURTS Pee Wee Football is held by the Petra Organisation, with support this year also coming from StirlingProducts.

Chattergoon brothers in SCC team for Prime Minister’s T20 Cup

Hemnarine Chattergoon and his younger sibling Sewnarine Chattergoon will suit up for Softball Cricket Canada (SCC) for the upcoming Prime Minister’s T20 three-day softballCupwhichissetforNovember11th, 12thand13th.

The tournament, which is touted as Guyana’s Premier Softball tournament, will berunundertheauspicesoftheGeorgetown Softball Cricket League Inc in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister and CultureYouthandSportsforthesixthyearin succession.

Sewnarine,aformerWestIndiestestand limited-overopeningbatsman,hasn’tplayed in any major softball competition since his internationalcareercametoanendin2009or hisfirst-class’slastmatchin2014.

But according to Hemnarine, Sewnarine is understandably excited to knock some softball.

Hemnarine has the responsibility to captaintheCanadianteamandhewillhave a bunch of seasoned softball players at his disposalaswell

“I am confident of us doing well at this mega softball event; we are delighted to have my brother (Sewnarine) in the lineup and that would definitely boost our batting tremendously,” Hemnarine, who is currentlyresidinginCanada,related

SCC will be having two teams in the tournament;onefortheOpeningRound-arm category and the other being the Masters (over-40)category

ChattergoonsthenfeatureintheOver-40 division which like the other categories (Legends&Open)willhaveeightteamseach competing.

Overtwomilliondollars(Guy)willbeup for grabs. Each category’s winner is set to pocket Guy$600, 000 and a trophy The runners-upsidewilltakehome$50,000anda trophy Entrancefeeisfree.

Sewnarine Chattergoon

Teams are expected from Canada, New York,FloridaandacrossGuyana.

All preliminary round matches will be played at various venues in Georgetown beforethefinalsscheduledtotakeplaceatthe GuyanaNationalStadium,Providence.Some four females teams will be featuring in the tournament to add more excitement and dimension,too.

Chattergoon also took the opportunity tosaythatSCCover 40teamispreparing hardfortheassignment

“We have to compete hard but the guys are up for any challenge so I think we have to keep preparing for it,” Chattergoon, the former Guyana and West Indies under 19 batsman, enthusiasticallydeclared

Theright-handedbatterChattergoonalso represented Canada internationally and has been a dynamic softball player over the past 13years.

Historically, his two younger brothers RamnarineandHarrienarinewouldhavealso playedforGuyanaattheyouthlevel.

Meanwhile,SCCwontheTorontoCupin 2019 in the opening category and also the round-armteamrecentlycrownedchampion in the inaugural Canada Cup three-day softballextravaganza.

Redeemer Primary’s Donald Choo and David De Costa. (Photo credit: News Room)

Senior Inter-county is back... bowls off today

-Allmatchestobelivestreamed

The much anticipated return of the Men’s Senior Inter-county after a more than five-year absence is set to commence today when BerbicetakeonDemeraraat Bourda and Essequibo faces the GCB President’s XI at Everest.

Demerara has named a strong squad led by Guyana Harpy Eagles Captain, Leon Johnsonwith a very strong battingline-upasmostofthe

opener Trevon Griffith withtalentedWest Indies under 19 opening batter Matthew Nanduas Griffith’s deputy MarvendraDindyal who, along with Rampertab Ramnauth, scored centuries for Guyana in this years’ CWI RegionalU-19 threeday tournament, former nationalU-19batterGarfield Benjamin, Kwesi Mickle and wicketkeeper Ricardo Peters will spearhead the

experience.

West Indies opener Chanderpaul Hemraj, in form batter Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach and experienced Guyana batter Christopher Barnwell are all expected to put sizeablescoresontheboard.

Economical left arm spinner, Ashmead Nedd is expected to spearhead the bowling department with support from leg spinner Steven Sankar and off s p i n n e r R i c h i e Looknauth, Ronaldo Ali Mohamed andQumar Torrington should take care ofthefastbowling.

Essequibo will be led by experiencedleftarmspinner Antony Adams while West Indies pacer Keemo Paul will spearhead the bowling with support from national pacer Ronsford Beaton and skipper Adams Talented wicketkeeper batsman Kemol Savory will lead the batting department with support expected from Kevon Boodie and left h a n d e r R i c a r d o Adams Boodie is the onlyEssequibianbatter to havescoredadoublecentury in senior inter-county 50 overs.

The GCB President’s XI will be led byexperienced

battingline-up. National senior team standby Shamar Joseph is expectedtoleadthebowling.

Talented off spinner Jonathan Rampersaud (leading wicket taker R e g i o n a l U 1 9 tournament)fellow off spinner Kwesi Micklealong with left-arm spinnersAkini Adams and Raj Nanan Joshua Jones will offer pace support

Veerasammy Permaul will lead a strong Berbice team which includes West Indies players; Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie andKevinSinclair

Guyana Warriors CaptainHetmyerisexpected to dominate at this level. He should be supported by Jonathan Foo, Kevlon Anderson, National ‘keeper Anthony Bramble, Shepherd, Permaul, the two Sinclair’s (Junior and Kevin), Motie and P e s t a n o a r e a l l expected to contribute withthebat.

WindiesplayerShepherd will spearhead a bowling attack comprising National pacers Nial Smith and Pestano and spinners Permaul, Motie, Kevin SinclairandJuniorSinclair.

Romario Shepherd will lead a very impressive Berbice bowlingline up. (Getty Images)

Hearmeout! The Inter-County championship is showing the GCB’s ineptitude

ByRawleToney

WiththeGuyanaCricket Board(GCB)hostingitsfirst Inter County 50 overs tournament since 2014, one wouldthinkthatmorepomp andflairwould’vegoneinto thecompetition.Butno!

Also,withGuyanesestill on a high after a successful hosting of the Caribbean PremierLeague(CPL)playoffs and finals, one would think the GCB would put emphasis on marketing the Inter County 50 over tournament, to keep the attention on the game. But no! The tournament bowls offonMonday,withBerbice taking on Demerara at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC)Ground,whileoverat Everest, Essequibo will do battle with the President’s XI. Both matches will bowl off simultaneously at 9:00am.

Before I go on, let me say, I am not a cricket journalist In fact, I’ve written one report on a cricket match in my almost 18-year career as a sports journalist.

Truth is, cricket has neverbeenapassionofmine

primarycoverageofsportsis centredaroundwhathappens offthefieldorpitch. Cricket in Guyana trumps almost all other sports, soaking up unmatched attention at anygiventimeoftheyear

The Guyana Cricket Board, past or present, receivedmanylabelsontheir abilitytoproperlymarketthe game. However, much was expected by the current administration, headed by businessman Bissoondyal Singh.

It’s no secret that the GCB, especially right now, do not like being criticised. I’veseeninstanceswheremy colleagues would highlight shortcomings of the Board and rather than address the legitimate issues, the GCB responds with a letter from theirattorney

Notsureifit’samoveto muzzle the media, but the threats are idle after media housesrefusetofallprey GCBDROPPED THEBALL

In 2015, under Cricket Guy Inc. (CGI) the Local Franchise League was introduced, ultimately ending Inter-County which has been around probably since the establishment of the GCB. This year’s Inter County will feature the crème de la crème of Guyanesecricketers.

they’re usually unaware of when the tournaments are being played, while some pointed out that cricket, other than the CPL lacks marketing. With the calibre of players available to compete for their respective boards this year, the GCB should’vedevisedaplanthat would allow for cricket fans

tosupport.

The GCB listed GCC ground as a venue for the finalsonOctober16;aclear indication that they’re not serious about having the public attend these matches. Why not the Guyana NationalStadium? Let’sjust say Berbice and Demerara, the two strongest teams in

the championship, are pitted against each other in the finals, where at GCC will the GCB accommodate fans who would want to see someoftheWestIndiesbest talentonshow?

Ineptitude – a word whichisregrettabletousein howtheGCBishandlingthe affairs of the game,

Rawle Toney

taking intoconsiderationthehighly respectable and successful individualsthatmake-upthe Executivecommittee.

enough to understand the field placing and other rules andaspectsofthegame.

However, my love for sports journalists started with watching and listening to James Lampley, Bob Costas and Bryant Gumbel. They had some of the most riveting investigative journalismpieces,especially Gumbel on HBO’s Real Sports.

Locally,Iwouldn’tmiss pieces written by Steve Ninvalle (now the Director ofSports)andDuaneFowler as they take associations to task, highlighting the issues affecting sports in Guyana, while also giving credit whereit’sdue.

So it is obvious that I hold a heavy, balanced and unbiased pen, much like the people I strived to emulate alongmyjourney

About95%ofwhatgoes on in sports happens administratively and my

Berbice, on paper with the likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Nial Smith, the two Sinclairs (Junior and Kevin),GudakeshMotieand Jonathan Foo, is the pretournamentfavourite. Apart from Leon Johnson (Captain), Demerara will feature Chanderpaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Christopher Barnwell and left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd West Indies fast bowler Keemo Paul and wicketkeeper/batsman Kemol Savory are a part of the Essequibo line up. The GCB failed at putting together a solid marketing plan,oranyplansatall,that would allow for people to support the Inter-County championship.

I remember just a week ago, on Facebook, asking folks why they do not support the local cricket tournaments and teams as they do the CPL and the GuyanaAmazonWarriors.

Everyone stated that