Kaieteur News

Govt.'seffortstostopcorruption

Whistleblower Lawanindictmenton -TIGI

Ramps Logistics' move for judicial review premature, an abuse of court process

President & VP must face the independent press

Shubh Diwal

Shubh Diwal

School girl, 14, drowns at Kara Kara Creek

Fire destroys Brazilian guest house on Regent Street

Guyana'sdesiretospendoilmoneymustbe temperedbycapacitytocontrolwastage

Tplaying hide-andseek with the media. It has demonstrated anextremereluctancetohost pressconferences.

he government is

government on its rationale forthisdecision.

The President has developed a preference to speak from the sidelines of events where the press has limited opportunities and scope to question him on importantissues.

His Vice President, the point-man on the oil and gas sector, has not been forthcoming with the media. He is more disposed towards granting selective interviews t o s o c i a l m e d i a commentators rather than facing the mainstream press corps.

In this game of dodging and hiding from the media, the public is being denied information which is of vital importancetotheirfuture.

The government has taken a sudden and surprising decision to reserve oil blocks for government to government deals.

The mainstream media has not been provided with the opportunity to grill the

ThereviewoftheUS$9B Payara development plan is believed to be completed. Yet, nothing is being said as totheoutcomeofthisreview

The President has taken to social media to announce local government elections. No press conference has been held with the mainstream media on this importantissue.

The promise to restore the post Cabinet Press Conferences is being honoured in the breach Members of the media have c o m p l a i n e d o f t h e difficulties in eliciting information and comments fromMinisters.

The media is the public's watchdog.

Ifthemediaisbeingshut out from the opportunity of questioning the government, it means that the public is being deprived of the right to information.

We demand that the government fulfills its obligation of hosting regular pressconferences.

The President should set anexample.

Surinamelegalizes illegalborder crossingwithGuyana

Ramps Logistics' move for judicial review premature, an abuse of court process

haltedpending

byGRA–Director,MartinPertab

Ramps Logistics' move for judicial review premature, anabuseofcourtprocess

-Application for Local Content Certificate halted pending outcome of criminal charges by GRA – Director, MartinPertab

Head of Guyana's Local Content Secretariat, Martin Pertab believes the legal proceedings initiated by Ramps LogisticsGuyanaInc.tosecureseveral orders, one of which is to instruct the agency to issue it a Local Content Certificate is not only premature but represents an abuse of the court process.

Pertab made this statement as part of his affidavit to the High Court. His affidavitwasfiledinsupportofNatural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat who is also one of the named respondents in the judicial review initiatedbyRamps.

According to Ramps, the proceedings were seen as necessary since it has been unable to conduct criticalbusinesswithoutthecertificate. In fact, the company said it is facing “financial ruin” and would run the risk of firing 100 workers. Kaieteur News previously reported that the certificate was not supplied to Ramps as the Secretariat found the information it supplied to be insufficient and not in keeping with the requirements for the document.

Pertab was keen to note in his statement to the court that the absence of the Local Content Certificate does not prevent the Applicant from providing the services He said business entities may choose to engage the Applicant and the Applicant may provide its services in the absence of

the Certificate. He also stressed that there is no requirement by theAct for a company to be registered as a Guyanese company in order to provide services listed in the First Schedule of the Act which include logistics and transportation.

Expounding on his account of dealings with Ramps, Pertab said the companyfirstappliedforthecertificate in April and its submission of documents at the time was deemed deficient for reasons as set out in letter sent to theApplicant on June 24, 2022. Pertab reminded that on or about February, 2022, the portal for the Secretariatwasmadepublicalongwith the list of requirements and the steps to obtaintheCertificate.

Furthermore, Pertab said Ramps wastoldinJunethatitsapplicationwas refused by the Minister The Director said he and his team subsequently

received letters from lawyers representing Ramps on July 13 and 14, 2022. Those letters he said included several pieces of documentation namely, Amended Articles of Incorporation, Share Certificate in the nameofDeepakLallwho51percentof the company shares were sold to, Resolutions, Share Register, audited Financial Statements for the period ending 31st December, 2021, Annual Returns and a Beneficial ownership Declarationform.

Pertab said the Secretariat then requested the provision of Annual Returns and an audited Financial Statement of the Applicant company for the period ending December 2021, to ascertain that what was reflected on the Share Certificate is actually in the Financial Statement of the company Pertab explained that the requested financial statement(s) would show that the shares were actually issued, their value and how much of their share capitalwasownedbytheshareholders.

Pertab said the company complied with this, which implied that it knew the application was deficient. He said this also demonstrates that the Secretariat was willing to remedy any faultsfound.

Before that process could be completed, Pertab said the company invokedajudicialreviewprocess.

The Local Content Regulator also said that it later came to the Secretariat's attention that the Guyana RevenueAuthority (GRA) had filed 10 criminal charges against Ramps for allegedly making false declarations thereby breaching the Customs Act. Pertab said GRA's records also reflect (Continued on page 9)

Suriname legalizes illegal border crossing with Guyana

The Government of Suriname has declared the illegal border crossing in Nickerie with neighbouring Guyana, the so-called 'Back Track route', an official border crossing on Friday last. The Surinamese authorities said they have tolerated this informal border crossing for decades because thousands of Surinamese and Guyanese made use of it because of its convenience - the crossing with small speedboats is faster than via the official ferry connection at SouthDrain - and boat owners, among others, had a means ofliving.

O v e r t h e y e a r s , successive governments have made attempts to legalize the Back Track route because of the high level of illegality along this route, including smuggling ofgoods,drugsandweapons as well as illegal traffic of persons. Now government agencies such as the Immigration Service, Police and Customs will be permanently present at the designated border crossing point “The illegal cross border activities that took place on the 'Back Track' route in Nickerie are now a thing of the past. There will nowbeorderlybordertraffic for the benefit of Suriname and Guyana," President Chandrikapersad Santokhi said on Friday during his visittoNickerie.Theheadof stateindicatedthattheroute, which connects the two countries, will have many benefitsforbothcountries.

Earlier this year, the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation discussed the regulation of the Back Track route with various government institutions. The Ministries of Defence, Justice and Police, Health, Finance and Planning were involved in the evaluation and the further approach. The problems have been identified by a committee and work has been done to ensure orderly and safe bordertraffic.

PresidentSantokhiurged the boat operators to follow the instructions of the authorities stationed at the location. “We are convinced that this back track meets an enormous need. But as a government, it remains our job and responsibility to ensure that things are done safely and in accordance with legal regulations," said the head of state The president made an urgent appeal to them to cooperate in a safe and smooth operationofthewhole.

According to him, this will bring many benefits to Suriname, especially in the tourism sector The President also called on the residents of Nickerie to develop such activities that should result in increasing the earning capacity of the area. “This government will once again accommodate all competent authorities, police, customs, and all others, so that everything runs smoothly, safely and a c c o r d i n g t o l e g a l regulations,” said President Santokhi.

Head of the Local Content Secretariat, Martin Pertab

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Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456 Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210

EDITORIAL

Diwali - Let the light shine

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Send your

Returning from the interior - the world has gone mad; time to hurry back

DEAREDITOR, dispatchedfortheirrelations conduct government social media star allegedly

n this Diwali holiday in Guyana, we extend thanksgiving and best wishes to all our

OGuyanese brothers and sisters, especially those for whom this observation means the most. Our hope, the wish,ourprayerisforthelightofDiwalitoshinethroughout thisbelovedcountryofours,andtogracetheheartsofboth thosebelievingintheidealsofthemoment,aswellasthose outsideofitstouch.

Diwali ushers in flickering, then brightening, last lingering comforting light amidst the deep, oftentimes impenetrable,darknessthatsurroundsthisplaceofsomany riches.

Every man could be an oil producer, every woman and child, a miner of some element of our vast mineral riches, andallapartakerandbeneficiaryinwhatweownbecauseit belongstous,thepeople.

Notjustonesegmentofthepeople,notonlythealready rich people, but all the people, from poor to disliked, including those disowned and discarded to the edges to lamenttheirfate.

When we, the citizens, in the expanse of our diversity, our history, and all of our many stories, can be inspired to suchanindividualandcommunalandnational,eventribal, state, then the light of Diwali is shining through. Whether believer or not, notwithstanding if one is an observer, or follower,orsupporterornot,thelightofDiwalishouldstill stirinsideofusandshinefromus.

ItismorethanthelightofDiwali,foritisthelightof timelessandprofoundtruths. Itisthelightoflifeitself,and the brotherhood that is impressed within us, as we contemplate these solemn days of Diwali and Christmas, Easter,anEid,thebirthdayofaProphet,thememorialofone or another holy man or woman, who made a difference in their time and their world, in that they changed it for the better

Thisisourprayerandourpleathatwelayatthefeetofall Guyanese,betheyHindu,orMuslim,orChristian,orBahai andBuddhistorB’naiBirth. Forunderthecolouroftheskin that goes only so deep, there is the richness of the same human fusion, inclusive of blood, enzymes, chromosomes, andthecellsthatflutterandflourishtomakelifewhatitis. It is the lifeblood of oxygen and the oxygen in the blood that contributes to each of us pulsing with the breath of life, as poweredbyeachsucceedingheartbeat.

Indeed,itiswisetothinkbroadlyandmakemanyplans for oil and gold, but not a drop of the former, nor a pennyweight of the latter can be inserted in our veins and helpustoliveanhourlonger

Thisiswhyourinvitationisextendedfirsttothestaunch believersintheidealsofDiwali,andthesignificanceofthe victorythatitslightshavecometoproject. Forthemtolead thewayinbeingofandforwhatisinstilledandrepresented bythatlight. Eachofthem,andallofus,canthenbethekind of citizen and presence in this society that is more than momentary holiday, passing celebration, but of living the lessonsthatcoursethroughthefoundationsandtraditionsof Diwali.

Ofthis,weareclear:thereisdarknessinthicklayersin Guyana. The veils that are crafted to cover that over, only adddeeper,greaterdarknesstoexistingdarkness.

Asallbelieversinalmostallpersuasionsarewellaware, darkness and evil are twins that walk hand in hand, and beyondtheusual24/7cycle. Someofthosewhospeakthe loudest about days like Diwali and Eid and Christmas are amongthefirstinthedarkenedfieldsthathavebecomethe ongoingGuyanesenorm.

Proclaimingandpreachingaboutwhatisrightisagood firststeptowardswhatisaboutthelight. Butifthereareno supporting deeds, there is an absence of corroborating practices,thenthespeakingandposturingarethefrailestof shallowshadows.Guyananeedsmorethanthat;itcoulduse muchmorethanwhatwehavehad. Lettherebelight. Letit shineonandbeyondDiwali.

IleftmyhomeinRegion and overtures with business in his home with publicly assaulted an Indian 6nearly3yearsagotowork communist Cuba nearly 60 foreignnationals. Somuch storekeeper...no one can be in the bush as a pork yearsago. Now,whenmuch for accusing the opposition foundtodefendher knocker, and had minimal of the world is expressing ofcorruption.

5 A b l a c k U S contact with the outside outrageatChina,theycannot 3. I see a former police Congressmanwhohasnever world. I returned six weeks seemtogetenoughofit. Itis officer giving advice about visited my country, and ago to conduct some difficult to go anywhere in responsiblepolicebehaviour without any specific facts business and am shocked, G u y a n a w i t h o u t duringtheday Andatnight, has publicly accused my disappointedandangrywith encountering either a hepubliclyfraternizeswitha country of being racist someofthedevelopmentsin Chinese business or wantedfugitive. When our black political myabsence.Pleaseallowme associate. And for the first 4. An Indian attorney leaderswenttoNewYorkto toexpressmyobservancesof time, Guyana is establishing allegedlyspatinthefaceofa confronthimanddiscusshis the differences in my direct flights to China. Be Black policewoman, and accusations, he could not be communityandcountry carefulPPP,beverycareful. members of the Opposition found Recently, again 1.The PPP government 2.OurVicePresidentwas and social media rose to the without specifics, he once hasapparentlynotlearnedits apparently caught on a sting defense of the policeman. againemergedto lesson. Theywereallegedly operation,allegedlytryingto But recently, when a black (Continuedonpage5)

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

PPP/CAdministration does not discriminate and is not racist

DEAREDITOR, imagination at work, and spirit.

spent a minuscule 0 34

Returningfromtheinterior...

Reference is made to a playing games with him

Fourthly, if Lowe really percent of the $100M letter published on October because every single wanted answers concerning subvention on grants to 20,2022,undertheheadline opportunity reaches all the the Prime Minister’s ordinary Afro Guyanese? “What does being Afro people of Guyana via the advocacy for unity and There are people of African Guyanese, proud, and PPP samemeans. inclusivity,Iampositivethat DescentorAfro-Guyaneseat really mean?” written by For example, the he would have stumbled all levels of the party who SherwoodLowe. ‘Because We Care’ Cash upon the Prime Minister’s wouldnotseeapolicythatis

The questions, he asked, Grant is for all school-aged visittoGoldenGrove,which potentially being carried out inhismissivedonotdeserve students and reaches every were also mostly of African inadiscriminatoryandracist a response from Prime administrative Region in descent. Fifthly, this PPP/C manner and not say Minister Brigadier Mark Guyana even Regions Four, Administration appears to something or object to it. Phillipsbecausetheyappear Seven and Ten. I challenge not be satisfied with the These are questions that petty They deserve a Lowetopointoutwherethat documents and explanation Guyanese must first ask response from any critical, one group is being favoured putforwardbytheIDPADA- themselves before allowing open-minded and objective at the expense of another on Ggrouping.Ifeeltheissueis functionaries like Lowe to Guyanese who is up-to-date thispolicyinitiative. not one of discrimination or corrupt and disorient their with current affairs, and the Furthermore,cashgrants racism never mind the fact way of thinking with happenings in terms of distributed to pensioners, thatsomeofitsprincipalsare vacuouspropositions. governance, government, disabled communities and allegedly accused of being Finally,Lowe’sletterhas and common political party children, Amerindians, racists and African a certain racist and political policies. fishermenandfarmersareall Supremacists like Vincent undertone. It is aimed at I wish to state that equal opportunity policy Alexander and Dr Norman pullingthePMandPPPinto everyone should be able to measures The PPP Ng-A-Qui.It has to do with a divisive and ethnic debate freely choose the political Administration’s policy is accountability and when he is consumed by the party they wish to support not clandestine but clear for transparency as well as ‘One Guyana’ mantra and and/or represent, without alltosee. making sure that the money Commission that seeks to fear of malice, lambasting, Secondly, Lowe would is spent on the African promote unity and and derogatory terms being have been aware that it was Guyanese and not for togetherness among all attachedtotheirchoice. the Prime Minister who funding opposition political groupsofthecountry

Firstly, the PM does not spearheaded a cabinet groupsorelements. In Guyana, governed by stand “on guard, constantly outreach to the community Thepeoplearenowfully the PPP/C, the colour of vigilant, reversing any acts of Buxton on July 4; he aware of the gross fiscal one’sskinisnotimportantto or decisions by the PPPthat would have seen the Prime mismanagement which took how the leadership sees denyequalrespectandequal Minister himself interacting placewithinthehierarchyof development and distributes access to opportunities for with, listening to, and the organization. Why has resources Similarly, all”.PMPhillipshasnoneed addressing the concerns of Lowe not directed his Afro- political affiliation does not to because they are no residents who were majorly centricadvocacytowardsthe matter instancesofracism,thatIcan Afro-Guyanese. Thirdly, the organizational heads who, Yourstruly, pointto,practisedbythePPP PMdoesnotneedtocallupa under their stewardship, MichaelYounge Administration either singleMinistertoensurethat internally or externally funding for all RDCs and towards the people of NDCs is devoid of political Guyana, more specifically and ethnic considerations. the Afro Guyanese as a He knows that the law is group That is Lowe’s followed to its letter and

Frompage4 believe in the accusations regurgitate his baseless made by Sergeant Bascom, accusations. One wonders and am angry at the slow that with all of America’s pace in investigating his problems,wheredoeshefind accusations. the time to focus on our 9.Our Attorney General beautifulGuyana. inanincompetent,shameless

6 The opposition andjuvenileact,publiclyand finally got the leader they prematurely released a wanted. Andyet,lessthana private message, for an year later, some are expected ruling by the CCJ. expressing disappointment And he compounded his withhisleadership.Someare behaviour by not expressing even calling for his remorse or offering an dismissal. I believe the apology Opposition Leader is a 10.IDPADA-Gisablack decent and honorable man, organisation which has and I completely support securedmany,manymillions him He needs time to of dollars from the establishhispolicy/protocol, government. It is doubtful and urge my fellow that any other racial supporters to be patient organisation in Guyana has while he focuses on his secured so much money, so agenda. quickly Some members of

7 My unemployed this organization, who have teenage son is now a father, demanded financial and I wonder where I went accountability from the wrong. Hegetsmoneyfrom government, now complain the government to help with when the same is demanded his child, but the racial of them Is there a animus he spews daily comparative IDPADA-B in makes me long for the good Barbados, or IDPADA-J in old days of yesteryear Jamaica or IDPADA-T in Thankfully, he has agreed to Trinidad? The world has gointothebushwithme,and gone mad, and I cannot wait worktoprovideforhischild. to return to the bush on I am just glad to get him November 1st. Next time, I away from the poisonous willnotbesoeagertoreturn effect of social media tocivilization. propaganda. Respectfully,

8.I, like many Guyanese HerbertAllen

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

Election - the problem is the unprincipled leadership of the Opposition parties

DEAREDITOR, of the possibility of a no parties and the government thereafter, be used by the O n e o f t h e b i g confidence motion being agreed on one more house- G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s difficulties in dealing with passed and for us to be able to house registration and Commission to update the political issues in Guyana is toholdanelectionwithinthe thereafter to update the list NRR,onanongoingbasis,to the unprincipled position time frame stipulated in the through the process of ensure that a voters’ list whichtheoppositionparties constitution was a strong continuousregistration. could be readily extracted constantly take. They make consideration.

We s i g n e d t h a t for holding of future agreements and frequently, We also talked about the agreement on Thursday, 14 elections...”This agreement theyrenegeonthem.Thisis possibility of holding June2007. was signed by Gail Teixeira alonghistorythatgoesback referenda on important I hereby quote two onbehalfoftheGovernment tothe1950s.Theissueofthe issues that may arise from paragraphs from that ofGuyana,DonaldRamotar voters list that they have time to time All these a g r e e m e n t , “ T h e on behalf of the People’s beenmakingrecentlyfallsin discussions arose because Government of Guyana Progressive Party/Civic, thiscategory every time we wanted to (GoG), the People’s Robert Corbin on behalf of

I have been involved in have an election, the Progressive Party/Civic the People’s National many discussions with the Commission had to do a (PPP/C), the People’s Congress Reform One PNC and other opposition’s house-to-houseregistration. National Congress Reform Guyana,KhemrajRamjattan partiesonmanyissues. We decided to adopt the One Guyana (PNCR-1G), onbehalfoftheAllianceFor

Inrelationtothevoters’ system similar to our the Alliance For Change Change. The other parties list, we discussed this issue Caribbean sister/brother (AFC), the Guyana Action that signed were Guyana thoroughly.Oneoftheissues countries.

Party Rise Organize and ActionParty-RiseOrganize wespokeaboutwastheneed That is, to have Rebuild (GAP-ROAR), The andRebuildandTheUnited to have the Elections continuous registration and UnitedForce(TUF),andthe Force. Commissionalwaysreadyto spare us the time and the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s

Now here we go again, hold an election or horrendous expenses of Commission (GECOM) we see the PNC and AFC referenda. We discussed the goingtonewhouse-to-house agree that, prior to the reneging on this agreement reasonforthis.Thequestion registration. The political holding of the forthcoming once more. The AFC has Local Government announced that it is

Elections, a national 2007 boycotting the elections H o u s e t o H o u s e becausetheywantanewlist.

Registration, of all eligible The PNC has not said registrantsaged14yearsand anything as yet but from over, will be undertaken by previous statements that is a GECOM and this will possibility constitute the country’s new Theleadershipofthetwo National Register of main opposition political Registrants(NRR). parties, PNC and AFC are “ A l l o f t h e devoid of principles. Over abovementioned parties and over again, they have agree that the procedure of displayedtheirunreliability continuous registration will, Inconclusion,letmesay that there is nothing uncommon with the size of the list in proportion to the size of the population. The ratio is almost the same as other Caribbean countries which have adopted the continuous Registration process.

The main problem is the unprincipled position of the oppositionparties.

Sincerely, DonaldRamotar FormerPresident

Why was PPPOperative allowed to leave country when Indo-Guyanese woman filed complaint she was assaulted?

DEAREDITOR, are victims of violence,

A recent news story especially involving the indicated that an Indian politicallyconnected. woman, Ms. Kamala Devi Under the PPP, there Bharrat, was allegedly were no charges against assaulted by a Mr Ossie those who brutalized IndoRodgers, a popular PPP Guyanese in the West Coast operative who usually Berbice violence when features prominently when Indians were pulled out of PPP functionaries visit New vehicles and beaten, and York. (See ‘Bath woman vehicles damaged as people reports assault by Ossie wereontheirjourneystothe Rodgers unhappy with airportortheirhomes. police response,’ - SN, Oct. In the Mon Repos 18,2022). violence against Indians, we

InaFacebookvideo,Ms. are still awaiting the Bharrat, a working class Attorney General’s promise single-parent woman who that more people will be does sales and cleaning at a charged.

Chinese business place in “All Lives Matter ” Bath claims that Rodgers There is an abundance of slapped and gun-butted her, video footage evidence requiring a hospital capturing the brutalities, so visit (See KN, ‘PPP/C the lack of charges by the activist skips country after PoliceunderthePPP’swatch allegedly assaulting isbewildering. woman,’Oct.18,2022). If Mr Rogers was guilty

The Minister of Home of malfeasance and was Affairs/Government side allowed to leave the county must explain why Mr becausehewasaclosefriend Rodgers was allowed to of the PPP, that will be very leave the country soon after bad. the incident, and why no If he was allowed to chargeswerelaidagainstMr leave because the Police Rodgers, if Ms. Bharrat’s determinedhecommittedno charges were valid. Is it crime,theymustexplainthat normal practice for what to a watching public that happened here? Some expects that justice will be questionsarise. meted out fairly without

If it is true Mr Rodgers favourandill-will. gun-butted Ms. Bharrat, is We hope ‘Red Thread’ that a proper use of the and other women’s groups firearm? Was the firearm and the Human Services seized by the Police? If not, Minister will look into this whynot? matter Maybe the DPP can

It is very important that chimein,too. under the PPP’s reign that If Ms. Bharrat’s charges justice is meted out against are validated then we hope anyallegedperpetratorwhen the PPP will distance itself Indo-Guyanese, or anyone, fromthisOperative,andthat theNewYorkfolkswholike to ‘poojaykaray’ when the PPP Politicians visit will organizeboycottsinstead.

We want ‘One Guyana’ and ‘One System of Justice’ not different strokes for different folks based on political connections We look forward to justice for Ms.Bharrat!

Sincerely, Dr.JerryJailall

BLUNT

Let the darkness in our souls be banished

In this time of light, Guyana has enough that there be, asAbraham Lincoln said, “malice towards none, with charity for all.”

Leaders must allow their fellow citizens help in removing the scales from their eyes.

Conscience must be their karma; truth, their light; and goodness, the cherished national patrimony that energizes all Guyanese towards a better day.

Our days have been long and hard, always filled with bitterness. It doesn’t have to be for a single citizen. Not with what we have. Not when our leaders can be the best that they can be.

Agreat part of the darkness is that they haven’t been this way.

May the lights of Diwali touch their souls and cleanse them of the demons that drive them to bring fear and despair, when all they have to do is care.

To all Guyanese: be a little light today. Just a flicker, and lots of truth will follow.

Agri. Ministry to spend an estimated $68M for

drainage works at Mahaicony

of37newmobilepumps. construct a flood embankment Kaieteur News had reported in fromtheJoeHookareatotheBaibo August, that the NDIA Chairman, CanalinMahaicawhichwillleadto Slated to rehabilitate the two will see rehabilitation of the Dantzigispeggedat$4,800,000. Lionel Wordsworth during an a current embankment. A second drainage systems at Bonasika in earthen dam only within the E & J As it relates to Lot seven, outreach at Dundee, Mahaicony phase of this project will take the Region Three and at Bartica, area, left bank Mahaicony for an rehabilitation of the drainage and toldresidentsthatthegovernment’s water to another location to add Region Seven for an estimated cost estimated cost of $7,235,000, irrigation channels and installation plan of upgrading the drainage furtherprotection. of $194 million, the Ministry of whereas,atLotthree,rehabilitative of HDPE tubes will be done at systeminthatregionistotacklethe

In addition, he said, “We Agriculture through the National works will be done at the earthen Domino Co-Op Farm, Ithaca for an issueofflooding. proposed a new outlet to be added Drainage and Irrigation Authority dam within the Church Hill area, estimated cost of $5,734,000m

The Chairman had explained at Dantzig This would entail (NDIA) is also preparing to spend left bank Mahaicony River for an while at Lot eight the Ministry is that between the Mahaica, cutting across the road, upgrading some $68 million on another set of estimatedcostof$14,650,000. looking to construct an earthen Mahaicony and Abary Block, the channels, constructing new sluice drainage works at Mahaicony, Lot four comprises of works at embankment at Domino Co-Op backlands are not adequately and pump stations like what we RegionFive. Park Mahaicony Rehabilitation Farm, Ithaca for an estimated cost protected like in Region Four currently doing at Cottage so the

This is according to an will be done to the access dam and of$14,600,000. where the water is held back by the work at Cottage and what we advertisement placed in the daily drainage and irrigation channel for The projects which are East Demerara Water Conservancy propose at Dantzig, they will newspaper inviting contractors to an estimated cost of $7,120,000.At estimated to cost $68,409,000 in (EWDC) As a consequence, complement each other ” This bid for the project which the Lot five, works will be carried out total will be opened on November Wordsworth said that when these project alone would control some Ministry stated is being divided within the Gordon Table 15, 2022 at the Ministry of areas experience rainfall, at levels 8,400 acres of flood affected lands. ndintoeightlots. Cultivation area at 2 Depth right Agriculture main office As equivalenttothatofmidlastyear’s, Meanwhile, Mahaicony will see a

According to the invitation for bank Mahaicony for the reported on, in this year’s budget the water overrides the swollen flood embankment being bids, Lot one is slated to see the rehabilitation of the earthen dam thegovernmenthadputasideatotal rivers and downstream flooding constructed from First Point to the rehabilitation of the earthen dam and drainage channel for an of $13 billion to upgrade drainage occurs.

Abary River The government, he and drainage channel at E &J left estimatedcostof$6,130,000andat and irrigation systems across the In this regard, he said that the said is also planning to dredge the bank Mahaicony River for an Lotsix,rehabilitationoftheearthen country while out of that $1 billion NDIA had compiled a list of mouthsoftheMahaica,Mahaicony estimated cost of $8,140,000; lot dam and drainage channel at was allocated for the procurement proposals, one of which will be to andAbaryRivers.

DYING TRADITIONS

Christmas is just about price for food, including Guyanese long for a postingtheirChristmasmail employeesandlookforward twomonthsaway Guyanese vegetables, fruits, fish and traditional Guyanese so that it can reach its tothelittleextracashforthe areabouttogoonaspending chicken continue to place Christmas. They miss the destinationontime. holidays. spree, buoyed by an burdensonconsumer intimacy of the season; they Thereisnoneedforsuch Even sadder, are the anticipated injection of Already people are miss the local cuisine; they reminderstodaybecausethe masquerade bands that used two weeks of November asfunds from the government talkingthatchickenislikely miss the goodhearted spirit number of Christmas cards to be such a treat over the furniture was taken outand healthy remittances to retain for more than that characterizes Christmas thataresentoutthesedaysis holiday season. The reupholstered and polished,fromabroad. G$500 per lb. for Christmas back home; they miss the justafractionofwhatusedto masquerade dancers used to homes were cleaned and in

Unless the Guyana and eggs possible for $100 local parties and the fun of be sent before. In the old comeoutintothestreetsand somecasespaintedsothatbyPublicServiceUnionisable each. These high prices the season but most of all, days,familiesusedtocollect strutalltheircreativemoves. the beginning of December,to obtain an injunction threaten to spoil Christmas they miss the simple things dozens of cards and one of There would be a Mother the new blinds and curtainspreventing the government forpoorGuyanese. that remind them that they the things that used to be Sally and a Mad Cow to could be draped andfrom arbitrarily imposing ItistimeforGuyaneseto are back in Guyana. But done with these cards is that scare the kids. It was a decorationsstrungup.public service increases, return to their traditional most of all, they miss the they would be arranged into creativeandculturalartform

Today, people simply gopublic servants are going to Christmas. Despite the hard radiowhichplayednosmall alovelycollageintheshape that was an integral part of out and buy new furnitureenjoy a hefty paycheck for times, which Guyanese part in putting everyone in of a Christmas tree, which GuyaneseChristmas. and new blinds. They throwDecember,complimentsofa endured under the PNC theChristmasmood. wouldbepastedonawall,or Today, what passes for out all the old stuff and getretroactive increase for government, Christmas was There is an online radio simplystrunguponastring. m a s q u e r a d e i s a n new ones. No wonder there2022. The money-transfer always a special time station in Barbados which Thentherewerethelittle embarrassment. A few kids is so much garbage around,agencies are going to enjoy becauseofthesetraditions. begins to play Christmas small envelopes that were poorly attired and with not more than we can process.good business over the next These days, people wait music non-stop during the left by the postman and much of the flair of the old Yet there is within all, that two months and remittances much too late to start evenings from September garbage collectors Each bands,gooutintothestreets longing for the old, thatincreases from Guyanese preparingforChristmaswith 25th. It is called Sturges home would be required to where there is moving nostalgia that comes with overseas to their relatives the result that they fail to Radio,TheBeatandisfound put a little something into traffic, stand in front of a remembering the past andbackhome. enjoy the Season And on104.1FMonline. each envelope as an annual vehicle hand outstretched observing traditions

All that money will be ChristmasisaSeasonwhich Christmas cards are out tokenofappreciationforthe solicitingadonation.Thisis Perhaps these changes areneeded because local you have to enjoy The best of fashion. Long ago, long services that were provided not masquerade. The public thepricethatwehavetopayconsumers are facing a way to do so is to continue before the holidays by the refuse collectors and is being shortchanged by formodernisation,forsocialbacklash from high prices. the old traditions to which approached, the Guyana thepostalemployees. these masquerade dancers. progress.Whileglobalfoodpricesare Guyanese are long Post Office Corporation

These employees They are not putting on a But perhaps also, whenreducing,thesamecannotbe accustomed. would remind Guyanese received a fair bit of money performance They are these traditions go intosaid for local produce. The Most overseas based about the deadlines for atChristmasasaresultofthe beggingalms. remission, there is reallygenerosity of the homes for It is dangerous to have nothing left because whatwhich they provided a these performers on busy matters most is traditions,service. Today, the postal streets standing in front of traditions,traditions.workers and garbage men vehicles. Someone is going

Dem boys seh...

De library with razor wire

De National Library in Gee Tee gat It had a bond and every afternoon dem security guard. But dem boys notice how workers wah passing through de gate does demputdemputrazorwirearounddefence gat fuh get check. Dem does gat fuh open of de National Library in Georgetown. It dembagsandemptydempocketsfuhmek mekdeoldCarnegieBuildinglookugly It sure dem nah carry home nothing from de sending a wrang message to dem visitors bond. whendemseerazorwirearoundabuilding Oneofdeworkersdehwithdecompany indecentreoftownandinaplacewhichgat de longest. He used to clean de yard.And securityguard. every afternoon, he does walk out with a

Dem boys wan know what is dere to wheelbarrow full of all de garbage he steal in dere. What thief going in dere to collect.Demguardsusedtoriflethroughde steal? Dem thief man nah interested in rubbishfuhseeifhehideanystolenitems. books. Dem nah even interested in yuh Dem do this fuh twenty years and dem bankbook.Demnahcareaboutyuhbooks nahfindnutting.Soafterawhile,demleff caseorevendempickneybookbag. de rubbish cleaner to walk out with de

Dem boys know a man wah did apply wheelbarrowanddespade.Whenheretire, fuhawukatasecurityfirm.Demcallhefuh de head of de company hear dat he buy a aninterview yacht.

ButmostofallChristmasstill leave their envelopes to get badly injured one day meals were traditionaland often they will tell you and perhaps only then will pepperpot, baked chicken,that when they hand these theauthoritiesdecidetostop channa, sponge, fruit andout,theresidentsaskwhatit thisdangerouspractice. black cakes and lots ofis for Many people do not Finally,thereisthedying sorrel,rum,wineandgingerknowthattheyaresupposed tradition of readying homes beer Perhaps it is time toto leave a few hundred earlyfortheholidays.Asyou reverttothosesimplertimesdollars in those envelopes. go through the country, it is whichmanyfeelweremuchAs such and when the time shocking to note that with better than these material comes for the envelopes to just about two weeks to go times when people spend sobecollected,itisofteneither before Christmas, many much and enjoy so little of empty, contain only “small homesarestillnotdecorated. theseason.change”orcannotbefound. Some are only now in the (The views expressed in

That tradition of giving processofbeingcleaned. this article are those of thetotheseworkersisbeinglost This is quite unlike the author and do notanditissadbecausemanyof old days when Christmas necessarily reflect thethem are lowly paid preparationbeganinthelast opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Heturnupanddemhadheindewaiting

Yearsafterdebossmeetheponderoad room fuh 12 hours. When dem finally call andaskhehowhecouldhaveaffordeddat. hedemnahaskhenoquestion.Demgivehe Heexplainedtodebossthatheusedtosteal dewuk.Demsehhehired. awheelbarroweveryday

Demhadaplacewahhadstrictsecurity Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

Ramps Logistics’ move for judicial review premature...

Frompage3 filed against the Applicant with caution. An applicant that in a previous instance, are inalienably connected to for judicial review has the Ramps faced similar its activities for which the same duty of good faith of allegations by GRA and Application of the not approaching the court opted to provide a $20M Certificate is sought. The with unclean hands, as does settlement. Secretariat in consideration an applicant for equitable

Since the Local Content of the criminal charges has relief.” Certificate would be linked decided to halt the

The Local Content to work similar to those application pending the Director further concluded involving contracts for oil hearinganddeterminationof that the judicial review and gas service companies the criminal charges against representedagraveabuseof that was flagged by GRA, theApplicant.” the process of the Court, is the Secretariat said it would Headded,“Iamadvised misconceived in law, halt its review of Ramps’ by my attorneys-at -law and premature and therefore application. verilybelievethattheweight ought to be dismissed with

Pertab said, “I contend attached to an applicant’s substantial costs to the that the criminal charges conduct must be exercised Respondents.

am willing to give evidence at the election inquiry

The PPP government in 1992 ofMinisterofEducation,Ms.Priya to begin. Each Guyanese needs to losers. But the people in this should have held a high level Manickchand when she said she takeapositiononwheretheystand third classification owe to commission of inquiry into the wouldnotengageorrelatetothose on this inquiry There are three themselves and their families riggedelectionsof1980and1985. Guyanese that were either silent

categories of Guyanese in this to support the enquiry because Had it done so, there would have over that five month disaster or situation. the story needs to be told and been for the historical record, the participatedinthedepravity

The first compartment theyneedtoheartheentirestory story of how Guyana descended I would never put pen to paper comprises of those who were These people may have into authoritarianism and toendorsetheoilcontractbetween witnesses to history They were constituted a large number as the consolidated its totalitarian EXXON and the state. I believe it there They saw Guyana’s days of March 2020 unfolded but hegemony under President Forbes could have been a more structured imminent collapse. They have an that number began to dwindle Burnham. document which would have ocean of stories to tell the because too much lies, depravities Whentheinquirybegins,Ihope

The 1985 election was the brought Guyana more earnings. commissionofinquiry and comedies went into the month tobetheretostandinoneminuteof worst act of political skullduggery But I do not want to hear people They should be there. One of March and as March turned in silence for the deceased, former in the post Independence talk about the EXXON contract wouldliketothinktheywillreadily AprilandasAprilturnedintoMay Barbadian Prime Minister, Owen Caribbean. One thought that no whentheydidnotpronounceonthe give evidence. I count myself in and as May turned in June and as Arthur He played a huge part in election fraud could have been March2020insanity this first category and I will give June turned in July, they saw for exposing the rigging. I believe more degenerative than those Ireadinthenewspapersthatthe testimony. The point is not to live themselves that the parties they back then and still believe perpetrated on this nation from NGO group named Red Thread foreverbuttoleavesomethingthat supportedliedtothem. something in Guyana should be 1968butthencame1985. picketed the EPA over oil related will. I want my testimony to live There are people in this world namedafterhim.

When one thought that the issues.Ididnotevenreadthestory. forever. that pronounced on the conspiracy Thisnation,whetherthosewho climax of election stealing was Disgustranthroughmymind.That The second category is those to rig the March 2020 election. supportthelosingsideorthosenot reached in 1985 then came March groupneverpennedevenoneword who want to know what happened They have enormous credibility. interested in politics, should 2020.Theactions,efforts,energies aboutMarch2020. becausethereissomuchtodigest, Thelistincludesthebrotherofthe endorse and support the and comedies that went into I read expatriate Guyanese because there is so much that is in Guyanesehero,WalterRodney;the commission of inquiry into five contorting the shape of the 2020 condemning the oil contract and the air They will be interested in formerPrimeMinisterofJamaica, monthsofelectionrigging.Itwasa electionlastedforfiveconsecutive requestingthattherebeahalttooil the clarifications that will Bruce Golding; the serving Prime moment in time when Guyana months. drilling. But I didn’t see any consolidate their mental feelings Ministers of Barbados and St. could have died as a nation. You What happened in those five advocacy from these folks during about that fateful general election Vincent;Mr DominicGaskin,son- oweittoyourcountry months constitutes the second the five month drama calling for a inGuyanaofMarch2020. in-law of the then President of (The views expressed in this gravestmomentinGuyana’sentire halttotherigging.

Thethirdsectionisaboutthose Guyana, Mr David Granger; the article are those of the author and history after the Wismar massacre Ajudicial enquiry into the five whomayfrownonthecommission current Vice Chancellor of the do not necessarily reflect the inthe1960s.Iechothesentiments monthsofelectionriggingisabout ofenquirybecausetheysupportthe UniversityoftheWestIndies. opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Mustapha,otherleadersatmajorint’lconferenceagreeknowledge-intensive

agriculturekeytofacingclimatechange

here can be no securityandclimatechange, conflictandclimate. d o u b t t h a t with the goal of building climate change is global alliances against THEIMPORTANCEOF

T here to stay, hungerandmalnutrition. ALONG-TERMVISION therefore making it The session entitled necessary for leaders to “Food Governance in an Salcedo detailed the implement science based Unprecedented Era” S t a t e P o l i c y f o r transformations that favour discussed how to guarantee Development of the farmers and guarantee an adequate functioning of Agricultural Sector greater productivity and the agri food systems in currently in discussion resilience. timesofsimultaneouscrises between the Panamanian This was recently t h a t h a v e s e v e r e government and different affirmed by senior consequences for individual stakeholders. agricultural officials from countries and for the world.

“Producers have theAmericasandAsiaatthe The session was organized demanded that we hold this Borlaug International by the Inter American debate, to which we have Dialogue, taking place in Institute for Cooperation on incorporated different DesMoines,Iowa,USA. Agriculture (IICA) in international organizations.

The session Food Governance in an Unprecedented Era, part of the Borlaug International Dialogue, was moderated by Manuel Otero, Director General of IICA, with the participation of Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister ofAgriculture of Guyana; ShahryarAli Khan, Minister of State with the Federal Government of Pakistan; Carlos Salcedo Zaldivar, Minister Counselor forAgricultural Affairs of Panama; and Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food andAgriculture (CDFA– attended virtually).

Considered the largest conjunctionwithWFP IICA played a key role in emphasized the importance Mustapha,whounderscored vegetablesandtwo-thirdsof international forum on Manuel Otero, Director satisfying this demand to o f f i n a n c i n g f o r the need to promote all fruit for the United agriculture, the Dialogue GeneralofIICA,moderated guarantee a state policy that development and the need insurance that covers the States”. consists of a series of thesessioninwhichZulfikar provides legal certainty to for concrete actions, stated loss suffered by farmers in Ross, highlighting the discussions hosted by the Mustapha, Minister of agriculture”, commented that the current global food the face of more frequent importance of youth and World Food Prize Agriculture of Guyana; Salcedo,whoexplainedthat c r i s i s r e q u i r e s a naturaldisasters.

womeninruralareas,stated Foundation (WFP) with the Carlos Salcedo Zaldivar, education, financing, transformation of all points “Guyana’s economy has thatCaliforniawillcontinue participation of government Minister Counselor for productivity, market access, along the food chain grown incredibly thanks to to make investments that officials, private sector Agricultural Affairs of technology and institutional “Today, there are countries oilandgas,butitisessential favour the resilience of r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , Panama; Karen Ross, strengtheningarethecentral that suffer from food that we diversify.Today, we agriculture, the transition to international organizations, Secretary of the California themes. shortages even though they produce60%ofthefoodwe carbon neutrality, the agricultural producers, Department of Food and “Thediscussionrefersto have money If we don’t act consume, but we are not reduction of methane academics, scientists, Agriculture (CDFA); and a long-term vision and will together, we are all going to s a t i s f i e d ” , h e emissions from livestock, educatorsandstudents. ShahryarAliKhan,Minister constitute the basis for suffertheconsequences”,he acknowledged Secretary the improvement of soil

This year’s dialogue is of State at the Federal attacking the problems of warned Mustapha also Ross from California also healthandenergyefficiency themed “Feeding a Fragile Government of Pakistan social inequality, bringing explained that in his home referred to the effects of In turn, Ali Khan World” due to the severe participated. technologytotheproduction country and across the climate change. “In 2020, revealed that 67% of the simultaneous impact on the Otero posed the discussion sectors and reducing rural Caribbean,theyareworking we experienced the worst population of Pakistan global agri-food systems of questions, which referred to poverty. This state policy toreducethedependencyon wildfireseasoninCalifornia worksinagricultureandthat the Covid-19 pandemic, the the impact that the current willbethepointofreference food imports and exposure history. For 30 days the theimpactofclimatechange war in Eastern Europe and crises are having in each for future administrations”, to climate shocks. “Climate central valley, which is our onthecountryissevere.“We climatechange. country and what public he added, highlighting the change is very real for us. most productive area, was need more technology for

The different sessions policies are being strategic nature of the Last year, Guyana suffered covered in smoke and ash. small scale farmers to focus on the relationship implemented to deal with agriculturesector one of the most devastating Thiswasdramaticforastate ensure their resilience”, he between agriculture, food shocks related to health, M u s t a p h a , w h o floodsinhistory”,explained thatproducesone-thirdofall warned.

FrederickKissoon

School girl, 14, drowns at Kara Kara creek

n 11 year old boy on Saturday had the difficult

A t a s k o f informing the parents of his friend that she might have drownedwhilebathingatthe Kara Kara Creek located in Linden, Region 10. Feared dead is Kenneitha Greaves, 14, a student of Linden Foundation Secondary School and a resident of Old KaraKara,Region10.

Relatives recalled that she had left her home early Saturday to visit friends close by She subsequently left with them to have a bath in the Kara Kara Creek locatednottoofaraway

A few hours later, her familyreceivedacallaround bathing in the creek and10:00hrs that would leave failedtoresurface.them devastated Greaves

The 11 year old boyhad gone under while recounted the tragedy and told family members that he hadattemptedtosaveherlife but ended-up having to let her go because he would havedrownedtoo.

“He tell we how them de bathing, and he see she guh down one time and come up, and then she guh down and come up again and the third time when she guh down, he realize that she was in trouble”, one of the relative told Kaieteur News

T h e i n d i v i d u a l continued, “He she, he guh fuh save she but she started pullinghimdownandhewas forcedtoletgo”.

Uponreceivingthetragic n e w s , t h e e n t i r e neighbourhood left their houses and headed to the creek to look for her Police reported that ranks were sent to the creek too but had left into the night. Meanwhile sportscompetitionheldatthe early. Members of the neighbours have been taking Mackenzie Sports Club GuyanaFireServicebasedin turnstomonitorthecreek. GroundinLinden. Linden showed up also and Many were left shocked She ran the 3000-meter together with residents at the news as Greaves was race and reportedly placed combed the creek to find her well known and had dreams fourth. Sadly, her dreams to but up to press time, there of representing her country someday become a national were still no signs of asanationalathlete. athlete will never be a reality Greaves.

In fact, on Friday because her life was snuffed

Relatives made appeals Greaves represented her out the very next day while for the police to assist with a school by competing in the bathing in the Kara Kara boat to continue searching inter secondary schools Creek.

Friends, neighbours and members of the Guyana Fire Service based in Linden combing the Kara Creek to find Greaves.

Feared dead, Kenneitha Greaves

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.

Dutch ship builder, SBM gatedcommunities. to-govt oil blocks dealings: is looking for someone to visa-freetraveltotheUK. builditagatedcommunityin FRIDAY – Oct. 21, 2022 Guyana No Guyanese When will SATURDAY should need any schooling Guyana ever learn? – Oct. 22, 2022 aboutwhatthatmeans. Again, Guyana is poised Don’t let oil money

It means that Guyanese to get the wrong end of the go to our heads

SUNDAY-Oct. 16, 2022 grave situation where our It is better for leaders to must know their place, and stick. The oil money has gone Who run things? boys are the victims of slowdown, take stock of stay far from any such From all indications, the to the heads of those calling

Somepeopleareinclined sexual and other forms of where we are, and then chart foreignproperty. man who would be the shots in the PPPC to believe: “we run things, abuse; some of whom have a commonsense course from

This is in their own responsible for this is the Government. thingsdon’trunwe!” grown into men and are still there. The problem is that country, with their own same leader who used those As locals would say, the But although we struggling to cope with these none of the senior people in prime lands fenced and words. oil money ‘fullin’ people optimistically make plans, issues. It is estimated that the PPPC Government is walledtokeeptheforeigners PresidentAliwastheone eye.’ Itisobvious. quite a few of these do not oneinsixmalessufferssome listening or gives a hoot safe and secure inside, and whospokeofthe‘wrongend Leave it alone, and if it gettoseethelightofday form of sexual abuse as a aboutanyofthis. pryingGuyaneseoutside. of the stick’in relation to the has to be touched, then let As the good book says at child or teenager In most

This is what this country 2016oildeal. those struggling and Proverbs 19:21: “You can cases, the victim knows and WEDNESDAY has come to, and Guyanese

Now, it looks like we are sufferingtasteitsbenefits. make many plans, but the trusts the perpetrator - most – Oct. 19, 2022 better get ready for this will goingtogetanotherstickand Not the usual circle of Lord’spurposewillprevail.” often an adult or teenage Is somebody kidding? be the norm. As more thewrongendofit, insiders, hangers on, and It’s high time we stop male President Ali’s One billion dollars spent foreigners come to exploit It is in the pending soup drinkers. They have acting the fool and recognise programme also could not in the span of three short ourriches,theywantnothing giveaway of our rich oil enough. that we never had, and will have come at a better time, days to address the damage to do with the menacing blocks to the UK almost for Give the poor and needy neverhave,lifeinourhands! given the escalating at the Harbour Bridge? And massofGuyanese. nothing. something from the oil

Indeed, we should all be domestic violence situation, this is with the repair works So they build these At least, Guyanese will money Otherwise, leave it very thankful that our where often men are the stillhavingalongwaytogo. foreign fortresses they call get something for their govt- whereitis. existence is dependent on a aggressors.

What is really going on SupremeBeingandnotmere We commend this here, with great disruption, humanbeings. programme to all Guyanese more stress, and it already and especially to our men, lookslikebusinessasusual? MONDAY – Oct. 17, 2022 seize the opportunity to be The usual underhanded 1000-Men programme mendedifbroken. business where any

On Sunday, President opportunity is used, no Irfaan Ali announced the TUESDAY – Oct. 18, 2022 matter how disturbing, for launch of an ambitious Biting off more the big ones to make a nice, programme dubbed 1000- than we can chew bigkillingontheside. Menaimedatreformingmen Guyanaisgoingtochoke Guyanesecommutersget andboysinoursociety from the rush to approve all to move, and the usual

It is a very laudable t h e s e o i l p r o j e c t s Government people and initiative and should be Considering our novice’s their associates get to make supportedbyallandsundry state with this oil wealth of another move under the We at this newspaper ours, it is the equivalent of cover of fixing what went await the full rollout of this this country not having teeth wrong. programme, which the to chew properly, so we end What is wrong with President said will see the upendangeringourselves. Guyana? Is it that it has so deployment of 1000 men in Itmakesperfectsensefor many thieves around, who various disciplines across us to recognize how little we will seize any opportunity to thisnationtointegrateyoung know; how few are the roblocals?

Guyanese men into the people we have with the economic and social life of required skills to watch out THURSDAY thecountry for us and protect our - Oct. 20, 2022

ItisclearourPresidentis interests in this new and vast Gated communityawakenedtotherealitiesofa oilsector Guyanese keep out!

20 Men of Influence Hovo Awards to be hosted next month

Treveynie Persaud, a Guyanese Media Personnel and co founder of HVP Hovo Awards is slated to host Guyana’s first-ever 20 Men of Influence HOVO Awards (20 MOIHA) in November to celebrate InternationalMen’sDay

Persaud explained to Kaieteur News during a telephone interview, that the mission of the HVP HOVO Awards is to endorse leaders i n a d v a n c i n g a n d developing talented men across practices, roles, and locations, as reflected in the confidence that the

He said too that, “not 20 MOIHA’s ongoing participants will discover enough is being done to commitment to supporting how to navigate and promotethehealthylifestyle men at all stages of their leverage internal and practices that our men c a r e e r s , f u r t h e r , e x t e r n a l n e t w o r k s , d e m o n s t r a t e d a i l y empowering them to lead participate in peer coaching throughout the various young men into the right and engage in community sector In fact, we place path. service and capacity muchemphasisonthe Persaud expressed buildingactivities.

(Continued on page 14)

Treveynie Persaud, Co-founder of HVP HOVO Awards

Six Guyanese take on fight against ExxonMobil, Govt. to prevent environmental, financial abuses

S i x c o u r a g e o u s Henry, Sherlina Nageer and

independent verification of gas concentrations in the Guyanese have taken it upon Andriska Thorington, the types and amounts of atmosphere at a level that themselves to challenge the through their Attorneys-at- greenhouse gases actually would prevent dangerous Government of Guyana Law, Melinda Janki and emitted by the Liza Phase 1 anthropogenic interference (GoG) and American oil Ronald Burch-Smith, filed a Development Project, and with the climate system giant, ExxonMobil, in the case against Guyana’s the greenhouse gases Guyana is also a signatory to localcourtsinrelationtokey Environmental Protection actually emitted by future the Paris Agreement, which environmental and financial Agency (EPA) to put a stop petroleum development in aims to restrict the increase issues. Below is a summary toflaringbyExxonMobil. t h e L i z a P h a s e 2 in global temperature to no ofthosecases. It was reported that Development Project, the more than 1.5°Cabove preGLENN LALL EEPGL was flaring

Payara Development Project industriallevels.

and other subsequent oil and Furthermore, the men Kaieteur News publisherand continuously since it began gas projects Finally, the cited through their lawyers businessman, Glenn Lall production in December applicants are asking for a that the State’s Nationally moved to the court to 2019, despite undertaking to declaration that any bill or Determined Contribution of challenge the tax waiver reinject the associated gas, delegated legislation to 2015 submitted by the State given to Exxon’s local notflareit. amend or alter the under the Paris Agreement affiliate, Esso Exploration In May 2021, after Environmental Protection states that Guyana will and Production Guyana ExxonMobil had flared Act Cap 20:05 or subsidiary pursue a low carbon Limited(EEPGL). billions of cubic feet of legislation made under such development path The

Earlier this year, associated gas almost

In August, weeks after it associated gas, the statute,withtheaimoreffect applicants noted, however, requested more time to seek Environmental Protection that the Stabroek Blockw o u l d c o n t r i b u t e expert advice to respond to Agency purported to modify operations are in starksignificantly to climate thecourtcasebyLalloverits Esso’s permit to allow it to contrast to this agenda. Drchange, ocean acidification decision to grant excessive flare gas in exchange for a Thomas and Mr De Freitasand/orsealevelrise. tax waiver to the oil US$45 fee per tonne of contended that Guyana’s

The applicants are of the companies, the Government carbondioxideequivalent. combined petroleumfirmconvictionthatbasedon finally completed its The litigants are

reserves – in the Stabroektheir research, which was submission. The document contending that the agency’s and other blocks – would inattached to the claim, the filedthroughtheofficeofthe decision to modify Esso’s total emit billions of tonnescourt should provide a Attorney General, Anil environmental permit to of greenhouse gases in thedeclaration that the direct Nandlall outlined a number allow flaring was irrational future if those resources areemission of 22,030,000 of contentions raised in and unlawful and that it extracted and burned fortonnes of greenhouse gases Lall’sapplication. should be quashed by the energyfrom petroleum operations

In January, the Kaieteur court. They also argue that B y e n a b l i n g t h ein the Liza Phase 1 News publisher filed an the agency breached the production of petroleumDevelopment Project, action to challenge the Environmental Protection from the ExxonMobil-ledproposed direct emission of PetroleumAgreement, dated Act Cap 20:05 by projects in the State’s34,545,000 tonnes of June 27, 2016 between the purporting to allow Esso to exclusive economic zone,greenhouse gases from the GuyanaGovernmentandthe flare in return for paying a the State is facilitating theLiza Phase 2 Development oil companies. According to fee. emission of substantialProject, and the proposed Lall, the agreement between TROYTHOMASAND quantities of greenhoused i r e c t e m i s s i o n o f the oil company and the QUADAD DE FREITAS gases, thereby significantly of allowing activities thatG o v e r n m e n t g r a n t s C o n v i n c e d t h a t exacerbating and/or make the environment moreexemptions to persons other ExxonMobil’s Stabroek contributing to climate harmful to human health andthan licensees, which violate Block operations will lead to change, ocean acidification wellbeing would be athe Petroleum Exploration the emission of tonnes of and rising sea levels and violation of the State’s dutyand Production Act, the greenhouse gases in the making the environment under Article 149J(1) toFinancial Administration billions, two Guyanese filed more harmful to health and protect the environment and(and Audit) Act and the a landmark case in the wellbeing, the applicants would be unconstitutionalConstitution. Constitutional Court last stated. unless passed in accordanceLall’s application raises year, seeking a declaration Back in 2020, Justice Jo with the procedure forseveral contentions for the that the said operations Ann Barlow, granted an alteringtheConstitution.court’s consideration violatetheirrighttoahealthy order which brought

In their claim, theincluding whether the environment. ExxonMobil’s Liza I applicants note that theagreement between the The first applicant, Dr environmental permit in production, transportation,Government of Guyana and Troy Thomas, is a scientist conformity with the law.The refining and use of fossilExxonMobil are subject to and a University of Guyana orderhaseffectivelyreduced fuels (oil, gas and coal) emitthe principles of private law lecturer The second

Exxon’s environmental greenhouse gases at everyor public law, whether the applicant, Quadad De permit from 20+-years to stage of the productacts of the Minister of Freitas, is a young man from five- the correct time as lifecycle. With this in mind,

Natural Resources and the South Rupununi Region prescribedbylaw the court documents notecertain sub-articles of the of Guyana, an area rich in The matter was settled in that any significant increasePetroleum Agreement were biodiversity, now threatened court following an initial obligation to respect the intheState’soveralldirectorultra vires and in breach of byclimatechange. 35,720,000 tonnes of hearing of the case filed environment,whichrequires indirect greenhouse gassections 10 and 51 of The legal team for the greenhouse gases from against the Environmental the State to refrain from emissions makes the

Petroleum Exploration and duo consists of Ms. Melinda petroleum operations in the ProtectionAgency (EPA) by interfering with or causing environment more harmfulProductionAct(PEPA),sub- JankiandMr RonaldBurch- Payara Development Project

the Guyanese scientist, Dr damage to the environment, to the health and wellbeingsections 1A and 1B of Smith, with support from w o u l d m a k e t h e Thomas.Itwasreportedthat, and (b) An obligation to of citizens and futuresection 6 of the Financial Richard Lord, QC at Brick environment more harmful both the EPA and EEPGL protect or guarantee the generations by significantlyAdministration (and Audit) Court and Joshua Jackson of to the health and wellbeing agreed to limit the permit to healthoftheenvironment. contributing to climateFAA, and whether upon its Cloisters in the United of citizens and future five years, as provided by

Further to this, the change, ocean acidificationproper interpretation the Kingdom. generations by significantly law. applicants are asking the andrisingsealevels.PEPA permits the payment According to the court exacerbating and/or

As a result, an order was Constitutional Court to The applicants on thisof taxes due on behalf of documents, the two contributing to climate issued for Exxon’s permit in declare that the State’s duty premisewerekeentoremindlicensees. applicants, through their change, ocean acidification, the Liza 1 oil field underArticle 149J(2) to take that Guyana is a signatory to

SINKKAHENRY, lawyers, are asking that a and rising sea-levels and as

development to expire in the reasonable measures to the United NationsSHERLINANAGEER, declaration be made by the such would amount to a next 18 months instead of protect the environment for Framework Convention onAND RISKA court to say that the State’s violationofArticle149J(1). 2040 —24 years after the p r e s e n t a n d f u t u r e Climate Change, which hasTHORINGTON dutiesunderArticle149J(1), Article 149J(1) imposes issuance originally granted generations requires the as an objective for theIn January 2022, three require that it refrains from upon the State two primary by the Environmental State to carry out or obtain stabilisation of greenhouseGuyanese women, Sinkka authorising activities that obligations: (a) An

ProtectionAgency(EPA).

Glenn Lall

Quadad De Freitas

Andriska Thorington

Sherlina Nageer

Sinkka Henry

Dr. Troy Thomas

More than 16,000 drivers caught speeding in October alone

A new security feature offences, have recorded installed on the recently severaltrafficbreachesalong commissioned Mandela to the new Mandela to Eccles Eccles four lane highway four-lanehighway” has captured some 16, 453 Apart from recording speeding drivers in the speeding drivers, the new monthofOctoberalone. feature has found that some This is according to 36,479 drivers have failed to report published by the wear their seatbelts while Guyana Police Force on travelling along the new Saturday highway, according to the According to report the information obtained for the Force stated, “The Traffic monthofOctoberalone. Department of the Guyana It is unclear if the Force Police Force, in an effort to hasprosecutedanyofthese monitor and detect traffic (Continued on page 60)

A head shot of the new Mandela to Eccles four-lane Highway where the security feature is installed

foreigners.’

tothetreatmentofhazardous

On Friday last, Wintress waste onshore, among

White, one of the 40 others. members of Red Thread

According to her, “Their

LABOURDEPT participated in a picket eyespassus.Theireyespass ORDERSEXXONTO exercise outside the

Guyanese because if was REINSTATE Environmental Protection some other countries they SCIENTISTSFIRED Agency’s (EPA’s) Ganges wouldhavehadtorespondto FORALLEGEDLY Street, Georgetown Head them but they eye pass us. EXPOSINGINFLATION Office lobbying the body to The Environmental OFPRODUCTIONDATA perform its mandate of Protection Agency needs to –ORDEREDTOPAY s a f e g u a r d i n g t h e dotheirwork.Theyneedto. WORKERSMORE environment. In an invited You can’t have harmful THANUS$800,000IN comment, White told chemicals in communities COMPENSATION Kaieteur News that Guyana where people living and ExxonMobil’s belief that Protection Programme’–AUTHORITIESSAID and its people are not ExxonMobil don’t care a rat they had access to and enforces the whistleblowerACTIONBYEXXON benefiting from the toothaboutus.They(Exxon)possibly leaked information provis ions of theWASUNACCEPTABLE, exploitationofitsoilandgas don’t want to spend moneytothepublication.Neitherof Occupational Safety andWILLSPARENO resources. To this end, she and they are making moneythe employees fired was HealthActandmorethan20EFFORTTOPROTECT argued that the least Exxon bythebillions.Theirprofitis revealed as a source for the ‘whistleblower’ statutes‘WHISTLEBLOWERS’ can do, which is walking more than you could would be made public werearticle. These statutes protect away with the major imagine,sotheireyespassus notanswered.

The U.S. Department of employees from retaliationThe US Department of beneficiary, is leave the too.” Labour said a federal for reporting violations ofLabour and Occupational country clean for future White even pointed out

MONDAY–OCT17,‘ w h i s t l e b l o w e r ’ workplacesafetyandhealth,Safety and Health generations. that because of the ‘greedy’ 2022investigation found the airline, commercial motorAdministration (OSHA) has Afewmembersfromthe nature of the oil companies, company, therefore, carrier, consumer product,ordered ExxonMobil ‘RedThread’group were on they have refused to fulfill ‘GOVT APPROVINGterminated the individuals environmental, financialCorporation to re-hire two a picket line on Friday their obligations to Guyana MOREOILPROJECTSillegally and ordered the oil reform, food safety, healthScientistswhowerefiredfor outside the EPA’s Head as it regards full liability TOTHEDETRIMENTgiant to pay them more than insurance reform, motorallegedly leaking sensitive Office in Georgetown coverageforoilspills. OFGUYANA’US$800,000 in back wages, vehicle safety, nuclear,information to the ‘Wall Wintress White (second In recent days, the –PATTERSONSAYSinterest and compensatory p i p e l i n e , p u b l i cStreetJournal’lastyear POPULATIONCANBE

In September 2020, the THEMOST ‘WallStreetJournal’alleged UNHEALTHYINTHE that the global oil-and-gas WORLDNEXTFIVE company may have inflated YEARS productionestimatesandthe reportedvalueofoilandgas Shadow Minister of wells in the Texas Permian Natural Resources, David Basin The newspaper Pattersonisadamantthatthe reported ExxonMobil’s Government of Guyana assumption that drilling prefers to have an “under speed would increase staffed” and “undermined” substantiallyin the next five Environmental Protection years may have been Agency (EPA) even if it inaccurate These meansputtingthecountryat assumptions were included risk to show off Guyana as in company filings with the the most fast paced U S Securities and developing country in the Exchange Commission in World. 2019.

While focused on this

OSHA’s investigation objective, the former foundthatExxonMobilfired Minister of Public two Computational Infrastructuresaiditmayend Scientists who raised with the citizens of Guyana concerns about the damages.

transportation agency, from left) believes the integrityoftheEPAhasbeen being the unhealthiest in the company’s use of the “ExxonMobil’s actions railroad,maritime,securities regulatory body must do questioned by various world, owing to the assumptions in late 2020. are unacceptable The and tax laws, criminal anti- better by the people of members of civil society inadequate performance of The company claimed it integrityoftheU.S.financial trust, and anti money Guyana. who believe that the body the regulatory body terminated one of the system relies on companies laundering laws, as well as She said, “We live in has been functioning in the Patterson was at the time Scientists for mishandling to report their financial forengaginginotherrelated Guyana and we cannot see best interest of the oil speaking to reporters at the proprietary company condition and assets protectedactivities. our beautiful country companies, rather than the sidelines of an event on information, and the second accurately,” said Assistant destroyed by the greedy environment and people of Fridaywhenheofferedthese for having a ‘negative Secretary for Occupational WEWILLNOTSIT foreigners We are not Guyana. commentsabouttheEPA.He attitude’, looking for other Safety and Health Doug BACKANDALLOW benefitting, Guyana is not Just last month an oil explained, “EPA is wholly jobs, and losing the Parker “Whistleblower GREEDYFOREIGNERS benefitting from this oil and spill was reported by inadequateandwerecognise confidence of company protection is integral to TODESTROYOUR gas story They want us to ExxonMobil but to date the that and this is not an issue management. ensuring that financial COUNTRY–‘RED believe that but we are not agency is yet to publish its that is current. I think this OSHA learned that disclosure laws work. As THREAD’ benefitting from it The own report on the matter In was recognised under ExxonMobil knew that one wasthecaseinthisinstance, …EXXONMOBILMUST personsthatarebenefittingis fact,thecountrylearntabout VincentAdams.It’sanissue of the Scientists was a OSHA will aggressively LEAVECOUNTRY ExxonMobilanditspartners theonebarrelspillthrougha that we all got to be relativeofasourcequotedin protect the rights of CLEANFORFUTURE so we want them to leave Press Release from the concerned about. Everyone the ‘Wall Street Journal’ employees who raise GENERATIONS Guyana clean for us and our operator of the Stabroek hastobeconcernedandtake article and had access to the concerns related to financial c h i l d r e n a n d o u r Block,EssoExplorationand theblame.”TheAllianceFor leaked information The improprieties or potential As American oil major, grandchildrenandourfuture Production Guyana Limited Change (AFC) party investigation determined fraudagainstshareholders.”

ExxonMobil continues to generations.” (EEPGL), the local member was keen to point thatthecommunicationwith Based in Irving, rampupoilproductioninthe The ‘Red Thread’ subsidiaryofExxon. out that it is the onset of oil the newspaper, related to ExxonMobil Corp. is a country, the members of a member was asked to weigh and gas operations that alleged company violations, multinational oil and gas women organisation, ‘Red inonthefactthattheEPAhas Questions to the Executive highlighted the deficiencies is a protected activity under corporation with US$23 Thread’, have made it clear failed to respond to a group DirectoroftheEPA,Kemraj oftheEPA;howeveraUS$1 theSarbanes-OxleyAct.The billion in reported annual thattheywillnotsitbackand of 54 citizens who had Parsram on when the million World Bank loan Act also protects the earningsin2021. allow their country to be penned a letter, which findings from the takenbythe Scie

OSHA’s ‘Whistleblower destroyed by ‘greedy embodied concerns relating independent investigation

Afew members from the ‘Red Thread’group were on a picket line on Friday outside the EPA’s Head Office in Georgetown. Wintress White (second from left) believes the regulatory body must do better by the people of Guyana.

Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, David Patterson

Frompage16

As for the recreational water As a result of this, he f o r m e r C o a l i t i o n facility, SBM said it must said the captain signalled to government was geared at haveagym,swimmingpool, the other boats and they addressingthisissue. bar, tennis court, soccer groundedattheIslandwhere

While this new field, squash court and any the passengers were placed administration has decided other amenities relevant to in the others boats An to put the money to use in such a facility A large investigation has since been other areas, the Shadow swimming pool and small launchedintotheincident. Natural Resources Minister leisure pool are also believes “they feel if you required.

WEDNESDAY–OCT.19, have somebody with

SBMsaiditalsowantsa 2022 knowledge, it will slow up gymnasium with multi whattheywanttodo.Sothey purpose flooring, a fitness SELECTEDOIL prefer – at any cost even to center with cardio and BLOCKSTOBEUSED thedetrimentofoursociety– strength training equipment, FOR“GOVT.TO toallowEPAtocontinuejust change rooms/locker rooms GOVT.” grantingpermitswithoutany w i t h s h o w e r s , PARTNERSHIPS sortofin-depthanalysesand fitness/aerobics studios, -PRES.ALISAYSALLwill take the total oil extendwaybeyondsuchan whenever possible without thosethingslikethat.” outdoor basketball court, STRATEGICALLIESTOproduction up from the event. jeopardising the Health,Patterson continued, “If squash court, tennis, and BEASSESSEDFOR present approximate Dafety, Security and you get an expert in, he is soccer field and a SUCHENGAGEMENTS300,000 barrels per day to TUESDAY–OCT.18, Environment (HSSE) and duty-bound, professionally- running/walking track. Itabout 500,000 barrels per 2022 quality of the products and bound to say no this can’t was keen to note that the President, Dr Irfaan Aliday services to be delivered ashappen, and obviously that supplier must present a disclosed yesterday that hisMeanwhile, the fourth DUTCHFPSOBUILDER well as for our crew and will not augur well on the proposal or have a government has set asideproject, Yellowtail, with a TOLEASEGATED facilities.” government’s plan. So they development plan for same certain oil blocks whichproduction capacity of COMMUNITYWITH It further noted that prefer to have an along with proof of would be used forapproximately 250,000 RECREATIONAL companies answering the understaffed, undermined ownership for the government to governmentgross barrels of oil per day FACILITIESFROM RFIwillhavetopresenttheir EPA so that they can get property/properties in their partnerships.has been given approval for GUYANESE involvement for the Guyanawhatever plans they want to submissions. The Head of State madestartupin2025. DEVELOPER community and/or anydoputforwardandtheywill thedisclosureduringapress

Oneenvironmentalist, …WANTSSTATE-OF- i n v o l v e m e n t i n claim it’s all in the idea of

SPEEDBOAT conference that was heldSimoneMangal-Joly THE-ART sustainability project ordevelopment and fast SINKSWHILE yesterday with British Highbelievesthattherampedup RECREATIONAL development in Guyanatracking growth and those TRANSPORTING Commissioner, Jane Millerproductionratesarea FACILITIES SBMwaskeentonotethatit things like that but… it has

ATHLETES;NOONE Alirefusedtodivulgefurtherrecklesschaseaftermoney will possibly use responseslong-termconsequences.” INJURED details on which specific

Shesaiditis,“Areckless Dutchshipbuilder,SBM to validate and further

He reasoned that the rushtochasemoney Offshoreismakingmovesto develop its Request for impacts from oil and gas

Just around noon onwithoutcountingthe deepenitsGuyaneserootsas Quotation (RFQ) for development, inclusive of Monday a speedboatdamagesandlossesinother it recently issued a Request CommunityHousing.Itwill transporting hazardous transportingagroupoflocalareasintheprocess,bothin for Information (RFI) from also use the responses to wastetoshorewillnotaffect athletes from Parika todirectbenefitweaccrue qualified companies to develop a list of qualifiedthe population immediately; Supenaamsankinvicinityofdaily,andmonetaryterms, develop a gated community biddersbeforestructuredbid however toxins can affect Troolie Island in theisshortsightedand and recreational facility for rulestakeeffect. livestock, fish stock and

EssequiboRiverdangeroustoallofus, itsemployees.

OncethefinalRFQgoesplantswhilethegovernment K a i e t e u r N e w sincludingbusinessesand SBM issued the RFI on out and the successful goes“aftertheeasymoney.” understands that the athletesoureconomyasawhole.” behalf of its subsidiary, company is selected, it will “They are after the easy are from Moruca, Region

Sheexplainedthateach Guyana Deep Water enter a lease agreement for money and they are after One. They had participatedtimeanewFPSOvesselis Operations Inc (GDO) the provision of a gatedbeing able to say we are the in this year’s AmerindianwelcomedtoGuyana,it whichisalsotheoperatorof community that includes fastest growing economy in Heritage Games, thatalsobringsalongtonnesof the Liza Destiny and Liza residential houses,theworldbutwithinanother culminated on Sunday andtoxicwastethatis Unity Floating, Production, apartments, and a four or five years, we could were on their way home.dischargedintothewaters, Storage and Offloading recreationalfacilitybe the sickest people in the Commander of Regionaltherebyimpactingourfish (FPSO)vessels.

Specifically,SBMsaidit world,”Pattersonwarned. Division ‘3’, Mahendraandothermarinespecies. It said the proposals isseekingresidentialhouses,

On April 1 of this year, Siwnarine who confirmedNotonlythis,buta receivedwillbeassessedfor one and two bedroom the EPA gave oil giant the incident with thistremendousamountof G u y a n e s e c o n t e n t apartments for singleExxonMobil the green light publication yesterday saidwasteisbeingbroughtto development since this is a persons/families along with tostartupoilproductionatits thatasaresultofthemishap blocksweresetasideaswellshorefortreatmentand key factor to the success of arecreationalfacility Itsaid fourth development, noonewasinjured. as what special purposedisposal,Mangaladded. its operation. SBM said, “It the location of gatedYellowtail. Less than two

He explained that the vehicle would be used toTheenvironmentalistwas isourcommitmentforlong- communitymusthavedirect weeks later, Exxon applied boatwaspartofalargefleet representtheState’sinterestskeentonotethattherisks term sustainability to create roadaccess,freeofobstacles totheagencyforaPermitto thatleftParikaforSupenaam in such matters He didarenotonlylimitedtoan social and commercial and appropriate surface for start extracting oil from its andinthevicinityofTroolie pledge however to distilloilspill,butthedangers benefit back to Guyana parking.fifthproject,Uaru+. Island it began to take in such details at the

Presently, the oil appropriatetime.

company’s Consultant, In the meantime, the Acorn International is President said this c o n d u c t i n g a n development followed Environmental Impact engagements that were had Assessment (EIA) for the earlier this year with former fifth development in the UK Prime Minister, Boris StabroekBlock.Afteritstwo Johnson as regards energy most recent discoveries in security.July this year, the total

Ali said, “The specificdiscoveries for the prolific discussion I had with Boris Stabroek Block reached 33. was in relation to energyItisestimatedtoholdover11 security for the UK.As youbillionbarrelsofoil. know, we have some blocks

Presently, oil is being that we are going to auction producedintheLizaOneand off very soon.And we have Two fields. A third project, someblocksthataresetaside Payara is expected to come forwhatis on stream next year which

President IrfaanAli

Scene from yesterday’s mishap, the speedboat that sank on the right. (Photo credit:Alva Solomon)

Frompage17 government said it will seek termed government to to ensure the country gets a government partnerships fairershareofrevenuesfrom We are looking at all our oilandgasresourcesthrough strategic partners with these i m p r o v e d f i s c a l blocks.” arrangements to benefit the

The President added, peopleofGuyana. “We also have some natural Further,governmentsaid gas fields We have not itwillsafeguardthesafetyof completed the national gas people and the environment strategy as yet but in that by following international strategy, more opportunities best practices in offshore oil willbeopenedup.” andgasdevelopment.

Ali said over all that his Italsosaidthatitintends intentionistoensuretheUK to maintain a competitive is able to play a role in position in the region and

the Guyana Court ofAppealG u y a n a ’ s e n e r g y globally as key to continued (COA) had no right totransformation while success. entertain the electionscontinuing with efforts that A d d i t i o n a l l y , petition which waswill place the new oil government said it will be dismissed by Chief Justiceproducing State as a global embarking on an intensive (Ag.) Roxane Georgeleader on climate change, promotingcampaignwithall Wiltshireoveroflateserviceenergyandfoodsecurity necessarytechnicaldataand on A Partnership forT h e A l i l e d requirements which will National Unity + Allianceadministration had earlier ensure that the competitive For Change (APNU+AFC)this month said it is in the bidding round is successful Representative of the List,process of finalizing new forthefuturedevelopmentof DavidGrangerfiscal terms and conditions the offshore exploration and

Themajorityofthepanelfor the country’s first bid production of hydrocarbons oftheCCJ,JusticesWinstonround for offshore forGuyana’seconomy. Anderson, Maureenexploration and production Further, it said this Rajnauth-LeeandJacobWitofhydrocarbonblocks. process will be done in found that the Court ofThe bid round will be keeping with international nation. political actors and rebelsprosperity But what the Appeal possesses noopenforseveralmonthsand best practices for

Dr Williams said he has werefightingfortheStateasexperienceofothercountries Jurisdiction to entertain anisexpectedtogiveinterested t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d observed that much of the aprizebecauseofthecontrolhas shown us is that the appealfromthedismissalofcompaniessufficienttimeto accountability conversation has been on and dominance that comesexcitementthatbubblesover an Election Petition on theprepare their competitive guarding against the ‘Dutch from that office. It was evenwhen there is the discovery ground of late/non-servicepackages and bid to win the THURSDAY-OCT.20, Disease’ which is often called the ‘Mother of allof any sort of resource such onaninterestedpartyavailable acreages offshore; 2022 lumpedasbeingthesameas elections’and each side wasas oil, is that it leads to an

The majority indicatedwhich will be done in an the ‘Resource Curse.’ The like ‘we can’t lose this.’ Soexcitement for progress that that under the constitutionalopen and transparent ‘DON’TALLOWOIL lawyer said the ‘Dutch for me, the predictivecan cloud an honest

provisionnoappeallayfrommanner MONEYTOCLOUD Disease’ is just part of the elements of the curse wereassessment of the dangers the striking out of anSince the discovery of ASSESSMENTOFTHE economic conundrum that evident since then and thethatlieahead.” Election Petition InLiza in 2015, the Guyana DANGERSTHATLIE destabilisesacountry country will now be in aHe said what the trend dissentingopinions,Justicesoffshore basin has seen AHEAD’–NEWYORK

For readers unfamiliar perpetual electoral contest,” Denys Barrow and Peteru n p r e c e d e n t e d BASEDLAWYER with the term, ‘Dutch expressedtheLawyer Jamadar ruled that the Fulldevelopment, with Guyana Disease’, it is a shorthand Expounding on the Court possessed thesetting a new paradigm for Given the remarkable way of describing the impact the emergence of oil Jurisdiction to entertain anexpeditious development of quality and scale of paradox which occurs when will have on the nation’s appeal where an Electionoil and gas resources Guyana’s oil discoveries, good news, such as the political and social Petition was dismissed forAccording to S&P Global, many stakeholders have discovery of large oil wellbeing, he said one can non/late service on an“the four and a half year agreed that its monetization reserves, harms a country’s expect to see signs from interested party Justicestimeframefromdiscoveryto and prudent use could result broader economy It may politicalactorsusingallsort Barrow and Jamadar opinedfirst production places in meaningful economic begin with a large influx of of mechanisms to dominate that Section 42 of theGuyana first among global transformation;thekindthat foreign cash to exploit a and wipe out their National Assembly Validitydeepwater jurisdictions in truly uplifts the standing of newfound resource opponents. He added that of Elections Act conferredterms of the average time to allcitizens. Symptoms include a rising stakeholderscanalsoexpect the Full Court withbring major discoveries on To do so, however currency value leading to a toseeflare-ups,andseedsof Jurisdictiontoentertainsuchstream.” requiresacandidassessment dropinexportsandalossof discontentanddiscordbeing anappeal.With the upcoming of the country’s systems for jobstoothercountries. sown,allofwhichwilldrive Indeliveringthedecisionbidding round, the governance as well as its

With projections from ‘rebelbehaviour.’ on Wednesday, the CCJ’sGovernment of Guyana ability to protect itself financialinstitutionssuchas Dr Williams said these Justice Winston Andersonexpectstochartanewpathas against the dangers that lie the World Bank, the ills do not spring up stressed that the High Courtthe Guyana offshore areas ahead,saysNewYorkbased InternationalMonetaryFund overnight; adding that they has exclusive jurisdiction toemerge as a potential super Lawyer, Dr Vivian and the Inter American mustbecarefullymonitored. hearanddetermineelectionsbasin with over 11 billion Williams. During his first Development Bank all He cautioned that it is petition matters Heboe (barrels of oil appearance on Kaieteur noting that oil will account imperative the Governmenthas shown from other explained that although,equivalent) discovered to Radio’s Programme, for more than 55 percent of keepsaneyeonthesematters

jurisdictions is that resource

Article 163 of thedate With substantial ‘Guyana’s Oil andYou’, Dr Guyana’s Gross Domestic and share with citizens, itsrichcountriesareoftentimes Constitution gives the rightexploration activities Williams articulated the Product this year, Dr. progress on plans to addressat great risk for contracting to Appeal- a decision of theongoing, this figure is needforpolicyleaderstobe Williams said Guyana is same.the dreaded ‘Resource HighCourt,dismissalontheexpected to increase mindful of the dangers that thereforeatriskofattractingCurse.’ He noted that this grounds of a technicalitysignificantly lie ahead with managing oil the ‘Dutch Disease’and the HIGHCOURTcurse occurs when a does not fall within thatIn light of this, Cabinet resources. ‘Resource Curse’ by

DECISIONFINALONcountry’soildiscoveries,for right “It could not besaid it is concluding a Dr Williams said it is extension.

ELECTIONPETITIONexample, results in there accepted, that proceedingsdefinitivetermsofreference critical that the judgment of

Dr Williams noted MATTER–CCJRULESbeing adverse effects on a which began in the Highforthecompetitivelicensing Guyanese and their leaders however that for him,country’s other revenue Court under this exclusive,round which will foster a by extension is not clouded Guyana was seeing signs of The PPP/C Guyanaearnerslikeagriculture.That exclusionary and specialconducive investment by the volume of oil dollars the ‘Resource Curse’ since Government has securedresource, and the desire to jurisdiction dealing withenvironment while that will be pouring in on a the 2020 General and victory at the Caribbeanmanage it, also has adverse elections petition suddenlymaximising value for the monthly or quarterly basis. Regional Elections. “The Court of Justice (CCJ) aftereffects on the social or transmogrifiedintopeopleofGuyana. The Lawyer said, “Oil and Statebecameagrandprizeas thecourtfoundinteraliathatpolitical wellbeing of the (Continuedonpage57)In this process, the gas hold great promise for

NYbased Attorney-at-Law, Dr. Vivian Williams

CCJ Justice Jacob Wit

CCJ

Justice

WinstonAnderson

CCJ Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee

CCJ Justice Denys Barrow

CCJ Justice Peter Jamadar

Joint services ranks burn $489M ganja farm in Berbice

Joint services ranks on Friday set a $489M ganja farm located at DeVeldt Savannah, Berbice River on fire and seizedanumberofillegalshotguns.

Making the bust were ranks from the Guyana Police Force's Marine section, the Narcotics Branch and the Guyana DefenceForceCoastGuard.

During a joint operation in the Berbice River, they found a marijuana farm with two camps and two drying areasonOctober212022between05:00 hoursto14:00hours.Policesaidthefarm encompassedsomefouracreswith (Continued on page 56)

The shotguns seized by police Police destroying the farm and its contents with fire

Some of the marijuana that was found in the drying areas

Vishwani Carol Dabie

Surika Dhanra Surika Dhanra

Guyanese beauty, Surika Dhanraj is a model and makeup artist who relishes interior designing, makeup, travel, and charity work. She reminds us today that darkness can never overcome the light within.

Guyana sets its sight on developing a sustainable Ocean Economy

By Kiana Wilburg

One of the most critical and, perhaps,overlookedchaptersofthe Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 is the section that deals with the ocean economy Forthoseunfamiliarwith the term, it encompasses industries such as shipping, fishing, and with the shelf marine biotechnology, among a r e a unexploited. Accordingothers. It also takes into account to the strategy, fishing may be howwetreatwiththesustainability considered the second most of natural assets within our defined important economic activity alongterritories. the Atlantic coast. Exclusively,

For decades,ouroceanareahas Guyanese fisherfolk dominate the supported the country’s economy subsistence and artisanal sectors, as well as the dietary needs of its which are primarily conducted in people It has supported our the near-shore regions along the shipping industry and continues to coast. Seafood is also one of be a home for our diverse marine Guyana’s commodityexports, with life. With the advent of the oil and marine fish and crustaceans having gas sector in 2015, Guyana’s ocean the highest tonnage exported over economy has grown exponentially the last 20 years. Approximatelyinvalue.Inlightofthis,itiscritical 4,500localartisanalfishersoperatethat we set the framework for in the sector, 1,000 of whom aresustainability The LCDS sets out boat owners. A significant number how the government will do just of women are employed in this that. sectoraswell.Thestrategyoutlines

The document acknowledges that this will continue to be an areafromtheonsetthatGuyana,beinga of priority and a comprehensivecoastal state, has under its citizens.

Significantly, Guyana is also is well established that the marine wouldbeexecuted. ratification of the United Nations development of a Blue or Ocean expected to develop an Ocean ecosystems of the Guianas 4. Tourism: LCDS 2030 Convention on the Law of the Sea Economy is, therefore, a priority Policy, Integrated Marine (Suriname, French Guiana, and notes that Guyana is best known as(UNCLOS), a significant ocean fromwhichsomeelementsofferan Management for Land Based Guyana), are very productive and aneco-tourismdestinationwhichis area which equates to more than opportunity to bridge the land- Pollution, and Marine Spatial Plan show great species richness and centred on activities mainly in the halfofitsterrestrialarea. ocean nexus via low carbon (MSP) and promote the biodiversity and by extension Hinterland regions. However, the

Importantly, the strategy growth. The document notes that establishment of Marine Protected diverse marine genetic resources. oceanprovidessomenicheoptions,recognizesthatthereisanemerging the government’s approach will Areas (MPAs). It will also work The various genetic resources have one such being angling tourism. Inopportunity to enhance the place emphasis on sustainability with the Commonwealth multiple values including this regard, Guyana is expected to country’s traditional ocean and exploring new opportunities coordinated Marine Economies ecological, pharmaceutical, focus on Angling that is,activitiesandequallydevelopother that will include tourism, Programme Priorities in this cosmetic and commercial values. recreational fishing with rod and resources which hold potential for expanding carbon sequestration regardwillincludethefollowing: The strategy states that this will be line and charter boat fishing. This futuregrowth.ItstatesthatGuyana and ecosystem opportunities in 1. Biotechnology – Genetic an area of focus in an effort to constitutes a high value and recognises that if its resources are mangroves, sustainably managing Resources: The document notes maximize value and ensure its sustainable touristic activity in collectively harnessed, the ocean fisheries stock, expanding the thatthecoastanddeep-seaportions sustainability coastal regions. Its activities also offers a new frontier for economic shipping and logistics sector and of Guyana’s marine ecosystem are 2. Ecosystem Services: The contribute income to coastal development for the benefit of its exploring greater sovereignty via not as extensively studied as Waterfalls understands from the communitiesandareasubsetofthe

document that a mapping of the required assets to potentially grow current and potential services this activity into a feasible income provided by the ocean in Guyana’s generation scheme. Other oceanjurisdictionisbeneficialandwillbe based activities will also be part of pursued as it is recognized as the tourism appeal such as birdcritical for information watching in the mangroves, or management in assisting the tours. When these are added to sustainability of the living some of the coastal attractions, the resources. strategy states that it can drive a

3. FisheriesandMariculture: subsetofGuyana’stourismappeal. With an Exclusive Economic Zone Taking the foregoing into (EEZ) of approximately 136,000 consideration, and once properly km2, most of the fishery activities executed, Guyana would be setting are concentrated on the continental the foundation for protecting and shelfareaand,toasmallextent,the restoring its marine life and coastal continental slope. Guyana has a ecosystems for current and future very productive fisheries sector, generationstoenjoy

connectivity terrestrialones.Notwithstanding,it plan to ensure its preservationjurisdiction, as afforded via the L C D S 2 0 3 0 s a i d t h e

No trust in Truss:

General elections should be called

(The writer is Antigua measures of the previous revenues.

be willing to take the turmoil for the next and Barbuda’s Ambassador Kwarteng budget including E v e n i n t h e s e decision to call a general 2 years and 3 to the United States of all the policies for which she circumstances,Truss was not election to seek a fresh months, and with it A m e r i c a a n d t h e claimedtorepresent.

a popularly elected leader of mandatefromthepeople. can come further Organization of American Suchwasthedepthofher the Conservative Party She The next general election economiccollapse.

By Sir Ronald Sanders

Without an early generalStates. He is also a Senior lust for power But it is not secured 57 % of the must be called by January The one guarantee in all election, the British peopleFellow at the Institute of shealone. Noleaderclingsto members’votes,comparedto 2025. this is that the Labour Party and their economy are set forCommonwealth Studies, power against obvious odds Boris Johnson’s 66.4 % in This means that if the and its leader, Sir Keir atorridtime.University of London and without the encouragement 2019, David Cameron’s next Conservative party Starmer, will be relentless in Responses and previousMassey College in the and urging of a coterie of 67 6% in 2005 and Iain leader decides to hold out their efforts to remove the c o m m e n t a r i e s :UniversityofToronto) persons whose political and Duncan Smith’s 60.7% in until then, Britain faces the Conservative party from www.sirronaldsanders.comThe present Conservative economic fortunes are tied to 2001. real possibility of political government. party in Britain has now thatleader

Now with no trust in established a remarkable list That coterie is now either Truss,andavacancyexisting of records; none of them scrambling to find some again for the office of leader good. other person, who would of the Party, Conservatives

Liz Truss, who has now serve their interests, or they have to elect a new leader by resignedasleaderoftheParty are busy trying to influence October 31. The talent pool and Prime Minister, has the persons in the opposition hasnarrowedconsiderably record for serving the LabourParty Therefore, three names shortest period as Prime The Conservative Party havequicklyemerged-Rishi Minister in the history of hasonlyitselftoblameforits Sunak, Penny Mordaunt who Britain. present highly detested was a contender in the last Kwasi Kwarteng, who position in the British body contest; and, lo and behold, she appointed as Finance politic. LizTrusswaselected Boris Johnson who had Minister, has the notorious by party officials over Rishi predictedhisownreturnwith distinction of serving the Sunak, a former Finance the words “Hasta la vista, shortest period in that Minister Baby”,notgoodbye,whenhe position, except for one Sunak is of Indian origin wasforcedtoresign. previous occupant who died and while the Conservative Per force, in the o f a h e a r t party has done more, in bargaining that will ensue in attack. Suella Braverman, recent years, to recognize the the battle, no person with Liz Truss’ Home Secretary, quality of immigrants and solid party backing will also holds the record for the their contribution to British emerge. briefestperiodinthatoffice. economic development than The question is: for how

But the greatest record of the Labour Party, the same long will the Conservative all is that Liz Truss’ short- underlying prejudice that p a r t y l a s t a s t h e lived government has gave BREXIT its success, Government? The party is succeeded in wrecking the resulted in Truss’ triumph now a gravely wounded British economy in almost overSunak. organization, divided inside blindingrapidity Theywillnotadmitit,but anddislikedoutside.

In six short weeks many in the Conservative Not only does it not have from her assumption of partyestablishmentcouldnot the capacity to heal its selfoffice, the British economy stomach an immigrant as inflicted wounds, but it is plunged into freefall with their leader and Prime also clear that, apart from its disastrouseffects. Minister die hard supporters, the

The value of the British While that view was not BritishpublicwantstheParty currency plummeted; dominant among the gone from office in the pension funds lost billions of Conservative members of interest of attaining a higher dollars, depriving thousands parliament who favoured levelofpoliticalstability,and of persons of their pensions; Sunak over Truss, it was the the chance to rebuild their and mortgage costs for natural instinct of the tatteredeconomy. m i l l i o n s o f p e o p l e Conservativerankandfile. The best option for skyrocketedovernight. It should be noted that, in Britainistotakethematterof

She should have resigned the debates between the the leadership of the country then. But claiming that she candidates leading up to the out of the self interested was “a fighter not a quitter”, election of Truss by officials hands of Conservative party shefiredKwartenginstead. of the Conservative Party, officialsandlocateitwhereit

He was to be the Sunak had time and again now cries out to be placed; sacrificiallambonthealtarof questioned the economic and and that is in the votes of the herownambition,wheneven financial policies that were Britishelectorate. casual observers of politics espousedbyTruss.

Unfortunately,noperson, knew that Kwarteng’s Sunak argued against tax elected as leader of the party disastrous budget, which cut cuts advocated by Truss, in the next few days, would taxes for the rich among its focussing instead on fighting other disasters, could not soaring inflation and using have been presented without targeted measures to offer her participation and support to those most in approval. need.

Forced to appoint a new As former Finance Finance Minister, Jeremy Minister, he knew that Hunt, who was opposed to Britain was already in a her leadership, she bold precarious financial position facedly swallowed any and that making tax cuts, dignity she may have had by w h i c h b e n e f i t t e d approving his new budget, corporations and the rich, which reversed all the would leave a gaping hole in

Running on the treadmill can help burn fat in the tummy area.

==Fit-Nest==

Exercises to try at the gym to burn belly fat

By Davina Bagot

Trying to lose the stubborn fat in your tummy area can be frustrating If you've been working out at home with no results, you may be tempted to try the gym to test the equipment there, but even that may be problematic!

If you're not sure what exercises you can try to target the fat in this area of your body, this week's Fit-nest will help you. It's no secret that being a beginner at the gym can be difficult and intimidating for some, hence knowing what equipment to use and how to use it is specifically important.

Research has shown that runningandwalkingaretwogreat and easy ways of losing weight. Healthline says that this type of

Performing crunches with the medicine ball

The two movements involved in the 'squat to overhead press with rotation' movement.

efficacy look for the treadmill, next time you visit the gym, be sure to pop on. It is recommended that you walk or jog for about five to 10 minutes, then increase the pace and start running This doesn't mean that you have to run likeyou'retryingtosaveyourlife, but at a pace at which you can sustainably go at for about five minutes. Be sure to slow down after speed running and spend about five minutes dropping your pace back down to a jog before hoppingoffthemachine.

you sit into the squat, bringing the weights back to the original position.Next,standwhileraising your left arm towards the ceiling, turning the torso toward the right, and lifting left heel to pivot on it. Thiscompletesonerep.

activityis actuallyone of the most popularmethodsofdoingso.

According to that website, “Running is a great option, as it burns more calories than most other types of exercise because it requiresmanydifferentmusclesto

work hard together In particular, high intensity interval training (HIIT), involving running, burns the most calories per minute by using various muscles at their maximumpower.”

Now that we've established its

Totakethingsupanotchusing weights is always a great substitute when trying to speed up weightloss.

If you are new to the gym, and perhaps exercise, grab a manageable pair of dumbbells for this next exercise called 'squat to overhead press with rotation'.

Holding one dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet hipdistanceapartandtoespointedout slightly. Bend your elbow, positioning the dumbbell just aboveyourshoulders.

To perform the squat, bend your knees, and keep your hips back and you shift your body into a sitting position. Be sure to keep your heels and toes on the ground and your chest and shoulders back.

Now for the other part of the exercise- as you bring your body backtothestandingposition,raise yourrightarmtowardstheceiling, turning your torso towards the left and lifting the right heel to pivot on it. Come back to the center as

If you think that was intense, wait until you try this next exercise using a medicine ball in the gym. The medicine ball is a weighted ball that you can use to perform several movements to helpachieveyourfitnessgoals.

By using the medicine ball to perform sit-ups, for example, you can help lose the fat in your stomach faster It's a great and easy but still effective workout you can try in the gym. You can start off with an eight-pound medicine ball, and work your way up as you get stronger. Take your time, and make sure your form is correct to make this movement effective.

Start by sitting in front of a wall with the soles of your feet together and knees out wide. Play around with the distance your feet arefromthewall.

Hold the medicine ball at your chest, lean back and lie on the floor, bringing your arms overhead, tapping the ball on the floor

As you perform a sit-up, bring the ball in front of your face and throw it at the wall. As the ball bounces back, catch it at your chest. This movement completes onerep.

Beef police, ship caterers

We can all agree that initiative, the same energy, nutritionist educate them needandusealotofsupplies m e a n s t h a t things ‘baad’ for many and the same wisdom when about the benefits of cow’s forwhattheyputonthetable prices in the people in Guyana. I think they deal with victims of liver, and the chicken-like of the foreigners (and few m a r k e t s , also that there is little crime. Human ones, that is. pluses of the kidneys and so locals) on those oil ships. supermarkets, disagreement that we have Further, I was a shade forth. It is eating tasty red This is compounded by the o p e n a i r some ‘baad’ people here. surprised at the first words meat with white meat safety fact that there may be more markets, all This is what came to mind from Commander Bacchus, and serenity How wrong oil ships out there than we w o u l d n o w with this strange story about which were “…they want to can one get? I suppose that know, or about the true total r e s e m b l e members of the police and embarrass us.” I asked this is now left to the tender o f w h i c h t h e P P P blackmarket beef in Berbice. For the myself who the “they” were mercies of the internal GPF Governmenthasdecideditis prices. Who can same police ranks to be inthissagainvolvingsirloin, disciplinarycodes. besttobemum. Third,given afford to buy, involved in one cow story steak, and sinew, and if he Then, I read that the PPP the needs of that consortium will buy; while (runnin’cow) is bad enough, was referring to the ever Government has plans for of a hundred caterers, the those who can’t, but two within the space of a alert media for things like 100 local caterers to supply elements of demand and theywillhaveno couple of hours pushes these, meaning, this oilships. Onthesurface,itis supply in the local choice but to sensible Guyanese see thematterstoofar. newspaper. It was agoodthing,andIcommend environment have their part wait for President Ali to parallel between what theThe ranks version is that comforting to gather that the people behind this to contribute. Guyanese make his now pending, and North Americans andthey were going to lodge the Commander Bacchus meant thinking from the President buyers, none more than the overdue, Christmas rounds Europeans do when theybeef as ‘exhibit’ which his ecstatic and energetic down. The benefits are strappedmothers,wives,and to share out some more cash exploit poor Third Worldmakes this caper harder to subordinates. Incidentally, plentiful: jobs, earnings, partners,knowwhatitislike goodies from his big, deep countries, and then makeswallow It is beyond my the beef loving ranks did not profits, taxes, local content to be dealing with the taxpayers’ moneybag. At speeches about giving backpowers to figure out what do themselves any favours participation I like it crushing reality of ever the risk of ruffling His aid and grants, and so forth.they had in mind for that when they left alone some of Unfortunately, there is rising prices. In short, there Excellency,Ihumblyremind At bottom, this handout andsecond animal on a bad cow the choicer and richer parts another side to this coin, and isnothingtolike. him that that is not his sharing out business is oneday All this caused some of roadside carcass itisadisturbingone,whichI Thus, fourth, with the money, but the people’s cash big racket Meanwhile,uneasiness on my part, since Meaning, what is called the think even PPP extremists unerring logic of 100 that he returns to them, caterers get to clap, whileitwouldencouragegreatlyto ‘sweetbread’ or more and fundamentalists would caterers having to get more though he makes it look and corneredcitizenscontinuetoobserve police ranks commonly the organs. I agree with me. This cohort and buy more to deliver on sound, as if it is otherwise. crymanifesting the same suggest that the police of 100 caterers are going to their oil ship commitments, Last, I trust that sharp and

By GHK Lall

Customise your out fits at

By Allyiah Allicock

Following i n h e r mother's footsteps, Sheanna Stanley Nicholson wanted nothing more than to own herownbusiness.It was something she always wanted to accomplish since her first attempt of owning a business wasattheageof22. Fulfilling her long awaited dream, Nicholson at the ageof28isnowthe proud owner of a customising business called 'Graphix and Tees' which was launchedinNovember2020.

Recallingherjourneytowhere sheisnow,theyoungwomaninan exclusive interview with this magazine said that having graduated from Berbice High School in 2011, she shortly went ontoworkatMetro,firstasasales representative, and then as a cashieringraphics.

After leaving there, she then joined the Guyana Water Inc. where she worked as a cashier but laterleft.

Shortly after, she decided to test the water at the age of 22 by owning her own business. She shared that she started an internet

café business but, unfortunately, that did not work out, so she then again went back into the corporate world.

Eagertobeherownboss,atthe ageof26,itfinallyregistereddeep inside and completely that her desire was to own her business, so that is how her custom apparel businesscameabout.

But what really pushed this young woman to be her own boss, she explained to this publication, was that her inspiration to starting herbusinesswashermother.

“I always knew I wanted to have my own business, but watching her build her business fromthegroundupwasthebiggest pushforme,”sheadded.

According to Nicholson since

being in the business arena for almost two years, the support she has been receiving has been overwhelmingandthisisthanksto her parents, siblings, husband and friends who have been there from the very beginning motivating her tokeepgoing.

While the support for her business has been exceptional, it too has had its fair share of challenges. Just like many other young entrepreneurs, one of the biggest challenges she mentioned that she faced was acquiring startupcapital.

Not letting this stop her progress, she shared that she managed to overcome this, “with thehelpof God and family, and by making a lot of sacrifices and being disciplined ” Another challenge,sheaddedwassourcing materials in Guyana, but this too was conquered. According to her, shedidtonsofresearchandgetting to know people in the industry where she can now easily source materials.

Whileovercomingsomeofher challenges,shewasaskedwhatare the long term goals for her business?

Our featured entrepreneur shared that one, is to increase her profits and reduce the cost of production, and also to increase the diversity of her business brand and, lastly, to create employment

opportunitiesforothers.

Having a strong vision for the future of her business, Nicholson is of the view that entrepreneurshipisvery importantbecauseitcan i m p r o v e l i v i n g standards and create w e a l t h f o r entrepreneurs and relatedbusinessesinour country

When asked what responsibilityshethinks small business owners have in our society today, the young woman said, “Entrepreneurs also help drive change with innovation, where new and improved products enablenewmarkets.Theyalsocan provide job opportunities and contribute to the economy of their country.”

Lastly, she suggests that to boost small businesses locally, is for both the private and public sector to work towards making it easier for small businesses to acquiring small loans with reducedinterestrates.

Persons interested in Nicholson's unique service can reach out to her via Facebook or Instagram or Tik Tok at GraphixandTees or via telephone numbers (592) 655-8737 and 6823545.

“Entrepreneurs also help drive change with innovation, where new and improved products enable new markets. They also can provide job opportunities and contribute to the economy of their country ”

Young entrepreneur, Sheanna Stanley-Nicholson

Just a glimpse of some of the young woman's work.

Cuisine Culture

'must try' recipe for Diwali 5sweet meats

By Renay Sambach

GULAB JAMU

GNBS IN FOCUS

TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN IMPORTING PRODUCTS MONITORED BY THE GNBS FOR SALE DURING THE APPROACHING FESTIVE SEASON

e are already Phones, Electrical Fittings To ensure that any or other damages during desistfromusingthenameof F o r f u r t h e r in October, and Equipment and Gold brochure, instruction storage and transportation t h e G N B S i n a n y information, visit the and this is Jewellery manual, leaflet, etc., which In addition, importers a d v e r t i s e m e n t o r

W usually the To ensure conformance, areassociatedwithproducts, should address complaints promotional material in of Standards at Exhibition time of the year when t h e G N B S r e m i n d s are in English Language and received from customers relation to the sale of any Site, Sophia or its website: importers engage in the importersofthefollowing: accompany the product at r e g a r d i n g p r o d u c t s product and ensure that all www.gnbsgy.org or call: purchaseofawidevarietyof Togetregisteredwiththe thetimeofsale. purchased products imported are in 219-0062, 219-0065, 219productsforsaleinGuyana. GNBSforthecurrentyearby To facilitate periodic Finally, importers must metric(SI)units. 0066. These products are completing and submitting surveillance inspections by offeredforsaletoconsumers to the Bureau the prescribed GNBS Inspectors at their during the bustling shopping application form along with p r e m i s e s i n c l u d i n g seasonattheendofyear The a copy of the business warehouses and workshops. Guyana National Bureau of registration and registration Records relating to the Standards (GNBS) is fee. operation of the premises cognizant of this and takes To acquire the relevant should also be available for thisopportunitytoremindall National Standards from the checks by Inspectors of the importers of products it GNBS for products Bureau. monitors to ensure that the imported, to ensure the All records such as consignments of products selection and importation of copies of invoices, customs they acquire from overseas standard compliant goods in documentation, bills of sale, c o m p l y w i t h t h e thecountryofexport. etc. must be properly kept requirements of the relevant To submit samples of and should be easily GuyanaStandards. new products to GNBS for retrievable.

By ensuring this, quality approval, prior to the To ensure, where productswillbeavailablefor importation to avoid sub- necessary, that imported p u r c h a s e b y t h o s e standard products and products bear a national or consumers who are looking rejection of imported international certification to upgrade or buy that new consignments. mark from a Regulatory itemduringtheholidays. To have consignments Body in the country of

Importantly, it must be examined by Inspectors of origin, or a certificate of stated that the GNBS only the GNBS, before clearance quality compliance should monitors a specified list of andsaleinthecountry be submitted to the GNBS to products imported and To m a k e t i m e l y verify the quality of the locallymanufactured. arrangements with the p r o d u c t i m p o r t e d This list includes GNBS to facilitate the Compliance certificates D o m e s t i c examination of products should be obtained from an Electrical/Electronic including the timely independent Certification Appliances, Weighing and paymentsforinspections. Body, a National Standards Measuring Devices, To ensure that products Body or the relevant Textiles, Garments, imported are for the purpose RegulatoryBody Footwear, Safety Helmets, intendedandaresafeforuse. Importers are urged to Safety Matches, Tyres, Gas Importers should purchase check their products Stoves, Cigarettes, PVC from sources that issue r e c e i v e d t o e n s u r e Pipes, Furniture, Christmas warranties which could be conformance to the quality Tree and Decorative easily passed on to specification and to detect Lighting Outfits, Cellular consumers. any deterioration in quality

Guyana National Bureau

AGE PENSION BOOK DISTRIBUTION AND $28,000 ONE-OFF CASH GRANT

OLD AGE PENSION BOOK DISTRIBUTION AND $28,000 ONE-OFF CASH GRANT

OLD AGE PENSION BOOK DISTRIBUTION AND $28,000 ONE-OFF CASH GRANT

Lessons from a Lashpreneur !!!

5AMAZINGEYEMAKEUPIDEASFOR DIWALITHATPAIRSWELLWiTHEXTENSIONS

E-Networks selects more must-watch shows to enjoy this week

TheEnetworksteamisatitagainthisweekwithanothertoptierselectionofmustwatch showsstartingtoday Grabyourfavouritesnackandenjoywithfamilyandfriends.

ByLatoyaZephyr

trend,This is a dramatic eye makeup looks splendid when itDiwali is upon us and I is paired with amsurethatyouwouldhave silk saree your beautiful Indian wear Feel free towith stunning accessories to change therocktheday e y eIndian festivals and shadowWeddings would be base colorincomplete without the accordingmagic of glamorous eye to yourmakeup. outfit andThankfully, we have skin tonecompiled “5 Amazing Eye And this isMakeupIdeasthatpairswell another look forwith extensions that will do my mega volumecompleteyourlook. babes.

1.STUNNING BRONZESMOKYEYES

Bronzeeyemakeupsuits all Indian skin tone. If you want to flaunt this eye makeup in the morning, go lighthandedonshimmers.A beautiful volume set would completethislook.

2.LOOKAT MYNEONEYES:

If you are in to bold eye makeup-neoneyemakeupis theoneforyou.

It suits women with fair skintone.Lightandnudelip colors go well this eye makeup .pair this with a beautiful wispy set and you’vegotyourselfawinner

3.BOLDCATEYES:

Ifyouarenotafanofeye shadows and shimmers, go forcateyes.

With some practice and patience you will be able to master this head turner for sure.

Getting a classic or hybrid set would add the perfect final touches to completethislook.

4.ALURING

COPPEREYES:

Copper eye shadow is a must have in every Indian women’svanitycase.Itsuits all skin tone and it looks amazing with Indian wear Pairingthiswithanicemega volume set would definitely bringoutthislook.

5.SEXY

SHIMMERYEYES:

Shimmery eyes with false lashes are currently in

ByLatoyaZephyr

DIWALI SHUBH! HAPPYDIWALI!

By PAT DIAL

This year Diwali falls on 24th October The dates on which Diwalifallsdifferfromyeartoyear since Diwali, like all Hindu and Muslim holy days and Easter, uses the Lunar calendar Holidays which fall on specific dates of the year such as, for example, Christmas or Indian Arrival Day usetheSolarcalendar

Phagwah and Diwali were celebrated some 5000 years ago in the Bronze Age and are among the most ancient holy days celebrated in the world. As all ancient holy days progress over the centuries, various traditions, legends and anniversaries become attached to them but these differences in their

perceived origins do not negate theirauthenticity

DiwalicametoGuyanawiththe Indian Indentured immigrants in the 19th century and its celebration was confined to the Indian community It was only extended to the rest of the country after Independence when it was made a publicholiday

In Guyana, three main traditions are associated with Diwali: The first and most important is the return of Lord Ramafromhisexiletohiskingdom ofAyodhya; the second is the birth and presence of Maha Lakshmi; and the third is the slaying of the demonNaraksura.

King Dasratha who had ruled

the prosperous and happy kingdom of Ayodhya had three queens and three sons. As the time drew for him to hand over his kingdom, the heir apparent was his eldest son Rama Chandra. Queen Kaiykeye however felt her son Bharat should succeed to the throne so she managedtomanipulatetheoldking to send Ram into exile for 14 years. Ram, his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshman then departed to the deep and distant forests to be in exile.

Bharat was then given the responsibility to rule the Kingdom. Bharat was the epitome of nobility and integrity and decided that he would govern only in Ram's name and never sat on the throne but

placedRam'sslippersonit.

While in the forest, the demoness Surpanakha took on the form of the most beautiful woman and offered to marry Ram who rejected her She then went to Lakshman and was so insistent as to attack him; Lakshman cut off her nose. She returned to her brother Ravana, the great demon king of Lanka, who promised to avenge her and destroy Ram who represented the good. He went to Ram's hut and abducted his wife Sita and took her away to Lanka. Ramwas ableto raise an armywith the help of Hanuman, crossed to Lanka, defeated and killed Ravana, rescued Sita and returned to his forest abode. The 14 years of exile

was about to end and Ram returned to Ayodhya The people of Ayodhyarejoicedthattheirbeloved king had returned and to welcome him, all houses were illuminated and every street and path was lined with diyas and there was feasting and the exchange of choice sweetmeats. This first Diwali was perpetuatedeveryyear

The next important tradition is that of Lakshmi Mata, Mother Lakshmi. Diwalimarksthebirthof Lakshmi and more importantly, her visitation on Diwali night to homes which are well cleaned and illuminated ensuring that devotees would enjoy economic prosperity inthecomingyearandincreaseof (Continued on page 62)

Health Facts

Risk factors for developing breast cancer

tudies have shown factordoesnotmeanyouwill that your risk for get the disease, and not all breastcancerisdue risk factors have the same

S to a combination of effect. Most women have factors. some risk factors, but most

The main factors that women do not get breast influence your risk include cancer being a woman and getting If you have breast cancer

By Rehanna Ramsay

therapytothechestorolder Mostbreastcancersare risk factors, talk with your

pills)alsohavebeenfoundto breasts (for instance,found in women who are 50 doctor about ways you can raisebreastcancerrisk. treatment of Hodgkin’syearsoldorolder lower your risk and about

Reproductive historylymphoma) before age 30Some women will get screeningforbreastcancer Having the first pregnancyhave a higher risk of gettingbreast cancer even without GETTING OLDER: a f t e r a g e 3 0 , n o t breastcancerlaterinlife.any other risk factors that The risk for breast cancer breastfeeding, and never Exposure to the drugthey know of. Having a risk increases with age Most having a full-term pregnancydiethylstilbestrol (DES) canraisebreastcancerrisk. DES was given to somebreast cancers are diagnosed

Drinkingalcohol.Studies pregnant women in theafterage50. show that a woman’s risk for United States between 1940G E N E T I C breast cancer increases with and 1971 to prevent

MUTATIONS:Womenwho themorealcoholshedrinks. miscarriage.have inherited changes

Research suggests that Women who took DES,(mutations) to certain genes, other factors such as or whose mothers took DESsuchasBRCA1andBRCA2, smoking, being exposed to while pregnant with them,are at higher risk of breast chemicals that can cause have a higher risk of gettingandovariancancer cancer, and changes in other breastcancer

REPRODUCTIVE hormones due to night shift Risk FactorsHISTORY: Starting

working also may increase You Can Changemenstrual periods before age breastcancerrisk.

Being physically active12 and starting menopause Who Is at High Risk for can help lower your risk ofafterage55exposewomento Breast Cancer? gettingbreastcancerhormones longer, raising

“Having a family historyNot being physicallytheir risk of getting breast increases cancer risk in both active. Women who are notcancer genders.”physically active have aH AV I N G D E N S E

This blog post explainshigher risk of getting breastBREASTS: Dense breasts how breast cancer can be cancerhave more connective tissue passed down through your than fatty tissue, which can sometimes make it hard to s e e t u m o r s o n a mammogram. Women with dense breasts are more likely togetbreastcancer

PERSONALHISTORY OF BREAST CANCER OR CERTAIN NON CANCEROUS BREAST DISEASES: Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to get breast cancer a second time. Some non cancerous breast diseases such as a typical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ are associated with a higher risk ofgettingbreastcancer

FAMILYHISTORYOF BREAST OR OVARIAN

Being overweight or family,increasingtheriskfor CANCER: A woman’s risk become obese after bothmenandwomen. for breast cancer is higher if menopause. Older women If you have a strongshe has a mother, sister, or who are overweight or have family history of breast daughter (first degree obesity have a higher risk of cancer or inherited changesrelative) or multiple family getting breast cancer than in your BRCA1 and BRCA2 members on either her thoseatahealthyweight. genes, you may have a highmother’s or father’s side of Taking hormones. Some risk of getting breast cancer the family who have had f o r m s o f h o r m o n e

Youmayalsohaveahighrisk breast or ovarian cancer replacement therapy (those forovariancancer Having a first-degree male that include both estrogen Talk to your doctor about relative with breast cancer and progesterone) taken ways to reduce your risks,alsoraisesawoman’srisk. during menopause can raise such as medicines that block

P R E V I O U S risk for breast cancer when or decrease estrogen in yourTREATMENT USING taken for more than five body,orsurgery.

RADIATION THERAPY: years. Certain oral Credit: American Centre Women who had radiation contraceptives (birth control forDiseaseControl

Convicted child rapists

Earlier this year, with a child under the Josiah, Collin Venture and convicted child rapist, Esan ageof16. Chandralall Lakhraj are the Germaine, 45, was found According to court four men who were guilty on three other counts documents on the first convicted this year for ofrapingachild. occasion, Germaine raping a child under the age

Esan Germaine, Aduke

On February 3, 2022, approached the teen of16. Germaine was found guilty and asked her about

The law criminalises ofrapingaminorbyamixed school, grades, any sexual act with a child 12-member jury He had relationship status, who is under the age of 16. faced trial before Justice and sexual orientation, The act of any person Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at and he also told her, engaging in any sort of theDemeraraHighCourt. “You know I love sexual penetration with a Before handing down you” The child child under the age of 16 is her ruling, Justice responded, “I know”, called rape. Further, if a Sewnarine Beharry stated and Germaine then person causes a child to that she considered the hugged her, kissed her e n g a g e i n s e x u a l physical and psychological cheeks,andthenbegan penetration with another harmtherapistcausedtothe to kiss her neck. He

By Renay Sambach

On July 23, 2014, while person, it is also considered victim, and she added that then proceeded to undress the child was on the road rape. For this offence, it is going to the shop, she saw irrelevantwhetherornotthe hermotherandtoldherwhat

COLLIN VENTURE after the child’s relativesperson who raped the child Germaine would do to her

Forty one year old found conversationsbelieved that the child was andtheymadeareport.InanCollin Venture, a security between her and Venture. It16 years or older The unsworn testimony,guard, formerly of Sophia, was then that the childpenalty for raping a child in Germaine’s defence wasGreaterGeorgetown,wasin related what had happenedGuyana is imprisonmentfor that the victim was anJuly 2022, sentenced to 16 andareportwasmadetothelife. unmannerly child who yearsforrepeatedlyrapinga police.

ADUKE JOSIAHcriminalises any form of

Moreover, the law misbehaved.13-year-oldgirl.

Back in 2017, Germaine

During the trial, it was Thirty six year oldsexual activity with a child was sentenced to a total ofrevealed that Venture had Aduke Josiah, of Sophia,under the age of 16 – sexual 65 years in jail after a jurygroomed the teen before Greater Georgetown, wasactivity with a minor unanimously found himrapingher on May 24, 2022, sentencedexcludes penetration. It is guilty of sexually abusing a

He had denied the three to 18 years imprisonmentalso a criminal act if a young girl He wasindictments which stated for raping a 15-year-old girlperson causes or incites a convictedonallthreecountsthatbetweenSeptemberand thatwasleftinhiscare.child to engage in sexual of engaging in sexuallyOctober 2020, he engaged Josiah had pleaded notactivity with a child and if a c t i v i t y w i t h t h ein sexual penetration with a guilty to the charge whichthe person causes the child child—when she was ageschildundertheageof16. stated that on August 8,to perform a sexual act, four,sixandseven.

After deliberating for 2018, at Plum Park, Sophia,examplemasturbation.

As such, she sentenced her lips and raped the minor before becoming eligible

On the first and second Again, it is irrelevant counts, Justice Simone whether at the time of the there is likelihood that he andthenrapedher Morris Ramlall sentenced activity, the accused will commit the offence On the second occasion, Germaine to 15- and 20believed the child was 16 again since he was Germainefirstlaidontopof years imprisonment, years or over If convicted previously convicted for a her touching her private respectively For this, he is onindictment,thepenaltyis similaroffence. area. He then kissed her on toserve15ofthose20years, imprisonmentfortenyears.

CHANDRALALL Germaine to serve 20 years forabout10minutes.Onthe for parole. While on the LAKHRAJ on the first count, 25 years third occasion, it was just third count, the rapist was F o r t y y e a r o l d on the second count, and 30 after midnight on July 17, given a 30-year sentence.

Chandralall Lakhraj called yearsonthethirdcount.The 2014, when Germaine first Germaine must serve 20 of “Uncle Papi” of Berbice sentences will run called out for the teen, but those years before he was last month sentenced to concurrently she did not respond since becomeseligibleforparole. 10 years imprisonment for

The rape convict had she knew what he wanted. However, all the rapingan11-year-oldgirl. denied the three charges, She was still in bed when sentences are to run

InAugust, a 12-member which stated that between she felt a lash on her hand concurrently and as such, juryfoundLakhrajguiltyon January 1, 2014, and July before Germaine dragged Germaine will have to serve two counts of rape. He had 24,2014,inGeorgetown,he her out of bed and raped her a minimum of 20 years denied that between engaged in sexual activity again. before being eligible for September 1 and October 9, parole. 2019, he raped the girl and

Sometime during 2010, also that he also forced her over two hours, the jury he engaged in sexual 2012 and 2013, Germaine to touch his penis. Lakhraj returned unanimous guilty penetration with a child performed oral sex on the faced trial before Justice verdicts on each of the three undertheageof16. child, and in turn caused her Brassington Reynolds, at counts Venture was

Josiah faced trial before to do same to him. He also the Berbice High Court. sentenced to 14, 15, and 16- Justice Priya Sewnarine rubbed his penis against the Justice Reynolds had years’ imprisonment on the Beharry in the Demerara girl’sgenitals. sentenced Lakhraj to 10 first, second and third High Court, who handed

The father of three, had years imprisonment on each counts respectively – the downhissentence. called one witness in his countandorderedthatitrun three sentences will run According to reports, on defence for this case, and concurrently concurrently the day in question, the teen had denied the charges and

It was reported that According to reports, was at home alone when professed his innocence in Lakhrajhadthegirl“stroke” Venture was a daily visitor Josiah forced his way into an unsworn testimony from his penis and he also to the child’s home. It was her room and had sexual theprisoner’sdock. inserted his fingers into her stated that when Venture intercourse with her The

(To share any useful vagina while she slept in a visited the child’s home,he young girl later told her information, please can hammock. The girl had would take her to a parentswhathadtranspired, c o n t a c t m e v i a confided in her teacher washroom at the side of the and Josiah was arrested and email:naesambach@gmail about what happened and houseandrapedherthere. subsequentlycharged. .com or phone number: + Lakhrajwaslaterarrested. The matter was reported

GERMAINE (592)

Child rapist, Esan Germaine

Child rapist, Aduke Josiah [Guyana Chronicle photo]

Child rapist, Collin Venture

Child rapist, Chandralall Lakhraj

Uncle John's Halloween Story

When I was a boy, each year as the nights began to draw in, my uncle John would tell wekidsthisHalloween story It was a tale about a trick that he played in a graveyard. One night Uncle John spotted his great friend Eddieweavinghisway home from the village pub.

As John watched, he saw Eddie open the church's litch gate and take the shortcut throughthegraveyard.

Therewasnodoubt that Eddie was the worse for wear, and appeared disoriented, really he should have taken the longer route home via the round ring.

long way around the consultant surgeon's office

But then he cried out to churchyard. there was already a queue of nobody in particular, 'Where This time he preferring patients waiting. As the amI?'Johnrepliedinstantly, to go passed the round ring, intern wrestled the skeleton 'Amongsttheliving'. rather than stay a minute through the outside door he

‘Where are you?' cried longer amongst the spirits of became aware of people Eddie'; to which John thegravestones. gazingathiminquiringly replied in his most Halloween Skeleton He gave them a smile sepulchral voice, 'Amongst for the doctor and said, 'I am bringing him thedead'. An intern was sent to to the doctor.' An old lady

Eddie sobered up collect a new skeleton from said sympathetically, 'My instantly, rushed back the thecentralstore. dear!Isn'theabitlateforthe way he came, and took the When he arrived at the doctor?'

Juniorpage

Ghost Family Piñata Party!

BY KATIE SHELTON

Supplies: balloon, liquid corn starch, strips of newspaper And for decorating the piñata after it dries, you will need white paint,tissuepaper,blackfelt, andElmer’sglue.

Blowupyourballoonand begin dipping strips of newspaper in liquid corn starch. Lay the strips on the surface of the balloon (you want the strips wet, but not soggy).

FUNWITHPOETRY

Continue doing this to make it wrap all the way until the balloon is around.5. totallycovered. Afteryouhaveglued3or After your balloon 4 long tiers on, start back hasbeendryingforabout down by the base of the a day, cover the balloon and begin the same newspaper in a coat of process with thinner strips of whitepaint. tissue paper You will need a

This will hide any large circle to finish off the newsprint that may want top. to peek out. After the When all of the strips paint dries, carefully pop have been glued down, go the balloon inside of the back to your long layers at newspaper the bottom and cut them into

Begin glueing tissue fringe. paper around the base of 6. Cut faces shapes out of the balloon. You may felt and glue them down. need more than on piece You’realldone!

Dirty Jimmy

By Uncle Roy

Jimmy was a dirty little boy, Who hated to clean and bathe; Whenever his mother called him to take a bath, He would hide under the bed.

He also did not brush his teeth, Nor did he comb his hair, His room and clothes were always untidy, With his books here, there and everywhere.

Then Jimmy found to his dismay, He was losing his friends one by one; They could not bear to stand his smell, And he was soon left all alone.

It was then that Jimmy saw his mistake, And decided to change his dirty habits; Now you’d be surprised at the way he shines, And his friends all cling to him like rabbits.

Take the next step in developing your Sense of Identity

Preserve your Identify

By Bruce Kilmer

n the last issue we

(b) choosing to do asserted that, to start always that which you developing this believetoberight,goodand

I importantsenseofidentity,a honest,and knowledge of self is (c) showing respect for important. other people’s right to

The other important step forming and expressing in this effort is working their own opinion, to towards building a enjoying their own consciousvaluesystem. personal property, to their Values are the qualities privacy,tolivingtheirlives thatwehavemadeapositive as they feel is right, and to attempt to choose and peaceful coexistence with withstandthepressuresthat maintain as those that will others. you will meet that will be a rudder to guide it, and you controlourlives. As a young person, at acting against your own will find yourself drifting

The world would like to change you; There are pressures all around, You must decide just who you are, Then firmly hold your ground.

You know what you are good at, And you know where your talents lie; But if you are ruled by others, Your uniqueness will pass you by

Remember: there is much to learn, But all new things aren’t good; Wisdom lies in what you have learned, And what you have withstood.

You have an image of yourself, an ideal sense of You, And to this vision you must always struggle to be true; So be yourself and don’t allow the world to take control; Preserving your identity is life’s most precious goal.

In next week’s article,

They are what we the brink of the period when ambitions, in your throughlifesubjecttoallthe believein,thethingsthatwe what you do will affect your achieving the things you dangers which the world stand for and against, the entire future, you have to want to do, and the way you will undoubtedly thrust in thingsthatgivemeaningand decide in good time the wanttobe. yourway directiontoourlives. valueswhichwilldirecthow Without this direction

A value system is based you will conduct yourself, in your life at the outset of we will be suggesting the on:- and deal with the persons your gaining some sort of values which will help you ( a ) k n o w i n g t h e and things around, so that independence from your to achieve the qualities differencebetweenrightand you are prepared mentally, parents and the other guides which you will need to wrong, good and bad, psychologically, spiritually in your life, you will find develop your unique honestyanddishonesty, and even physically, to yourself as in a boat without qualities.

Ken-Ken Puzzle

Fill in the blank squares so that each row and each column contain all of the digits 1 thru 7.

The heavy lines surround areas (called cages) that contain groups of numbers that can be combined (in any order) to produce the result shown in the clue, with one of 4 arithmetical operations (+, -, × or ÷). Numbers in cages may repeat, as long as they are not in the same row or column.

Solutions to last week’s

Jigoku Puzzle

My Haunted HouseAdventure

The effort you make to develop your special qualities will make you realise your uniqueness among your fellow human beings.

InterestingCreatures... InterestingCreatures...

By Shervin Belgrave

The Orange-winged Amazon parrot

As I took some shots of birthday Sadly, Covid-19 them, they began to curse took her daughter’s life and h i s w e e k ’ s “mudda s…t mudda s…t, although she still mourns the i n t e r e s t i n g murdermurder”. loss of her beloved daughter,

Tcreature is the I don’t know who they these three amazing birds orange winged Amazon learned that type of have found a way to comfort parrotandIwasprivilegedto vocabulary from, but andcheerherupeveryday meet three of them recently according to their owner, They are only birds with while hanging out at a home Nalini, Maria, Mario and a brain smaller than the size of a walnut, but appeared intelligent and acted like children, so I decided to find out more about these wonderfulcreatures.

They are commonly known as orange winged amazon parrots, but their scientific name is Amazona Amazonica.

As the name suggests the bird is native to the Amazon amazon is a mainly green winged amazons can have a hatched, the chicks will rainforest, and can be found parrotabout33cm long,and life span from 15 to 30 years leave the nest and find their in Guyana, Peru, Venezuela, weighing about 340 g. It has and are known for being ownhomeafter60days. C e n t r a l B r a z i l a n d blue and yellow feathers on noisy birds making loud, They are one of the most Colombia. its head which varies in high-pitchedscreams. sought after birds to have as

T h e s e b i r d s a r e extent between individual Its main diet consists of pets and would oftentimes considered tropical animals birds. fruit, seeds, nuts, blossoms, become entangled in the and can be reared as pets. The upper mandible is leaf buds, and berries, trapsofpettraders. They are less talkative than partly horn coloured gray including the fruit of palm If you are lucky to have the other species of Amazon and partly dark gray It has trees and sometimes cocoa, an orange-winged Amazon parrots, and their big cousin, orange feathers in the wings mangoes,andoranges. parrot as a pet then I am sureinKitty,Georgetown. Sony have been keeping her the Macaw but are still and tail, which can be seen In the wild, they can be that they are spunky and They were introduced to company for over a year capable of mimicking wheninflight. found nesting in tree outgoing.me as “Mario”, “Maria” and now sounds and voices if The male and female are cavities Female birds Source of information “Sony”. They were quite She had bought them as properlytrained.

An angry Sony reluctant to take a photo.

Linden girl admitted to the bar after enduring many financial challenges

NN e l s o n w a s anythingmoney-related.”

ewlymintedAttorney- today,GoddidHispartofensuring ofmyfirstrolemodels,expressher at Law De Jonna that I hardly had to worry about desiretodoso.

But it wasn’t until I started determined to become a lawyer, Nelson said she knew that she taking law classes at the CAPE though her family circumstances toohadtoplayaroleinbringingin levelthatIrealizedIhadapersonal werenotideal. finances and so she sold barbeque passion for the law, and that

Her parents were going tickets and partook in other small becoming a lawyer was more than through a divorce when her business ventures to secure justacareerchoiceforme. journeybeganandwithhermother funding for her Bachelor’s of Law Today, I’m not only the first transitioning into a single parent, Degree at the University of attorney in my family but also an things seemed bleak. Be that as it Guyana. inspirationmysister Idon’tthinkI may, her faith kept her steadfast in Not only did she complete her wouldhavediscoveredmypassion knowingthatnothingisimpossible studiesandwassuccessful,butshe forthelawanddesiretobecomean to achieve; if you work hard to secured a full scholarship to attorney if it hadn’t been for her,” achieveit. complete her Legal Education shesaid.

Nelson said, “I must confess Certificate (LEC) at the Hugh Further to this, the young that I do not hail from one of the WoodingLawSchool. lawyernotedthatstudyinglawwas wealthiest of families. In fact, Fortunately, she was admitted not challenging because of her when I decided to commence toHughWoodingatthestartofthe passion for the profession. It is studying Law, my single-parent pandemic and classes were held with that same passion; she will mother was working for a monthly virtually so there was no need to face the budding career that she is stipend of $20,000 at that time. migrate to Trinidad as is excitedtocommence. That notwithstanding, I was never customarily done by Law students Her aspiration is to become a deterred or discouraged by the and which would have been an Judge and she pledged to invest worry of affordability Instead, I addedfinancialburden. resources into helping the commenced my studies with the The Waterfalls understands vulnerable and ill-informed about belief that somehow, in some way, that Nelson also successfully theirrights. and by some miracle, everything completed the two year LEC “I realize that lots of people willwork.” course and graduated last two aren’tfamiliarwiththeirrightsand

Now that her eight year weeks On Friday, she was legal obligations I, therefore, journey is complete, the lawyer admitted to the bar in the presence intend to host workshops geared at said she has no regrets of allowing of her relatives and her sister educating people about their legal faith to take her steering wheel. AbiolaArcher,whomshesaid,was rightsandobligations.”

“Today, I stand here as a living hermaininspirationtopursuelaw Her advice to those currently testimony that faith indeed moves “I was first inspired to become pursuing law is to find a balance mountains, for, at each level that I a lawyer after hearing my eldest and have faith that all things will had to pass to reach where I am sister,AbiolaArcher, who was one workoutforthegreatergood.

Newly minted Attorney, De Jonna Nelson

incubate their eggs for 26 (Orange-winged amazon -chattytoo. pets for her daughter’s

The orange winged appearance The orange days and when they are Wikipedia)

Mario and Maria (orange-winged amazon parrots) posing for a photo.

First Lady hosts second ‘Chari-Tea’ menstrual hygiene event

Continuingwithhermenstrualhygiene initiative to end period poverty in Guyana, First Lady Arya Ali last Sunday successfully held her second fundraising eventtitled‘Chari-Tea.’

This year’s event was titled as the ‘fashion edition’ and was exclusively sponsored by Dilmah Tea (distributed by BPIGuyana).

Individual cups of freshly brewed Dilmah Tea were served to the guests in attendance from the 18 options of tea that rangedfromPureMint,Chamomile,Spice Chai,Rosehip,andmanyothers.

Dilmah tea is best known for its single origin 100% pure Ceylon teas. Every one of Dilmah’s tea leaves, is grown in the highlandsofCeylon,whichistheproducer of the world’s finest tea. Garden fresh, unblended tea is a hallmark of Dilmah single origin tea. It also explains why Dilmah tea is fresher, richer, and full of flavour. Discerning tea drinkers will recognizethedistinctdifferenceinthevery firstsip.

In a press release, it was stated that the company believes that responsible, sustainable change for the people we work with requires a concerted effort, and a vision of making business a matter of human service and to support those who needalittlebitofkindness.

It was stated too that, this year’s “Chari-Tea” was enhanced with a dazzling fashion show, show casing local talented designers such as Randy Madray, Maxi K Williams, Esther Samuels, Michelle Cole, andHashimandMeliciaAlli.

supermarketsnationwide.

Scenes from the Chari-Tea event

Guyanese cancer warrior: Vishwani Carol Dabie

By Rehanna Ramsay

Despite the continuous struggles with her h e a l t h , C a r o l Vishwanie Dabie chooses to live everydaywithoptimism.

Equipped with a bubbly personality and infectious smile, Ms.Dabieneverceasestolookfor the silver lining amidst the dark clouds. Battling cervical cancer forthepastfouryearshasnotbeen easy for her but what is worse is that this week's Special Person lives with the fact that she may never be cured of the disease. She told The Waterfalls that she has come to accept that the treatment she has been on for four years and counting w i l l o n l y lengthen her days on the earth. “The doctors can't cure me, they can only treat mesoIcanstayalivefor a little while longer,” she said.

And while this can easily take over her mind, Dabie said that her every effort daily is to live a life that serves as an inspirationtoothers.

“I want people to know that you don't have live hopelessly because you have been diagnosed with cancer For many people, having cancer is a death sentence, but the truth is that while it is something very difficult to face, youdon'thavetofaceitwithfear I think that fear and depression will kill you faster than the disease will.Youmustfindawaytohavea positiveattitude,”shesaid.

Though she has developed a positive outlook, the cancer warrior admits that it isn't easy to stay optimistic. Dabie, who migrated from Guyana to New York, to access better treatment about two years ago s h a r e d t h a t t h e r e a r e

Facing her journey with optimism…

Guyanese cancer warrior,

Carol Vishwanie DabieCar ishw is a 'Special Person'

days that she has to fight to stayhopeful.

Oftentimes, leaving the doctor'sofficeafteraconsult with not-so-pleasing news, she would end up taking the wrongtrainandgetlost.

On any given day, she would go for treatment and consults for three hours or more sometimesandalonebytrainsand buses. Those are just some of the challenges,shefacesthesedaysas she strives to lead a life that is as closetonormalaspossible.

Dabie admits too that it took some time to muster the strength andcouragetoliveaspositivelyas shecould.

She recalled when she was f i r s t diagn

The woman who was with her asked if the cancer was caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV); a sexually transmitted disease and the doctor replied no The oncologist emphasized the rareness of the clear cell that causedDabie'scancer

Cognizant of the stigma surrounding cervical cancer in Guyana,itwasmostembarrassing for the newly diagnosed cancer

the same cancer as I do since the symptomsaresimilarandthistype of cancer is hereditary, according tospecialistsintheUSA.”

FIGHTINGFEAR

Returning to the home where she was staying at the time, Dabie locked herself away from everyone, deactivated all her social media accounts, and just stayedinherbedroomallnight.

“Ididn'tcry Ihadnoemotions,

haven't seen for years or communicated with but lived closebyinNewYork.

Shortlyafterherdiagnosis,the pandemic hit, and the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation wereattheirpeakcausinghertobe hospitalized most of the time. There, she said, she spent a lot of timealone.

Dabie recalled, “People were afraid to be around me. I was exposed at the hospital and because of my compromised immune system too, I had to keep isolated. When NewYork became the epicenter of COVID-19, it caused more delays in treatment and the cancer metastasized into thelymphaticsystem.

“I remember asking the doctor ifhecanstillcuremeandhedidn't respond, tears filled his eyes and I knew the answer then. At this point,itwasnotcurable.”

Though she was afraid, Dabie knew that succumbing to fear and depression is not the way to go. Shedecidedtofightthosefeelings justtokeepgoing.

LIFEALTERINGILLNESS

osed, she fell i n t o a d a r k depression, locking herself away in her room and deactivating her social media accounts.

RAREDIAGNOSIS

Dabie was diagnosed in November 2019 but was struggling for years, health-wise. She recalled sitting in the surgical oncologist office in New York as he read the biopsy results. The sister of the woman with whom she was staying had accompanied her As the doctor read the chart and confirmed it was clear cell carcinoma, which is a rare case of cervical cancer, all that she asked was“isitcurable?”

'It is my intention to cure you,' the doctor told Dabie as he discussed the technicalities of such cancer giving the patient a reasontostayandbetreated.

She noted because it was alreadyaffectingherleftkidney,it was categorized as stage three (c) cancer

patient. She said the fact that HPV was raised was more worrisome for her than cancer itself. But not only was the cause of her cancer different; Dabie may have inheritedthedisease.

She explained: “My mom died at the age of 48 when I was 11 yearsofage.Itisbelieved,shehad

but I was just scared. I was among strangers in a country I had never visited before and nothing around me was comforting. I remained this way most of the time, locked away,”shesaid.

The young woman noted, however, that she did have full support from family, and friends I

The cancer warrior reflected on the years prior to being diagnosed. She said she never suspected that she might be dealing with cancer She said, however, that her sickness had alteredherlifedrastically

“When I became very ill in Guyana, I was not working. I worked for 11 years with the state media but resigned and never reallygotmyselfsettledinanother job. I was becoming more and more ill and it affected my ability towork.

Even in my last year at the National Communications Network, I was sick often. I remember a co-worker said to me, “you ran out of sick days, so you havetocallindeadnexttime.'This affected me, but we just laughed it off,”Dabiesaid.

She revealed that after being forced to leave her job due to sickness, she launched her own Creole lunch catering service in August 2019, and it was picking up really great until she started becomingmoreandmoreill.

InNovember2019,she

Ms. Dabie tries to lead a normal as possible life even while she battles cancer

Vishwani Dabie fought to remain positive even after she lost all her hair to chemotherapy

Ms. Dabie underwent several cycles of chemo and radiation therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ms. Dabie finds joy in the simple things like being able to smile and smell the roses

Scenes from the 2022 Interschool Rangoli Competition

Scenes from the Diwali Motorcade held in Essequibo (Photo credit: Mohamed Basir)

St. Roses High School's winning design for the 2022 Interschool Rangoli Competition.

Camille's Academy Inc Soesdyke Branch won first place at theEast Bank Schools' Rangoli competition.

The Central Immigration and Passport Office took part in a little Rangoli fun.

The Ministry of Housing Water Rangoli design

Increase beneficial ownership screening in oil industry to reduce corruption risks – NRGI advises

In light of the fact that the oil and gas sector is prone to corruption, Guyana is being urged to increase beneficial ownership screening so as to reduce the sector's risk to corruption.

This was recently noted by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI),anindependentnonprofit organisation dedicated to improving countries' governance over their natural resources.

S i n c e 2 0 1 5 , t h e institution has been providing advice to Guyana's authorities.

The Institute noted that in most natural resource-rich countries,whenacompanyis seeking the right to explore for or produce oil, gas or minerals,sector,rulesrequire

that regulators check some basic information before granting the company a license and accompanying contract.

In this regard, NRGI said that the regulator is supposed to judge whether the company is technically competent, financially sound, and is in compliance with environmental and safetyrules.

It noted, however, that licensing rules generally do not require screening of whether public sector officials have interests in an applicant company, which could create serious conflicts ofinterest.

The Institute said, “We reviewed over 50 mining and oillawsaroundtheworldand found that about half containedprohibitionson

government officials or their close associates often called 'politically exposed persons' (PEPs) – holding interests in companies applying for extractives licenses, but none required regulators to actually check whether or not such PEP interests existed as part of s c r e e n i n g l i c e n s e applications.”

It added, “This is a potentially critical gap in regulatoryoversight,because a large body of real-world casessuggeststhattheability to hide a company's true beneficial owner is a major enabler of corruption in the grantingofextractiverights.”

In Guyana, there is no legislation or piece of regulation, which requires beneficial ownership screening On that note,

NRGI has pointed out that a g r o w i n g n u m b e r o f governments are developing l e g a l p o l i c i e s a n d information systems for collecting and publishing data about the beneficial owners of extractives companies – the real people who own, control, or economically benefit from a company

It stressed that these reforms range from a m e n d i n g c o m p a n y registrationlawsandcreating national public registers to sector-specific approaches like establishing extractives transparency laws and licensing requirements But to have an impact, NRGI said that extractive sector reforms may need to go beyond just requiring beneficial ownership

disclosure, namely by establishing rules on what typesofbeneficialownership linkages will be considered unacceptable self-dealing or c o r r u p t i o n , a n d b y d e t e r m i n i n g t h e consequences that will apply when that line is crossed.

Further to this, NRGI researchshowsthatanumber of countries have already established such rules, but monitoring and enforcement islacking.

Given the corruption risks, the Institute said that improving national policies and practices on allocating extractiveslicensesshouldbe at the forefront of these efforts.

Going forward, NRGI said that resource rich countries such as Guyana willneedtochoosebeneficial

DetectiveThe By Shervin Belgrave

From page 51

ownership assessment rules thatbestaddressthepolitical, legal and industry realities in which they award licenses. Giventherelativenewnessof evaluating corruption risks using beneficial ownership information in licensing decisions, NRGI said that officials may want to put much of the detail into less formal documents such as guidelines, so that the rules will be easier to amend based on lessons learned Regardless of where rules are stipulated, NRGI commented that they should be subject to public consultation d u r i n g t h e i r d e v e l o p m e n t , a n d publicly disclosed once finalised in order to facilitate m o n i t o r i n g a n d accountability

At least two cars stolen every month...

vehicles were carjacked and stripped into parts, which were being resold on the local market. The carjackers were primarily targetingToyota Premio andAllion motorcars. Cars were reportedly being stolen on a daily basis countrywide and the police made arrests. Suspects were charged and investigations had revealed that the busted gang had stolen over a hundred vehicles in an operation that stretched from the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to Linden, RegionTen.

Despite that achievement, carjackingcontinuesandGuyanese continue to live in fear of being the nextvictim.

The trail would run cold as carjackers cover up their tracks to avoid being caught. Police got a break again in April 2020 while looking for a silver-grey Fielder Wagon that was hijacked from taxi driver,

Shameer Shafeek at Ruby, East BankEssequibo.Shafeekwashired by some passengers on the night of March 22, 2020 at his taxi base located in Tuschen for a trip to Ruby. A woman was among them, so Shafeek was unaware that they were carjackers. When he arrived at the destination, one of the male passengers placed a gun to his head and kicked him out of his car The investigation led police to the backlandsofSt.Cuthbert'sMission along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway where they recovered the shell of Shafeek's car The carjackershadstrippedthecarofall of its parts, including the engine. Several other shells of stolen cars were found nearby Detectives had some suspects, but no one was captured and the carjacking continued.

In January 2022, the police

were successful again when the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) made another dent in a carjackingring.

This time charging a workshop owner, Ravin Singh, and a prominentautodealer, identified as Andrew Samaroo Archibald. SOCU was called in to investigate after a taxi driver, Steve Mootooveren was lured into a trap byayoungwomantobehijackedof his brand-new Toyota Allion at Cane View Avenue South Ruimveldt. Mootooveren was plying his trade at the Giftland Mall, Turkeyen, greater Georgetownwhenthewomanhired him around 18:30hrs on January 15. The taxi driver had told The Waterfalls that he does not accept hires to certain areas in Georgetown at night because he feared being robbed, but it was a woman and she looked innocent. He did not expect that the harmless looking woman was leading him intoatraptobehijackedwhenthey arrived at their destination. She disappeared and a gunman dragged him out of his car and drove away withit.

SOCU ranks would later recover his car, getting repainted at a workshop located at Montrose, ECD. The carjackers had already changedthenumberplateandsome of the parts, but the investigators had busted them before they could have filed off the chassis number SOCU managed to locate another car stolen by the same ring at another workshop at Happy Acres, ECD, a Toyota Premio that was stolen in November 2021 from in front of its owner's home at Beterverwagting.Theinvestigation led them to detain six persons including the gunman, “Turbo” who allegedly hijacked Mootooveren, but the young

womaninvolvedwasnevercaught. A wanted bulletin was issued for the auto dealer, Archibald and helaterturnedhimselfin.

The SOCU detectives had learnt that the carjacking ring was well-organized, and were reselling stolen cars and parts in a way that was difficult to trace. Ring leaders would buy crashed cars and then send out members to steal and hijack similar ones. They would take the stolen cars to workshops and their mechanics were tasked withmakingthemlookexactlylike the legally bought crashed cars. Theywouldevencutoffthechassis number from the crashed vehicles andweldthemontothestolenones.

When finished, the stolen vehicles would be resold to unsuspecting customers and the remaining parts would be sold as spares on the local market. Their style of operating made it difficult forthepolicetocatchthembecause alltheirtransactionsandpaperwork were legal. Customers too did not have a clue that they were buying stolenvehiclesbecausetheylooked like legally purchased vehicles that wererepaired.

Many thought that after the bust, carjacking would slow down but instead it increased. In June, three Premio cars were car hijacked, two were recovered - one intactandonestripped.Policewere abletolinkoneofthecarhijackings which took place on the West Bank Demerara to a Tactical Services Unit (TSU) rank and cops arrested him and an accomplice. They are presently before the court facing charges.

Thefollowingmonth,twomore Premio vehicles disappeared - one belonging to a Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) officer and another to Kaieteur News Police recoveredtheCANUofficer'scarat

Paradise, ECD, stripped of its $700,000 music system and other parts, while Kaieteur News' car is still missing. No suspects were arrested that month and in August, five more vehicles were stolen but it was an eventful month and the police were able to recover somejust shells, while others luckily intact - and arrest several suspects; one was shot dead and eight remanded to prison - among them anex-cop.

In one case, a woman was car hijacked of her Fielder Wagon in Berbice. She accused her ex boyfriend and police were able to track him down in Essequibo Region Two. They recovered the vehicle and nabbed him hiding out at a location. In another case, five carjackers had abducted a taxi driverontheEastCoast.

They stole his car and locked himinsidethetrunkbeforeheading on a robbery spree with the stolen vehicle.

They did not get far because cops caught up with them on MandelaAvenueandengagedthem in a shoot-out. Only four were captured. Two were hit and one, Andrew Newyear, later succumbed of his gunshot wound while receiving treatment at the City hospital.

TheotherthreeRawleFranklin, Hamza Samuels and Emanuel Hale were later remanded to prison. A few days later, police would make another major bust after carjackers struck again this time hijacking a Green Ice taxi driver of a Toyota Allion.Hewashiredbyamanfora triptotheTimerhiPoliceStationon the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). It was late in the evening, but the victim didn't mind because he thought the passenger was a Police Officer. As they were approaching Timehri, the passenger changed his

destination to Dookie Road, Soesdykeanditwastherewherehe wascarjackedbythepassengerand some other men .Detectives were able to crack the case quickly and recover the car before it was stripped.

They were tipped off the following morning that a man at Soesdyke had a car bumper to sell and ranks decided to turn up at his house. Other car parts were found there and when he could not prove how he got them, police arrested him.

D u r i n g t h e e n s u i n g interrogation, he buckled and told cops about his carjacking gang's operation. He led them to the b a c k l a n d s a l o n g t h e Soesdyke/Linden Highway, where they were able to recover the stolen Allion and several other shells of stolen cars. The police were quick to arrest two more suspects who were reportedly heading to the backlands to strip the Allion they hadrecovered.

Investigations continued and twomoresuspectswerenabbedand on August 26 last, all five of them, Jason Harry, an ex-cop and the alleged mastermind, Jomain Watson, 26, Toney Jerrick, 32, Standford Ford, 25 and Randy Fraser were all remanded to prison. Despitetherecentarrests,twomore cars were recently stolen -one on September7lastandanothersilver grey Premio on Wednesday The one stolen on September 7 was foundabandonedinSophiawithits batterymissing.

P o l i c e a r e c u r r e n t l y investigating the most recent case thattookplaceatMonRepos,ECD. So far, investigators have obtained footagefromasecuritycamera,and it revealed that a lone car thief had committedtheact.

Ineffective whistleblower law an indictment on Govt.'s efforts to stop corruption -TIGI

The continued failure of governments to implement the full Protected Disclosure

Act or whistleblower legislation, so that it is not available even for a member of the Police Force, is an indictment upon those with the power to make it effective.

As such, he said the Government of Guyana must act swiftly to activate and implement the law that helps to safeguard citizens who seek to expose acts of corruption.

This is the view expressed by the President of Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI), Frederick Collins, during an invited comment about the status of the law which was introduced four years ago, b u t h a s n o t b e e n implemented.

Alluding to the recent

scenario whereby a police sergeant unsuccessfully sought protection under the law,Mr Collinslamentedthe protection of members of the Force who put themselves at risk to sound the alarm that something is wrong in that thatorganofstateshouldtake precedence. In his view, the issue presented a golden opportunity for the State to showcase its legislative strength and prove the effectivenessofthelawputin placetoensuretheprotection ofwhistleblowers.

The TIGI Head noted nonetheless that the blame should not be laid on the politicians alone, but the leaders of civil society need tojoininaclamorforchange.

He echoed the sentiments expressed by attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes when he stressed that “The [issue] goes beyond the current

matteranditwillaffectallthe matters as it regards acts of exposingcorruption.”

Collins lamented that “honest leaders in all spheres of society should ask themselvesifthetimehasnot arisen for a collective action toforcethatlegislation.

The morale, the career, and perhaps even the lives of the professional policemen remaining in the Force may requireit.”

Meanwhile, US based Guyanese, Dr Jerry Jailall shared the view that the Government should move as quickly as possible to operationalize the Act if it is serious about accountability, transparency, and fighting corruption.

He noted too that Guyana as an oil producer should make every effort to have these anti corruption mechanismsinplace.

Dr Jailall asserted that: “The oil industry is shrouded in secrecy The law is very importantespeciallysinceoil is now a major pillar of the country'sincomegeneration. We need transparency and accountability more than ever…. IcallontheAttorney General to move quickly and operationalizetheAct.”

Speaking about the incident involving the policemen, Dr Jailall noted too that “When a citizen throws himself at the mercy and protection of the President on the basis of whistleblower protections, the right thing to do is for the President to respond with urgency

That will show our s i n c e r i t y a b o u t whistleblowerprotections.”

Earlier this year, Police Sergeant Dion Bascom implicated prominent

businessman, Azruddin Mohamed and top members oftheGuyanaPoliceForcein a plot to cover up the murder of Ricardo Fagundes known as'PaperShorts'.

Ever since those allegations surfaced, his lawyer Nigel Hughes madeanumberofattemptsto have his client benefit from provisions of the Protected DisclosureActbutithas been to no avail. During a recent interview with this newspaper, Hughes revealed that weeks have passed, but there has not been any move by the President or the Minister of Home Affairs to accedetohisrequest.

Hughes had explained that his client, Bascom was earlier this year removed from investigating the killing of Fagundes and transferred to another location, had alleged a grand cover-up by

senior ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Guyana Police Force and the payment of a large bribe to a named officer as part of thecover-up.

The officer, as well as a prominent businessman linked to the crime, has since denied the allegations and even threatened to sue Bascom. Fagundes, a close friend of Roger Khan was riddled with more than 20 bullets on March 21, 2021 momentsafterhesteppedout of Palm Court on Main Street,Georgetown.

CCTV cameras had capturedtwoshootersgetting into a white, tinted Toyota Fielder motorcar, making goodtheirescape.

ItwasafterBascommade the damning claims, Hughes wrote the President seeking his protection under the ProtectedDisclosureAct.

Guyanese cancer warrior, Carol Vishwanie Dabie...

From page 53 became so ill that she was not able to walk or had the energy to do much that was when her father and brothers decided to send her totheUSAforhelp.

For Dabie, leaving her family and close friends was the most difficult part. She revealed that traveling out of Guyana was never her 'thing'.

“Guyana is the only place I knew and felt comfortablesoimaginewhat itwaslikeformeleavingand sick,'shesaid.

Forthefirstsixmonthsof treatment, Dabie was unable to walk or stand for long periods.

She had bilateral kidney stents which caused bladder leak since radiation causes scarring and was in adult diapersforafewmonths.

“I spent about 4 months total in the hospital during thattimeinintervalsbecause

I had to be monitored 24/7; even the doctors were telling metopreparemyselfandmy family for the worst. I had mywholecremationplanned out,”thecancerpatientsaid.

Today, she revealed her daysare“alotbetter.”

“I have more good days than bad, but my body is not the same energy wise I mean after two major and 11 minor surgeries, 28 days of external radiation, 3 internal radiation, six cycles of chemotherapy, 13 cycles of systemic chemotherapy, and s i x c y c l e s o f immunotherapy, I feel like my body does not belong to me anymore. But it has been one year since I am living by myself and able to take care of myself. It's a great relief after moving six times during treatment because I had no place to stay permanently, and the rent wastoomuch.

Thankfully, close friends and family contributed including my medical team as well. They are like my

familyherenow,”sheadded

FINDINGHOPE

Dabie believes that she wasgivenasecondchancein life even though her days are numbered.

She said that she basically came back from death'sbedwhilesurrounded bydeathinthepandemic.

The cervical cancer patient explained, “I lost so many friends including the eldest son of the first woman I was staying with from COVID-19. Death for me seemed easier, to be honest more than the pains I was going through and not being able to talk about it. I was scared of becoming a burden to people and dependent and thatfearcamethrough.”

Butshecontinuestofight with the motivation that comes from a few friends, family but mostly my medicalteam.

She told The Waterfalls, “I try my best to keep my emotional and mental mindset strong since I am a l r e a d y s t r u g g l i n g

physically I find when I feel hurt,Iplungeintodepression with no will to fight anymore.”

She revealed further: “I continue to keep myself locked away I hardly have a social life. Only friends I have been close with for years I will meet and spend time with and that is not often My main strength comes from prayers even whenIhavenowilltopray I just sit for hours sometimes and stare at my [prayer] altar.”

“I don't have words but somehow it comforts me. I rarely call anyone to tell them how I feel but if it becomes overwhelming, I haveafewclosefriendsIcall and my dad's cousin and she would pray with me,” Dabie added,

Asked if she had any regrets, the 40-year-old said, she only wished she had knownandactedsooner

Dabie advised that, “clear cell carcinoma is rare, and you have a better chance

of surviving this if caught early so do your regular screening This type of cancer attacks the female reproductive system so if something is not right, seek medicalhelpandkeepontop ofit.”

GRATITUDE

Despite her health struggles, Dabie stays grateful for the simple blessing of life. Though she is still in treatment, the patient recently found out that she may have to remain on immunotherapy for the rest of her life since the cancerisaggressive.

She revealed that last August, the surgeons removed cancer nodes from theleftsideofherneckanda recent mammogram showed a new node in the right b r e a s t S h e n o t e d nevertheless that she is grateful for many things, especiallylifeitself.

“I am grateful I am able togivelighttothosewhoare fightingcancer Iamgrateful I was able to overcome my

challenges in my weakest moment.Iamgratefulforthe friends and family that never leftmyside.

I am grateful my bills are paid. I am grateful for a roof over my head, food in my belly, and fashionable clothing and makeup, but whatIammostgratefulforis my medical team. I have never seen a team work so hard at saving a life, my life especially

They are the true heroes of my cancer fighting journey,” she expressed adding that, “the next two yearsarecriticalforme,butI will fight as much as my bodyallowsme…”

She is not sure when she will be able to return home, but she does know, she does not want to die in the USA. She asserted, “I must be cremated in my land of birth.”

In the interim, the cancer warrior'smainobjectiveisto wake up each day and live a lifeasnormalasshepossibly can.

Joint services ranks burn...

From page 20 approximately 20,000 cannabis plants measuring6inchesto2ftinheight.

When the ranks swooped down on at the location,theycaughta37-year-oldfarmerof Stewartville, West Coast Demerara and Wiruni, Berbice River tending to the cannabis plants and immediately arrested him.

During a search at the first camp, ranks found a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with three live cartridges, a Guyana passport, an

identification card and one birth certificate belonging to the farmer Another 12-gauge shot gun with four 12-gauge cartridges were subsequently found during a search of the secondcamp.Aquantityofdrycannabiswith estimatedweightofabout800lbswasfound at the two drying areas and according to police, the cannabis plants are estimated to weigh 400 lbs with a total street value of $489M. The plants, camps, drying areas, farming tools and spray cans were all set alightbytheranks.

Frompage18

Jurisdictiontoentertainsuch compliancewiththelaw. takenupbylocals.

Minnesota, Massachusetts, ordinary civil law anappeal.Consequently,the The lawyer said such Dr. Williams said

ANOTHER U.S STATE Connecticut, Vermont and proceedings on appeal,” CCJ majority set aside the practices that may seek to companies may not be able SUES EXXON, OTHERS theDistrictofColumbia. Justice Anderson said in decision of the Court of exploit legal loopholes, toreachsuchstricttargetsas OVER CLIMATE RHODEISLAND deliveringtheruling. Appealtohearthecase. undermine the spirit and such; flexibility would be CHANGEDECEPTION Back in May, Kaieteur

The CCJ Judge said that Last year, Monica intent of the legislation required by the Local –SAYSFOSSILFUEL News had reported that because Mr Granger was ThomasandBrendanNurse, whichseekstomaximizethe Content Secretariat. He said COMPANIESCAUSED another attempt by the oil whowasa“rightandproper theduowhofiledthecaseon use of local goods and rigid adherence could lead, THEMTOPAY companies was denied to party” in the petition in the behalf of the main servicesintheoilsector insomecases,totherebeing

BILLIONSTOCLEAN- have a climate change matter, he should have been Opposition Coalition had Importantly, Dr just a few players operating UPAFTERDISASTERS lawsuitbroughtagainstthem served within the stipulated challenged the Chief Williams said authorities incertaincategoriesofwork. be tried in a federal court as five days as set out by the Justice’s decision at the must ensure fool proof Dr Williams said it is OnTuesday,anotherU.S opposed to a state court –Constitution Justice

Guyana Appeal Court systemsareinplacetodetect imperative also that Guyana state filed a lawsuit against which is considered more Anderson said election (COA) The majority of when companies are is mindful of the American oil giant, plaintiff-friendly petition matters must be Judges at the COAheld that employing methods that implementation of the law ExxonMobil and four other resolvedinstrictcompliance they had jurisdiction to ostracize Guyanese. He said forifitisdoneeffectively,it oil giants seeking US Rhode Island’s lawsuit withtheConstitution. entertain an appeal from the this is done through varying can unleash significant billions in damages over allege that various oil “ N e i t h e r i s i t , decision of Chief Justice procurementschemeswhere benefitsforcitizens. theirallegeddeceptionofthe companies had created a permissibletodepartfromor George, who had dismissed t h e s t a n d a r d s o r Speaking to other

impacts their fossil fuels public nuisance in the state import into by implication a the Election Petition # 99 of requirementsaresetinsucha noteworthy aspects of the emissions have on the and failed to adequately jurisdictionnotcreatedinthe 2020. way that it benefits certain law, Dr Williams said the environment. warn customers, consumers article The Court

The Appeal Justices had companies alone. On the simplicity of the law aligns The lawsuit was brought and regulators about the emphasised that article 163 handeddowna2-1decision. extreme end, such practices with the best interest of the by the New JerseyAttorney risks posed by their fossil (3)circumscribestherightto Chancellor of the Judiciary, canevenforcecompaniesto country since complex General Matthew J. Platkin fuel products. The lawsuit appealdecisionsoftheHigh Justice Yonette Cummings- closeshop. piecesoflegislationopenthe against Exxon, Shell, seekstoforcethecompanies Courtinelectionspetitionto Edwards and Justice of As to the merits of the floodgates for abuse on the Chevron, BP, and topayfordamageassociated onlytwocircumstances.The Appeal Dawn Gregory law, he said one has to be groundsofmisinterpretation ConocoPhillips. According with climate change, citing Chief Justice struck out the allowed the appeal, while mindful that it does not and uncertainty “So to the lawsuit, decades-long the costs taxpayers were petition on the basis that Justice Rishi Persaud create pockets of simplicity is one of the deception by the oil incurringtorepairroadsand there was improper or late dissented from their monopolies. Dr Williams strengths of the law,” the companies has exacerbated bridges and rebuild coastal service on Mr Granger Her position That was saidifthereareonlyasmall lawyersaid. climate change and forced structures. decision did not fall into successfully challenged by number of companies that Furthermore, Dr the state of New Jersey to MASSACHUSETTS either of these two JagdeoandNandlall.

arecertifiedtobeusedinone Williamssaidtheprovisions pay billions of dollars to On May 24, the circumstances and thus no Jagdeo and Nandlall had of the law which speak to clean up after deadly Massachusetts High Court appealwaspossible,”Justice contended that the majority reporting and regulation of disasterssuchasSuperstorm unanimously rejected Andersonnoted. oftheCOAerredinlawand biddingisalsopraiseworthy Sandy and Hurricane Ida – Exxon’s submission to

The majority of the CCJ had no jurisdiction to hear

Hesaidthelawdemandsthat Reutersreported. dismiss a lawsuit against panel of five disagreed with and determine the appeal; oil companies have an open theGuyanaCourtofAppeal, neither from statute, the biddingprocess. finding that it lacked Constitution, nor does it

It also regulates the idea jurisdiction to entertain the h a v e a n i n h e r e n t of sole sourcing and when appeal The Court jurisdiction. competitive bidding is emphasised that Article At the Trinidad based utilized With so much 163(3) of the Constitution Appellate Court, they economic promise floating limits the right to appeal challenged the decision of around, he said it is decisions of the High Court the GuyanaAppellate Court imperative that regulations in election petitions to only to hear the appeal over the on how contracts are being two circumstances. one, an dismissed election petition allocated. appealfromadecisionofthe case The CCJ therefore

“This sort of openness Judge granting or refusing deliveredtherulingagainsta mustnotonlyberestrictedto leave to institute decision of the Court of oilcompaniesbutsomething proceedings to determine AppealofGuyanainwhichit that envelopes the entire questions stated in heldthatithasjurisdictionto country and become a Article163(1) of the hear the appeal of the practice, a culture This In a statement, the New them in which it was stated Constitution and two, an election petition dismissed aspect of the law also JerseyAttorneyGeneralsaid that the oil giant misled a p p e a l f r o m t h e for improper service. The indicates the desire forparticularbusinessareasuch thatthefossilfuelcompanies consumers and investors determination of any of Court also ordered that each equality in terms ofas welding then that can “understood decades ago aboutclimatechangeandthe those questions in Article party should bear its own economic offers,” expresseddriveupcosts. that their products were dangersofusingfossilfuels. 163(1) or an order made in costs. Dr Williams.

Given Guyana’s current causing climate change” but The court ruled that the consequence of such

In closing, Dr Williamslabour shortage, he wentto“greatlengthstohide oil giant must face a trial determination.

FRIDAY–OCT.21,2022 said it is important forexplainedthattherewillalso the truth and mislead the over allegations that it lied

The Attorney General societalactorstounderstandbe a need for flexibility on people of New Jersey, and about the climate crisis, and and Mr Jagdeo argued that GOVT.MUSTLOOK thatGuyanaisstillanewoilwhatconstitutesaGuyanese the world. In short, these even hid the fossil fuel the Chief Justice’s decision OUTFORANTI- producing State, as such, itcompany companies put their profits industry’s role in worsening did not fall into either COMPETITIVE willmakemistakes.

Guyana’s Local Content aheadofoursafety.It’slong environmental damage. The circumstance.Therefore,Ms PRACTICES,ABUSEOF

He said, “All countriesLegislation has three main

overdue that the facts be lawsuit was brought against Thomas and Ms Nurse had LEGALLOOPHOLES do.Eventhegreateconomiccriteria which a company aired in a New Jersey court, Exxon by Massachusetts no right to appeal the BYOILCOMPANIES powers of the world aremust satisfy in order to and the perpetrators of the Attorney General, Maura decision.

–NEWYORKBASED guilty of this But theq u a l i f y a s b e i n g disinformation campaign Healey Exxon called the However in dissenting LAWYERWARNS important thing is how we“Guyanese.” It must first be pay for the harms they’ve lawsuit politically opinions, Justices Barrow m a k e r o o m f o rincorporated under the caused.” motivatedandclaimedthatit and Jamadar ruled that the While Guyana’s Local improvement.Companies Act and be

New Jersey’s lawsuit violated a state law Full Court possessed the Content Legislation must be Wouldthepowersthatbebeneficially owned by

comes at a time where protecting defendants from Jurisdiction to entertain an commendedforitspursuitto make room for input andGuyanese nationals who severalotherlitigationswere lawsuits designed to silence appeal where an Election increase the involvement of have the courage andhave 51 percent of the total brought against the fossil them. The lawsuit accuses Petition was dismissed for Guyanese in the oil sector, confidence to correct theirissued shares of the

fuels companies seeking US Exxonofbreakingthestate’s non/late service on an New York-based Attorney- missteps?”company Secondly,

billions for their allege consumer protection laws interestedparty. at-Law, Dr. Vivian Williams

That he said will beGuyanese nationals must deception of impact their with a decades-long cover Justices Barrow and is urging regulators to be answered with time, addingholdatleast75percentofthe companies have on climate- upofwhatitknewaboutthe Jamadar opined that Section wary of companies that thatthecourseGuyanatakesExecutive and senior change. impact on the climate of 42oftheNationalAssembly would engage in various will ultimately decide itspositions;andthirdly,atleast

The suit follows other burning fossil fuels The Validity of Elections Act forms of anti competitive progression with local90 percent of the non U S attorneys general in statealsonotedthat conferredtheFullCourtwith behaviour and creative content.managerial staff must be Rhode Island, Delaware, (Continuedonpage58)

[Photo Credit: iberdrola.com]NYbased Attorney-at-Law, Dr. Vivian Williams

Frompage57 counties accusing Exxon, byclimatechange. the company deceived Chevron and other energy According to the case, investors about the risks to giants of fuelling climate the High Court is being its business posed by global change back to state court. asked to determine whether heating. The ruling was made by the Exxon’s operations violate San Francisco based 9th the Constitutional right of BALTIMORE U S Circuit Court of current and future Appeals. generations to a healthy

Whereas, in April, Reutersreportedtoothat environment. According to Exxon,BPPLCandChevron U.S. Circuit Judge Sandra Dr Thomas, “Guyana is a lost their second federal Ikuta rejected the carbon sink. The Guyanese appeal against a lawsuit by companies’ arguments that people are not responsible thecityofBaltimoreseeking the cases raised substantial for climate change, but we to hold them responsible for federal issues that belonged are already suffering the climate change. It was on in federal court, adding that effects. April 7, 2022, when the the statute that governs Climate change, ocean

companysaiditbelievesthe Incorporation to increase itsFourthU.S.CircuitCourtof removingcasesfromstateto acidification and rising sea actions by the Secretariat authorized share capital andAppeals unanimously ruled federal courts must be level pose existential threats were unlawful since it has to create new classes ofand sent back the lawsuit interpretednarrowly to the people and State of complied with the letter of shares.Theauthorizedshare onceagaintotheStatecourt, “Our adherence to this Guyana.Asascientist,Iurge thelaw capital was increased from as opposed to the matter doctrine does not change people to look at the An affidavit by 100 to 10,000,000 ordinarybeing heard in the federal merely because plaintiffs evidenceandtofacereality.”

Samantha Cole, a 34 year shares and two classes ofcourt – like the oil giants raise novel and sweeping The case refers to the old Guyanese national who preference shares weredesired. causes of action,” she wrote overwhelming scientific serves as the Logistics created.Todate,ColesaidnoWith the court’s ruling, forthethree-judgepanel. evidence of the devastating Director of the company preference shares have beenthe city of Baltimore has California local effect of greenhouse gas outlined an account of issued by the Applicantonce again, won the legal governments including San emissions, pointing out that exchanges with the Companytoanyoneatall.battle to have its climate Mateo, Marin and Santa oil and gas production are a Secretariat. Cole said the ordinarychangelawsuitagainstmore Cruzcountieshadsuedmore major source of greenhouse Cole said she was shares of the Applicantthan 20 energy firms than 30 energy companies gasemissions. appointed to the Board of Company were valued byreturnedtostatecourt,where beginning in 2017, alleging Guyana is particularly

Directors on May 17, 2018 Independent Valuator, Mr.it believes it has a better their production and vulnerabletoclimatechange as Corporate Secretary. KrishendathMaharaj,onthechanceofobtainingdamages marketing of fossil fuels and rising sea levels while Given her positions, Cole basisofthefinancialpositionfortheharmitmaintainsthe contributed to global oceanacidificationthreatens has custody and control of of the company as disclosedfossil fuel firms knowingly warming. the Guyanese livelihoods keyrecordsofthecompany in its financial statements.inflicted on the city and its Thelawsuitsclaimedthe that depend on healthy

Cole said Ramps is The total value of theresidentsoverdecades. companies, which also marineecosystems. engaged mainly in the 1,000,000 (one million)having to live with theAccording to Reuters, includeBPandShell,created The case cites Guyana’s provision of logistics shares that were issued toeffectsofclimatechange.the Fourth Circuit a public nuisance, failed to international obligations services in the petroleum Deepak Lall, and which“resoundingly” rejected the warn about the risks of under the United Nations sector It provides customs constitutes51%oftheissuedSATURDAY-OCT22,companies’ arguments that climate change and should Framework Convention on brokerage, freight shares of the company was2022Baltimore’sstate-lawclaims be forced to cover the Climate Change and the forwarding, marine agency given as US $1,000,000.were inherently federal climate change costs the Paris Agreement in support services, third party Cole said, Deepak Lall paid

RAMPSLOGISTICSbecause it sought to hold local government face, such of its claim for declarations logistics; and immigration forthesaidsharesbywayofGUYANATELLSthem liable based on the asinfrastructurerepairdueto that emissions from oil and services. transferoffundsfromScotiaCOURTITCOULDproduction and sale of oil risingsealevels. gas production make the

She said on or about Bank, Trinidad and TobagoFACE“FINANCIALandgasabroad. Notably, in all of the environment more harmful April12,2022,Rampsmade totheApplicantCompanyRUIN”WITHOUT

Theoilgiantshadargued cases that were filed in state to health and wellbeing in an application for a Local At the date of theLOCALCONTENTthat the CleanAirAct is the courts, which are perceived violation of Article 149J of Content Certificate of application April 12, 2022,CERTIFICATEexclusivevehicletoregulate as advantageous for the Constitution, which Registration and to be Cole said there were 19-SAYS100WORKERSgreenhouse gas emissions plaintiffs – state courts are guarantees the right to a entered into the register as a persons in executive andCOULDBELAIDOFFand that Baltimore’s state- established by the laws of healthy environment and Guyanese company At the senior management-US$$MILLIONSlaw claims conflicted with each state and have broad requires the State to protect timeofthesaidApplication, positions in the companyWORTHINf e d e r a l i n t e r e s t s jurisdiction, in contrast, the environment for present she said 51% of the issued She said 89 percent of theseCONTRACTSCOULDNevertheless, a three-judge federalcourtsareestablished andfuturegenerations. shares of the Applicant positions were held byBELOSTWITHApanel of the Fourth Circuit under the U.S. Constitution Article149Jspecifically Companyhadbeenissuedto GuyaneseNationals.DOZENORMOREruledthatBaltimore’scaseis and have a much narrower states that: (1) everyone has Deepak Lall, a citizen of Cole said the ApplicantCOMPANIESbuiltonstate,notfederallaw jurisdiction–resultinginoil the right to an environment Guyana. Mr Lall, she said, CompanysuppliedtheLocalandshouldbeheardinstate, companies preferring that is not harmful to his or was born outside of Guyana Content Secretariat with aRamps Logisticsnotthefederalcourt. lawsuits against them to be her health or well-being. (2) toaGuyanesefatherandwas list of its executive andGuyanaInc.,acompanywithBaltimore’s 2018 triedinfederalcourts. The State shall protect the entitled to Guyanese senior management

Trinidadian parentage, sayscomplaint claims the environment, for the benefit citizenship by virtue of employees which containeditcouldface“financialruin”companies deceived the GUYANA of present and future

Article 44 of the their Names, Nationalif it is not granted a Localpublic about the dangers generations, through

ConstitutionofGuyana. Identification Number,Content Certificate by theassociated with their fossil- Meanwhile, on the local reasonable legislative and The other 49% of the Taxpayer IdentificationLocalContentSecretariat.Infuel products, which front, Exxon is facing othermeasuresdesignedto– issued shares of the Number, NIS number, thefact, the company said itcontributed to greenhouse- multiple court action on the (a) prevent pollution and Applicant Company were at positiontheywereemployedwouldruntheriskoflosingagas pollution and climate issueofclimatechange.Two ecological degradation; (b) the material time held by in, whether they were full-number of multi millionchange. citizens, through their promote conservation; and

Ramps Logistics Ltd , a time or part timedollarcontractsandleftwith

The lawsuit alleges that lawyers, filed a case in the (c) secure sustainable company incorporated in employment, and theirnochoicebuttosignificantlythe energy giants created a High Court against Exxon’s development and use of TrinidadandTobagoonJune nationalities.downsizeitsoperations.public nuisance and should StabroekBlockprojects.The natural resources while 25,2001. At the date of the

Thedetailsofthisstateofbe forced to cover the first applicant, Dr Troy promoting justifiable

The authorized share application, she said Rampsaffairs were outlined in itsclimate-changecoststhecity Thomas, is a Scientist and a economic and social

capital of the company was had 128 employees in non-affidavit to the High Court.faces, including increased University of Guyana development. initially made up of 100 managerial and otherThecompanyhasaskedforainfrastructurespending. lecturer

CALIFORNIA Quadad de Freitas, is a High Court – also seeks to

The case, which is set to ordinary shares with a positions, all of whom arejudicial review of theThe second applicant, be heard in the Demerara nominalvalueof$1each. Guyanese. Considering thisSecretariat’s refusal to grant

On or about January 18, standing, she said theitthecertificateandtoplaceyoung man from the South protect children, young 2022, Cole said the company was in fullit onto the Local Content

On April 19, a federal Rupununi Region of people and future

Applicant Company compliancewithRegister In its submissionsappeals court sent lawsuits Guyana, an area rich in generations who bear a amended its Articles of (Continuedonpage59)seen by Kaieteur News, theby six California cities and biodiversity, now threatened disproportionate burden in

Chief Operating Officer for Ramps Logistics Guyana Ltd.

Frompage58 showing the allotment was rejected, which encouraged The charges were their Local Content Logistics had promised to the requirements of the notsubmittedandthiswasa Baker Hughes to re- tender instituted by the Guyana requirementforthecompany taketheissuetotheCourts. LocalContentAct. requirement under section itsbusiness. Revenue Authority (GRA), to be 51 percent locally According to a Fixed 153 of the Companies Act. Cole said the Applicant Law Enforcement and owned.Ramps,forinstance, Date Application (FDA) DEALINGSWITH Further, only a draft Company wrote to the InvestigationsDivision. provided detailed recently drafted, the SECRETARIAT unsignedfinancialstatement Secretariat on August 30, In a bail application for information regarding company has asked the which did not set out total 2022 enquiring if it had his client, Hughes informed Deepak Lall, a Trinidadian Courttoissueseveralorders Cole was keen to note numberofissuedshareswas assessed the additional thecourtthathisclientisnot born with strong Guyanese including a declaration that that there was no prescribed submittedtotheSecretariat. documentation it submitted aflightriskandnotedthathe roots who purchased 51 Ramps Logistics has form or list of requirements It was also noted by the and that time was of the recently returned to Guyana percent of Ramps Guyana satisfied the statutory which had been developed regulator that the Board of essence. to defend the company’s for US$1M, making it 51 r e q u i r e m e n t s a n d by the Secretariat as at Directors was comprised of C o l e s a i d t h e integrity–theLawyerstated percentGuyaneseowned. preconditions necessary for March,2022.Asaresult,the only 60% Guyanese Secretariat’s response was too that Rampersad is a The issue however, is thegrantofthecertificateof ApplicantCompanywroteto Nationals and not 75% as that it is delayed with a businessman with assets in that Lall’s father and registration under the Local the Director of the requiredbytheAct. considerablebacklog. Guyanaandoverseas.

grandfather are Guyanese ContentActof2021. Secretariat, Martin Pertab, Finally, the Secretariat Ramps told the court at Senior Magistrate Daly andhe,outsideoftheoiland The FDAis also seeking on the March 31, 2022 said the Declaration of this point that without the granted bail in the sum of gas company, has had very a declaration that the seeking guidance on the Beneficial Ownership did certificate in a timely $50,000 on each of the 10 little to do with the country decision of the Natural manner in which the not show who the beneficial manner, it faces financial charges and the matter was Lallwouldhavereceivedhis Resources Minister and/or application was to be owner of Ramps Trinidad ruin The Applicant thenadjournedtoNovember Guyanese passport in 2021. the Director of the Local submitted. was, and that there was an Company said it has been 25,2022,forcontinuation. He was described as a Content Secretariat and/or Following several inconsistency between the contracted by two dozen or Moreover, just recently, Guyanesenational,butsome the Local Content exchanges,thecompanywas placeanddateofbirthinthe more entities operating Acting Chief Justice, b e l i e v e t h i s w a s Secretariat (LCS) made on asked on April 20, 2022 to declaration and the Articles within the petroleum sector, Roxane George Wiltshire conveniently pursued to June82022refusingtogrant provide the Identification of Incorporation of Ramps allofwhomhavethreatened set the 11th of November, fulfill the 51 percent orissuethemacertificateof Card for Deepak Lall, Trinidad.Rampsinresponse to cease doing business if it 2022, as the date for oral requirement.

registration is unlawful, Articles of Incorporation, said the demands by the failstosecurethegrantofthe argumentstobepresentedin After being denied the illegal, null, void and of no Notice of Change of Secretariat were unlawful CertificateofRegistration. the case filed by Ramps certificate twice, Ramps legaleffect–interalia. Directors, a Director’s and not in keeping with its Rampssaidalmostallof Logistics against the Consent from Deepak Lall, statutorypowers. itsearningsarederivedfrom GovernmentofGuyanaover and Special Resolution of It said too that the the petroleum sector and if itsdenialofaLocalContent shareholders, among other specific requests for its application is not heard certificate. Ramps Logistics documents Additional information listed as the anddeterminedonanurgent which is originally from documents were also groundsforrefusalwerenot basis,thenitisalsoatriskof Trinidad and Tobago but is provided. made to the applicant being permanently deprived registered under Guyana’s

However, on June 8, beforehand. oftensofmillionsofUnited Companies Act, was earlier 2022,Colesaidanoticewas Ramps said it also States dollars in earnings. this year, denied a Local sent to the company stating resubmitted all the

Thecompanysaiditwillalso Content certificate for that its application was documents cited as missing be unable to sign a major purportedly not being refused by the minister Its in the initial application. US$25M contract with ‘Guyaneseenough.’ legalteamaskedforreasons ThiswasdoneinJuly Exxon.

L a s t J u n e , t h e forthis. Ramps also accused the It therefore appealed to contentions surfaced over

It was later told that the Secretariat of actively the court for an expeditious themannerinwhichforeign information provided was discouraging persons from hearing which is set for companies are now using insufficient for proper conducting business with it November11,2022. Guyanesenationalstofulfill compliance evaluation to be since it did not have a donebytheSecretariat. certificate.

RAMPSLOGISTICS

Court documents show Cole said during the CEOON$500KBAIL that the reasons offered by periodJulytoAugust,2022, FORMAKINGFALSE the Secretariat for refusal to anumberofcustomersofthe DECLARATIONTO issue and/or grant a Applicant Company GRA Certificate of Registration informed it that at monthly can be summarized as supplier meetings with the The Chief Executive follows: the company only Secretariat they were Officer (CEO) of Ramps had an authorized share specifically advised against Logistics, Guyana was on capital of 100 ordinary usingRampsbecauseitdoes Fridayslappedwith10false shares of $1 each; Deepak not have the required declaration charges and was LallandRampsTrinidadhad certificate. placedon$500,000bail. 51% and 49% of the total TheApplicant Company Shaun Rampersad, of shares valued at US she said was also informed Windsor Estate, East Bank $1,000,000 and US $960, b y e m p l o y e e s o f Demerara made his first 000 US respectively Citing Schlumberger Guyana and court appearance before section 28 (2) of the verily believed that they Senior Magistrate, Leron Companies Act and the were instructed by the Daly at the Georgetown absence of any amendments Secretariat not to use the Magistrates’ Courts in the to support the change in the servicesofRampsLogistics. company of his Lawyer, maximumnumberofshares, She said too that employees NigelHughes. the Director of the of International SOS, Baker Rampersad denied the Secretariat concluded that Hughes, G-Boats, Frank’s charges which alleged that the Applicant does not International and CGX have Ramps Logistics Guyana satisfy the 51% beneficial also informed the Applicant between 2021 and 2022, at ownership requirement Company that at various Georgetown, made 10 false undertheAct. times and on various declarations on applications

The Secretariat also occasions they were told by presented to a customs flagged the absence of no theSecretariattodiscontinue officerfortaxexemptionson Share Certificate or Share doing business with it (the several items. It was also Register and related ApplicantCompany). stated that the logistics company resolutions to K a i e t e u r N e w s company falsely declared support the issuance of understands that several that it was the seller of sharestoLallandRamps. purchase orders of the several items including Additionally, the Applicant Company heavy duty equipment, Secretariatexplainedthatthe submitted by Baker Hughes chemical compounds, and most recent annual return to the Secretariat were dehydratedsubstances.

More than 16,000 drivers caught speeding in...

Applications for steel, cement subsidies open from Tuesday

From page 15

A t t h e r o a d ’ s rules, such as driving above errant drivers or intends to commissioning ceremony the speed limit, then the doso. held back in April, information will be used to

Nevertheless, it has President Ali had said, prosecutethem. moved to remind drivers ”This feature will track Ali had also hinted that that speeding and failing to vehicle speed and record his government is planning wear their seatbelts are vehicle speed and transmit to make some adjustments traffic offences. It cautioned yourspeedelectronicallyto tothecountry’slawstocater drivers to adhere to the the Guyana Police Force for a demerit system for traffic rules and reminded and the Guyana Revenue drivers. the speed that the speed Authority(GRA) ”

Each time a driver limits for the new highway He added, too, that the breaksthelaw,hehadsaid,it are, 30kmph, 50kmph and feature will be able to will be noted down and can 80kmphinspecificareas. identify number plates and eventually lead to them

It should be noted, the image of drivers and losingtheirlicense. however, that President their front seat passengers- Ali even spoke of an Mohamed Irfaan Ali had even on dark and rainy initiative to mail tickets to warned that his government nights- and then transmit the home of motorists, who will move to prosecute that information to the break the rules, and should errant drivers caught by the relevantauthorities. they fail to pay them, then new security feature The President made their road service licence installed on the new clear that if motorists are will not be renewed the highway found breaking the traffic followingyear

Psteel and cement Estimates for the home government’s commitment subsidy from the Housing construction must also be to making homeownership Ministry’s Central Housing provided with an approved affordable while also and Planning Authority loan from a financial expandingthehousingsector (CH&PA), can soon sign up institution, proof of address and adding to the host of as applications will be andproofoflandacquired. m e a s u r e s a l r e a d y opened from Tuesday, President Dr Mohamed implemented. October25,2022. IrfaanAli in July announced Personscanbeassuredof Applicationformscanbe that persons constructing transparency in the uplifted from the Central homes costing $6 million or distribution of the assistance Housing and Planning less are eligible for steel and as Housing Minister, Collin Authority on Brickdam, one sling of cement for the Croal had guaranteed Georgetown and at Regional construction of the transparency in the H o u s i n g O f f i c e s foundation. distributionprocess. countrywide. Meanwhile, homes that In addition, President Applicants must provide cost more than $6 million Ali, while addressing media copies of TIN certificates, and up to $25 million will be operatives, noted that there Identification cards or giventwoslingsofcement. will be a mechanism passports, marriage The government is whereby monitoring will be certificates (if applicable), investing $700 million in the done to ensure people are and approved house plan Steel and Cement Housing constructingtheirhouses.

ersons who wish f r o m t h e v a r i o u s

Subsidy programme. This to benefit from the municipalities/NDCs. support forms part of the

Teen killed after drunk driver loses control of car

Man jailed for wounding daughter

19 year old woman did not make it home on

A S a t u r d a y morning after a drunk driver reportedly lost control of the car she was travelling in along the Coomacka Mines Road, Linden, Region 10. The vehicle reportedly toppledseveraltimesaround 02:30hrs before coming to a halt.

The dead teen was identified as Tiffany Forde of Coomacka Mines and she was reportedly being dropped home after a night outwithfriends.

Region 10 traffic police travelling with them at time She was sitting in the began their investigations of the accident into custody front seat of the car beside and learned that the car was When they conducted a the driver, 28 year old reportedly speeding north breathalyzertestonLewis,it JermaineLewis,andwasleft along the road when it showed that there were .29 unconscious after the car appeared as if the driver had and 31 micrograms of crashed. Forde had to be lostcontrolofthewheel.The Breath Alcohol Content pulled from the wreck and car flipped until it landed on (BAC) in his system, way was rushed to the Linden thewesternsideoftheroad. abovethelegallimit. Hospital Complex. There, Investigators took the Lewis remains in doctors pronounced her driver, Lewis and another custody as investigations dead. pas

continue.

A59-year-oldmanwillbespendingthenext30daysinjail after he pleaded guilty on Friday to unlawfully wounding his 36-year-olddaughter

He was identified as Stephen Lowe, of Annandale on the Essequibo Coast, RegionTwo. He made his court appearance attheSuddieMagistrateCourtbeforeMagistrateEstherSam.

Lowe had wounded his daughter onTuesday last during a domesticrowatAnnandaleSandtop.

The wrecked car in which Forde was killed

Dead Tiffany Forde.

Jailed for wounding his daughter, Stephen Lowe

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One skilled mason/ carpenter needed. Atleast 3yrs experienced in similar capacity & ability to work flexible hours. Call: 2332475/6 or 641-1386, email: dynamicguyana@ gmail.com

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City Mayor adds voice to call for clean voters list in anticipation of LGEs

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine has added his proverbial two cents to the ongoing discussion over the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) set for March 2023.

In a statement issued on Friday, the city Mayor noted that while the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has written to the Minister of Local Government indicating its readiness to hold Local Government Elections in the first quarter of 2023, it is his form view that LGE should not be held in the absence of a clean voters’ list.

recommendations for reforms to enhance credibility in the list.

our country should rest assured that their elected officials are competently executing on behalf and in the interest of the citizenry...,” he said.

Narine added that Civil society and all right-thinking Guyanese must band together to ensure that no election is held on a bloated list dictated by the Peoples Progressive Party Government and Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission.

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He said that this was pointed out following the 2020 National and Regional Elections by the current opposition which highlighted a number of alarming anomalies which have again resurfaced and called for a new list.

The Mayor said that the People’s Progressive Party Civic too (while in opposition) called for a new voters list in 2015 compiled on the basis of fresh house-tohouse enumeration as part of a number of

However, he noted that recently appointed PPP/C Commissioner Clement Rohee has indicated that the issue of needing a new list is determined by whether a party wins an election or not.

“This state of affairs,” The Mayor said, “cannot represent democratic norms.”

Mayor Narine stressed that the people must be confident that their elected officials are reflected by a process free from influence that is fair and transparent.

“We cannot be comfortable with this partisan approach to representation.

Come what may the people of

He stressed that there can be no harm in ensuring a levelled playing field is created for all actors in the electoral process.

“Let us be rid of this indecency,” Narine added.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall announced on Thursday that March 13, 2023, was selected as the date for Local Government Elections (LGE).

In a statement released to the public, the Government of Guyana reiterated that it is committed to upholding (Continued on page 64)

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DIWALI SHUBH! HAPPY DIWALI!...

From page 45 knowledge. Many successful business folk begin their accounts on Diwali. The icon of Lakshmi has one of her hands holding a pen signifying knowledge and another has a steady flow of gold coins emanating from it indicating economic prosperity.

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The third popular tradition in Guyana is that Diwali celebrates the slaying of the demon Naraksura by Krishna. In some accounts, it is Satyabhama, the incarnation of Mother Earth who slays him. The dying Naraksura became repentant for his wicked life and requested that his death be celebrated with illuminations and festivity and this incident was attributed to be an origin of Diwali. In Guyana, the Naraksura tradition is not strong in contrast to India, especially South India, where it is a pervasive tradition.

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Diwali, like all Hindu holy days, always convey high moral and ethical lessons. It teaches the triumph of The Good over The Evil; the darkness of ignorance will always be overcome by the light of knowledge; and that economic prosperity and wealth must be respected and cultivated and shared as Maha Lakshmi shares gold coins in an unending flow to the world. As mentioned above, the celebration of Diwali was

confined to the Indian community and was only extended to other communities when it was declared a Public Holiday after Independence. The Minister of Education immediately before Independence was Mr. Brindley Benn and he appointed a History and Arts Council under the chairmanship of Ms. Lynette Dolphin with Patrick Dial as her deputy. The History and Arts Council was responsible for much of the activities which the Ministry of Culture now performs. The first project the Council undertook was to reform the holiday structure of the country and Patrick Dial was appointed to chair the sub-committee to do this. As head of the National Archives, he and his sub-committee produced a Report which recommended Ramnaumi, Diwali and Phagwah as Hindu holidays and Eid-ul-Ahza, Eid-ul-Fitr and Youman Nabi as Muslim holidays.

Before the Parliamentary Committee could consider the Report, the PPP government went out of office and was succeeded by the PNC.

The PNC government omitted Ramnaumi and Eidul-Fitr and the only serious disagreement of the PPP Opposition and the Muslim community had with the PNC was that Eid-ul-Fitr should replace Youman Nabi. The

Government did not agree, and the new holiday structure was passed into Law by Parliament with bipartisan support. This new holiday structure was an integrative force in the society and the original History and Arts Council Report had emphasized this.

Diwali celebrations have been improving with each year. It kicked off last Sunday with the Diwali lightup by President Irfaan Ali at Rahaman’s Park and its usual programmes of illumination and decoration of homes and shops; its Ms. Diwali Queen contests; the exchange o f tastefully prepared food and sweetmeats; Diwali music heard everywhere; diyas everywhere; fireworks turning the skies into a dreamland of colour and light; noisy squibs and crackers; home pujas and services at the mandirs; children enjoying the festivities and atmosphere which will be cherished as among life’s most joyous experiences; and a centerpiece of it all - the colourful, artistic illuminated float parade winding its way through the streets and attracting thousands of spectators from all classes, races and religions.

Diwali, like Christmas, has proved itself the most enjoyable, satisfying and socially integrative of Guyanese festivals.

City Mayor: Ubraj Narine

Guyana’s desire to spend oil money must be tempered by capacity to control wastage, ensure efficiencies

Given ExxonMobil’s challengewillbeforGuyana further stressed that Guyana aggressiveapproachtowards to transform this newfound must,nowmorethanever,be unlocking more oil in the oil boom into a better mindful that it is highly Stabroek Block, which standard of living for vulnerable to oil related already holds almost 11 citizens. shocks, both to price and billion barrels of oil In this regard, the output. equivalent resources, the financial institution said Asregardspendingofthe World Bank is warning poverty reduction will oil money, the World Bank Guyana to be wary of the depend on the performance said the two year old oil e n v i r o n m e n t a l a n d of the non oil economy producer needs to be wary of economic consequences that through job creation, overheating the economy It come with an accelerated including those linked to said there will be great paceofdevelopment. public investment projects temptation for increased

The financial institution and local content for the oil spendingasthemoneyflows has been one of the nation’s sector, as well as the in. The bank cautioned that key development partners redistribution of resource the nation must spend since the discovery of oil back in May 2015. Over the years, it has spoken glowingly about the nation’s potential to be a model State withoilandgasaswellasthe significantrevenuesthatwill come.

In 2019, under the David Granger administration, it had provided the nation with a US$20M loan to put the right systems in place that would help with effective management of the oil revenues.

a c c o r d i n g t o t h e bonanza.Butsinceassuming Thebanksaid,“Forlong- effectiveness of its systems o f f i c e , t h e P P P / C termpro-poorgrowth,andin to monitor and control administration has placed a line with the country’s new wastage and ensure hold on the funds. The new national development efficiencies. government said it will strategy, more efficient and In parallel, it said reassess how funds have effective public service Guyanamustbeawareofthe been spent already and delivery is essential. This is fact that increased determine a new agenda that particularly the case in areas productionbringsahigh-risk is in line with its approach like health, education, and o f d e v a s t a t i n g andgoalsforthesector digital connectivity, which e n v i r o n m e n t a l

In an updated economic improvehumancapital.” consequences.Theseinclude review of the nation, the It added, “Sound and massiveoilspillsandflaring, WorldBanksaidGuyana,the transparent management of which releases toxic country that is poised to be oil revenues will be critical c h e m i c a l s i n t o t h e the fastest growing economy t o a v o i d i n c r e a s e d environment. in the world fueled primarily polarisation and further In closing, the financial by the expansion of oil erosion of already weak institutionsaidthenationhas output,mustbemindfulofits institutions and governance. to demonstrate that it is approach to managing the Reforms to support private making decisions with these sector sector growth are also risks in mind, especially as

The World Bank was critical…” the world moves rapidly into keen to note that the real The lending agency atransitionfromfossilfuels.

$447M contract signed for construction of permanent Deeds and Commercial Registry HQ in Essequibo Coast

AICAMConstructionsandServices Executive Officer, Sussane Saywack; Inc. was awarded the GUY $447, amongothers.

J862, 666 contract which will see the In2001,theGovernmentofGuyanatook construction of a new four storied building the decision to expand the services provided next door to the Supreme Court building at by these agencies to Region Two, therefore Suddie to house the Deeds and Commercial making it easier for citizens to access Registries Authority in Essequibo, Region information regarding ownership of their Two. lands; process the transfer of properties held

On October 21, 2022, the Deeds and under transport, register powers of attorney, Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA) deed poll’s and other miscellaneous deeds; signed a contract for the construction of the mortgage their properties and register their building. businesses.

AccordingtoareleasefromtheMinistry Over the years, it was recognized that of Legal Affairs, those in attendance at the due to the growing number of transactions signing ceremony were the Regional andtheneedtoexpandcommercialservices, Chairman, Vima DaSilva; Regional Vice therewasneedforapermanentlocationwith Chairman, Humace Oudit; Regional adequatespace.

...Steps must be taken to avoid further erosion of weak governance systems - World Bank

City Mayor adds voice to call...

From page 62 democracy, noting that the holding of Local Government Elections is an important pillar in the democratic political system.

Dharamlall wrote to Justice (Retd) Claudette Singh, Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) appointing the date based on the work plan submitted by GECOM. Accordingly, an Order under Section 35 shall

be published in the Gazette appointing the date. The statement added that as part of the Government’s commitment, some $2.9B has been allocated to GECOM for preparatory works to ensure the successful planning and execution of LGE.

The government had repeatedly indicated that it was ready to hold the elections but was awaiting the guidance of GECOM. Notwithstanding this, the

political opposition continued to press for a clean voters’ list.

The elections were previously due in 2021, and some $1.1 billion had been allocated in the 2021 national budget for it; however, there were questions surrounding the credibility of several employees who were implicated in the attempts to rig the 2020 General and Regional Elections (GRE). Several were eventually fired.

Fire destroys Brazilian guest house on Regent Street

The top flat of the three- hadtheblazeundercontrol. being burnt completely to story Regent Street Guest Based on cell phone theground. Onlythesecond House was on Saturday recorded videos seen by this and top flat were destroyed destroyed by an early mediahouse,firefightershad bythefire. morning fire. Kaieteur News to use a ladder in order to Nevertheless, according understands that persons access the top flat quickly to the GFS, the disaster has were reportedly in the That decision paid off left as many as 12 persons building at the time of the because they were able to without a place to stay and fire staying in some of the prevent the fire from othersjobless. guest rooms on the second spreading to nearby Thebuildingisownedby floor but after an alarm was buildings. a Brazilian National and raised, they were able to T h e G F S s t a t e d , houses a beauty salon, a escapetosafety. however, that its firefighters beauty shop and a restaurant

According to the Guyana had difficulty gaining access onthegroundfloor. Fire Service (GFS), it had to the building because of its Investigators are still received a call around design and how heavily trying to ascertain the cause 02:55hrs that the building grilleditwas. ofthefirebuthadpointedout wasonfire. Despite being hampered that the building was not

Two fire trucks were from quickly extinguishing equippedwithanyfiresafety immediately sent to the the flames, the firefighters equipment, such as fire location and within a matter were still able to prevent the extinguishers and fire of minutes, the fire fighters three-storey building from alarms.

20 Men of Influence Hovo Awards...

From page 13

community for its participants to not only be negativity that surrounds our men, even empowered but become the face or role though, much men mothered their kids and model for youths, through continuous parents equally defining brotherhood among positive leadership and the facilitation of theirpeers,notwithstandingthefactthatmen various developmental and enhancement haveproventomakefineleadersinsociety.” initiatives. Thisambitiousmovewillexplore

Recognizing the need for initiatives such critical areas that include access to networks, as the MOI HOVO Awards, members of the leadership and social equity, executive national, international, and corporate presenceandmore,allaimedatbuildingnew community joined and shared their and strengthened relationships internally and commitment to the advancement of men’s externally,whilepavingwaysforyoungmen. leadershipinGuyana.

(For persons who are interested in

Withacohortofonly20menannually,the nominations, forms are readily available, or award will provide a safe space, mentors, for any further information, kindly call training, opportunities, networking, and a (592) 639-1809.)

A photo taken while firefighters were still battling the flames (Joseph Allen Photo)

The aftermath of the fire (Joseph Allen photos)

New Zealand rout Australia as magnificent Conway matches terrific bowling attack

SportsMax - Devon Conway’s majestic 92 not out and a superb raft of bowling p erformances helped New Zealand inflict a shock rout upon Australia with an 89-run win in their T20 World Cup opener in Sydney. Tren t Boult, Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee returned terrific figures in a superb performance to leave the hosts stunned in the first match of the Super 12 stage at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

For the Black Caps, it was a performance to em-

phatically banish the ghosts of last year’s final in the United Arab Emirates, where they buckled against a destructive Baggy Green performance led by Mitchell Marsh.

Here, they clocked a near-perfect start, with opener Finn Allen lashing a destructive 42 off 16 balls before Conway took command following the former’s dismissal by Josh Hazlewood through the offstump. The wicket-keeper’s shrewd knock pushed them to 200-3, setting Australia a dif-

ficult target to chase downand swift dismissals for David Warner, Aaron Finch and Marsh, to reduce them to 343, effectively stymied their response.

From there, New Zealand effectively mopped up, working their way through the tail - and when Pat Cummins skied Southee at the start of the 18th over, an easy catch ensured a 111 all out demolition to get their tournament off to a flyer.

Conway throws down marker to rivals

The pyrotechnic perfor-

mance of Allen came to an end with a choice ball from Hazlewood, the best of the Australia bowlers, but it was Conway’s steady presence that built the bedrock.

Lef t-hander Conway carried the bat through a sumptuous 58-ball innings that included seven fours and two sixes. It is his third half-century in his last five T20I matches - few players are in finer form.

Hosts humbled in poor start

Havi ng downed the Black Caps to crown themselves champions a year ago, this was a performance without bark and bite from Australia.

St Lucia NOC President...

From page 68 the majority. At least that should send the message that there is unprecedented confidence in the leader and the way he has been running the organisation. It was only apposite that we gave him the stamp of approval,” Ninvalle echoed.

He proclaimed that the sport will not perish due to a minority opposing the will of a democratically elected official by a majority, adding, “Necessity is the mother of invention and out of evil cometh good. Regardless of who takes whatever measures, the sport will not die.”

Rutherford aims to make...

From page 70 and perform. So its not just about going there…its about going there and leaving a mark,” stated the Everest member.

Rutherford, who made his First-Class debut as a teenager in April 2017, understands what he has to do to if he wants to play for the West

Sunday October 23, 2022

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

You may need someone's help or advice today, Aries. Don't be afraid to ask for it. You tend to be proud of your ingenuity and independence. Most of the time others are the ones reaching out to you.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Is your significant other uncertain about spending much time with you today, Taurus? You may be hurt at first, as your honey could feel obligated to spend some private time with family members.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Are you doing something special for the people you live with tonight, Gemini? If so, you might be a little worried about what they might think of your skills as a chef, host, etc.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

A small gathering may take place in your neighborhood today if at all possible, Cancer. If you're currently involved, you will probably attend it with your significant other.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Conversations of various kinds could take place today, Leo. Some older people, perhaps your parents, could call you. It may be a rather quiet visit, with conversation.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Someone you've been expecting to call might not do so today, Virgo, and this could worry you a little. Don't be too shy to pick up the phone and call.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Worries about money could be on your mind today, Libra. A check you've been expecting may not have arrived. Perhaps a project you've taken on is taking longer to complete than you thought,

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

The desire to get together with friends is strong today, Scorpio, but you might be unable to do it in the way you'd hoped. You could be delayed by leftover work or chores.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

A career goal you've been hoping to reach may seem uncertain now, Sagittarius. You could be wondering if your work has gone for naught. Don't think this way.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Are you spending a lot of time working on something you've been trying to learn well? It could be more confusing than usual today, Capricorn. You might come across a new concept.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Did you wake up this morning with a vague recollection of a half-remembered dream bugging you? If so, it won't do any good to try to pull it up. Perhaps you aren't meant to remember the entire thing.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Legal matters may be on your mind today, Pisces. Maybe your insecurities are blowing a certain difficulty all out of proportion. You need to view the entire situation a little more objectively.

It is early doors in this competition, but in a group that also contains an England side in rich form, it is a result that could have seismic ramifications for their title defence.

Scores: New Zealand 200 for 3 (Conway 92*, Allen 42) beat Australia 111 (Maxwell 28, Southee 3-6, Santner 3-31) by 89 runs.

Students receive...

From page 69 Trelena Caesar, David Deonarine, Rawle Dindial, Denero Edwards, Veer Farhad, Odel Fordyce, Shellisa Fordyce, Alecia Fraser, Janeel Fredericks, Bibi Hassan, Arudranauth Jaikaran, Kayala James, Divinash Jhingree, Kayla Joseph, Arianne Mangal, Keianna McAlmont, Coran McRae, Chandanie Nandram, Kishana Noble, Joshua Parasram, Andre Persaud, Junior Persaud, Sophia Persaud, Louis Pestano, Donociah Peters, Errol Phillips, Ganeshram Ramdhan, Ryah Rhoomes, Raphael Sampson, Nasiya Somra, Crystal Stephen, Devin Torrington, Kerisa Wade, and Daniel Yusuf.

Wisburg Secondary School- Senika Durant, Kezsiah Stephens, Aveyeon Andries, Jennifer Rogers, Isiah Williams, Areianna Durant, Kowane Higgins, Okeisha Hope, Julio Mingo, Jael Critchlow.

Friendship Secondary School Tyrese Bruce, Aubrey David, Naomi Hendricks, Aleatha Heeralall, Cornelius Mitchell, Shanieka Powers, Naomi Shepmyer, Serena Sobers, and Maine Tyrell.

President’s College Jared Dainty Daniel Isaacs Justin Powers

Indies again.

“For the longest while I have heard that my fitness was my problem of not playing for the West Indies. Its something that I am working on and whats in my control is go there and keep performing since as long as I keep performing there must be a way for me.”

St Lucia NOC President creates tremor in IOC

The calls, certainly within the Caribbean region, are becoming deafening for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to recognize the legitimacy of the International Boxing Association (IBA) boss Umar Kremlev, as the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) chief Alfred Emmanuel questions the entitys aversion to the aforesaidPresidency

Emmanuels sentiments, which centred on respecting the will of the majority of IBAs national associations, weremadeattheAssociation of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea. It also follows a n a l o g o u s r e m a r k s articulated by Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle, during an exclusive interview with this publicationonOctober5th.

The SLOC Presidents views were in direct contrast to the unifying call sounded by the IOC President Thomas Bach for National OlympicCommittees(NOC) to respect the majority position on discussing the presence of Russia and Belarus.

Emmanuel stated, “Now that we are face-to-face, I believe that it would have been an opportune time to explain to this body the stance taken by the IOC in relationtothesport[boxing]. We have been calling for unity as it relates to the conflict in Ukraine, and at the same time I am not hearing the very same call for unity and respect for the majority when it comes to the boxing situation. I would appreciate, sir, if you could

shedalittlemorelightonthe boxingsituation.”

In response to the query, Bach stated, “The IOC Executive Board will at its next meeting in December [5-7] carefully evaluate the whole situation, taking also into account the recent developments in the Federation during the last Congresstheyhad.”

He further stated, “In particular the fact that there were no elections being held at this Congress, but that there was only a vote not to hold elections. This is a situation we have to carefully look into, the more sothattherewasinbetweena decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), so it’s a very complex situation.”

IBA, given their current dilemma, was relieved of participation in the 2020 TokyoOlympicsbytheIOC. Amongst the concerns cited included governance, refereeing, ethical and financial issues In particular, the IOC is concernedprimarilywiththe entitys reliance on Russian energygiantGazprom.

However, Emmanuel affirmed, “I think that we must respect the will of the majority in boxing. IBAjust had a Congress and the majority said they do not wantanewelection.Soifwe

come in and are asking NOCs and the world to respect the will of the majority, why is it that the IOC does not want to respect the will of the 106 boxing Federationsoftheworldwho said they do not want a new election? I’m just trying to reconcilethat.”

IBA President Kremlev remained at the helm of the organization following the c o n c l u s i o n o f t h e Extraordinary Congress in Yerevan, Armenia last month, after attending delegates voted against staginganovelelection.

It was an overwhelming victory for the incumbent against Dutch challenger Boris van der Vorst, as 106 voted against that possibility as opposed to 36, with four abstaining. Van der Vorst, who was initially declared ineligible to contest the election in Istanbul in May, successfully won an appeal against the Boxing Independent Integrity Unit’s decision via the Court of ArbitrationandSport(CAS).

The SLOC remained optimistic that boxing, whichwasremovedfromthe initial programme of the 2028LosAngelesOlympics, willfeatureattheprestigious games. He expounded, “We know boxing is on in Paris. IBAis insisting that they are meeting the IOC demands.

As to whether the IOC in December will say yes you havegonefarenoughtomeet our demands, it’s a wait and seesituation.Wehavetowait until December based on President Bach’s response thismorning.”

Meanwhile, Ninvalle, who is a respected member of the IBA fraternity, stated during his return from Armenia, that the congress was conducted in a democratic manner and that the resulting outcome was evident of the entity s confidence in the leadership of Kremlev He posited that an election would have resulted in a comparable outcome According to Ninvalle, who is also the nations Director of Sport, he was elated at the majority support afforded to Kremlev by the eligible nations from the English speaking Caribbean, adding that the benefits of a Kremlev Presidency has already been evident despite its brief duration. This he noted was indicative of the Presidents developmental agenda and directionforthediscipline.

The former Americas Boxing Association (AMBC) Vice President, said, “We understand that there is some level of opposition to him being president and this may be about nationality because he is a Russian; however, the overwhelming majority has spoken and in a democracy themajoritywins.IBAhasto choose for IBA and no one else. We are not a colony.”

“How this plays out as against the International OlympicCommitteeisleftto be seen What is of importanceisthat[of] (Continued on page 67)

Port Mourant Turf Club Horse race meet set for November 6th Close to $6M up for grabs

The Port Mourant Turf Club at Port Mourant Corentyne Berbice, which is the only government-owned horse racingTurf Club in the country, will get busy on Sunday November 6th when t h e e n t i t y h o l d s a multimillion horse race event.

Some 7 races are carded

f

or the day. The feature event is a one mile affair and is open to all horses where weight will be allotted according to classification. The winner will take away a cozy$1Mandtrophy

The other event are for horsesclassifiedHandlower forawinnertakeof$500,000

and trophy, two years old maiden for a $400,000 and trophy winning purse.The K and lower winner will have $300,000 and trophy to aim for with those 3 events being 6Furlongsaffairs.

Horses running in the J and lower event will be doingsoover6furlongsfora grab at the $300,000 money and trophy available for the winner

The race for Lclass open

has a winners take of $200, 00 and trophy The final event which also has a $200,000 money and trophy availableforthewinnerisfor J class nonstarters and those that havent placed for 2022. Those events are 6 furlongs affairs.

The race will be run using the drafted rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority

Entries close on October

Alfred Emmanuel

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

Students receive high recognition for CSEC Golf efforts

Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport CharlesRamsonJrpresented Certificates of Historic Achievementto110students f r o m A n n a R e g i n a Multilateral Secondary, President’s College, Wisburg Secondary, Friendship Secondary and Rosignol Secondary schools at Nexgen GolfAcademy on Friday. Awards were also given to the teachers, coaches and several key members of the Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit Ms. Barker-King and Kurt Braithwaite.

Minister Ramson spoke about the extraordinary accomplishment by these pioneers, “I love golf and I am here for two reasons today-toextendonbehalfof the President and the government, our proudest congratulations to these pioneers whose place in Guyana’s history is now cemented, you will always be remembered as the ones

who led the way, and to let you all know that the work donesofarbyAleemandhis team paves the way for greater expansion of this sport, which was considered tobejustfortheelite,andthe government will put its resources to ensure that golf and all other sports are made a v a i l a b l e t o e v e r y Guyanese.”

Minister Ramson received a complete set of professionalGolfclubsfrom the Nexgen Golf Academy which he committed to donating to one of the 2023 topstudentsasaprize.

Also in attendance and speaking at the ceremony were Dr Ritesh Tularam on behalf of Minister Priya M a n i k c h a n d , K u r t Braithwaite, former Prime Minister Hamilton Green, Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore, Linden Mayor Wanda Arrindell, Kashir Khan, Vic Oudit, and Noel Khan.

Dr Tularam said,

“Honourable Minister Manikchand asked me to express her congratulations to these amazing students and to assure you that the Ministry of Education will continue to support and promote golf and other physical education activities to develop rounded learners. For myself, I am proud to be here to share this historic moment with you all and to thank Mr. Hussain and the entire team that worked ceaselessly to make this happen.”

Special recognition was given by the speakers to presidentoftheGuyanaGolf Association for his dedication and unwavering efforts to develop the sport over the past 18 months.

Former Mayor Hamilton Green and current Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore singled out Hussain as being the driving force for the stagethatgolfhasdeveloped in Guyana and credited for the speed in which it has

grown.

Hussain thanked the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth andSportandthesupporters, sponsors and donors, Ms.B arker King and Kurt Braithwaite and entire Ministry of Education team from the Minister, CEO, REDO’s, Head Teachers, PE Teachers, coaches and especially the students, who he credited with believing in the program and making a dreamreality

“Unwavering support from William and Aleena Knight, Danny Ramnarain, Anwar Shaffie, Assuria General Insurance; Copa Airlines; Blue Life Waters; Trophy Stall; Ansa McAl; Toolsie Persaud; Comfort Sleep; Beacon Cafe; Sunshine Snacks; Rentokil Initial; CMC Security; Ramchand Auto; Panko Steel Construction; Giftland Mall; Guyana Beverages; H. Nauth & Sons; Superbet; Darthan Investments; CS

World Cargo & Logistics; Sterling Products; Caliper Drones; PasCargo; Shafura HussainFoundation;Digicel Business; Maraiko Bay Resorts;andNexGenGlobal Group, along with all the sponsors you see here today provided the foundation for thegrowthofthesport.”

Hussain also thanked Al Junior Wilson and Melissa Dow-Richardson from the Ministry of Sport who were instrumental in guiding the programme from its inception.

The students receiving the Historical Achievement Award were: Anna Regina MultilateralSecondary Annalisa Singh, Tiffany Young, Tiffany Singh, Tilakram Singh, Chavelle S o l o m o n , A n d r a y Seecharan, Keymara Simon, Eshika Singh, Uotam Heeralall, Kamesha Jagernauth, Simone Williams, Valinie Joseph, Daniel Dowding, Pauline Forde, Shane Brummel,

The ongoing Vishnu Super Store T20 cricket competition for teams in the Upper Corentyne Black BushPolderareaisexpected to continue today with 15 more matches. There are 30 teams participating in the competition which was originally a 40overs affair The competition, which was suspended due to the inclement weather, restarted recently and is now being playedonaT20basis.

Results of some more matches played over the last weekend showed -No 70 A.

Spartans winning easily over Eagles Cricket Club by 94 runs. Spartans 144 in 15 o v e r s , Ta m e s h w a r Ramoutar47,Chainu23and Extrasahealthy44.

Bowling for Eagles CC, Jamal Khan and Andrew Persaudtook2wicketseach. They in reply were bundled out for 50 with Omeshwar Somaitaking2wickets.

Rama Krishna Academy scoreda69runsvictoryover Race Course Vitality after scoring 198 with K. Derup 64(6x6,6x4)),T Ramsarran 46(5x6,6x4).

Bowling for Race Course Vitality there were 2 wickets for T Ramsarran and I. Clarke. They in reply were bowled out for 129 with I. Jabbar 35 and R. Jabbar28.

Bowling for Rama Krishna, T Deodat took 3, Deolall Deochan 2 and Vishook2wickets.

Crabwood Creek Bomb Squad blew away Yakasari Horizon by 58 runs after scoring 114 with Turan Shivaram 57 Not Out, F Yakoob24.

Yakasari replied with 56

withS.Neezam22notout.

BowlingforCWCBomb Squad, there were 3 wickets forBaksh.

No 72 Cut and Load got the better of Scotsburg United by 8 wickets ScotsburgUnitedbattedfirst andwerebowledoutfor51.

Bowling for Cut and Load there were 2 wickets e a c h f o r R a m e s h Omapersaud and D Chatterpaul. In reply they reached 52-2 in 6 overs, JarrelHassand32.

In another game No70 MYO made light work of

Line Path Cricket Club with an easy 9 wickets win. Line Path with skittled out for 35 with Arif Khan being unplayable with 5-6 and Anand Mohamed 3 12 MYOinreplybreezedto361.

In the final game, Just Try turned back the c h a l l e n g e o f N o 4 9

Challengerswitha3wickets win. Challengers batted first andweredismissedfor88in 13.2 overs with J. Brijbassie 36.

Bowling for Just Try, R. Ramdass was the destroyer

N a v i n d r a G h a n a s h , Cleveland Gonsalves, Rebecca Cornelius, Angelina DeJonge,Tovena D e o n a r i n e , M a r i a Dhanessar, Tomeria Bejamin, Narema Bess, Manisha Bhimranie, Divanie Mohabeer, Maryam M o h a m e d , S h w e t a Moniram, Kellsy Narayan, Reuben Khayum, Keshav Lall, Aryawan Ramgobin, Adesh Ramnarine, Punesha Ramjit, Artie Ramnarine, Jevanjalie Rooplall, Valinie Joseph, Prakash Narine, Angelina Permansingh, Satrupa Persaud, Shavana Persaud, Talieah Persaud, Vijanand Persaud, Annie Phillips, Ramoll Baboolall, Jeremiah Arjune, Khelouti Balbadar, Zafir Barakat, Jairam Sharma, Karishma Lall, Isiah Kumar and AnjanieNaraine.

Rosignol Secondary School Alfred Anson, Kenneth Andrews, Andrew Benjamin, IsiahBriggs, (Continued on page 67)

with 5-21 and N. Naimchan taking 2. In their turn at the wicket they batted on to reach99-7withLatishSingh 31.

B o w l i n g f o r t h e Challengers there was 3 wickets for B Samaroo whiletherewere2apiecefor B.PersaudandJ.Brijnauth. Matches are being played on Sundays and will see two matches being playedontheday

The first game start at 09:00 hrs with the second beginning at 14:00hrs (SamuelWhyte)

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. with students at the ceremony

Keen competition as Badminton Juniors reach later stages

The atmosphere at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was electrifying on Friday evening as day two of the G u y a n a B a d m i n t o n AssociationsNationalJunior Tournament saw keenly contestedmatches.

This tournament is s e e i n g p a r t i c i p a n t s competing in Boys Singles, GirlsSingles,Boys Doubles and Girls Doubles games in the U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19 categories.

The results of the matches on Friday are as follows:

Day2MATCHES

Under-11BoysSingles:

1. Manvir Sharma bt. AshtonRamdhani21-8

2. John Thomas bt. Joel Rambirichie21-5

3. Francis Thomas bt. ManvirSharma21-12

Under-13BoysSingles:

1. John Thomas bt. VivaanShivnauth21-6,21-6

2. Sergio Alexander bt. Mohamed Farouk 21-10,216

3. Ruel Rambiriche bt. Sergio Alexander 21-14,218

Under-13GirlsSingles:

1. Himanshi Kumar bt. Gabrielle Felix 19 21,21 10,21-14

2. Gianna Ramnarine bt.

TanujaNetram21-11,21-10

3 Himanshi Kumar bt Maleeah Hinckson 21 1,211Under-15BoysSingles:

1 Avinash Ramnarine bt NathanJarvis21 6,21-5

2 Aiden Bhagwandin bt. Gabriel Felix 21 15,2220

3. Nathan Morrison bt. NikolasPollard21 6,21-19

4. Xavio Alexander bt. JaquanNedd21 1,21 3

5.Aiden Bhagwandin bt. Avinash Ramnarine 21 13,21-11

Under-15GirlsSingles:

1. Mishka Beharry bt. GabrielleFelix21-9,21-11

2 Malia Haley bt

Navaeh Eastman 21-15,2114Under-15GirlsDoubles: 1 G e n v i e v e Bookram/Himanshi Kumar bt.TanujaNetram/Maleeah Hinckson21-6,21-13

Under-17BoysSingles:

1. Joanathan Debidin bt. HareshPersaud21-4,21-1

2. Matthew Spooner bt. Aiden Bhagwandin 21 18,21-10

3. Jedidiah Uwagboe bt. FrankWaddell21-2,21-11

4. Xavio Alexander bt. Jonathan Robinson 21 15,21-11

5. Joanathan Debidin bt. Matthew Spooner 21-12,2119

Under-17BoysDoubles:

1 M a t t h e w Spooner/Haresh Persaud bt. Jedidiah Uwagboe/Juan Ferreira

21-29,24-22

Under-19BoysSingles:

1. Joanathan Debidin bt. Xavio Alexander 21-16,21142.RaahRussellbt.Haresh Persaud21-10,21-6

3. Viraj Singh bt. Manav Sharma21-10,21-8

4. Viraj Singh bt. Raah Russell21-13,21-8

Under-19BoysDoubles:

1. Raah Russell/Frank

Waddell bt Nathan Morrison/VinaiDatt 21-9,21-7

Under-19GirlsSingles:

1. Mishka Beharry bt. MaliaHaley21-3,21-1

2. Alima Eastman bt. NavaehEastman21-7,21-8

Under-19GirlsDoubles:

1 . A l i m a E a s t m a n / G e n v i e v e Bookram bt. Navaeh Eastman/MaliaHaley 21-13,21-19

The finals were set for yesterday, followed by the awardceremony

Rutherford aims to make impact

By Sean Devers

Twenty four year old Sherfane Rutherford has scoredtwofiftiesin16ListA innings since his debut in this format against English County Kent in Antigua in January 31, 2018, but the left-hander from the Village of Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara has not played for Guyana since March 2019.

Rutherford, considered a T20 specialist, has been selectedinaGuyana14-man Squad which will play in the 2022 Regional Super50 in Trinidad from October 31 when they face the Windwards at the Queens Park Oval. Rutherford, who has played six T20 Internationals for the West Indies,ishappytobebackin Guyana colours after an absenceofoverthreeyears.

“First of all, I must thank

Godfortheopportunity Itsa great feeling to be back in Guyana good feeling playing Regional cricket…it sbeenawhile.Itssomething I have put in thoughts and plans and good you know I have some time and I am looking forward to enjoy it,” informed Rutherford, who has three fifties and 33 wickets from 17 First-Class games.

Guyana has reached the finals on three occasions since winning their last 50overTitlein2005.

Rutherford was six years-old when Guyana beat Barbados in near darkness at Bourdatowintheirninthand last title and now hopes to leavean impacton this years tournament.

“Playing in the Super50 for me is very important, I play every tournament hard, every cricket game hard.

Being so long out of it and coming back I would try my best to just leave that impact and give myself the best chance of performing as well. So I am looking to enjoy it and cant wait to get started,”saidRutherford.

The left-handed batter who bowls useful right arm medium pace, has matured mentally since he last representedhisCountry

“My mind-set change a bit in terms of trying to be more aggressive and showing more intent. Being aggressive does not mean being reckless… show more intent and try to score off good balls and rotate the strike more but everything elseremainsthesame.

I will look to score runs and try and make my way back to the West Indies team,” continued the Guyanese who represented

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the last CPL. “One of the things that has changed for me since becoming a father isenjoyingmycricket.Thats one thing that I think helps a lot. Since I have become a father I have been enjoying whether I perform or not. I enjoy it and try to still learn in those tough times, thats what will make you a better person.

Its good being a father as well and am enjoying every moment of it and everything I do is for my son so I just want to perform for him,” added Rutherford, whose sonwasbornintheUSA.

“Thereisalotofbenefits for me from playing in this tournamentsinceIknowthat as long as I perform well there is a chance of playing for West Indies. Personally aswellIwanttogivemybest (Continued on page 67)

Mishka Beharry and. Malia Haley after their match.

Sherfane Rutherford

East Coast Guinness Greatest of the Streets Qualifiers starts today at Haslington

The Guinness Greatest of the Streets tournament will return this evening,from7:00pm,withtheEast Coast qualifiers, set for the HaslingtonMarketTarmac.

The elimination qualifiers will feature multiple teams competing for the remaining eight berths in the 16-teamNationaltournament.

The eight teams that have already qualified are defending champion Melanie B, Liliendaal Hustlers, Belfield Warriors, Paradise-A, Beterverwagting (BV A), Victoria Church Yard, Buxton Diamond,andUprising.

Following a two-year absence owingtotheCovid-19pandemic,the main section tournament is slated to commence on October 28th (Round of16)atthesamevenue.

The three-day competition will be played using the single elimination format, which matches also being played on October 29 and November5.

The first night will feature the round-of-16section,withthesecond nighthostingthequarterfinalround.

The final night will feature the semi-finalstage,third-placeplayoff,

and championship encounter respectively

According to an official release from the tournament coordinators, “The excitement for the resumption of the tournament, following a twoyear hiatus, is at fever pitch and the anticipation and expectation is this event could be one of the most memorableinthehistoryofthezone, which has always been well supported by the surrounding communities.”

The release further said, “For scheduling purposes, the tournament has been condensed, and will utilise an elimination format which will certainly add to the excitement Essentially win andcontinue,orloseandgohome

That is the unwritten motto that is being employed in this edition. GuinnessGreatestoftheStreetsEast CoastDemeraraisofficiallyback.”

Presently, the Linden and Berbice legs have been hosted.

D

Swag Entertainment successfully retained the Linden title, while Showtime captured their maiden Berbice championship.

quarter-finals

Three teams Team Unknown, R9 and DC Ballers madethefirststepto securing the New Era E n t e r t a i n m e n t , ExxonMobil sponsored futsal tournaments first place prize of $500,000, after securing comfortable winsonopeningnight.

Playing at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden, DC Ballers annihilated Aroaima 12 0inthelopsidedaffair

Kelvin Gentle found the net seven times on the night for DC Ballers, while Dominic Gonsalves had a double The teams other goalscamefromLeonSears, Beni Dow and Kewsi Quintin.

Meanwhile, Donavan Francis and Darrell George scored a hat-trick each in Team Unknowns 7 5 win againstNutmanAll-Stars.

Former National youth player,Andre Mayers, along with Jamal Lester scored twice, with a single goal coming from Delon Luke, but it was not enough to see

Nutman All-Star past the much stronger and rounded TeamUnknown.

In the opening nights final game, R9 made light work of Coomacka, winning 9 2. Omar Williams was in ripping form on the night for R9, scoring a helmet-trick. He was supported by a double from Jermain Kingston and Javonte Tappin.

Damon Williams was the only scorer for Coomacka, who like

Nutman All Stars and Aroaima, will now have to watch the duration of the tournament from the side linesafterbeingbooted

Following last nights other matches in the first round, the tournaments quarter finals will take placeonFriday,October28, with Team Unknown, R9 and DC Ballers already advancing October29,isthedateset asideforthesemi-finals,and the third-place match and final are set for Saturday,

November5.

Pioneered in 2016 by New Era Entertainment, the E x x o n M o b i l f u t s a l tournament aims to strengthen the presence of sportingeventsinLinden.

This year, the first tournament since the COVID-19 Pandemic, the global oil and gas corporation pumped $3.6M intohostingthecompetition.

New Era Entertainment extendedthankstoBrigadier (retd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of Guyana, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, and the Guyana Football Federation.

In the past, New Era E n t e r t a i n m e n t a n d ExxonMobil Guyana have partnered to host two senior team tournaments and a schooltournament.

ExxonMobil Guyana also funded the construction of a bleacher at the nowdefunct Mackenzie Sports Club basketball court (RawleToney)

Flash back to action in the Guinness Street Football tournament at Haslington.

GCA/GTT T10 KO Open Cricket Festival

Khan, Hinds, Dindyal & Dave Mohabir shine on opening day

BySeanDevers

T10 KO Open Cricket Festival got going yesterday at GDFground in the City despite some early morning showers which affected somegames.

The competition is open to all teams in Georgetown including first and second Divisionplayers.

The Georgetown Cricket Club(GCC)beatAgricolaby eight wickets, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) defeated Bel Air Rubis and Transport beat 4R Lion by tworunsattheGDFground.

Agricola, led by 20 with two sixes from Idris Allen and 10 from Shewbert Williams, reached 45-4 as Renaldo Ali Mohamed took 2-10.

Mavindra Dindyal then scored an unbeaten 30 to spearhead GCC to 46 2 in a game that was reduced to seven overs per side as his teamwonbyeightwickets

The home team GDF, spearheaded by 28 with four sixes from Zameer Nazeer and 19 from Hakeem David with a four and two sixes, scored 55 2 with Mahindra Jeenarinecapturing2 13

BelAirRubiscouldonly reach 45 2 to lose by 10 runs

In the third game of the day at GDF, Transport SC beat 4R Lions by two runs Transport batted first as the sun came out and reached 98 1in10overswithAdrian Hinds smashing four fours and three sixes in 45 not out and Alvin Mohabir clearing the boundary twice in an undefeated34

The pair joined forces after Jamal Wilson was dismissed by Chaitram Balgobinforfour

4R Lions in reply, fell two runs short despite a pugnacious 49 from Nizam Khan who faced 21 balls and clobberedsixsixes.

He got support from Seecharan Budhu who made 19 with a six and a four and Balgobin who deposited two sixesin15fromfiveballsbut it was too little too late as the oversranout.

Dave Mohabir, who dismissed Khan, finished with3-14.

The tournament is scheduledtocontinuetoday.

Road to Recovery Volleyball tournament on today at National Gymnasium

Some of Guyanas best volleyball players will collide today at the National Gymnasium, where they will battle for over $400,000 in cash prizes in the Road to Recovery tournament.

The tournament, presented by the Eagles VolleyballClub,willseethemplayinghostto the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Port Mourant Training Centre and Castrol Strikers.

“Wereplanningtogoall-outtoday SoIm encouraging everyone to come out to see Volleyball played at the highest level and have fun,” organizer, Kristoff Shepperd stated.

InearlyFebruary,Shepperdwasinvolved

in a horrific accident at the junction of Mandela Avenue and Homestretch Avenue, which saw him being in a coma for several weeks at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

Shepperd is arguably one of Guyanas most prolific players in sport formerly called Mintonette.

“This is the first tournament Im organizing since my accident,” the 22-year oldsaid.“ThisiswhywerecallingittheRoad to Recovery because its not just for me, but for volleyball as well. We want Volleyball to comeback.”

The Eagles Volleyball Club member said trophies and cash prizes will be given to top teamsandplayersattodayschampionship.

KeevinAllicockwasright...

From page 73 hisdisciplineandwilldohis country proud. So I wasnt surprised at his missive on social media, but I didnt entirelyagreewithhim.

ALLICOCK WAS WRONG

Ive been around almost 18 years as a sports journalist, covering boxing at both the amateur and professional levels in Guyana. As such, Ill go out on a limb to say that maybe, in the history of amateur boxing in Guyana, it will be hard to find a boxer who wouldve had resources available to him like Allicock.

Allicocks frustration shouldve gone to the GOA, headed by former Chief Magistrate, Kalam Juman Yassin. Athletes attending the South American Games fall under the responsibility oftheGOA.

The GBA did its part in putting all systems in place to ensure that their three boxers heading the games are properly prepared and given the best chance of securingamedal.

The GOA shouldve ensured that all athletes, not j u s t A l l i c o c k , a r e adequatelylookedafter

In Allicock’s case, from the moment the GBA realized that he was a special talent with the potential to medal at the Olympics, theyve done everything possible to ensure that his focus remainsonboxing.

And though an amateur, the GBA facilitated his remuneration monthly We could argue what might be

sufficient or not, but, no other boxer in Guyana benefits more from the GBAsupportandthatofthe GovernmentthanAllicock.

“Ihavebeenthrowninto the lions den many times before by my boxing association-somethingIam unafraid to mention. I have grown accustomed to it, but this should not be so Rather, I should have a healthy relationship with the executive body of the a s s o c i a t i o n w h o s e responsibility I fall under as an amateur athlete,” Allicockstated.

I would love to know when did the GBA leave Allicocktofendforhisown inthesport.

Allicock attended more championships than any other boxer in Guyana, and probably the Caribbean in his division and not once, has there been a complaint about the lack of resources offeredtohimtoprepare.

To give him the best chance of securing a medal at the Olympics, the GBA shipped Allicock and his coachofftoRussiatoattend one of the best boxing academies in Europe, joiningalmostalltheboxers who are heading to Japan, including his opponent he faced at his first Olympic Games.

The GBA, headed by SteveNinvalle,thecountrys Director of Sport, happens to be one of the few associations/federations t h a t a r e p r o p e r l y functioning.

Theytouchonalmostall the pillars of sports development, while also

shifting their focus recently on gender equality and equity.

The GBA ensures that their best coaches attain the highestlevelofcertification offered by amateur boxings globalgoverningbody IBA with Sebert Blake and Terrence Poole achieving their 3-star level coachs licences.

Add the push to have more women integrally involved in the sports administration, coaching and officiating, along with having one of the Caribbeans biggest boxing nursey and implementing t h e C a r i b b e a n Championships, youll find an association that truly cares for the sport and their athletes.

THEGBAERRED!

The GBA, in their defence to Allicocks Facebook statement, failed to address his concerns, but rather, they questioned the boxers discipline in the sport. This didnt sit well with many, including myself.

The GBA shouldve s h o u l d e r e d t h e responsibility of supporting their boxer and publicly stating their intent to ensure hes afforded the best medicalcare.

In another column, Ill address the GOA and their presidentblamingAllicocks demise on coach Terrence Poole (See article in Stabroek Sports, October 22).

In all, I wish more associations would support their athletes like the GBA didwithAllicock.

T h e i n a u g u r a l Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), GTT

Adrian Hinds made 45 not out for Transport.

Mavindra Dindyal made an unbeaten 30 for GCC.

HEAR ME OUT! Keevin Allicock was right, but he was also wrong!

RIGHT! Guyana did not attend the South American Games this year with a physiotherapist or medical personnel and as such, when Allicock fell ill in his room, noonefromGuyanacouldve offered any assistance, other than calling for emergency responders.

As one of three athletes

competinginacombatsport, there should be no excuses on the GOAs part on why they didnt have at least a physiotherapist as part of theircontingent.

Athletes likeAllicock do needattention.

He was right, when he statedthatthereneedstobea collaborativeeffortinsports,

with the associations, the GOA and the Government, allfunctioningcooperatively in the best interest of our athletes, especially an accomplished one like Allicock.

Ive attended several events overseas with AllicockandIcanattesttto (Continued on page 72 )

By Rawle Toney

Ialwaysadvocateforour premier and elite athletes to speak out whenever things arent put in place to cater for theirwell-being,and,also,to make a rallying call for support from the relevant authorities. However, as much as I congratulate athletes like Allicock for taking a stand, I strongly believe that it should be appropriately directed at thoseresponsible.

Keevin Allicock, now ranked 54th in his division by the International Boxing Association(IBA),wentinto a tirade on Social Media (Facebook) last week, calling for himself and other athletes to be afforded basic, yetfundamentalprivileges.

Allicocktookshotsatthe G u y a n a O l y m p i c Association (GOA) and the

Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), for not putting a proper structure in place after he fell sick in Paraguay while representing Guyana at the South American Games, where he finished withabronzemedal.

Contrarytothecountrys Chef de Mission at the games, Attorney at Law Keavon Bess report which stated that the 23-year-old boxer was dehydrated, Allicock said he was d i a g n o s e d w i t h Rhabdomyolysis (often calledrhabdo).

Rhabdo, research shows, occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases its proteinsandelectrolytesinto theblood.

These substances can damage the heart and k i d n e y s a n d c a u s e permanent disability or even death.

A L L I C O C K WA S

I applaud Keevin Allicock!

Rawle Toney

Kevin Allicock in action at the 2022 IBA World Championships.

Part of the opening night action between Nutman All-Stars and Team Unknown.

Toney photo)

Team

quarter-finals

to Recovery Volleyball tournament on today at National

Kristoff Shepperd (centre) flanked by players from GDF, Port Mourant, Eagles and Castrol Strikers volleyball clubs, as they display the Road to Recovery trophy.