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Audit of US$7.3B Liza 1&2 bills reveal…

AIETEUR Exxon billed Guyana

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Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Tuesday Edition October 24, 2023 - Vol. 16 No. 42

US$10.3M for private drivers, US$2.2M in school fees for expats' children

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 55,276

Suriname does not allow oil companies to charge interest on investments ...But Guyana permits recovery for uncapped

and unknown interest rates on Exxon projects

Two dead in accident near Iwokrama Guyana warns against actions by Venezuela ...says situation can lead to violence

Exxon's partner sells out to Chevron for ...to control 30% of Guyana's oil US$53B resources in Stabroek Block Omai says new gold pit find “exceeded expectations” ExxonMobil took US$58.5M from Guyana oil

money in 2020 for COVID-19, while Guyana borrowed US$95M for COVID-19 relief

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 24, 2023

Exxon took US$58.5M from Guyana oil money in 2020 for COVID-19, while Guyana borrowed US$95M for COVID-19 relief During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Guyana found itself navigating a fiscal paradox. The nation had to secure substantial loans to bolster its healthcare and other sectors, totaling an eyewatering US$95 million, all aimed at fortifying this country's response to the pandemic in 2020. However, while Guyana was accumulating loans to combat the public health crisis, ExxonMobil, the American oil giant, presented Guyana with a bill of US$58.5 million under the umbrella of COVID-19related expenses. In 2020, the year when Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 case, the country tapped various sources for financial support. Guyana secured loans from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), totaling US$57.4 million, and an additional US$7.5 million from the World Bank in 2020. The IDB loans were part of the Contingent Credit Facility for Natural Disaster and Public Health

Emergencies, aimed at financing expenditures necessary to contain disease transmission and mitigate its health and economic repercussions in various countries. The global health crisis had placed immense pressure on Guyana to fortify its healthcare system while grappling with financial and liquidity constraints that hindered its capacity to invest in bridging gaps and building preparedness and response capability. Recent revelations by this publication, indicate that a team of local and international auditors, scrutinising ExxonMobil Guyana's expenses for the year 2018 to 2020, uncovered that a significant portion of the US$58.5 million in COVID-19-related bills was allocated to chartered flights, amounting to US$18 million. The auditors concentrated solely on the initial year, 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit Guyana. The auditors discovered that the COVID-19 costs

incurred were not confined to Guyana alone but extended to locations including Houston, the United Kingdom, and Trinidad and Tobago. The costs were meticulously catalogued in separate files, notably including Houston Facility costs, United Kingdom (UK) Facility costs, Flights, Guyana Facility, and more. It was unveiled that 90% of the COVID-19-related costs were charged to the Stabroek block account, with Canje and Kaieteur (a block from which ExxonMobil had walked away earlier in the year) shouldering the remaining 10%. Further insights into the breakdown of charges reveal that Exxon billed approximately US$9 million for recoverable hotel and hotel-related costs, with a substantial portion allocated to the Atlantic Hotel (Marriott) in Guyana, encompassing blocks of rooms, whether occupied or vacant. Other hotel-related expenses covered Cara Lodge and Pegasus Hotel in

Guyana, in addition to hotels in Trinidad, the United Kingdom, and the U.S., all used for quarantining individuals before their journey to Guyana. Exxon's charges also extended to approximately US$18 million for COVID19-related chartered flights, covering elements like travel voucher taxes, pre-flight ExxonMobil Guyana COVID-19 tests, aviation President, Alistair Routledge fuel, and in-flight catering. Chartered flights from to operations. London, executed by British Notably, Exxon also Airways, accounted for registered charges of around US$1.3 million, while flights US$210,000 for facility from Houston, operated by m a n a g e m e n t e x p e n s e s , United Airlines, incurred encompassing janitorial US$1.2 million in expenses. services, tent rentals, The auditors further electrical and generator exposed that Exxon billed r e p a i r s , a n d v a r i o u s approximately US$2 million s a n i t i z a t i o n s u p p l i e s . for various medical staffing Moreover, approximately and supplies, including test US$1.3 million was assigned kits, nurses, masks, gloves, to employee or affiliate costs a n d h a n d s a n i t i z e r. r e l a t e d t o s t a n d b y, Additional charges totaling quarantine, and staging. around US$11 million were The contract to audit a l l o c a t e d t o s t a g i n g ExxonMobil's bills totalling employees for operations, US$7.3B for the period 2018 encompassing coordinators, to 2020 was awarded last security personnel, medical May to Ramdihal & Haynes support, and catering specific Inc., Eclisar Financial, and

President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. The local consortium was supported by international firms- SGS and Martindale Consultants. The audit report prepared by the team is yet to be released to the public. It is in the process of being reviewed by the relevant authorities. Importantly, the audit process did not scrutinize every single bill within the US$7.3 billion expenditure. Auditors only reviewed a sample of the bills. The local and international team of experts was given a four-month deadline to complete the audit.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 24, 2023

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Audit of US$7.3B Liza ExxonMobil billed Guyana 1&2 bills reveal… US$10.3M for private drivers,

US$2.2M in school fees for expats' children A recent audit report has exposed that ExxonMobil Guyana Limited removed US$12.5M from the Stabroek Block account to cover expenses related to transporting its personnel around the country as well the tuition fees for the children of its international workers. Following the field work done by local consortium, Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc., with the international support from Martindale Consultants, it was found that Exxon charged approximately US$10.3M for private drivers to take its employees in and around the country. Auditors said the details they reviewed did not contain information to differentiate what trips are taken, by whom, and to

where. It therefore means that auditors have no way of telling if Exxon employees alone are racking up those costs. They also had no way of telling if those trips are for work or pleasure. Specifically, auditors said the 2020 costs were approximately US$400,000 per month and were for vehicle rent, drivers, dispatch, supervision, fuel, and maintenance. Auditors said there are approximately 90 vehicles and eight buses used to transport personnel in-country. Kaieteur News understands that over 95% of the costs were allocated to the Stabroek Block account with the remainder being charged against Canje and Kaieteur (a block Exxon walked away from in September). Auditors said they also observed that Exxon charged Guyana's Stabroek Block account

US$2.2M to cover for registration, tuition, and other fees required by the Georgetown International Academy, a school attended by the children of expatriates. It should be noted that this audit report on Exxon's US$7.3B expenses incurred from 2018 to 2020 is yet to be released to the public. Neither the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) nor the Ministry of Natural Resources would respond to requests by this newspaper over the last month for this to be done. Another critical point of note is that this audit did not entail a review of every bill related to the 2018 to 2020 period as it was not a forensic audit. In fact, leader of the local consortium involved in the audit, Floyd Haynes, confirmed this with Kaieteur News in a

previous interview. Haynes had said that a forensic audit is done with the aim of identifying fraud and embezzlement with the goal of gathering evidence to be used in a court. He noted however that he and his team were hired to do a cost recovery audit pursuant to the parameters of the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). “The goal is to verify the accuracy or rather the legitimacy and validity of costs claimed,” Haynes had said. He had further explained that the audit would not examine every single cost incurred by Exxon. He said no audit is ever done that way. Haynes said auditors look at a sample of the costs incurred. He had said that sample is based on a number of things.

“It could be high risk areas that you think have potential for exposure based on past experience or based on having done work in the industry before. So you take a sample of those, you look at it closely and then you ask for corroboration or additional information on those types of things and that's what we did,” Haynes had said. Kaieteur News had previously reported that the audit contract that was awarded to Haynes and his team back in 2022 for US$751,000 had a strict four-month deadline for completion. Notably, the US$7.3B costs which the auditors examined pertain to the investments for the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Projects which are currently producing approximately 400,000 barrels of oil per day.

Omai says new gold pit find “exceeded expectations” O

mai Gold Mines, one of several Canadian mining companies operating in Guyana, has unveiled “excellent” drill results from their gold project located in the Wenot pit, situated in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The company's October 23 statement highlights the promising results obtained from drilling in the West Wenot target. The assays reveal that Omai has struck gold in multiple zones associated with the primary gold-bearing Wenot shear complex, with gold grades surpassing the current Wenot resource estimate. In 2023, Omai completed 16 holes totaling a significant 6,131 meters. These results will pave the way for an updated Mineral Resource Estimate, which will commence as soon as the remaining five holes' assay results are received. President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Omai, Elaine Ellingham, shared her thoughts on these new findings. She said, “These strong results from hole 23ODD-071 further demonstrate the extent of wide mineralized zones with high-quality gold grades along the western extension of the Wenot deposit. This area, situated west of the previously productive Wenot pit, presents an attractive potential for initial mining.” She further expressed the

company's satisfaction with the results, emphasizing their positive impact on the forthcoming update to the Mineral Resource Estimate. Ellingham underscored that the drilling campaign has not only boosted these expectations but has also highlighted the potential for expanding the Wenot deposit significantly.

“It is important to note that the Wenot shear corridor, which is up to 500m wide in the central portion, hosts 4 to 5 main goldbearing zones, most of which can be identified along the full 2.5 km strike length of the Wenot deposit,” Ellingham said. With this phase of drilling completed, Omai is now eagerly awaiting the assay results for the remaining five holes, which are expected shortly. These results will be instrumental in initiating an updated MRE, forming the basis of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) shortly thereafter. Ellingham noted that several

baseline studies necessary for the PEA are already complete, and others are currently underway. Omai stands as one of the few large-scale foreign mining companies operating in Guyana. The company holds a 100% interest in the Omai gold project, which holds a significant historical record, producing over 3.7 million

ounces of gold between 1993 and 2005. The project encompasses two gold deposits: the shearhosted Wenot Deposit and the adjacent intrusive-hosted Gilt Creek Deposit. In previous updates, Omai had already announced excellent drilling results, further underlining their commitment to exploring the rich potential of the Wenot pit. Moreover, several Canadian gold mining companies, including Omai, have shown interest in Guyana's mining industry. Guyana Goldfields Inc., led by a Chinese consortium, is another major player in the Guyanese mining sector. However, the country has

experienced declines in annual gold declarations since 2017, despite billions in incentives given to the industry. Amidst the excitement and rush of foreign companies to tap into Guyana's gold reserves, concerns linger about the government's failure to fulfill its promise of making all mining contracts public. Despite commitments from Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, these contracts remain concealed, creating a transparency issue in Guyana, at a time when the country is experiencing resurgence in foreign interest in its gold resources. N o t a b l y, t h i s s i t u a t i o n contradicts Guyana's membership in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which obligates the country to publicly disclose all mineral agreements, a requirement that the

President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Elaine Ellingham government has yet to meet. The need for transparency in these agreements remains a contentious topic.

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Venezuelan government and opposition Norway led the way in facilitating the process, Mexico served as the venue of deliberation, Russia and the Netherlands lent a hand throughout, CARICOM was pleased with the outcome, and the United States has signaled its reception. After four tough years of hard going, the Venezuelan government and Opposition Unitary Platform have signed an agreement on the way forward for their electoral process to function in a better way, hopefully. If battling Venezuelan political participants, long caught in the throes of a quasi-civil war, could get to this stage, then that says much about where Guyanese politicians should be. It is the mindsets they must harbor, and dedicating themselves towards understanding, possibly defusing the grinding bitterness that drains this country dry. Dr. Jerome Walcott, Foreign Minister of Barbados, paid tribute to those countries that contributed to where the Venezuelan parties are. He was higher still in his recognition of the role of dialogue, and openness to it by the parties. Dialogue through thick and thin, through war and peace, is what helps to move from Point A (dark places) to Point B (more encouraging heights). Dialogue towards openings for genuine compromise points to wise leadership. Dialogue when all appears lost, and nothing is left, is what separates improving nations from failing ones. Dialogue that leads forward is what distinguishes man from lesser creatures. The warring political factions in Venezuela arrived where they are on the issue of electoral processes, after social devastations of exceptional grimness hampered a country with the most proven oil reserves globally. If Venezuelan political parties can come to this place for electoral matters through willingness to dialogue, then it confirms how much they could be of the same mind to bind their people into one heart over their Guyana border claims. “This is a message…in all international and regional for a that it is never too late for dialogue.” Those words were from the Barbadian Foreign Minister, Dr. Walcott again. We at this paper are in the fullest agreement that dialogue takes to places where nothing else succeeds as well. When almost all other things fail to trigger a spark of interest or movement, dialogue is the only remedy left to try. We have not given dialogue a chance in Guyana. National elections rekindle old memories, unleash ancient passions, and serve as the tonic to begin a new cycle of hate and animosity. The word dialogue is least heard of then, the one most swiftly dismissed then, as all then hold on with a death grip to their respective positions. In the ugly aftermath of national elections, commonsense is suspended, civility is at a low ebb, and there is no place for dialogue, or entertaining thoughts towards any such circumstances. Political leaders at opposite poles of local politics emphasize differences, while overlooking the common elements that could bind, if thoughtfully used. This country is the richest per citizen anywhere on earth by most calculations. But on the management of the national oil treasure, which underpins the richness of Guyanese, there is ongoing sharp disagreement. It does not take a genius to appreciate that the competencies of both sides to the local political equation should be harnessed and could lead to places where this country struggles to be. From a fundamental perspective, this has to be among the first building block in any talk, any vision, of building capacity to take full advantage of the nation’s wealth. From the vantage point of everyone having a seat of the table, there is no limit to where the surrounding dialogue could take hopeful Guyanese. Instead of planks in the diaspora, there could be a fusion for what is better for all Guyana. Rather than division in the domestic arena, a united population can remove the restraints from Guyanese, and make them detect who is a real partner to them versus who is preying upon them when they are not together. A willingness to authentic dialogue powers to such places. It is beyond the podium and paper. Willingness to dialogue is what gives Guyanese a chance, guides them to where they should be, but have never been before. The Venezuelans did it, Guyanese politicians should understand what is at stake here.

Tuesday October 24, 2023

With no ring-fencing Guyana are denied their rightful share of the oil revenues DEAR EDITOR, Ring-fencing is an important concern that has engaged the attention of the Guyanese people; but Guyanese policymakers do not want to take any action to establish ring-fencing in each of the oil projects that are currently extracting and exporting oil from Guyana. When there is no ringfencing, the people of Guyana are denied, in a timely manner, their rightful share of the oil revenue earned from current oil extraction operations. Without ring-fencing, the money earned in a financially viable, oil extraction project can be disbursed to finance oil exploration and development activities in other unauthorized projects. For example, it is reported by the auditors that ExxonMobil Guyana

Limited (EMGL) used oil revenue earned from Liza 1 and Liza 2 in the Stabroek block to conduct drilling operations in the Canje and Kaieteur blocks that were not approved under the existing Production Sharing Agreement (KN, Oct. 22. 2023). This action by EMGL inflated the cost charged to Liza 1 and 2, thereby reducing the profit share due to Guyana. The auditors also listed other unauthorized charges for unrelated costs for travel and health services to the Stabroek accounting statements (KN, 10-222023). Another way a company can divert money away from sharing larger profits is to spend some of the money on community-based projects, including education and sports events, which will give the impression that the company is assisting in

community outreach and development. However, this ‘acclaimed outreach’ is to buy political silence from the political establishment, while the recipients of the financial gift will undoubtedly come to the defense of the supposedly benevolent gift-givers. So, is this genuine community development being financed by the Company? No! The money is not coming from the company’s profit share, but most likely this disbursement will be charged under the 75 percent cost recovery and deducted from total revenue. Consequently, policymakers and recipients should not sing from the Company’s song book, for this is the classical ploy that divides people and hinders genuine development. Meanwhile, the benefit of ring-fencing is that it

allows each project to: (1) Clearly identify the number of barrels of oil to be profitably extracted from each reservoir; (2) Define the average cost of a barrel of oil; 3) Derive a profit margin on every barrel of oil; and (4) Establish the breakeven level of oil output, where profits advance into positive territory, for a given price of a barrel of oil. As expected, some oil will remain in the reservoir after the commercially profitable quantity has been extracted; and this will result in the company closing that well and simultaneously moving to the next financially viable reservoir. This will be the extraction pathway of opening and closing reservoirs with the same distribution of 85.5 barrels out of every 100 barrels for EMGL and only 14.5 barrels (Continued on page 17)

We face not only an existential threat from within, but we also have a regime that has abandoned its responsibility to all the people of this nation DEAR EDITOR We are facing a clear and present threat to our livelihood and security as Guyanese, and the nation state as we know it. This nation cannot afford to ignore or not demand answers from President Irfaan Ali that by 2030 our population will grow to three million and Guyana has run out of large acreage of coastal land for development. Coupled with those announcements made by Ali at the GuyanaCanadian Chambers of Commerce dinner earlier this month, Venezuela’s soldiers and tanks are crawling on our land, and there is a heavy influx of unmanaged Venezuelan migrants coming to our shores. It is not sufficient for us to accept the Venezuelan Ambassador ’s reported explanation that the Ve n e z u e l a n m i l i t a r y presence on our land is the mobilisation of their troops “geared towards curbing illegal mining operations.” This is a responsibility of the Government of Guyana, including whether they want to conduct such an exercise with the partnership of others. Venezuela doesn’t get to decide this. Neither must we accept the regime’s strategy that the

migrants will be dispersed across the country. These are positions that lend to perception there are sinister motives, not excluding being tied to electoral opportunities, and place at risk our safety as a people. Successive Venezuelan governments have carried out the policy of making every citizen a soldier. Where Guyana has a territorial controversy with t h i s n e i g h b o u r, w h o continuously engages in behaviours and actions to covet our territory, the placing of Venezuelan migrants throughout Guyana is an asinine strategy that puts the nation and people at risk. Our slave and indentured ancestors did not shed their blood on these shores nor struggle to achieve independent status to see, in less than threequarter of a century, the majority of people are foreign forces. Neither could they have anticipated descendants of theirs would engage in actions that would facilitate the undermining of the nation state and threaten our individual and collective safety. The current case before the International Court of Jurist (ICJ) is having little or no impact on a people, long nurtured on the belief they are entitled to our land.

On this matter of land availability on the coast where Ali said the country is running out of large acreages, he must provide the data to validate this distribution, down to the last square inch. We know this is not the result of housing and indigenous business development, but that of external interests and some internal greed. The PPP must account and no flimsy statement from the President should suffice for the parceling off and selling off of our land. Guyanese presently are struggling for a house lot to allow for the development of homesteads. Many are given a ‘2x2’ by the housing authority where they can barely engage in planting a kitchen garden, and/or rare chickens/layers for family consumption as is the customary practice. This is not a partisan political issue, but rather an issue of national proportion that requires galvanizing every citizen, regardless of race, class or other association, in the protection and defense of the nation state, its resources and rightful heirs. The information that we could become the numerical minority in our land has serious implications not only for our rights, customs and way of life but indigenous institutions, Constitution

and Laws of Guyana, and national ethos. We face not only an existential threat from within, but we also have a regime that has abandoned its responsibility to all the people of this nation. The Jagdeo/Ali regime is not concerned about the nation only self, and to this end the Opposition must rise to the occasion and provide the requisite political leadership that would reinforce our motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” The National Assembly must be convened as a matter of urgency to address the Venezuela situation (border security and migrants), the projected population explosion in seven years and the issue that we no longer have land on the coast for development. Three million people from approximately 760,000, in seven short years, boggles the mind. Together, we must also demand publication of the National Census for it is an important element in national planning and knowledge of population growth. We must not cede a blade of grass, and this must be reflected in our thought processes, policies, programmes, behaviours and actions. Sincerely Lincoln Lewis

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 24, 2023

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President Irfaan Ali’s direct Ring-fencing warrants governance approach a much more

Dear Editor President Ali and Cabinet Ministers Juan Edghill, Zulfikar Mustapha, Charles Ramson Jr., Collin Croal, Anand Persaud, and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall paid a two-day visit (0ctober 14-15) to Region 6, Berbice. The trip also has a full complement of technical staff from Region 6, as well as from the relevant office in Georgetown. Director of Presidential Relations, Marcia Nadir-Sharma, and myself (Adviser in the Office of the President) were also on hand. I would like to make a general observation about the President’s outreach, with particular attention to his mode of governance. The key is to note that the current Administration is keen on governing from below, from the field, from every region and every district. This is a direct governance approach. While previous leaders like Presidents Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Sam Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Donald Ramotar did immerse themselves deeply among the people, the current leaders – President Ali, Prime Minister Phillips, and Vice President Jagdeo, are now institutionalising a new kind democratic governance from below. The key difference between past and present is that President Ali has taken operational matters directly

into the towns and villages in Guyana. Outreaches are not simply letting people know about policies. The President and his team had extensive consultations at Mara, Rose Hall-Canje Estate, New Amsterdam, Port Mourant, M a n c h e s t e r- L i v e r p o o l , Mibicuri in Black Bush Polder, Corriverton, and at Baracara down the Canje River. At every meeting, the President announced new development measures for the community, most of them in response to previous community interactions. As w i t h p r e v i o u s administrations, the president and cabinet ministers engaged in extensive discussions about community needs. Topics ranged from broad issues like cattle grazing and health hazards (Mibicuri) to road construction (Mara), transportation and farming (Baracara) to specific matters dealing with security, street lighting, NIS, noise nuisance, and a plethora of quality-oflife issues. At Corriverton, for instance, requests ranged from large-scale farming and re-migrant concessions to public assistance and small grants. The underlying shift in the governance model is that there is now a strong operational dimension to these meetings. Rather than take a complaint, come back to Georgetown, and then act,

Should the President be out of the country at this critical time? Dear Editor Nobody believes or accepts the explanation offered for the troop buildup and military exercise at our border about curbing illegal mining on its lands. This is a smoke screen as to its true intentions and must be so looked at. Since when does curbing illegal mining involve a

military exercise? The lessons from Russia which amassed troops on the Ukraine border before launching an invasion should not go unheeded. There are many lessons from that war for us. Is the plan to annex Essequibo as was done to Crimea? Sincerely Shamshun Mohamed

President Ali and cabinet ministers go into action while still at the location. Relevant staff are asked to provide information ‘on the spot,’ and where possible, instructions for actions are given by the president also ‘on the spot.’ If not, President Ali ensures that a direct follow-up process is in place. I can tell you that I have been following up on two specific cases from the field, one from Mibicuri, the other from Corriverton. Director of Presidential Relations and OP staff member Dwayne Adams also have a handful of issues to process. Numerous issues were resolved ‘on the spot’ at the place of outreach. At Mibicuri, for instance, the request for a new school bus was immediately granted. I know that much the same has been done at previous meetings at Buxton, Den Amstel, Tuschen, as well as in outlying villages such as Aranaputa in Region 9. Citizens are urged to take note of this governance approach. It is better to make specific requests rather than make long speeches during which you forget what you wanted to get fixed. No doubt some will only want to make a statement, which is fine. Regional and local officials and staff of agencies, as well as contractors (or their representatives) should make themselves available in order to actively participate in governing effectively from below. Sincerely Dr. Randolph Persaud (Office of the President)

nuanced discussion Dear Editor, There is a suggestion that “no ring-fencing is good for you (Guyana).” The argument seems to be that if fiscal obligations were consolidated across all projects at some level higher than an individual well, more resources would be available to the developer, which in turn would lead to more production and greater revenues in the future. As one person put it, “At the end of the day, it’s all about encouraging investment to maximise the return of the country.” The impression one gets is that ExxonMobil would prefer if the level of consolidation were its entire operations, both current and future. If Exxon had tax liabilities because of significant profits at one well at some point, it could end up having no tax liability if losses at other wells could be used to offset its obligations arising from its profitable well. Consolidation allows just this, and so is valued by investors. Putting aside any concern that no ring-fencing creates an opportunity for the investor to over-invest in exploration and development just because costs can be recovered from profitable wells today, there are at least three other considerations in Guyana’s case that are worth

mentioning: 1. Even if consolidation across a number of current and planned projects were allowed, future projects outside of the implied time frame cannot be included or some perverse possibilities would arise. In particular, it would mean that some, if not all, of the risks and costs of all future exploration, development, and production would effectively be borne by Guyana, and none by the investor(s). Alternatively, it’s as if Guyana were making a grant to the investor for it to use to increase future production. With the right information, one might be able to work out exactly how much of the future exploration, development, and production risks and costs will be borne by Guyana in the absence of risk-fencing. 2. A dollar received sometime in the future is not the same as a dollar today. To say that all exploration, development, and production costs incurred early on will produce enhanced revenues in the distant future is one thing. To say that Guyana will be maximising its return by foregoing revenues today for enhanced revenues in the

distant future not only makes Guyana the investor (as implied in No. 1 above), but it amounts to telling Guyana that it doesn’t need to discount future values at all. It amounts to telling Guyana that it can postpone development (financed from current revenues) because future development due to enhanced oil revenues will fully compensate for any lost opportunities today. 3. A zero discount rate for future values implies that there is no uncertainty in the relevant future that Guyana needs to concern itself with; or that whatever its perception of the future, Guyana (ought to) love taking risks about that future. The relevant future, as pointed out by other commentators, includes oil prices, well productivity, and even climate change events that might affect the livelihoods of Guyanese. My point is that this ringfencing thing warrants a much more nuanced discussion than what an oil man here or a policymaker there might conveniently choose to say on the spur of the moment. Yours sincerely, Thomas B. Singh

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 24, 2023

Berbice reserves the right to be treated equitably DEAR EDITOR I watched with great interest the reopening of The Rose Hall Sugar Estate vis a viz and all the economic benefits that could accrue from it. The reopening of Rose Hall is a good thing, it is an indication of sound economic investment for the furtherance of development and progress in Berbice and the entire country as a whole. This comes three years after the present government has taken office something that is to be commended. However, this has not gone down well with the naysayers who closed it down and has created a trail of destruction in the lives of thousands of Guyanese, theirs was the position that it should remain closed and let their demonic plan of the suffocation of a main PPP/C Power Base and having it crumble. But this is not to be, the hands of time are turning as we move forward and upward.

The reopening of Rose Hall, used in the words of The President himself is a “No turning back issue.” Now, as a Berbician myself, I bemoan the fact that my county could have been so neglected, especially by A PPP/C Government? Berbice from eons of time has been a bastion of PPP support and a place where the party can assuredly get over 76,000 solid votes, so, I am dumbfounded as to why we were treated so badly? My proposition stems from three main premise: (a) Since Dr. Cheddi all other leaders have come from other regions, which tells me that their interests are centered there, quite to the detriment of Berbice. The framers of economic prosperity labelled industries like The Sugar Industry as the productive sector, because it is a sector that produces, and one from which we can gain valuable foreign exchange, to neglect so pivotal a sector in society is disastrous.

(b) The inherited view that Berbicians are a people rich and increased in assets therefore, we have no need of anything. In addition to these two reasons, is the condescending view that Berbicians are better off being in the field, “Boy yuh gon cut cane nuh,” it is a backward colonial view of my county that is still held in the thoughts of some of our leaders. Well that view was toppled when the party was voted out of office in The 2015 Election and that sent shockwaves in The PPP/C Camp. We m i g h t b e a hardworking “cut-cane calibre of people,” but we are certainly not stupid, we know what it takes to build a country which is determination and hard work, therefore, we have dignity and self-worth. We reserve the right to be treated equitably, equal attention, and as a consequence, equal distribution of wealth. Respectfully submitted Neil Adams

T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U L . . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N U T N B . N U . . L U L LUNT B . T . . T T N N B B U . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U Come out and L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B support the protest U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . N T B . . U N . L T U L B N . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N LU ...BLUNT. LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T BLU T...BLUN BLUNT...B UNT...B . . L N . T B U . BL T...BLUN BLUNT.. UNT...B . . L N . T B U . . L BB T...BLUN BLUNT. ...BLU . T . N . T N T U L U L N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N U L U U B L . L . B T LUNT. L B . . . T B UN Tuesday October 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

Publisher of the Kaieteur News has called for a day of protest on October 27, 2023.

The aim of the protest is to call on the government to invoke the provision in the lopsided contract with ExxonMobil for that company to relinquish 20% of the Stabroek Block which it currently holds.

That 20% is equivalent to 120 oil blocks. The protest will also be calling on the government to ring-fence Exxon's 6th project as well as demand more royalty and taxes from the US oil major.

So, join Mr. Glenn Lall and others on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 9am at the Office of the President and let your voices be heard. Let's show both President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, that they have to take back those blocks from ExxonMobil and change the way they are managing this oil sector.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 24, 2023

Suriname does not allow oil companies to charge interest on investments ...But Guyana allows recovery for uncapped and unknown interest rates on Exxon projects

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s Suriname gears f o r t h e development of its first deepwater oil project with French multinational, Total S.A, the Dutchspeaking nation has made it explicitly clear that there are several costs which Total or any oil company for that matter, are forbidden from recovering. Interest on loans is one such expense.

Where Guyana is concerned, the situation is quite different. The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement for the Stabroek Block allows ExxonMobil and its partners to recover 100 percent of the interest on its investments. Several international organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have warned Guyana

about the abuse that can take place when companies are allowed to recover 100 percent of the interest on its investments. In fact, the IMF cautioned in independent reports that Guyana should, as a protective measure, should cap the interest that is allowed for recovery. In a 2018 report, the IMF said “the treatment of interest expenses in the Stabroek

Citizens can now switch networks and retain phone number The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Guyana said that the major telecommunications providers here are closer to implementing the Number Portability system, where consumers are allowed to switch networks and retain their mobile numbers. In a joint press release the PUC, GTT, Digicel, and ENet said that Number Portability will provide consumers with the freedom to switch telecommunications providers whilst retaining their existing telephone numbers. The release stated that the implementation of Number Portability is indeed a transformative step towards enhancing the telecommunications experience for all Guyanese. “It empowers consumers and businesses by putting them in control of their telecommunications choices, and this will herald a new era of innovation and customer-centric service within the telecommunications industry,” the statement added. According to the release, GTT, Digicel, and ENet are committed to ensuring a seamless and efficient Number Portability

process, noting that each company will provide comprehensive information and support to guide consumers throughout this transition. “The PUC, as the regulatory authority will continue to oversee the implementation of Number Portability and the Commission will ensure that the process adheres to established guidelines and standards, whilst performing its usual mandate to balance the interests of the consumer and that of the telecommunications Service Providers to ensure that their financial viability and competitiveness are maintained,” the statement added. According to the release, the operators are about to enter a final testing period before the launch of number portability. As part of the launch process, the PUC, GTT, Digicel, and ENet wish to assure the Guyanese consumer that we intend to educate and inform on the necessary processes, obligations and allay any potential concerns. Please stay tuned to all forms of publication media for further updates.

Block PSA is very generous, constituting an important source of possible revenue leakage.” In fact, the IMF said it examined several scenarios which illustrated how “excessive or abusive” oil companies can be in the use of loans to fund oil projects. The IMF said it examined three scenarios, one of which looked at 75 percent to 100 percent of the development costs for the Liza One and Liza Two Projects in the Stabroek Block being funded by loans with a repayment period over 10 years with a 10 percent interest rate. The IMF said the revenue loss could be as high as US$2.6B. Such a practice, the organization said can have a “detrimental impact” on government revenue.

The financial institution was also keen to highlight the uniqueness of the Stabroek Block PSA, in that it allows the recovery of interest as an expense, irrespective of where the financing is sourced from. It therefore means that instead of using a bank or other traditional sources, ExxonMobil Corporation can provide its subsidiary (ExxonMobil Guyana Limited) in the Stabroek Block with loans, charge an interest, and recover same without worry. While the Stabroek Block PSA states that the interest rates being used by Exxon ought to be “market rates”, the IMF warned that authorities ought not to be carried away as this is a vague term. Since it is not explicitly defined in the contract what

is meant by “market rates”, the institution alluded that oil companies have the latitude to stretch this definition to suit its interest. For almost seven years, Kaieteur News has challenged ExxonMobil Guyana Limited as well as the Guyana Government to inform the public of the interest rate Guyana is being made to pay on Exxon's investments in the Stabroek Block. Both parties have refused to provide this newspaper and the nation by extension, with the facts. To date, Exxon has five sanctioned projects in the Stabroek Block worth over US$40B. Exxon is allowed to charge uncapped and unknown interest rates on those investments.

Govt. launches probe into illegal buying, selling of gold The Government of Guyana on Monday said that it will be prosecuting persons involved in the unlawful trade of gold. In a statement issued via the Department of Public Information (DPI), the government reminded that Guyana has been grappling with a consistent decline in gold declarations. “Emanating from a recent analysis and assessment, the Government of Guyana has noted the s i g n i f i c a n t d i ff e r e n c e between the production of gold and the declaration/ sale of gold to licensed gold dealers, traders, and/or the Guyana Gold Board,” the statement said. The government noted that the difference it is clear based on the reduction in gold declaration to date when compared to current mining activities and concomitant investment within the sector. “In this regard, an investigation has been launched aimed at having

those involved in such action face the full force of the law,” the statement said. As a result, the government urges miners and operators of their obligations to sell all gold to licensed gold dealers, traders, or the Guyana Gold Board. “Engaging in the purchase of gold without the necessary licenses for such activities is illegal. Relevant agencies have been tasked with immediate and resolute actions to ensure that all mined gold is directed towards licensed dealers, traders, or the Guyana Gold

Board.” Further, the government made it clear that “those found in violation of these legal requirements will face prosecution. In the case of miners holding property tenures within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), they risk jeopardizing their tenures if they fail to c o m p l y. A d d i t i o n a l l y, miners involved in selling gold to unlicensed dealers or traders may not only face legal consequences but could also be restricted from further participation in the mining sector.”

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 24, 2023

PAGE 09

Jagdeo’s jitters! Guyana, a country striving to secure a reliable energy supply, has found itself at the crossroads of a critical debate regarding long-term power purchase agreements. The central figure in this discussion is none other than Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, whose actions and statements have sparked suspicion and ridicule. According to yesterday’s edition of the Guyana Times newspaper, he is reported to have told the country’s diplomats that the government is cautious about entering into longterm purchase agreements to a d d r e s s t h e c o u n t r y ’s electricity woes. He reportedly made the remarks at a conference being held for Heads and Officers-inC h a r g e o f G u y a n a ’s overseas Missions. First and foremost, it is necessary to establish the scope of Vice President Jagdeo’s authority on energy matters. Traditionally, the energy portfolio falls under the purview of the Prime Minister. However, Jagdeo has made it a habit to express his views on virtually every facet of the government’s operations. His widespread involvement raises questions about his knowledge and competency on these diverse topics and, specifically whether he should be pronouncing on matters relating to the energy sector. S e c o n d l y, i t i s a surprising position that has been adopted by the government. After all, the original model of Jagdeo’s Amaila Falls Hydroelectric

Facility envisaged a longterm power purchase agreement between the developer and the electricity company. It therefore needs to be questioned why is cautious about entering into long-term power purchase agreement. Is the government now averse to long-term power purchase agreements in the e n e rg y s e c t o r ? T h e s e agreements provide a level of assurance to power providers, enabling them to invest in energy generation with confidence. Jagdeo’s skepticism about such agreements raises several critical questions. Will such long-term agreements not be necessary to address Guyana’s alleged electricity shortfall, and who will invest in energy generation without long-term commitments? Economics 101 teaches us that investors need stability and certainty to justify large capital expenditures in power generation. Without these assurances, attracting the necessary capital and expertise becomes an insurmountable challenge. Therefore, Jagdeo’s stance appears perplexing. One cannot help but wonder about the underlying motivations behind Jagdeo’s present opposition to longterm power purchase agreements. His government is currently pursuing a gasto-energy plant project aimed at reducing electricity tariffs by 50%. Is he apprehensive that alternative energy proposals might emerge, providing cleaner energy at a lower cost than

the gas-to-energy plant? Is the prospect that potential developers may submit proposals that would come in at a lower energy price and at a cheaper capital cost than the much-vaunted gas-to-energy project causing Jagdeo jitters? The gas-to-energy p r o j e c t , w h i l e commendable, cannot fulfill Guyana’s medium-term energy demands. It is expensive investment that will only generate 300 megawatts. That would not be sufficient over the long term of meet Guyana’s energy demand. But why invest so much money when natural gas is being treated as a transitional fuel? It makes no sense. To r e d u c e l o c a l greenhouse emissions by 70%, Guyana must diversify its energy sources. It therefore makes practical sense to invite expressions of interest for energy generation to compete with the gas-to-energy plant. Could Jagdeo be concerned that competing proposals might reveal the gas-toenergy plant as an overexpensive venture, producing energy at a relatively exorbitant cost compared to other options? Another factor in this complex equation is the resurrection of the controversial Amalia Falls Hydroelectric Project. The developer previously withdrew from the project due to a lack of political consensus. Despite an objective study suggesting that the project was the quickest route to renewable

DEM BOYS SEH

More food sellers than food handlers’ certificates Well, well, well, if you’ve been living under a coconut tree in Guyana, you might have missed the hottest business trend. It’s no secret that food has become the unofficial national pastime – you can’t take two steps without stumbling upon a culinary stand on every street corner. Forget the gold rush, we’re in the food rush! They say every two corners in Guyana, someone’s cooking up a storm, and they’re not kidding! This place has more culinary corners than a geometry book. Cooked food, I mean, none of that

fancy raw stuff – we’re talking curry, roti, cook up rice, chowmein, fried rice and plenty fast food. It’s like a constant food festival, and it’s happening daily! But what’s got the dogs howling is the fact that the people of Guyana are so smitten with this food frenzy that even the pups are barking for their fair share. You’d think it’s a canine rebellion. N o w, y o u m i g h t wonder, with all this food being sold from caravans, roadside stands and car trunks, who’s asking for food handlers’ certificates?

Well, my dear reader, that’s about as rare as the rain these days. We’re living in a world where too many are cooks without the credentials, and hygiene? It reminded dem boys of de time when after driving non-stop for eight hours, dem boys pull over at a restaurant. Dem boys went in, leaving the wife in de car, and placed an order to go. After writing down de order, de girl behind the cash register asked, “Will that be all for you?” “No,” dem boys replied defensively. “Some of it is for my wife.” Talk Half! Leff Half!

energy, concerns have persisted. Jagdeo’s legacy appears closely tied to this venture, as his list of achievements as President remains relatively scant. This might explain his reluctance to entertain proposals for long-term power purchase agreements. The Amalia Falls Hydroelectric Project is projected to cost over a billion US dollars, and if alternative energy generation can be achieved more affordably, it would undermine his cherished project. Chinese investors have

already backed out of the Amalia Hydroelectric Project. This constitutes a serious setback for Jagdeo, as the Chinese had previously been a key partner. Their withdrawal reflects a glaring rejection of Jagdeo’s pet project, a stark reality that challenges his vision for Guyana’s energy future. Instead of cautioning Guyana’s diplomats against considering proposals, Vice President Jagdeo should advocate for solutions that offer energy at a cost lower than both the gas-to-energy plant and the Amalia Falls

Hydroelectric Project. Such a stance would demonstrate his commitment to securing affordable and sustainable energy for Guyana’s future. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

Kaieteur News

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UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

LALL

Tuesday Monday October May 02, 24, 2022 2023

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Standing for Palestine, standing for patrimony The laptop is activated. Foreign newspapers browsed. News, views, interviews blanket. Israel! Israel! Israel! Passionate postures for, a million words in support of, and the Colin Powell doctrine of unbeatable force applied. I absorb the emotions flowing out of America, the volume for Israel. I see and read a plaintive whimper occasionally about those other people in what is now a boiling cauldron of a conflict; the worst of combustible spillover and overkill yet to come. In that cathedral of the civil, of fair play, and of justice, the outpourings are more managed, expressed more mutedly. I speak of Great Britain; save for the rambunctious, wild-eyed Irish. They should know, having felt the ravages of Cromwell and Ironsides. And, in greater Europe, it is more of the same: all for Israel. None for the other people. That is, if they are still seen as people, count for such.

I exhort, even beg, my fellow Guyanese to note how the fairer of skin, the beneficiaries of other people's wealth, close ranks and rally around the Semitic tribe, which they have often devastated with their pogroms, when such feed their hates, release their passions. The USA and the good and cultured people of Europe all hold one head and speak with one voice: Israel has been wronged! Israel is due its hour of retaliation. To Israel belongs vengeance. To fellow citizens, I invite examining the depth of the commitment of Americans and Europeans on the side of the Israelis, and none other. Palestine. Palestinians. The Palestinian cause. Where is that, who are they, what is that all about? Who cares? Who has the gumption to dare say what would be quickly labeled as 'antisemitism' at its most barbarous? American Senators elbow each other out of the way to get to the microphones, and before the cameras: For Israel today.

Israel forever. From the U.S. House of Representatives (a misnomer and joke, for sure), Congresspeople trip each other up in their haste to record their inseparable bond with Israelis besieged by heinous foes and inhuman fiends. Whether I agree with them or not (and I certainly don't), the lesson for all Guyanese is how a foreign cause cements, binds, steels, and encloses the minds of Americans (white and black [at least the political ones]) under the Star of David, Israel's blue and white national banner. The identical conclusion can be m a d e a b o u t We s t e r n Europeans, and the verbal thrusts of their politicians and populations: it is about who they stand for, and the ironclad nature of their stances. What do Guyanese stand for today? Outside of the turbulences of national elections, it is safe to say that there is scant else that knits groups and holds them in an irreversible grasp. Not to

any great degree is the harnessing power of the Ve n e z u e l a n B o r d e r controversy. Where is the pulsing oneness? Not the assaults on the national patrimony that punish and pierce in the losses inflicted on personal economy. What about some togetherness, that crescendo of voices unified for a compelling cause, as now beheld in thunderous waves from the Potomac, North Sea, English Channel, and the Black Forests? Guyanese have a duty to be of unrelenting ferocity over their patrimony. But, alas, politics stands in first place, with patrimony dumped to the rear of considerations, probably farther behind. In the United States, bitter partisan politics (notwithstanding the Squad) is shunted aside to run forward and cast a vote for Israel. Why brutish, barbarous, divisive politics are allowed to control our minds, contain our spirits here? I contend that we have our own

Palestinians, and they are Amerindian, African, and Indian, and the product of other fusion. They may be remote from the bright happenings of the new Guyana day, but they are right in the face, and cannot be minimized or wished away. Once more, I am impressed by the spirited local identification with the poignancies of the Palestinians. It is good and it is inspiring. Guyana breaks off diplomatic relations with Israel, and there would not just be the Congressional Black Caucus to watch. If Guyanese think that they have seen, or know about, lobbies, then they need to know how much they really don't know. Still, that is peripheral to the substance of this offering. Elections cannot be the only issue that electrify the domestic identity. There is that vaunted patrimony that is there, but might as well not be, for all the difference it has made in the lives of Guyanese, other than the

now fabled one percent in the population. The unity that has been so long elusive should weld every Guyanese to cluster around their rich patrimony. Government and Opposition leaders freeing their own, empowering them, to bring down other Guyanese only serves the calculations of dividers and conquerors. There must be no cult leader, no tribe, no clan, no group, no family, that separates Guyanese from their wealth, and their right and part in it. Now, who are the Guyanese that stand for that, rally, and march for that destiny? For Palestine is great, Palestinians greater. For Guyana and Guyanese, the greatest possibly. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

Guyana, Canada to develop framework to provide training for youth in tech fields Irfaan Ali has announced that Guyana and Canada will partner in developing a framework to provide training to young people in various technologically innovative fields. While addressing the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo on Friday, the head of state said a programme will be launched to have, at least, 3,000 young people in these jobs, in the coming years. “Before I left Ottawa, we had many discourses and one of the things that you will see very soon, is work towards the building of the platform in the innovative realm of things. I think it was in parliament that our ministers were laying out the vision whereby we want to create innovative jobs for Guyanese, the jobs of the future,” he stated. G u y a n a h a s implemented various programmes to ensure that youths are provided with opportunities aimed at their development and the country's growth. President Ali said the work and commitment of young people will lead to Guyana being in a good position in the areas of food, energy and

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo climate. “The future belongs to you. [With] all the work that we are doing and the investments we are making, we are setting the framework to ensure that you have a strong, prosperous, resilient and sustainable future in Guyana. That is the commitment of this government to all of us and the region,” he added. President Ali recently held bilateral discussions with Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau in Ottawa. The topics included Canada's support for Guyana's oil and gas industry expansion, as well

as the two nations' shared beliefs and strategies in agriculture, investments, food security, and climate resilience. The head of state also emphasised how the region and Canada have adopted a set of values that have shaped their societies. The region and Canada's journey as steadfast allies and partners has been marked by more than just intellectual commonality. Dr. Ali said that their partnership is a reflection of their mutual understanding of the value of communication and diplomacy in tackling the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. (DPI)

Tuesday October 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 24, 2023

UN notes Guyana's expanding engagement with its human rights mechanism

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he United Nations said that it does not take for granted Guyana's continued and expanding engagement with its peace, development and human rights mechanisms, noting that the organisation's multilateral system depends precisely on this kind of engagement and action from all its Member States so that it withstands the many assaults it faces. The aforementioned statement was made by Yeşim Oruç, UN Resident Coordinator Guyana in a message to mark UN Day being celebrated today (below is the full speech of Yeşim Oruç, UN Resident Coordinator Guyana). Today is United Nations (UN) Day. It marks the entry into force of the UN Charter – built on three pillars of peace, development, and human rights. I have the privilege to

work for the UN here in Guyana with my UN Country Team colleagues. I want to remind you that it is your actions, the actions of people and of countries that ultimately uphold the UN – the only global organization which belongs to all nations. First, peace. Peace is not just the absence of wars. It is the outcome of actions of countries using the timeless tools of diplomacy and dialogue, underpinned by international law, to prevent conflict. Guyana will soon take a seat on the UN Security Council, thus associating itself unequivocally with this ambition, and with actions for global peace. Second, development. Recently, Guyana presented its progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of global

Yeşim Oruç, UN Resident Coordinator goals representing humanity's aspirations for a better world. Guyana's authorities called on the world's wealthiest countries to live up to their financing promises, whilst committing Guyana to accelerating its own progress towards the SDGs.

No doubt, much still has to be done: to be clear, there are no short-cuts to development. But Guyana's budgetary and planning frameworks deliberately anchor national policy in the SDGs. Finally, rights. The government and civil society

of Guyana engage actively with the UN forums and UN conventions – increasingly through national institutional setups such as the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up. These engagements, as in the case of all democratic societies, are complex. And working with and through these UN bodies entails a process of sometimes frustrating examinations. But it is working. We at the UN do not take for granted Guyana's continued and expanding engagement with the UN's peace, development and human rights mechanisms. Our multilateral system depends precisely on this kind of engagement and

action from all its Member States so that it withstands the many assaults it faces. Next year, the UN SecretaryGeneral will convene the Summit of the Future. That Summit will be all about strengthening the multilateral system, with the UN at its core, to reaffirm existing commitments, including to the SDGs and the UN Charter, and to elicit new ones for our organization to be fit for purpose to overcome the many crisis humanity faces. On this UN day, I invite you, the people of Guyana to sustain Guyana's contributions to peace, development and human rights by its actions. Act Now.

Remanded for robbery: Kirth Smith

Father of five remanded for robbery Kirth Smith, a gold miner and father of five, was on Monday remanded to prison for robbery when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court.The 45year-old man is accused of robbing Onessa Thorne of $1,000,000 in cash and a black purse to the value of $10,000 on October 16, 2023 at Water Street, Georgetown. The accused pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Magistrate Rondell Weever, and the charge was read to him. Smith's attorney made an application for bail. However, the prosecutor objected to bail on the

grounds of misleading information, the gravity of the crime and the penalty it attracts. The prosecutor told the court that Smith gave police a Crane Housing Scheme, We s t C o a s t D e m e r a r a (WCD) address but when ranks arrived he was not at the location. Notwithstanding, Smith's lawyer claimed that the address the police visited belonged to his reputed wife but Smith resides on Durban Street, Georgetown. The court refused bail. Smith is scheduled to return to court on November 20, 2023.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 24, 2023

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Exxon's partner sells out to Chevron for US$53B - to control 30% of Guyana's oil resources in Stabroek Block - Shareholders told to brace for increase in dividend, share repurchases By Kiana Wilburg

Map showing Guyana's Stabroek Block and key projects being developed.

Guy

a

Sur na ina me

C

hevron Corporation, one of the world's largest oil companies, announced on Monday that it will be buying out all the outstanding shares at Hess Corporation for US$53 billion, or $171 per share. Under the terms of the agreement, Hess shareholders will receive 1.0250 shares of Chevron for each Hess share. Taking this and other financial arrangements to follow, the full value of the transaction is US$60 billion. Significantly, Chevron's acquisition of Hess will give it exclusive control over a grand prize—30 percent of the working interest in Guyana's Stabroek Block. In that deepwater block which stretches a massive 6.6 million acres, ExxonMobil is the operator with a 45 percent working interest while China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) holds 25 percent. Since oil production commenced in December 2019 at the Stabroek Block's Liza Phase One Project, Exxon successfully started another, the Liza Phase Two, in February 2022. Both projects are producing about 400,000 barrels of oil per day. Exxon and partners are also targeting over 1.2 million barrels of oil by 2027, making Guyana's Stabroek Block, one of the world's fastest-ever oil development hotspots. Hess' Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Hess is quoted on numerous occasions by this company, stating that the Stabroek Block has five governmentapproved projects, each of which will generate over US$1B in annual profits for his company. Guyana's Stabroek Block which is viewed as a premium profit-making machine for investors clearly caught the attention of Chevron as evidenced by remarks the company made on Monday. Chevron dubbed the Stabroek Block as “an extraordinary asset with industry leading cash margins and low carbon intensity that is expected to deliver production growth into the next decade.” Chevron also deemed Guyana's Stabroek Block to be a priority asset which already has more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent discovered recoverable

Guyana Suriname Chevron

Hess Corporation CEO, John Hess

Chevron's Chairman and CEO, Mike Wirth

resource with high cash margins per barrel, strong production growth outlook and potential exploration upside. The massive oil producing company also indicated its high interest in the cash flow that will come following the start up of Payara, the third oil project set to come on stream by year end as well as Yellowtail, the fourth oil project scheduled to commence by 2025. During a special conference c a l l y e s t e r d a y, C h e v r o n ' s Chairman and CEO, Mike Wirth praised Hess for its track record in the industry as well as bringing to the table the “most attractive, longlived growth asset in Guyana” and a focused portfolio elsewhere that complements Chevron's.

The CEO said, “The Stabroek Block in Guyana is world class with over 11 billion barrels of gross discovered recoverable resource from the industry's largest oil discovery in the last decade. Hess' share of net production is approximately 110 thousand barrels per day at industry-leading cash margins with low carbon intensity, a winning combination. And that's just from the first two FPSOs (floating, production, storage and offloading vessels), with three more currently under development.” The Chevron CEO also told his shareholders that there is potential for up to 10 FPSOs which is expected to drive production growth into the next decade. He

Hess

was also pleased to share with investors that the Stabroek Block also holds additional exploration upside potential, with 10 to 12 wells planned for 2024. “Given past success, this bodes well for further resource growth,” he said. During his remarks, Hess Corporation's CEO, John Hess in usual fashion boasted of having the best growth portfolio in the industry with Guyana and the Bakken shale, where it is a leading oil and gas producer. “…I believe our strategic combination creates a company that is stronger in every respect, with the leadership, asset portfolio and financial resources to deliver significant shareholder value for years to come,” the Hess chief

said. Combined, Chevron and Hess are expected to grow production and free cash flow faster and for longer than Chevron's current fiveyear guidance. In addition, John Hess is expected to join Chevron's Board of Directors. As a result of this deal, Chevron said it intends to recommend an increase to its first quarter dividend per share of 8% to US$1.63, which will be subject to the approval of the Chevron Board of Directors. It also plans to increase share repurchases by US$2.5 billion to the top end of its guidance range of US$20 billion per year in a continued upside oil price scenario.

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New US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole D. Theriot accredited President Irfaan Ali on Monday accepted Letters of Credence from the new United States of America (USA) Ambassador to Guyana, Ms Nicole D. Theriot, at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown. In a meeting with the new Ambassador, President Ali highlighted that Guyana and the U.S share important commitments in global issues that go beyond projects and include democracy, the rule of law, and international peace, among others. He also noted that enhancing cooperation between the two countries, forging a deeper relationship, and positioning them within the regional context are paramount. In emphasising Guyana's vision, the head-of-state said that Guyana is developing a platform through which the country will become a global leader in food, climate and energy security. US President Joe Biden had nominated Theriot as U.S. Ambassador to Guyana

Tuesday October 24, 2023

Kaieteur News

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Delma Nedd, and Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Jorge Francisco Soberón Luis at the MoU signing

Guyana, Cuba ink MoU to provide technical services in forestry, agriculture President Irfaan Ali and US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole D. Theriot

US Ambassador, Nicole D. Theriot

on September 7, 2022, and she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 27, 2023. Ambassador Theriot served until recently as the Consul General at the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. She previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Port-auPrince, Haiti. Prior to that, (Continued on page 16)

The Governments of Guyana and Cuba signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide technical support services in forestry and agriculture in Guyana. The MoU seeks to establish a general framework of collaboration between the Ministries of Agriculture in Cuba and Guyana with an emphasis on agriculture and vegetable products, livestock and animal products, beekeeping, forestry, and other areas. The MoU was signed by Director General of the Ministry, Madanlall Ramraj,

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Delma Nedd, and Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Jorge Francisco Soberón Luis at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre last Saturday morning. Ramraj highlighted that Guyana has several hectares of land that are largely undeveloped for beekeeping, which offers enormous potential for the growth of the apiculture sector. This will enable Guyana to meet the 25 by 2025 initiative by increasing its honey production for Guyana to become an exporter of honey in CARICOM.

“Government is repositioning the apiculture industry. Guyana's forest has a great potential for apiculture, if exploited, it can create employment and sustainable income for the population residing in the hinterland areas…I look forward to the fruitful collaboration between our countries as we actively develop our agriculture sector to greater food security,” Ramraj noted. Since Guyana is pushing the transformation of the agricultural food systems in the region towards full commercialisation, the (Continued on page 16)

Tuesday October 24, 2023

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Tuesday October 24, 2023

GWI part of IDB’s innovative data-sharing platform - will facilitate exchange of real-time data on parts, cut costs

WANTED

VACANCY

FOR RENT

Wanted: Experienced Puri Maker and Counter Person. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts. Call: 654-1361.

East Bank Electrical is now hiring Electrical Engineer, Outside Sales Staff & Counter Sales Staff. Call: 604-6394, sales@eastbankelectrical.com

Recently constructed 4 storey building at Parika in the business district, two and a half floors available. Call: 699-4513.

Wanted: Skilled Masons, Carpenters $10,000 per day and Labourers $6,000 per day. Call: 602-9469, 660-6385 or 625-7642. Male & female Workers and Female Cook & Domestic needed to work in Interior. Call: 660-9093. To buy black spandex fabric & Heavy duty surger. Call 672-5175 One caretaker to work full time at 3 V's Resort. Contact 225-4106 during working hours WANTED Office assistant-5 CSEC O’ Levels, Computer Literate , Prior experience an asset Agricola scaffmanguyana@gmail.com Wanted Scaffolders & Trainees Prior scaffold experience an asset Training will be provided Agricola scaffmanguyana@gmail.com Diesel Mechanic wanted. Contact: 688-0417/ 223-5273/ 687-5814

Vacancy Exist For two Experienced Dispatcher At Confidential Cabs. Call: 2315784, 231-4001, 231-4000. Vacancy for Security Guard and Gardener at CJ's Ice Business. Meal allowance & attractive salary offered. Call: 614-7231.

VACANCY

Bottom flat three bedroom apartment, located 173 D Eccles Old road. Contact: 6604330

For a canter/ truck Driver (part time) to work in Georgetown, ages 35-60 years. Call: 6673933/ 600-5992.

3-bedroom unfurnished WBD property for rent. Wifi, parking available. Contact 681-7261.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.

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VEHICLES FOR SALE

SERVICES Visa Application to Canada and U.S.A, graphics design, advertisements,USA passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 6267040. Repairs at affordable prices:Fridge,Air c o n d i t i o n e r , Wa s h i n g machines,Dryers,TV,Microwaves & Freezer: 610-5846 or 6618158.

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disasters caused by increasingly frequent and severe storms. Additionally, it addresses current supply chain challenges by expediting mutual aid during emergencies to restore service quickly. Seven utilities are participating in the data-sharing platform: 1. Water & Sewerage Corporation (WSC), The Bahamas 2. Barbados Water Authority (BWA), Barbados 3. Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL), Belize 4. Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), Guyana 5. National Water Commission (NWC), Jamaica 6. N.V. Surinaamsche Waterleiding Maatschappij (SWM), Suriname 7. Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Trinidad and Tobago Users at utilities will have the opportunity to connect with their peers from other participating utilities through the virtual community. During the pilot phase, the IDB and participating utilities will explore the feasibility of expanding the pilot version to include a pooled procurement programme, a proven method for saving costs through bulk purchases. “The effects of climate change make it imperative to strengthen the resilience, and efficiency of public utilities” said Sergio Campos chief of

the IDB’s Water and Sanitation Division. “In order to enhance public utilities to implement fast and effective responses to the effects of climate change the Bank has supported the creation of a platform for resources sharing. By launching this pilot platform, we are creating a network ecosystem where utilities work together to improve climate resilience, save money, and make smarter decisions.” “The H2bid/AURSI team is excited to partner with IDB to introduce this new concept of a virtual, data-sharing community to water utilities in the Caribbean region,” said Glenn Oliver, CEO, H2bid. “We are already seeing interest from more organizations and water utilities in the Caribbean region, which is great because the virtual community has a network effect— meaning the benefits for participating utilities will only increase as more utilities join.” Representatives from the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association, the Caribbean Water & Sewerage Association, and the Caribbean Development Bank actively participated in the pilot platform launch event and expressed their organizations’ support for the virtual community and their strong desire to see it expand to include more Caribbean water utilities.

New US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole D. Theriot... 1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner) Contact#649-0956.

One male Cleaner needed for Eccles area. Call: 615-9132 - Wood working for neatly made spindles and mouldings 645-8443 at 196 third Street Craig E.B.D Vacancy for Domestic/ Maid Telephone: 673-2779 / 615for morning and afternoon 0940 shifts. Call: 592-637-6700. NTech professional repair Live-In Male caretaker. Tele- services, we repair all brand phones, Computer E.C.T. Call phone 233-2053,705-1959 us @ 645-3184/652-2019 Bike Rider needed to work in Georgetown. Call: 223-7301-3 or email: info@splashminsresort.com

Living and Business Quarter for rent at James and Hunter Street. For more information Call: 674 0614.

Hibiscus Restaurant 91 middle St. North Georgetown hiring cook, Kitchen assistant,driver,server. Contact 231-5857,604-0857 / hibiscusrestaurantgy@gmail.com

Wanted! Male & Female workers for packaging pasta and chowmein on the Back Road (Mandela Ave). Call: 611-7839. One male and female ablebodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 2261497, 658-8559.

Ground floor Kingston (Barrack St). Camp and North Road (first floor), perfect for office, boutique, restaurant, etc. Call: 227-8478.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has launched a pilot version of an innovative data-sharing platform within a virtual community for Caribbean water utilities. Through the platform, utilities can exchange realtime data on parts and materials, expediting mutual aid and ultimately cutting costs, IDB said in a press release. Through Source of Innovation, the IDB has partnered with H2bid, Inc. to provide a one-year pilot version of this groundbreaking platform, which is powered by AURSI. The H2bid/AURSI platform is a unique virtual community with a network effect that connects utilities across various sectors, including water, wastewater, gas, and electricity. It aims to help Caribbean water utilities by: •Providing access to replacement parts. •Encouraging discovery of new technologies. •Helping share technical information, such as specifications. •Promoting an exchange of best practices, policies, and procedures. •Reducing waste by making surplus items available to other Caribbean utilities. This innovative pilot platform will streamline collaboration among Caribbean water utilities, enabling them to recover from climate-related

From page 15 she was Director for Immigration and Visa Security at the National Security Council in the White House. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Theriot has been with the U.S. Department of State since 1999, and has also

served overseas in Morocco, Germany, Pakistan, Iraq, France, Nigeria, Canada, and Barbados. She has received numerous U.S. Department of State awards, including two Senior Foreign Service Performance awards. Ambassador Theriot said, “It is a great honour to

serve as Ambassador to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and as the U.S. representative to the Caribbean Community. I look forward to working with President Ali and the people of Guyana to advance the goal of a prosperous and safe Guyana.”

Guyana, Cuba ink MoU to provide technical... LAND FOR SALE Prime commercial land for sale @ Camp St, G/town. Call: 227-8478. House lots at Moblissa, S.L Highway. Limited lots at the creek side. Cll 661-3608.

18.6 acres of land along the friendship East Bank public road. Price $4.5 US. Contact:623-1615 4 House lot totaling 205 ft x 115 ft in Kese Village 6 Street SERVICES Cummings street. Price $1.5 USD. Contact: 623-1615 Land 30x 112 ft located at Robb & Bourda Strreet. Price $1.5 USD Contact: 623-1615

From page 14 government is forming partnerships with nations that possess some of the greatest agricultural methods. Guyana is contributing to reducing the region’s high food import bill, while simultaneously increasing the sector’s sustainability. Ramraj highlighted that shortly, Guyana will be signing a technical assistance agreement with the Cuban Company, CATEC- Labiofam, which will boost the honey

industry in Guyana. Meanwhile, Ambassador Luis underscored that the signing of the MoU is an important step towards advancing food security and food production in the region. “As both leaders of Cuba and Guyana have stated, we should join efforts and forces to make our capabilities come together to strengthen our production and our technical assistance,” he added. Ambassador Luis

stressed that Guyana has a leading role in CARICOM in food security and production. “Cuba is making that contribution in that area…We are certain that we are going to achieve higher results by working together to make our technical and production capacities achieve bigger and better results,” Luis added. Ramraj and Luis both underlined that Guyana and Cuba have enjoyed cordial relations for a long time. (DPI)

Tuesday October 24, 2023

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Guyana warns against actions by Venezuela ...says situation can lead to violence T h e G u y a n a Government on Monday deplored the move by Ve n e z u e l a t o s e e k a referendum to annex the Essequibo as it continues to further its unlawful claims to the mineral-rich region of this country. Venezuela media reported on Monday that the country’s electoral commission will ask its citizens to answer five questions at a referendum billed for December 3, 2023 as part of the Bolivarian Republic’s claims to the Essequibo. The five questions are: 1. Do you agree to reject by all means in accordance with the law the line fraudulently imposed by the Paris Arbitration Award of 1899 that seeks to deprive us of our Guayana Esequiba? 2. Do you support the 1966 Geneva Agreement as the only valid legal instrument to reach a practical and satisfactory solution for Venezuela and Guyana regarding the controversy over the territory of Guayana Esequiba? 3.Do you agree with Ve n e z u e l a ’s h i s t o r i c a l

position of not recognizing the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the territorial controversy over Guayana Esequiba? 4. Do you agree to oppose by all means in accordance with the law G u y a n a ’s c l a i m t o unilaterally dispose of a sea pending delimitation illegally and in violation of international law? 5. Do you agree with the creation of the Guayana Esequiba state and the development of an accelerated plan for the comprehensive care of the current and future population of that territory that includes, among others, the granting of citizenship and Venezuelan identity card in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and i n t e r n a t i o n a l l a w, consequently incorporating said state on the map of Venezuelan territory? Meanwhile, in a statement Monday night, the Government of Guyana said it has taken careful note of the issuance by the National Electoral Council of the Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela of five questions to be asked in the national referendum scheduled for December 3, 2023. The government said among other questions, all of which are intended to further Venezuela’s unlawful and unfounded claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s national territory, question five is the most pernicious. “It brazenly seeks the approval of the Venezuelan people of the creation of a new Venezuelan State consisting of Guyana’s Essequibo Region, which would be incorporated into the national territory of Venezuela, and the granting of Venezuelan citizenship to the population.” This, the Guyana government said amounts to nothing less than the annexation of Guyana’s territory, in blatant violation of the most fundamental rules of the UN Charter, the OAS Charter and general international law. Such a seizure of Guyana’s territory would constitute the international crime of aggression. “The Government of Guyana categorically rejects any attempt to undermine the territorial integrity of the

With no ring-fencing Guyana are denied... From page 04 for Guyana until the 11 billion barrels are extracted. Guyana will have nothing more to receive beyond 14.5 barrels, if the ring-fencing and breakeven extraction model is not included in a new PSA that is aimed at delivering fairness and equity for a non-renewable resource that Guyana owns. Finally, it has been reported that Mr. Routledge, Company Manager, EMGL, is quoted as saying’… “The country is never in debt; that’s the beauty of a production sharing agreement, it’s the investors (that) take all that investment risk. We invest the capital and the cost recovery mechanism only pays back the dollars we have invested, (so) there is no financing component.” In response, it is c o n t e n d e d t h a t M r. Routledge’s statement is misleading, for EMGL has not covered the full liability cost associated with a probable oil spill; and this is a possible debt that Guyana will have to pay, if an oil spill occurs. As a result, EMGL is not taking all the investment risk, since Guyana will be trapped with the clean-up cost and compensation payments to our many

neighbours. And that 14.5 barrels out of 100 barrels will be insufficient to cover all the damages. Also, being classified as a high-income country, but unable to pay the debt will expose the false proclamation of Guyana being a rich, high-income country. Furthermore, Guyana, as the sole owner of the resource, is defined in the PSA as the ‘Non-Owner Associate’. Placing Guyana in such a demeaning category is contemptuous, for to have no vote or authority in the extraction of something you own 100 percent is reminiscent of slavery and indentureship. Therefore, this signals that we have lost our sovereignty and this loss must be corrected by our policymakers. In another comment, Mr. Routledge is reported to have said that ‘We invest the capital and the cost recovery mechanism only pays back the dollars we have invested…’. This statement is also misleading, for any investor will tell you that a successful investment is one in which one must take out in the shortest possible time, more than what you have invested. And in this regard, I refer to a statement by Kathy

M i k e l l s , S e n i o r Vi c e President and Chief Financial Officer, Exxon Mobil Corporation, who said, ‘… that the company’s approach has resulted in tremendous financial success…(and) …that the oil giant is sparing no effort in maximising value from Guyana on all fronts, as quickly as possible…’. Equally distressing is the statement by John Hess (KN 5-14-2023) who said, ‘Successful execution of our strategy (at EEPGL now EMGL) has uniquely positioned our company to deliver significant value to shareholders for years to come…’. Given these statements by Kathy Mikells and Mr. Hess, it is therefore irrefutable that the comments by Mr. Routledge cannot supersede the declarations by his two seniors. Meanwhile, there is serious work to be done by our policymakers; for future generations will not hold you in high esteem when comparisons are made with those who laid the foundation for our freedom and for us to succeed. Sincerely, Dr. C. Kenrick Hunte Professor and Former Ambassador

sovereign State of Guyana. T h e Government finds abhorrent that the Essequibo region which forms part of the territory of Guyana in accordance with the 1899 Arbitral Award that demarcated the boundaries of the States of Venezuela and then British Guiana, should be ‘created’ into a State within Venezuela,” the statement read. Further, the Government rejects the internationally unlawful act to put forward the ‘granting of citizenship and Venezuelan identity cards in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and international law’. “It is by way of the Geneva Agreement and the principles of international law that the question of the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899 has been put before the International Court of Justice. That Court h as r u led th at it h as jurisdiction to hear this case. Guyana has repeatedly

President Irfaan Ali

encouraged Venezuela to participate in the case,” the Guyana Government said. “The people of Guyana remain resolute against any threats to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their country. Neither the Government or the people of one country have the right in international law to seize, annex or take the territory of another country. International law

emphatically prohibits this. The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana calls the attention of the international community to the actions being carried out by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela which have the potential to incite violence and to threaten the peace and security of the State of Guyana and by extension the Caribbean region,” the statement concluded.

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Tuesday October 24, 2023

policy, planning, Two dead in accident Good data collection key to near Iwokrama successful crime reduction Two dead in accident near Iwokrama

Dead Orlan King A truck driver and a porter died on Monday night after the vehicle toppled while crossing a bridge near the Iwokrama Canopy walkway junction in the Rupununi. Dead is Orlan King, 29 of Annai, North Rupununi. The porter was unidentified up to press time. Reports are that the truck was heading to the Rupununi around 20:30hrs on Monday when the accident occurred. Residents of the area told this publication that the men were trapped in the vehicle

after it careened into a nearby creek. Rescuers managed to

retrieve the body of King. Efforts were being made to recover the porter’s body.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: The effect of good policies, planning, gendersensitive data collection, strengthened community participation in support of law enforcement, collaboration of stakeholders, and opportunities for education, training, employment, income- generation, crime diversion, improving citizen security and socioeconomic development, are lessons learned by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) through programmes it has financed across the Region. Senior Operations Officer, Social Analyst in the CDB Projects Department, Elbert Ellis, made the observations during his presentation on Crime, Citizen Security and Socio- Economic Development at the 7th Biennial Law Conference of the Caribbean Court of

Justice (CCJ) Academy for Law, held at the Hilton Hotel in Barbados from October 18-20, where he noted the connection between citizen security, socio-economic development and poverty reduction. The CDB, recognising the harm to citizen security, economic and human capital growth in the region and its potential to impede the achievement of its mandate, has financed several programmes that focus on preventative factors for crime and violence, strengthening the role of the school, home and community as primary agents of socialisation enhancing cohesiveness and resilience, and increasing resilience of at-risk youth. It is estimated that reducing crime in the region could improve Gross Domestic Product

by as much as 5%. “This comes against the sobering reality that virtually all Caribbean c o u n t r i e s a r e experiencing an alarming state of affairs regarding criminal activity. Even more glaring are the opportunity costs, and as such, the reform of the Criminal Justice System and a significant reduction of crime would, without doubt, set this region on an upward trajectory of economic growth and development,” Mr. Ellis said. Risk factors for citizen security include erosion of social cohesion and social capital, unmet basic needs, increased psycho-social issues, gender inequality and notions of masculinity, low economic growth rates, poverty, and high rates of social and economic inequality.

More than 19,000 displaced in Lebanon as Israel border clashes escalate: UN - International Organization for Migration official says the movement of thousands of people is not helping an already ‘deteriorating’ situation in Lebanon. (ALJAZEERA ) - More than 19,000 people have been internally displaced in Lebanon since early October, according to the United Nations migration a g e n c y, a m i d s o a r i n g tensions near the IsraelLebanon border after the Israel-Hamas war erupted. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said 19,646 people had been displaced inside Lebanon since it began tracking movements on October 8, the day after an assault on Israel by Hamas fighters and an Israeli offensive on the besieged Gaza Strip. It said the movements were mostly by those fleeing the south of Lebanon, while some people have also moved from other areas. “We expect the numbers to rise as the cross-border tensions continue,” IOM spokesperson Mohammed Ali Abunajela said in a statement, as cited by the AFP news agency. At least 1,400 people were killed in the Hamas attack, most of them civilians, according to

Smoke rises from Dhayra village after Israeli shelling as pictured from the Lebanese town of Marwahin, near the border with Israel, southern Lebanon, October 11 [File: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters]

Israeli authorities. Israel has since bombarded Gaza relentlessly, killing more than 5,000 people, mostly civilians, according to Palestinian authorities. As Israel escalated its Gaza offensive, the Iranbacked Hezbollah group, which is based in southern Lebanon, has increased its attacks on Israeli targets. Israel has carried out

cross-border strikes and bombardments on Lebanon, while Palestinian groups have also launched limited infiltration attempts into Israel. Several communities have been told to evacuate in Israel, while thousands of people in Lebanon have fled border towns to other parts of the south or to areas closer to the capital Beirut. Abunajela said the movement of people is not helping an already

“deteriorating” situation in the country. Bottom of Form “Amidst a deteriorating economic situation and the significant rise in poverty across all populations in Lebanon, internal displacements may add additional stress to the resources of host communities,” he said. Many who have fled south Lebanon have moved north

to the coastal city of Tyre, which is 18km (11 miles) from the border. Inaya Ezzeddine, a lawmaker from Tyre, said the movement was putting a strain on families hosting the displaced and the government of a country struggling with an economic crisis. “This war is happening amid a very big economic crisis and people don’t have provisions,” Ezzeddine told the Reuters

news agency, adding that around 6,000 people had sought refuge in Tyre and three schools had been used to shelter some of them. “We cannot open all schools because schools are still operating. Every school we open [for the displaced], we’re depriving its pupils from using it,” she added. Fears of escalation The soaring tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border have raised fears that armed groups could potentially join the war in support of Hamas. Analysts have warned that Hezbollah could escalate its involvement if Israel launches a ground invasion of Gaza. Hezbollah says 27 of its fighters have been killed in the clashes since October 7. Lebanese security sources say 11 fighters from Palestinian groups in Lebanon, which are allied to Hezbollah, have also been killed, according to the Reuters n e w s a g e n c y. I s r a e l ’s military says seven troops have been killed along the border area.

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$75M dormitories commissioned at Leonora Secondary T

wo dormitories were on Monday commissioned at the Leonora Secondary School to accommodate students from far-flung communities in Region Three. The male and female dormitories costing $75 million are currently housing 23 students. Two dorm parents are present at the facilities that are equipped with fire prevention tools along with other amenities. D u r i n g t h e commissioning on Monday, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand highlighted the importance of dormitories, as they help students to be comfortably accommodated.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand “Children, who before today, could not get a secondary education, or had to go to Bartica, Aurora, or

Anna Regina can now come here… which is easier for them and their parents. A lot of parents were reluctant to send their children so far away,” the Minister said. Beneficiaries of the dorms at Leonora include students from Saxacalli, Aliki, Caria Caria, Lanaballi, Upper and Lower Bonasika, Santa Mission, Sand Hills and Hogg Island. Minister Manickchand explained that dormitories are available at the secondary schools at Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Santa Rosa and Wakapoa in Region One; Waramadong, Bartica and Three Miles Secondary schools in Region Seven, and at Kato and Mahdia Secondary schools in Region

Excavator operator charged with reputed wife's murder C o r n e l H e n r y, a n excavator operator, was on Thursday charged with murder and remanded to prison. Henry is accused of murdering his reputed wife Christina Holder at Princeville Backdam, Region Eight. Forty-one-year-old Henry of Lot 34 De K i n d e r e n , We s t C o a s t Demerara (WCD) made his first court appearance at the Mahdia Magistrates' Court before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce where the charge was read to him. He was not required to plead to the charge which alleges that on October 16, 2023 at Princeville Backdam, he murdered 42-year-old Holder. Henry was remanded to prison and is expected to return to court on January 15, 2024. It was reported that Holder, a mother of three, was stabbed about her body in the wee hours of October 16, by Henry who she had reportedly accused of being unfaithful. Holder was a cook in the backdam at the time of her death. According to the police, Henry and Holder were in a relationship for the past 12 years and on the night of October 15, the two were at their camp imbibing 'high wine' with Coca-Cola and water while playing cards. Police said, a dredge

Remanded: Cornel Henry

Dead: Christina Holder worker reported to them that about 02:00hrs the following day, he was awoken by a noise coming from the couple's camp. The worker said the couple was heard arguing with each other during which a crashing sound was heard. Thereafter, Holder was heard screaming for help. The dredge worker said that he immediately ran to the couple's camp and saw

the woman naked with several stab wounds about her body, including her face and arms. While there, he said he also saw the suspect with blood about his body. At about 04:45hrs, detectives visited the crime scene and found a nude Holder lying motionless on her back with multiple stab wounds to her body, face and arms. Her body was then taken to the Mahdia District Hospital's mortuary, where a post-mortem examination was conducted. Henry was contacted by police and told of the allegation and he replied, “She accused me of f*#*king a Spanish girl.” The suspect was arrested and subsequently an investigation was launched.

A bedroom in one of the dorms

Eight. Dorms are also available at St. Ignatius, Annai, Aishalton, and Sand Creek in Region Nine and at Kwakwani Secondary School in Region Ten. The Education Minister further explained, “So, if you don't have a school, you cannot get an education. The children who live in these villages, are equal to mine. They are equal to your children who live out here on the coast. They have the same ability, potential, qualities and capacity for learning. And so, we have to give them space and a place to sit down

A hallway in one of the dorms

and learn…The communities have too small numbers to be able to put down secondary schools. So, we have had to put down dorms.” Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Sheik Ayube

highlighted that the dorms were strategically built at Leonora, as it is easily accessible to parents. It is also close to a hospital, fire station, and police station. (DPI)

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Tuesday October 24, 2023

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10/10 cricket competition Afghanistan records another upset at in Berbice next Sunday World Cup, beat Pakistan by eight wickets CHENNAI, India (AP) — Afghanistan created another big upset at the Cricket World Cup as it thumped struggling Pakistan by eight wickets yesterday to win two games at the same edition of the tournament for the first time. After stunning England eight days ago, the ninthranked Afghans celebrated only their third ever win at the World Cup, the other coming against Scotland in 2015 in their first appearance. An aggressive 130-run opening stand between Ibrahim Zadran (87) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) orchestrated Afghanistan’s 2862 in 49 overs against out-ofsort Pakistan’s pace and spin bowling.

Rahmat Shah and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi built on the solid first-wicket stand by sharing an unbeaten 96run third-wicket stand. Shah remained unbeaten on 77 while Shahidi scored 48 not out as he raised the victory with a boundary against Shaheen Afridi at square leg. “At the start of the tournament we said that we are going to make this World Cup historic for our country. First it was England and now Pakistan,” Shahidi said. “This win tastes nice. The way we chased today, it was very professional.” Pakistan, which won the toss and elected to bat, made 282-7 against a spin-heavy quartet with captain Babar Azam (74) and Abdullah

Shafique (58) scoring half centuries. “They hurt us,” Babar said. “We had a good total, but in the bowling we were not up to the mark. All credit to the Afghanistan team, the way they played. We couldn’t take wickets in the middle overs and our bowlers didn’t hit the right lengths – especially spinners.” The jubilant Afghanistan players were applauded by the crowd at the Chidambaram Stadium as they took the victory lap with star legspinner Rashid Khan having the country’s flag wrapped around his shoulder. It was Pakistan’s first loss in an ODI against Afghanistan, which bettered its pre-

Tuesday October 24, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside. You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) With today's planetary energy, you'll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally be able to say what you really think about things. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you're unstoppable! You're a very hard worker by nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Scorpio. Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul. . SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days. Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you'll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Aquarius. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

vious highest successful ODI chase of 274 made against United Arab Emirates nine years ago. A third successive loss pushed Pakistan into a must-win situation for a place in the semifinals with only four points from five matches. Afghanistan also kept its slim hopes alive with four points in as many games as moved into the No. 6 spot, behind Pakistan on net run-rate, leaving England at the bottom of the table. Pakistan has struggled to make up for the absence of Naseem Shah after the fast bowler was ruled out for the tournament due to shoulder injury. The pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf couldn’t strike early and let Gurbaz and Zadran score at a brisk pace in the powerplay. The selection of two legspinners – Shadab Khan and Usama Mir – also backfired as both spinners bowled plenty of full tosses and couldn’t find their lengths. Gurbaz finally got out when he tried to slice Afridi in his return spell, but the century partnership had already raised Afghanistan’s hopes of striking another upset. Zadran looked set for a century before Hasan found an outside edge but the spinners continued to leak runs with Shahidi and Shah rotating strike at ease before taking Afghanistan home to a memorable win with an over to spare. Babar’s watchful 92-ball knock gave Pakistan an ideal platform to launch in the death overs through the power-hitting of Iftikhar Ahmed, who made 40 off 27 balls with four sixes and two fours as Shadab Khan also contributed a meaningful 40. The inclusion of 18-year-old leftarm spinner Noor Ahmad kept even Babar quiet on a slow dry wicket as the wrist spinner grabbed 3-49 in his debut World Cup match. Shafique showed some aggression in the powerplay, hitting two sixes and five boundaries before the spinners dried up the runs. Ahmad had two quick wickets when he got Shafique trapped leg before wicket and Pakistan’s top-scorer in the tournament Mohammad Rizwan top-edged a sweep after scoring only eight. Mohammad Nabi (1-31) bowled an economical spell of 10 overs and accounted for the wicket of Saud Shakeel before Ahmad had Babar caught at extra cover in the 42nd over. Shadab and Iftikhar then added a quickfire 73 for the sixth-wicket stand against the fast bowlers as they plundered 61 runs off the last five overs, which in the end were just not enough against the clinical Afghans.

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ricket fans in the Upper Corentyne area will be treated to a day of cricket when the No 48 Challengers cricket club of Corentyne stages a one day 10/10 cricket competition. Six teams are expected to participate in the competition which is slated for Sunday 29th October. The teams expected to participate are No 64 Fighting

Marines, No 43 Scorpions, Tamarind Root, Yakusari Caribs, Just Try cricket club and the host No 48 Challengers. There will be cash prizes and trophies for the winner and runner up teams. There will also be incentives for the best batsman and best bowler and other outstanding individual players. Starting time is 09:00 hrs.

Rutherford 71-ball... From page 22 hammered back-to-back fours, one to reach his maiden ton and to other which sealed an emphatic win for the Eagles. Batting first, Rutherford removed former West Indies opener Kieran Powell (4) while Permaul dismissed Kofi James (13) and Keacy Carty (29) as the Eagles struck early. Gore then anchored the middle-order with his gritty half-century, along with Walsh and Hamilton, the trio dug their team out of a ditch.

Motie and Shepherd continued to chip away at the Leewards batsmen, finding luck as Gore was caught and bowled by the left-arm spinner. Meanwhile, the pacer accounted for the wicket of Walsh, who hit 7 fours, but unfortunately departed 1 run shy of fifty. Hamilton maintained his run-flow as he remained busy between the crease, hitting just 3 fours and a six as he and Justin Greaves (15*) took their team to a solid total.

AJM Enterprise hosts major $2,000,000 Cricket Tournament

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hey are popular in the horseracing circle and also known in a major way in the motorracing arena, now local contracting firm AJM Enterprise in collaboration with the Berbice Cricket Board has put their stamp on cricket. The two entities, AJM and BCB inked agreement to host much anticipated AJM T20 2nd Division Tournament. With an initial investment of over $10,000,000 Guyana dollars, AJM Enterprise CEO, Mr. Nasrudeen ‘Jr ’ Mohamed, has already expressed interest to start a national tournament. The iniative came on the heels of the announcement by Mr. Mohamed to further develop cricket through corporate sponsorship and community tournaments. The tournament is carded to start on November 11th, 2023 and continue through fixed games ending with the grand final earmarked for December 26, 2023 at the Bush Lot United Sports Club, Bush Lot. Approximately 14 teams have already been secured to battle for over $2,000,000 in cash and prizes. The AJM T20 Tournament was developed to feature Region 5 teams, although one extremely strong team from Region 6 was allowed access to the tournament. AJM Enterprise has further pledged over 20 lighting towers that will be used to add additional lighting to facilitate night games. When contacted, the AJM Enterprise’s CEO indicated, “Most corporate companies fail to see the importance of developing youths through sport or outdoor activities. It’s not just about a logo on a uniform or a banner at an event. The business community

Nasrudeen ‘Jr’ Mohamed

BCB/Ivan Madray 20/20 Cricket Tournament 2023...

Brilliant Sinclair leads Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt to final, Port Mourant advance to third round

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must push our young players to someday reach a national level. Looking at our local super players who rally around the One Guyana banner has made us proud in the recently held CPL. This dream is on the mind and hearts of thousands of young players with exceptional potential who is yearning for a medium to showcase their talent. Each team will be allowed only two, first division players who offer valuable expertise and advice. All games will be officiated by accredited board umpires, so players can follow all official rules and guidelines. So, I urge all the members of the business community to come on board and let’s work together to build stronger players and unite communities through sport. These events will not only provide entertainment but will provide financial gain for vendors, support staff, sound and tent companies etc.”

CWI CG United Super50 Cup...

Rutherford 71-ball 105* onslaught pilots Harpy Eagles to 4 wicket win Sherfane Rutherford hammered his maiden ListA century as the Guyana Harpy Eagles soared to an emphatic 4 wicket win over the Leewards Islands yesterday. Guyana aced their chase of 245, soaring to 248-6 in 47.3 overs, led by a breathtaking knock of 105 not out off just 71 deliveries from Rutherford. The left-hander nailed 7 fours but favored the long boundary as he belted 8 sixes, to help pull his team from a tough spot all the way to victory. Support came from Tevin Imlach and Kevlon Anderson who hit 32 apiece while Kemol Savory had 26 and a quiet 18* from Shepherd, who shared the magical century partnership down the order with Rutherford. Jahmar Hamilton led the Leewards fight-back with a

Tuesday October 24, 2023

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brisk 54 off 52 not out, while middle-order batsman Karima Gore played a more controlled innings, hitting 54 off 72 balls. Spinner Hayden Walsh Jr. flexed his skills with the bat, missing out on a halfcentury but played well nevertheless for his 49. The Harpy Eagles bowlers operated with success despite allowing their opponents to reach a formidable score. Fastbowler Romario Shepherd (2-45) and Ronsford Beaton (1-40) found some success. Meanwhile, the spinners Veerasammy Permaul (240) bowled his usual captain’s spell while his protégé Gudakesh Motie (135), helped stem the flow. T a g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul (1) had a horrid time facing 16 balls before falling to Joseph. Imlach was aggressive

from the onset, hitting 4 fours and a six before some slow bowling from Kofi James (3-33), saw him add the wickets of Eagles ViceCaptain and Savory to his collection. Shimron Hetmyer (4) failed as he give his wicket to Cornwall as the Eagles lost their frontline batsmen with the score under 100. Sinclair (12) and Anderson stabilized the innings but they too were removed at crucial stages. When all seemed lost, the show was then stolen by Rutherford, who unleashed his fury upon the Leewards bowlers. The left-hander pummeled his way to 50 in no time but more importantly, erased a huge part of the deficit which took him to 97 with the team needing 5 runs to win. In grand fashion, Rutherford (Continued on page 19)

unior Sinclair continues to impress at the Berbice first division level as the Berbice Cricket board first division season continues. S i n c l a i r, w h o w a s recently named the Best Emerging Player of the 2023 Caribbean Premier League, cracked a superb century to spearhead the Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour team to a massive ten wickets victory over arch rivals Tuber Park at the Area H Ground. West Indies youth player Rampertab Ramnauth also scored a responsible 69 to lead Port Mourant to a 26 runs victory over Upper Corentyne. Rose Hall Town, who last weekend defeated Skeldon by 100 runs, have advance to the final, while Port Mourant have gone into the third round after a first round bye. Tucber Park won the toss and elected to bat first in blistering heat and were off to a flying start with openers Leon Swammy and Garfield Benjamin both taking the attack to the Rose Hall Namilco Thunderbolt team. They added 38 in five overs before national under seventeen off spinner Matthew Pottaya deceived Swammy and had him stumped for 30 in

the fifth over. Former Berbice youth player Martin Singh was also dismissed cheaply but the talented Zeymul Ramsammy joined Benjamin and they added a partnership of 120 runs before Ramsammy was dismissed for an attractive 45. Benjamin ended on a well played 86 not as Tucber Park finished on a healthy 176 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs. Benjamin struck three sixes and four boundaries in his matured knock. Matthew Pottaya was the best bowler for Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt with two wickets for twenty eight runs. Any idea for a Tucber Park victory was soon gone as Sinclair laid into the visitors bowling attack that included Leon Swammy, Rueben Latcha, Kwesi Mickle, Abdul Ramsammy and Devon Clements. T h e A m a z o n Warriors player struck thirteen sixes and nine boundaries. Pottaya scored a solid 45 not out as the pair added a record 180 for the first wicket in fifteen overs to complete a ten wickets victory. T h e o p e n i n g partnership of 180 is a Berbice record at the 20/20 level for the first wicket. At the Port Mourant

Ground, Port Mourant batted first and reached a solid 169 for 9 in twenty overs with Rampertab Rampersaud top scoring with 69 as he continues to impress at the local level. He received solid support from the talented Madan Budhoo who scored 50 and his younger brother Rampersaud Ramnauth with 29. Bowling for Upper Corentyne, Latchman Roopchand took 3 for 29 and Devannand Chatterpaul 3 for 23. In response, needing 170 runs from 120 balls Upper Corentyne were dismissed for 143 to lose by twenty six runs. Rishi Persaud top scored with an attractive 51 while Steve Embrack supported with 25. The best bowlers for Port Mourant were Yugendra Harrinarine with 3 for 24, Joshua Harrichand 3 for 28 and Joshua Rampersaud 2 for 30. The tournament is been sponsored by the nephew of Ivan Madray, Chandradat Chintamani. Madray played two test m a t c h e s f o r t h e We s t Indies in 1956 before migrating to England. He died in 2009 and was the third of twenty Berbicians to play test cricket for the West Indies after John Trim and the legendary Rohan Kanhai.

GFF KFC Elite League Cup...

Buxton United FC surge to victory over Santos FC, Fruta Conquerors and Milerock FC battle to a draw in second weekend The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) KFC Elite League Cup on Friday saw Buxton United Football Club achieve a remarkable victory over Santos Football Club, while Fruta Conquerors and Milerock Football Clubs played to a draw at Eve Leary Sports Ground, Kingston, Georgetown. Buxton United delivered an impressive performance on October 20, securing a 2-1 victory against Santos Football Club. The team’s striker, Paul Kingston, opened the scoring in the sixth minute, followed by a goal from Tyreel Cummings in the 29th minute.

Although Santos managed to pull one back with Stefan Reynolds finding the net in the 87th minute, their attempts to equalize fell short despite several opportunities due to Buxton United’s formidable defence. In the first game of the evening, Fruta Conquerors and Milerock Football Clubs battled fiercely until the final whistle in their quest for victory. However, both teams’ efforts were thwarted by solid defensive strategies, resulting in a goalless draw at the end of the match. The KFC Elite League Cup features ten top clubs divided into two groups.

Group A consists of Guyana Defence Force, Santos, Buxton United, Fruta Conquerors, and Milerock. Group B comprises Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force, Den Amstel, Victoria Kings, and Ann’s Grove. Each team is vying for the prestigious title and the generous prize money of $1.5million dollars. The second-place team will receive $1 million, while the clubs securing third and fourth place will be recognized, with prizes of $500,000 and $250,000 respectively. The GFF urges all fans to rally behind their teams.

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GFF newly introduced Access Grassroots Programme...

65 aspiring footballers participate in inaugural on-field session The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Access Grassroots Programme successfully conducted its inaugural on-field session on Sunday with an impressive turnout of 65 enthusiastic young footballers at the St Pius Ground in Georgetown. The young participants from West La Penitence communities on October 22 engaged in a fun and interactive session that focused on teaching the fundamental aspects of football under the guidance of coaches Gordon Braithwaite, Dennis Hunte, Vibert Butts, Colin Tasher, Lloyd Smith and Troy Wright. The Access Grassroots Programme is a new addition to the current national youth development initiatives, aimed at encouraging greater participation in football among boys and girls aged five to twelve, with special emphasis on inner city communities to ensure maximum participation. GFF President Wayne Forde expressed satisfaction with both the turnout and the way in which the new grassroots coaches managed the eager group of children. “We had a massive turn out of children from the age of five all the way up to fifteen years old. We had all the coaches working in their groups and I believe it was a

The participants take a photo op.

really good afternoon for the young boys and girls who came out today. I would have to say it’s probably the best day one could have expected for this programme. The top GFF official highlighted that the initiative is being piloted in Georgetown, but will subsequently be introduced nationwide with grassroots coaches receiving training in accordance with the guidelines established by the GFF Technical Department. “The Georgetown leg will be the pilot, we are going to be monitoring it, evaluating it and really measuring the impact, but I know we have to roll this out as quickly as possible to other parts of the country.”

On Friday, October 20, the five new Access Grassroots Programme coaches officially signed their appointment letters and received essential equipment, including bibs, balls and cones, through the Member Assistance Financial Programme (MFAP). In early October, the five football stalwarts successfully completed an intensive workshop organised by the GFF Coaching Department which focused on national youth coaching philosophy and provided comprehensive instruction and guidance to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become

effective coaches and mentors for the Access Grassroots Programme. The training session was led by GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph, Coaches Education Officer Lyndon France and Coach Mentor Linsworth Gilbert who covered several crucial topics, including child safeguarding, grassroots structure, technical development, the roles of grassroots players and coaches, and the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive environment. On Sunday, during the first on-field session coaches had the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired over the

last few weeks. Coach Dennis Hunte said the afternoon “was a success” and that he is looking forward to seeing more children “coming out (and) getting to understand the game so we can prepare for the future.” Vibert Butts, who trained the eight to tenyear-old group, added that the youngsters had an enjoyable experience, and that “as the (programme) progresses then you employ systems.” An important feature of the Access Grassroots Programme is the mobility of coaches who will travel between different venues to provide training in the essential skills to future football stars. The current

grassroots initiatives of the GFF are funded through MFAP and consist of a diverse range of programmes, including the establishment of nine regional Academy Training Centers (ATC), the implementation of yearround grassroots programmes by Regional Associations and support for various football clubs. Under President Forde’s leadership, the administration remains committed to investing in the development of the grassroots ecosystem. This investment aims to provide young boys and girls with accessible opportunities to engage with the fundamental structure of football.

Janet Jagan School Girls Windball Cricket Championship 2023 underway The Janet Jagan Birth Anniversary School Girls Windball Cricket tournament has officially c o m m e n c e d y e s t e r d a y, following a ceremonious opening ceremony held at the National Gymnasium located along Mandela Avenue. This year’s event holds special significance as it celebrates 31 years since the inaugural Windball tournament, named after the nation’s f i r s t a n d o n l y female president; the tournament promises to be a celebration of sportsmanship, talent, and local unity. In another development, this will be the first time in the history of the competition that we will not see any team within the Georgetown district participating in the tournament. Meanwhile, over the next few weeks, more than 25 schools,

Scenes from the official March-past ceremony to mark the commencement of the 2023 School Girls Windball tourney.

outside of Georgetown will compete passionately f o r championship glory in this prestigious tournament. This sporting extravaganza has become a hallmark event on the local school s p o r t s c a l e n d a r. I n a significant geographical

expansion, the tournament will welcome teams from as far as Region One (1). This not only demonstrates the t o u r n a m e n t ’s g r o w i n g influence but also highlights its ability to attract participants from diverse regions, showcasing the unifying power

of sports. T h e o p e n i n g ceremony witnessed a grand ceremonial march-past, featuring the participation of 25 enthusiastic schools. This colourful spectacle marked the official commencement of the 2023 School Girls Windball championship and

set the stage for a thrilling series of matches. The event was also graced with the presence of distinguished guests, including the Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr; Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle; and

Cheteram Ramdial of the National Sports Commission. During their opening remarks, Ninvalle and Ramdial both emphasized the significance of this programme and extended their heartfelt gratitude to tournament organizer,A. Munroe, for his invaluable contribution to the tournament’s continued success. In a momentous announcement during his featured address, Minister Ramson added a new dimension to the tournament’s appeal. He revealed that, in addition to the championship medals and prizes, both the winning and runner-up teams would receive an all-expense-paid group trip to Fort Zeelandia. This exciting excursion will include a guided tour of the historic site, allowing the young athletes to explore the museum, the fort itself, and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of our nation’s history.

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Tuesday October 24, 2023

Essequibo Masters crowned Allicock falls short Big Man Over-40 champions in quarterfinals Essequibo Masters beat West Bank Warriors by 14 runs on Sunday at the Everest ground in Georgetown to crown the champions in this year’ Big Man Over-40, 25-overs tournament. Captain of the team Trevis Simon won the toss and opted to take first strike. They finished at a respectable 232-5 off the 25overs while West Bank Warriors were left on 214-6 when proceedings closed off. Opening batsman Vishwanauth Lall, who has been in prolific form, once again made an impression with the bat for the winner with an impressive 82. The right-handed Lall, who represented Essequibo at the senior Inter-County level, had scores of 103 and 120 in the previous two matches. On this occasion he struck six sixes and five fours. Useful contributions came from his opening partner Fazeer Khan with 33 while Ravi Beharry and the veteran Ramesh Narine chipped in with 25 and 24 respectively. W h e n We s t B a n k Warriors batted, they had a wonderful start of 128 between Ramesh Thakur and Deoram Persaud. Thakur hit

Essequibo Masters skipper Trevis Simon receives the trophy from organiser Raj Singh. a top-score of 81 before he retired-hurt. Persaud contributed 44 as former Guyana youth player Beesham Seepersaud grabbed 3-29 from his maximum five overs. He got good support from offspinner Dharmendra Lakhan with 2-37 (5). Lall was named player-of-the-match for his excellent batting effort. He took home a trophy and $25,000. The winning side carted off $250,000 and a trophy, while West Bank Warriors had to

settle with a trophy and $150,000. Meanwhile, triumphant skipper Simon attributed the success to total team’s effort and hard-work since the commencement of the 14-team, nation-wide tournament in March. Simon, the all-rounder, mentioned everyone was eager to win the trophy and that collaboration paid off nicely. He praised the two stalwarts of the game Seeperaud and Narine for their pivotal role throughout the competition.

By Rawle Toney Guyana’s hopes for a boxing medal at the Pan Am Games have been extended by another four years following Keevin Allicock’s elimination in the Men’s 57kg quarter-finals. Allicock was the only Guyanese boxer out of the country’s four participants in Santiago, Chile, to advance beyond the round-of-16. However, American Jahmal Harvey dashed Guyana’s aspirations of at least replicating Clive Atwell’s 2007 bronze medal in Brazil. Harvey convincingly claimed all three rounds on the judges’ scorecards, with the exception of the Estonian judge, Jakov Peterson, who awarded Allicock a slight edge in round two. “I don’t make excuses. I’ve been working with the therapist. I had an injury in my shoulder, but that’s no excuse, that was one of the things that was playing with me, even in the first fight. But that’s no excuse,” Allicock said following his bout. Harvey is the 2021 f e a t h e r w e i g h t Wo r l d Champion, and according to Allicock, his bout against the American highlighted a few

Shemar Noel also represented Guyana in weightlifting at the Pan Am Games.

positives and negatives in his fighting style. “I just have to get a little stronger, get a little bit more condition, even though my condition is pretty good because I kept attacking the fighter. Also, fighting with two plans, instead of one, and that’s it for me,” always confident Allicock said. Meanwhile, Raekwon Noel’s time of eight minutes, 34.68 seconds in the men’s 800m freestyle secured him third place in Group B of the final, landing him in the 19th position out of 22 competitors. Noel will conclude his Pan Am Games journey today by participating in the men’s 400m individual medley. A l e k a P e r s a u d ’s involvement in the women’s 50m freestyle, the focus will

shift to athletes competing in Archery, Athletics, Table Tennis, and Esports. Devin Persaud will take part in archery from November 1, while Emanuel Archibald (100m, 200m), Leslain Baird (Javelin), Keliza Smith (100m), Jasmine Abrams (100m), and Aliyah Abrams (400m) are set to light up the track from October 29. From the same date, Shemar Britton and Chelsea will compete in singles and mixed doubles table tennis events. When the Esport competition commences on October 30, Hemchandra Persaud will be the flag bearer for Guyana, aiming to secure the country’s firstever medal at the Pan Am Games.

Abosaide Cadogan hat-trick pilots GCC to emphatic 6-nil victory against YMCA Old Fort

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he Farfan and Mendes/Woodpe cker Products First Division Leagues featured a thrilling day of action on Sunday. Four matches were played, with YMCA Old Fort and Bounty GCC securing wins in the latest Men’s fixtures, while GBTI GCC and Saints delivered impressive victories in the Women’s division. GBTI GCC maintained their strong form in their match against YMCA Old Fort. Abosaide Cadogan’s hat-trick led her team to a commanding 6-0 victory. In match #9, GCC got off to a flying start, scoring two early goals in the first period. Cadogan (10') and Tricia Feidtkou (13') put their team ahead 2-0 by the end of the first period. They added two

more goals, one in the 25th and another in the 35th minute, both courtesy of Tilia Feidthou. Cadogan returned to the score sheet in the third period, netting two more goals in the 46th and 55th minutes. I n t h e o t h e r Wo m e n ’s f i x t u r e , Saints defeated Wo o d p e c k e r H i k e r s 2 1 . K a i y r a S c o t t s c ored two brilliant field goals in the 20th and 36th minutes, while Laticia Chung of the Hikers attempted a comeback with a solitary goal in the 55th minute. O v e r i n t h e M e n ’s c a t e g o r y, Y M C A O l d Fort triumphed over Saints after a slow start. The first period ended in a scoreless tie. However, the second period saw Warren Williams

strike for Old Fort in the 29th minute. Saints, in desperate need of a goal, saw Baraka Garnett successfully breach Old Fort’s net to equalize the score in the 36th minute. Williams later scored another field goal in the 60th minute to seal the victory for his team. Meanwhile, the clash between Bounty GCC and Pepsi Hikers ended with a 32 scoreline in favour of GCC. Fredrico Cush (11'), Orland Semple (33'), and Vladimir Woodroffee (47') were the standout performers for GCC, while Shane Samuels and Robert France scored one goal each in a losing effort. The excitement continues this Sunday, October 29th, at the same venue for day four action.

Abosaide Cadogan (no.6) during a previous battle against Woodpecker Hikers.

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Delroy Tyrrell Chaitram Ramotar dominates in impressive at MMAKA College Swimming championships Guyana swim sprint king Delroy Tyrrell, showed he is serious about competing for NCAA Division 2 season. As a member of the College of Saint Rose (Golden Knights) swim team, Delroy proved he is up for a challenge. Swimming against Roberts Wesleyan and Garnet Hornets at Alumni Pool at Union College, Sophomore Delroy Tyrrell opened the 2023-24 season by claiming points with a third and first place finishes for the Golden Knights. Tyrrell won the 100 meters backstroke (54.33) before rounding out the podium in the 200 freestyle (1:50.93). On October15, College of Saint Rose participated in the Hartwick Relays. Tyrrell sprinted to 53.70 in the 100 backstroke showing good form early in the season. This was an improvement from the previous weekend.

Delroy Tyrrell In the M en’s 3x100 meters backstroke relay, he s w am 26.81 in his 50 backs troke. Ty r r e l l h e l p e d h i s team to s econd place

w ith a time of 26.94 in the M en’s 3x100 fly relay. However, Delroy des troyed the field in the M en’s 200 M edley Relay with a season bes t of 24.74 in the 50 backstroke powering St. Rose to victory. D elroy returned on October 21, in the H artw ick Q uad M eet to c o n t i n u e h i s dominance. He swam a 24.49 improved time in the 50 backstroke leg of the 200 Medley relay. He then obliterated his competitors in the 100 backstroke in a time of 53.11 another improvement from the previous meet. In the final event, 200M backstroke, Tyrrell touched the wall first in a time of 2:00.76 seconds. He remains unbeaten in the 100 backstroke. His next meet will be a competitive one against Bentley.

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he Guyana Mix Martial Arts K a r a t e Association (MMAKA) held the 2nd annual Martial Arts Championship on Sunday 22nd October 2023. Chaitram Ramotar of the Invisible Kicks M a r t i a l Art Academy, located in La P arfait Harmony reached the Grand Championship for Kata which involved 13 students along with himself. Ramotar secured the first place in the Grand Championship for kata Division. He also got 1st in Traditional Kata, 1st in Team kata, 2nd in Flag Sparring, 3rd on point s p a r r i n g a nd 1st in Shambar. Young Ramotar said after the competition, “I would like to thank my Instructor Master Lloyd Ramnarine for working with me to be at the stage I am today.”

Chaitram Ramotar collects his prize from Sensei Master Lloyd Ramnarine.

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Guyana’s Keevin Allicock connects a left jab to American Jahmal Harvey during their Men’s 57kg quarterfinals at the Pan Am Games.

CWI CG United Super50 Cup

Rutherford 71-ball 105* onslaught pilots Harpy Eagles to 4 Allicock falls short wicket win in quarterfinals

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Sherfane Rutherford hammered his maiden List- A century. (CWI Media)

Janet Jagan School Girls Windball Cricket Championship 2023 underway

Minister Ramson, DoS Ninvalle NSC Commissioner, Ramdial and Tournament organiser Munroe share photo with Uitvlugt Secondary school at yesterday’s opening ceremony.

AJM Enterprise hosts major $2,000,000 Cricket Tournament Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.