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Thursday October 26, 2023
Business associate now confesses that he duped friend to rob and murder him alone A business associate of 21-yearold Amit Devindra Singh is now confessing that he murdered him (Singh) alone. Singh was robbed and bludgeoned to death on Tuesday at a house at Middle Road La Penitence, Georgetown. The alleged killer calls himself ‘El Chapo Escobar’ but his real name is Yogeendra Sukhdeo and reportedly owns a chain of businesses under the name of El Dorado, and includes a landscaping company, a mining company and a car rental company. He had initially told investigators that he and three of his employees had robbed and murdered Singh at his father’s house at Middle Road. Sukhdeo had claimed that he and his accomplices had duped Singh into believing that they had a large quantity of gold to sell. Investigators tracked them down but the men denied any involvement in the heinous crime. Kaieteur News was told that the men provided alibis for their whereabouts at time when Singh was killed. Up press time, police were still checking to see if their alibis are correct. Sukhdeo, however, after learning this made slight change to
Murdered: Amit Singh
Confessed killer: Yogeendra Sukhdeo
his confession this time saying that he acted alone in duping his friend Singh to be robbed and killed. Kaieteur News learnt that Singh, a licensed gold dealer got acquainted with Sukhdeo through similar business transaction in the past. When Sukhdeo contacted him about a lucrative gold deal on Tuesday, Singh agreed. Sukhdeo told police that he picked up Singh from his Delph Street and Campbelle Avenue home in a vehicle with a false number plate. He drove Singh to a house he was taking care of at Middle Road and beat him to death with a piece of wood. Sukhdeo reportedly said that he had also attempted to strangle
Singh. After killing the young gold dealer, he took possession of the money and wrapped the body in a sheet. He then locked up the house and went to his home at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) where he hid the stolen cash. Police on Wednesday morning recovered almost $8M in cash from Sukhdeo’s bedroom. He had led detectives to his home at 20th Avenue Diamond Housing Scheme to find the money. A sum of $7,790,000, all consisting of $5,000 bills, was found and subsequently lodged by the lawmen. Sukhdeo although he talked
The house where Singh was brutally murdered like and acted out a mafia persona on social media presented himself as a wealthy businessman drinking the finest champagnes, dining in best restaurants and evening staying in the high-class hotels abroad. Sukhdeo had even attended the most recent Energy Conference to promote his business. However, the brother of the man he murdered said that he is just a low life that took advantage of his victim. Relatives recalled that Singh was picked up from his home in a car
sometime around 13:00hrs on Tuesday but never returned. Police were called in and detectives were quickly able to track down Sukhdeo who confessed that Singh was murdered. Investigators told Kaieteur News that it looked like Singh was struck to his head repeatedly until he died. His tragic demise has left his loved ones in a state of shock. One of them said, “Like I don’t know wa fuh seh right now”. Singh was described as his mother’s favourite son.
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 26, 2023
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Hess praises Guyana for helping it bank US$504M in profits for 2023 third quarter - Reveals Liza Destiny suffered mechanical issues American oil explorer, Hess Corporation which holds a 30 percent stake in the Stabroek Block reported on Wednesday that it banked US$504 million in profits, or US$1.64 per share, in the third quarter of 2023. This represents a decline when compared with net income of US$515 million, or US$1.67 per share, in the third quarter of 2022. On an adjusted basis, the corporation reported net income of US$583 million, or US$1.89 per share, in the third quarter of 2022. Hess said the decrease in adjusted after-tax results compared with the prior-year quarter reflects lower realized selling prices, partially offset by the net impact of higher production volumes, in the third quarter of 2023. Turning to its operational highlights, Hess said net production was 395,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in the third quarter of 2023, compared with 351,000 boepd in the third quarter of 2022. Hess said this was primarily due to higher production in the Bakken (USA), Guyana, and Southeast Asia. At the ExxonMobil –operated Stabroek Block, Hess said net production from the Liza Destiny and the Liza Unity vessels totaled 108,0002 bopd in the third quarter of 2023, compared with 98,0002 bopd in the prior-year quarter. In the third quarter of 2023, Hess said it sold nine cargos of crude oil from Guyana, compared with eight cargos in the prior-year quarter. During the third quarter of 2023, the company
Hess Corporation CEO, John Hess revealed a mechanical issue on the Liza Destiny floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel reduced production during that reporting period. Hess revealed that repairs were completed by the operator in October that resolved the issue, and production is currently in the range of 150,000 gross bopd to 160,000 gross bopd. Hess also noted that the successful Lancetfish-2 appraisal well in the Stabroek Block encountered approximately 125 feet of net oil pay in appraisal r e s e r v o i r s a n d approximately 65 feet of net oil pay in a new discovery interval. The well was drilled in 5,649 feet of water and is located approximately 4 miles southeast of the Lancetfish-1 discovery well. Speaking to other Stabroek Block Projects, Hess reminded that the third development, Payara, with a production capacity of approximately 220,000 gross bopd, will start up in
the fourth quarter. The fourth development, Yellowtail, was sanctioned in April 2022 with a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross bopd and first production expected in 2025. The fifth development, Uaru, was sanctioned in April 2023 with a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross bopd and first production expected in 2026. The operator also submitted the field development plan for the sixth development, Whiptail, to the Government of Guyana in October. Due to the pending m e rg e r w i t h C h e v r o n
Corporation, Hess did not host a conference call to review its third quarter 2023 results. It was on Monday that Chevron announced that it will be buying out all the outstanding shares at Hess Corporation for US$53 billion, or US$171 per share. Under the terms of the agreement set to take full effect in the first quarter of 2024, 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 where over 11 billion barrels of oil resources have been unlocked. 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.
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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
Guyanese must manifest what is important to them The world would love to be declared the richest people on planet earth. All the many billions cannot be. Because that privilege, that pride of place, belongs to Guyanese. All the expert economists and statisticians, all the veteran analysts and academics, unanimously conclude that the Guyanese people are the richest anywhere. On this single point, there has not been any argument or disagreement from any source, local or foreign. In the midst of glorious and mouthwatering numbers about Guyana, there is the jarring reality of most Guyanese living in the same manner. They are poor and struggling, trying to catch up but always falling behind, with the circumstances that local life has forced them to grapple. To our Guyanese audience, there is this simple message. The richest people in the universe are dragging by their behinds, as they are pierced and badly wounded by the challenges and traumas of daily living in Guyana. The wounded are not from other countries, they are those born and bred here. Living in Guyana for the majority of Guyanese has many limbs, and they are all connected in some manner that cripple citizens further: cost of living, quality of life, and standard of living all rear their heads up and stare intimidatingly at locals. It is not what should be. This certainly ought not to be the situation for people deemed to be economically on top of the world, regardless of the computation used, or who is doing it. A stranger, one who is out of touch, may ask why this is so, how this could be so for the richest citizens anywhere on the globe. How could this be the case for Guyanese who are richer per person than Americans, richer per head than Saudi Arabians and Europeans and Mongolians, some of whom (the latter) also have vast natural resources gifts. The answers are many: leadership incompetence, government impotence, individual and group malfeasance, crooked indulgence, and citizen concurrence. Truth be told, incompetence and impotence and malfeasance and indulgence are as old as time. But they only endure as long as they do, and as much as they do, because of citizen concurrence. One of the lessons of history is that when citizens sit on their hands in docile resignation, then all the wrongs that can be imagined come about, take deep hold. Another lesson is that when citizens, who empower political leaders, become so fascinated by, and fastened to, them, they (the citizens left on their own and in the dust) contribute to their own despairing circumstances. When they allow the empowered to deceive and mislead them, citizens participate in their own impoverishment, their own woeful selfdestruction, that does not have to be. Guyana has all the oil that a country with this size population can dream of, ever hope to inherit. The oil is real, every single barrel of it. This is without a glance at the highly likely many billions more of oil equivalents lying under the seabed. To this point, this oil wealth has been battered by more than political mismanagement and governmental paralysis. This great wealth has been mangled by one leadership mishap and monstrosity after another. Secrecies and tricks have been the norm in the oil sector, with twisted political lips delivering distortions by the barrel. Reviews and reports on the business are withheld. Oversight and controls are nothing but a joke, a worldwide embarrassment. Instead of leaders clearing the air, they prefer cursing those who question what is going on, why things are the way they are. This is now the standard of oil governance, the record of what stands for getting the best out of this greatest of national patrimonies. To all Guyanese, we offer a truth. This is the family’s wealth, which is being played games with, where the few enrich themselves, while hunger and need stalk numerous homes. Tomorrow is Friday, October 27th, and a Day of Protest is set to start at 09:00hrs in front of the Office of the President. It’s about 120 oil blocks due to be relinquished. Come out and replenish hopes. It is for ring-fencing the sixth oil project. Come out and stand up for national and personal legacy.
Thursday October 26, 2023
Hess-Chevron deal still subject to Guyana’s agreement DEAR EDITOR, This week, U.S oil giant Chevron purchased Hess Corporation, one of the joint venture partners in Guyana’s Stabroek Block. The deal is said to be valued around US$53 billion. While it is unclear as to when Hess Corp will submit a Farm Out or Assignment of Interest request to the Minister responsible for Petroleum in Guyana, it is clear that Hess’ stake in the prolific Stabroek Block was of primary consideration during the negotiation of the sale to Chevron.
Under Guyana’s law, and the Production Sharing Agreement for the Stabroek Block, change in the participating interest in an area subject an Exploration or Production Licence, requires approval by the Minister Responsible for Petroleum. The now repealed Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 1985 was heavily focused on exploration and contained elementary guidance to the Minister in approving or disallowing a transfer of interest.
Unlike the Trinidad legal regime, which provides detail guidance on this process such as a parent company guarantee, the Petroleum Activities Act of 2023 passed by the Parliament of Guyana, made little efforts to correct this lacuna in the law. The consequence is that the Minister, in the absence of legal standard to guide him, must rely on industry practice, and not unreasonably withhold his approval, even where Chevron refuses to continue
the carbon credit commitment made to the government by Hess Corp. The Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Office for Climate Change in the Office of President in Georgetown, is expected to press Hess Corp (the assignor) and Chevron (the assignee) to continue the commitment given by Hess Corp to purchase carbon credits from the Government of Guyana as part of its efforts to fight climate change. Regards, Kevin Morgan
Proximo is an Exxon blogger, reminds of a PPP writer (also an Exxon mouthpiece) DEAR EDITOR, Proximo is a blog-name. He blogs regularly on the pivotal issues of the Oil Contract in the SN online edition of the paper. Here is Proximo’s blogpost on GHK Lall’s letter titled, “Unlike, Guyana, Exxon prefers to maximize its cash flow now” (SN Oct 20th): “The rapid expansion of operations which will be facilitated by taking less funds out of the business will translate to higher revenues and profits in the medium term. Another option is to fund the expansion using debt which is more costly than organic growth and which will reduce profits. That profit reduction will affect Guyana significantly since the largest share of Guyana ‘s funds come from profits (12.5% from profits and 2% from revenue)”. Proximo is making a devious and false argument. Although he didn’t use the phrase “Retained Earnings” (RE), that’s exactly the concept he is talking about. In a regular business owned by shareholders, the BoD declares profits quarterly, and usually declares one portion of those profits as dividends and the other as Retained Earnings. Retained Earnings are ploughed back into the business, expanding the business, say building a second and third factory and so on. Production rises and so are revenues and profits. The Retained Earnings reinvested in the business produces bigger profits for its owners, the shareholders. Guyana is not a
shareholder in Exxon’s business of oil extraction; and therefore, cannot benefit in the same way as shareholders do: bigger shares of profit as a result of expansion of the business made possible by reinvesting Retained Earnings. Guyana’s ‘take” will remain fixed at 14.5 barrels out of every 100 (in other words, 14.5% of revenues). So, what exactly is Proximo talking about – “[Guyana] taking less funds out of the business will translate to higher revenues and profits . . .”? Has Guyana knowingly agreed to take lower royalty (2% vs S u r i n a m e ’s 6 . 2 5 % ) ; Exxon’s higher levels of CR, Cost Recovery (75% v s S u r i n a m e ’s 6 0 % ) ; fixed “profit-share” at 12.5% of revenues and zero corporate income tax - in exchange for Exxon’s taking its premium share of revenue (creamed from the lopsided contract) and reinvesting it in a second and third well and so on – and now Proximo is claiming Guyana stands to benefit from the expansion? Surely, if extraction rises from ½ a million to one million bpd, Guyana will receive more revenues. But Guyana’s take is still based on the rate of 14.5 barrels out of every 100 barrels – or 14.5% of revenues. Proximo’s argument boils down to this: I am happy to take “pennies a barrel” for my oil resource – as long as Exxon expands extraction from ½ a million to one million to two million barrels.
Higher millions of barrels times “pennies a ton” means more revenues for Guyana. This is not a higher share of revenues for Guyana. It is plainly letting Exxon plunder Guyana’s resources at a higher rate and paying the same rate – 14.5/100 barrels. Proximo’s argument is made for fools and s i m p l e t o n s . P r o x i m o ’s devious and false argument is more akin to Guyana’s colonial govt in the 1920’s signing a contract with Alcan to mine our bauxite for “pennies a ton”. The irony with that Alcan deal vs today’s Exxon’s is stark: Back then Guyana was run by a govt controlled by the plantocracy; today Guyana has an elected govt – and Guyana is now a Sovereign and Independent State. Guyanese people still ask every day: Why can’t GoG renegotiate the contract to get one that is “a little bit less lopsided”. Yes, “a little bit less lopsided” – because as President Ali said: “Renegotiating with an Oil Giant is like renegotiating with a Superpower”. He implies no small country like Guyana can negotiate anything with an Oil Giant. Proximo must know that in many PSAs around the world, the average “take” of most oil-host countries is 55/100 barrels. Guyana’s “take” will always be 14.5/100 barrels. Prof Kenrick Hunte has crunched the numbers on Guyana oil operations over the last 4-years and proved that Guyana’s take has not
risen above 14½ /100 barrels. The reason for Guyana’s low rate – 14.5% of revenues is the absence of ringfencing. Ringfencing of each project’s CAPEX will allow CAPEX to be paid down, and as it is paid down, Guyana’s take will surely rise from its current 14.5/100 to much higher and eventually to 50/100 barrels. What might be Proximo’s real name? Where does he work? We may never know. In the business of newspapers, publishers are bound by law to protect their bloggers’ real names. I must point out however, that the same kinds of stuff Proximo writes are exactly the same things Joel Bhagwandin writes. They are willing to sell out Guyana’s crudes at the 14.5/100 barrel rate instead of the universal rate of 55/100. The concept of ringfencing is thrown out the window. Commingling CAPEXES among projects (several oil wells, oil fields) would make sure Guyana’s take of revenues will not rise above 14.5/100 barrels. The Proximos of Guyana will make sure Guyana becomes Exxon Guyana. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that Proximo is no ordinary blogger – but is working for the benefit of Exxon’s shareholders. He must know that Guyana is losing/foregoing upwards of $100 billion to Exxon on this very egregiously lopsided contract. Yours truly, Mike Persaud
Thursday October 26, 2023
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The UN has done well, President and PM leading commendably but changes needed DEAR EDITOR, When all is said and done, Guyanese at home and abroad and from all walks of life should be extremely proud and grateful to have Dr. Irfaan Ali as President and Brigadier Mark Phillips as Prime Minister of our beloved country. Although they have never worked together before being elected to office in August 2020, their respect and admiration for and confidence in one another have made them very compatible and a wellmatched team that have provided good governance. And even though they had endured the long delay of five months before the March 2, 2020, results were officially declared on August 2, 2020, they were not daunted by the efforts of the Granger-led administration to brazenly and daringly rig the elections to remain in office. It was politics by any and every means necessary. Many believed that their silly and misguided actions had not only threatened the democratic process and several provisions in the constitution, as well as the people’s right to vote for the party(s) of their choice, but it was also a trying period for both President Dr. Ali and Brigadier Phillips who were firm in their beliefs that the PPP/C had won the elections as shown in the recount. Since elected to office in 2020, President, Dr. Ali has been at the forefront of strengthening Guyana’s relations with its neighbours in CARICOM and Latin America, the United States, Canada, India, China, and
other countries and regions around the world. He continues to advocate for increased production of food to significantly reduce CARICOM’s food bill by 2025, agricultural transformation, and for building resilient and sustainable economies in Guyana and the Caribbean, as well as his firm commitment and support for regional integration, gender equality, and respect for sovereignty, among others. On the international scene, President, Dr. Ali continues to provide leadership in the areas of f o o d s e c u r i t y, e n e rg y security, climate security, protection of the environment, especially the forests, reduction or an end to armed conflicts, an end to human rights violations and respect for sovereignty and international law. He has positioned Guyana on the world stage as a global leader on climate change, food security and energy security. Locally, both President Ali and the Prime Minister Phillips have been working diligently to create good paying jobs, tackle poverty and unemployment, grow the lower and middle-
classes, heal the racial divide and make life more affordable for a better future for Guyana where all can live in peace and harmony. As evident in most if not all his outreaches in the regions, towns, villages, and districts, President, Dr. Ali has not only met and greeted the residents but is known to have solved many of their problems, and is considered by many as honest, reliable, consistent and a peoplefriendly person. On the other hand, Prime Minister Mark Phillips is straightforward and loyal, and is steadfast in his love and admiration for the people and to treat them fairly and equally and to make sure that no one is left out. According to Brigadier Phillips, Guyana belongs to all Guyanese and regardless of their status, or ethnicity, or party affiliation, all must benefit from its resources. Under the leadership of President Dr. Ali and Prime Minister Mark Philipps, Guyana has embarked on a new style of governance at the grassroots level, which in essence means governance from the bottom-up where the views, opinions, and suggestions of the people are (Continued on page 09)
DEAR EDITOR, October 24 is designated United Nations Day. The day is set aside to observe the coming into being of the United Nations in 1945 following the signing of the United Nations Charter. At the time of ratification there were 51 countries and five permanent members, namely the United States, China, Russia, Britain and France. These countries were given permanent status based on their perceived importance following the end of the Second World War. Since then, the United Nations have expanded to include one hundred and ninety-three members, all of whom are also members of the General Assembly. Guyana is currently one of the ten non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, a signal honour for a small country. The importance of the United Nations in terms of the promotion of world peace and humanitarian assistance cannot be overemphasized. The current situation in Palestine and the ongoing war in Ukraine is testimony to the fact that peace and stability cannot be taken for
granted. The United Nations through its SecretaryGeneral has been doing a great job in putting international pressure on countries that violate the UN Charter as in the case of Israel and the Russian Federation. Guyana has also benefitted from the UN in terms of forwarding its border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based on a request from the Guyana Government after the failure of the UN Secretary-General’s Good Office mechanism to deliver results due mainly to Venezuela’s intransigence. There are, however, a number of structural deficiencies that must be addressed if the UN is to be successful in its role as an impartial mediator in conflict resolution. Firstly, the veto power exercised by the five permanent members of the security council should be scrapped. This has so far proven to be a recipe for gridlock. The Security Council should be expanded to include more countries from the developing world and decisions made should be binding. This brings me to the
second point. The UN in its current configuration lacks the ability to enforce decisions made at the level of the General Assembly and several resolutions taken on important global issues are brushed aside by the delinquent parties. What is perhaps needed is a strong and effective supranational military force to intervene in cases where there are continuing infractions of the UN Charter. These are admittedly wishful thinking but they do, i n m y h u m b l e v i e w, represent the only hope for a peaceful and stable global environment. Thirdly, the United Nations should come up with ways of lessening its dependence for funding from the bigger nations which limits its ability to take objective positions. The current situation is nothing short of catastrophic and a shame on the failure of the international community to come to the rescue of defenseless people who are slaughtered by the thousands in several parts of the world, as in currently the case of Palestine and Ukraine. Faithfully yours, Hydar Ally
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Thursday October 26, 2023
Hess sale to Chevron… Energy Analyst Says
‘Guyana’s the Crown Jewel in Global Oil’ Paul Sankey, the lead analyst at Sankey Research, recently shared his perspective on the acquisition of Hess Corporation by Chevron Corporation during a s e g m e n t o n C N B C ’s ‘Squawk on the Street.’ On Monday, it was unveiled that Chevron, one of the world’s major players in the oil industry, is set to purchase all outstanding shares of Hess for a substantial US$53 billion, equivalent to US$171 per share. Sankey was queried about his take on this significant deal. He remarked, “Well, we know Guyana is the best asset and global oil. It’s remarkable so Hess was trading as a takeover play? And the question was, can you get a high enough premium for the actually to be a consummated deal?”
Hess Corporation CEO, John Hess
Paul Sankey, the lead analyst at Sankey Research
Chevron’s Chairman and CEO, Mike Wirth
He continued by underscoring that it raises questions why Hess’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Hess, chose this moment and this price. Interestingly, he outlined that Hess had reached an alltime high just last week, which is a positive sign, but the 5% premium to that price falls somewhat short. Notably, Hess was one of the
last remaining independent oil companies on the U.S. exchange, making this deal seem somewhat undervalued and raising questions for the rest of the sector.” When asked about Chevron’s perspective, Sankey expressed, “This is indeed an exceptional deal. Chevron has substantial exposure to Kazakhstan, which necessitates transiting
through Russia—a key aspect of the next decade. They also have a strong foothold in the Permian Basin. If they were to acquire in the Permian, it would dilute their position. Therefore, the real question was whether Chevron could secure Hess. Honestly, I didn’t think they could, and I’m thrilled for Chevron. It’s a remarkable achievement
for John Hess, and it’s a bit of a surprise since I didn’t anticipate it being acquired for only a 5% premium. I thought we might be looking at US$200 a share, which was within the range of the highest price targets on the street, so it’s US$20 below that. Of course, that didn’t include the takeover premium.” This publication reported that under the terms of the agreement, Hess shareholders will receive 1.0250 shares of Chevron for each Hess share, making the total value of the transaction an impressive US$60 billion. Of particular note, Chevron’s acquisition of Hess provides it with exclusive control over a highly coveted prize—30% of the working interest in Guyana’s Stabroek Block. In this expansive deepwater
block spanning 6.6 million acres, ExxonMobil operates with a 45% working interest, while China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) holds 25%. S i n c e t h e commencement of oil production in December 2019 at the Stabroek Block’s Liza Phase One Project, Exxon has successfully launched another project, Liza Phase Two, in February 2022. Both ventures are contributing approximately 400,000 barrels of oil per day. Exxon and its partners are aiming for over 1.2 million barrels of oil production by 2027, s o l i d i f y i n g G u y a n a ’s Stabroek Block as one of the world’s fastest-developing oil hotspots. Hess’ CEO, John Hess, has repeatedly emphasized that the Stabroek Block (Continued on page 09)
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 T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T D D A Y T O M O R R O W U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . 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 B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B . . L LU ...BLUN . T B . . N . T U L N T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U BBL T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday October 26, 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
Thursday October 26, 2023
Audit of Liza 1&2 US$7B Bills reveals…
Exxon used Guyana oil profits on Christmas cook-out, Zumba & Yoga classes for expats ExxonMobil Guyana Limited has been caught redhanded by auditors using profits from the Stabroek Block Projects to cover a number of ridiculous expenses which have nothing to do with the production of oil. According to the report seen by this newspaper, Exxon used US$ 136,003.62 to cover costs associated with sponsorships, fitness classes, promotional items, and other similar activities. Auditors said in no uncertain terms that such costs are not recoverable. They even quoted the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which states that only those costs, expenses and expenditures relating to the petroleum operations can be recovered from the Stabroek Block account. C l a r i f y i n g f u r t h e r, auditors said a cost must be carried out for, or in connection with, production operations for the cost to be recoverable. Auditors said
E x x o n ’s r e m o v a l o f US$136,003 from the Stabroek Block account to cover Yoga and Zumba fitness classes for its expatriates, a Christmas potluck luncheon, the hosting visit for a Shell Beach Outreach Programme including catering and boat and ground transportation; Exxon branded duffel bags, coolers, and lanyards for a Contractor Safety Wo r k s h o p ; M e a l s , beverages, tents, chairs, and facilities for “Culture of Health” 5K run/walk and other similar events leave it in breach of the contract. Auditors said, “these costs were not directly for production operations; they were for corporate goodwill and are thus not recoverable.” Auditors said Exxon acknowledged that the costs are not recoverable and agreed to issue a US$24,636 credit to the Stabroek Block account. Exxon however refused auditors’ request for the remaining US$111,367 to be credited to the account. It should be noted that this audit report prepared by Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc., with backing from Martindale Consultants covers Exxon’s
expenses totalling Exxon’s US$7.3B expenses and incurred from 2018 to 2020. The report is yet to be released to the public. 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. 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. 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.
Sophia man remanded for robbery A 20-year-old-man was on Wednesday remanded to prison when he appeared in court on a charge of allegedly robbing Reynolds Charles on Sunday. It is alleged that on October 22, at Kingston Street Georgetown, Omar Anderson of Lot 91 Block F Sophia, a vendor of Bourda Market, robbed Charles of one iphone valued $120,000 and $35,000 in cash. The accused appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor objected to bail on grounds that the defendant has a history of committing similar
Remanded: Omar Anderson offences. The prosecution noted to the accused was sentenced to six months imprisonment for the charge “Robbery Under Arms” earlier this year, and was released in July. The magistrate then refused bail and Anderson was remanded to prison. The next scheduled court date is set for November 15, 2023.
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Thursday October 26, 2023
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Open Letter to the President I hope this letter finds you in a better mood than when you spoke to that engineer in Region 6 two weeks ago. I am writing to you as a concerned citizen of Guyana, deeply interested in the development and sustainable management of our nation’s oil and gas sector. There have been several instances where critical mistakes have been made, which, I believe, warrant corrective action. Many of the decisions made or which have not been made have been detrimental to our people’s well-being and some have caused greater embarrassment to your government. From my own interactions with the people, I know that many of them are disappointed that there has been no renegotiation of the oil agreement and no ringfencing has been implemented. There has been concern also over the
extension granted for the relinquishment of the oil blocks. I want to suggest that sometimes it is beneficial for decision makes to take a step back, retreat from the limelight, and introspect on their actions and decisions. In the context of our oil and gas sector, I propose that it may be time to consider giving some of the key political personnel entrusted with the management of the oil and gas sector a welldeserved break. Or you may wish to consider reshuffling the Cabinet to inject fresh ideas and expertise into the sector. Our oil and gas sector is undoubtedly one of the most significant and promising industries for transforming G u y a n a ’s f u t u r e . T h e decisions and actions taken within this sector have farreaching consequences, not just for the current generation but for
generations to come. Therefore, it is important that the right decisions and choices be made to ensure the sector ’s long-term success and sustainable development. It is with this overarching goal in mind that I urge you to consider the following points to give some of your political appointees in the sector a vacation during which they can reflect on their actions, admit to themselves their mistakes, and make necessary improvements. Working in such a highstakes sector can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Granting a sabbatical or reassigning responsibilities can help prevent burnout among key personnel, ensuring that they return to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm. A reshuffle or break can serve as a clear signal to the public and international
Energy Analyst Says ‘Guyana’s... From page 06 boasts five government-approved projects, each capable of generating over US$1 billion in annual profits for the company. The remarkable profit potential of Guyana’s Stabroek Block hasn’t escaped Chevron’s notice, as reflected in the company’s comments on Monday. Chevron has labeled the Stabroek Block as “an extraordinary asset with industryleading cash margins and low carbon intensity, expected to drive production growth into the next decade.” The company
also designates Guyana’s Stabroek Block as a priority asset, with over US$11 billion barrels of oil equivalent in discovered recoverable resources, promising high cash margins per barrel, a robust production growth outlook, and potential exploration opportunities. Additionally, the large oil producer has expressed significant interest in the cash flow that will follow the start-up of Payara, the third oil project expected to commence by year-end, as well as Yellowtail, the fourth oil project scheduled for 2025.
DEM BOYS SEH
Exxon should pay for dem boys Christmas list Dem folks over at ExxonMobil seem to have stumbled upon a revolutionary way to spend their oil profits, and boy, is dem boys inspired! You see, while we’ve been busy making our Christmas lists and checking them twice, they’ve been rewriting the holiday spending rulebook with a flair for creativity that would make even Santa envious. In a recent revelation in de Waterfall paper, we learned that de auditors of Liza 1 and Liza 2 took a long, hard look at the Stabroek Block profits, and guess what they found? They found that some of that hard-earned cash was lavishly showered on holiday gift vouchers for their security personnel, transport services for
sauntering around Georgetown, and even a full-blown family fun day for the expatriates. Ho, ho, ho! Now, that got dem boys thinking, too. Why should Exxon’s employees have all the fun? They say sharing is caring, and dem boys think it’s high time Exxon extended their generosity to folks who have been diligently preparing our Christmas lists since, well, January. Dem boys seh why not send those lists straight to ExxonMobil for some good old cost recovery? Dem boys gat two lists - the “Give Me What I Want” list and the “What I’ll Give to You” list. It’s a simple solution, really. We just want our fair share of the holiday cheer, just like the
Exxon family does. Now, we’re not saying we want to go all Grinch on Exxon. We just think they could do with a little less extravagance in the gift voucher department and a tad more consideration for locals. It’s the season of giving, and what better way to spread the holiday cheer than by letting us claim our gifts as cost recovery? So, Exxon, if you’re reading this, remember Santa may check his list twice, but the auditors only need to check yours once. This Christmas, let’s all come together, for as they say in the season of goodwill, “You better not pout, you better not cry, ExxonMobil, we’re telling you why - cost recovery is coming to town!” Talk half. Leff half.
investors that our government is committed to maintaining transparency, good governance, and accountability in the oil and gas sector. The oil and gas sector is complex, and it requires a broad range of expertise. The skills needed range from geology to environmental science, economics, and regulatory affairs. Bringing in fresh face with diverse backgrounds can provide a more inspiring performance and help avoid groupthink. There are two main benefits to this approach. Firstly, demonstrating a willingness to reassess and adapt can help rebuild public confidence in the sector and government’s management, assuring citizens that their interests are being well served. Secondly, stagnation and complacency can set in when the same individuals or teams continue to manage a sector without interruption. By introducing new perspectives and ideas, we can avoid becoming
entrenched in outdated practices and assumptions. I believe that Guyana has the potential to become a shining example of how a nation can successfully manage its newfound oil and gas wealth. To achieve this, it is imperative that we continue to learn from our past errors, adapt to changing circumstances, and always strive for the best possible outcomes for our country and its citizens. As a concerned citizen, I am not advocating for a wholesale purge of the current team responsible for the oil and gas sector. But I would not be opposed to such an approach. Rather, I am suggesting that a temporary retreat, perhaps in the form of a sabbatical or a reshuffling of responsibilities, could be the catalyst for positive change and renewed focus on the s e c t o r ’s l o n g - t e r m development. Such a move could ensure that we harness the full potential of this valuable resource and minimize the risk of
repeating past mistakes. As the President of our great nation, your leadership and vision are crucial in guiding Guyana toward a prosperous and sustainable future. I trust that you will consider these suggestions with the utmost seriousness and make the decisions that will best serve the interests of our country. Your legacy as a leader will undoubtedly be shaped by the actions you take in managing the oil and gas sector. Let it be a legacy of wisdom, vision, and commitment to the wellbeing of all Guyanese. (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.)
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S
UTH
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
L
LAL
Thursday October 26,2022 2023 Monday May 02,
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
EXXONMOBIL AND THAT 50-YEAR-OLD LIE If ExxonMobil can conceal to deceive the world about what it knew about climate change, then what would this American oil giant not to do to a midget in the oil-producing world like
Guyana? If ExxonMobil can take public postures that went against the results of its own studies, then how much would it think little of misleading this country about what it is doing (really
doing) in Guyana’s rich offshore oilfields? How much would Exxon not roll the dice and cheat Guyana, particularly when this country is so limited in what it knows about oil, and
how weak and ineffectual its political leaders are? A lawsuit in California is shedding some light on what kind of company ExxonMobil is. About 50 years ago, the company’s own people arrived at some findings: greenhouse gas emissions were a serious problem, and urgent action was needed. ExxonMobil cannot plead ignorance, it definitely has a lot to answer for, given what it knew, and how it fought against those who kept pushing the issue into the public domain. In January, Science m a g a z i n e ’s s c i e n c e historians Naomi Oreskes and Geoffrey Supan put it rather bluntly: “Climate projections reported by Exxon Mobil scientists between 1977 and 2003 were accurate and skillful in p re d i c t i n g s u b s e q u e n t global warming,” then the hammer: “ExxonMobil accurately foresaw the threat of human-caused global warming, both prior and parallel to orchestrating lobbying and propaganda campaigns to delay climate action.” It is said that the best defense is a strong offense, and so, true to form, ExxonMobil went on the offensive. Exxon went against those who were filing lawsuits, by attacking the credibility, their motives and agendas, and others who exposed what the company is about, behind the smooth leadership exterior. Exxon was so desperate to suppress climate change realities that the company put its foot in its mouth, and blundered b a d l y , r a t h e r e m b a r r a s s i n g l y. A gathering as far back as 2012 in La Jolla, California involving the Union of Concerned Scientists and troubled environmental activists was attacked by Exxon’s people. In Exxon’s haste to disparage the group, the company forgot something: it had received funding for its work from the Rockefeller Family Fund. For those Guyanese who
are slightly behind the knowledge curve, the patriarch of Rockefeller Family Fund was none other than oil titan, John D. Rockefeller, whose Standard Oil of New Jersey became Exxon Corporation in 1972. It could be reasonably said that the people challenging Exxon’s climate change pretenses and farces were receiving some of their funding from the original parent of Exxon itself. It is the height of perverse irony that Exxon could be chopping away at its own roots. In the judicial arena where ExxonMobil is a longstanding ringmaster, the results have been mixed: some judges are feeling their way around climate change litigation, even when they partially agree with plaintiffs. In San Francisco, however, one federal judge came right out in 2018 and said that “he accepts the science behind global warming”, but stopped short o f i s s u i n g a n y groundbreaking decision. Meanwhile, California is contending that much valuable time has been lost, and much harm inflicted, because of Exxon’s public deceptions on climate change. Its own records confirm that it knew about climate change realities, but either put a lid on its own research, or pushed alternate narratives in public. In many respects, Exxon resembles Big Tobacco, which was killing Americans, while pushing it lethal product as safe. The issue for Guyanese is that, given the company’s record of two-faced behavior, how can it ever ne considered a trusted partner in this nation’s massive oil patrimony. Its operations are 200 km from shore: a temptation. Its production, flaring, and other numbers furnished to Guyana are from its own systems and records, as unmonitored by any Guyanese: more temptations. The bottom-
line question is whether Guyanese can ever have any confidence that Exxon will do right by this country, when it has the field all to itself, and out of sight to boot. A company with a history of principled corporate practices could be given a try. But here Guyana stands, with a partner that did wrongs in its own birthplace. If ExxonMobil could do what it did in America, then it is a reckless stretch of credibility to think that it would spare Guyana its shenanigans, outrages. It is my position that any action that would save the company money, or help it to make money (including use of extra-curriculars), Exxon will pull the trigger. Further, just as Exxon has attacked messengers and civil-minded activists in the United States, it would do the same in Guyana. In Guyana, however, Exxon gets politicians and their supplicants in the PPP Government to do its dirty work, viz., working diligently to intimidate and suppress locals, who point to the depraved nature of the company. Some are in regular media, others on social media, and some really low Guyanese creatures operate in communities to spread the gospel of Exxon. Yes, there are Guyanese at different levels in this society, who are that craven and traitorous. Nothing is new about this; it is simply an extension of what Exxon has perfected over the decades, and what is now unleashed here. I do not trust Exxon, and no Guyanese should. (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.)
Thursday October 26, 2023
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Thursday October 26, 2023
‘A united front is the way to go’ - Business community lauds, Govt., Opposition on stance against Venezuela’s threats The leading private sector organizations have hailed the meeting between the government and Opposition, which produced a united stance against recent threats from neighbouring Venezuela over the Essequibo. President Irfaan Ali and Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton on Tuesday met at the Office of the President to discuss the existential threat by Venezuela to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and reaffirmed each other ’s commitment to defend this country’s interest. The two leaders also rejected a proposed referendum by Venezuela that will see the annexation of the Essequibo, which they spuriously claimed belongs to them and called on the international community join in condemning the Bolivarian Republic’s threats to Guyana. In a statement reacting to the meeting by the leaders, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said it is heartened. “The GCCI believes that this unified front is a critical underpinning for ensuring the maintenance of the territorial integrity of Guyana. These talks demonstrate a degree of political maturity and leadership that is required to navigate these circumstances. The Chamber calls for all Guyanese to show support and unify for this cause. The maintenance of our Guyana must be of paramount importance. The GCCI will continue to support efforts being made in this arena and believes that the right course is being charted by our leaders.” For its part, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) said too that it is pleased to learn that Guyana’s government and Opposition have joined forces to oppose Venezuela’s ongoing efforts to undermine G u y a n a ’s s o v e r e i g n t y a n d territorial integrity. “The GMSA recognises that the unity of these two political parties is beneficial for the country and its citizens. Their joint statement reaffirms their commitment to safeguarding Guyana’s interests and ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for all Guyanese citizens. President Ali and Opposition Leader Norton have demonstrated their commitment to fighting Venezuela’s relentless attempts to undermine Guyana’s development,” the association said in a statement. “The association also appreciates the international c o m m u n i t y ’s s u p p o r t i n condemning Venezuela’s actions and standing in solidarity with Guyana. This support further strengthens the country’s position and sends a clear message that any aggression towards Guyana will
President Irfaan Ali and his delegation met with Leader of the Opposition and his team on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy not be tolerated.” President Ali was accompanied by Prime Minister. Mark Phillips, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, Gail Teixeira, M.P., Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Norton for his part was accompanied by Khemraj Ramrattan, MP, Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister, Amanza Walton Desir, Geeta ChandonEdmond, MP, Tabitha SaraboHalley and Ambassador Ronald Austin, CCH, Adviser. According to a joint statement by Ali and Norton, in discussing the latest actions by the Government of Venezuela in pursuit of its spurious claim to the Essequibo territory of Guyana, President Ali and Opposition Leader, Norton from the outset, agreed that Guyana’s sovereignty is of paramount importance and is a matter on which the Guyanese people are all completely united. To this end, they condemned the flagrant violation of the rule of law by Venezuela and agreed that no effort should be spared to resist that country’s persistent endeavours to undermine G u y a n a ’s s o v e r e i g n t y a n d territorial integrity. President Ali and the Leader of the Opposition also agreed that the protection of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state must be subserved by a vigorous and comprehensive public education programme and a proactive and robust diplomatic effort aimed at blunting Venezuelan propaganda and misinformation as they relate to the territorial controversy generally, and the Geneva Agreement in particular. “They
reaffirmed the commitment to the current judicial process that is being conducted under the aegis of the International Court of Justice and are convinced that this would finally resolve the question raised by Venezuela over the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award,” the statement added. According to the statement, the leaders recalled that for more than six decades after the 1899 Arbitral Award was delivered, Venezuela treated the Award as a final settlement of the border between the two countries. To this end, it consistently recognised, affirmed and relied upon the 1899 Arbitral Award as “a full, perfect, and final settlement” of the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela. In particular, between 1900 and 1905, Venezuela participated in a joint demarcation of the boundary, in strict adherence to the letter of the 1899 Arbitral Award, and emphatically refused to countenance even minor technical modifications of the boundary line described in the Award. Venezuela proceeded to formally ratify the demarcated boundary in its domestic law and thereafter published official maps, which depicted the boundary following the line described in the 1899 Award. In July 1931, Venezuela concluded a boundary agreement with Brazil that expressly confirmed the tri-junction point of the boundaries of British Guiana, Venezuela and Brazil as described in the 1899 Award. For more than sixty years, Venezuela gave full effect to that Award, and never raised a concern as to its validity and binding legal effects. President
Ali and Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton determined that the questions to be posed in the Referendum to be held by Venezuela on December 3, 2023, violated the sanctity of treaties. Moreover, they are in blatant disregard of the principles of international law. In particular, question three as part of the set of questions, speaks to the “historical position” of Venezuela “of not recognizing the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the territorial controversy over ‘Guayana Esequiba’; while question five seeks the approval of the Venezuelan people for the creation of a new Venezuelan State consisting of Guyana’s Essequibo Region, to include “the granting of citizenship and Venezuelan identity card in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and international law”. This is a deliberate misinterpretation of the Geneva Agreement and a clear violation of International Law. They further underscored the fact that no Government or the people of one country has the right in international law, to seize, annex, or conquer the territory of another c o u n t r y. I n t e r n a t i o n a l l a w emphatically prohibits this. Both leaders acknowledged the support by the international community for the preservation of G u y a n a ’s s o v e r e i g n t y a n d territorial integrity, and urged that Venezuela’s actions be closely monitored as they pose a serious threat to the peace and security of the hemisphere. President Ali and Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton agreed to keep in close consultation on this matter of national
importance. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters following the meeting, Opposition Leader Norton, expressed deep concern over Venezuela’s recent actions and underscored the vital need for a cooperative approach between the government and the Opposition. Norton said, “We have been able to outline our own positions. We are unified in a number of issues, including rejecting this whole idea of a referendum that it is pernicious, dangerous, and aggressive. Hope it should not be going forward. It’s very aggressive by nature and militarizing issue that really should be for diplomatic resolution.” He described the meeting with President Ali as a resounding success, and shared that a joint statement will be issued. Norton emphasized the need for heightened dialogue and public education. President Ali reportedly concurred, indicating a commitment to pursue these actions. The Opposition Leader explained that he had read Venezuela recent statement, underscoring that he believes the Spanish-speaking nation, “Is trying to shift this thing away from the ICG. we have to ensure it stays with the ICJ and our best option is with the ICJ…and what Venezuela is attempting to do is to make it appear as if we are the Government of Guyana all of us are rejecting dialogue. We are not.” For his part, Khemraj Ramjattan, expressed satisfaction with the meeting’s outcomes, viewing it as a significant step towards achieving unity between the government and the Opposition.
Thursday October 26, 2023
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GGDMA supports Govt.’s Baby dies in fire at Linden clampdown on illegal gold trading The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) released a press statement on Wednesday, expressing its full support for the government’s recent stance on eliminating the illicit gold trade within Guyana. Back in August 2023, the GGDMA issued a resolute statement advocating for the complete eradication of illegal buyers, sellers, and operators in the gold sector. They called for these offenders to face the full extent of the law, aiming to completely eliminate their presence from Guyana’s mining industry. O n M o n d a y, t h e government’s statement, which followed a recent analysis, revealed a
significant disparity between gold production and its proper declaration and sale to licensed dealers, traders, and the Guyana Gold Board. It stated that an investigation had been initiated to bring those involved in such actions to justice. GGDMA responded to this by stating, “We are encouraged by this announcement, and we hope these public declarations
will be backed by appropriate actions from relevant authorities to hold wrongdoers accountable.” In the same statement, GGDMA urged its members to strictly adhere to the law, emphasizing the importance of distancing themselves from illicit activities that harm the sector’s reputation and diminish its vital role in national development. They made it clear that they would not defend any individuals or entities found legally responsible for such misconduct. GGDMA underscored the significance of adhering to regulations concerning the buying and selling of gold, as they are in place to safeguard (Continued on page 16)
A one-year-old baby girl lost her life tragically on Tuesday in a fire at Wismar, Linden, Region Ten. The dead child, Aziza Albert, her two-year-old sibling and her mother, Anika Hamy were all inside of their one-flat wooden home when a fire erupted. Police said that it was around 19:30hrs that day. Hamy told police that Albert and her sister were playing in their living room while she was cooking on a kerosene stove inside their kitchen. The woman said that she was about to fry some eggs when the stove accidently fell to the floor. The oil and the kerosene fueled the flames and spread quickly throughout the house. Upon seeing the flames, the baby ran towards her mother but ended running into the flames. Hamy managed to pull her out of the fire along with the twoyear-old sibling and escaped the burning building. Unfortunately, Albert had already sustained severe burns to her body. Hamy began screaming for help but a according to reports, a few neighbours formed a bucket brigade and attempted to
The rubble that remains after the house was burnt to the ground.
Dead: Aziza Albert
extinguish the fire while others stood by with their cell phones recording the ordeal. “Nonetheless, the Fire Service was summoned, and in a short while, Fire Tender # 99, Commanded by Leading Fireman Lovell and a crew of five, arrived and went into action”, police
stated. Aziza Albert was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex, where she received medical attention for second and third-degree burns. She was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where she died around 23:00hrs while receiving treatment.
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Thursday October 26, 2023
Profile of confessed killer of Amit Singh…
On Social media: Yogeendra Sukhdeo was ‘Elchapo Escobar’ On Instagram , he goes by the name ‘Elchapo Escobar’ and his lifestyle appears to be a mixture of glitz and glamour, one of luxury and accomplishment with pieces of gold strewn across the table in multiple photographs. It appears, his life is all about gold, even to kill for. But in all the images of Yogeendra Sukhdeo, one thing is consistent; there is no hint of a smile, not even in social settings like him sitting under a thatched roof in an open-air environment where he can be seen shaking expensive Chuva de Prata champagne with a gold chain hung around his neck. He stares at the camera, often posing beside expensive rides, and his bearded demeanour tells his followers on Instagram why he chose to be seen on their devices with the name ‘Escobar,’ the Colombian drug lord who is revered by many who simply want to be like ‘Pablo.’ While this young Guyanese businessman appears to bring the dead drug lord’s appearance to
life in his posts, he also chose another wishful thinking path by carrying the name of another surviving ‘cartel’ leader, Joaquin Guzman-Loera or, who many may know as ‘El Chapo,’ the Mexican drug lord, a leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. Such is the social media life of Sukhdeo that multiple questions emerge even as the crime sleuths of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) comb through the evidence which ties him to the gruesome murder of young Amit Singh, the 21-year-old businessman who was bludgeoned to death in a house at Middle Road, La Penitence allegedly by Sukhdeo, a murder he confessed to, the GPF said. Sukhdeo’s photographs are not only about how he is seen. They also provide an insight into his dreams and aspirations and his business persona; at least that is the impression those images created in the mind to this writer and first-time viewer of his Instagram account. His photographs are all about gold, grains of it, handheld and on the scale.
Sukhdeo relaxes with a gun resting on his chest
Sukhdeo poses with $5000 notes Even the name of his businesses El Dorado Luxury Rentals, El Dorado Mining and El Dorado Landscaping Solutions, all of which he is listed as the Chief Executive Officer, were birthed with gold concepts. His business persona is also in sync with the times, as he sits in his business attire in the lobby of one of G e o rg e t o w n ’s m o s t luxurious hotels. Two days before the crime, he quoted the Mafia code of silence on Instagram. “It’s not about the money; it’s about the power.” He said, “Money can’t buy loyalty, but in the Mafia, it can buy silence.” He said, “In the Mafia, fear is
weapon, and reputation is everything.” This is the life of luxury, upper class opulence and, of dreams. A life that mimics two of the world’s most popular drug lords and
points to many questions; if one is so filthy rich, why kill another for $7.9M? What was the mood during their last moments with the victim, who was supposedly his friend? What were his
victim’s last words? Lastly, one may ask how much gold he promised to sell his victim, the precious metal which ultimately may lead him behind bars, not gold bars.
‘Venezuela’s referendum has no validity, bearing, or standing in international law’ - CARICOM The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Wednesday said that Venezuela’s move to hold a referendum on its baseless claim of the Essequibo “has no validity, bearing, or standing in international law.” The long-standing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela revolves around Venezuela’s claim to a significant portion of Guyana, which includes the entire Essequibo region and its offshore exclusive economic zone. With the matter now referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Guyana is actively pursuing a binding judgment to assert its ownership of the Essequibo region. However, in a recent move, Venezuela has opted to conduct a “consultative referendum” scheduled for December 3, 2023. This referendum seeks to gauge public support for Venezuela’s decisions regarding the Essequibo region. Notably, Guyanese leaders have announced that they are united in rejecting Venezuela’s referendum. In a press statement, CARICOM noted that two of the questions approved to be posed in the Referendum, if answered in the affirmative, would authorise the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to embark on the annexation of territory, which constitutes part of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and to create a state within Venezuela known as Guyana Essequibo. CARICOM reaffirmed that international law strictly prohibits the government of one State from unilaterally seizing, annexing or incorporating the territory of another state. An affirmative vote as aforesaid opens the door to the possible violation of this fundamental tenet of international law. The Caribbean body also emphasised in its statement that the land and water in question — the Essequibo Region of Guyana — comprises more than two-thirds of the whole of Guyana itself. CARICOM noted too
that the language of two questions approved to be posed in the Referendum seeks an affirmation and implementation of Venezuela’s stance on the issue “by all means, according to/with the Law.” It is open to reasonable persons to conclude that “by all means”, includes means of force or war. “CARICOM earnestly hopes that Venezuela is not raising the prospect of using force or military means to get its own way in this controversy over territory. After all, it has been the long-standing position of Latin American and Caribbean counties, including Venezuela, that our region must remain a zone of peace,” it was stated. Meanwhile, CARICOM insists that the
Referendum proposed by Venezuela has no validity in international law in relation to this controversy and noted that the referendum is a purely domestic construct, but its summary effect is likely to undermine peace, tranquility, security, and more, in the region. CARICOM reiterated its support for the judicial process and expresses the hope that Venezuela will engage fully in that process before the International Court of Justice which has determined that it has the jurisdiction in the case brought before it to determine the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award which Venezuela questions. The Court’s final decision will ensure a resolution that is peaceful, equitable and in accordance with international law.
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Karasabai without potable water for over two months
The water system which was commissioned by the GWI at Karasabai.
Thursday October 26, 2023
Residents of Karasabai in South Pakaraima District are calling on the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) to rectify an issue at the water pump that serves the community which has been out of service for the past two months. Reports are that the pump, which was commissioned by the GWI in 2020, has malfunctioned and to date the agency has been unable to remedy the issue. An official of the GWI office at Lethem related to residents that he is unclear as regards a timeline when the issue would be rectified since the agency’s office at the border town does not have the requisite resources to fix the problem.
…as GWI pump breaks down The issue has affected some 700 residents of the community as families have resorted to using water from hand dug wells while others are forced to fetch water from various sources. In addition, the Karasabai Nursery and Primary schools, Secondary department as well as the health centre, doctors’, nurses’ and teachers’ quarters have been affected by the water woes. Several businesspersons have related that they are forced to fetch water to their business places. Early in 2020, the GWI commissioned a $10M
Sales girl fined for threatening behaviour A 28-year-old sales girl of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday where she was charged and fined for using threatening language towards another woman. It is alleged that on October 13, 2023 at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, Nakita Kaloutie used threatening language towards Samantha Seenarine. The accused appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Acting Chief Sherdel IsaacsMarcus, where the charge was read to her. She pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined $10,000. According to the police, Kaloutie told Seenarine,
Fine: Nakita Kaloutie “Don’t make I cuff yuh in yuh face,” as she folded her hands. Due to this behaviour, police said, Seenarine became fearful for her life. Kaloutie’s next court appearance will be on November 3, 2023 for statements.
Taxi driver released on $200K bail for allegedly raping child A 66-year-old taxi-driver of Lot 24 Duncan Street, Newtown Georgetown was on Wednesday charged and placed on $200,000 bail for allegedly raping a child under the age of 16. The accused, Gregory Gordon called “Isaiah” appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, when the indictable charge was read to him. Gordon was represented by attorney-at-law Bernard DaSilva. DaSilva secured bail for his client in the sum of $200,000. He told the court that his client is a father and is not a flight-risk. The police prosecutor made no objection to bail being granted to the accused but asked that conditions be applied to bail. Gordon is prohibited from communicating with the child and is not to come within 300 feet of her place of residence or her school. The court heard that the child is receiving counselling. The accused is slated to make his next court appearance on December 14, 2023.
water supply system which was funded by the agency and the Regional Democratic Council of Region 9. The works at the project site entailed the drilling of a well to the depth of 100 metres, installation of 4 kilometers of distribution pipelines, 78 new service connections and the rehabilitation of the previously existing water supply system.
PAGE 16
Thursday October 26, 2023
Kaieteur News
Local NGO secures Canadian-funded grant to help combat gender-based violence
T
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he Canadian High Commission here has announced that the National Coordinating Coalition (NCC) is the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Local Engagement and Action Fund (LEAF) grant. The grant agreement was formalised in an official signing ceremony held on Friday 20 October 2023 at the Field Support Services Project – Caribbean (FSSPC) Guyana Satellite Office. The ceremony featured Adam Loyer, Deputy Director and Head of Cooperation in Guyana at Global Affairs Canada, and Simone Sills, Executive Director of the National Coordinating Coalition. NCC was selected for its innovative project titled “Combatting Gender-Based Violence against Women & Girls in Migrant & Host Communities.” The initiative focuses on Venezuelan migrant women and girls in Guyana and aims to address various gaps in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services, including lack of awareness, poor service quality, and discrimination against
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Adam Loyer, Deputy Director and Head of Cooperation in Guyana at Global Affairs Canada hands over the grant cheque to Simone Sills, Executive Director of the National Coordinating Coalition
migrants. The grant to NCC amounts to CAD$86,625. In a press release, LEAF said the NCC plans to collaborate with local government agencies and civil society organisations to strengthen GBV referral pathways, improve the quality of GBV services, and raise awareness about these critical services. The project also aims to address the issue of xenophobia, which often poses a barrier to accessing these essential services. Funded by Global Affairs Canada and launched on April 20, 2023, LEAF is a grant mechanism under the FSSP-C designed to empower organizations working in vulnerable sectors.
LEAF offers both shortterm (six to twelve months) and long-term (twelve to twenty-four months) grants, ranging from CAD$20,000 to CAD$100,000. These grants can be used for various operational aspects, including capacity building, technical support, and administrative services. LEAF has the potential to address a range of issues, including: gender equality, human rights, environment, climate change and biodiversity, sexual and reproductive health rights, gender-based violence, youth engagement, and strengthening organizational effectiveness. The LEAF initiative is aimed at supporting organizations across eight Carib-
bean countries: Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. Eligibility for the LEAF grant extends to a broad range of organizations, including non-profits, community-based organizations, and women’s rights organizations, among others. The LEAF initiative runs from 2023 to 2027, with annual calls for proposals. Participants are optimistic that this partnership among Global Affairs Canada, FSSPC and the National Coordinating Coalition will yield significant results in improving the lives of vulnerable women and girls in Guyana.
GGDMA supports Govt.’s clampdown... From page 13 the industry, its legitimacy, the nation’s economy, and its global reputation. The organization also stressed that compliance should be seen not as a burden but as a shared responsibility. Miners were encouraged to refrain from engaging with entities lacking the necessary legal permits and credentials for gold trading. Furthermore, GGDMA suggested that when selling
gold, miners should ensure they receive a receipt and periodically cross-check with the Guyana Gold Board to verify that their gold sales are accurately recorded and the relevant taxes and royalties have been properly remitted. GGDMA acknowledged the need for stringent action against those selling gold to illegal buyers, particularly the numerous illicit gold buyers scattered throughout various mining districts, including
Georgetown. They called for the removal of these illegal buyers to level the playing field for legitimate buyers who adhere to the law and fulfill their tax obligations. The organization committed to continued engagement with the government and other stakeholders, fostering open dialogue to address systemic issues, propose improvements, and establish transparent communication channels to enhance the industry’s prospects.a
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From page 05 often considered in the policy-making and decisionmaking processes. Both the President and the Prime Minister believe that positive criticisms of the government from the residents are not only patriotic, but they are also welcome because they can only make the government stronger and more responsive to their specific needs in each of the 10 regions. A similar viewpoint is reflected in one of the
speeches by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, who in 1910 said, “That there must be no criticism of the President, or that people are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable.” Finally, President Dr. Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips have inspired the nation to embrace the profoundly sound “One Guyana” vision which comprises several pertinent issues
including unity, increased growth in GDP, the expansion and rapid growth of the agriculture sector and the economy, modernization of the infrastructure could solidify Guyana’s global leadership. Today, Guyana has become one of the most recognizable countries in the world, thanks to the brilliant and outstanding leadership of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. Sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose
Thursday October 26, 2023
Kaieteur News
PAGE 17
Coldingen fisherman murder trial gets - deletes video evidence underway at the High Court
Security guard assaults colleague A GEB security guard on Saturday last allegedly “thrashed” her 18-yearcolleague while they were on duty at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and then deleted the video evidence from the victim’s cell phone. The victim has been identified as Ellisa Lynch and according to her, she was attacked around 23:00hrs. T h e c o m p a n y ’s C h i e f Executive Officer, Maurice Amres also confirmed the assault with Kaieteur News. He said the two employees had a misunderstanding with each other and it turned into an altercation. He assured that his company is dealing with the matter internally. Lynch, however, has reported the assault to police and is alleging that she had a misunderstanding with the woman. The victim claims that since she started working with the company, the woman appeared to dislike her and has always been hostile to her. “She would always be aggressive towards me, like yuh know throwing hints, mocking and so,” Lynch said, while adding that she had lodged a complaint
against her colleague with the company but her concerns were never addressed. Lynch continued that she began hearing rumours that the woman was annoyed at her because she was getting a better salary. On Saturday, they were on duty together and according to Lynch, the woman again began behaving hostile towards her. This time, however, Lynch claimed that she did not stay quiet and decided to confront the woman about her behaviour. The woman allegedly became annoyed and started to behave disorderly. Lynch recalled that she took out her cell phone and began recording the woman. “She started beating on me”, said Lynch. Ly n c h r e p o r t e d l y managed to escape the angry woman but not before her alleged attacker managed to snatch her cell phone. A fearful lynch did not try to get back her cell phone and kept running. “I went to the police station and then took a medical”, Lynch said, while explaining the beating left her with bruises and severe pain about her body.
“I was limping,” she continued. Police subsequently went to arrest Lynch’s attacker but the woman allegedly locked the gates and refused to surrender. Lynch returned to her workplace the following day and was handed back her cell phone by the company’s CEO but there was no video evidence of the assault or recordings of confrontation they had. “She (the suspect) deleted the videos”, Lynch told Kaieteur News. Lynch said that she wants her story to be heard, noting that before she was employed with GEB, she was assured that her safety would be its highest priority but nothing was done to protect her even after the assault took place. “I took a medical and I was in pain that day when I went to collect my phone and they saw that because I was limping, and he (the CEO) started laughing”, Lynch alleged while adding that she was not even offered “any financial help to compensate for what happened to her on the company’s property”. Lynch is no longer working with the security firm.
Cop who reverses van on woman to face court The Guyana Police Force said on Wednesday that it has issued a notice of intended prosecution to one of its ranks attached to the Beterverwagting Police Station after he reversed over a 61-year-old woman at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Luckily the woman identified as Kamlawattie Singh, of Mon Repos did not sustain life-threatening injuries. The policeman reversed over her around
06:00hrs Wednesday with the Force’s patrol pick-up while leaving a fire scene in the area. Security cameras mounted on a nearby building captured the moment. Singh was walking along the main access road at Mon Repos when the reversing pick-up knocked her down behind. The vehicle did not stop and continued to reverse over the woman dragging her in the process. It could have been
The police pick-up truck
worse if some had not alerted the police officers inside the vehicle. A man was seen running towards the vehicle and signaling the occupants to stop. Police said that the ranks in the vehicle picked her up in a conscious state and transported her with the same pick-up to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). She was treated for her injuries and later discharged.
Police detective, Chitram Seeram faced a series of questions in relation to murder of Coldingen East Coast Demerara (ECD) fisherman, Mukesh Mangra on Monday after he was called to the witness stand to testify in the murder trial of Roy Jaglall. Jaglall is currently facing a murder charge before Justice Simone MorrisRamlall and a mixed 12member jury at the High Court. He was charged along with Vivekanand Ram for the murder which occurred at Coldingen, ECD on January 18, 2020. The body of Mangra called ‘Paul”, 27, of Coldingen Squatting Area, ECD was discovered on the evening of January 18, 2020 lying on the road with multiple stab wounds and lacerations. Police found a blue handle knife about fifty feet from the body. Family members had reported that they believed that Mangra was attacked and killed during a brawl. Ram and Jaglall were subsequently charged with murdering Mangra. Ram has however pleaded guilty to the offence and is set to be sentenced next month. On Monday, the State called several witnesses including detective Seeram who lead the investigation in the trial. Seeram essentially told court that he had instructed crime scene ranks to inter ali, collect video
Mukesh Mangra footage from surveillance cameras nearby businesses during the murder investigation. According to the policeman, the murder occurred in the vicinity of Chico Ramas gas station and Tasha’s bar on the ECD. He said that as a result, he instructed ranks to secure the video footage as part of their evidence gathering. Under cross examination by attorney, Dominic Bess, the officer related that the video recordings were collected but they were not clear. As such, he said that the recordings were not a crucial part of the evidence. He said too that the recordings were taken to the Magistrate Court but they were not tendered as evidence. Seeram could not give a reason why the recordings were not tendered. The detective said too there was video footage
taken of a confrontation, he held between the accused and another suspect, Tagepaul Sukdeo but it was also never in court. He revealed further that there were about six video recording that were collected throughout the investigation but it did not make it to Court. In addition, the detective, State Prosecutors Rbina Christmas and Dellon Fraser called seven more witnesses including, Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh who gave details of an autopsy he conducted on Mangra’s body. During his t e s t i m o n y, D r. S i n g h revealed that the fisherman died of perforation to the liver and lungs. The pathologist related that the deceased suffered three incised wound two of which were located in the abdomen and would have been likely caused by a sharp pointed object measuring 10cm in length. Meanwhile an eyewitness, Tagepaul Sukdeo related that Jaglall told a group of men that he was hanging out with at Tasha’s bar that a man which he later identified as Mangra had taken away his cutlass and knife and ‘want juke he up.’ As a result of what he told the men, they got into a car and went to confront Mangra. When, the men with whom, Jaglall was with confronted Mangra, he attempted to run away but was caught and dealt stabs about his abdomen with a knife by the accused.
Kaieteur News
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Thursday October 26, 2023
Israel demands UN chief resign over Hamas attack comments (BBC NEWS) Israel has reacted angrily to comments made by the UN secretary general about the Gaza war at the Security Council. António Guterres said he condemned unequivocally the deadly attacks by Hamas gunmen in Israel two weeks ago but that it was important to recognise that they “did not happen in a vacuum”. Israeli ambassador Gilad Erdan accused him of “justifying terrorism” and demanded his immediate resignation. He later said Israel would withhold visas from UN officials. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen meanwhile dismissed calls for a ceasefire and proportionality in his country’s response to the Hamas attacks, in which at least 1,400 people were killed and 222 taken as hostages. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says more than 6,500 people have been killed in the territory since Israel retaliated with air and artillery strikes while massing troops for an expected ground invasion. Addressing a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York on Tuesday, Mr Guterres said the situation in
the Middle East was growing more dire by the hour and urged all parties to respect and protect civilians. “I have condemned unequivocally the horrifying and unprecedented 7 October acts of terror by Hamas in Israel. Nothing can justify the deliberate killing, injuring and kidnapping of civilians - or the launching of rockets against civilian targets.” He then told the council that it was “important to also recognise the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum”, adding: “The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation.” He described how Palestinians had “seen their land steadily devoured by settlements and plagued by violence; their economy stifled; their people displaced and their homes demolished”. Mr Guterres also said he was deeply concerned about “the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza”. He expressed alarm at I s r a e l ’s c o n t i n u o u s bombardment of Gaza, as well as the level of civilian
António Guterres also said he was deeply about “the clear violations of international humanitarian law” in Gaza
casualties and “wholesale d e s t r u c t i o n o f neighbourhoods”. Without naming Hamas, he stressed that “protecting civilians can never mean using them as human shields”. And without naming Israel, he said: “Protecting civilians does not mean ordering more than one million people to evacuate to the south, where there is no shelter, no food, no water, no medicine and no fuel, and then continuing to bomb the south itself.” The UN chief also appealed for a humanitarian ceasefire to make the delivery of aid to Gaza easier and safer, and to facilitate the release of the hostages. He called the crossing from Egypt of 62 lorries carrying food, water and medical supplies since Saturday “a drop of aid in an
ocean of need”, and warned that the failure to include fuel risked a disaster. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, has said that without fuel deliveries it will not be able to provide support for the 600,000 people sheltering in its facilities beyond Wednesday. Without fuel, hospitals will not have power and drinking water will not be purified or pumped. The foreign minister of t h e We s t B a n k - b a s e d Palestinian Authority, Riyad al-Maliki, demanded an end to what he called the “ongoing massacres being deliberately and systematically and savagely perpetrated by Israel” against the two million people living in Gaza. The Israeli foreign minister
criticised Mr Guterres in his own speech to the Security Council, asking him: “In what world do you live?” Mr Cohen said the killing of 1,400 men, women and children by the 1,500 Hamas gunmen who infiltrated Israel constituted a massacre that would “go down in history as more brutal” than those committed by the Islamic State (IS) group. “Hamas are the new Nazis,” Mr Cohen declared. “Just as the civilised world united to defeat the Nazis, just as the civilised world united to defeat [IS], the civilised world has to stand united behind Israel to defeat Hamas.” Addressing the UN’s appeals for proportionality and a ceasefire, he said: “Tell me, what is a proportionate response for killing of babies, for rape [of] women and burn them, for beheading a child? How can you agree to a ceasefire with someone who swore to kill and destroy your own existence?” Mr Cohen later wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “I will not meet with the UN secretary general. After the October 7th massacre, there is no place for a balanced approach.” Israel’s ambassador to the UN said Mr Guterres had
proved he was “completely disconnected from the reality in our region”. “His statement that, ‘the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum,’ expressed an understanding for terrorism and murder. It’s really unfathomable. It’s truly sad that the head of an organisation that arose after the Holocaust holds such horrible views. A tragedy!” Gilad Erdan said. On Tuesday, Mr Erdan was also quoted by Israeli news website Ynet as saying he had informed the UN’s Under-Secretary General for H u m a n i t a r i a n A ff a i r s , Martin Griffiths, that his request for an Israeli visa had been refused. “He will not be able to come here to the region. Their agencies constantly need to bring in new people, certainly at a time like now. They will be refused.” UK government minister Robert Jenrick said the UN chief was “wrong” and should retract his comments. “No-one, whether deliberately or otherwise, should be implying there is any justification for [Hamas’s attacks],” he told ITV, adding that the UK also did not believe Israeli actions in Gaza had broken international law.
6,500 Palestinians have been killed so far in war - UN warns Gaza blockade could force it to sharply cut relief missions as Israeli bombings rise RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Gaza Health Ministry says more than 6,500 Palestinians have been killed in the war. The figure includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel — mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack, according to the Israeli government. Hamas also holds some 222 hostages in Gaza. Meanwhile, the U.N. warned Wednesday that it is on the verge of running out of fuel in the Gaza Strip, forcing it to sharply curtail relief efforts in the territory blockaded and devastated by Israeli airstrikes since Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel more than two weeks ago. The warning came as hospitals in Gaza struggled to treat masses of wounded with dwindling resources. Meanwhile, the U.N.’s top
official faced backlash from Israel after saying the Hamas massacre that sparked the fighting did not “take place in a vacuum.” Health officials said the death toll was soaring as Israeli jets pounded Gaza. Workers pulled dead and wounded civilians, including many children, out of landscapes of rubble in cities across the territory. Gaza’s Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas, said more than 750 people were killed over the past 24 hours. The Associated Press could not independently verify the death toll, and it was not known if the count included any militants. The Israeli military, which accuses Hamas of operating among civilians, said its strikes killed militants and destroyed military targets. Gaza militants have fired unrelenting rocket barrages into Israel since the conflict started.
The rising death toll in Gaza — following a reported 704 killed the day before — was unprecedented in the decades-long IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Even greater loss of life could come if Israel launches an expected ground offensive aimed at crushing Hamas. The warning by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, over depleting fuel supplies raised alarm that the humanitarian crisis could quickly worsen. Gaza’s population has been running out of food, water and medicine, too, under Israel’s seal. About 1.4 million of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have fled their homes, with nearly half of them crowded into U.N. shelters. In recent days, Israel let a small number of trucks with aid enter from Egypt but barred deliveries of fuel — needed to power generators — saying it believes Hamas
will take it. UNRWA has been sharing its own fuel supplies so that trucks can distribute aid, bakeries can feed people in shelters, water can be desalinated, and hospitals can keep incubators, life support machines and other vital equipment working. If it continues doing all of that, fuel will run out by Thursday, so the agency is deciding how to ration its supply, UNRWA s p o k e s w o m a n Ta m a r a Alrifai told The Associated Press. “Do we give for the incubators or the bakeries? Do we bump clean water or do we send trucks to the borders?” she said. “It is an excruciating decision.” More than half of Gaza’s primary health care facilities and roughly a third of its hospitals have stopped functioning, the W o r l d H e a l t h Organization said.
At Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital, the lack of medicine and clean water have led to “alarming” infection rates, the group Doctors Without Borders said. Amputations are often required to prevent infection from spreading in the wounded, it said. One surgeon with the group described amputating half the foot of a 9-year-old boy with “slight sedation” on a hallway floor as his mother and sister watched. A strike Wednesday in the Nusseirat refugee camp killed the wife, son and young daughter of one of Al-Jazeera TV’s chief c o r r e s p o n d e n t s , Wa e l Dahdouh. Footage aired on the Qatari based network showed the veteran journalist weeping over his son’s body on a hospital floor. “They take vengeance on us through our children?” he sobbed. In a swath of Gaza City’s Yarmouk neighborhood
reduced to splinters, a bleeding man hugged a child after both were dug out of the rubble. A bakery in Deir alBalah was flattened. In a nearby hospital, medics treated a boy with a mangled, half-severed leg. One worker lifted a dead baby out of the shattered concrete and rebar of 15 homes hit in the southern city of Rafah. The conflict threatened to spread across the region . The Israeli military said it struck military sites in Syria in response to rocket launches from the country. Syrian state media said eight soldiers were killed and seven wounded. Strikes in Syria also hit the airports of Aleppo and Damascus, in an apparent attempt to prevent arms shipments from Iran to militant groups, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Israel has been exchanging near daily fire with Iranianbacked Hezbollah across the Lebanese border.
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 26, 2023
PAGE 19
New $85 million teaching block at St.Winefride’s Secondary commissioned Section of the $85M Ms. Avril Crawford Block at the St. Winefride’s Secondary School
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday.
M
ore students would now be properly accommodated at St. Winefride’s Secondary School as a newly constructed $85 million teaching block was on Wednesday commissioned at the institution. Commissioning the new building which is now called Ms. Avril Crawford Block, was Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand. Ms. Crawford was the school’s first headteacher. Delivering brief remarks yesterday, the
school’s headteacher Ms. Rowena Seymore stated that the new wing was conceptualised after it was reported in June 2022 that the school can only accommodate some 13 students in the Grade Seven level as compared to the normal 75 student enrollment. She noted that this had caught the attention of officials from the ministry who made it their duty to look for space to accommodate the students. The headteacher shared that
b e c a u s e o f t h e accommodation at the time, Grade Seven students were reporting to school for two days while Grade Eight students were going to classes for three days. She added that this system then began to frustrate parents of students who were on the rotation basis. “Today we are extremely happy that our students are seated comfortably. In the new wing, there are 114 Grade Nine students along with 21 Grade 11 students occupying the classrooms.
In addition, we have one science lab which is accessible to anyone in the school,” she related. In her address to the gathering, Minister Manickchand said after taking up office back in 2020, they had the problem of spacing in schools. “When we came into office in 2020, we had this problem in 2021 with where we could place students because with North Ruimveldt being down, and St. Mary’s being down, then St. George’s being down, then Christ Church being
down so it’s a couple of years, we have had this problem. There was just no space to put children,” she explained. She noted that what was happening at the St. Winefride’s School, was that the Grade Seven and Eight children were the students who needed the foundation and the guidance the most and that they were only attending school on a rotation basis. “If I don’t want that for my children, I can’t want it for you,” she told students as she reveals the reason behind building the new block.
In addition to having a new teaching block, the minister also mentioned that the ministry would introduce new programmes at the school as the government is moving to make all students be well rounded not just academically. This publication had reported that the new building was built by Singh and Son Construction who had signed the contract back in November last year. The building is a two-storey structure which houses some five classrooms including a modern, fully outfitted science laboratory.
New well, booster pump among interventions to address water woes at Mahdia Amid low water pressure and supply in Mahdia, Region Eight due to the dry season, the township is set to benefit from the immediate interventions of water tanks, a new well and booster pump. This is according to the Region’s Regional Executive Officer (REO), Peter Ramotar who gave this publication an update on the current situation in Mahdia on Monday. According to Mr. Ramotar, the Salbora Creek which is one of the main sources of water to the township, is below the normal level. He said the creek is not one that would go completely dry but due to the severe heatwave, the water level has dropped. The REO said in collaboration with the Region, the Town Council and the Guyana Water Inc. they have put some tanks in place. “We have tanks at the lower level where the flow is continuous and the people were able to get water from them
and so it is not a case where we are completely at a crisis or out of water,” he reassured. Just a few days ago, following concerns raised by residents of the water situation in Mahdia, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai among other officials visited the region to put some measures in place to bring about relief. It was noted by the Housing and Water Ministry that GWI would be working to install a booster pump to assist with supply of water to the high areas. Additionally, the ministry stated that a new well is to be drilled on an emergency basis. “The contractor is currently mobilising and the well is expected to be completed within 2-3 weeks. This well will be drilled at the entrance of Campbelltown since it is deemed a very suitable area for the drilling,” the ministry in a
statement said. As a result of the extended dry season, the region’s water supply is being affected. Currently, water is being supplied to lower elevations such as airstrip and the bottom flat of Danjou Hill. Most of the areas at high elevation are not receiving supply, which is around 40% of the municipality. Kaieteur News understands that the Mahdia Water System provides water to the residents via three sources (Salbora Spring, 7 Miles Well & Admin well). The Salbora source, the ministry mentioned provides water to 2/3 of the population while 7 Miles well provides water to the other 1/3. Earlier this month, GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh during a press briefing had mentioned that due to the El Nino
Section of the Salbora Spring in Region Eight. (Ministry of Housing and Water photos) weather, the hinterland areas have been most impacted. “In all the hinterland regions, we have seen depletion in water supply in the surface water supply that is the springs and creeks, which i s a d v e r s e l y a ff e c t i n g t h e population in those areas,” he had stated. One such area he
highlighted that is experiencing the brunt of the dry weather is the Salbora Creek in the Mahdia area of Region Eight. The CEO explained that the Salbora Creek is currently depleted of about 80 percent of the water it supplies and has the potential of creating hardship for the population there.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday October 26, 2023
Thursday October 26, 2023
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Kaieteur News
Lady Jags ‘needle’ Suriname for crucial win East Bank Zone Janet By Rawle Toney The Lady Jags roared to a thrilling 1-0 win over Suriname last evening, when action in the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup qualifiers continued in Paramaribo. Taking the stage at the Dr Franklin Essed Stadium, the Lady Jags displayed an evident boost in their strength and form compared to their previous
matches against Dominica (5-0) and Antigua and Barbuda (1-2), thanks to the inclusion of key players, most notably Syndey Cummings. Cummings, a 24-year-old defender, has recently inked a two-year contract with the Scottish Premier League side, Celtic FC, and she undoubtedly lived up to her reputation as one of the best cen-
tre-backs in the Caribbean during Guyana’s win over Suriname. Cummings played a pivotal role in fortifying Guyana’s defence, ensuring that they maintained their advantage throughout the match. Meanwhile, in the attacking department, former National U20 forward, Shanice Alfred, caused ab-
Beverage Giant Banks DIH, Oasis Café... From page 23 the day. It is expected to draw over 70 participants from Guyana, the USA, Canada, Suriname, and Barbados, competing in both male and female categories.
The tournament is limited to 72 players, and registration closes on October 25. The format of the game is expected to be medal play by flights (ladies and men), with prizes being won for each flight. Per-
sons who are interested in participating in the competition can contact the club’s office or those who want to network with friends of the golfing community can call at 220-5660.
Thursday October 26, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you might be in the public eye along with some close friends and perhaps a love partner. You may be giving a speech, leading a discussion group.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Social contact with new and exciting people, Libra, perhaps at a neighborhood gathering, could bring intriguing information your way. You could learn about new fields that interest you.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Whether or not you're artistic, Taurus, inspiration for music, painting, writing, or other creative projects could come to you thick and fast today.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Work might take up a lot of your time today, Scorpio, perhaps job related, perhaps chores around the house. Friends or family may join you, and their conversation could help relieve some of the tedium. . SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Much of your day is likely to be spent in the company of family, close friends, and a current or potential love partner, Sagittarius. Business partners could be involved.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A group activity could involve a number of people, including some close friends, who share your intellectual, philosophical, or spiritual interests. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today you might be in the public eye along with some close friends and perhaps a love partner. You may be giving a speech, leading a discussion group, or be the center of attention at a party.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The Today you might decide to host a social event in your home, perhaps for friends and colleagues with whom you share intellectual, philosophical.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A new and exciting person, possibly someone from a distant state or foreign country, could come into your life today. You could spend hours talking.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A large gathering, perhaps a festival of some kind, could take place in your neighborhood today, Aquarius. You could choose to attend with some close friends and your romantic interest.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Some unusual dreams could have unexpected side effects, Virgo. They could spark new ideas for creative projects or possible innovative concepts to advance your career or social life.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Discussions with friends or colleagues about possible future business enterprises could find you taking notes, Pisces. Your natural meticulousness should serve you well.
solute havoc for Suriname with her relentless efforts. It was Alfred who catapulted Guyana into the lead with a spectacular goal in the 41st minute, and the Lady Jags managed to preserve the lead until the final whistle. This victory marks Guyana’s second consecutive win in the qualifiers, while it handed Suriname their first defeat, following their earlier victories against Dominica (4-0) and Antigua and Barbuda (1-0). As a result of the win, the Lady Jags now sit atop Group A in the qualifiers, maintaining a narrow advantage with a goal difference of +1 over Suriname. The anticipation is building as Guyana and Suriname are set to face off once more on October 29 in a match that could potentially determine which team from Group A will secure a coveted spot in the next round of the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup qualifiers.
GoldenJaguars: Wayne Forde... From page 24 league football is at its lowest with the GFF running a one-round league where each team played only nine matches. Now, the GFF running a league cup where each team plays four matches. This puts the locally based players at a serious disadvantage when it comes to team selection. Under Mr Forde’s administration in eight years, Guyana has played less league football than under the Fifa-appointed Normalization Committee in two years. 5. We feel that if the Guyana Golden Jaguars are to achieve its full potential Mr. Forde may have to step down or make the Guyana Football Federation a more professionally run organization. As players who give our best for Guyana, we think we deserve better than what the current GFF administration is giving. Senior Players Representative of the Guyana Golden Jaguars.
Jagan Windball Cricket set for today
Results in the Ministry of Culture Youth & Sport National Sports Commission Janet Jagan Birth Anniversary Female Windball Cricket Champions Trophy tournament continued recently. Debutant Essequibo Island Secondary (Wakenaan) won the toss, took to the middle first, and scored 60 -2, with Mariah Cheong 22 with (3 x 6s) and Melecia Wiggins 14, bowling for President’s College Rehanna Boston 2-3. President’s College replied with 62-0 to win. C. Thompson hit 40 (6x6s) and
Shalini Deokumar 22 (3x6s). Play returns to the National Gymnasium today, Thursday 26th and will see Nine (9) schools from the East Bank Demerara in action which includes debutants Diamond Primary and Yarrowkabra Secondary in action. The Other teams are last year’s 2nd place Diamond Sec., Friendship Sec., Soesdyke Sec., Dora Sec., IPE and Camille’s Academy. Defending Champions Covent Garden Secondary are also on the cards. Play starts at 9:55am.
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Thursday October 26, 2023
FIFA Instructor Shane Butler back in Guyana to update Futsal Referees on latest law changes FIFA Instructor Shane Butler has returned to Guyana to refresh the Futsal r e f e r e e c o m m u n i t y ’s knowledge and engage new enthusiasts in the game during a three-day FIFA Futsal Instructors Workshop which officially opened on Monday. A total of thirteen attendees, featuring two women and two futsal referees from Suriname, attended their first day of futsal theory sessions on October 23 with Butler and FIFA Referee Development Officer Javier Santos at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Plantation Lilliendaal in Georgetown. In his brief opening remarks, Butler
shared that there is a wealth of opportunities for referees from the Concacaf region for upcoming international tournaments, but they must be physically fit, have a comprehensive grasp of the game’s rules and a deep understanding of the sport. “During the three days, we are going to cover some basic stuff so we are all on the same page… (and) some advance stuff (including) law changes over the last two years.” He encouraged participants Colin Abel, Micah Erskine, Keith Roberts, Marineika Welcome, Anthony Adams, E i o n R o d n e y, M i t e r a Thomas, Dwayne McKinnon, Abdulla Hamid, Wa y n e G r i f f i t h , O t i s
FIFA Instructor Shane Butler speaks during his refresher futsal referee’s programme.
Williams, Anthony Terburg (Suriname), Preshant Autar (Suriname) to display a strong commitment throughout the course. Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde added that the
workshop exemplifies the importance of camaraderie within football with the attendance of the two Surinamese futsal referees. “The importance of solidarity within football is evident by having two of our
colleagues from neighbouring Suriname’s participation in the programme. We play a lot of futsal football here in Guyana and I know we are always getting feedback that the laws that govern futsal are not being properly applied by the referee officiating the game.” “Growing and building capacity is a duty of the Guyana Football Federation and it is the responsibility of our officials to be a part of that process.” The top GFF official also encouraged the group to “be as engaging as possible and to make sure that at the end of this programme you are able to grow and lift the quality of the tournaments that we are going to be running over the next couple of months and
years.” The FIFA Futsal Instructors Course is specifically crafted to furnish futsal instructors with a comprehensive understanding of the technical and tactical aspects of the sport. In order to advance the growth of futsal in Guyana, these instructors are encouraged to disseminate this invaluable expertise among other coaches operating at the national level. GFF Refereeing Project Officer Lenval Peart expressed his satisfaction with the participation of women in the workshop and emphasised that one of his department’s objectives is to increase the number of female instructors in the game.
Australia’s Maxwell puts on ‘Big Show’ with incendiary hundred NEW DELHI, (Reuters) - Glenn Maxwell’s recordshattering hundred silenced his critics and dispelled any self-doubts he may have had, the Australia all-rounder said after his match-winning knock in yesterday’s World Cup victory over the Netherlands.Maxwell broke his leg in November and missed Australia’s recent tour of South Africa due to an ankle issue which affected his preparations for the tournament. The 35-year-old played the second spinner’s role to perfection in the early matches but the swashbuckling batting, which earned him the nickname “Big Show”, was not in evidence. Against the Netherlands, Maxwell took 40 balls to blast the fastest ever World Cup hundred and went on to make 106 off 44 balls in a breathtaking display of powerhitting that earned him the man of the match award. “It’s probably something I didn’t set out to do,” Maxwell said of his knock, which included eight sixes and nine fours. “I just tried to get a good
platform. On this ground, you can cash in and it was nice to get a bit of rhythm finally and hit a few out of the middle of the bat. “It’s a huge confidence boost, a few doubts creep in when you haven’t got runs.” Thanks to rapid hundreds by Maxwell and David Warner, Australia racked up 399-8 and bundled out their opponents for 90 in 21 overs to inflict on them the biggest defeat in World Cup history. Five-time champions Australia also consolidated their fourth position in the points table with a major net run-rate boost, which may be useful in the race for a semifinal place. “It’s like a perfect game, when you get 400 and bowl a team out for under 100,” Maxwell said. “We’ve had three good wins now and will look to build on that momentum.” Scores: Australia 399 for 8 (Maxwell 106, Warner 104, Smith 71, Labuschagne 62, van Beek 4-74, de Leede 2-115) beat Netherlands 90 (Vikramjit 25, Zampa 4-8, Marsh 2-19) by 309 runs.
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 26, 2023
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Beverage Giant Banks DIH, Oasis Café and Mantra Entertainment Centre throw weight behind GTT Invitational 2023 Golf Tournament As the time draws closer to one of the biggest golfing events in Guyana, Banks DIH, Oasis Café, and Mantra Entertainment Centre have thrown their support behind the GTT Business Solutions Invitational Golf tournament, which is set to take place this weekend at the Lusignan Golf Club. Banks DIH under their 6 Degree North wine and Tropical Mist Water will be the prime beverage at the tournament. The players will be refreshed by Tropical Mist throughout the tournament as the battle for glory over the two days of action and later on they will be able to
sit back and relax and sip on 6 Degrees North after a hard day’s work. Oasis Café with their Aristea Wine, Sauvignon blanc 2020, will be the primary partner in hosting the cocktail reception for the players and guest. Mantra will be entertaining the guests, with their expert bar staff to ensure the guest to have a pleasant evening. LGC Vice President Brian Hackett in a statement said, “The LGC is pleased that the giants in the commercial sphere are throwing their weight behind Guyana’s premiere golf tournament, which is the single most important tournament of the year. The
best golfers will be out, as far as Colombia and Fiji who have already registered. So, we have a significant number of players participating to ensure that this tournament becomes the biggest and best tournament in Guyana. All the best players will be gathered at the LGC, we will be showcasing talent, the LGC and its hospitality.” Hackett also noted that the grounds are in immaculate condition, the fairways are dry and the club is doing their best to ensure the greens are shine so that the players will have exceptional performances on the course. He further relayed that the course is
Garbarran, Mahabeer lead Everest Masters to victory over Woodland Masters of T and T Leg spinner Lookeshwar Mahabeer (Vick) in action.
By Zaheer Mohamed A fine half century by Hemraj Garbarran coupled by a tidy spell from leg spinner Lookeshwar Mahabeer (Vick) handed host Everest Cricket Club Masters of Georgetown a comfortable 64-run victory over Woodland Sports Club Masters of Trinidad and Tobago when the teams collided in a T20 fixture on Tuesday. Garbarran struck seven fours and one six in a top score of 56 while Rawle Brown made 37 with one four and two sixes to lead Everest CC Masters to a challenging 178-8, batting first. The pair added 80 for the fifth wicket to steady the
innings nicely as they executed some fine shots of both sides of the pitch. Opener Sahadeo Hardaiow made 27 off 12 balls while Steven Ramkissoon took 221 for the visitors. Woodland SC Masters were never in the hunt as the folded for 114 in reply. Ricky Samaroo made 23 as Mahabeer, bowling with variation, led the destruction, grabbing 4-12. Garbarran and Mahabeer, both West Indies Masters players took the best batsman and best bowler prizes respectively, sponsored by Trophy Stall. Everest CC Masters collected the winning prize, a trophy, compliments of Davo and Ramnauth Sanaise, in memory of the
late Roopchand Sanaise who was a former president of Cosmos Sports Club of Trinidad and Tobago. Captain of the home team Rajesh Singh expressed gratitude to the visiting team for making a trip of Everest CC and said they are always weclome at the facility. He stated that Everest Masters will be happy to honour a return fixture. Manager of the team Satyandra Khemraj expressed delight of hosting the Woodland Masters. Ramnauth Sanaise of the visiting team thanked Everest Masters for their hospitality and said they will be happy to host them in the Twin Island Republic.
LGC VP Brian Hackett receives the sponsorship cheques from a representative of Banks DIH, Oasis Café Proprietor William Walker and a representative of Mantra Entertainment Centre.
going to be challenging. The greens are going to be tough to control. However, he is optimistic that the experts
will find a way to perform well in these conditions. The LGC will begin with a welcome and cocktail
c e r e m o n y o n F r i d a y, October 27, along with a practice session during (Continued on page 21)
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Thursday October 26, 2023
Letter to the Sports Editor
CWI CG United Super50 Cup… Guyana Harpy Eagles vs. Combined Campuses & Colleges (CCC)
Golden Jaguars:Wayne Rain spoils Harpy Eagles Forde GFF unprofessional pursuit of victory Mother Nature had the final say as the Guyana Harpy Eagles and CCC had their encounter ruined thanks to rain which overshadowed a gritty halfcentury from Tevin Imlach. CCC had an exceptional bowling exhibition as they restricted Guyana Harpy Eagles to 177 all out inside their 50 allotted overs. Unlike their huge last win which was attributed to the batters, the Guyana Harpy Eagles misfired tremendously and were bowled out 177 in 48.1 overs. Coming into the tournament in good form, the Guyana deputy skipper Imlach finally converted his start into a significant score, stroking a defiant 80 off 102 balls with just 4 fours and one 6 to his name. Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul had a grueling time in the middle as he sought to bat himself into some form, making 30
off 61 (3x4) and all-rounder Romario Shepherd (19) continued to contribute down the order, as they finished as the main scorers for Guyana. Guyanese allrounder drafted to the CCC franchise Akshaya Persaud, returned 2-23 against his countrymen, with wickets also coming from Shatrughan Rambaran (227) and spinner Abhiji Mansingh 2-48. CCC began to implode and could have easily lose their way even further, finishing on 86 for 5 after 15 overs, when play was stopped, 91 runs short of their target. Kevin Sinclair had spun his way to 3-39 in no time and along with Veerasammy Permaul (1-0) and Gudakesh Motie (1-9), Guyana seemed well on course for victory. Opener Kadeem Alleyne (47x27) looked intent on finishing the game in a hurry,
- Imlach stars with 80 for Guyana slamming 5 sixes and 2 fours after his partner Johaan Jeremiah (8) fell to Sinclair; but was subsequently outfoxed by Permaul. The spinner found their groove and wickets fell as Motie removed Rambaran for 15 while Sinclair knocked over Jordan Johnson for duck whilst trapping Demario Richards LBW for 15. Mother nature intervened in the 15th over as lightning, thunder and showers soon forced the stoppage of action. After a break, match officials made the wise call to end the match with the contest officially ending in a No Result. Meanwhile, Guyana will shift their focus to this Sunday’s battle against Barbados where they will seek to regain some points. Action continues today Thursday October 26, when the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force play Leewards Islands Hurricanes from 13:00h.
Dear Sports Editor, We the players of the Guyana National Football Team (Golden Jaguars) are forced to highlight our plight under the Wayne Forde-led administration of the Guyana Football Federation. Last week, Mr. Forde did a big interview and as it seems to us, taking credit for the achievements of the national team in the current Concacaf Nations League. Based on how we see it, his promotion of self is enabled by a weak administration that allows him and his Technical Director Bryan Joseph to run the GFF as a two-man show. We wish to point out the following:1. The GFF owes players for engagements since August of this year with no official word from the GFF. They send a letter before each engagement stating what the match fees and
other financial arrangements will be which we must sign before travel. But after that, the GFF never meets the deadline for payment and no one in the GFF has the courtesy (not the President, the General Secretary, or the Technical Director) to communicate with the players that payment will be late. Instead, it is always the Manager Rawle Adams and Coach Jamaal Shabazz who have to come and speak to us and pacify a situation. So much so that is unknown to the public if Coach Shabazz had not convinced us to focus on the game and he will ensure we get paid before November, the Golden Jaguars would not have played. 2. Mr Forde has signed a MOU with a group Blackpool to bring “top players to the programme”. This was another PR stunt. Those of us based in
England laughed at the release since no Premier League player will come to play for Guyana under the current administrative conditions. Flight arrangements are terribly done…Sometimes you get your itinerary hours before leaving whether it’s from Guyana, UK or North America. So instead of creating a more professional environment, Mr. Forde is looking to bring in Premier League players with his administration operating in amateur mode. 3. Another big factor is that, while Mr Forde uses every opportunity to selfpromote very few people in the public know the players. There is no plan by the GFF to market the players, at home or abroad. Yet if you check the media over the last four years Wayne Forde is the star of the show. 4. Local (Continued on page 21)
Softball Cricket action set to kick off this Sunday at Bush Lot
West Coast Berbice is buzzing with excitement for the one-day invitational softball cricket tournament set to kick off this Sunday 28th at the Bush Lot United, Ground. Official sponsor AJM Enterprise has pledged their support to of over $600,000 in cash and prizes for the community based sporting activity. Softball Cricket has been known as an extremely popular sport or pastime for Guyanese. The game is designed to give each player an opportunity to bat, bowl and field. The response for the upcoming softball cricket event has been tremendous with a total of 11 teams entered thus far, 7 of which are female teams. Making their debut at the Bush Lot Community Ground are Rohan Auto Spares, Citystand Port Mourant, Mayflower (Male & Female), Nightrider (Male & Female), Shieldstown
Gun Master, Mahaica Warriors, Marvins XI, Speedboat, Linepath Raptors, Grill Master 11 and Bath Warriors. Spectators and supporters and kids would be treated to a fun filled day of novelty games for multiple prizes. The attractions are bouncy castles, paint ball, trampoline, ring toss, and other exciting games. The tournament starts at 10am sharp with guaranteed free admission. AJM is seeking to boost the sport while paving the way for a Region 5 T20 To u r n a m e n t w i t h t h e intension of opening the tournament nationwide. Due to the alignment of AJM Enterprise to Jumbo Jet, 90 percent of the local contractors and businessmen, companies have already sponsored teams for this tournament.
Thursday October 26, 2023
Kaieteur News
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GMR&SC/ENet Clash of Champions see voluminous support from government, corporate Guyana Scenes from Saturday’s Launch.
Stakeholders of the GMR&SC-Enet Caribbean Clash of Champions event share photo during the official launching at Pegasus Hotel. While competitors are busy whipping themselves into shape and getting their machines to peak, the government and corporate Guyana have embraced the highly anticipated Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions. The mega showpiece, featuring drivers and riders from Guyana, the Caribbean and further afield, is set for November 5 at the South Dakota Circuit, with a billing of the ‘Greatest Race of All Time.’ At the official launch, dubbed ‘Road to Races’ at the weekend at the New Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, senior government functionaries
and members of the business community were present in a massive show of support for the marquee year-end race. Among those present were Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and Local Government Minister Anand Persaud. Government’s support to motor-racing has been continuous, having played a major role in the upgrade and extension of the now 1.6mile track, prior to the November race meet last year. Dr. Singh viewed the major undertaking as a massive factor in diversifying the tourism
packages that Guyana has to offer. “From my perspective in government, increasingly we see these events as landmark events in the annual c a l e n d a r, ” D r. S i n g h commented as he drew a n e x u s w i t h t h e overwhelming success of the Cricket Carnival activities held to coincide with Guyana’s hosting of the CPL Finals over the last two years.“With the Clash of Champions of the 5th of November we anticipate that it’s a good opportunity for lots of associated activities. This is what we want; we want to encourage more of this kind of activity. “It is in fact for this reason the government
entered a strategic partnership with the GMR&SC, through which we invested in expanding the track because we see the potential of motor-racing. We see Guyana’s potential to be the capital of motorracing in the Caribbean.” Sport Minister Ramson Jr. echoed similar sentiments as he hailed the economic impact of the November race meet. “It has proven itself over decades,” Ramson Jr. asserted. “I don’t think anybody who started with racing back then really thought about the impact it could have on the economy, but governments pay attention to those things, and that’s one of the reasons we see where the
opportunities are for strong partnerships and this is one of the areas we consider to be important.” “It’s got a massive following, rightly so, and I think over the years that has really shown itself that it’s a valued type of event that will continue to build and grow, once it’s got the right partnership.” President of the GMR&SC Mahendra ‘Raj’ Boodhoo said the November race meet is a colossal project that is not just about racing, but its value as a great marketing tool for the country via its Sport Tourism appeal. “An event of this magnitude is a huge undertaking and requires all hands on deck,” Boodhoo indicated.
“Indeed, for it to be successful we need the support, and we have received that from the government and corporate Guyana for this upcoming event.” Boodhoo added that it is important to have buy-in from all the key stakeholders, as the impact of their investment is felt beyond the race track. “We’re thankful for the overwhelming response from all our partners and stakeholders and we look forward to their continued alliance in developing and expanding motorsport in Guyana.”“It is important we have that partnership and more critically, be able to sustain it.
Berbice Cricket benefits from 24 more bowling machines from Dimension Sports and Matt Bruer The efforts of the Berbice Cricket Board to invest in the development of potential youth talents has received a massive boost with the donation of twenty four bowling machines from cricket gears manufacturer Dimension sports and Australian resident Matt B r u e r. The bowling machines were distributed across the ancient county with special emphasis in the Berbice River Sub Association and the New Amsterdam Canje Area. Matt Bruer, an Australian resident, has a close relationship with the county as he is married to a Berbice resident and has assisted the county in the past including the administration of the late Leslie Amsterdam. BCB President Hilbert Foster was loud in his praises of Bruer, who he describes as a true
and passionate supporter of Berbice Cricket. He also expressed thanks to the Australian citizen for introducing him to the Owner of Dimension Sports, Phil Slatter. Bruer shipped a 40 foot container of items including cricket gears, bowling machines, bicycles, coaching equipment among others. Bruer has spent the last month in the county, visiting clubs and schools to share out the cricket gear and equipment. The Berbice Cricket Board has also assisted in the distribution of the bowling machines and coaching equipment. Among the clubs who benefitted were No. 73 Young Warriors, Skeldon Community Centre, Tucber Park, Bath Community Centre and the Achievers Cricket Club, Rose Hall Canje Community Centre,
Wiruni Cricket Club, Kimbia Cricket Club, Ebini Cricket Club, Friendship/Sandhills Cricket Club, Adelphi Pathfinders Cricket Club, Goed Banana Cricket Club, Betsy Ground Cricket Club, and Gangaram Cricket Club. The schools receiving bowling machines were All Saints Primary, Rose Hall Canje Primary and Betsy Ground Primary School. Foster expressed pleasure that the teams in the Berbice River Sub Association received the machines as it would assist the teams there to improve their game. The sub-association is now a vital part of the BCB developmental structure with tournaments been played and the sub association recently won the RHTYSC/Bakewell Naeem Naser Memorial Tournament. They defeated Rose Hall Town Bakewell in the final and Foster
Matt Bruer hands over four of the bowling machines to BCB President Hilbert Foster in presence of other executives. expressed hope that the victory would inspire them to greater heights. The BCB for this year has also assisted the subassociation with practice nets, coaching equipment, cricket gear, scorebooks, cricket balls, catching cribs and educational materials. The sub association is also expected to make their debut soon at the first division level in a BCB 20/20 tournament.
Bruer expressed happiness at been able to assist Berbice Cricket once again and stated that he was confident that the massive investment would result in the discovery of more cricketing talents. Special mention was made of Slater, the Australian born owner of Dimension Sports, for joining hands with the multimillion dollars investment. Dimension Sports, which
operates out of Australia and Canada, manufacturers gear for several sports including cricket, golf and soccer. BCB Secretary Angela Haniff expressed gratitude to Bruer for spearheading the project and noted that the Berbice Board cherishes his hard work and dedication. The board’s objective is to produce ten players for the West Indies at all levels over the next five years.
s t r o Sp The Lady Jags moves closer to advancing to next round of Concacaf W Gold Cup Qualifiers.
Lady Jags ‘needle’ Suriname for crucial win Australia’s Maxwell puts on ‘Big Show’ with incendiary hundred David Warner leaps after his sixth century in ODI World Cups. (Associated Press)
CWI CG United Super50 Cup… Guyana Harpy Eagles vs. Combined Campuses & Colleges (CCC)
Tevin Imlach led Guyana’s batting with 80 against CCC in their rain-affected game yesterday.
Rain spoils Harpy Eagles pursuit of victory - Imlach stars with 80 for Guyana 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.