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Guyana will not Sunday Edition AIETEUR ‘copy-cat’ Suriname’s

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October 29, 2023

approach to prevent oil Guyana’s largest selling Online Price $150 readership daily & New York’s most companies from recovering yesterday, popular weekly 44,989 interest rates on investments - VP Jagdeo Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Hess investors to benefit from multi-billion dollar merger with Chevron at the expense of a lopsided deal that shafts Guyanese - Int’l Body Mennonites eye large-scale land in Guyana for farming project Children caught on camera stealing from cellphone store

GDF probes assault, robbery of soldier

ExxonM tight-lipped about mechanical issue at Liza Destiny vessel where it raised production to breakneck levels

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Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

ExxonM tight-lipped about mechanical issue at Liza Destiny vessel where it raised production to breakneck levels

The Liza Destiny FPSO

H

ess Corporation, a 30% partner in the Stabroek Block, reported a mechanical issue at the Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. The company reported it in its third-quarter earnings report for 2023, finally bringing to light, a matter that had remained shrouded in secrecy. The only indicator that something was amiss was reduced production, reported on the Ministry of Natural Resources' Petroleum Management Programme.

According to Hess Corporation, the mechanical issue temporarily hampered production d u r i n g t h e t h i r d q u a r t e r.

Fortunately, repairs were promptly carried out by the operator, ExxonMobil, in October, resolving the issue. Currently, production at Liza Destiny ranges from 150,000 to 160,000 gross barrels of oil per day, Hess said. This is a notable high production level, up from the initial nameplate capacity of

120,000 barrels per day.

However, the journey to reach this heightened production level has not been without controversy.

ExxonMobil initiated debottlenecking activities in 2022, which raised production to approximately 150,000 barrels per day. These efforts, aimed at optimising production, raised concerns among some stakeholders who feared that pushing production beyond its initial limits could jeopardise the project's safety and, by extension, the environment.

ExxonMobil, in response to these concerns, asserted that its production optimisation activities are safe. The company plans to implement similar debottlenecking measures across future projects in Guyana. Next up is the Liza Unity FPSO, designed to produce 220,000 barrels per day, has produced even higher in 2023.

Exxon had said it wanted to increase production to 250,000 barrels per day. Similar plans are likely for future project: Yellowtail

(first oil: 2025), Uaru (first oil: 2026), and the Whiptail project (first oil: tentatively 2027), each with a capacity of 250,000 barrels per day.

The mechanical issue reported

by Hess Corporation raises questions about the safety and sustainability of Exxon's plans. The nature of this recent incident remains undisclosed to the public, raising concerns that it might be

related to the high production levels.

If this is indeed the case, it prompts speculation about ExxonMobil's motives for keeping the issue concealed from public scrutiny, potentially to avoid pushback against its plans to debottleneck all Stabroek Block projects.

What is equally concerning to stakeholders is the silence from the

government, who, one would assume, are privy to the details of the mechanical issue. The lack of transparency regarding such a critical issue is understandably unsettling for stakeholders. It remains to be seen whether ExxonMobil will provide the transparency and assurances necessary to address these concerns and maintain trust in the integrity of the Stabroek Block projects.

Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Hess investors to benefit from multi-billion dollar merger with Chevron at the expense of a lopsided deal that shafts Guyanese - Int’l Body The global oil industry has been abuzz since last week when U.S. giant Chevron announced its US$53B takeover of Hess Corporation, a move supported by the Guyana Government. This significant acquisition will leave Chevron to assume Hess’s 30% stake in the lucrative Stabroek Block, rich with 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources.

However, the takeover has been met with a spectrum of reactions. Key industry watchdog, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), articulates a contrasting view. The US-based thinktank argued that the colossal deal primarily serves Hess’s shareholders, leaving the Guyanese populace grappling with the less favourable terms of the Stabroek Block deal.

In many of its analytical reviews, IEEFA has placed the spotlight on many troubling loopholes in the 2016 Stabroek Block agreement between Guyana and energy titans Hess, Exxon, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (a China National Offshore Oil Corporation subsidiary).

I E E FA e x p e r t s h a v e persistently critiqued the arrangement, contending that Guyana’s acceptance of a modest two percent royalty constitutes a raw deal for the country.

The IEEFA has also

criticized the Guyana government’s reluctance to rectify contractual loopholes that allow Exxon expansive fiscal liberties. In a comprehensive report, I E E FA h a d l a m b a s t e d Guyanese authorities for refusing to close a loophole which allows Exxon to lump expenses for projects spread across the expansive 6.6 million acres Stabroek Block and charge them against the profits made from two producing projects in the same concession. Like many local stakeholders, IEEFA has advocated that the implementation of a “ringfencing provision” could ensure that each project pays for itself in the Stabroek Block.

Considering the numerous loopholes for revenue leakage that characterize the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement, allowing Exxon and partners to consume the lion’s share of Guyana’s oil resources, IEEFA said Chevron was gunning for a piece of the action.

“The crown jewel of the deal is a Hess partnership in a massive Guyana offshore oil project. The South American country’s share of offshore profits is sealed with a contract that is one-sided in favor of the companies.

During contract negotiations with ExxonMobil, Hess, and the China National Offshore Oil Co. (CNOOC), Guyanese officials clearly

gave away the store,” IEEFA said in a statement issued two days ago.

The U.S. think tank said Guyana is once again poised to allow another oil company to benefit from the lopsided deal.

“Hess shareholders will have a nice payday and the people of Guyana will likely receive a tiny pay envelope.

According to the existing contract, Guyana may get US$100,000 for the (reassignment of the Hess interest in the Stabroek Block to Chevron),” IEEFA said, adding that such a sum would only be paid if the takeover is considered as a reassignment. “We do not know how all the lawyers, or the government and corporate leaders, will interpret the contract,” the organization said.

Unfortunately, IEEFA said the Guyana Government’s track record in dealing with Exxon does not give much hope that it will push to claw back more benefits from the ChevronHess merger.

“We have seen that ExxonMobil, the lead operator for the (Stabroek Block) has walked all over the country to avoid its clean-up obligations.”

Expounding on the clean-up costs, IEEFA said this has to do with decommissioning of o i l p r o j e c t s .

Decommissioning in the oil sector refers to the process of safely shutting down and

IEEFA’s Director of Financial Analysis, Tom Sanzillo removing oil and gas facilities once they have reached the end of their operational lives. This includes dismantling structures, plugging wells, and restoring the environment to its previous state.

In this regard, IEEFA said Guyana is paying the oil companies USD$3.2 billion out of its current oil profits to ensure the wells and related infrastructure developed as part of the Liza Phase One Project is properly decommissioned in 20 years.

The institution said this represents 100% of expected costs.

“There is no provision to ensure that the money is set aside by the oil companies so that it is actually available in 20 years. This runs against industry standards.

Demand for oil will peak by 2030 given phenomenal rise of clean energy sources - IEA puts world on notice ExxonMobil is rapidly expanding its oil production in offshore Guyana, with two existing developments currently producing a combined 380,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). The Payara project is set to boost this number to about 600,000 bpd in November. However, a recent World Economic Outlook (WEO) 2023 report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that global oil demand is expected to peak by the end of this decade, in 2030.

“The combination of growing momentum behind clean energy technologies and structural economic shifts around the world has major implications for fossil

fuels, with peaks in global demand for coal, oil and natural gas all visible this decade - the first time this has happened in a WEO scenario based on today’s policy settings, the IEA stated. In this scenario, the share of fossil fuels in global energy supply, which has been stuck for decades at around 80%, declines to 73% by 2030, with global e n e rg y - r e l a t e d c a r b o n dioxide (CO2) emissions peaking by 2025.”

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said that Guyana has a proud environmental record.

Having not been among the significant carbon emitters historically, he has said that Guyana has the

right to exploit its oil and gas resources for national development but pledged to do so in a sustainable manner. He has said that ExxonMobil should produce as quickly as possible so that Guyana can secure the revenues from its share to fund its development and modernisation ahead of the energy transition.

With upcoming projects like Yellowtail and Uaru, both with 250,000 bpd capacity, ExxonMobil is in high gear. It is working to secure approvals for the sixth project, Whiptail. The project is tentatively scheduled for first oil in 2027. The government has contracted Bayphase to

assist with Whiptail’s field development plan (FDP) and environmental impact assessment (EIA).

Approval and final investment decisions from ExxonMobil and its partners Hess and CNOOC are anticipated in early 2024.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e consortium is strongly considering the Fangtooth field as the basis for a seventh development.

Guyana is expected to produce 1.2 million bpd by 2027.

ExxonMobil is also considering natural gas developments and is awaiting the government’s natural gas strategy. The government plans to publish (Continued on page 10)

ExxonMobil and its oil partners have a real opportunity to pocket millions, if not billions, with no accountability. If they take the money, sell the project before the wells are decommissioned, and pass the liability onto a weaker c o m p a n y, G u y a n a ’s taxpayers will be left footing the bill,” the institution pointed out.

Citing another national embarrassment, IEEFA said Guyanese authorities mishandled an audit into Exxon’s expenses totalling US$1.6B and incurred from 1999 to 2017. Auditors had said there was over US$214M in questionable spending but back-door talks saw the costs being reduced to US$3M. When the local media exposed this, it was only then that a probe was launched and government officials clarified that they will stick by the US$214M that was flagged in a report compiled by British consultancy group, HIS Markit.

“So imagine, a simple matter like an audit has been turned into a complete disaster because of incompetence,” IEEFA

commented. The US think tank said it remains to be seen if Chevron will be a better partner because they have deeper pockets than Hess.

Chevron had said on Monday that it is buying out all the outstanding shares at Hess Corporation for US$53 billion, or US$171 per share.

During a call with its shareholders, Chevron dubbed the Stabroek Block as “an extraordinary asset with industry leading cash margins and low carbon intensity that is expected to deliver production growth into the next decade.”

As a result of this deal, Chevron said it intends to recommend an increase to its first quarter dividend per share of 8% to US$1.63, which will be subject to the approval of the Chevron Board of Directors. It also plans to increase share repurchases by US$2.5 billion to the top end of its guidance range of US$20 billion per year in a continued upside oil price scenario.

In the Stabroek 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.

Kaieteur News

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Sunday October 29, 2023

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Safeguard, regularise ancestral EDITORIAL Venezuelan Referendum lands for gainful occupation by youth seems to consume the psyche considered as low hanging Brazilian coconuts dragon D E – question five I am writing this letter to of several organizations and fruits; ripe for the picking fruit as well as various stages EAR

The fifth and final question in the Venezuelan Referendum scheduled for December 3, 2023 is more than loaded, it is explosive. It embodies a most serious threat, a deep and hovering danger to all Guyana. Venezuelans are being asked to vote for making Guyana’s sprawling Essequibo region a part of Venezuela. It helps that Essequibo is rich in many resources, including fauna and flora, marine life, forestry, and mining attributes to take the breath away. Which citizen anywhere in the world would be able to find it in themselves to say no to any such question that requires their vote? Which Venezuelan thinking of himself or herself as a true patriot would have any thought, any inclination, but to vote for incorporating Guyana’s Essequibo into the Bolivarian Republic?

When the last few years of life in Venezuela is considered, the grimness of them and the harsh tolls exacted on ordinary Venezuelans, voting Si (Yes!) to question five on the referendum is all but a foregone conclusion. Because to expand their horizons would seem like a godsend, and doing so under the umbrella of national fervor would be irresistible. This question five articulates the deep-seated convictions of the current crop of Venezuelan leaders, and projects the visions that they harbor to feather the nests of their citizens at the expense of Guyanese.

Offering citizenship to residents of Essequibo is irresponsible and dangerous in its mere contemplation. At its core, it is an intrusion and violation of Guyana’s fundamental rights as a sovereign nation. At its worse, this is a calculated abomination that transgresses every standard of international conduct among nations and reduces standing rules to shambles. It is going around what history has settled since 1899, and in this referendum and its insidious baits reside a truly ugly development that has potential to inflict some serious and lasting harm on Guyana-Venezuela relations.

All of this is asserted because referendum question number five is a brazen land grab that is repulsive and must be repelled. It represents a violation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, presently as stated on ballot paper, which is the first step towards annexation of Essequibo, which also must be contested to the bitter end. The question puts a patriotic sheen on a blatant expression of craven ambition that is driven by sheer covetousness, and nothing else. Nothing can nuance or disguise what is at work in that question, and how treacherous and invasive it is to this country’s rights and interests.

Referendum question five is of a reality that is intended, and which is now slowly and inexorably marching forward.

Guyanese have better come to their senses, and in the shortest span of time. For, on the one hand, there is the specter of an envious national adversary pushed to madness, by what is going on in Guyana by leaps and bounds. Then, on the other, there is another huge enemy with which Guyanese must contend, internal division now at its rawest. The enviousness and covetousness of Venezuela have intensified in recent months and are stoked by all the attention and activity that unfold in this local environment daily. There is a flurry of bustling activity occurring in Guyana on several fronts.

There is more oil exploration and production reaching new levels.

There is massive mining activity with foreign presences involved across a swathe of areas, which is in Essequibo now preposterously and recklessly claimed by Venezuela. There is Guyana’s leading the way in the push for regional food security, and which vast territory of a rich variety makes possible. These are some of the major components that cause the eyes of Venezuelan leaders to glaze over with greed, and which they use to underline the claims on Guyana’s territory.

Referendum question five serves as the basis (poisonous, to be sure) for all of these underpinnings, without a word being said about them. What Venezuelan political players have found to be convenient, and usually works the best, is to instigate jingoism to a boiling point.

Though smaller and comparatively less endowed with ordinance, Guyanese must be ready to take on any foe, and absorb any blow from any aggressor for this land and this rich patrimony.

DITOR

stimulate public awareness and also make a call for engaging in a game changer for thousands of ambitious but powerless persons, particularly those who reside in rural communities. I consider this as an initiative which could be pursued by leaders and influencers committed to improving lives. In case I am sounding melodramatic, let me hasten to elaborate my reasons for such a bold assertion.

Over time, there have been allegations of discrimination experienced by some members of society in accessing benefits of programs designed to assist w i t h e c o n o m i c empowerment; and now that such funding has more than quadrupled, such anxiety

influential leaders who claim to represent the disadvantaged.

My response when confronted by such allegations are usually twofold: 1) did the person(s)/ organized group actually test the veracity of the project by engaging the relevant authorities at the local, regional or national level? ; And 2), did the person/ organized group meet the criteria for approval?

Sometimes a response to #2 will be like, “Not really” followed by “but I am aware of X person also feel short with requirements but still gained success “.

In passing, I wish to make mention of some g o v er n m en t s p o n s o r e d programs which could be

within agriculture and small business arena; I would have like to add Cooperatives but on second thought, would bypass that internationally proven form of enterprise at this time. Suffice to say that acting on a suggestion from a top official, a draft Cooperative policy was presented to Cabinet and enthusiastically embraced in September 2019.

Unfortunately, it was never carried forward.

Programs referred to earlier are mainly in the areas of 1) agriculture such as: Black belly sheep, Black giant poultry, whistling ducks, inland fishing and shrimp farming , cultivation of fruits including passion fruit , ginger, cauliflower, mushrooms, broccoli,

of agro processing. 2) Networking to engage in supply chain mobilization, accessing small business grants and loans as well as donor funding.

Editor, the challenging question surrounds what is the single common factor which must be applied to make participation in the foregoing state sponsored programs a reality? The resounding answer is LAND, owned or legally accessible. It’s woefully regrettable that many families have adopted a laisser-faire approach to regularise ownership of their entitlement from ancestral lands for as much as three and four generations prior to present day. As a (Continued on page 06)

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox PNC Supporters want Party Congress DEAR EDITOR, In an ongoing survey being conducted by this writer for NACTA on contemporary issues since e a r l y O c t o b e r, overwhelming numbers of supporters of the opposition PNC are of the opinion that their party should hold its biannual Congress when due by end of the year to revalidate or choose a new leader and other executive members to manage the affairs of the party over the next two years during which time general elections are due. The last PNC Congress was held in December 2021, and constitutionally, should be held every two years.

Guyanese from all walks of life, supporters of all political parties, are extremely dissatisfied with the representation of the party in and outside of parliament and express serious concern about the state of being of the official opposition (PNC in particular) and declining approval numbers of Aubrey Norton’s performance as Opposition Leader and the future of the party. His approval rating is tanking according to this new survey conducted from earlier this month. It continues a pattern found since the local government elections held last June and affirmed by a subsequent tracking survey conducted by NACTA in August. The party has been steadily losing support under his leadership, and if an election is to be called now the PNC is projected to lose several seats to the ruling PPP and to minor parties.

Party supporters and the

public in general, supporters of other parties as well, feel the present PNC has been the weakest in the history of opposition politics in Guyana. They would like to see a more effective and stronger opposition to better hold the the opposition to account.

Supporters of the opposition party express a loss of faith in its current leadership. Almost every member of the opposition PNC and the population at large suggest that the PNC urgently hold Congress (internal elections) to choose a new leader and executive

that would stem the tide against increasing loss of support. They feel that the party’s fortune could turn around under new leadership although latest poll numbers put the PPP coasting to reelection in 2025. Among names mentioned as potential PNC leader are Roysdale Forde, Amanza Walton-Desir, Carl Greenidge, aGanesh Mahipal, and Nigel Hughes (who is not a PNC member).

All are more popular than Norton and acceptable to the opposition. The poll interviewed 382 likely voters representing the demographics of the voting

population. A significant number of voters, supporters of both major parties, who told interviewers they will not vote again, are not included in the polling. They have given up on politics expressing dissatisfaction with both major parties. Voters were queried about the affairs of the PNC, approval ratings of key government officials, Exxon, the economy, and other matters.

Asked if they are satisfied with the performance of the Opposition Leader, 22% traditional PNC supporters said yes with only 19% of the national population affirming.

More traditional PNC supporters gave a favorable rating to President Ali than their leader Norton — 34% of PNC supporters give President Irfaan a thumbs up on performance and 59% nationally (three times that of the Opposition Leader) among all voters. Norton receives no support from those who traditionally vote PPP, and they would also like to see him go although government aligned politicians would like to have him remain as Opposition Leader; they feel a Norton Presidential candidacy would guarantee PPP reelection.

Asked if the PNC should hold a timely national Congress, 89% of traditional PNC supporters responded in the positive.

Half of the supporters of all other parties also endorse the view that the PNC should hold Congress the earliest with the other half not expressing an opinion saying it is none of their business to get involved in the affairs of that party.

The public at large feel a strong opposition is needed to hold government to account.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Kaieteur News

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Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox Hydroponics is the way to go Welcome Ambassador Theriot DEAR EDITOR, Hydroponics is the way to go. Students of agriculture can easily attest to the following advantages: Higher yield; Controlled level of nutrition; Plants are healthier, and they mature faster; Weeds can be easily eliminated; Susceptibility to pests and diseases is negligible; and Automation is possible. This is because hydroponics, as a system of agriculture, utilizes nutrientladen water rather than soil for plant nourishment, that is, the operation does not require natural precipitation, or fertile land, in order to be effective. This translates to presenting people who are living in arid regions with a means to grow food for themselves and for profit.

Editor, before I get to what is a truly wonderful thing ongoing in Guyana, I apprise our people that globally, it was estimated that the hydroponic farming industry was worth $21.4 billion in 2015, with its value projected to grow at 7 per cent per year. Slowly but steadily, farming appears to be changing.

But equally, there are big global changes on the horizon, and these could vastly accelerate the use of controlled-environment agriculture. By 2050, an extra 3bn people could be living on earth, with over 80 per cent of the global population living in urban centres. We’re already using most of the land suitable for raising crops, so new growing areas, particularly in arid regions, need to be found.

The answer is obviously in hydroponics.

In Guyana, as we all know, “Local hydroponics farm could (indeed) support (the) region’s food security efforts.” In fact, Guyana has made significant strides in this area, to boost the production of various crops, as it tries to do its part in the big effort. The big CARICOM (Caribbean Community) goal is that of reducing the food-import bill of the region by 25 percent by 2025, and typifying this drive is the hydroponics project that was recently launched by the National Agricultural and Extension Institute (NAREI) at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

Just digest this: the current capacity at the farm’s nursery stands at 100,000 plants, and in its incipient stage there are some 25,000 plants, including kale, lettuce and pak choi.

The word given to President Ali, who is really a vanguard in this regional venture, is that “… the farm would meet the full capacity of 100,000 plants … within two weeks…” As he pointed out, and like I did intimate at the onset, President Dr. Ali highlighted that “… a capacity of that scale, if done in the traditional way, would have taken up approximately 15 acres of land; however, with this way it’s being done on less land and there will be consistency in the produce.”

Guyana is currently investing and experimenting with about 15 herbs, including mustard, basil, chai, thyme, and local and foreign varieties of pak choi.

Noting that “… that planting crops that are usually imported will replace the

need for that import and further provide export for other countries … “the President explained that “The intention of this facility is to build additional facilities like this one to meet the entire CARICOM’s needs for these crops and export from here.”

I see this as a great start, and more so that “… the next phase includes introducing modern aquaculture tanks and the ‘whole works’ of (the) cutting-edge system comprising a cold room, packaging space, harvesting tools, irrigation controllers, a water recycling system and emergency water storage.”

Editor, we need to face reality. Land mass for agriculture is already an issue, therefore hydroponic systems or soil-less agriculture is a necessity, as it reduces the farmer’s consumption of resources.

This kind of modernized movement by our country means that Guyana can lead the way by enabling this farming technique to be adopted by many stakeholders, ranging from home gardeners to professional growers, and supermarkets to restaurants.

Of importance is the fact, that according to the UN reports on global population, plants grown in hydroponic systems have achieved 20%–25% higher yield than the traditional agriculture system, with its productivity being 2–5 times higher.

So, I say to the People’s progressive Party/Civic, and particularly to those on the ground: Embrace the Vision of Hydroponics.

Yours truly, HB Singh.

DEAR EDITOR: On behalf of all Guyanese, please allow me the courtesy to extend a warm welcome to our new U.S Ambassador to Guyana, her Excellency, Ms. Nicole Theriot.

Madam Ambassador, in Guyana you will find warm, generous and hopeful people.

Unfortunately for you, we look to America to solve many of our problems.

Your predecessor Sara Ann Lynch was viewed by most of the Guyanese people with great admiration and gratitude.

She was a lion of diplomacy, and we like to think of her as the Caribbean’s iron lady.

However, while we are blessed with oil, we are cursed with racial acrimony which has dominated every facet of life, including our past elections.

Your country had to intervene and rescue G u y a n a ’s d e m o c r a c y twice when the ruling

party lost and refused to vacate office. In 1992, it was Democratic President Jimmy Carter, and in 2020 it was Republican President Donald Trump who saved our democracy.

During your tenure in Guyana, you will be severely lobbied by everyone to be sympathetic to their cause.

All we ask of you is to be fair and impartial.

We know that you do not have the panacea to solve all of Guyana’s problems, but we have a simple, but important wish list for you. Here they are: (1) Please use all the power and influence that is available to you to ensure that Venezuela does not have a free reign to invade Guyana.

(2) Have the economic, legal and regulatory powers in the United States do the right thing and lean on Exxon Mobil to renegotiate the horrible oil contract they have with Guyana

(3) Make it easier for Guyana to extradite wanted Guyanese fugitives living in America (4) Expose any lies or hidden agenda of any U.S politician who unilaterally chose to interfere in Guyana’s domestic affairs, by giving regular briefings (5) Erect a statue of Sara Ann Lynch in your Embassy compound or rename the U.S Embassy in her honor Finally, a caveat.

Our next general election is approximately two years away in 2025.

If the past is any prologue, the losing party will cry foul and scream that the election was rigged.

They will demand that the U.S Ambassador use her powers to overturn the results.

And if you do not do it, a campaign will be launched to remove and replace you.

Seems hard to believe?

Just ask Ambassador Sara Lynch.

Respectfully yours, Chitrakha Persaud

Safeguard, regularise ancestral...

From page 4 consequence, several parcels of land within villages remain locked within one ancestral transport which negates legal ownership / access to children as far d o w n t o g r e a t grandchildren to be used as collateral in the banking sector and /or engage in meaningful business endeavours.

I am therefore appealing to those organizations and leaders who are passionate about the less fortunate not left behind, to urgently inst i t u t e a p r o g r a m involving legal practitioners, land surveyors, funding to assist with accumulated rates, and state land rental, and reach out to villages with large acreages of ancestral lands.

Thus helping to ensure regularisation in order that descendants could immediately benefit from the agricultural and other initiatives being rolled out by the state, including those which attract foreign donor support, and also private sector backing, as p a r t o f a c o m p a n y ’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Even In cases where persons are holders of a provisional lease, I urge that speedy efforts be set in train to get approval for a longterm lease if the lessee and family are desirous of gainfully utilising the land.

S a d l y, s o m e t i m e s a s t r a n g e r, a ‘ b r a i n b o x ’ o r s o m e o ne who could ‘mambo’ gets connected to a descendant and would devise ways to wrestle land rights away from bona-fide relatives.

I think that what I am recommending, if implemented, will be a significant, invaluable a lasting legacy for generations to come.

I place the ball in the court of Civil s o c i e t y i n general: the religious c o m m u n i t y ; o rg a n i s e d labour and cultural organisations to embrace this program by 1) gather data of land holdings which are still part of ancestral transport / title, 2) verify status of persons holding letters of administration, if any, 3) engage those persons and descendants with a view to having plots surveyed and obtain legal representation

to acquire a title in their name.

E d i t o r, i n c l o s i n g , allow me to make two r e f e r e n c e s which are germane to the issue:i) My published letter to the editor of April 10, 2022 under the caption “the recent ‘Onverwagt Declaration’ w i l l p r o p e l We s t Barbicans to clasp opportunities from this state sponsored program” ii) The critical role of legal ownership of land in enabling a successful outcome of a recently announced project driven by Guyana Small Business A s s o c i a t i o n i n partnership with Gibraltar/ Fryish Farmers Association, with technical and financial support from the SGP arm of UNDP Guyana.

A green revolution is rapidly unfolding in Guyana.

Let’s work to safeguard ancestral lands and urgently regularise them for legal access and gainful occupation by this generation and those of the future.

Yours faithfully Derrick Cummings

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

While Suriname has been smart enough to stop oil giants from milking interest rates on their investments, Guyana’s VP, Bharrat Jagdeo, insists we shouldn’t “copy-cat” our Dutch Speaking neighbour.

Apparently, being prudent like our neighbours might be “dangerous” for us since Jagdeo is more concerned about being “competitive.”

But should competitiveness mean letting companies exploit us?

With US$40B on the line for projects in the Stabroek Block, Guyanese are told to sit still in their ignorance and challenge not, the interest rate Exxon might be charging on its mega-investments.

Jagdeo might warn against “cherry-picking” fiscal strategies, but maybe it’s high time we pick some lessons from Suriname, lest we be made to pay a horrible price for the arrogance of our leaders.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Sunday October 29, 2023

Thousands of Gaza workers go ‘missing’ in Israel amid wartime mass arrests Palestinians whose permits to work in Israel were revoked are believed to be held in detention camps, but Israel has so far refused to release information about them, human rights groups say.

Aljazeera - Thousands of workers from Gaza, who were employed in Israel when the war started, have gone missing since then amid a campaign of mass arrests.

Human rights groups and trade unions believe some of the workers have been illegally detained in military facilities in the occupied We s t B a n k , f o l l o w i n g t h e revocation of their permits to work in Israel. Authorities in Israel have so far refused to release the names of those they are holding.

When the Palestinian armed group, Hamas, launched an unprecedented assault on the south of Israel on October 7, about 18,500 residents of Gaza held permits to work outside the besieged strip.

The exact number of workers present in Israel as hostilities began remains unknown, but thousands are thought to have been rounded up by the Israeli army and transferred to undisclosed locations.

Walid*, a Palestinian worker born in Gaza, had lived in the occupied West Bank for more than 25 years when Israel launched its relentless bombardment of Gaza which has so far killed more than 7,000 people and has lasted for three weeks.

On October 8, he was arrested as he headed for work and detained in a facility in the Almon area, also known as Anatot, built on the ruins of the Palestinian town of Anata that Israel confiscated in occupied East Jerusalem.

The facility, human rights organisations say, is among those repurposed by the Israeli government to hold hundreds of workers in arbitrary detention, in breach of international law.

Walid, whose real name and personal details are being withheld to avoid reprisals, described being kept in a “cage” without a roof, under the sun and without food, water or access to the toilet for three days, according to a written testimony given to the Israel-based h u m a n r i g h t s o rg a n i s a t i o n HaMoked and seen by Al Jazeera.

He was then moved to an area of about 300 square metres where hundreds of labourers shared a chemical toilet cubicle. When he asked to contact the Red Cross, he was cursed and beaten up by soldiers.

Walid was released after Israeli officers ascertained that, although he was born in Gaza, he is a resident of the West Bank. His testimony is among the few accounts to have so far emerged from the detention

Human rights groups are concerned about further arrests amid continuing raids in the occupied West Bank [File: Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP] centres where Gaza workers have been held incommunicado and without legal representation since October 7.

Not clear ‘where, how many, under what legal status’ “We have been receiving hundreds and hundreds of phone calls from family members of people who were working in Israel prior to the [October 7] attacks,” Jessica Montell, executive director of HaMoked, told Al Jazeera.

So far, Montell says, more than 400 families and friends of missing people have got in touch with the organisation, trying to trace their loved ones as they simultaneously struggle to survive Israel’s bombardments and “total” siege.

Those calls have been dwindling in the past week as residents of Gaza are increasingly cut off from communications.

As part of its work, HaMoked regularly submits the names of detainees to the Israeli authorities to find out where they may be held.

“The Israeli military is supposed to inform us within 24 hours of who they are holding, which location they are being held in,” Montell said. “But for all those Gazans, they told us [they]’re not the right [authority to] address.”

“It can’t be the case that it’s not clear where they’re being held, how many are being held, under what conditions, under what legal status,” she added.

A group of six local organisations, including HaMoked, have petitioned Israel’s High Court

to disclose the names and locations of the detainees and to ensure humane holding conditions.

According to the petitioners, some of the Palestinians have been detained in the Almon area – where Walid was detained – as well as in Ofer, near Ramallah, and in Sde Teyman, near Beer al-Sabe (Be’er Sheva), in the southern Naqab or Negev desert.

Once the hostilities began and the Beit Hanoun crossing (known as Erez to Israelis) into northern Gaza was shut, workers attempted to make their way to the West Bank to find shelter among Palestinian residents.

But on October 10, Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) revoked all work permits it had previously issued to Gaza residents, instantly turning permitholders into “illegal aliens”.

Al Jazeera contacted the Israeli army, as well as COGAT, the body that controls the permit system in the occupied territories. Both declined to comment or provide further information on the number of workers whose permits were revoked, as well as how many have been imprisoned and on what grounds.

‘Unparalleled’ Miriam Marmur, advocacy director of Gisha, an Israeli human rights organisation which calls for the freedom of movement of Palestinians, said the situation was “unparalleled”.

“Of course, at any given point, there are thousands of Palestinians

that are being held in administrative detention by Israel,” she told Al Jazeera. “But these are the first Palestinians to be held en masse.

The nature of their detention, the revocation of people’s permits and the fact that Israel is so far refusing to divulge any information about where they are … that is not something I have seen before,” she said.

Marmur added that the arrests were “illegal and appear to be acts of vengeance which stand in violation of international law”.

Hamas seized at least 224 people as hostages as it waged its attack on southern Israel on October 7, according to Israeli officials. Four have since been released.

A c c o r d i n g t o Wa l i d ’ s testimony, one of the officers at a detention camp told detainees there would be no chance of them being released as long as there were Israeli hostages in Gaza.

“This isn’t an official statement, but certainly it’s an indication that, at least to some of the people involved in this, there is a kind of desire to use these workers as bargaining chips,” Marmur said.

Under Israel’s permit system, very few Palestinians from the Gaza Strip can leave the territory, as all border crossings have been under Israeli or Egyptian control since Hamas took power in 2007.

Permits can be issued for work, health and humanitarian reasons after careful vetting by the Israeli authorities. Most of the workers

from Gaza – where the overall unemployment rate is 45 percent and youth unemployment has soared to 70 percent – take up manual jobs in Israel, where the pay is several times higher.

Human rights groups are concerned about further arrests amid continuing raids in the West Bank, including in areas nominally under the full control of the Palestinian Authority.

“We never had a situation like that, where people are trapped and can’t go home, and are put in a sort of camp,” said Hassan Jabareen, the director of Adalah, the legal centre for Arab minority rights in Israel.

“These were just workers. The only comparison is perhaps with [undocumented] refugees.”

Mass arrests The Minister of Labour for the Palestinian Authority estimated that about 4,500 workers are unaccounted for and are believed to have been detained by Israeli forces. Israeli media outlet N12 reported that 4,000 Palestinians from Gaza were being interrogated in Israeli holding facilities over their possible involvement in the attack.

Alongside Gaza workers, Israeli forces have detained more than 1,450 Palestinian residents of the West Bank since October 7, according to estimates by the Palestinian Prisoners Society.

The arrests have taken place against a backdrop of laws and amendments that human rights organisations say amount to punitive measures.

On October 18, the Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset, approved a temporary plan that strips Palestinian prisoners of the right to at least 4.5 square metres of space, enabling cells that used to hold five people to hold more than twice as many.

According to Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI), authorities also disconnected access to power and water supplies, limited the number of meals per day, restricted prisoners to their cells and prevented access to medical clinics and visits by legal representatives and other officials.

At least two prisoners have died while in custody since the beginning of the latest round of hostilities.

“We are calling on the Israeli authorities to abide by international law and allow food, water and visitations,” Naji Abbas, case manager at PHRI, told Al Jazeera.

“And to stop taking revenge on Palestinian prisoners.”

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

PAGE 09

Share flipping

T

he Vice President of Guyana says t h a t t h e government is not budging when it comes to the core terms of the draft Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

New investors in Guyana’s oil and gas sector will be subject to these new terms.

However, an issue which does not constitute part of the core terms of the draft PSA is share flipping.

Recently developments have seen Chevron announcing that it has an agreement for the buy-out of Hess, a company which partners with ExxonMobil and CNOOC in the Stabroek Block.

This sale has raised concerns in Guyana since Chevron is likely to take the place of Hess as a part of the three foreign companies operating in the lucrative Stabroek block.Share flipping is the practice of an investor selling its shares in a local operation, potentially to a new foreign entity. The practice raises several concerns. Does the new owner automatically assume the rights held by the previous owners? Can these transactions be conducted without the approval and without considering the consequences for the host nation, in this case, Guyana?

What happens when a major investor signs an agreement with the Government of Guyana to exploit Guyana’s resources but later decides to sell its

shares in the venture? Are market transactions going to be respected as part of the principle of the sanctity of contracts?

A few years ago, Scotia Bank wanted to sell its local operations in Guyana. But the government denied that transaction on the grounds that it would give too great a control over the local banking sector to Republic Bank. This remains a highly controversial decision.

In 2007, IAMGOlD sold 70% of its shares in the local bauxite company to a Chinese firm called BOSAI. The government was said to have blessed this deal even though there were concerns that Guyana’s large bauxite reserves were going to be under the control of a C h i n e s e f i r m .

Another Canadian company Aurora Gold Mines had sold its shares to a Chinese firm Zijin in 2020. The Chinese company is being allowed to assume the rights to mine gold in Guyana.

Years ago, a controversy erupted over the sale of Demerara Woods to Lord Beaverbook. Reports had suggested that not long after acquiring the property, Lord Beaverbrook had flipped it at huge profit, but this was disputed by one former government official.

There have been instances also where locals have acquired rights to property in Guyana and have flipped these to foreign companies.

But all of these issues raise a fundamental concern about whether a foreign investor with rights to exploit Guyana’s natural resources – but it bauxite, gold, timber or oil – can simply sell its shares in the local operations and the new owner will have a legitimate expectation to assume those rights.

It is an issue that should concern Guyana now that a sale has been made of Hess’s shares and which purportedly would allow the new owners, Chevron, to become a partner in the Stabroek Block.

Has the Vice President considered this issue as part of the core terms of the draft PSA? Is Guyana going to make an exception to this transaction as it did with the proposal of Scotia Bank to see its local operations to Republic Bank?

To address this issue, there should be limits imposed on share flipping, ensuring that any changes in ownership are carefully considered and approved in the best interests of Guyana.

These limits should be a part of the core terms of any draft PSA. Any sale of shares in companies operating in Guyana’s natural resource sector should require government approval. This approval process should consider the implications of the sale on the country’s resources and its economic well-being.

DEM BOYS SEH

Cabinet Outreaches are good for the local economy Oh, what a joy it is to see our beloved government embracing the art of the Cabinet Outreach once again! It’s like a traveling circus, only instead of clowns, we have politicians. And trust me, they can be equally entertaining.

T h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s brilliant idea is to have a Cabinet Outreach in a different Region. But would it not be better to have a Cabinet Outreach in a different village every week. Yes, you heard that right, every week!

Because who needs a stable government when you can have constant, onthe-go decision-making?

Forget about those pesky things like continuity and

long-term planning. We’re all about the spontaneity of governance now.

And the number of people attending these outreaches is nothing short of astonishing. It’s as if every government ministry has a presence at these outreaches.

Need a solution to a local problem? No need to travel far; the Cabinet Outreach is coming to your doorstep! In fact, it’s probably camping in your backyard by now.

These outreaches are not just good for the government; they’re great for local businesses. The sheer amount of food that must be prepared to feed this army of bureaucrats is a goldmine for local caterers.

Tents, chairs, and public address systems are rented.

The monies spent could probably fund a small village for a year. Forget about investing in infrastructure or education; we need more chairs!

Now, the best part of these outreaches is that you can raise your concerns right there, in front of the entire entourage. Instant responses guaranteed! Of course, the responses may consist of a series of political acrobatics, where the politician in question expertly sidesteps any meaningful answers and ends up in a verbal contortion act. But hey, at least you get to witness it firsthand.

Talk half. Leff half

All share flipping transactions should be transparent and open to public scrutiny. This will ensure that the public, as stakeholders in the country’s resources, are aware of any changes in ownership and can voice their concerns or support. To protect Guyana’s interests, profits made from the sale of shares in companies operating in the country’s natural resource sector should be subject to fair taxation. This will

ensure that Guyana benefits from any gains resulting from share flipping.

Setting limits to share flipping and imposing fair taxation on profits from these transactions, will help safeguard Guyana’s interests and ensure that foreign investors contribute to the c o u n t r y ’s s u s t a i n a b l e development. Share flipping should not be a loophole that allows foreign entities to change ownership without considering the broader

implications for the nation and its resources.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

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LAL

H@RD TRUTHS

Sunday October 29, 2023 Monday May 02, 2022

BY GHK LALL

Welcoming Ambassador Nicole D. The riot to Guyana A warm welcome is extended to American Plenipotentiary Extraordinary and Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency, Nicole D. Theriot. I am positive that, given her Louisiana roots, spicy Guyanese food should make Ambassador Theriot feel right at home. Cajun country, this delightful tropical paradise and oil Shangri-la called Guyana is, Excellency. Now I must get down to business.

The people hobnobbed within government and their bedfellows may whisper insistently that I am antiAmerican. The ambassador will have to decide for

herself, while knowing full well that Americans anywhere do not quiver and shrivel before drivel.

American as apple pie, and gumbo (Louisiana again), speaking out and speaking to truth that is. They will mumble that credentials are anti-Exxon, but of that am sure that Exxon Guyana’s President Routledge will shake his head in disagreement.

He, too, knows that he listens to Guyanese who fawn over him, and tell him what they think is pleasing to him, is not the optimal way to run this creole quarter.

To Ambassador Theriot, I respectfully say: America

now has a bigger stake in Guyana: there is Exxon and there is Chevron, and if this duet sounds like the Chiffons of doowop fame, then that’s a sound beginning, Madame Ambassador. It helps that Chevron is a lead player in Venezuelan oil. Now, as for Venezuela, that is a fine kettle of hornets. The kettle is buzzing and the hornets in Caracas are jumping up and down from the overheated state to which they have driven themselves.

A cable to Southern Command by way of Foggy Bottom (State) and the Pentagon (Defense) and national Security could instruct Southern Command

to rechart its courses, draw closer inside the Caribbean Sea. The Venezuelans need to cool down, or they will have to be calmed down, whatever that requires. Of course, Ambassador Theriot, and to refresh what Excellency Lynch and the prep boys at State with hemispheric responsibility had to have instilled, Guyana did take out insurance for just such a Venezuelan development (like today’s), and this country has been up to date on its premiums.

Two percent it has been, and though a king’s ransom, Guyana has paid through the nose for that insurance.

Humbly, Excellency Theriot

(without the ‘t’ sounding), America must deliver on its part of the grand bargain.

Look how much is at stake, Excellency. There is Exxon, Chevron, Hess (still around, and don’t anyone forget it), Schlumberger, LindsayCa, Baker Hughes, American Airlines, Century 21, and Halliburton. It just wouldn’tbe good form to jeopardize all those presences and investments.

I would lose money (yessir!

Sorry, I meant, ma’am).

Halliburton means Dick Cheney of Vulcan fame, retirement notwithstanding.

I have another word of quiet counsel for my fellow American: be watchful of Guyanese politicians.

If they can sellout their own country to Exxon and the Chinese, it can become a habit and prompt them to sellout to others. On this business of the Chinese, this is another Cross to be carried. Some believe that I am hostile to the Chinese.

Wrong! I simply deplore the way in which they have done their business in Guyana, and this is with a focus on the Red Chinese pretending to be about green American dollars.

Yes, Excellency Theriot, the territory is that double-edged, doubletongued, and riddled with double dealing. It is the French Quarter and Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras.

A raucous carnival and bacchanalarewhat has come to represent governance under the PPP in this place.

To emphasize, one ranking politician speaks many languages, but the grains of truth have proven exceedingly difficult to locate in any of them.

Another big dog speaks some things that resemble truth about oil and gas and governance on the whole, but one has to get pass the hedges, qualifiers, conditioners, to appreciate what the hell he is saying, and their relation to truth,

justice, and the American Way. I lost cool a bit there, so a word of apology is tendered for that descent into verbal purgatory.

In all of this, Excellency Theriot, Guyanese are getting upset, and the first and largest effigies they see are American ones. Half the people are left out of their oil patrimony, and more than that fraction are food bank candidates.

Yeah, the posting has its dark side, outside of hot rum and spicy turkey. To be safe, I make that poultry. Butit is not all magnolia and mint juleps and Southern Comfort. For the reassurance of Ambassador Theriot, Guyanese are not thinking nor speaking like Nat Turner nor Malcolm X, but take it from me, there are notes sounding of Ugly Americans. Guyanese are muttering about Yankee Dracula in Demerara: it is of the male political brides that are favored, and those left to scramble around, or get out of the way. I am trying to say this in French but am positive that Ambassador Theriot understand the English employed.

If Excellency Nicole D. Theriot is advised by her subordinates and Guyanese supplicants that I am wrong, and out of my head, I offer this parting guidance.

Please check the face of her predecessor, Excellency Sarah Ann Lynch, and compare that to when she left versus the short years before when she first arrived.

Guyana is an asylum run by lunatics, of that Madame Lynch could amply testify.

So can I. Good luckwith the Guyana assignment, Ambassador Nicole Theriot.

(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.)

Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Sunday October 29, 2023

at it closely and then you ask for corroboration or additional information on those types of things and that’s what we did,” Haynes had said.

Kaieteur News had previously reported that the audit contract that was awarded to Haynes and his team back in 2022 for US$751,000 had a strict four-month deadline for completion. Notably, the US$7.3B costs the auditors examined, with the help of international consultants, pertains 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.

Week-in-Review Sunday ExxonMobil brazenly used Stabroek Block profits to pay drill ships to standby for Kaieteur and Canje blocks The second audit report on ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’s expenses totalling US$7.3B has exposed how the company brazenly used Stabroek Block profits to pay for drill ship expenses related to two separate and distinct blocks—Kaieteur and Canje.

The auditors which consisted of local consortium, Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. with support from international firms, SGS and Martindale Consultants, expressed alarm at such a practice by the oil giant.

Expounding on their finding in this regard, the auditing team said Exxon had four drill ships from Noble Corporation working during early 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic made staffing all four vessels challenging. Auditors were informed that Exxon took the decision to suspend the services of the Stena Carron drillship and the Noble Tom Madden and move them closer to shore into a “hot standby” (idle but still operational) mode until the staffing issues could be alleviated.

Auditors said they had no qualms about Exxon charging 100 percent of the standby costs for the Noble Tom Madden against the Stabroek Block account since records show it was later used to service that block alone during the subsequent 12-month

Hundreds of Guyanese join worldwide protests in support of Palestine A map showing the Stabroek, Kaieteur and Canje Blocks.

(Note: ExxonMobil walked away from the Kaieteur Block in September 2023) period.

In the case of the Stena Carron, auditors said records show Exxon had Stena on standby to execute works for Stabroek as well as Canje and Kaieteur which it walked away from this year.

Records show that Exxon had the Stena Carron drill ship drill the Tanager-1 well in the Kaieteur Block beginning September 9, 2020 and ending November 23, 2020. Stena was then moved to the adjacent Canje Block where it worked on the Bulletwood-1 well beginning December 31, 2020 and ending March 2, 2021. Stena was also used to drill the second well in Canje called Jabillo-1 beginning March 12, 2021 and ending March 20, 2021.

In light of this, auditors said Exxon had no right

charging the full standby costs to the Stabroek Block account if it had intentions of using the said ship on two other blocks. Exxon however told the auditors that it believes “all costs should remain charged to Stabroek” adding that its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited are in alignment on this matter.

Auditors however noted that such “alignment” is irrelevant to the case at hand and maintained that the standby costs ought to be shared among the blocks that utilized the Stena Carron.

Exxon was then asked to return US$4,176,934 to the Stabroek Block account.

It should be noted that this audit report which Kaieteur News has seen is yet to be released to the

public. Neither the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) nor the Ministry of Natural Resources would respond to requests by this newspaper over the last month for this to be done.

Another critical point of note is that this audit which covers Exxon’s US$7.3B expenses incurred for the period 2018 to 2020 did not entail a review of every bill related to that period as it was not a forensic audit. In fact, leader of the local consortium involved in the audit, Floyd Haynes, confirmed this with Kaieteur News in a previous interview.

Haynes had said that a forensic audit is done with the aim of identifying fraud and embezzlement with the goal of gathering evidence to be used in a court. He noted

however that he and his team were hired to do a cost recovery audit pursuant to the parameters of the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

“The goal is to verify the accuracy or rather the legitimacy and validity of costs claimed,” Haynes had said.

He had further explained that the audit would not examine every single cost expended by Exxon. He said no audit is ever done that way. Haynes said auditors look at a sample of the costs incurred. He had said that sample is based on a number of things. “It could be high risk areas that you think have potential for exposure based on past experience or based on having done work in the industry before. So you take a sample of those, you look

Hundreds walk the streets of Georgetown on Saturday calling for Palestine to be freed.

Hundreds of Guyanese marched the streets of Georgetown on Saturday in protest against the inhumane treatment meted out to Palestinians.

S a t u r d a y ’s m a r c h mirrored marches held globally in support of Palestine.

As the participants walked the city streets, they chanted, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free… Free Palestine! Free Palestine!”

After the walk, they assembled at the Square of the Revolution where several prominent persons spoke.

One speaker said, “We cannot remain silent with what we see going on with our brothers in Palestine.”

The man accused the “Zionist Israel” of committing Genocide.

The speaker said that world leaders are standing (Continued on page 13)

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

From page 12 by silently and watching as thousands of Palestinians are being slaughtered.

“We live in a world of double standard”, he said while questioning, “where is the humanity?”.

Meanwhile, Saudia Ferouz said, “At this moment in our seen reality, Gaza is experiencing genocide before our very eyes,” while adding, “Israel has cut off food, water, and fuel to a population of 2.3 million civilians.”

Ferouz reminded that more than 4,500 Palestinians have been massacred by Israel in the last 14 days alone.

“More than 1500 of those deaths were children. More than 1.2 million people have lost their homes,” she stated.

Recent statistics put together, by Euro-med Human Rights Monitor, more than 4000 Palestinians have been killed, “including 1,413 children and 806 women, with approximately 3,420 civilians among the dead.

More than 15,000 additional Palestinians have been injured in various ways, with more than half of them being children and women.

Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor concluded that Israel is committing complex war crimes in the Gaza Strip. The organisation reiterated that these crimes represent serious violations of international humanitarian law and may

amount to war crimes under the Fourth Geneva Convention for the Protection of Civilians.

Monday Fmr. President Ramotar disappointed new PSA terms does not apply to Exxon’s new discoveries Former Guyanese President, Donald Ramotar, h a s e x p r e s s e d disappointment that the current Irfaan Ali-led administration did not apply the new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) terms to new discoveries made by American oil giant, ExxonMobil, which operates Guyana’s largest oil block, the Stabroek Block.

This publication previously reported the former president’s position in which he stated that he would have renegotiated the heavily criticized oil deal Guyana signed with Exxon.

During that interview, Ramotar also argued that the terms in the new PSA should have been applied to the new discoveries made by Exxon in the Stabroek Block.

Ramotar expressed his disappointment during a recent televised interview, saying, and “The new regime that they’ve put in place for new oil findings by other companies — I am disappointed that they’re not going to apply it to many of the new discoveries by ExxonMobil within the area.

It’s universally accepted that the agreement is extremely lopsided.”

In the new PSAs drafted u n d e r t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) regime, the administration aims to secure more fiscal benefits from the country’s oil resources. They increased the royalty from 2 to 10 percent and capped cost

Former President, Donald Ramotar recovery at 65 percent per month. The new agreements also require petroleum companies to pay their taxes, in contrast to the agreement with Exxon, where Guyana pays the taxes of the Stabroek Block partners.

Despite calls from various sections of society for ExxonMobil to be subject to these modified terms on future projects, the PPP/C administration has stood firm that the company

will not be required to contribute.

In a previous Kaieteur News report, Ramotar described the current contract with Exxon as detrimental to Guyana, depriving the country of vital resources, and he expressed his willingness to renegotiate the deal for the benefit of the nation.

ExxonMobil operates the lucrative Stabroek Block, alongside its partners, Hess and CNOOC. They began production in the block in 2019 and have already undertaken multiple multibillion-dollar projects, aiming to produce a million barrels per day by 2029.

Exxon is preparing to commence its sixth oil project in the Stabroek Block.

The original deal signed by former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman in 2016 with Exxon, waived all taxes from the oil companies, giving Guyana a 2% royalty and allowing the oil companies to recover 75% of investments before sharing the remaining 25%, with Guyana receiving 12.5%.

This arrangement forces Guyana to pay for projects not yet in production, adding to expenses each month.

Trotman had offered support for renegotiating the deal in his book, ‘From Destiny to Prosperity,’ but the offer was refused. The current government cites the sanctity of the contract as the

PAGE 13

reason for not renegotiating.

Following Kaieteur News’ publication of former President Ramotar’s stance on the renegotiation of the Exxon deal – President Ali criticized the former headof-state during an address to attendees at a recent event.

It was during the Guyana-Canada Chamber of Commerce Maple Leaf Ball, when Ali took aim at Ramotar, although not naming the former Head-0fState.

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

He continued: “I don’t spend my time on negative energy but it’s tiring to listen to some of these guys. You want us to change the contract.

You have an existing contract. You think that is how it happens. That is how the world operates. That you can just walk in one day and decide I had this contract with you. I’m changing it now.” Ali contended that if such a move is taken Guyana can face legal repercussions from the oil major for not honouring the contract.

“This is not play thing, and some of these guys were policymakers.

To believe that, you know, fanciful is nice and exciting and very popular to say we can change the contract. That is why we

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

Furthermore, President Ali stressed the importance of maintaining investor confidence, explaining that sophisticated investors observing the situation might lose faith in the system if contracts were changed.

Ali added that such move would cause investors to say, “you can’t depend on them [Guyana].”

President Ali acknowledged the challenging hand that Guyana had been dealt in relation to the Exxon deal, but emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring that future dealings were more favourable to the country.

He said, “But everybody wants a front page now.

Some of them had plenty years to change it. But they want a front page now.

The easiest thing to get on the front pages here, I suppose is changing the contract. For God heaven’s sake, I wish if it was a better contract. All of us wish that.”

Moreover, President Ali urged a realistic approach over opportunism.

While President Ali has maintained a firm stance against renegotiating the existing PSA signed in 2016, (Continued on page 14)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

account.

Exxon, according to the undisclosed report seen by t h i s n e w s p a p e r, o n l y returned US$130,277 for the travel expenses cited.

Auditors said Exxon is yet to explain why it did not credit the full amount as instructed.

From page 13 the debate rages on. Calls from locals and industry experts have seen urges for Guyana’s leaders to reopen negotiations with ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and China’s CNOOC, to ensure more equitable benefits from the lucrative Stabroek Block.

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

Exxon sports Guyana’s profits on staff parties, social media ads and trips for ex-govt. officials – Audit Report exposes ExxonMobil Guyana Limited has been caught red handed by auditors sporting Guyana’s oil profits from the Stabroek Block on staff parties, social media ads, and trips for ex-government officials.

In the latest audit report seen by this news agency, a team that blends the expertise of local and international experts, said none of these expenses are authentically related to the conduct of petroleum operations and the Stabroek Block account should be reimbursed accordingly.

Importantly, the audit process did not sample every bill associated with the US$7.3B expenditure.

Auditors only reviewed a sample of the bills. The local and international team of experts was given a fourmonth deadline to complete the audit.

This meticulously prepared audit, conducted by local consortium of Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc., with the backing of global firms SGS and Martindale Consultants, emphasizes that Exxon charged several corporate expenses to Guyana’s oil projects that are nonrecoverable as per petroleum operations standards.

Auditors said some examples of the nonrecoverable expenses incurred during the period 2018 to 2020 include: Facebook / Instagram advertising, travel and hotel expenses for four exgovernment officials who attended the naming ceremony of the Liza Destiny vessel in Singapore, a Houston trip for Exxon officials to meet with their partners on a joint venture audit, and the payment for venues to host staff parties.

Auditors were keen to point out that Annex C of the Stabroek Block Production

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge Sharing Agreement which deals with (Accounting Procedure) allows as chargeable costs, “all costs, expenses and expenditures relating to the petroleum operations.”

They also highlighted that “petroleum operations” in the contract means: “Prospecting Operations and/or Production Operations, as defined in the Act conducted pursuant to this Agreement and which were conducted under the 1999 Petroleum Agreement with such previous

As Suriname gears for the development of its first deepwater oil project with French multinational, Total S.A, the Dutch-speaking nation has made it explicitly clear that there are several costs which Total or any oil company for that matter, are forbidden from recovering.

Interest on loans is one such expense.

Where Guyana is concerned, the situation is quite different. The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement for the Stabroek Block allows ExxonMobil and its partners to recover 100 percent of the interest on its investments.

Several international

IMF said it examined several scenarios which illustrated how “excessive or abusive” oil companies can be in the use of loans to fund oil projects.

The IMF said it examined three scenarios, one of which looked at 75 percent to 100 percent of the development costs for the Liza One and Liza Two Projects in the Stabroek Block being funded by loans with a repayment period over 10 years with a 10 percent interest rate. The IMF said the revenue loss could be as high as US$2.6B. Such a practice, the organization said can have a “detrimental impact” on government revenue.

The financial institution was also keen to highlight the uniqueness of the Stabroek Block PSA, in that it allows the recovery of interest as an expense, irrespective of where the financing is sourced from. It therefore means that instead of using a bank or other traditional sources, ExxonMobil Corporation can provide its subsidiary (ExxonMobil Guyana Limited) in the Stabroek Block with loans, charge an interest, and recover same without worry.

While the Stabroek

Chairman of Chevron Corp., Mike Wirth (L) and CEO of Hess Corp., John Hess operations being hereby deemed by the Minister to be carried out under this Agreement.”

With a keen eye on contractual stipulations, auditors said any cost Exxon seeks to reclaim from the Stabroek Block revenues should be directly aligned with, or in pursuit of production operations.

Auditors said, “These costs were not directly for Stabroek production operations, they are corporate expenses (which are) not recoverable.”

Auditors therefore asked Exxon to return US$299,120 to the Stabroek Block

organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have warned Guyana about the abuse that can take place when companies are allowed to recover 100 percent of the interest on its investments.

In fact, the IMF cautioned in independent reports that Guyana should, as a protective measure, should cap the interest that is allowed for recovery.

In a 2018 report, the IMF said “the treatment of interest expenses in the Stabroek Block PSA is very generous, constituting an important source of possible revenue leakage.” In fact, the

Block PSA states that the interest rates being used by Exxon ought to be “market rates”, the IMF warned that authorities ought not to be carried away as this is a vague term. Since it is not explicitly defined in the contract what is meant by “market rates”, the institution alluded that oil companies have the latitude to stretch this definition to suit its interest.

For almost seven years, Kaieteur News has challenged ExxonMobil Guyana Limited as well as the Guyana Government to inform the public of the interest rate Guyana is being

Sunday October 29, 2023

sanctioned projects in the Stabroek Block worth over US$40B. Exxon is allowed to charge uncapped and unknown interest rates on those investments.

Exxon took US$58.5M from Guyana oil money in 2020 for COVID, while Guyana borrowed US$95M for COVID relief

President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali made to pay on Exxon’s investments in the Stabroek Block. Both parties have refused to provide this with a repayment period over 10 years with a 10 percent interest rate. The IMF said the revenue loss could be as high as US$2.6B. Such a practice, the organization said can have a “detrimental impact” on government revenue.

The financial institution was also keen to highlight the uniqueness of the Stabroek Block PSA, in that it allows the recovery of interest as an expense, irrespective of where the financing is sourced from. It therefore means that instead of using a bank or other traditional sources, ExxonMobil Corporation can provide its subsidiary (ExxonMobil Guyana Limited) in the Stabroek Block with loans, charge an interest, and recover same without worry.

While the Stabroek Block PSA states that the interest rates being used by Exxon ought to be “market rates”, the IMF warned that authorities ought not to be carried away as this is a vague term. Since it is not explicitly defined in the contract what is meant by “market rates”, the institution alluded that oil companies have the latitude to stretch this definition to suit its interest.

For almost seven years, Kaieteur News has challenged ExxonMobil Guyana Limited as well as the Guyana Government to inform the public of the interest rate Guyana is being made to pay on Exxon’s investments in the Stabroek Block. Both parties have refused to provide this newspaper and the nation by extension, with the facts.

To date, Exxon has five

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Guyana found itself navigating a fiscal paradox. The nation had to secure substantial loans to bolster its healthcare and other sectors, totaling an eye-watering US$95 million, all aimed at fortifying this country’s response to the pandemic in 2020.

However, while Guyana was accumulating loans to combat the public health crisis, ExxonMobil, the American oil giant, presented Guyana with a bill of US$58.5 million under the umbrella of COVID-19related expenses. In 2020, the year when Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 case, the country tapped various sources for financial support. Guyana secured loans from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), totaling US$57.4 million, and an additional US$7.5 million from the World Bank in 2020. The IDB loans were part of the Contingent Credit Facility for Natural Disaster and Public Health Emergencies, aimed at financing expenditures necessary to contain disease transmission and mitigate its health and economic repercussions in various countries.

The global health crisis had placed immense pressure on Guyana to fortify its healthcare system while grappling with financial and liquidity constraints that hindered its capacity to invest in bridging gaps and building preparedness and response capability.

Recent revelations by this publication, indicate that a team of local and international auditors, scrutinising ExxonMobil Guyana’s expenses for the year 2018 to 2020, uncovered that a significant portion of the US$58.5 million in COVID-19related bills was allocated to chartered flights, amounting to US$18 million. The auditors concentrated solely (Continued on page 56)

Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

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

SUNDAY – OCTOBER 22, 2023 Guyana’s currency In a country as wealthy as Guyana, the nation should not be running low on foreign currency.

More troubling is the fact that cambios across the capital city which are selling the US-dollar, are doing so for as much as $218.

Can our leaders provide us with the credible answers?

We don’t need a surface economist to address the foreign currency shortage; we need the Finance Minister to tell this country why Guyana’s currency is depreciating instead of having more value while we are dubbed one of the richest countries on earth today!

MONDAY – OCTOBER 23, 2023 Exxon’s disrespect for a nation ExxonMobil is known around the World for

withholding information and the delayed audits into the company’s multibilliondollar expenses, which Guyana’s oil is being used to cover for, is exposing its undergarments.

This smelly undertaking is grossly unacceptable, and highlights the need for thorough reviews to be conducted of this company.

These brazen acts of disrespect by Exxon to this nation, must not go unpunished, but will our leaders demand any changes or will they accept the bruises from this abuse and continue to be battered by our partner in oil?

TUESDAY – OCTOBER 24, 2023 Come out and support the protest 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

Motorcyclists remove mirrors admit it’s a for ‘style’…many breach of the law

A motorcycle, which was listed for sale on social media, minus its mirrors.

If one peruses the streets of Georgetown and other parts of the country, one may observe an absence of mirrors on many motorcycles traversing the country’s roadways.

But while the mirrors are a vital part of the moving vehicle, many motorists admit that they remove the mirrors for ‘style’ even though they admit that removal of the vital motorcycle parts is a breach of the law, more so the fitness of the bikes.

In light of a spike in road accidents this year, and the high number of motor cyclists involved, this publication caught up with a few road users, including motor cyclists, to obtain their views on the removal of the mirrors.

A rider who gave his name as Antoine said that the bikers would take off the mirrors, “because I just want to, it looks good.”

When asked if the absence of the mirrors affects his rides, he said it is helpful since he would be able to see the traffic in (Continued on page 65)

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.

L e t ’s s h o w b o t h 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.

SATURDAY – OCTOBER 28, 2023 Audit of ExxonMobil’s US$7.3B expenses has given us a peek of the evil we are playing with The audit report on ExxonMobil’s US$7.3B expenses has given Guyanese a glimpse of how treacherous these oil titans can be.

From examining just a sample of these expenses, auditors found that the company used millions of profits earned from the Stabroek Block to cover expenses related to two separate and distinct oil blocks called Kaieteur and Canje.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has said if Exxon is caught doing this, then it is illegal.

It would have to return those profits.

The worst part is that if Exxon refuses, Guyana would have to spend further

millions via arbitration, to prove that this is illegal and force Exxon’s hand to do what is right. In the meantime, Exxon gets to hold on to the money.

If this is not enough grounds for Guyana to renegotiate the Stabroek Block deal to close those loopholes which Exxon has shown it is willing to abuse to the highest and most unthinkable levels, then God Almighty be with Guyana.

If this is what a sample audit has revealed then, we can only imagine the rape that took place.

Kaieteur News

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Sunday October 29, 2023

Reconstruction works on New Amsterdam Prison gets underway

Some of the works ongoing at the rebuilding of the New Amsterdam Prison. (Ministry of Home Affairs photos) Following the award of contracts by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board

(NPTAB) back in August, reconstruction works at the $1.6B New Amsterdam Prison in Region Six is

progressing.

This is according to the Ministry of Home Affairs which revealed on Saturday

that more than 10% of the works have been completed, encompassing various aspects of the

project.

As reported, the prison is being rebuilt in 10 various lots to the tune of $1,694,527,016. The contractors awarded the lots are as follow: Quality Deliverer (Lot10) – $123,694,029 and (Lot 1) – $80,699,925; Professional Engineering & Construction Services (Lot3) – $64,917,255; Guy Biz Establishment (Lot7) – $85,155,088; Builders Hardware General Supplies & Construction (Lot9) – $318,261,085; Premier Contracting Services (Lot4) – $ 5 3 , 0 1 8 , 3 6 4 ; G D ’s Construction & Supplies (Lot6) – $58,700,334; Singh & Son Construction (Lot5) – $413,140,192; DBL Group (Lot2) – $114,169,258; and Navin & Sons Construction (Lot8) – $382,771,486.

The ministry in a statement mentioned that Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally and other officials on Friday visited the site where the works are ongoing. There it was observed that advancement works were seen at Lots Two, Four and Five of the project.

A c c o r d i n g t o information reaching this newspaper, works on Lot 2 which entails the construction of male and female living quarters, has commenced with the demolition of existing structures and site preparation.

This lot is about 15% completed.

Works to Lot 4, which is the reconstruction of the Officer’s Sports Club, has been initiated with the demolition of existing structures; 10% of works has been completed at this section, the ministry reported.

In Lot 5 which entails the construction of the reception building, works has commenced with the demolition of existing

structures and this lot is 12% completed.

While progress has begun in these highlighted areas, it was noted that at Lot 1, where works involves the construction of the Senior Officers’ Living Quarters, the project is in the mobilisation phase, preparing for imminent work commencement.

It was stated that works at Lot 3 entails the construction of the kitchen and a storage bond, while works at Lots 6, 7, 8, and 9 encompass critical aspects like the infirmary annex, an overhead storage tank, a treatment plant, reconstruction of solitary and cell blocks, and a training facility for inmates in Lot 10, all essential for the prison’s infrastructure enhancement.

These works are said to be in the mobilization stage.

During his visit the Permanent Secretary highlighted that the significance of these capital projects in reshaping the prison infrastructure is focusing not only on rehabilitation but also on the facilities’ functionality for the betterment of both staff and inmates.

The Ministry of Home Affairs also said that it stands resolute in its commitment to improving infrastructure and facilities and promoting a safer and more rehabilitative environment within correctional facilities.

This year some $5.5 billion was earmarked for the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) from the national budget. Kaieteur News had reported that the project forms part of the government’s overall reform and modernization programme for the prison service, which is targeting the transformation of the prison from a penal to a correctional institution.

Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Wild fires scorch Rome, EBD …desist lighting fires for land clearing-GFS The soldier being assaulted.

GDF probes assault, robbery of soldier The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Saturday said that it is conducting a thorough investigation into the assault and robbery of a soldier. The ordeal was captured on camera.

Kaieteur News understands that the soldier was robbed of his mobile phone during the assault.

In the video seen by this newspaper the soldier was dressed in uniform while three men restrained him.

A fourth with his face masked and brandishing a large knife cursed the soldier and dealt him multiple slaps and cuffs to his face. The armed assaulter also attempted to stab the rank several times with the knife.

The man took away the soldier’s phone as he pleaded for the device to be returned.

GDF in response to the video did not identify the rank but said “the soldier in question has been absent without leave (AWOL) for over one year”.

“GDF firmly condemns the actions seen in the video, and further, requests for any information relating to same, be provided,” the Force said in a statement.

Persons with information related to the incident are being asked to call 226-9888.

Comedian arrested for beating daughter Local comedian popularly known as ‘Chow Pow’ was on Friday arrested for allegedly assaulting his 22-year-old daughter.

Though the police did not divulge much information about the case, Kaieteur News understands that the assault occurred at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown. According to reports ‘Chow Pow’ allegedly dealt the woman several blows to the body and face. The assault was reportedly witnessed by several persons who reported the matter to the police.

Upon arrival, police arrested the comedian.

Investigations are ongoing.

Demand for oil will peak...

From page 3 the strategy for public comments on Monday. But the IEA has also indicated that gas demand is expected to peak in this decade, by 2030.

According to the IEA, the peak in demand for fossil fuels by 2030 will be driven, “by the phenomenal rise of clean sources of energy, such as solar.”

The government is pursuing hydropower and smaller solar projects, but Jagdeo has rejected calls for solar power to become the baseload for the country’s energy supply.

Jagdeo has been keen on natural gas as a part of Guyana’s future energy mix, particularly with the Gas-to-Energy project expected to start in 2025. He describes natural gas as a transition fuel. The gas project is therefore expected to be part of Guyana’s electricity generation mix for 20 years.

While ExxonMobil’s ambitious expansion in Guyana is aligned with the government’s plans for rapid development, the IEA’s projections are raising critical questions about Guyana’s place in the global energy transition.

Two raging wildfires on Friday left a trail of destruction at Rome New Road, East Bank Demerara, and posed a severe threat to persons living in the area as well as the environment.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the fires were eventually extinguished and brought under control.

On Friday night, the GFS said earlier in the day at approximately 08:56 hrs, the Central, West Ruimveldt, and Eccles fire stations responded to a report of a wildfire at Rome. The firefighters were able to put out the blaze. However, firefighters were once again alerted to another fire in close proximity to the previous one.

The blazing inferno at Rome New Road, East Bank Demerara on Friday night.

The wildfire, which reignited at 13:20 hrs on Friday, had quickly escalated in size and intensity, fueled by dry conditions, high winds, and an abundance of flammable vegetation

resulting in the inferno destroying countless acres of land.

The GFS said firefighters from the Campbellville and Albertown fire stations were on the scene awaiting

support. Firemen at the scene related that they were separated from the raging fire by a large canal, which was interfering with firefighters efforts at that time.

To this end, the GFS explained that the safety of the residents and environment remained paramount. The firemen worked through the night and were able to bring the fire under control.

The inferno destroyed some 30 acres of land which are intended for private industrial development.

The GFS has also urged land owners to desist from lighting fires for land clearing at this time as the country continues to experience a heat wave.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Sunday October 29, 2023

$26M x-ray machine commissioned at Linden Hospital President Irfaan Ali on Saturday commissioned a new $26M digital x-ray machine at the Linden Hospital Complex.

The new machine, which will improve the hospital’s capacity, is said to be more efficient and provide faster results for patients. It is also said to bring a multitude of benefits not only for the medical staff, but patients utilizing the services at the

health institution.

Delivering brief remarks at the commissioning ceremony on Saturday, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said that the new equipment is not simply an x-ray machine but it is one of the best machines on the market. “It is made by Siemens and it is one of the top quality x-ray machines in the world,” he stated.

According to the Health

Minister, one of the features of the new machine is that when a technician takes an xray, they would no longer have to use a film and go into a dark room and watch the film. The image would be digitally produced. As such, doctors would be able to see the images on their cellular phones or their computer.

“When you take the x-ray basically you will have a digital image and with that

The $26M x-ray machine which was commissioned at the Linden Hospital on Saturday. image, the doctors would be able to get the image on a screen or a phone and if they have problems with the interpretation, they can easily send that up to Georgetown,” he said, noting that doctors in the city can be able to give advice and opinions to the patients.

Kaieteur News had reported that the X-ray films/images will now be stored on an electronic database that will allow medical practitioners to access patient records at the country’s main referral hospital or any other health facility which utilises the same machine. The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has two similar machines.

The health minister had

related that in addition to the x-ray machine, the ministry is preparing a special room at the Linden Hospital where they are slated to set up a mammogram machine. He noted its importance which will improve the services at the hospital.

President Ali in his address at the ceremony on Saturday said that establishing this x-ray unit is not only important for the hospital or Region 10, but it is important in capacity building. “We are building a relationship with top doctors in India, Mount Sinai and in Canada,” who he noted are able to received these x-ray results and give a second opinion.

“These results are connected to specialists

across the world who also can give us a second opinion and the specialist opinion that is what we are doing, building tomorrow today,” he commented.

“When we speak about digitalization, that is what digitalization is about, building tomorrow today, creating the framework for tomorrow today. We are building Guyana ahead of time,” the President emphasized.

During his remarks, the President also announced that one of the investments the government is going to make at the hospital is to create a landing pad just outside the institution, making it more efficient for transfer of patients from far end areas.

Children caught on camera stealing from cellphone store

T

he owners of a cellphone store at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) were amazed to discover that the thieves who broke into their store on Saturday and carted off with a phone were children.

After realizing that the mobile device was missing from the glass case, the owners turned to their security cameras.

Upon close monitoring of the footage it was discovered that two boys, one appearing to be an adolescent and a younger boy, were the culprits.

Upon entering the store discretely, the older boy forced open the door of the glass case while the younger accomplice kept watch at the door. After successfully getting his hands on what looked like a cell phone, the

A screengrab from the security footage.

older boy handed it to his accomplice who concealed it in his pocket.

They both then left quickly and quietly walked out the store.

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

PAGE 19

Mennonites eye large-scale land in Guyana for farming project T

hey are known for establishing colonies deep in the remote jungles across Central and South America and while devotedly holding on to their religious beliefs, the group has undertaken large scale agricultural projects, raising deforestation and land rights concerns in the process.

At the moment, the Mennonites, a religious group which has left a trail of deforestation concerns in Latin America over the past decade, are looking for land to buy in the Berbice area, around Ebini.

The group, which is spearheaded in its efforts by investors from Suriname and Argentina, plans to build and establish corn and soya farms in the neighbouring in Guyana.

Terra Invest The group is spearheaded by Terra Invest Guyana and Suriname, a company made up of Dutch and Argentine investors; it was formed in 2021, online web portal Mongabay.com reported recently.

The company acts as a negotiator on behalf of the Mennonites and its founders made trips to Guyana last year, scouring for lands for the religious group, the report stated. The group is still actively looking for land here on behalf of the Mennonites.

“It looked at the region of Upper Demerara-Berbice and East Berbice-Corentyne with the hope of purchasing plots larger than 5,000 hectares (12,400 acres) for “long-term” ownership,” the Mongabay report stated.

Investigating possibilities Kaieteur News reached out to Terra Invest and its director Ruud Souverein who pointed out that Guyana has “good land” for agriculture. “In this moment we {are}only investigating the possibilities to buy land in Guyana,” the Dutch businessman said, adding that the company does not have any, “concrete plans as yet.”

Asked whether the company engaged the Government of Guyana on its plans, Souverein responded in the negative.

H o w e v e r, t h i s p u b l i c a t i o n understands that the group is reportedly working to ink a deal to invest in an agriculture project here.

Souverein reiterated that the company has its eyes set on the Berbice area for its agricultural projects and this is tied to the rich potential of the soil there. “We think in the east of Guyana,” he said, adding that the area suits the group's agricultural project, specifically at Ebini. “There is very good land for agriculture but till now we don't find land what is for

A group of Mennonite farmers in Peru. According to a Pulitzer center report, the religious group has settled in two regions of the Peruvian Amazon and deforested more than 4,800 hectares of tropical forest (Photo: Pulitzercenter) sale and have normal international prices,” the businessman said.

Reduce food import bill Souverein spoke highly of the Mennonites and he noted that their agricultural practices will boost the s e c t o r, t h e r e b y i n c r e a s i n g productivity while simultaneously reducing the country's food import bill. “It could help Guyana to produce, export food, help to reduce the import in Caricom,” he said.

The Dutch businessman noted that the Mennonites will produce soy, corn, grains, meat, chicken and milk.

Deforestation implications “This is serious business,” said Ben D'Leon ​, a member of the nong o v e r n m e n t a l o rg a n i s a t i o n , Amazon Conservation Team, Suriname which also has officials here in Guyana. “They're possibly aiming to use pristine forest to make their agricultural lands,” he told Mongabay.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in a statement published in June2023 warned of land rights and deforestation implications which the Mennonites leave in their wake.

“Based on evidence from other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the Community will use these lands for agriculture development, accelerating deforestation and potential conflict with the Indigenous People who relate with these forests,” the WWF said.

In addition, the WWF said that, “the income from large-scale agriculture, developed by the Mennonites, benefits the organisation and the necessities of the community.”

However, according to the

conservation agency, while it is welcomed “as a boost to the local economy, there are increasing concerns over biodiversity loss, irreversible deforestation, forest fires, and friction with indigenous and tribal peoples over land rights and corruption.”

Who are Mennonites?

The Mennonites, like the Amish religious group, belong to the Anabaptist faith. They are known globally for living a conservative lifestyle often cutoff from the modernity of the world such as the internet.

Their beliefs are similar, however, the differences in their

lifestyle are mainly related to use of modern means of living. Unlike the Amish, the Mennonites are permitted to use motorised vehicles.

They are also permitted to own home phones and use electricity within their homes, unlike the Amish.

PAGE 21

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Sunday October 29, 2023

s l l a f r e t a W The

Kaieteur News

Berbician fulfills boyhood dream of becoming well known Chef Chef Henry Williams

(Photos: Sydel Thomas, Central Housing & Planning Authority PR Dept.)

White and dark chocolate mousse display by Chef Henry Williams

GTT hosts Night of Hope & Fashion for

Breast Cancer Awareness

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 30, 2023

PAGE 23

VENEZUELA’S DANGEROUS REFERENDUM: THREATENING PEACE AND INTERNATIONAL LAW

By Sir Ronald Sanders (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own.)

For sixty years, from their entry into school, Venezuelans have been trained into believing that the Essequibo region of Guyana belongs to Venezuela. Consequently, regardless of the facts, this belief is ingrained in the Venezuelan psyche.

This is why, the only matter on which the contending political factions in Venezuela can agree is that Essequibo is Venezuelan.

It has long been a political tactic that, when there is domestic discord, a common enemy should be created, in an attempt to gain political support generally.

Hence, the periodic but persistent proclamations from Venezuela claiming Essequibo. The latest attempt to validate the acquisition of the Essequibo region is evident in the questions posed to the Venezuelan electorate in a forthcoming referendum with a predetermined outcome.

The contrived referendum, prejudicially titled, “in defence of Guayana Esequiba,” will be held on 3rd December 2023.

Among its deliberately leading questions, designed to get a desired positive answer, is the following: “Do you agree with the creation of the Guayana Esequiba state and the development of an accelerated plan for the comprehensive care of the current and future population of that territory that includes, among others, the granting of citizenship and Venezuelan identity card in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and i n t e r n a t i o n a l l a w, consequently incorporating said state on the map of Venezuelan territory?”

Given that for over 60 years, successive governments of Venezuela have carried out a propaganda policy of brainwashing their people to adopt the claim that Essequibo belongs to Venezuela in defiance of an 1899 International Arbitral

Award, the question is framed to secure the electorate’s support as validation of the annexation of Essequibo. Significantly, the questions for the referendum ignore entirely that there is an existing arbitral award since 1899 that establishes the boundaries between Venezuela and Guyana.

Similarly, the questions ignore the historical evidence that Venezuela proclaimed the arbitral award and ratified it in their congress. The referendum also makes no mention of the fact that, since 2018, there is a case before the highest legal court in the world, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to settle the validity of the 1899 award.

The only reference to these proceedings is contained in question 3 of the referendum, which, prejudicially, poses the loaded question: “Do you agree with the historic position of Venezuela not to recognise the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the controversy over the territory of Guayana Essequiba?”

T h e Ve n e z u e l a n authorities neglect to advise their electorate of Articles 92 and 93 of the Charter of the United Nations.

Article 92 states, “The International Court of Justice shall be the principal judicial organ of the United Nations” and Article 93 declares, “All Members of the United Nations are ipso facto parties to the Statute of the International Court of Justice.” Not to recognise the jurisdiction of the ICJ is tantamount to a repudiation of the UN Charter.

Moreover, the ICJ has already twice decided that it has jurisdiction to determine the validity of the 1899 award and the related land boundary between Venezuela and Guyana.

The placing of the question in the referendum, in the manner in which it is framed, is a flagrant disregard for international law, the UN Charter and the

ICJ. It is clear that this contrived referendum is designed to lead the Venezuelan electorate into giving cover for the government decision to ignore the ICJ proceedings and, instead, to take unilateral action to “incorporate” Essequibo into “the territory of Venezuela”. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) rightly responded to this situation by noting 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”.

Further, 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.”

Against this background, it seems that the Venezuelan government is convinced that its chances of a favourable decision from the ICJ of its claims are very slim. Therefore, it is moving to annexation, a blatant violation of the Charters of the UN and the Organization of American States.

Venezuela has reached this point after many efforts to scuttle the ICJ process, by asserting that the controversy with Guyana could be settled by dialogue and negotiation between the two states.

In making this assertion, Venezuela ignores the 50 years of joint commissions, direct negotiations, and UN good offices mediation which all failed.

It also ignores that the present ICJ process, which flowed directly from the 1966 Geneva Agreement in which both Venezuela and

Guyana agreed, under Article IV (1), that the UN Secretary-General shall make the decision concerning “one of the means of settlement provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations”. The SecretaryGeneral decided on the ICJ. And, Venezuela had every opportunity to participate actively in the proceedings even after it lost its legal arguments objecting to the Court’s jurisdiction.

Therefore, Venezuela’s call for dialogue and

negotiation is another gambit to avoid the judicial m e a n s o f settlement.

International law and the ICJ process are the legitimate and peaceful pathways to a definitive settlement of the land boundary. Any attempt to unilaterally incorporate Essequibo into Venezuela as is promoted by the planned referendum, or any subsequent military action in furtherance of such a

Sir Ronald Sanders c ontrived referendum, will rightly be met by international odium, condemnation and action.

Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s :

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Cher says she never Fans call Chloe Bailey “Mother” sings around the house: on social media all the time, ‘I Don’t Like My Voice’ so it’s fitting that she’s now Despite having 30 charting albums on the Billboard 200, 12 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling more than 100 million records worldwide, Cher is not a fan of her own voice.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight published Friday (Oct. 27), the “Believe” singer revealed that she doesn’t sing around the house either. “Never. OK? Never,” she told the outlet when asked if she sings her hits at home. “I don’t like my voice.

I just don’t like it. It’s like, have you ever heard yourself talking?”

Cher’s most recent confession comes on the heels of her Paper magazine interview, which was released Thursday.

“It doesn’t sound like a man, it doesn’t sound like a woman,” she said of her signature tone in the Paper feature. “I’m somewhere more in-between. I have this strange style. I do what you do when you can’t hold a note: I don’t pronounce my R’s. I

the “Mother of Dragons.”

Cher attends the Balmain Womenswear Spring/ Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week.

Stephane Cardinale/ Corbis via Getty Images guess some consonants are hard to sing, so I just gotta leave them open.” Though many (Continued on page 41)

O n T h u r s d a y, B a i l e y unleashed her early Halloween costume on Instagram, transforming into Daenerys Ta rg a r y e n f r o m G a m e o f Thrones, also known as Khaleesi.

In seven photos shared to Instagram (one for each of the Seven Kingdoms, of course), Bailey wears a long blond wig and a bodysuit made of metal to become Dany, who was played by actress Emilia Clarke in the 2011-19 HBO series based on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series.

“I am Khaleesi, the Mother of Dragons #gameofthrones,” Bailey captioned the photo set, alongside a dragon emoji.

For the photo shoot, Bailey is on a medieval set surrounded by dragon eggs,

skulls, candles and an hourglass and sitting atop a throne. (It’s not quite the Iron Throne, which is famous for its intimidating swords jutting out of the top, but it definitely gets the Westeros vibe just right.)

This isn’t Bailey’s first brush with the Game of Thrones series: As part of Chloe x Halle alongside sister Halle Bailey, the duo contributed the haunting song “Wolf at Your Door” to the 2019 album For the Throne: Music Inspired by the HBO Series Game of Thrones, which also featured contributions from Maren Morris, Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers as well as a collaborative track from SZA, The Weeknd and Travis Scott.

You can head over to Bailey’s Instagram to see the singer/actress in all her House of Targaryen glory.

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Rihanna’s 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show Is Now the Most-Watched of All Time Rihanna‘s Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show is officially the most-watched halftime show performance of all time, according to an adjusted Nielsen report Tuesday (May 2).The live performance — her first in more than five years — attracted 121.017 million viewers during the Feb. 12dated broadcast. The original ratings put her halftime show at 118.7 million viewers.

With the jump of nearly 3 million, Rihanna’s show surpassed Katy Perry’s 2015 performance, which previously held the record with 121 million viewers.

Nielsen’s revised report regarding Super Bowl LVII between the Kansas City

Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles also makes this year’s big game the most-watched Super Bowl in history.

According to the Associated Press, Nielsen revised this year’s original game ratings figure of 113.1 million by 2 million “after a review that revealed encoding irregularities as well as issues with out-of-home measurement.” The new 115.1 million figure breaks the record that was previously set by the 2015 Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, which had 114.442 million viewers (not including streaming).

During RiRi’s now history-making performance

at Glendale, Ariz.’s State Farm Stadium, she not only revealed she was pregnant with her and partner A$AP Rocky‘s second child, but she also performed her Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits like “Only Girl (in the World),” “We Found Love,” “ S & M , ” “ R u d e B o y, ” “Work” and more. Ahead of her big night, Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty lingerie and clothing brand sold “Rihanna concert interrupted by a football game, weird but whatever” T-shirts as part of its game day collection. And considering millions more people tuned into her “concert” than the game, there’s truth to that slogan.

The casual anti-spectacle display of Rihanna’s Super Bowl half time show

Arnold Schwarzenegger Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Case Against Jonathan says he would make a Majors, Paving Way for Trial great American President

Actor, Jonathan Majors

New York Judge Michael Gaffey rejected a motion to dismiss the misdemeanor assault and harassment charges facing Marvel actor Jonathan Majors on Wednesday, clearing the way for a Nov. 29 trial.

The defense additionally filed a motion under seal requesting that certain evidentiary matters continue to be under seal, or outside of public view. The defense argued that this evidence contains “sensitive information” that could jeopardize Majors’ right to a fair trial. The state did not take a position on the motion, and Gaffey told press in the courtroom that they could submit papers in opposition

by Nov. 6. Majors appeared in court virtually, as the judge mentioned he is currently out of state.

Majors faces four misdemeanor charges of

harassment and assault after being arrested following an alleged domestic violence incident March 25. Police responded to a 911 call where a 30-year-old woman, who has since been identified as Grace Jabbari, reported being assaulted by Majors, with police noting that she had sustained minor injuries.

Majors was released from police custody later that day.

In June, the Loki actor filed a cross-complaint against Jabbari, alleging that she attacked him that night.

H i s a t t o r n e y, P r i y a Chaudhry, has denied all wrongdoing on behalf of her client and said that he had called 911 out of concern for Jabbari’s mental health.

Gaffey said Wednesday that he will issue a new order of protection barring Majors and Jabbari from having contact.

According to court

documents filed in relation to the case, an investigatory card, or I-Card — which is not an arrest warrant but rather an NYPD document alerting officers that there is probable cause for an arrest — was also issued for Jabbari in late June in relation to the crossc o m p l a i n t . H o w e v e r, prosecutors on the case have informed police, defense and Jabbari that they will not be prosecuting Jabbari in relation to the incident, citing the belated nature of the allegations as well as the process of evaluating crosscomplaints in domestic violence cases. Chaudhry filed a motion to dismiss the case Sept. 12, which, along with the state’s response, was evaluated by the judge in New York Criminal Court on Wednesday.

The defense’s motion claimed that the state withheld and buried evidence, which would support claims of Majors’ innocence and potentially cast suspicion on Jabbari as she testifies, and interfered with the NYPD’s investigation into Jabbari.

They also alleged that the state did not disclose communications with the NYPD or any benefits discussed in relation to not prosecuting Jabbari, and the defense alleged there were missing 911 calls, among other items.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Though the former Governor of California can’t legally run for the United States’ highest office — the position requires one to be a natural-born citizen, and Schwarzenegger hails from Austria — he said in a new interview with the BBC that he thinks he’d be a good fit.

“I feel like I would make a great president,” he said, adding that “everything I’ve accomplished was because of America.”

“America gave me so many opportunities and the American people were so embracive, and they just received me with open arms.

There was no one there that stopped me from my success.

So the only thing that I can’t do, which is run for president, I’m not going to complain about that,” he continued, going on to admit that it would be “a little bit selfish if I go out and try to change the law.” However,

t h e “ Te r m i n a t o r ” a n d “Conan the Barbarian” star — who is putting out a new self-help book — did have some thoughts on the upcoming 2024 election, which could potentially be another showdown between current President Joe Biden and former head of state Donald Trump. Besides both Biden and Trump having already served presidential terms, Schwarzenegger pointed out that they’re perhaps too old for the job.

“I just hope that America finds some really young blood,” Schwarzenegger told the BBC. “Because to me, it is a little bit odd that we are having a battle between people today in the late 70s and early 80s, rather than people in the 40s and 50s or maybe even younger and have them have a chance at this great, great job.”

Schwarzenegger’s new book, “Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life,” is available now.

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This week in History LeBron James made his NBA debut October 30 On October 30, 2003 (IST), another man who needs no introduction played in his firstever NBA game. The No. 1 pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, LeBron James made his highlyanticipated NBA debut on the road against the Sacramento Kings. The Cleveland Cavaliers lost by double figures, but James lived up to the hype with 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds and four steals in 42 minutes of play, doing so on 12-for-20 shooting from the field.

James won his first two NBA championships while playing for the Heat in 2012 and 2013; in both of these years, he also earned the league’s MVP and Finals MVP awards. After his fourth season with the Heat in 2014, James opted out of his contract and re-signed with the Cavaliers.

In 2016, he led the Cavaliers to victory over the Golden State Warriors in the Finals by coming back from a 3–1 deficit, delivering the team’s first championship and ending the Cleveland sports curse. In 2018, James exercised his contract option to leave the Cavaliers and signed with the Lakers, where he won the 2020 NBA championship and his fourth Finals MVP. James is the first player in NBA history to accumulate $1 billion in earnings as an active player. On February 7, 2023, James surpassed Kareem

Jimmy Carter was elected 39th President of the United States

NBA’s Lebron James Abdul-Jabbar to become the leading scorer in league history.

Off the court, James has accumulated more wealth and fame from numerous endorsement contracts. He has been featured in books, documentaries (including winning three Sports Emmy Awards as an executive producer), and television commercials. He has won 20 ESPY Awards, hosted Saturday Night Live, and starred in the sports film Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021). James has been a part-owner of Liverpool F.C. since 2011 and leads the LeBron James Family Foundation, which has opened an elementary school, housing complex, retail plaza, and medical center in Akron.

Antigua and Barbuda gained Independence November 1 Antigua Independence Day is observed on November 1 each year. This marks the day Antigua gained freedom from Britain in 1981. Antigua and Barbuda is a Commonwealth country situated where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean.

It’s a popular destination for yacht owners with its pristine beaches and tropical rainforests, attracting thousands of tourists each year.

The name ‘Antigua and Barbuda’ is Spanish for ‘ancient and bearded.’

The British colonized this Caribbean nation, which grew tobacco and sugarcane.

Antigua and Barbuda was intended to be a slave breeding colony. Instead, the slaves taken there formed a self-reliant community.

Antigua Independence Day covers over 300 years of history, culminating in the nation becoming independent of British rule.

It served as a mercantile resource for sugar production, a highly lucrative industry at the time.

Early European settlers initially faced stiff

opposition from the Carib people who inhabited the islands, and it wasn’t until the mid-1600s that serious attempts at colonization in the area began.

Conflicts between the British, Dutch, and French further complicated attempts at establishing settlements.

By the late 17th century, the settlers had built up an economic system revolving around the export of cash crops like tobacco, cotton, and ginger. Sugar became the dominating force, shaping Antigua and Barbuda’s social, economic, and political landscape.

After the first large-scale sugar plantation was

established in 1674, sugar production became the main economic activity in Antigua and Barbuda, leading to the mass importing of slaves to work on plantations. In 1728, there was a small slave uprising, followed by a massive rebellion in 1736.

Slavery was abolished almost a century later by the British colonizers in 1834, forcing planters to import Portuguese workers. Similar events followed until Antigua and Barbuda finally gained complete independence from their British rulers on November 1, 1981, thanks to many years of concerted efforts from trade unions and local politicians.

November 2 On November 2, 1976, Democrat Jimmy Carter, former Governor of Georgia, defeated incumbent Republican president Gerald Ford in a narrow victory.

Jimmy Carter’s tenure as the 39th president of the United States began with his inauguration on January 20, 1977, and ended on January 20, 1981. A Democrat from Georgia, Carter took office after defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford in the 1976 election.

His presidency ended following his defeat in the 1980 election to Republican Ronald Reagan. Aged 99, he is the oldest living, longestlived and longest-married

39TH President of the United States, Jimmy Carter president, and has the longest post-presidency. He is the third-oldest living former state leader.

Carter took office during a period of “stagflation,” as

the economy experienced a combination of high inflation and slow economic growth. His budgetary policies centered on taming inflation by reducing deficits and government spending.

Carter sought reforms to the country’s welfare, health care, and tax systems, but was largely unsuccessful, partly due to poor relations with Democrats in Congress.

Carter reoriented U.S. foreign policy towards an emphasis on human rights.

He continued the conciliatory late Cold War policies of his predecessors, normalizing relations with China and pursuing further Strategic Arms Limitation Talks with the Soviet Union.

Sean Connery died October 31 Sir Thomas Sean Connery died on 31 October 2020. The Scottish actor was the first to portray fictional British secret agent James Bond on film, starring in seven Bond films between 1962 and 1983 Connery originated the role in Dr. No (1962) and continued starring as Bond in the Eon Productions From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), and Diamonds Are Forever (1971). Connery made his final appearance in the franchise in Never Say Never Again (1983), a nonEon-produced Bond film.

He is also known for his notable collaborations with directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Sidney Lumet and John Huston. Their films in which Connery

appeared included Marnie (1964); The Hill (1965), The Offence (1973); Murder on the Orient Express (1974)l; and The Man Who Would Be King (1975).

He also acted in Robin and Marian (1976), A Bridge Too Far (1977), Time Bandits (1981), Highlander (1986), The Name of the Rose (1986), The Untouchables (1987), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), The Hunt for Red October (1990), Dragonheart (1996), The Rock (1996), and Finding Forrester (2000). His final on-screen role was as Allan Quatermain in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003).

Connery received numerous accolades including a BAFTA Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and an Academy Award, the

Scottish Actor, Sean Connery first Scottish actor to win the lattermost achievement. He also received honorary awards such as the Cecil B. DeMille Award In 1987, the BAFTA Fellowship in 1998, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1999.

He was made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in France, was made a knight by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama in 2000.

Haile Selassie was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia November 2 Born Tafari Makonnen, he served as regent for Zauditu from 1916 to 1930. After Zauditu’s death, he was crowned emperor of Ethiopia on November 2, 1930, and took the name Haile Selassie I (“Might of the Trinity”) Haille Selassie is widely considered a defining figure in modern Ethiopian history, and the key figure of Rastafari, a religious movement in Jamaica that emerged shortly after he became emperor in the 1930s. Before he rose to power he defeated Ras Gugsa Wole Bitul (Nephew of Empress Taitu) of Begemidr (present Gondar) at the Battle of Anchem in 1928. He was a member of (Continued on page 33)

Emperor Haile Selassie

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ing ... t s re res e t In eatu Cr

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The Axolotl

National GeographicAs legend has it, the axolotl is the Aztec god of fire and lightning, Xolotl, which disguised himself as a salamander to avoid being sacrificed. But these Mexican amphibians are impressive enough on their own, with the ability to regenerate lost limbs and stay “young” throughout their lives.

U n l i k e o t h e r salamanders that undergo metamorphosis, axolotls (pronounced ACK-suhLAH-tuhl) never outgrow their larval, juvenile stage, a phenomenon called neoteny.

Their youthful traits include feathery gills sprouting from their heads like a mane, webbed feet, a dorsal fin that runs down the length of their body, and a tail.

Though they keep their gills, adult axolotls also have functional lungs and can breathe through their skin.

And as if being foreverbabies didn’t make them cute enough, their mouths are upturned in a permanent Mona Lisa smile.

Those sweet little smiles can quickly turn into vacuum cleaners when it’s time to eat. Axolotls suck in their p r e y, w h i c h i n c l u d e s crustaceans, mollusks, insect eggs and small fish.

A popular oddity Axolotls have long fascinated the public, even more so when they were first brought from Mexico to Paris in 1864. Europeans across the continent began breeding the salamanders, the beginning of a robust pet trade in the animals, which breed easily in captivity.

In the wild, they’re mostly grayish brown in color. Lighter colored axolotls, especially those with white bodies and pink gills, are usually bred as pets.

Yet in most countries, the species cannot be traded across international borders, in part due to the concern that they’ll be poached from the wild. Axolotls are illegal to own in some U.S. states for the same reason.

Axolotls are also a common research subject for biologists, thanks to their capacity to regenerate lost or

damaged limbs, hearts, spinal cords, and even parts of their brains—all without permanent scarring.

Since scarring prevents tissue from regenerating, finding out how and why axolotls don’t scar could unlock human’s ability to regenerate tissue. An April 2021 study, for instance, deciphered how the axolotl’s molecules communicate to promote regeneration.

Despite their ubiquitous captive population, wild axolotls are critically endangered.

The amphibians once inhabited the high-altitude lakes around Mexico City, but habitat degradation has limited them to only in a few inland canals in the area.

(Learn how Mexican nuns are helping save axolotls.)

Reproduction Axolotls, which are solitary creatures, reach sexual maturity at a year old, and their spawning season in the wild is in February.

Males seek out females, possibly using pheromones, and perform a courtship “hula” dance, shaking his tail

a n d l o w e r b o d y. S h e responds by nudging him with her snout.

The male then deposits spermatophores, or sperm packets, on the lake floor, which the female picks up with her cloaca, a body cavity, which then fertilizes her eggs.

Females can lay up to a thousand eggs (though the average is about 300) on plant material or rocks, which protects them from predators. After two weeks they hatch and, with no parental care, the larvae are off and swimming on their own.

There’s a theory for why axolotls don’t change appearance as adults.

Because their native lakes never dry up, as is the case for many other water bodies,

axolotls didn’t have to trade in their aquatic traits—such as a tadpole-like tail—for terrestrial ones, such as legs.

Conservation A 2019 assessment by the International Union for the Conservation of Species found only between 50 and a thousand axolotls are left in the wild—and their populations are dropping.

Development for tourism and residential housing, in addition to agricultural and industrial pollution, has drastically reduced the species’ population.

So has the introduction of tilapia and other invasive fish, which eat baby salamanders and compete with adults for food.

T h e M e x i c a n government, as well as many nonprofits, are trying to save

axolotls, in part by restoring parts of their freshwater habitat and offering ecotourism for people to see the quirky salamanders in the wild.

For instance, scientists and farmers are working together to create chinampas, floating islands made of water plants, logs, and lake mud that help filter the polluted water. (Read how traditional Mexican farmers and scientists are teaming up to save the axolotl in Mexico City.)

Some travel companies offer tours of these gardens, whose proceeds support axolotl conservation efforts in the area.

S o u r c e : (https://www.nationalgeogr aphic.com/animals/amphibi ans/facts/axolotl)

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This week in History Wizard of Oz was released on TV November 3 The film The Wizard of Oz on Nobember 3, 1939 aired on television for the first time and was seen by an estimated 45 million viewers; its repeated airings on TV helped make the movie an enduring classic.

The Wizard of Oz, American musical film, was based on the book of the same name

by L. Frank Baum. Though not an immediate financial or critical success, it became one of the most enduring family films of all time.

Deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” to America’s film heritage, it was among the first films selected in 1989 for inclusion in the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry

Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone premiered in London

The first film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Philospher’s Stone November 4 The first film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, premiered in London.

On November 4, 2001, Harry Potter was first introduced in the novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997; film as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone), about an orphan who is mistreated by his guardian aunt and uncle and their son. On his 11th birthday Harry discovers that his parents

were a witch and a wizard and that he, a wizard himself, has been invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Harry Potter, fictional character, a boy wizard created by British author J.K. Rowling.

His coming-of-age exploits were the subject of seven enormously popular novels (1997–2007), which were adapted into eight films (2001–11); a play and a book of its script appeared in 2016.

Haile Selassie was crowned Emperor...

From page 29 the Solomonic dynasty, which claims to trace lineage to Emperor Menelik I, believed to be the son of King Solomon and Makeda, the Queen of Sheba.

Haile Selassie attempted to modernise the country through a series of political and social reforms, including the introduction of the 1931 constitution, its first written constitution, and the abolition of slavery.

He led the failed efforts to defend Ethiopia during the Second Italo-Ethiopian

War and spent most of the period of Italian occupation exiled in England.

In 1940, he traveled to Sudan in order to assist in coordinating the anti-fascist struggle in Ethiopia, and returned to his home country in 1941 after the East African campaign.

He dissolved the Federation of Ethiopia and Eritrea, which was established by the UN General Assembly in 1950, and annexed Eritrea into Ethiopia as one of its provinces, while fighting to prevent secession.

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Sunday October 29, 2023

Berbician fulfills boyhood dream of becoming well known Chef

By Zena Henry

I

t's almost impossible to mention the name Chef Henry Williams amongst Guyanese in the United States (US) and not have someone acknowledge the notorious chef de cuisine.

In Georgia State in particular, the 51-year-old veteran has built himself a solid reputation and is well sought after as the premier caterer for the numerous functions and events held year round.

Not only is the New Amsterdam, Berbice native

well known for his mouth watering dishes, but often times, he is praised for his premium quality service, outstanding presentations and food ambience to delightfully influence any diner's experience.

In a sit-down interview w i t h T h e Wa t e r f a l l s Magazine, Chef Henry, as he is popularly called, was delighted to share his experiences and described the long journey that has allowed him to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a chef.

He told the magazine that

he must have been around 11-years-old when he first took an interest in cooking.

"I actually got it from my mom, Lola Sampson," the chef explained, as she was a single mother who often catered as a side job to care for her family.

He said his mom would cater for birthday parties and other small events baking cakes, cooking fried rice and making other customary dishes where himself and his brother, Ian, would render assistance by washing greens, cutting up seasonings and doing

whatever she needed.

Chef Henry was happy to help his mother because being in the kitchen brought him great joy and he knew from very early it was something he would be pursuing.

In school, Chef Henry said home economics as his favourite subject, since again; he was back in the kitchen, this time learning the basics of the culinary art.

He attended the Berbice Educational Institute and later onto the New A m s t e r d a m Te c h n i c a l

Berbice born, Chef Henry Williams the country's first Chicken House which was located on Sheriff Street. But it was not too long after that the chef said he was able to secure a job on a cruise liner called the TSS Island Breeze, an Ocean liner which docked at numerous Caribbean islands along its journey. It was an imprinting and treasured experience, the chef said. He

then at a five-star hotel called the Reef Resort, both located in the Cayman Islands.

The Reef, he said, had high ratings and the prosperity of the hotel with his contribution to the establishment, afforded him the unique opportunity of providing a special food presentation on America's

Other scrumptious creations of Chef Henry Williams institute. To further his skills, the chef said he went on to the Carnegie School of Home Economics, in Georgetown where he did exceptionally well. There were several other private cooking programmes and classes offered in New Amsterdam, and the chef said he wasted no opportunity in enrolling and acquiring food preparation skills and other techniques.

Initially, Chef Henry said, he landed his first job at

nonetheless returned to Guyana some time after and worked for several years as head of the kitchen at the then popular Sidewalk Cafe and Jazz Club.

With more adventure ahead, Chef Henry said he went back to sea, this time working on a cargo ship which travelled from Miami to Haiti. Following that stint, the Chef said he was back in Guyana only to head out shortly after to work at the Summer Bay Resort, and

popular Black Entertainment Television (BET) station.

By 2005, Chef Henry said he moved to the US where he first worked as a banquet chef at the Marriott Hotel located in Columbus, Georgia. By 2007, the chef said he moved on to cooking for the US Army's Fort Benning also located in Georgia. Some five years later, Chef Henry said he moved to Atlanta where he headed the Houllians (Continued on page 47)

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Six beauties to vie for ‘Miss Crane’ 2023 After a three-year absence due to the pandemic, the ‘Miss Crane’ Pageant has returned and according to the organizers, this year it’s a pageant with a difference.

The pageant is aimed at young girls within the Crane area on the West Coast of Demerara as an opportunity to showcase their beauty and intelligence, and to serve as a forum to build self esteem and empower them. However, this year promoter Sean Swan, popularly known as “Fresh” decided that for the 5th edition of the pageant he

wanted to have delegates with pageantry and modeling experience due to a tight timeframe for training and other activities.

Amongst some of the events planned are several meet and greets, a cocktail night reception, photo shoots and the organizer also plans to have a meeting with the First Lady and the contestants.

The promoter was able to secure participation from six young ladies with a passion for the arts and given the fact that this year’s contestants (Continued on page 43)

Contestants who will vie for the Miss Crane 2023 crown.

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Sunday October 29, 2023

PAGE 41

Cher says she never sings...

LMFAO’s ‘Sexy and I Know It’ Shuffles to One Billion YouTube Views Defunct dance duo LMFAO hit a hard-partying high mark this week when the video for their 2011 electropop anthem “Sexy and I Know It” hit the one billion views mark on YouTube. The song that ran up to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in January 2012 is the second video from Redfoo and Sky Blu to reach that pinnacle, following on the heels of “Party Rock Anthem,” which has 2.3 billion views and counting.

“Sexy and I Know It” appeared on the duo’s 2011 Sorry For Party Rocking album, which also featured “Party Rock Anthem” and “Sorry For Party Rocking.”

The “Sexy” video was filmed in Venice Beach, CA and it encapsulates the pair’s party-all-the-time ethos, as Redfoo makes his way down the famous boardwalk, dancing through a series of cameos from z-list stars

From page 25 consider Cher’s voice to be iconic, she would have gone with something a little different if she had the chance. “I mean, people seem to like it and I’m happy as a clam, but I wouldn’t have picked it. I liked it on my mother and it’s definitely my mom’s voice. My mom’s is softer, mine is edgier — different, but the same, but I don’t think I would have picked

American electronic dance music duo (Simon R e x , W i l m e r Valderrama, MMA fighter Alistair Overeem, porn star Ron Jeremy and their mascot, Shuffle Bot) in a clip firmly focused on a party below the mankini.

Redfoo (the youngest son of Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy) and Sky Blu (Gordy’s grandson) announced in Sept. 2012 that they were going on an indefinite hiatus, from which

they have yet to return.

“Party Rock Anthem” hit No. 99 on Billboard‘s recently revealed list of the Best Pop Songs of All Time, w i t h w r i t e r, K r i s t i n Robinson praising it for perfectly marrying all the popular musical calling cards of the day: “the bass drop of EDM, the (almost) cleverness of pop-rap, and a built-in dance craze good enough to rival the Wobble, the Cupid Shuffle and the Dougie.”

Michael Jackson Thriller’

Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ Hailed in 40th-Anniversar y Doc More than four decades after the release of Michael Jackson‘s Thriller’, the new ‘Thriller’ 40 documentary will salute the landmark album — and Billboard is premiering the trailer below.

Usher, Mary J. Blige, will.i.am, Mark Ronson, Misty Copeland, Maxwell, “Thriller” video director John Landis and more are all interviewed for ‘Thriller’ 40, which includes never-before-seen footage behind the making of the classic.

Released in Nov. 30, 1982, ‘Thriller’ — Jackson’s sixth studio album — spawned seven top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 including two No. 1s: “Beat It” and “Billie Jean.”

In addition to winning eight Grammys, the album has been RIAA-certified at 34times platinum and amassed more than 100 million in sales worldwide, making it the biggest-selling album globally of all time.

The film will also make its international debut the same day on Paramount+ in the

U.K., Australia, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Latin America and South Korea and on MTV internationally, excluding China and Japan.

The film was directed by Nelson George and produced by Optimum Productions and Company Name. Colin Hanks, Sean Stuart and Jackson estate co-executors John Branca and John McClain serve as producers.

“There are two things in the music business: before ‘Thriller’ and after ‘Thriller’,” journalist Steven Ivory says to kick off the trailer, premiering below.

The trailer navigates the album’s production process, the music videos, the Moonwalk (which Jackson debuted at 1983’s Motown 25 special) and the eventual world domination of the project and its musical mastermind.

“It’s the ultimate blueprint to modern pop music,” Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am says in the trailer. “If Thriller came out today, it would still be the greatest album ever made.”

it,” she told Paper.

Up next for the singer is the release of her highly anticipated Christmas album, which she revealed she wasn’t the most excited to do. Cher told ET, “I just didn’t want to do a Christmas album. I wanted to do an album with a Christmas theme that would make people feel happy during the holidays, but I wanted to do a Cher album.”

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

PAGE 43

Annual Butterfly Effect Part II set for Nov. 13 Travon Barker

- A Showcase of Photographic Artistry

I

n the world of art, a unique event is about to unfold in Guyana.

The 2nd Annual Butterfly Effect, set for November 13th, promises to be a visual spectacle under the theme “Through the Eyes of the Creator.” Curated by Travon Barker, this event aims to celebrate the captivating works of photographers who have skillfully captured landscape, architecture, fine art, fashion, and beauty.

What sets this event apart is that all the pieces on display will be available for purchase, making it an exceptional opportunity for art enthusiasts to acquire remarkable photographic masterpieces.

But who is Travon Barker, the creative mind behind this event?

Travon Barker is the owner of KeyNote Production and an

Six beauties to vie for...

From page 39 who will grace the stage on Saturday December 30th at the 322 Crane Housing Scheme West Coast Demerara, are more mature when compared to previous years, a swimsuit segment was introduced.

Additionally, the invitation was extended to outside of Region Three and he was able to attract participation of two delegates from regions five. The pageant is now spanning all three counties of Guyana. The promoter expressed hope that the platforms chosen by each delegate will inspire and encourage other young women to take up the mantle and carry on the legacy.

The Queen who will be crowned this year is set to receive US$550, a VIP day trip to Blue Lake Resort, a flower bouquet, a crown and a trophy.

The First Runner-Up will walk away with US$200, a couple’s lunch at Grill & Chill, a bouquet and a trophy.

accomplished photographer known for his versatile portfolio, which spans both news and event photography.

As the proprietor of Keynote Production, Travon has made substantial contributions to video documentaries and provided footage to numerous regional and international news outlets.

Over the years, Travon has meticulously built a repository of professional images, capturing significant moments such as official meetings, conferences, and large-scale exhibitions. In 2023, he earned recognition as one of a select few photographers who documented the visit of United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Guyana.

His photographs were widely used by esteemed publications, including the

Associated Press, Loop Caribbean, and the Miami Herald.

Travon has also covered significant events such as the Caricom Heads of Government meetings, openings and sessions of the C a r i b b e a n Wa t e r a n d Wastewater Association Annual meetings, and meetings of prominent companies, including the Demerara Distillers Limited.

Travon’s work has left an indelible mark in the world o f p h o t o g r a p h y, w i t h appearances in business magazines and investment guides.

His creative vision and expertise have not only received recognition but have also enriched the visual storytelling landscape.

In 2022, Travon curated the first official Butterfly Effect, an exhibition of photographs that were made

accessible to the public. This inaugural event garnered resounding success and acclaim, setting the stage for the eagerly anticipated 2nd Annual Butterfly Effect.

Travon’s dedication to the arts has been acknowledged through a creative grant from the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport.

He hopes that this 2nd Annual Butterfly Effect will inspire photographers to share more of their exceptional work and that the event will garner even greater support from the public.

For inquiries or interviews with Travon Barker, you can contact him directly at +592 680 7990.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary celebration of photographic artistry at the 2nd Annual Butterfly Effect.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 45

GNBS IN FOCUS

FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES PRODUCERS CAN MEET MARKET QUALITY WITH AGRICULTURE STANDARDS G

u y a n a ’ s favourable climate and abundance of fertile lands are ideal for the production of fresh fruits and vegetables. Our country’s ability to produce and supply these vitamin-rich foods puts us in the foremost position to truly be “the breadbasket of the Caribbean,” and the government is aggressively seeking to harness this advantage by investing in the agriculture sector towards local and regional food security.

In fact, the theme for this

grading and packing of fresh fruits and vegetables for sale.

Many of these standards were adopted from the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), hence conformance can also aid in the access of local produce to regional markets.

Among the over forty (40) agriculture-related standards available at the GNBS is the GCP 21 – Code of Practice for fresh fruits and vegetables. This standard specifies general hygienic practices for the primary production and

year’s Agriculture Month is “Accelerating Vision 25 by 2025: Investing in AgriBusiness and Food Security,” in keeping with the vision of CARICOM to reduce the regional food import bill by 25% by 2025.

To be able to meet food production demands and at the level of quality to retain local and international buyers, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) encourages farmers, retailers and exporters to utilize National Standards in the production,

packing of fresh fruits and vegetables in order to produce a safe and wholesome product, particularly for those intended to be consumed raw. Specifically, this Code is applicable to fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the field or in protected facilities such as hydroponic systems and greenhouses.

The GCP 21 can help stakeholders to pinpoint microbial hazards and address physical and chemical hazards relating to Good Agricultural Practices

(GAPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Meanwhile, the GCP 25 - Code of Practice for packaging and transport of tropical fresh fruits and vegetables, is also available for farmers and distributors.

This National Standard recommends proper packaging and transport practices of fresh fruits and vegetables in order to

maintain product quality during transportation after packaging and marketing.

Apart from the two aforementioned standards, there are approximately twenty (20) grading standards for fruits and vegetables including pineapples, bananas, mangoes, passion fruits, boulanger, rice, tomatoes, oranges, sweet potatoes, avocado and sweet peppers.

Grading of agriculture produce is important to clearly communicate specifications, help to determine pricing and ensure quality produce is delivered to customers.

As such, the available grading standards contain requirements and specifications to help producers, regulators, and consumers identify or categorize their produce and

separate them based on size, colour, freshness and other characteristics. To view the full list of the agriculture standards, visit the Standards P o r t a l a t www/gnbsguy.com.

For further information or to acquire copies of the available standards, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064/65//66, hotline 219-0069 or WhatsApp us on 692-4627.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

Berbician fulfills boyhood dream of becoming well known Chef From page 34 Restaurant housed at the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Chef Henry related that he later provided on- demand services to several smaller restaurants, but it was not long after that he decided to establish his own catering service which has been prospering ever since.Apart from his fellow countrymen, the chef said he has his fair share of American customers.

"Remember I don't just do Guyanese food, I do American food, Caribbean food, Chinese, Thai, and I dabble in a few other cuisines, so at times my clients vary," the chef informed.

He said what many of his clients

enjoy also is his ability to mix the dishes and get a taste of different cultures, if desired.The chef highlighted his delight in seeing satisfied customers. "I get lots of compliments and more times than often I gain new clients at any event I work." The chef recently catered for the annually held Guyana Association of Georgia scholarship banquet and that night alone, he said, he earned four new clients, two of whom he has already catered for. The chef received a standing ovation from the attendees, who like this writer, enjoyed the scrumptious meal served that evening.While the Chef lives in the US, he said it is not impossible to access his service since he has been

flown to other states to cater for events.

He said it is not strange to have someone fly him out to New York, Guyana or even the Caribbean to cover a function.

In fact, the Chef said he will be in Guyana in January and June of next year to cover a wedding and a birthday."Like I said, cooking is my passion, it's my life and I love the satisfaction it gives when I'm in the kitchen creating and then seeing my clients satisfied. I am always willing to work with my clients to help them realise their event's culinary vision." Chef Henry could be reached at e m a i l a d d r e s s henrymwilliams134@gmail.com or on cell number 404-488-3230.

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Sunday October 29, 2023

TEEN TIME Do your part to keep your Emotional Qualities healthy by following Social Principles Your emotions, or feelings, function to make you aware of what is going on around you, and make a judgement about its nature.

It serves as a guide in your relationships with others by being socially correct and a good companion to others.

The principles that keep you emotionally stable and socially acceptable are interpersonal leadership,

empathic and unselfish communication and creative cooperation. We need to keep renewing this by maintaining proper relationships with all others, by working to understand what is going on around us, and by making a bold effort to resolve differences, and producing lasting solutions to these.

The security in

FRIENDSHIPS

By Nadine Paul A friendship may be a simple thing, But lots of love it can bring, Things to share and talk about, It's something you just can't do without.

All your life friendships endure, Through the years, you'll want for more, Remembering the laughs and happy times, Along with the cries and sorrowfull sighs.

True friendships can never come apart, Because they come straight from the heart; Friendships don't die, they continue to grow, So be sure to cherish the friendships you know.

our emotional being comes from ensuring that we always act in accordance with correct principles, and the ways of dealing with the standards that are set by the society in which we operate. It comes from living a life of integrity by following our deepest values. This means that we always have to ensure that all our interactions with others are what we

know are right and just. In this we need to be creative and always willing to cooperate with, help and serve others in an interdependent manner.

In short, our personal social and emotional aspects are developed through our Integrity, our c o n t i n u o u s E ff o r t i n Improving Relationships, and our Willingness in giving service to others to keep these healthy.

Be aware that you yourself, and not outside forces, always have control of your emotions, so you have to keep ensuring that you follow the right principles in living your life.

Solutions to last week’s

Bridges

BINOX PUZZLE

The finished puzzle should be filled with Xs and Os. Horizontally and vertically, there should never be a continuous run of the same symbol

longer than 2.There are an equal number of Xs and Os in each row and column. All rows are unique. All columns are unique, too.

Bridges

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

A Night With A Living...

From last Sunday Edition They tiptoed their way across the front lawn, making sure they weren't making any noise that would alert whoever was inside the house. They looked around the front porch for the toy but were unable to find it. Then someone behind them said, “Are you looking for this?” They turned around and were left speechless when they saw him. He was a small boy. He wore a plaid shirt and pants with suspenders. He appeared normal, except that he had a pumpkin for a head.

Matthew grabbed the chair on the front porch and was ready to use it as a weapon, while Jessica hid behind her older brother.

“G-Give us Scooby back or I'll hit you with this chair. I'm not kidding,” he said shakily. Despite the clear conviction in his threat, it did nothing to hide his fear. “No-No. I mean you no harm. Here, I'll give you your toy back,” the boy said. He had his arms stretched out in front just to assure them that he truly meant no harm. He walked closer to them and left the toy on the steps of the porch.

The pumpkin-headed boy b a c k e d a w a y s l o w l y.

Matthew took that chance and picked up Scooby from the steps. He handed it to Jessica, which she hugged tightly, and then lifted the chair again for protection.

Now that they had Scooby back, Matthew and Jessica were ready to leave.

They slowly moved forward with Matthew still holding the chair for protection. He stopped just as he was about to reach the sidewalk. He wanted to get out of there as soon as possible, but curiosity had a hold of him and he couldn't help but ask.

“What's wrong with your head?” he asked.

The pumpkin-headed boy looked at him, puzzled, as if he had failed to understand the question.

There was a moment of silence before Matthew said,“Why is your head a pumpkin?” “Oh yes. I guess my head is a bit strange to some. Why don't you come inside and I'll tell you all about it. We can have some cookies and some chocolate milk,” the boy said. He casually walked to the door.

He looked back and said “My name is Carlson, by the way.” Matthew wanted to ignore his invitation but Jessica also had the same curiosity he had. She was already making her way to the door. Matthew tried to call her back but it was too

late. He sighed and followed her inside.

The house, despite how it looked outside, was surprisingly clean on the inside. The lights illuminated the cozy living room. They sat on the couch, which was soft and comfortable. It had a fireplace, which kept the room warm.

Carlson, who disappeared into the kitchen, reappeared with a tray filled with a plate of cookies and two glasses of chocolate milk. He placed the tray on the table in front of Jessica and Matthew. He told them to eat as much as they wanted. While Jessica and Matthew ate, Carlson began the interesting story of how he came to be.

Carlson had been brought to life by the wishes of a boy name Jack. He and his family lived in the house they were currently in a long time ago. Jack had no friends and was lonely. On Halloween night, he wanted to go trick or treating but had no-one to go with. So he took a pumpkin which was supposed to be made into a Jack o' Lantern and made a wish to the stars above. The stars heard his plea and brought to life a boy with a pumpkin head, who he named Carlson.

Both of them had fun trick-or-treating that night.

Carlson had so much fun with Jack that he made Halloween his favorite day.

However, the next morning when he woke up, Jack and his parents were gone, and the house was completely empty. Carlson had been waiting for Jack to come back ever since. Matthew and Jessica felt sorry for Carlson. Matthew especially felt bad for threatening to hit Carlson with a chair. He wasn't a scary threat. He was just sad and lonely.

Carlson saw the gloomy

look they both had on their faces and decided that wasn't in tune with the Halloween spirit. He got up off his seat and made his way to the radio.“Why don't we have some fun on Halloween?” he said.

Carlson turned on the radio and started dancing.

He urged Jessica and Matthew to join him. They were hesitant at first, but seeing Carlson dance made it seem fun. So they got up and joined in. They danced until they couldn't dance anymore. Time went by quickly, and much to Jessica a n d M a t t h e w ' s disappointment, it was already getting late and they had to go home. Their parents might worry about them if they stayed out too late. Carlson saw them out the door and they said their goodbyes. Before they left, they shared some of their candy with Carlson, which he graciously accepted.

They waved Carlson goodbye one last time before finally making their way back home.

The next morning, Jessica and Matthew came back to Carlson's house.

They knocked on the door but no one came to answer. They called out to Carlson but he still wasn't there. They tried turning the doorknob and found that it was open. They entered the house and found a lone pumpkin on the table. On top of it was a note.

Matthew picked up the note.

On the note, the words “Until next Halloween!” were written on it.

Jessica and Matthew left the house feeling sad that they didn't get to see Carlson again. They kept Carlson's note and treated it as a promise. They came home that day looking forward to next Halloween, when they could spend another night with Carlson, the living pumpkin.

FUN WITH POETRY

BE SORRY WHEN YOU CAUSE HURT

By Uncle Roy Sometimes it happens that we do something That causes someone to hurt; Then we need to make things right again, And hurry to do our part.

The first thing that we have to do Is to see that we should not hide, But be brave and face what we have done, And really feel sorry inside.

This will make us want to go To try to make them again feel good, Tell them that we are truly sorry, And try to make up as best we could.

PAGE 49

Junior page Pool Noodle Halloween Candles Equipment/Materials · 1 pool noodle · 1 Pair of scissors · low temp glue gun and glue sticks · black spray paint · black glitter · 5 battery operated tea lights · masking tape · ribbon or string Halloween colors Instructions 1. cut the pool noodle at varying lengths 2. stand your noodles up and squeeze out melted glue at the top of the pool noodles, going down the sides- (this will be your melted wax illusion) 3. tape the wick portion of the tea lights (this will protect them from the paint) 4. take your pool noodle pieces and the tea lights out to a well-ventilated area (outdoors is best) to spray them with the black paint 5. spray noodles and tea lights – let dry 6. turn noodles over and spray the rest – let dry 7. when the noodles are dry, cut the center hole a little wider to fit the tea light

inside – (you only need to do this at the top – the same end as the melted wax) 8. the hole you make should only be as deep as the tea lights 9. group the candles together and tie a string to secure or glue ribbon around them to secure them together

10. when you are ready to light the candles, turn the tea lights on and stick them into the holes you've made at the top of the candles 11. Alternative to cutting out a hole for the tea-lights is to simply place them on top of the pool noodles to display.

PAGE 50

health benefits of turmeric tea Turmeric is a popular spice made from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. It may have several health benefits.

Turmeric tea may be good for boosting the immune system, protecting the liver, and helping manage arthritis.

Turmeric is native to Southeast Asia and is a member of the Zingiberaceae, or ginger, family. People have used it as an herbal remedy for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.

What is turmeric tea?

Curcumin has low bioavailabilityTrusted Source, which means the body has a hard time accessing and absorbing the compound. For this reason, turmeric supplements, with their guaranteed high concentrations of curcumin, are popular.

What is turmeric tea good for?

Turmeric tea may have numerous benefits, but research on the impact of turmeric on different areas of health is still ongoing.

There is no guarantee that turmeric can help with, let alone cure, any health issue.

However, some possible benefits include the following: 1. Reduces arthritis symptoms As an anti-inflammatory, curcumin may help reduce the most prominent symptoms of arthritis.

A 2017 study found that out of 206 adults in the United States with self-reported rheumatoid arthritis, 63%Trusted Source used non-vitamin supplements to manage their symptoms, with turmeric being the most popular product.

2. Boosts immune function According to researchTrusted Source, curcumin may be able to improve immune function with antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.

Research has also shown that curcumin acts as an immune modulator, helping regulate immune cell function against cancer.

3. Helps reduce cardiovascular complications Numerous studies have shown curcumin to have beneficial heart health properties, because it acts as an antioxidant and antiinflammatory.

ResearchTrusted Source has shown that curcumin may help thin the blood, reduce cholesterol, and prevent the narrowing of arteries. This can offer a protective layer from different cardiovascular problems. In addition, it may help reduce the aftereffects of different types of heart damage.

4. Helps prevent and treat cancer One of the most clinically established therapeutic properties of curcumin is its anti-cancer action.

As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, curcumin is thought to lower the risk of cells in the body becoming damaged, reducing the risk of cell mutations and cancer.

Furthermore, numerous studies have found that curcumin has anti-tumor properties, limiting the growth of tumors and the spread of cancerous cells.

5. Helps manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) People have long used curcumin in traditional medicines as a treatment for many digestive conditions. Research Trusted Sourceshows that the spice's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help modulate gut bacteria.

However, more research is necessaryTrusted Source to determine the impact of curcumin in cases of IBS and other intestinal inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

6. Prevents and treats Alzheimer's disease According to studiesTrusted Source, curcumin may help lower the risk of several neurodegenerative conditions.

7. Protects against liver damage and gallstones and manages liver conditions Several studiesTrusted Source have shown that curcumin can protect against liver damage.

Potential liver and gallbladder benefits of curcumin include increasing the production of the digestive fluid bile and protecting liver cells from damage from bile-associated chemicals.

8. Helps prevent and manage diabetes Traditional medicines have used turmeric for diabetes for thousands of years.

9. Helps treat and manage lung conditions Researchers suspect that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin may help alleviate the symptoms of chronic or long-lasting lung conditions.

10. Helps with weight loss A 2019 meta-analysisTrusted Source found that using turmeric can help people with metabolic disorders significantly lower their body mass index. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319638#benefits

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

PAGE 51

Diagnosed with cancer in the same year…

Businessman Harold Beharry and his wife beat the disease together

Businessman Harold Beharry is looking to the future with optimism after he and his wife won their battle with cancer Often when stories of cancer survivors are told, it incorporates how that person’s spouse or life partner’s support was vital to them beating the disease.

You often hear that the survivor leaned on his/her partner for strength as they went through treatment until remission. But have you ever wondered what happens when both persons in the relationship are battling the same illness almost at the same time?That was exactly the case of prominent businessman Harold Beharry and his wife, Gloria.

The couple was diagnosed in the same year with the terminal illness but this did not stop them from looking to the future with hope. The Beharrys fought and won their battles with cancer. This week, the usually private couple opened up to The Waterfalls about surviving the terrible ailment.

“I couldn’t imagine what I would have done if I did not have my wife by my side,” Beharry said. He received a doctor’s report that he had prostate cancer on August 24, 2012. The businessman endured four months of rigid treatment before his wife received a breast cancer diagnosis.

He said, “It was a difficult situation but we had each other to lean on for support.” In Beharry’s case, a routine checkup with his doctor led to the dreaded discovery. He recalled, “After a test my PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) was high, so the doctor recommended I do a biopsy, which is a medical procedure to determine if you have cancer or not.”

Looking back, he noted that it wasn’t a very comfortable situation given

the fact that he didn’t know what to expect of the results.

After the biopsy results came back and it indicated that he had cancer, the businessman was left to process the news. Beharry noted that with cancer there are many options and his treatment options included radiation and chemotherapy but his biggest worry was how he was going to break it to his wife. Beharry recalled his wife’s silence when he first broke the news.

“I said, I have cancer and she looked at me and she couldn’t talk for a little while, because cancer is something that you don’t want to get because it can be fatal,” he said.

Despite this, the businessman who is not much of a religious person said he turned to his faith for strength. He said he believed that there was nothing to do about it, except trust God, live his life, and undergo the necessary treatment.

“Worry wouldn’t help it, it makes it worse, I remember in the Word of God Matthew 7, Jesus said “Don’t worry,” he said adding that, “if you worry, you can’t change it.”

As such, instead of making the decision to undergo treatment immediately, he travelled home to Guyana and worked for three months while he weighed his pros and cons.

Eventually, Beharry decided to undergo treatment at the Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he met his specialist, ‘Dr. Glen.’ After discussions with the medical professional, the businessman was able to determine the best treatment option available for him to fight the disease.

Consequentially, Beharry (Continued on page 63)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

Guyanese artist presents businessman Azzrudin Mohamed with portrait

World Artist Day which was observed on Wednesday, Guyanese artist, Compton Babb presented a well-detailed 5'X4' portrait to businessman, Azzrudin Mohamed In recognition of World w o r k a n d u n i n t e r r u p t e d Artist Day which was observed concentration to complete the on Wednesday, Guyanese masterpiece.

Babb who also celebrated artist, Compton Babb presented a well-detailed 5'X4' his birthday on Wednesday said he was delighted to have done portrait to the businessman.

Mr. Babb who did his first the portrait of the businessman professional oil painting in which adds to his list of 2017 presented the piece to the paintings done for prominent businessman at his Houston p e o p l e i n G u y a n a , t h e Caribbean and further afield. property on Tuesday evening.

The painting was actually It took him at least 12 (Continued on page 63) weeks (1600 hours) of hard

Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Nelson Mandela said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall,” and these are words by which Guyanese beauty, Medassa Roberts lives by.

This week's beauty has a profound interest in makeup artistry and enjoys learning about history, not just in Guyana but everywhere.

In addition to this, Medassa works in the auto import field and loves to paint in her free time.

Medassa Roberts

Kaieteur News

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Sunday October 29, 2023

Young entrepreneur, Britney Brown

“Young entrepreneurs play a great role in society because we become role models to younger ones. As entrepreneurs, we get to add our own touch of creativity by doing things unique from what the factory manufactures.”

By Allyiah Allicock

H

op i n g t o one day provide job opportunities to members of her community through her business, today we shed light on yet another young entrepreneur, 22-year-old Britney Brown, a talented young woman hailing from Charity, Essequibo Coast.

Brown is the pioneer of a décor and arts business called 'Britney's Creative Touch' which was started in November 2020.

In a recent exclusive interview with this magazine, Brown said her interest for the arts and crafts started at the age of eight.

She recalled that it all

stemmed with her not receiving the shoes she had always wanted.

She shared, “My story started when I wanted a pair of shoes for school and I asked my mom to buy it for me but she didn't have all of the money at that moment so when she finally had enough, she went back to the store to purchase it only to find out that they no longer had any more in stock. I cried but something popped not long after and I told myself, “maybe I can make it”. So I got a piece of paper, a pencil, a scissors, a roll of scotch tape and I began to measure my feet. It actually came out better than I imagined. All the sadness went away and I went to my mom to show her my new

beautiful paper shoes.”

The young woman said from that day her mother always encouraged her to continue and pursue her creativity skills, since she was good at it.

Brown related that to start her business, she began making cake toppers. She shared that she first made some 50 miniature cake toppers, but she had no sales at the time. “However, that

Some of the amazing creative works and décor of 'Britney Creative Touch' which showcase what the business entails.

didn't stop me because I always had a passion from the age of 8 years old,” she mentioned.

Brown's business was also started amidst the pandemic and this she said,

a ff e c t e d h e r i n i t i a l l y business following its launch. “During the pandemic, business was slow because people had to keep indoors so everyone (Continue on page 62)

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

PAGE 55

(Photos: Sydel Thomas, Central Housing & Planning Authority PR Dept.)

GTT hosts Night of Hope & Fashion for

Breast Cancer Awareness

E

arlier this week patrons joined GTT at the Guyana Marriot Hotel

for the Gtt's Night of Hope and Fashion, Pinktober Gala. The event forms part of the Gtt's Breast

Cancer Awareness Fundraiser, as they aim to raise GY$30 million to fight the disease and other forms of

cancer.

The models did not fall short of putting on a spectacular show for

the audience, as they walked the runway displaying a range of designs suitable for any occasion.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 56

From page 14 on the initial year, 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit Guyana.

The auditors discovered that the COVID-19 costs incurred were not confined to Guyana alone but extended to locations including Houston, the United Kingdom, and Trinidad and Tobago. The costs were meticulously catalogued in separate files, notably including Houston Facility costs, United Kingdom (UK) Facility costs, Flights, Guyana Facility, and more.

It was unveiled that 90% of the COVID-19-related costs were charged to the Stabroek block account, with Canje and Kaieteur (a block from which ExxonMobil had walked away earlier in the year) shouldering the remaining 10%.

Further insights into the breakdown of charges reveal that Exxon billed approximately US$9 million for recoverable hotel and hotel-related costs, with a substantial portion allocated to th e A tlan tic H o tel (Marriott) in Guyana, encompassing blocks of rooms, whether occupied or vacant. Other hotel-related expenses covered Cara Lodge and Pegasus Hotel in Guyana, in addition to hotels in Trinidad, the United Kingdom, and the U.S., all used for quarantining individuals before their journey to Guyana.

Exxon’s charges also extended to approximately US$18 million for COVID19-related chartered flights, covering elements like travel voucher taxes, pre-flight COVID-19 tests, aviation fuel, and in-flight catering.

Dead: Amit Devindra Singh

Chartered flights from London, executed by British Airways, accounted for US$1.3 million, while flights from Houston, operated by United Airlines, incurred US$1.2 million in expenses.

The auditors further exposed that Exxon billed approximately US$2 million for various medical staffing and supplies, including test kits, nurses, masks, gloves, a n d h a n d s a n i t i z e r.

Additional charges totaling around US$11 million were allocated to staging employees for operations, encompassing coordinators, security personnel, medical support, and catering specific to operations.

Notably, Exxon also registered charges of around US$210,000 for facility management expenses, encompassing janitorial services, tent rentals, electrical and generator repairs, and various sanitization supplies.

Moreover, approximately US$1.3 million was assigned to employee or affiliate costs related to standby, quarantine, and

staging.

The contract to audit ExxonMobil’s bills totalling US$7.3B for the period 2018 to 2020 was awarded last May to Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. The local consortium was supported by international firms- SGS and Martindale Consultants.

The audit report prepared by the team is yet to be released to the public. It is in the process of being reviewed by the relevant authorities.

Importantly, the audit process did not scrutinize every single bill within the US$7.3 billion expenditure.

Auditors only reviewed a sample of the bills. The local and international team of experts was given a fourmonth deadline to complete the audit.

Wednesday Hess, Chevron shareholders question stability of Stabroek Block deal as Guyanese ramp up call for renegotiation - but companies assure Guyana Govt. will honour contract as is Following Chevron’s announcement that it is buying out Hess Corporation, giving it full control over Hess’s 30 percent interest in the Stabroek Block; a special conference call was held with shareholders to apprise them of the particulars of the deal.

During that call on M o n d a y, s h a r e h o l d e r s acknowledged that indeed, Guyana is the best oil asset in the world. Be that as it may, they questioned the

Sukdeo at dinner

implications of the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which has been heavily criticized for its lopsided provisions with citizens still demanding that there be a renegotiation.

In the past seven years, the Stabroek Block PSA has been heavily criticized for offering a mere two percent royalty for the exploitation of its resources along with a tax free ride for Exxon and partners. Chevron’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Mike Wirth told shareholders that the Stabroek Block Contract is secure and “has proven to be very stable through the years…obviously we’ve looked at that and believe it’s a good contract that is durable.”

C E O o f H e s s Corporation, John Hess also gave assurances of the contract as he noted that the leadership of Guyana has been very clear that they will honor the contract as is.

“Contract sanctity is really important and foreign investments are really important. They’ve (government) been very

Sunday October 29, 2023

clear with our joint venture that they want us to go as fast as we can to develop their oil into a financial resource that can help their country develop, and have a higher standard of living and shared prosperity for every Guyanese citizen,” the Hess official said.

Being acutely aware of the government’s position and support, Hess said “Guyana is a place where both Hess and now Chevron are very confident about investing further and look forward to attractive returns going forward.”

Chevron Corporation, one of the world’s largest oil companies, had 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, 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,

Hess Corporation CEO, John Hess

the Liza Phase Two, in February 2022. Both projects are producing about 400,000 barrels of oil per day. Exxon and partners are also targeting over 1.2 million barrels of oil by 2027, making Guyana’s Stabroek Block, one of the world’s fastest-ever oil development hotspots.

Hess’ CEO is quoted on numerous occasions by this company, stating that the Stabroek Block has five government-approved projects, each of which will generate over US$1B in annual profits for his company.

In like manner, Chevron dubbed the Stabroek Block as “an extraordinary asset with industry leading cash margins and low carbon intensity that is expected to deliver production growth into the next decade.” As a result of this deal, Chevron said it intends to recommend an increase to its first quarter dividend per share of 8% to US$1.63, which will be subject to the approval of the Chevron Board of Directors.

It also plans to increase share (Continued on page 57)

Sunday October 29, 2023

From page 56 repurchases by US$2.5 billion to the top end of its guidance range of US$20 billion per year in a continued upside oil price scenario.

Thursday 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 prioryear 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 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

Kaieteur News

Senior Petroleum Coordinator within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Gopnauth B. Gossai Jr.

Darren Woods, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil

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 merger with Chevron 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)

PAGE 57

holds 25 percent.

Since oil production commenced in December 2019 at the Stabroek Block’s Liza Phase One Project, Exxon successfully started another, the Liza Phase Two, in February 2022. Both projects are producing about 400,000 barrels of oil per day. Exxon and partners are also targeting over 1.2 million barrels of oil by 2027, making Guyana’s Stabroek Block, one of the world’s fastest-ever oil development hotspots.

Hess 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?” 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 all-time 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 (Continued on page 58)

PAGE 58

Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

From page 57 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,

world’s fastest-developing oil hotspots.

Hess’ CEO, John Hess, has repeatedly emphasized that the Stabroek Block boasts five governmentapproved 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 industry-leading cash margins and low carbon intensity, expected to drive

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

production growth into the next decade.”

The company also d e s i g n a t e s G u y a n a ’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

Chevron Corporation that it will be taking over Hess Corporation, giving it access to a grand prize—Hess’s 30 percent stake in the Stabroek Block.

Jagdeo noted during a press engagement yesterday that Chevron is the second

Guyana’s growing importance to major industry players that are hunting for the best barrels with the best returns. “The fact that Guyana is an attractive destination for investments is something we should all be happy about. You have seen globally, a move now by both Exxon and Chevron, the two biggest companies in the USA, to consolidate and acquire new assets because they are calculating that the global demand for fossil fuels will stay with us for a long time in the future,” the Vice President said.

While there has been an ongoing push for Guyana, and the world over, to invest

about the end of oil and (Guyana possibly being left with stranded oil assets) should look at this,” the Vice President said.

He believes this is one of the key considerations for companies like Chevron hence it has made a genius play for Hess, giving it access to the high return, low-cost barrels within the Stabroek Block. In that deepwater concession, Exxon has already unlocked 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources. It was also given the green light to execute a 35 well programme in the block in search of more oil. Jagdeo said government is pleased

further noted that government has examined Chevron carefully and believe that it will be a good partner for Guyana.

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Hess Corporation, John Hess shared similar sentiments during a call with shareholders on Monday. As he shared details about the merger with Chevron, he told his investors that the Guyana Government would be very supportive of the deal. He said, “Guyana will be very supportive of Chevron stepping into our shoes and the joint venture.

It’ll mean that two of the largest U.S. oil companies

largest oil producer in the USA and brings “deep pockets” to the table which can help Guyana meet peak production at the Stabroek Block as fast as possible. In the Stabroek concession, ExxonMobil is the operator and is targeting a massive oil production output of 1.2 million barrels of oil by 2027.

Since the disclosure of the merger which takes effect in the first quarter of 2024, Jagdeo said there have been several media reports highlighting Guyana as the crown-jewel of the industry and a grand prize of the Chevron-Hess deal. He said such reports demonstrate

heavily in renewable sources of energy like solar, Jagdeo said the reality of the day is that infrastructure to convert those resources into power cannot be done at a scale and pace that is as affordable as fossil fuels. He said this is even supported by the International Energy Agency (IEA), a leading authority on energy matters. “The IEA’s finding is that although we are moving at a fast pace to introduce renewables, the demand (for energy) is so robust now that demand for fossil fuel will remain high because the renewables cannot be introduced at the scale and pace to meet the demands…People who talk

that Chevron, by way of its takeover of Hess, will join Exxon which operates the Stabroek Block. He said Guyana will then be host to the two biggest oil conglomerates in the USA, both of which have deep pockets. “…they have deep pockets and they can fund the investment programmes necessary to move us to peak production at the earliest point in time. Other smaller companies that are investing in other parts of the world and other countries have to go and raise capital and the market is still not that friendly for raising that,” the Vice President said. He

who are multinational companies, and investors will be in the country.

“It will strengthen the confidence in the country for foreign investment. It will strengthen the joint venture (in the Stabroek Block) technically as well. We’re very confident that the country of Guyana will be supportive of this transaction.”

Chevron had said on Monday that it is buying out all the outstanding shares at Hess Corporation for US$53 billion, or US$171 per share.

During a call with its shareholders, Chevron dubbed the Stabroek Block (Continued on page 59)

oil project scheduled for 2025.

Friday VP Jagdeo welcomes Chevron’s takeover of Exxon’s partner - says company’s deep pockets will help Guyana meet peak production as fast as possible

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

as “an extraordinary asset with industry leading cash margins and low carbon intensity that is expected to deliver production growth into the next decade.”

As a result of this deal, Chevron said it intends to recommend an increase to its first quarter dividend per share of 8% to US$1.63, which will be subject to the approval of the Chevron Board of Directors.

It also plans to increase share repurchases by US$2.5 billion to the top end of its guidance range of US$20 billion per year in a continued upside oil price scenario.

In the Stabroek Block which stretches a massive 6.6 million acres, ExxonMobil is the operator with a 45 percent working interest while China N a t i o n a l O ff s h o r e O i l 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.

Bobby Gossai was only given a warning and 15 days no-pay for role in US$214M audit fiasco The Ministry of Natural Resources has decided to deduct 15 days pay from the salary of Senior Petroleum Coordinator, Gopnauth B. Gossai Jr. and gave him a written warning for his role in the unauthorised reduction of US$214M in questionable expenses by ExxonMobil to US$3M. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Natural Resources announced that Gossai would face disciplinary action after an investigation found that he had engagements with the oil major that was never approved.

In a notice from the ministry published on Thursday it was stated, “A review of the facts emanating from the investigation has confirmed that the discussions were never approved at any of the mandatory levels.”

Notably, it was stated

that Gossai was disciplined, according to Public Service Rules for the offence of negligence.

A c c o r d i n g l y, t h e maximum fine of 15 days’ pay has been imposed on Gossai, along with a formal warning, the ministry said.

The ministry had initially launched an investigation to identify the individuals within the ministry involved in reducing the questioned sums, flagged by British company, IHS Markit. This firm was hired in 2019 by the Guyana Government to audit ExxonMobil’s expenses in the Stabroek Block from 1999 to 2017, totaling US$1.7B. IHS Markit identified US$214M in questionable sums, which received no objection from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). Despite GRA’s recommendation to conclude the audit at that sum, the ministry continued to negotiate with Exxon for a reduced amount.

During his press conference on Thursday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo responded to questions about whether the disciplinary actions were sufficient, stating, “I said to Vickram Bharrat (Natural Resources Minister) to deal with that matter, he has dealt with it and he sent out a document to that effect.” He emphasised, “The statement captures our position, the ministry’s position.”

Minister Bharrat in a statement earlier this month had emphasised that the G u y a n a G o v e r n m e n t ’s position is that the GRA is the sole and final authority to d e t e r m i n e t h e a u d i t ’s outcome.

The ministry’s role was to oversee the audit process as per the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) and facilitate information exchange among relevant parties, including the GRA. Minister Bharrat explained, “Based on advice from Gossai that the initial claim of USD$214,911,994 w a s r e d u c e d t o USD$3,414,853.68, I wrote to the Guyana Revenue Authority on November 28, 2022, seeking their no objection.”

As recently as July 2023, Gossai reported in a meeting with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister Bharrat that the initial sum had been further reduced to USD$11,497,140, and later down to USD$3,414,853.68.

However, it was subsequently revealed that

the GRA did not agree with this reduced figure, and the initial claim of USD$214,911,994 remained unchanged. Minister Bharrat r e a ff i r m e d , “ T h e o n l y authority to make a final determination is the Guyana Revenue Authority.” He also pledged to establish systems to prevent such lapses in the future and advise staff members to fully disclose all contacts and information sharing with sector stakeholders.

Saturday Exxon pockets US$9.1B in profits for 3rd quarter …attributes upstream earnings to favourable tax impacts, higher crude prices ExxonMobil, the leading U.S. Oil Company, and o p e r a t o r o f G u y a n a ’s Stabroek Block, announced impressive third-quarter 2023 profits of US$9.1 billion on Friday. Cash flow from operations was US$16.0 billion, up US$6.6 billion versus the second quarter.

D a r r e n Wo o d s , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil, commented on their strong performance, s tating, “We delivered another quarter of strong operational performance, earnings, and cash flows, adding nearly 80,000 net oilequivalent barrels per day to support global supply.

T h e o r g a n i z a t i o n ’s relentless focus on safety, environment, and value is paying off, driving record refining throughputs, delivering major projects at first-quintile cost and schedule, and surpassing planned structural cost savings while reducing e m i s s i o n s a n d environmental impact.”

Exxon reported earnings of US$9.1 billion for the quarter, compared to secondquarter earnings of US$7.9 billion.

This improvement was attributed to robust operating performance, including record third-quarter refining throughput, along with higher crude prices and a favourable industry refining margin environment.

However, weaker chemical m a rg i n s , u n f a v o u r a b l e derivative mark-to-market impacts, and timing effects in trading, which are expected to unwind over time, partly offset these positive factors.

In comparison to the

same quarter in the previous year, earnings witnessed a decrease of US$6.3 billion – the oil company said.

Excluding identified items, earnings were down by US$5.7 billion, primarily due to a nearly 60% decline in natural gas realizations and a 14% drop in crude realizations.

However, Exxon said that excluding the effects of divestments, entitlements, and government-mandated curtailments, net production increased by approximately 80,000 oil-equivalent barrels per day, driven by operations in the Permian and Guyana.

Year-to-date earnings for Exxon stood at US$17.2 billion, representing a decrease of US$11.1 billion compared to the first nine months of 2022.

The prior year’s period was impacted by net negative identified items totaling US$2.4 billion, including an identified item associated with the Sakhalin-1 expropriation.

Excluding these identified items, earnings dropped by $13.3 billion.

However, according to t h e c o m p a n y, h i g h e r production from advantageous projects in Guyana and the Permian partly offset the lower crude and natural gas realizations.

Exxon also reported that year-to-date production reached 3.7 million oilequivalent barrels per day, with an improving portfolio Auditors unable to determine how much Exxon charges Guyana for dumping toxic water into ocean A team of local and international auditors have been unable to ascertain how much money ExxonMobil Guyana Limited removes monthly from the Stabroek Block account to cover bills it claims are for treating and dumping produced water into the ocean.

Research indicates that produced water in the oil and gas sector refers to the water that comes up from underground along with oil or gas during their extraction.

It is a mixture of water that existed naturally in the oil or gas reservoir and additional water that was injected into the reservoir to help push the oil or gas to the surface.

This water often contains various toxic chemicals, minerals, salts, and other impurities, so it needs to be

PAGE 59

treated or managed before it can be reused, discharged, or disposed of in any fashion.

During their assessment of US$7.3B in expenses Exxon incurred from 2018 to 2020 in the Stabroek Block, auditors attached to Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vi t a l i t y A c c o u n t i n g & Consultancy Inc., with backing from Martindale Consultants said they could not determine how much Exxon was charging Guyana for dumping produced water.

Auditors said they saw no specifically identified operating costs for the Liza Destiny Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel leased to Exxon by SBM Offshore through a subsidiary.

Auditors said services for the FPSO are billed in large sums on one or two monthly invoices.

However, there is no breakdown of the expenses.

“Our research also indicates that the Contractor (Exxon) was to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of reinjecting produced water (into a separate well) vs. treating and overboarding such water for the Payara development (Exxon’s third oil project in the Stabroek Block) and was required by the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

We d o n o t h a v e a n y information about whether this study was completed or its results,” the auditors said in their report.

As noted before, produced water contains several impurities which can include acids, waxes, and mineral oils.

It may also be mixed with inorganic metals and byproducts or with trace

amounts of heavy metals and naturally occurring radioactive materials.

It is also usually very high in temperature and can be deadly to marine organisms.

D u e t o i t s t o x i c i t y, several leading organizations such as the Wo r l d B a n k h a v e recommended that produced water be re-injected into the wells. Though this may be a costly exercise, it is considered the most environmentally friendly option.

Such grounds have not been compelling enough for ExxonMobil which has insisted on dumping produced water into the ocean from the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Projects.

For Exxon’s Payara development, set to come on stream later this year and produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day, local authorities had ordered that Exxon investigate the feasibility, benefits and implications of re-injecting produced water.

The outcome of that probe would determine whether Exxon would continue dumping produced water or would be forced to re-inject.

The EPA is yet to reveal to the public whether Exxon is compliant in completing the said study.

It should be noted that the audit report prepared by Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vi t a l i t y A c c o u n t i n g & Consultancy Inc., with backing from Martindale Consultants, is yet to be released to the public.

Kaieteur News had explained that this audit only examined a sample of the US$7.4 billion bills.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 60 Hamilton provides treatment to a horse.

Sunday October 29, 2023

For dedicating his life for more than three decades to the veterinary field,

Elvan Hamilton is a 'Special Person'

W

hen Elvan Hamilton was in his late teenage years, he decided to follow a path of agriculture, one which he always had a liking for, since he grew up within an environment in the Rupununi where animals were some of his best friends.

Hamilton, who is 59, told the Waterfalls that he has been working in the field of animal husbandry as a veterinary assistant since 1990. He said it is a career which he cherishes, since his care for animals has led to him making many timely interventions at livestock farms within the Rupununi on multiple occasions.

Hamilton, who is attached to the Guyana Livestock and Development Authority (GLDA), said he was born at the Aranaputa Valley at Annai, a community in the North Rupununi at the Annai sub-district where Coastlanders settled decades ago and pursued large scale agriculture projects such as cash-crop farming, peanut cultivation and rearing of livestock and poultry.

“This is something I was born into,” Hamilton said, noting that his father, who is from Berbice, travelled to the area to start his adult life. “My father came here to farm; a lot of coastlanders came here at the time. It is what we call the valley,” he said of Aranaputa.

Journey in veterinary field Hamilton said at age 19, he enrolled at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and travelled to Georgetown to undertake his studies. “That was in the 1980s,” he said.

Two years later, he successfully completed the programme, noting that his focus was on the animal health and veterinary aspect of the programme.

He would then return to the Rupununi to work in the field of agriculture. He later applied for and secured a job at the Ministry of Agriculture within the animal husbandry department, which is today the GLDA. He said since 1990 he has been employed by the ministry within the animal husbandry department.

“I would travel to areas here such as South Central, Central and of course North Rupununi where I am from on farm visits,” Hamilton said.

He noted that during the 1990s, his career was boosted as he was afforded numerous training stints related to his field of work. “I would travel out to Georgetown to undergo training in programmes at REPAHA {the Regional Educational Programme for Animal Health Assistants} at Mon Repos,” he said.

Education of farmers Hamilton said that as part of his duties he travels around the region and educate farmers about animal care during farm visits and he would often gain much knowledge from the farmers during their interactions. “I would educate them on what to do, you know like how to care for their herd so that they would know how to look after the animals, with using medication and so,” he said.

He also provides care to domesticated animals such as dogs and he is often called upon to attend to those animals.

Hamilton has trained to provide artificial insemination or AI services in the region. It is a process in which sperm cells from a male animal is collected and manually deposited into the reproductive tract of a female animal. Hamilton can be described as a pioneer of AI within the Rupununi and he noted that it is the one task among his duties which he has managed to educate farmers of over the years.

Along with other GLDA staff, including personnel from the unit's genetics department, he would undertake outreach activities to conduct AI on animals within the region.

Within the North Rupununi, livestock rearing is a major source of income for families and as such, Hamilton would be called upon to carry out his duties at numerous farms in the area. At the moment there are over 1000 heads of cattle within the North Rupununi, Hamilton said, adding that

Evan Hamilton shares a light moment one farmer has close with one of his grandchildren. to 600 cattle at his farm.

“Some villages here has dozens of cattle, so I ensure those farmers at taught how to medically attend As he nears retirement, Hamilton said he to the animals” he said. is dedicating much of his energies towards Farming and other forms of income farming and caring for animals. He Hamilton said he also operates his own reiterated too, that he will continue to heard at Aranaputa Valley. He has more than educate farmers in the area of good a 100 heads of cattle, several sheep and other veterinary and animal husbandry practices. animals. In addition, he said that since he grew up in a family where farming is a “must,” he also cultivates cash-crops at his farm in the foothills of Aranaputa. “I think it is the soil in this area that is rich, so we would get good crops especially close to the mountain areas,” he In addition to treating said. cattle and other forms Hamilton is also into of livestock, Hamilton peanut farming, an also offer medical activity which is treatment to synonymous with domesticated animals. that area of the Rupununi. Over the years, the Aranaputa Processers F r i e n d l y Society has been relying on farmers from the area for peanuts and Hamilton said that peanuts are always in demand since the factory depends on farmers for the nuts.

“A lot of families here into peanut farming, it is a main economic activity here,” he added.

He said too that is also involved in the field of logging, adding that he is always trying to find a way to supplement his income.

Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 61

Healthy & Savory options by ChiaTastic

Cuisine Culture

I

man Fredericks, a dynamic 25year-old entrepreneur, is rapidly ascending the ladder of success. This week, she gave The Waterfall a glimpse into shared her remarkable journey.

Iman is the visionary behind ChiaTastic, a venture she unveiled in July 2023. Her entrepreneurial spirit was ignited by her profound love for chia pudding and its transformative impact on her health. Encouraged by her awe-struck family and friends, she decided to convert her passion into a thriving business.

ChiaTastic sets itself apart by offering a tantalizing array of chia pudding flavors, meticulously crafted to cater to diverse taste preferences. Iman has learned that exceptional customer service is paramount in her entrepreneurial journey.

Her ultimate goal is to champion a healthy lifestyle with a delectable twist, emphasizing those chia puddings can seamlessly blend nutrition with taste.

ChiaTastic's menu boasts a variety of sizes, from small to large, each featuring delightful flavors like

Strawberry Swirl, Cocoa Crunch, Maple Apple Pecan, Tropical, and Mango Tango. The business primarily operates online, offering convenient delivery and pickup options for its customers. The pickup location is situated at Camp and Croal Street, specifically in the building after Japarts, on the second floor, first door.

Chia seeds, derived from the Salvia hispanica plant, have emerged as a superfood, celebrated for their multifaceted health benefits. Despite their diminutive size, these seeds pack a nutritional punch, rich in fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

One delectable way to incorporate chia seeds into your diet is by relishing chia seed pudding. This versatile and nutritious treat comes with a plethora of advantages: Rich in Nutrients: Chia seeds are a treasure trove of essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

They also serve as an excellent plantbased protein source, making them an ideal choice for vegetarians and vegans.

High in Fiber: Chia seeds are

exceptionally high in dietary fiber.

When mixed with a liquid and left to rest, they absorb the liquid and form a gel-like texture. This high fiber content promotes a sense of fullness and aids in digestion.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Chia seeds stand out as one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, renowned for their heart-healthy benefits. Consuming chia seed pudding contributes to a balanced intake of these vital fats.

Antioxidants: Chia seeds possess antioxidants that shield cells from free radical damage, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

Blood Sugar Regulation: studies show that chia seeds can help stabilize blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those aiming to manage their blood sugar.

We i g h t M a n a g e m e n t : T h e combination of fiber and protein in chia seed pudding supports weight loss or maintenance by enhancing satiety and reducing overall calorie intake.

Integrating

chia seeds into your diet via chia seed pudding offers a scrumptious and convenient method to relish their myriad health benefits while tantalizing your taste buds.

ChiaTastic's operating hours are from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. You can connect with Iman Fredericks and ChiaTastic on various social media platforms, including TikTok (Iman Fredericks), Instagram (Iman_fredericks_), and Instagram (ChiaTastic.gy) and TikTok (ChiaTastic.gy). Immerse yourself in the world of ChiaTastic and its delectable, health-conscious chia puddings, meticulously crafted with a touch of love.

Business owner, Iman Fredericks

PAGE 62

Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

Ball in Parliament’s court...

Judges say only legislature can open sex offence laws to scrutiny

Jamaica Observer - THE Constitutional Court on Friday pointed out that the savings law clause in Jamaica’s Charter of Rights does in fact bar the courts from enquiring into whether three provisions under sex offence laws here breach the constitutional rights of homosexuals. As such the court said that the matter is “for Parliament and not the courts to provide the remedy so that the laws can be opened to scrutiny”.

In the judgment, which is another twist in the long-running constitutional challenge to Jamaica’s anti-sodomy law by gay rights activist Maurice Tomlinson, Supreme Court judge, Justice David Batts, who was part of the threemember panel, said that while “well aware that in our duty to judicially protect all rights guaranteed by the constitution, a broad and purposive approach to its interpretation is required… judges do not make policy”.

“We should not, by ignoring the clear words used by the people’s elected representatives, seek to rewrite, remake or refashion the constitution or legislation. The policy of the executive arm is given effect to by the legislature. It is the duty of this court to give effect to the law so passed once its meaning has been ascertained. We must do so no matter how distasteful we may find such a law. This applies even more so to the interpretation and application of the highest law being, of course, the Constitution of Jamaica. It is not for this court to give a strained or unusual interpretation to achieve an end desired by us,” Justice Batts declared.

Sections 13(12) and 18 of the Jamaican Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which in 2011 repealed and replaced the Bill of Rights chapter of the Jamaican Constitution, immunise from constitutional challenge existing laws that criminalise sexual relations between men and preclude legal recognition of homosexual unions, respectively.

They are referred to in the Commonwealth Caribbean as savings law clauses. In

Jamaica’s case, existing laws are laws which were in existence before the charter came into force.

BATTS... we should not, by ignoring the clear words used by the people’s elected representatives, seek to rewrite, remake or refashion the constitution or legislation Tomlinson, a married homosexual who lives in Canada but frequents Jamaica, in 2015 filed a claim in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of sections 76, 77 and 79 of the 1864 Offences Against the Person Act (OAPA), contending that criminalising homosexuality amounts to breaches of the rights guaranteed to him by the constitution while further alienating and driving members of the LGBTQ community underground. He is being opposed by the Government and 10 church groups who have argued that the court has no jurisdiction to embark on that enquiry because of the savings law clause.

The matter had, however, been satellited to the Appeal Court after a ruling by Supreme Court Judge Justice Tricia Hutchinson in 2022 when she said there was no need for a separate trial to determine whether the court had the jurisdiction to enquire into the constitutionality of the sections, given the savings law clause.

The Appeal Court, however, in March this year said it had unanimously determined that the judge had erred

in her finding and was “plainly wrong”, and ordered that her ruling in this respect should be set aside. The court also ordered that the substantive claim by Tomlinson be stayed, pending a determination of the preliminary issue by the Constitutional Court.

Justice Batts on Friday said, “In the final analysis, the words enacted in section 13(12) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms (Constitutional Amendment) Act, 2011 are clear. Parliament intended to protect laws related to sexual offences from review for unconstitutionality.

This was done in the same year changes were made to the pre-existing Offences Against the Person Act. There is consequently no warrant for a suggestion that the amendments either change the nature of the law or prevent the savings law clause having effect. I would, for all the reasons stated, uphold the preliminary point in favour of the defendants and dismiss the claim.”

Supreme Court judge, Justice Pettigrew Collins in her arguments said, “Whether it is fully appreciated or not, the present savings law clause was specifically and clearly deliberately designed to exclude from judicial examination the question of whether there has been any breach of certain rights, even in circumstances that would otherwise be obvious instances of breach, and must therefore be

appreciated for what it is: a limit on certain guaranteed rights, in the present instance, as far as homosexuals are concerned. It is, of course, not the only limiting provision but perhaps the only one that may, from a secular standpoint, be regarded by many as having no proper and justifiable rationale.”

In response to arguments

by Tomlinson’s legal team that the challenged provisions in the Act violate international law and/or international treaties, Justice Pettigrew Collins said, “The short answer is that the role of the judge is to interpret and apply law; if the law, as laid down in a statute or the constitution, is incongruous with

international law and obligations, the matter must be addressed by Parliament.”

As to their further arguments that Parliament had a political agenda for retaining the provisions, she said, “I conclude by making the observation that it is disquieting that the State would be so driven by what must clearly be an agenda so as to preserve from scrutiny by way of a savings law clause, laws which would otherwise infringe rights guaranteed by the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms (Constitutional Amendment) Act, 2011, but it is, sadly, for Par-

liament and not the courts to provide the remedy so that the laws can be open to scrutiny.”

Tomlinson is seeking to have that court declare that sections 76 and 77 of the OAPA do not apply to consensual sexual activities between any person age 16 or older, including persons of the same sex. He is also seeking a similar declaration in respect of the treatment of those acts under the 2009 Sexual Offences Act as well as the requirements for registration of such sex offenders and the reporting obligations under that statute.

‘Britney’s Creative Touch... rom page 54 had to distance themselves from others so that meant no birthday decor and I also had to all take care of myself, so I also wasn’t able to work as much,” she related.

Despite facing this hurdle, she did not give up on her passion, and she told this magazine that while not obtaining sales or working, she began to look into other creative items she can create.

That is when she came across birthday décors. “The art behind it is so beautiful, just to see someone inflating a few balloons and eventually turning out to be so eye catching in the end. I always told myself that one day I would like to give it a try because I know that I was capable of becoming an event decorator one day,” she said.

The young woman then began to do her own research and decipher how she can go about making the decors.

Soon after, her father and brother became involved in helping her make the backdrop stands among other aspects of the decor.

According to Brown, the business started to balloon after she created a Facebook page to inform and showcase to the public, her services. “I got my first client in December of 2020, I was so excited and I prepared as much as I could for that day.”

Brown said that day changed her life in the best way possible because she truly enjoyed what she was doing and just to see the smile on the client’s face; it was worth everything to her. She noted that about a week after she posted about the business on Facebook, she was booked with a second client

and soon after her business started to kick off from there.

The young woman mentioned that all this would not have been possible if it was not the tremendous support she received from her family, and her boyfriend who she said encouraged her to keep going and to be on time for her events.

After some months of being in business, she related that she had a decent saving which afforded her the opportunity to invest in better quality/ additional material to make her decors.

‘Britney’s Creative Touch’ she said now offers not only birthday décor, but also her business offers customizing services and more.

She added that despite achieving this following a rough start, great accomplishments also comes with great challenges.

For her, one of the main challenges she dealt with since being in the business, was not receiving any support from some of the people that were closed to her. “I heard things like ‘I’m only wasting my time and that no one will support me.”

She added, “I even had some families that stopped talking to me but I said to myself I will prove them wrong and that was my greatest motivation.”

Apart from that, another challenge was not receiving enough bookings for her services.

She added that this began to take a turn, when she began creating customized works back in February 2022.

“That was one of the best decisions that I’ve made.

That took off with a speed and sales kept increasing,” she

pointed out.

When asked what are the future goals for her venture, Brown related that apart from taking her business to higher heights, she plans on employing persons because in her community there are a lot of persons who are unemployed. “And I love helping others, if I can just have an impact on just one person that will be one of my greatest accomplishments,” she commented.

Our featured entrepreneur is of the view that small business owners like herself play a great role in society, as they are not only seen as an inspiration to others but they contribute towards the development of the local economy.

“Young entrepreneurs play a great role in society because we become role models to younger ones. As entrepreneurs, we get to add our own touch of creativity by doing things unique from what the factory manufactures,” she said.

Brown also added that local and small businesses can be boosted and be able to thrive in society simply by just sharing their products and crafts through the various social media platforms.

Also, she mentioned having exhibitions will also be another great boost for small businesses where persons can be able to showcase their work physically, Also, where people can go and ask questions and that will be great for persons who are not on social media like elderly persons.”

For persons interested in Brown’s business, you can contact her via Facebook, Instagram and Tik Toc at Britney’s Creative Touch.

Sunday October 29, 2023

PAGE 63

Kaieteur News

Mexico hurricane death toll hits 39; president slams critics (Reuters) - The death toll from a devastating hurricane this week in the Mexican beach resort of Acapulco has risen to 39, the government said on Saturday, as President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador accused his opponents of overblowing the extent of the disaster.

Hurricane Otis pounded Acapulco with winds of 165 miles per hour (266 km per hour) on Wednesday, flooding the city, tearing roofs from homes, stores and hotels, submerging vehicles, and severing communications as well as road and air connections.

The government has so far released little information about dead and injured. The latest death toll was up from 27 reported previously, with four others missing due to Otis.

Lopez Obrador issued a 24-minute video on social media to update the country on the situation. He devoted much of it to attacking critics he accused of trying to exploit the situation ahead of next

year’s presidential election.

“They circle like vultures, they don’t care about people’s pain, they want to hurt us, for there to have been lots of deaths,” he said.

Lopez Obrador, 69, said media outlets seeking to smear his government had exaggerated the toll, but that Security Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez would provide an update on casualties “without lying.”

“Let her tell us ... how many people have really lost their lives so far,” he said, adding his administration was doing more than any government had “ever done” to handle the aftermath.

Rodriguez said the victims were believed to have drowned due to the Category 5 storm and that 10 people were unaccounted for.

Looting has ravaged Acapulco since the recordbreaking storm left thousands of residents struggling to get food and water.

Many people have complained of insufficient government aid to Acapulco.

Some officials have privately expressed concern that the number of fatalities could rise.

“Help hasn’t come,” said Carlos Diaz, 31, a teacher, standing amid scattered palm fronds on the beach. “We’re alone, there’s no sign of the government.”

The dead were 29 men and 10 women, the government said, citing figures from Guerrero, Acapulco’s home state.

It said more than 220,000 homes and 80% of the hotel sector have been affected, and over 513,000 people lost power.

The cost of devastation left by Otis has been estimated at billions of dollars, and over 8,000 armed forces members were sent to help the stricken port recover.

Mexican authorities said Otis was the most powerful storm ever to strike Mexico’s Pacific coast. It caught forecasters by surprise, gathering strength with unexpected speed before it came ashore, and surpassed initial predictions.

Businessman Harold Beharry...

From page 51 underwent radiation for 45 days in succession and he would have experienced a total deficit of energy.

“My wife would accompany me to every doctor’s appointment because even if I drive to get there, I would be too weak to drive home after the sessions.”

He continued, “My wife was a constant source of physical and emotional support.”

However, Beharry said there was one aspect of radiation that proved somewhat of a struggle for him.

Since he had prostate cancer, he would have to drink 2 bottles of water an hour before treatment.

“You are not allowed to go the bathroom before the session and spend 20-30 minutes on the machine,” he explained.

Laughing at the situation now, the businessman told this magazine that “holding the liquid proved a challenge by itself, as soon as you finish radiation there was a line for the bathroom.”

After those 45 days of having his energy sucked out of him from the heat the treatment administered, getting back into his normal routine was not easy.

However, Beharry took it easy since his energy levels weren’t originally what they used to be.

As the couple celebrated completing his treatment and

the progress he was showing, just a few weeks, after his beloved wife got diagnosed with breast cancer.

Beharry recalled that he mustered his strength to now offer his wife the similar care and support she had shown him. He noted that her journey was different since she chose the chemotherapy route.

“So she was taking care of me and then I had to take care of her after, and she had to go for chemo and that was more difficult.”

Though her treatment time was shorter, it was more intense and she even lost her hair. He recalled that Beharry made it her mission that her husband would never see her without her hair.

“So, she would wear some headband or something and during the time when she lost her hair, I never saw her without hair.

Even when her hair was growing back, I never saw her without a headband until she had a lot of hair on her head. It was very funny.”

Seeing that he already went through treatment, Beharry said he was able to be patient with his wife, he understood the situation, and they were each other’s constant support system.

Over the years the businessman has used his experience with prostate and breast cancer to offer guidance to those battling the

disease.

He told the Waterfalls that he has shared his story with quite a few people. Beharry’s battle with cancer ended later 2012, and his wife’s journey began and ended the following year.

His advice now to persons battling the disease is, “If you have cancer, you have to face the fact that it is there.”

“You have to condition your mind to handle it, if not just being diagnosed with cancer alone could make it worse for you because healing has a lot to do with the condition of the mind, and once you approach it in that way, you have a better chance of surviving it,” he said.

WANTED

VACANCY

PEN PAL

Wanted: Experienced Puri Maker and Counter Person.

Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts. Call: 654-1361.

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

Indian Male seeking female for serious relationship. Contact: 682-3969

WANTED Office assistant-5 CSEC O’ Levels, Computer Literate , Prior experience an asset Agricola scaffmanguyana@gmail.com Wanted Scaffolders & Trainees Prior scaffold experience an asset Training will be provided Agricola scaffmanguyana@gmail.com

Maid needed to clean at East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

Diesel Mechanic wanted.

Contact: 688-0417/ 223-5273/ 687-5814

Bike Rider needed to work in Georgetown. Call: 223-7301-3 or email: info@splashminsresort.com One Spanish Chef. Vacante para un chef espanol debe Poder. Trabajar por los noches. Call: 634-8644.

Wanted! Male & Female workers for packaging pasta and chowmein on the Back Road (Mandela Ave). Call: 611-7839.

One male and female ablebodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 2261497, 658-8559.

To purchase Antique or Vintage collectable souvenir Call or whatsapp 674-6452.

House & Land at Lowland Housing scheme. ECD. Call: 616-2377,6361486 or whatsapp +1-547-701-9815.

Used 150 Yamaha 2 Stroke in Pomeroon. Call: 661-2828.

23 ft fiber glass speedboat with 115HP Yamaha engine.

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2 Wheel drive Toyota Hilux, 1st Owner. Call: 624-8694.

One male Cleaner needed for Eccles area. Call: 615-9132 645-8443

Two experienced Waitress with food handling certificate.

Preferably on the West Bank.

Call: 679-2612 Workers needed to work for growing business in Soesdyke. Ages 18-60 years.

Call: 669-9258.

FOR RENT Recently constructed 4 storey building at Parika in the business district, two and a half floors available.

Call: 699-4513.

Bottom flat three bedroom apartment, located 173 D Eccles Old road. Contact: 6604330 3 bedroom house for rent at West Minister, Bus route. All utilities included. Call: 6745779.

4-Bedroom upperflat at 3154 Aubrey Barker Road & Congress Drive South Ruimveldt $100,000 Monthly. Call: 6996544

Receptionist, Deskstaff, Room Attendant, Laundry Attendant & Security Guard, Handyman needed at 233, South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.

LAND FOR SALE House lots at Moblissa, S.L Highway. Limited lots at the creek side. Cll 661-3608.

18.6 acres of land along the friendship East Bank public road. Price $4.5 US. Contact:623-1615 4 House lot totaling 205 ft x 115 ft in Kese Village 6 Street CummingsSERVICES street. Price $1.5 USD. Contact: 623-1615

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One clerk for TSI Eccles office.English & Mathematics,grade 1 or 2 . E m a i l application:techserigy@yahoo.com or call 615-9132.

Land 30x 112 ft located at Robb & Bourda Strreet. Price $1.5 USD Contact: 623-1615

Live-in Domestic/ Maid needed. Must know to cook.

Call: 614-1819.

Male & female needed to work in the Interior, ages 18 years and older. Call: 6998486, 614-1819 Experienced able-bodied Yard man needed, flexible hours. Call: 614-1819.

Job Vacancy for Domestic $35,000- 5 days, Handyman $40,000-5days & Sales Representative $40,000 weekly + commission. Call:6175700

SERVICES Visa Application to Canada and U.S.A, graphics design, advertisements,USA passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 6267040.

Wood working for neatly made spindles and mouldings at 196 third Street Craig E.B.D Telephone: 673-2779 FOR RENT / 6150940 NTech professional repair services, we repair all brand phones, Computer E.C.T. Call us @ 645-3184/652-2019 Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.

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Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 64

Romain Virgo Talks UK Tour, Supporting Female Artists, And Learning From Beres Hammond, Capleton And Buju Banton (DANCEHALL MAG) R o m a i n Vi r g o i s undoubtedly one of Jamaica’s finest vocalists and live performers, but even 16 years later, he never rests in the comfort of his stature.

The lover’s rock crooner is always eyeing expansion and development around his artistry, a philosophy that is at the root of his UK tour starting Monday. He last performed there in 2018 to promote his Lovesick album, which marked his first solo tour.

“This tour is almost like that one as I’m trying to push out there by myself some m o r e , ” Vi rg o t o l d DancehallMag. “At that time, I brought Sevana on the road with me and it was a beautiful experience.

Going on the road over the years, first time it was with Beres [Hammond] and Tarrus [Riley], next time it

was with Sanchez, and I think the other time it was with Freddie McGregor.

It was always going with somebody else and as a team, we always wanted to try and build and see the people who would come out for me, and see how I can grow from there and how I can bring somebody along with me in the whole process…”

This time, he’s highlighting his supporting vocalists Janeel Mills and Tori Lattore, who’ll open each two-hour show in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, London and Leicester with a 30-minute set.

“They’re so many t alented artists here as females and until we see that and try to see them for their talent and wanting to be a part of that whole push and change for them, we’ll always have a male-

dominated industry,” the I Know Better singer said.

“I’m just tired to see so many talented females come and then you just don’t hear anything about them anymore.

Every day, I tell my supporting vocalists I feel blessed to have them.

“Over the years, I’ve worked with quite a few but I don’t think I’ve ever worked with any so talented and I wouldn’t want to lose out on giving them my absolute all in terms of trying to help them to get out there with their career, and to a point where they can branch off.

As much as I wouldn’t have them around me anymore, it would be good to know that I would have helped somebody to achieve their goals in whatever way I can, so, I look forward to seeing

Dancehall singer Romain Virgo

them blossom and take off.”

He also spoke highly of his band who he’s been locked in with since 2020.

The ensemble features musicians from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, where Virgo enrolled after winning Digicel’s Rising Stars competition in 2007.

By his own admission, it costs a cute penny to travel with a full band, but Virgo is grateful for a team that shares his vis i o n f o r g rowth and musical excellence at an international level.

Their synergy on stage is undeniable. Flashback to Virgo’s Reggae Sumfest performance this summer, the band was coordinated in dress and sound (complementing Virgo’s signature gentleman fit), and Janeel and Tori were hitting vocals and choreo. In an age where new-gen artists are often criticized for subpar live performances, Virgo continuously stands out on records as he does on stage.

“The very first time I went on tour to perform (2010/2011), it was with somebody whose thing is energy – Capleton…

Watching him go out every night, even though most of his songs are in a singjaydeejay kinda vibe, just that energy that he gives every night – leaving everything out there – was something that I took from him. I also love to watch Buju Banton perform.

He is somebody that is just energy on stage and feeling and passion with every single thing that he does.”

“There are so many others that I just enjoy watching on stage. I love to watch Beres perform too and the arrangement of his set and just how the band plays.

I t ’s a l m o s t l i k e everybody is so connected that when you watch his performance, you’re so intuned that you don’t want to

take your eyes off the stage because you might miss something important… That is the kind of performer I’ve always wanted to be by watching these artists.

I feel like I take a little bit of this and that from everybody and put it together, so, even though I’m a singer, I always believe that the energy has to be up there on stage and my supporting vocalists kinda feed off my energy. The band feeds off our energy as well.”

Sunday October 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 65

Ministry continues to drop the ball with management of oil website The Ministry of Natural Resources seems to be missing the mark when it comes to the management of its Petroleum Management Programme’s data center.

This website is the official online avenue for disseminating information about Guyana’s oil and gas sector. Yet, continuous lapses in data management have stakeholders questioning the ministry’s commitment to transparency and accurate information sharing. It also remains to be seen whether the Ministry has anyone entrusted with the role of actively maintaining the information flow on the site.

The oil production data for the months of August and September have been uploaded, but in a fragmented manner. While data for most of the days in August was uploaded, the numbers relating to August 31 are missing. In a similar vein, the September data was u p l o a d e d p a r t i a l l y.

Normally, the monthly

updates include a graph showing total oil production in the Stabroek block, along with another graph disaggregating the production from the Liza Destiny and the Liza Unity floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels. However, the September update only included data for the total production, and even on that front, the data for September 30 is missing.

This lapse comes at a time when more information is needed on the circumstances surrounding the drop in production at the Liza Destiny for months.

Hess Corporation’s 2023 third quarter earnings report revealed that a mechanical issue had reduced production. Hess, a 30% coventurer in the Stabroek block, announced that repairs were completed in October, and production is now in the range of 150,000 to 160,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

The issues are not new;

the website has been problematic for a long time.

It was only recently that the government introduced a new graph interface that corrected an issue that had rendered the data center unusable for over a month.

But if the government does not make full use of the new interface to upload accurate, timely, and complete data, the impact of the new interface is blunted.

As Guyana prepares for first oil production at the Payara project, which is ramp up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day, the need for reliable data becomes even more critical. This new production will need to be integrated into the existing data alongside those of the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity.

The deficiencies do not stop at production data. The Petroleum Management Program website is also missing years of well activities data. The last available information is about the Turbot-2 well announced by ExxonMobil

Motorcyclists remove mirrors for...

From page 15 the rear. “But not everybody wants to ride with it {mirrors]. It’s good for when you going out to see who at the back of you and them thing. It does protect you when you have to overtake and so,” he added.

He noted that the mirrors are an easy glance to what’s behind, however in their absence, riders will have to turn their heads to look back and this can pose issues. If the driver of a vehicle behind a biker suddenly applies his brakes, or suddenly makes a turn left or right, the rider may not have enough time to react, a situation which the mirror would have prevented.

In relation to the certificate of fitness for the bike, Antoine explained that the bikers usually install mirrors when the time is ready to renew the fitness.

He explained that, “When you’re going to get fitness, you have to make sure you get on your mirror and everything before you carry it, because they check on all that.”

A traffic rank, Officer Sam, told this publication that when a bike is inspected for a certificate of fitness, the Guyana Police Force will not issue the fitness to the bikers whose bikes do not have mirrors. “In order to receive fitness

{certificate} it has to be given to you by a license and certifying officer in the traffic department. If you have a motorcycle and it has on its mirrors and brakes are working, lights working, warning appliance working and the exhaust has a silencer, it is fit for the road and can receive fitness. But if the motorcycle does have any of the above I mentioned, there no way fitness can be issued.”

Another motorcyclist, Royden (only name given) told this publication that for some bikes, the mirrors are too “big.”

He explained that, “The mirrors some of the bikes come with like the {Honda} CG and XR they may be too big, so it makes it hard to go through traffic if there is not much space.” These “original” mirrors may “jam” a vehicle or two since they are spread out and so as to avoid this, he said most cyclists opt to replace it with one that has a shorter stem so that the rider can be able to keep an eye on the traffic behind them.

“I have a habit of not riding behind a vehicle I cannot see over, if I’m behind a truck or a big container and I can’t see what’s coming my way, I come out from behind there as fast as I can.” As a rider it’s important that you keep

focused, as persons may approach a corner and suddenly put on their indicator and turn, he said.

“If you’re not focused, you can end up crashing into that vehicle,” he noted.

A West Coast Demerara (WCD) driver and promoter, known as “Fresh,” told this publication that he has observed many bikers breaking the law.

“With the careless, reckless way they {bikers} use the road, bus drivers them also, is bare trouble.”

He said these categories of motorists “have a habit of taking over the entire road, most of them having no mirrors, riding at a snail’s pace and obstructing traffic for others.”

Earlier last week, Traffic Chief Mahandra Singh noted that more dozens of motorcyclists have died in accidents along the country’s roadways this year between January and October.

While 18 motorcyclists were killed in road accidents last year, this year a whopping 47 people died on the roadways.

Also, last year, two pillion riders lost their lives in comparison to nine this year. Overall, fatal accidents a l o n g t h e c o u n t r y ’s roadways increased (120) by 5 4 % t h i s y e a r, w h e n compared to the same period (78) last year.

in September 2021. Since then, ExxonMobil has drilled over 15 exploration and appraisal wells.

Additionally, data on CGX Energy’s Kawa and Wei wells and Repsol’s Beebei Potaro well are conspicuously absent.

Despite a report by this

newspaper over a month ago about the missing well activities data, there has been no movement from the Ministry of Natural Resources to correct the deficiency.

With oil and gas playing a significant role in Guyana’s development,

stakeholders expect the government to prioritize the maintenance of platforms that are meant to inform the public.

Stakeholders see it as crucial for the government to ensure that these platforms that are meant to inform the public operate flawlessly.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

Volodímir Zelenski

Sunday October 29, 2023

PAGE 67

Kaieteur News

Rotary Club of NA’s Buxton United, Police winners in Fitness and Polio - Matches continue today at Eve Leary Grounda Walk set for Sunday KFC Elite League Cup…

latest round

Buxton United FC maintained their winning ways while Police FC bounced back into contention when the KFC Elite League Cup organized by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) continued Friday evening at Eve Leary ground.

Tyreel Cummings scored in the 17th minute to secure a 1-0 win for Buxton United against Fruta Conquerors FC, their second win in the tournament.

The East Coast side were

victorious in their opening match against Santos FC 2-1 with Cummings scoring one of the goals and they now lead Group A with six points from two matches. The Guyana Defence Force FC hold second position with 3 points from one fixture. Fruta Conquerors and Milerock are tied on 1 point each while Santos is yet to secure a point.

In the second game of the double header, Police FC stamped their authority

Tyreel Cummingsa

Sunday October 29, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) People are apt to try to hit you square on the head with their ideas and thoughts today, Aries, so be ready for the onslaught of information that may come your way.

There's a distinct advantage.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) People would be foolish to challenge your thinking now, Libra. The power behind your words is volatile, and you may find yourself going to extremes in order to get your point across.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Anchor yourself in practical matters before you try to prove your point to others.

There's a great deal of primal energy rising within you today and searching for some sort of outlet.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your old ways of thinking have carried you quite far, Scorpio, but you may now find that it's time to seek a new platform for your ideas.

Look for more adventurous ways to express yourself. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) One quick phone call to a friend may turn into a long discussion about the meaning of life, Sagittarius.

Be conscious of the fact that there's a great deal of momentum building in your mind now.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't take no for an answer today, Gemini. Know what you believe in and stick with it. There's a distinct advantage to holding true to your inner nature.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be a pioneer thinker today, Cancer. There's a noble courage in your thoughts, so don't let this quality go to waste. You will be surprised at how cutting edge you can be when you put your mind to it.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It could be that you feel a bit of pressure today to start or create something that you aren't quite ready for, Capricorn. There is hesitation on your part that indicates you should take it slowly .

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Be aggressive and forceful when it comes to exerting your will, Leo. Let others know that you won't be a pushover. Your opinions are extremely important,

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Move forward with your plan of attack today, Aquarius. There's an anxious rumble within you that's urging you to get going with a current plan. You have all the facts you need,

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Today may be one of those days in which you come to a four-way stop and no one knows whose turn it is.

Don't sit and wait for everyone else to go first, Virgo.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Add spark to your life today, Pisces. It could be that things are getting stale and boring. If so, consider the possibility that you simply aren't challenging yourself.

against Ann’s Grove FC winning 2-0.

Pernell Schultz sent the cops into the lead in the 4th minute from a penalty kick while Dorwin George sealed the issue in the 81st minute with a timely strike.

Police were beaten 1-3 by Den Amstel FC in their opening encounter. Western Tigers lead Group B with 3 points from one game, while Police, Ann’s Grove and Den Amstel are locked on 3 points each from two matches.

Victoria Kings are in the cellar position without a point.

The tournament continues Sunday with another double header at Eve Leary and not Camp Ayanganna as was previously mentioned.

Santos will be in action again against Milerock in the opening match at 18:00 hours while the feature game will see Western Tigers looking to advance their points tally when they face Victoria Kings at 20:00 hours.

In their continued fight to help eradicate Polio, the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam will once again be organizing the annual Fitness and Polio walk in the New Amsterdam/ Canje area.

This year, the activity is set for Sunday, October 29, and will take the form of a walk and breakfast with the funds raised be donated to help those affected by Polio.

The activity will get underway at 06:00 hrs from the Cumberland Primary School in Cumberland, East Canje Berbice, to President Raffick Kassim’s Residence at No 2

village, East Canje Berbice; covering a distance of three miles.

Members of the rotary club, their partners in service and family are expected to be joined by members of civil society and other organizations as they continue to raise funds to fight the scourge of Polio.

Persons who bought tickets will be served with breakfast at the end of the event.

The participants are expected to be address by some of the organisers.

Starting time is 15:00hrs.

(Samuel Whyte)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

Charles Leclerc takes surprise pole position ahead of Carlos Sainz It was Leclerc who took centre stage during qualifying. (Getty Images)

(BBC Sport) - Charles Leclerc led Carlos Sainz to a surprising Ferrari one-two in qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Scuderia’s pace came out of nowhere as Leclerc pipped Sainz by 0.067 seconds while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was 0.097secs off the lead in third.

Daniel Ricciardo added to the unexpected feel of the grid with a superb fourth place for Alpha Tauri.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were sixth and eight for Mercedes.

H o m e h e r o S e rg i o Perez could manage only fifth in the second Red Bull, 0.160secs behind team-mate Ve r s t a p p e n , while the surprise of qualifying was Lando Norris’ McLaren down in 19th place.

The Briton failed to put a single lap together in a messy first session and paid the price, while team-mate Oscar Piastri was seventh in the sister car.

Alfa Romeo drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu completed the top 10.

But the order could change significantly once a series of stewards’ investigations are completed because of incidents through the w h o l e s e s s i o n .

Verstappen, Hamilton and Russell are among the drivers involved in the inquiries.

Ferrari had looked to be struggling through the practice sessions but an impressive run in the first session of qualifying, when

Leclerc lapped within 0.4secs of Ver stappen’s fastest lap despite using medium tyres while the Red Bull was on the softs hinted at their potential.

Despite that, Leclerc was only sixth fastest in the second part of qualifying, but had saved his best for the final session.

The Ferrari drivers went out after the Red Bulls for the first laps, and first Sainz beat Ve r s t a p p e n ’ s i n i t i a l time before Leclerc p i p p e d h i s team-mate.

It was all set up for a dramatic climax, but none of the top three could improve their times on their final run a n d L e c l e r c ’s f o u r t h g r a n d p r i x pole of the season an d his second in a row was in the bag.

Leclerc said: “We did not expect to be on pole.

We were struggling in final practice again but for some reason when we put the new tyres on everything came together.

“But I am not even thinking about pole. I am already thinking about the race. We have had enough poles and w e need to do better in the races.”

He also referenced one of the quirks of Mexico – that the long run from the start to the first corner at more than 800m can often make the cars on the front row vulnerable to being passed with the slipstream.

“First place here... I’m not sure it is the best starting place but I will take pole position,” Leclerc said

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

PAGE 69

Hamilton Green’s Annual Inter-Ward KO football tourney kicks off tonight A glimpse of the VenGy FC team

Experience the annual Hamilton Green InterWard Knockout football competition tonight, taking place at the iconic Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground from October 29 to November 12. The tournament kicks off today at 18:00 hours.

This prestigious event, named in honour of the esteemed former Mayor of Georgetown and Prime Minister of Guyana, Hamilton Green, promises an exhilarating display of high-intensity football action.

The excitement begins this evening with an electrifying lineup of eight matches, igniting the 2023 edition. Get ready for a thrilling showdown featuring some of the region’s most outstanding football talent. The stage is set, and the atmosphere is sure to be electric.

The long-awaited nine-a-side inter-ward

football competition offers a series of riveting 30-minute matches. The tournament adheres to all FIFA regulations, except the offside rule. To ensure fair play, any player receiving a red card will be automatically disqualified from participating in the next game.

Lennox Arthur, the driving force behind this football spectacle, kindly requests that all participating teams arrive at least one hour before kickoff on game day to ensure a smooth flow throughout the competition.

Tonight’s matches include; Sophia taking on Mahaica at 18:00 hours, followed by the clash between Pourderoyen and Festival City, and then witnessing an exciting battle between Den Amstel and Timehri, while Soesdyke takes on

Vengy FC. In game five, Herstelling will tackle Airy Hall, followed West Side Spartans going up against North East La Penitence, Sparta Boss vs.

Belle West Stars and Bent Street vs. Uitvlugt in the

final match of the evening.

T h i s y e a r ’s tournament has garnered support from several esteemed organisations, including ReUnion Gold I n c o r p o r a t i o n G T T,

Namilco, Gafoors, EFT Reunion Manganese, Genequip, Superbet, IPA, E-Net, Busta, Cummings Electrical Company Limited, Toolsie Persaud L i m i t e d , B K International, Ivor

Carrington, Baby Junior, New GPC Incorporated, Eddie Bobcat, Dr. Linden Dodson, Edmond Vieira, Dr. Colin Watson, Eton Cordis, John Fernandes Limited, New Thriving, and Star Party Rentals.

GTT Business Solutions Invitational Golf Tournament…

Historic turnout graces opening Day - Minister Ramson commends LGC for excellent leadership Day 1 of the GTT Business Solutions Invitational Golf Tournament got off to a great start as 96 players turned out to compete at the Lusignan Golf Club. This was the largest turnout the tournament has ever seen since 1965.

During the tournament’s official launch on Friday evening at the LGC Clubhouse, the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Honourable Charles Ramson Jr., delivered the featured address. In his message, the Minister said, “One of the reasons why we wanted to support golf from the beginning was due to the exemplary leadership at the club. The leadership at the club has always been credible, with a lot of i n t e g r i t y. T h i s w a s something that enabled me to provide the club with the necessary support. We will continue to support the LGC

Minister of Culture Youth and Sports Charles Ramson Jr.

wherever we can. This aligns with the vision of our government, which is to create a premier destination for world-class players.”

The Minister stated that the government believes in the development of golf and all sports in Guyana and is happy to be a part of the

opening of the lucrative tournament.

Also, sharing his sentiments on Day One of the event was LGC Secretary Chet Bowling, who boasted about the fantastic day the club had due to the enormous turnout. Bowling noted that the turnout is an indication of

The ladies were also a part of the opening day action

the good work the current committee has been putting in. “We, as a committee, are not perfect. There were some blunders, but we have regained the confidence of the members, so they have come out to support us. Of course, GTT Business Solutions cannot be

forgotten. They played a major role in spreading the word to the public.” “We also had other sponsors, such as Oasis Cafe, Montra bar, and Banks DIH, just to name a few. I think this is a demonstration that the members have faith in the current committee. The

corporate sponsors believe in the current committee, so golf is thriving at the Lusignan Golf Club,” Bowling posited.

The two-day gross tournament has seen players from Guyana, Suriname, Colombia, Mexico, Canada, Barbados, the USA, and Fiji, among others

Kaieteur News

PAGE 70

Sunday October 29, 2023

Fury claims controversial split decision victory over Ngannou (BBC Sport) - WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury claimed a controversial split decision victory over former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.

Ngannou, 37, put Fury on the canvas in round three after connecting with a left hook.

But while one judge scored it 95-94 in favour of Ngannou, two gave it to Fury at 96-93 and 95-94.

F u r y ’ s W B C heavyweight belt was not on

the line.

Ngannou came out tentatively behind the jab in the opening round and Fury seemed content with a slow start as he looked to get a read on his opponent.

Fury got a first taste of Ngannou’s power in round two, though, as a cut opened on the forehead of the Gypsy King when he ate a left hook.

Fury hit the canvas in round three when he was found behind the right ear with that same punch and, perhaps still feeling the

impact of that shot, struggled to find his rhythm until the fifth round when he caught Ngannou with a straight onetwo combination.

After a brief push back from Fury when he started to box at range and have s ucces s w ith his jab, Ngannou again began to land some heavy punches in the latter rounds.

It seemed the scorecards were against Fury and he appeared desperate when lunging forward in the seventh, missing Ngannou

and falling to his knees – deemed a slip rather than a

Tyson Fury was floored in the third round. (Getty Images)

knockdown.

Ngannou boxed very smartly when he was able to close the distance, using his MMA skills to clinch and land shots to the body and head.

Fury’s face carried the damage as the final bell

r a n g a n d N g a n n o u ’s corner held his arms up high in the expectation that he was on the verge of pulling off the biggest shock in boxing.

But the scorecards controversially fell in the favour of the seasoned boxer.

“I Will Not Be Denied…”

…Dharry remains positive ahead of title defence

T

ough words from the current W B C I n t e r n a t i o n a l SuperFlyweight Champion Elton Dharry who has been on Guyana’s radar as it’s next best hope for a world title for several years.

Dharry returns to the ring on December 2 to defend his hard won title in April 2022 at the National Stadium in front of a packed audience.

This positions him to fight for the World Title which would place Guyana on the international stage as they host such a high profile event.

Dharry pointed out “the government of Guyana, especially Minster of Sport Charles Ramson has been very supportive of my career and as one of the top ranked boxers for over 9 years, I’m proud to bring these title fights to my home audience.

I have proven that m y s k i l l a n d determination is second to none and this fight will ensure that the Wo r l d T i t l e c o m e s home.”

The other top ranked Guyanese fighter headlining the card is Dexter Marques who is set to fight for the WBC FECARBOX Title as he climbs the ranks to also possibly fight for a World title in his weight class.

Boxing, with millions of fans worldwide can project Guyana and its potential for sports tourism to households all over and it is planned that the bout be streamed live to capture s uch a wide audience, thereby giving Guyana and local businesses the opportunity for international exposure at a fraction of normal cost.

Guyanese boxing and Elton Dharry have gained a tremendous following locally and internationally as the last few fight have been especially entertaining and hard fought down t o the final bell and this t i t l e d e f e n s e promises to be no different! Fans will be treated to three intense undercard fights before the two main events and tickets are expected to sell out quickly.

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

PAGE 71

Springboks win record fourth Rugby World Cup in dramatic final (BBC Sport) - South Africa clinched a record fourth Rugby World Cup title by doing just enough to deny 14-man New Zealand and retain their crown in a helter-skelter final in Paris.

The Springboks seemed to have control when, with Handre Pollard’s dead-eyed goalkicking having already given them a 9-3 lead, Sam Cane caught Jesse Kriel high in the 27th minute.

The New Zealand captain was shown a red card on review and another Pollard penalty left the All Blacks a man down, nine points behind and in deep trouble.

But New Zealand rallied, rode their luck and dragged themselves back into the game. Richie Mo’unga kicked a penalty before the break and Beauden Barrett scooped up a loose ball and slid in after the interval to cut South Africa’s lead to 12-11.

Both teams pushed for a decisive score in an enthralling, lactic-drenched final quarter, but neither found one, with Jordie Barrett missing a long-range 73rd-minute penalty and the Springboks clinging on for a third successive one-point

Siya Kolisi becomes the first man to lift back-to-back Rugby World Cups away from home. (Getty Images)

victory in the knockout stages.

Captain Siya Kolisi clutched his head in disbelief as he danced off the bench and towards his team-mates on the final whistle.

His side are the first team to win the tournament back-

to-back away from home - a statistic Leinster-bound coach Jacques Nienaber underlined in the build-up and are now the undeniable dominant force in World Cup history.

Their latest victory means the Springboks have

won half of the eight tournaments they have taken part in. South Africa were absent from the first two editions because of the sporting exile imposed by the rest of the world in reaction to the country’s apartheid government.

In that era, the Springboks were hated by many black South Africans. But under the leadership of Kolisi - the team’s first black Test captain - they have won backing from across the spectrum of the Rainbow

Nation. Ian Foster’s fouryear reign as New Zealand head coach ends within a whisker of the ultimate prize, having come under pressure in the build-up when his team dipped below their usual high historical standards.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 72

Sunday October 29, 2023

Concacaf W Road to Gold Cup…

Lady Jags face Suriname again today - Guyana sits atop Group A Lady Jags Shanice Alfred’s goal in the 41st minute of Wednesday’s match secured a victory against Suriname and moved Guyana to the top of the table in Group A, League B in the Concacaf W Road To Gold Cup. The 1 - 0 win in the Dr. IR Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo on October 25 brought Guyana level with

Suriname at six points.

However, the Lady Jags hold the top spot on goal difference, while Antigua and Barbuda sit in third place with four points and Dominica has one point.

Lady Jags Assistant Coach Paul DeAbreu in his post game interview said that the team was one of the strongest selected with each player understanding and

fulfilling their individual and collective responsibilities.

“This is probably one of the better teams that we’ve put on the field. It’s a different side this time and it’s a better side this time. If your team is responsible and understands their responsibilities, whether as a group or whether individually, that will help you along the way.”

Guyana’s Dylana Makarowski (17) tries to maintain possession against a Surinamese defender

Both Guyana and Suriname had excellent scoring opportunities, but the former displayed a resolute defence throughout the match, ensuring that the host remained without a goal as the final whistle blew.

Lady Jags returned to training on Thursday in preparation for the second game against Suriname on October 29 in the Dr. IR Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo.

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde congratulated the team and added that “they represented Guyana admirably, and we have full confidence that the Lady Jags will achieve another victory on October 29.”

G u y a n a ’s S e n i o r Women’s National Team opened their Road To Concacaf W Gold Cup campaign with a 2-1 loss to Antigua and Barbuda on

September 20. However, they made a remarkable comeback in the second match, clinching a resounding 5-1 victory against Dominica, thus earning their first three points.

The Lady Jags are striving for another victory against Suriname to cement their lead at the top of the table.

The top finishers from each of the League B groups, totalling three teams, will progress to the 2024 W Gold Cup Prelims.

The Road To Concacaf W Gold Cup features a roster of 34 registered senior women’s national teams, serving as the qualifying tournament for the highly anticipated 2024 W Gold Cup, the premier competition for senior footballers in the Concacaf region.

Lady Jags’ Otesha Charles (left) and Suriname’s Andaya Lantveld in a battle of the Number 7s.

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 29, 2023

PAGE 73

Courts Optical Pee Wee U-11 Tournament…

Redeemer to face St. Pius for the crown

T

he impressive R e d e e m e r Primary School has made a historic stride after they booked a finaleticket for the first time in the Courts Optical Pee Wee Under-11 Tournament, but their toughest challenge is yet to come when they face a former champion, St. Pius, who made it to the final for the second consecutive year.

This Saturday, November 4, these two sides will thrash it out at the Ministry of Education Ground to decide who walks away with the silverware.

Yesterday, Redeemer was the first team to celebrate on the fourmatch card as they defeated Potaro Primary 4 – 2 in the first semifinal.

The nail-biter saw Adiel Hamilton (1’) draw first blood for Redeemer in the first minute but Michael Telemaque (2’) equalised the very next minute.

Four minutes later, Ezekiel Haynes (6’) put Potaro ahead for the first time but Shivraj Persaud (8’) drew things leveled once again as the half ended with them at 2 – 2.

However, in the second half, there was a late goal from Hamilton (38’) that piled the pressure on the opposition and caused them to concede once more off the boot of Persaud (40+2’).

In the other semi, it was a contrasting win for the 2022 runner-up, St. Pius, but a crucial one nevertheless as they needled (1 – 0) West Ruimveldt.

The two sides, almost evenly matched, battled to two goalless halves but it was St. Pius’ MVP, A a r o n Va s c o n c e l l o s (50’), who found the decider in extra time to propel his side into the final.

Meanwhile, the two placement matches were just as exciting with St. Stephens reigning supreme against the 2022 champion, Enterprise, 3 – 2 and Den Amstel getting past Marian Academy 2 – 0.

For St. Stephens, Kareem Milton’s (31’, 38’& 44’) hat-trick performance overshadowed Dontay Kowlessar ’s (15’, 19’) double for the opposition.

In Den Amstel’s triumph,

Part of the action between Den Amstel (on ball) and Marian Academy in their placement match.

Trevon Lewis (8’) and Christian Mendonca (22’) accounted for the two goals that sank Marian Academy.

For these four teams, St. Stephens will battle Den Amstel for fifth place while Enterprise and Marian Academy will face off for seventh place.

CG United Super50 Cup 2023…

Mohammed’s 70* leads Red Force to 4-wicket win over WI Academy (SportsMax) - Jason Mohammed hit his 22nd List A fifty to help the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force beat the West Indies Academy by four wickets in their CG United Super50 Cup encounter at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on Saturday.

The Academy first posted a respectable 263-8 from their 50 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

Former West Indies Under-19 Captain Ackeem Auguste led the way for the Academy with a 63-ball 76* including six fours and three sixes while opener Matthew Nandu and all-rounder Kevin Wickham provided good support with 40 and 31, respectively.

Sunil Narine was the pick of the Red Force bowlers with 2-33 from his 10 overs.

The Red Force then needed 48.4 overs to reach 264-6 and bring up their fourth victory in five games.

Mohammed led the way with an unbeaten

Jason Mohammed 70 off 86 balls including seven fours while opener Tion Webster hit a 63-ball 45 in support.

Wickham took 2-54 from his 10 overs for the Academy.

This Unicomersponsored event is being organised by the Petra

Organisation with support from the MoE, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the

Guyana Football Federation, Sterling Products Limited and MVP Sports.

Concacaf W Road to Gold Cup… rt Spo

s

The Lady Jags unit prior to their win on Wednesday against Suriname.

Lady Jags face Suriname again today - Guyana sits atop Group A Courts Optical Pee Wee U-11 Tournament…

WBC International Super Flyweight Champion Elton Dharry shares a memorable moment with family and supporters when he claimed the title in April 2022.

“I Will Not Be Denied…” …Dharry remains positive ahead of title defence

Semifinal action between St. Pius and West Ruimveldt yesterday at the Ministry of Education Ground.

Redeemer to face St. Pius for the crown

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