Kaieteur News

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Monday Edition Scores of NEWS Venezuelans deported from Essequibo Coast

AIETEUR

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October 30 , 2023 - Vol. 16 No. 42

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $100

Online readership yesterday, 59,577

Exxon will face no punishment or consequence for illegally using Stabroek Block revenue for other blocks p.

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Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Superbet cashier, two others arrested for scamming ATMs Minister of UG should be Education, Manickchand: reopened to face-to-face classes Thousands participate in Pinktober walk/run p.

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Jagdeo called Gold Board GM on Troy Resources US$7.2 million payment, but failed to address p. 13

Exxon’s questionable expenses exposed in audit - Glenn Lall

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Kaieteur News

Monday October 30, 2023

Monday October 30, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Exxon will face no punishment or consequence for illegally using Stabroek Block revenue for other blocks While he maintains that Exxon Mobil Guyana's unauthorized use of profits from the Stabroek Block to finance work for the Kaieteur and Canje blocks amounts to an illegality, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has failed outline the consequences the oil companies will face in such instances.

Last week, Kaieteur News reported that the second audit report on ExxonMobil Guyana Limited's expenses has found that during the period 2018 to 2020, the oil giant engaged in a brazen use of revenues from oil-producing projects in the Stabroek Block to cover expenses related to two other blocks—Kaieteur and Canje.

However, while speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the VP simply told reporters that the oil company will face consequences.

When asked to expound on the consequences, Jagdeo only said that the contract that the oil giant signed with Guyana means that the expenses will not be included in the cost bank for the Stabroek Block.

“I maintain my position that it would be illegal and I repeat that. The audits would have revealed that now and as I said before there will be consequences. If you did unauthorized work you don't go to jail according to PSA it just doesn't form part of the cost bank,” the VP said.

Earlier this month, an audit report—drafted by a local consortium Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. and bolstered by the international support of SGS a n d M a r t i n d a l e Consultants—gave a meticulous breakdown of five instances where the Stabroek Block's financial resources were used for Kaieteur –a block Exxon walked away from this year –as well as Canje.

Kaieteur News reported that as a result of the five instances in which the oil companies acted in violation of the contract, auditors insisted that the Stabroek Block account be reimbursed with US$3,812,653.

In the first instance, the report states that Exxon used the Stabroek Block revenues to cover a permit fee for a Kaieteur Geotechnical and Geophysical Survey. When

auditors made this discovery and roasted Exxon for such a flagrant violation of international best practices, Exxon agreed that it should not have occurred.

As a result, auditors asked that the US$16,039 used to cover that survey be returned to the Stabroek Block cost bank. Auditors said this was done in October 2022.

In the second instance, auditors found that Exxon included its cost recovery statement for the Stabroek Block, 100% of the costs associated with an Emergency Response Study for oil spills from Guyana wells.

Auditors said the Stabroek Block revenues should not have been used to cover 100 percent of this activity since the study looked at wells in the Kaieteur and Canje blocks.

Auditors said Stabroek's share should have been 50% of the cost or US$ 32,575 while Canje's share should have been 25% or US$16,287.64 and Kaieteur's share 25% or US$16,287.

Exxon was therefore asked to return US$ 32,575 to the Stabroek Block's account.

In the third case, auditors said Exxon charged the Stabroek Block's producing projects, 100 percent of the cost for various vehicles. The auditors contended that since the vehicles are also used to support activities related to the Kaieteur and Canje blocks, Exxon must return US$404,285 to the Stabroek Block account.

In the fourth case, the auditors said Exxon charged the account of producing Stabroek Block projects, 100 percent of the renovation costs for Exxon's Duke Street office, including upgrades, furniture, and setup costs.

Auditors reasoned that Exxon operates all of its Guyana operations out of the Duke Street office, so charging 100% of the more than US$6 million of renovation costs entirely to the Stabroek Block's account “is patently inequitable.”

In the fifth case, auditors found that Exxon charged the account of producing Stabroek Block projects 100% of the costs from Environmental Resources Management, ERM Guyana, and RPS Group for various studies on the impact of oil

and gas operations on fish, bird, and turtle migrations, habitats, and survival.

Auditors urged Exxon to return US$1,391,902 to the Stabroek Block account.

Meanwhile, 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.

In this case, the auditing team found that 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.

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 which began December 31, 2020 and ended March 2, 2021.

Stena was also used to drill the second well in Canje called Jabillo-1 which began on March 12, 2021 and ended March 20, 2021.

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Protest the day after The sun came out in its sharpness. Guyanese protesters also came out with firmness and furiousness. They want better from their oil; they want more. Feet tramping back and forth in front of the Office of the President, voices soaring in a steady chant.

It was a relentless rhythm that said: take back the 120 oil blocks now a day away from their return. It was the Government of Guyana must wrap the oil projects inside of individual fences, so that they stand or fall on their own weight. It was that the man in the forefront of the oil, the self-described policymaker, must cap interest rates.

To President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharat Jagdeo, and ExxonMobil’s Chief Executive Officer Alistair Routledge, a clear and strong message was sent on Friday, October 27, 2023: the pressure is building. Guyanese want their fair share from their patrimony, and the blanket of fear that has kept them off the streets and from speaking out is growing thinner and thinner, actually falling away. Over a hundred citizens coming out and standing in the relentless heat is an improvement on prior protests involving this oil.

Over a hundred Guyanese expressing their impatience and their intensifying discontent about oil contract, oil management, and oil benefits that are not experienced is a solid nucleus on which to build momentum against the predatory. It must form the foundation from which to get in the face of the selfish and greedy.

The predators are primarily foreign, with ExxonMobil at the head of the line. The greedy include both foreign selfenrichers and their local partners, who deal with the obstacles in their way, be they human or otherwise. The Guyanese partners of the ExxonMobil(s) of the world have in their ranks political people, businesspeople, religious people, professional people, who are bound by one defining feature. They sell their own so that they can come into their own. They give up the hopes and riches of Guyanese so that they (local partners) can do well for themselves, rise up.

Guyanese came out to get back their 120 oil blocks that are due tomorrow. There is the potential to make chunks of money for this country. Guyanese marched to and fro on Vlissingen Road, while calling for upcoming oil projects to be ringfenced, beginning with the sixth one that is racing ahead to the approval line. There is the need to install what protects this country from exploitation, what could very likely result in significant expense oversight and the possible savings benefits that come from such action. Guyanese made their voices and placards speak at high volume about capping interest rates.

In each instance (oil blocks, ringfencing, capped interest rates), there is serious money in American dollars that could be made by Guyana. ExxonMobil said that it is not charging interest on investments in Guyana, which we have to get to the bottom of, before that is believed. Believed and accepted when interest charges supposedly sacrificed or gifted to Guyana is proven not to be collected under some creative accounting sleight of hand. Guyanese are increasingly angry at their own people who partner with those who prey upon the citizens of this country. The level of trust in elected leaders has dropped precipitously, for there is the strong sense that their own government is taking them for a ride. Guyanese can’t get off the ground, when their own people drive their faces deeper into it, with deceptions and distractions. The poor in this country are living in dismal circumstances, while the few that are wellconnected live in splendor and extravagance. This is not what the continuing discoveries of oil should mean in who is touched by it and joyful versus those who still exist in the same way, viz., their poverty and their disillusioned state.

This is part of what is at the heart of the gathering in front of Office of the President. The unfairness of ExxonMobil, the stubborn, unhearing nature of their government and leaders. The disappointment at how so much more could be had, but no effort is made to get anything. Given these underpinnings, there is sure to be more Fridays like the last one, bigger ones.

Monday October 30, 2023

One-off cash transfer, a timely intervention DEAR EDITOR, There is a general perception in and out of Guyana that the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer.

While we cannot do much about the rest of the world, a one-off cash transfer to citizens living in Guyana

is a timely intervention to alleviate the rising cost of living.

One-off cash transfers will not resolve every problem.

But it does not produce a dependency syndrome.

I suggest every citizen living in Guyana be given a

one-off cash transfer of $100,000 which will cost the treasury about $80 b i l l i o n ( a b o u t US$400million) which can be financed from the oil money.

E v e r y o n e w ill then benefit from the oil money as opposed to the elites who

seems to be getting richer.

One-off cash transfers are not a replacement for money earned from working.

Working not only gives people money, it also provides people with skills necessary to progress.

Sincerely, Sean Ori

Resolution passed in solidarity with Palestine DEAR EDITOR, Resolution adopted by participants at a solidarity meeting with the people of Palestine held on 19th October 2023 at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, Georgetown, Guyana We demand: 1. The immediate, rapid, a n d u n i m p e d e d humanitarian access of fuel, food, medicine and water be allowed to enter Gaza; 2. The immediate reversal of the evacuation order by Israel for the Palestinians to leave Gaza; 3. That international humanitarian laws be

respected and upheld, and for civilians on both sides not to be targeted by military operatives, 4. An end to hostilities and the killing of thousands of innocent civilians in Northern and Southern Gaza; 5. That Israel, a heavily armed and militarized state stop the aggression against the civilian population of Palestine; 6. An end to the occupation and possession of Palestinian lands by Israel; 7. The establishment of an independent state of Palestine within the borders

of pre-June 4, 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital; 8.The release of all hostages, as well as Palestinian political prisoners from Israeli prisons and the right to return of all Palestinian refugees to their homeland in accordance with UN resolution 194; Supports: I) The call for a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East in order to bring about the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Arab lands occupied since 1967; 11) The call for the

dismantling of Israeli settlements in the occupied areas on Palestinian lands; 111) Recognition and respect of the political, civil and human rights of the Arab people of Palestine; 1V) The Palestinian people’s right to selfdetermination be respected; 9. Calls: On members of UN to vote in favour of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people when the matter is debated at the upcoming meeting of the UN General Assembly.

Clement Rohee

President Ali needs to give orders on how missing NIS contributions are to be handled DEAR EDITOR, President Ali has intervened and asked NIS to “close” files by the end of the year. Does the President want files simply to be “closed, not solved” or “closed, solved?” I believe the President, leading with the heart, was moved with compassion when he has been getting so many complaints people have with the poster child for governmental incompetence - the Humpty Dumpty agency – the NIS. I believe the President needs to tell the Chair of the NIS Board that he wants files “closed, solved,” because the Chair is telling me that my 88-year-old cousin who has been given the run around for 28 years, has to show proof of contributions missing for one year. The Chair must not have gotten the President’s memo. My cousin has 740 contributions according to the NIS records provided but the NIS records are missing 48 contributions for the year 1984.

At first, they told him they don’t have a record that he worked for Bermine. The Chair wants my cousin to provide documentation for the missing year. How can he do that? Back in the 1970s and 1980s, NIS did not mail/provide contribution statements.

There were no computers

to check if the NIS was doing their statutory duty to make sure all employees contributions were documented. It is not the employees’ job to do that.

NIS is a mandatory scheme.

They take out NIS contributions from your pay whether you like it or not. If the NIS failed to do its job, do you blame the employee?

The employee finds out the NIS has not been doing its job tracking and documenting your contributions only when you reach 60 years and you apply for NIS. Only then you are finding out the NIS had not been doing its job properly, and they send you on a wild goose chase to track down former employers to get records, if any.

If the NIS Chair wants documentation, where will the employee get that, when the missing year was 40 years ago? You have to go to NIS and they will tell you, they don’t have that. The employer, Bermine, has been closed down for a long time.

So due to problems of the system, not the employee, Mr. President, do we as a country deny the employee his or her benefits?

Is that fair? Is that justice? Is this, “Because We Care?” While Exxon is allowed to rape our country’s resources aided and abetted by the Government, would

we tell senior citizens and poor people no NIS benefits for you, go away and die soon so we don’t have to pay you? Use some of the incoming profits from the US$214 audit funds to pay the people what belongs to them! Aren’t we the fastest growing economy in the world?

If contribution records are missing because of the negligence and failures of the NIS to do its statutory duty that does not mean the employee did not work for that missing period; it simply means the NIS did not do its job to secure contribution records.

NIS should be punished, not the employee. If the records are missing, NIS cannot conclude you did not work, or prove you did not work! My cousin provided two credible statements from his colleagues at Bermine– one from the former Personnel Manager at Bermine, and one from an employee he supervised.

Both the NIS Chair and the NIS Manager at New Amsterdam told us that it was all that was needed, if contributions cannot be found. Now, they are still saying my cousin needs proof that he worked in 1984. Given how NIS operated in the 1980s, it is impossible for the employee to provide proof for the

missing contributions.

So how do we resolve this impasse without filing lawsuits? (Most NIS lawsuits have sided with the employees). The President must provide some directives on how to handle the missing contributions in these kinds of cases that date back for decades. It is immoral and wicked for NIS to deny any employee their benefits when they have faithfully contributed to the mandatory NIS. It is time for NIS to pay up.

The NIS should be ashamed and the Minister, the NIS Board, and Government should be saddened, if not ashamed, that after 28 years of being pushed around, my 88-yearold cousin is no closer to getting his benefits paid. The PPP has been in power for 23 of those past 28 years and this problem has not been solved.

My next article will show how Minister Ashni [Singh] on numerous occasions has indicted the NIS for having incomplete records and for being inefficient. Guidelines have not been put into place to deal with situations such as my cousin’s where people worked, the records are incomplete, and NIS denies them their rightful benefits.

There needs to be some reforms in the NIS (Continued on page 06)

Kaieteur News

Monday October 30, 2023

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Raising Awareness for Rett Syndrome Awareness Month Breast Cancer Month DEAR EDITOR, I am writing to bring your attention to an issue that affects countless lives each year and is of immense significance – Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

October is a time when the world unites to raise awareness about breast cancer, a disease that not only impacts patients but their families, friends, and communities at large.

It is a time when we e m p h a s i z e t h e importance of early detection, support, and research to combat this devastating disease.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a powerful platform to educate, inspire, and mobilize individuals and communities.

The significance of this month cannot be overstated.

Breast cancer is one o f t h e m o s t common cancers worldwide, with an estimated 1.7 million new cases diagnosed annually. In the United States alone, it is anticipated that over 280,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2023, making it the most common cancer among women.

The importance of raising awareness about breast cancer goes far beyond statistics.

It is about honouring the courage of survivors, remembering those we have lost, and supporting ongoing research to better understand the disease and improve treatment options. It is about empowering individuals to take charge of their health through

early detection, regular screenings, and selfexaminations.

Knowledge is power, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides a pivotal opportunity to disseminate life-saving information.

Furthermore, Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the invaluable work being done by numerous organizations, advocates, a n d h e a l t h c a r e professionals.

Thes e heroes on the front lines of breast cancer research and patient s upport des erve recognition and support for their d e d i c a t i o n t o improving the lives of thos e affected by this disease.

This O ctober, let us encourage our readers to: Undergo Regular S c r e e n i n g s – Wo m e n and men should be a w a r e o f t h e importance of regular mammograms , clinical breas t exams , and s elfexaminations for early detection.

Support Organizations – Highlight the contributions of organizations like Susan G. Komen, the American C a n c e r S o c i e t y, a n d countless local groups that are committed to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support.

Share Stories – Encourage survivors, fighters, and families impacted by breast cancer to share their stories.

These personal accounts can provide hope, inspiration, and comfort to others facing similar challenges.

Participate in Fundraising Events – Promote local and national events that raise funds for research, treatment, and patient support.

Stay Informed – Regularly disseminate information about breast cancer prevention, treatment advancements, and patient resources.

Raising awareness for Breast Cancer Month is not limited to one month alone.

It is a continuous commitment to reducing the impact of breast c a n c e r i n o u r communities.

Let us work together as a society to ensure that women and men everywhere are educated about breast cancer and that resources are available to those in need.

As members of the c o m m u n i t y, i t i s o u r responsibility to unite in this fight against breast cancer. Together, we can make a difference by fostering knowledge, support, and hope.

Sincerely, Wayne Lyttle

DEAR MR. EDITOR, Statistics from the World Bank Group showed that one billion people experience some form of disability.

Rett syndrome is a very rare neurological disorder that affects brain development and functionality. More than 6,500 girls are born with Rett Syndrome each year.

That is over 17 girls, every single day. Rett syndrome is genetically caused by mutation in a gene located on the X chromosome. Babies with Rett syndrome are born after a normal pregnancy and delivery.

Most infants with Rett syndrome seem to grow and behave ordinarily for the first six months.

However, signs and symptoms start to appear after.

These symptoms are seizures, loss of speech, loss of motor skills, diminishing eye contact, breathing problems, wringing and washing of the hands and scoliosis.

For better understanding, the symptoms of Rett Syndrome is a combination of Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy and a variety of anxiety disorders.

Although there’s no cure

for Rett Syndrome, potential treatments are being studied.

Doctors can diagnose Rett by observing signs and symptoms at every stage of growth and development.

However, this is not possible in Guyana due to the lack of trained personnel and equipment in the health care institutions as well as the rarity of this disorder as it can often be misdiagnosed as Autism.

As a result, we were inspired and motivated to initiate an awareness campaign and non-profit organization – Precious Angels Charity – in efforts of spreading awareness and raising funds for the treatment of those who are silenced by this disorder.

The founder, Hadiyyah Mohamed, has initiated this organisation after being inspired by her niece who was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome.

If anyone has a relative or loved one experiencing peculiar signs and symptoms, be aware that help can be provided.

Please reach out to us on our social media platforms, which you can find on our w e b s i t e : www.preciousangels.com.

Although diagnosis and full treatment are not quite

present in Guyana for suspected cases of Rett Syndrome, it is definitely on our agenda.

Precious Angels Charity is 100% nonprofit and our aims surround raising funds which will go towards research to develop a cure and to aid those affected by this disability.

However, we cannot achieve our goals without your help.

We plead with you all to look at the greater cause and donate for the angels affected by Rett.

We h o s t y e a r l y fundraisers to raise money which will go towards further research, construction of the very first Rett Syndrome Clinic and Institution here in Guyana to care for, diagnose and screen Rett individuals.

October is Rett Syndrome Awareness Month and purple is the colour.

Ye s t e r d a y, S u n d a y October 29th, Precious Angels Charity held their 5th A n n u a l Aw a r e n e s s Campaign at MYO Woolford Avenue with an Awareness Walk and other activities.

Yours respectfully, Hadiyyah Mohamed Founder Precious Angels Charity

Kaieteur News

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Monday October 30, 2023

People march in support Mike Pence: Former US of Gaza as death toll Vice President withdraws surpasses 8,000 from 2024 presidential race

Supporters of the religious party Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen carry mock coffins during a protest against Israeli air strikes on Gaza, to show solidarity with Palestine, in Islamabad, Pakistan. [WK Yousafzai/AP Photo] (AL JAZEERA)Thousands of people including women and children gathered on Sunday in Islamabad for the largest pro-Palestine rally in Pakistan since Israel’s war on Gaza began this October.

Protests also happened in other cities across the world on Sunday as attendees expressed considerable anger at the perceived

inaction of the international community in stopping Israel’s bombardments.

Thousands of keffiyehclad demonstrators also turned up in Martyrs’ Square in central Beirut, Lebanon, showing solidarity with the Palestinians – especially those trapped in Gaza amid increasing tension on the Lebanon-Israel border, with Hezbollah fighters and the

Israeli military exchanging fire.

Police said more than 5,000 people have demonstrated in Athens, Greece, calling for an end to the massacre of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The cities of Casablanca, Morocco and Madrid, Spain also saw large numbers of people marching in support of Palestinians.

(BBC) - Former US Vice President Mike Pence has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race, saying “this is not my time”.

H e m a d e t h e announcement at the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas on Saturday afternoon.

“We always knew this would be an uphill battle, but I have no regrets,” he wrote in a statement.

Mr Pence is the first major Republican candidate to suspend his campaign in a race led by former President Donald Trump.

Mr Pence had languished in recent polls and had struggled to gain the support of Republican voters.

The former vice president’s campaign had also racked up large amounts of debt, with Mr Pence ending September owing $621,000 (£512,038) and having only US$1.2m (£989,446) in the bank significantly less than other Republican rivals.

“I am leaving this campaign, but I will never leave the fight for conservative values,” he wrote in a statement addressed to his supporters.

The 64-year-old lost the support of many Republican

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, with his wife Karen Pence, | AFP-JIJI

voters when he publicly broke with Mr Trump over the 6 January Capitol riot in 2021, and when he presided over the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 election results in Congress.

Mr Trump admonished Mr Pence for lacking “courage” when he refused to overturn the D e m o c r a t i c l e a d e r ’s election victory.

Some rioters were heard chanting “hang Mike Pence” as they stormed the halls of Congress in 2021, and since then many Trump loyalists have viewed him as a traitor.

The former vicepresident said in March that Mr Trump’s encouragement of the

rioters had “endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day”.

In his resignation, Mr Pence did not endorse any other Republican candidates for the presidential election.

But he called on Americans to choose a leader that “will ‘appeal to the better angels of our nature’ and not only lead us to victory but also lead our nation with civility and back to those timehonoured principles that have always made America strong, prosperous and free.”

Mr Pence’s decision to withdraw from the Republican presidential campaign came shortly before the third presidential debate on 8 November.

Fire left unattended is a criminal act DEAR EDITOR, It has to be pure foolishness and nonsense to light a garbage fire and allegedly leave it unattended and head out.

It is even more baffling, the fire was observed spreading and some remedial attempts were made but only to go off

napping (SN October 27) leaving the fire, again, unattended.

Now two houses have been destroyed, persons counting their losses and next move.

The acts of negligence and carelessness exhibited by both parties warrants condemnation.

All the warnings and advisories by the, GFS have gone unheeded in this case.

The lighting of fire and leaving it unattended ought to constitute a criminal act and must carry the attendant consequences.

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

President Ali needs to give orders...

From page 04 procedures to address this problem of missing contributions using remedies that are equitable and reasonable. And for those people way below the threshold of 750 contributions, use a formula to pay partial monthly benefits. Use a sliding scale. A better solution is revamping and modernizing the NIS operating on ideas from the 1960s.

We need the Government to reach deep down to its Jaganite roots where we care about the plight of the working people.

The NIS bureaucracy and Board come over as ruthless and callous.

There are not enough bad words to describe giving an 88-year-old man the run around for 28 years.

In the meanwhile, a group of concerned citizens are discussing the formation of a Civil Society “Advocates for Victims of NIS” group, to monitor that the President’s initiative stays on track, and that “NIS” is not a “SIN” against poor people.

More details to be provided.

Government should realize 60,000 people getting NIS is 10-12 seats.

‘Add in Old Age Pensioners and that’s additional seats.

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

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Kaieteur News

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Monday October 30, 2023

Kaieteur News

150 homes for young professionals at Linden O

ne-hundred and fifty medical personnel will benefit from young professional homes to be constructed at Plantation Y o r k o n t h e Soesdyke/Linden Highway, Region 10.

This was announced by President Irfaan Ali on Saturday during the commissioning ceremony of a new advanced x-ray machine at the Linden Hospital Complex.

Medical personnel,

including doctors, nurses, and medical technicians, who have applied for these homes, will benefit.

“Before the end of this year, those 150 plus who applied for young professionals, that we must have them prequalified and have the bank approve their loans.

“So, by the end of the first quarter of next year, they can have and move into the young professional homes right here in Region 10,” he said.

This initiative is part of the 1000 homes project that President Ali had promised for the people of Linden, with several homes already constructed under this initiative at Amelia's Ward.

Infrastructure work has already begun at the new Plantation York housing development, where the units will be constructed for the medical professionals and other young professionals.

Land clearing and other internal infrastructure works are underway.

This initiative, the president said is part of a programme aimed at ensuring healthcare workers own their own homes, thereby improving their livelihoods and creating opportunities for them to thrive.

“This is also an important part of the holistic development and holistic approach we have in enhancing the condition,

Land clearing has begun at Plantation York, Linden. (DPI) enhancing the livelihood, and improving the standard of living for every category, of workers,” the head of state said.

Over the past year and a half, healthcare providers have benefitted from salary adjustments ranging from 27 to 75 percent.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e government has provided opportunities for healthcare workers to receive training, enabling them to offer world-class services to the public.

Currently, more than 1,500 nurses are undergoing training nationwide, and

several doctors are pursuing postgraduate programmes in specialised areas.

President Ali stated that the government is working on building infrastructure to enhance capacity, aiming to train 3,000 nurses simultaneously across the country. (DPI)

Full Court reduces $3 million compensatory order against Kaieteur News for contempt of court The Full Court on Friday reduced a $3,000,000 compensatory order given to Kaieteur News after the publication was found liable of Contempt of Court in a matter related to libel of Republic Bank Guyana Limited.

Presiding Justices of the Full Court Navindra Singh and Priya Sewnarine Beharry reduced the sum after the publication through its attorney Shaunella Glen made an application for the reduction.

The lawyer noted that Kaieteur News' application for a reduction is in keeping with the legal guidelines used for calculating compensatory sums for acts of contempt.

As a result, the Full Court reduced the $3,000,000 compensation order to $1,250,000 which is in keeping with the legal parameters in such instances.

The contempt of court matter stems from a case brought by Republic Bank Guyana Limited against Kaieteur News when the bank sought compensatory damages in excess of $20M for libel published by the newspaper on the 6th January, 2016 and the 7th January, 2016.

Among other things, the

bank had sought aggravated damages, interest and an injunction restraining the defendants by themselves, their directors, servants and/or agents or otherwise from printing, circulating, distributing or otherwise publishing by any means including electronically the said libel or copies of the said articles.

As a result, Republic Bank through its lawyers, also filed an ex-parte application for interim injunction by way of an affidavit claiming an interim injunction restraining the defendants by themselves, their directors, servants and/or agents or otherwise from printing, circulating, distributing or otherwise publishing by any means including electronically, the said libel or copies or any articles containing the said libel.

Justice Nareshwar Harnanan granted that injunction on the 28th January, 2016.

A sealed and certified copy of the Order of the Court with a penal endorsement was served upon the Kaieteur News, its publisher Glenn Lall, and its then Editor-in-Chief, Adam Harris.

The bank submitted however, that the newspaper

fell into contempt of the court order when it continuously published on the internet the defamatory articles complained of in relation to the court matter.

The Bank said that the, “The defendants (Kaieteur News and its principals) have failed, refused and/or neglected to refrain from publishing on the internet the aforesaid articles and/or editions of the Kaieteur News in defiance of the said Order of Court.”

As such, when the court deliberated on accusation of contempt made against the newspaper by the bank, it was pointed out that the terms of the injunction were sufficiently clear, unambiguous, specific and certain and did not leave any room for misinterpretation of the order.

Additionally, the court found that the newspaper and its principles had proper notice of the terms of the injunction since they were all served with a copy of the said Order.

Further, the Court found that the continued publishing of the articles on the website, in the archives or otherwise, constituted a breach of the terms of the injunction and therefore the newspaper was liable of contempt.

Kaieteur News

Monday October 30, 2023

PAGE 09

We are still divided when it comes to protecting our national patrimony A protest action was called last week to demand the oil companies operating in the Stabroek Block surrender the 20% of its oil blocks in accordance with the law. Those carrying out the protest are fearful that if the oil companies are allowed to hold on to these blocks, they will use the time to survey the entire Stabroek Block and then to hand back to Guyana unproductive areas.

On the other hand, if Guyana reclaims its 20% of

the Stabroek Block, it can put the others to auction and earn billions of dollars in the process. That money can be used to double the salaries of public servants, nurses, teachers, and members of the disciplined services.

Even though the protest was poorly advertised, it did attract many vociferous protestors. It shows that the Guyanese people are aware of the many shortcomings and betrayals in the management of the oil and gas industry and that more of

them are willing to come forward and take a stand.

P r e s e n t l y, i f t h e government and the Opposition were to call on the citizenry to protest the acts of provocation by Venezuela, it would be the biggest protest in the history of the country. Tens of thousands of Guyanese are likely to turn out even though the threat of a Venezuelan invasion currently is remote because of the situation in that country.

Persons have asked how

DEM BOYS SEH

Poor people gat their own racing sport!

T

he people -rich and poor – are getting excited over the forthcoming highoctane extravaganza of car racing, a carbon-belching activity that attracts even those demanding a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Motor racing is on the upswing and dem boys can hear some folks even asking why we can’t have Formula 1 racing in Guyana. “It’s a rage around the world!”

But, my dear friends, have you seen our roads?

They’re like a perpetual Formula 1 race, complete with unexpected twists, turns, crashes, but with potholes instead of pit stops.

In some countries, Formula 1 races are held on circuit streets and closedoff city streets. But don’t

attempt that in Guyana!

However, our roads are used for another form of racing. As the sun rises on a Sunday morning, you can witness the great Guyanese tradition of “dray cart racing.” Yes, you heard it right – the grand assembly outside the Movietowne Mall, where the daring and the audacious gather to test who has the fastest dray cart horse.

The Sunday morning dray cart races attract a sizeable turnout. The gambling that takes place there would cause some casino owners to blush. The only problem is that the races are illegal, shhh!

Now, imagine this: an official, organized dray cart racing event, complete with closed-off lanes and even a “police presence” to make sure the races go smoothly. We could turn

this into a major tourist attraction. So why not regularize the Sunday morning races. Who needs carbon-spewing race cars when you can have ecofriendly dray carts?

But there is just one tiny hiccup to regularizing the dray cart races.

The racers are not your typical high-society speedsters.

They’re from the working class, the salt of the earth, the champions of the streets!

So, why not give the Prezzy a nudge, and demand he cuts the dray cart races some slack. Let’s have ourselves a “Dray Cart Derby” right here in our lovely city! It’s about time we show the world what we’re made of – wood, wheels, and, literally, horsepower!

Talk half. Leff half.

it is that Guyanese can be so united against Venezuela but so divided when it comes to the oil contract. They have pointed to the fact that booth situations are tied to oil.

Venezuela is raising the ante over its claim to Essequibo precisely because of the oil discoveries in the Stabroek Block which most Guyanese are now convinced was

handed to the oil companies through a lopsided and disadvantageous agreement.

It is a contradiction that Guyanese can rage against Venezuela’s claim to our national patrimony but refuse to do so against the oil companies that are raping this patrimony and shortchanging Guyana is the process.

(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

LALL

Monday Monday October May 02, 30,2022 2023

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Guyanese governance: The good, the indifferent and the inexplicable It was a pleasant surprise to read “So I am accepting that we probably dropped the ball too” (KN, October 27, 2023). The utterer of those words was none other than Vice President, Dr. Bharat Jagdeo, and the context was the so-called 'Great Escape' of Troy Resources with indebtedness of GY$2.6 billion owed to the Government and people of Guyana.

Accepting some responsibility is impressive, and I heartily thank and commend Dr. Jagdeo for his frank admission. This is leadership as it should be; it is the kind of governance attribute that not only impresses, but which could inspire when it becomes the norm. As I said myself in an invited comment to Stabroek News, there is no fear in being derided for incompetence, or falling down on the job, or a lapse in judgment, or momentary

negligence. Though none of that quartet of failures is pleasing, if any of such occurred, then there must be the honesty and the basic decency to own up to responsibility, hopefully temporary. It is clear that Dr. Jagdeo did so. I overlook the qualifier of “probably” and take his acknowledgement at face value. It could not have been an easy admission, given that it is over two and a half billion Guyana dollars that are now out of this country's grasp.

There is hard anger when I contemplate how much those billions could do for Guyanese experiencing great difficulty in coping with their lot in life at the bottom of the economic ladder. The waste of it all, the slipperiness of Troy Resources, the slackness of those standing over foreign entities like Troy Resources.

Think of this: the Australian company is not

some lone individual sneaking out of Guyana via some backtrack channel.

The question that stirs in me is whether the Great Escape of Troy Resources was executed by its own hand alone; or like that US$214 million Exxon audit, there are helpful Guyanese in the swamp. Guyanese in the right places, and who can make things happen, as in looking the other way.

Having said all of this, I insist that the PNC government also inflicted a costly injustice on Guyana's treasury and the Guyanese people. My thinking is that stopping shipments temporarily sends sharp signals about seriousness, plus it also brings the parties to the table, in furtherance of a fresh understanding on the way forward with royalty monies due. Certainly, the action taken by the Guyana Gold Board could be interpreted (and denounced)

as being overreach, and for which I take full responsibility. But it also furnished the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Guyana with some weaponry, no matter how paltry, to wring something out of Troy Resources. That that was not the case is to the regret and red-faced result of those in the last government that did not work this situation more aggressively, and a shade more advantageously to Guyana.

Like the Big Bossman Dr. Jagdeo was savvy enough to note and include in his mea culpa, there was that telling word “too”. It infers and plasters responsibility on both the old PNC and the present PPP Government, which I think is appropriate.

On a less than positive note, I absorb this development of a reprimand and 15 days of pay deducted from Mr. Bobby Gossai of the Ministry of Natural Resources and, more notoriously, of reconfigured Exxon Papers. I would like a deal such as that: giving up

half month pay for close to quarter of a billion (US$211 million) given up, but caught in the nick of time. I would like to know which mathematician (or economist) came up with this new injustice as just recompense for a massive injustice.

I can't help thinking that other slippery servants in Guyana, in both the public service and political realms, may now conclude that they have been incentivized to conspire and commit possible crimes. In other words, they have the assurance, a solid understanding, that big people have their backs, will do right by them. In the simplest construction: it pays to be the fall guy in Guyana, and with the right side in the commission of wrongdoing.

My advice to Guyanese is don't worry or cry for Bobby G; he will recoup that paper loss come other payout times, when his loyalty to a certain kind of duty is recalled. Why even Ambassador Alistair did put in a good word for poor Bobby.

In view of this development masquerading as so-called disciplinary action, Mr. Gossai gets an early Christmas in October, and not once but twice. In true masquerade fashion, he gets to prance and flounce with abandon from now to December 25th, as he himself gets to celebrate his great escape, like Troy Resources.

Suddenly, Guyana has transformed into Steve McQueen land. My frank take on this Exxon-gate matter is that Bobby Gossai is the wrong man fingered for the wrong crime, which is now compounded by the wrong penalty. I guess praise and thanks are due to a benevolent PPP Government for the timely and necessary, and the not so, ah, Catholic.

For those who don't like that selection, try kosher.

(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.)

UG should be reopened to face-to-face classes - Manickchand “So I think they need to open-up back,” Guyana's Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Wednesday evening the Education Minister told Kissoon while suggested that the University of Guyana adding that the university can still offer some (UG) should be re-opened for face-to-face courses online for persons who choose that method of learning. classes.

“So there is nothing wrong with having It has been almost three years since UG closed its doors to face-to-face classes, a some courses online but I think they need to decision which was made because of the open back,” Manickchand iterated.

Another reason given why UG COVID-19 pandemic. has not fully opened up back At the time, a majority of its was that it was conducting classes were held virtually repairs to its sewage and have remained that way system but according ever since. to the minister, those While noting that the rehabilitative works rest of the world has should have been opened-up their completed already. education institutions Since its closure for face-to-face at the beginning of the learning, Freddie pandemic, the Kissoon, one of the hosts Education Minister, university has invested o f t h e s h o w, a s k e d heavily in upgrading its Manickchand, why UG Priya Manickchand online capabilities and hadn't done the same. At the ironing out the constraints time, the minister made a guest students faced with accessing virtual appearance on the Gildarie-Freddie classes. show.

In August 2022, the university announced Manickchand in her response related that people have grown to like online learning that for the first time in its 59-year-old because it seems to be more convenient and history, it was able to offer students three attendance options. easier.

Those options included online, face-toNevertheless, she said she agrees that the tertiary institution should be opened for face- face or blended learning formats. On to- face classes because, “campus life is September 12 last year, UG began its indeed unique” and it can create a better education year and its traditional opening ceremony was held virtually. environment for learning.

Monday October 30, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Scores of Venezuelans deported from Essequibo Coast S

c o r e s o f Ve n e z u e l a n nationals were on Sunday deported by the authorities after entering the country illegally in an iron boat at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast on Saturday.

According to reports reaching Kaieteur News, close to one hundred Venezuelan nationals arrived in the boat on Saturday.

A joint operation by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), saw the

foreigners being detained upon their arrival. Kaieteur News learnt that the Venezuelans spent the night at the Anna Regina Fire Station and were flown back to the border in the GDF's Skyvan aircraft.

Chaos, however, erupted while the migrants were being transported to the Hampton Court aerodrome by bus, scenes were captured on video.

The Venezuelans jumped out of the windows of the moving bus at Anna Regina and ran away in a bid to

escape. They were all recaptured quickly. More videos surfaced subsequently on Sunday of more boat loads of Ve n e z u e l a n s b e i n g intercepted in the Essequibo River at Parika.

Some were intercepted during the night and in desperation, they plunged over board in an attempt to swim away from the police.

One of the foreigners, who was reportedly deported, made a video in the boat while they were being intercepted in the river by

Joint Services ranks.

The individual captioned the video, “Venezolanos en proceso de deportacion para Venezuela, Dios tome control (Venezuelans in the process of being deported to Ve n e z u e l a , G o d t a k e Control).

One of the migrants, a woman holding a child, could be heard saying that they, “spent five days in the water” as she pleaded with the authorities to let them stay.

“Necesitamos ayuda, tenemos unos niños y tienen

Monday October 30, 2023

Venezuelans arriving at Anna Regina

alergias, necesitan agua, necesitamos un lugar seguro.

No queremos regresar a Venezuela porque Venezuela no está en buenas condiciones ni para nosotros ni para los niños. Ayúdanos (We need help because we have children and they have allergies, they need water, we need a “safe place”, We don't want to return to Venezuela because Venezuela is not in a good condition not for us nor the children. Please help us),” she said.

In the past, Venezuelan

nationals would arrive and they are usually welcomed once they clear immigration through various ports-ofentry such as at Charity.

However, in recent weeks, many have been arriving at various locations along the Coastland.As tension between the Guyana and Venezuela continues over the latter country's claim of Essequibo, the government in Georgetown has been heightening measures to stem the flow of the foreigners who chose to arrive illegally.

Self-studied Guyanese tech consultant nd publishes 2 book Self-studied Guyanese tech consultant, Phillip Inshanally has achieved yet another feat.

The consultant, who is known for his work, published his 2nd book which was released in September. Inshanally told Kaieteur News that the 2nd book is an update of his first study guide module titled “CompTIA Linux+ Certification Guide” – this was released in 2018.

The second most recent book titled “CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 Reference Guide”- was released in September 2023.

Inshanally explained that the first book about US-based IT certification programme that information technology professionals would go after when they are in need of the LINUX operating system.

“This system is used by universities all around the world; its alternative to the Microsoft Windows operating system. The first book is exam preparation for the Comptia Linux certification which is globally accepted by IT students US, UK, and Asia.”

The IT professional told this publication that the objective of the book is to provide a simplified version of the study guide to students.

“I am self-studied and through my knowledge and experience, I believed I can offer students simpler concepts to the courses being taught by this US certified programme.”

He continued, “My books are a more real-world approach anybody interested in IT can pick up the book and read it and relate and understand. They don't need to do a lot about a particular.”

He said, “The 2nd book is a continuation or update to first given the US certification board added new topics the course.”

According to Inshanally, the US- based certificate programme offers IT professionals' opportunities in the global job market.

“There are many opportunities in IT. You (can) be hired as a computer programmer, a graphic developer, a network specialist and lots more.

Phone companies use the Linux environment in their systems,” the tech consultant added.

Inshanally is currently a consultant with over 22+ years in the IT/ICT/OT industry.

He is also among the first Guyanese IT authors to have written two US-based IT certification books.

Additionally, he is said to be the first Guyanese who created international IT training video courses for various companies such as computer platforms INE and Cybrary, to name a few. He is a Cisco Certified Internet work expert.

Guyanese tech consultant, Phillip Inshanally and his published IT study guides.

Kaieteur News

Monday October 30, 2023

PAGE 13

Jagdeo called Gold Board GM on Troy Resources US$7.2M payment, but failed to address Exxon's questionable expenses exposed in audit - Glenn Lall

P

ublisher and businessman, Glenn Lall, during his radio show, 'The Glenn Lall Show,' questioned Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo, priorities and the government's selective focus on certain financial matters.

Lall's primary point of contention is the situation involving Troy Resources, an Australian company that departed these shores without paying US$7.2 million in royalties owed to Guyana.

During his last press conference, Jagdeo seemingly accepted that his government is partly r e s p o n s i b l e f o r Tr o y Resources escaping with unpaid royalties.

Jagdeo was seeking to shift most of the blame for “the great escape” by Troy Resources with Guyana's cash on the previous David Granger-led administration.

The Vice President in response to a recent Stabroek News article headlined, 'PPP/C govt. fully to blame over unpaid Troy royalties', said that it's the coalition government that failed to collect the bulk of the $2.6B owed yo Guyana.

Jagdeo said that he learnt this after doing some digging

Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo and calling the General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, Eondrene Thompson for some clarity.

“So, she said to me in 2018, you had 5,639 ounces of gold in royalty that they should have paid, but did not pay.

That is equivalent to the value of US$7.2 million or a Guyana dollar value of 1.5 billion dollars. So that is the bulk of the money already made there in unpaid royalties in 2018”, the Vice President noted.

Jagdeo's commented while admitting that he only

called the General Manager of the Gold Board about the unpaid royalties which came under scrutiny by Lall during his programme on Friday night.

Addressing the Jagdeo's response, Lall raised questions about the Vice President's commitment to addressing more substantial financial irregularities.

Lall also expressed his dissatisfaction with how foreign companies like Troy Resources and ExxonMobil are given leeway to benefit at the expense of Guyana's resources.

Publisher and businessman, Glenn Lall He highlighted that these entities walked away with substantial profits, including the US$7.2 million royalty, and criticized the blameshifting to the Opposition.

Lall argued that while Jagdeo emphasized the money Troy Resources got away with, he downplayed the much larger amounts reportedly mishandled by ExxonMobil, highlighting instances where they used Guyana's profits for expenses unrelated to the nation's benefit.

In fact, he said, “Now I am sure all of ayuh missed

the most important words that came out that man's mouth just now.

Remember he said 30 minutes ago he called the General Manager for the Gold Board to find out that issue.

The auditors that checked Liza 1 and 2 bills found out that ExxonMobil spend our profits, half million US dollars a day to have drill ships stand by to work in Kaieteur and Canje oil blocks for months, wha nah got nothing to do with Guyana as yet - that figure must be 10 times wha Troy gone with.

Uncle, did Bharat Jagdeo call ExxonMobil? No.” Moreover, Lall called into question the priorities of the Vice President.

“Uncle, ExxonMobil spend US$58.5 million USD, 8 times of what Troy run away with of our profits on COVID expenses for them, flying in chartered private jets, did he call ExxonMobil about that?

A u n t y, ExxonMobil used Guyana's profits on Christmas cookout, Zumba and Yoga classes for the foreigners - did Jagdeo call ExxonMobil?”

Lall questioned.

Lall went on to state that the audit showed Exxon using money from Guyana oil resources to pay for like private drivers, and for Exxon employees' children to attend private school.

“ExxonMobil taking out US millions in VAT… did Bharat Jagdeo pick up he phone and call Exxon?

No, no uncle, he said Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the ministry gon deal with that.

But he can find time to call the Gold Board General Manager to find out about U S $ 7 . 2 m i l l i o n Tr o y Resources thief out from we,” Lall noted.

GGMC addresses miners' legal threat R

esponding to recent publications regarding the discontent of two Guyanese small-scale miners, Milton Brandford and Ayudhia Narain, who expressed intentions to initiate legal action against the Government of Guyana (GoG) due to the confiscation of their mining claims, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) said it has not issued claim licences to the miners.

The miners had invested significantly in their mining operations, and they claim to have received verification from the GGMC. However, they were dismayed when the GGMC seized their mining operations. Their legal representative, Siand Dhurjon, subsequently penned a letter to Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, and the GGMC, urging the processing of their 32 claim licenses.

In response, the GGMC emphasized that a clear and transparent process exists for the application and granting of mining

claims. The commission stated, "GGMC remains the sole entity responsible for the verification and issuance of claim licences.

The verification and issuance process includes field verification, intensive internal desk reviews and research, and secondary reviews by senior officers of the Commission, prior to making a final determination on an application for a claim licence."

The GGMC further clarified that the mere application and verification process do not guarantee the issuance of a licence.

It is only when a licence is granted that the process is considered complete.

In this case, the GGMC pointed out that Brandford and Narain had not been issued claim licences.

The GGMC highlighted the issuance of a Reservation Order under section 10 of the Mining Act, 1989, in March 2022, which was aimed at curbing illegal activities at the Troy Resources mining site.

The Reservation Order placed the area under the control of the GoG, due to substantial debts owed by

Troy Resources Guyana Inc. The government justified its actions as necessary for safeguarding the site's integrity.

Additionally, the GGMC clarified that once properties had been sold to TRGI, those claims were relinquished and no longer available for application.

According to reports, in a letter dated October 12, the local miners asserted their rightful possession of the 32 claims, citing their investments in prospecting and related work.

They claimed to have initiated the application process in June 2023, with successful verifications from the GGMC. Despite this, the GGMC had not issued their claim licences, and an order to remove them from the claim area was issued in July 2023.

The miners argued that, under the law, they had the right to work the ground on their claims until a decision was made regarding their licenses.

The miners contended that the GGMC's view that the lands were issued to a third party was inaccurate, as gazetted extracts provided by the miners indicated that the lands were abandoned and open for allocation since 2016.

The miners and their lawyer had meetings with government officials, including Bharrat, in early August 2023.

The Minister mentioned a

government decision to allow only large-scale mining in the area, which the miners found dissatisfactory.

A subsequent offer to settle the matter by offering them "any 5 of the 32 claims and 3 blocks in any closed area" was also met with dissatisfaction.

The miners later learned of an order published in the Official Gazette on August 8, 2023, which restricted their mining activities.

They have demanded that their 32 claim licences be processed, the ministerial order be withdrawn, the GGMC's removal order be rescinded, and no interference with their claim properties or mining rights take place within 10 days.

If not, they are prepared to initiate administrative proceedings in the Supreme Court.

The local miners are steadfast in their pursuit of recognition for their legitimate claims and investments and are determined to challenge any actions they consider to be against their rights.

PAGE 14

Monday October 30, 2023

Kaieteur News

Thousands participate in Pinktober walk/run O n S u n d a y, 1 0 , 0 0 0 participants took the streets of Georgetown to walk/run in solidarity with those fighting cancer, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) said.

According to the telecommunications company, the participants assembled at the Everest Cricket Ground headed south along Camp Street, east into Church Street, north into Vlissingen Road, west into Lamaha Street, and finally, north into Camp Street.

Dressed in pink, the participants returned to the Everest ground to conclude the walk/run where a health fair was held. They were then entertained by performances by several top DJs and singers, GTT said.

The health fair offered a wide range of essential medical services

such as blood pressure testing, screening, dental care and more, while among the performers were Omaiah Hall, Big Red, DJ Pressure T, Mix Master Toney, FAME Band and other local stars.

GTT said the event was a testament to the power of collaboration with the company and the Ministry of Health, the Champions of Hope NGOs, and the more than 100 companies who participated, showing a shared commitment to raising awareness about cancer and making a positive impact in the country.

Chief Commercial Officer of GTT, Kerchelle Jn Charles, said that it was heartening to witness the meaningful impact of the event on the lives of thousands of Guyanese.

“Many persons walked in honour of family members they

Thousands of participants painted the streets 'pink' as they walked through the streets of Georgetown on Sunday. (Photo: GTT)

lost to cancer, we also had cancer survivors, cancer support organizations, corporate Guyana, popular influencers and persons from all walks of life coming together with a common purpose, and that signals to me that we are closer to the goal we are trying to reach and we want to thank everyone for their involvement”.

Charles said that the company will soon disclose information on the success of the entire campaign, including how much money was raised for the cause, before making donations to several cancer support organizations and the Ministry of Health.

GTT said it awarded several exciting prizes to participants on

Sunday including an iPhone 15 and vouchers for brunch at Starbucks.

The event was an overwhelming success, illustrating the strength of collaboration, community engagement, and the collective drive to make a difference, GTT said.

Superbet cashier, two others arrested for scamming ATMs A Superbet cashier is among three persons who were arrested on Sunday for allegedly scamming several Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) machines in the city.

Police identified the cashier as Akashmati Ramnaraine, 37, of Coldingen, East Coast Demerara (ECD) while her accomplices were Bhojnarine Gopaul, called 'Sandeep,' a 37-year-old technician of Coldingen, ECD and Tulsie Rampersaud, a 26-year-old welder of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Detectives had them under surveillance and at around 00:15, they were nabbed.

Police had received a report that the trio was targeting ATM machines of several commercial banks.

The cops on Sunday trailed them to a Citizen Bank's ATM machine at Giftland Mall. There, police saw Tulsie Rampersaud stepping out of the car dressed in a black 'hoodie' and red short pants. He went into the ATM and spent about 40 seconds before returning to the car. After leaving the mall, the trio went to another C i t i z e n B a n k ' s AT M

Goed Fortuin businessman nabbed with illegal gun, ammo

Akashmati Ramnaraine

Nabbed with illegal gun, ammo, Luis Moreno.

Tulsie Rampersaud machine, which is located at OMG on Sheriff Street, where Rampersaud repeated his action.

Police then made their move and intercepted the car in which the occupants were travelling. A search was conducted and the ranks found the group with four debit cards, a Bank of America Visa Debit Card, o n e N e w Yo r k S t a t e Medicaid Recipient Card, and two blank cards.

They were all taken into police custody.

Bhojnarine Gopaul

A Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara (WBD) businessman identified as 34-year-old Luis Moreno was on Sunday nabbed with an unlicensed firearm and a box of 9MM ammunition.

Police said that around 00:30hrs on Sunday, ranks went to School Street, Goed Fortuin, and saw Moreno standing in his yard.

One of the ranks told Moreno that they suspect he has an unlicensed firearm on his premises.

He gave the ranks permission to search his

home and nothing illegal was found on Moreno. However, when the lawmen proceeded to the upper flat of his two-storey house, they found a .38 revolver with the serial number filed off and six (6) live matching rounds of ammunition inside a barrel with clothes.

Police also found a small black rectangular box which contained 65 live 9mm rounds of ammunition and one black 9mm magazine.

Moreno told the cops that the ammunition belongs to him but the gun is not his.

Investigations are ongoing.

Kaieteur News

Monday October 30, 2023

PAGE 15

Thousands break into aid warehouses in Gaza as deaths top 8,000 Palestinian mourners carry the body of their relatives killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, in Khan Younis, Sunday, October 29, 2023. (Photo: AP)

(AP) — Thousands of people broke into aid warehouses in Gaza to take flour and basic hygiene products, a UN agency said Sunday, in a mark of growing desperation three weeks into the war between Israel and Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers.

Tanks and infantry pushed into Gaza over the weekend as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a “second stage” in the war, which was ignited by Hamas’ brutal October 7 incursion into Israel. Israel also pounded the territory from air, land and sea.

Gaza’s Health Ministry said the death toll among Palestinians has passed 8,000 — mostly women and minors. It’s a toll without precedent in decades of Israeli-Palestinian violence.

Over 1,400 people have died on the Israeli side, mainly civilians killed during the initial Hamas onslaught.

Communications were restored to much of Gaza early Sunday after a bombardment described by residents as the most intense of the war knocked out most contact with the territory late

F r i d a y. T h e b e s i e g e d enclave’s 2.3 million people were largely cut off from the world.

In other developments, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court visited the Rafah border crossing, which is Gaza’s only connection to Egypt.

During the visit on Saturday, Karim Khan was briefed on the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes to the Palestinian side, according to a senior Egyptian official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief media.

Khan’s office has opened an investigation into potential war crimes by Israel in Gaza in the 2014 war.

The Israeli military said Sunday it had struck over 450 militant targets over the past 24 hours, including Hamas command centers and anti-tank missile launching positions. It said ground forces killed a number of Hamas militants as they exited a tunnel near the Erez crossing, which had been the sole pedestrian passageway into Israel before it was destroyed in the fighting.

Military officials

circulated footage showing tanks and troops operating in open areas and bulldozers clearing mountains of debris.

The Hamas military wing said its militants clashed with Israeli troops who entered the northwest Gaza Strip with small arms and anti-tank missiles.

The warehouse break-ins were “a worrying sign that civil order is starting to break down after three weeks of war and a tight siege on Gaza,” said Thomas White, Gaza director for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, known as U N RWA . “ P e o p l e a r e scared, frustrated and desperate.”

UNRWA provides basic services to hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza.

Its schools across the territory have been transformed into packed shelters housing Palestinians displaced by the conflict.

Israel has allowed only a small trickle of aid to enter from Egypt.

J u l i e t t e To u m a , a spokesperson for the agency, said the crowds broke into four facilities on Saturday.

She said the warehouses did not contain any fuel. It has

been in critically short supply since Israel cut off all shipments after the start of the war, saying Hamas would use it for military purposes.

One warehouse held 80 tons of food, the UN World Food Program said in a statement. The agency also said at least 40 of its trucks need to cross into Gaza daily to meet growing needs there.

Israeli authorities said Sunday that they would soon allow more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, though details remained unclear.

Elad Goren, the head of civil affairs of COGAT, the Israeli defense body responsible for Palestinian

civilian affairs, said Israel had established a “humanitarian zone” near the southern city of Khan Younis and recommended that Palestinians flee there.

But he provided no details on the exact location or how much aid would be available. He also said Israel has opened two water lines in southern Gaza within the past week. The AP could not independently verify that either line was functioning.

Meanwhile, residents living near Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest, said Israeli airstrikes overnight hit near the hospital complex and blocked many roads leading to it. Israel accuses Hamas of

having a secret command post beneath the hospital but has not provided much evidence. Hamas denies the allegations.

Tens of thousands of civilians are sheltering in Shifa, which is also packed with wounded patients.

“Reaching the hospital has become increasingly difficult,” Mahmoud alSawah, who is sheltering in the hospital, said over the phone. “It seems they want to cut off the area.” Another Gaza City resident, Abdallah Sayed, said the Israeli bombing over the past two days was “the most violent and intense” since the war started.

Palestine Red Crescent says Israel orders evacuation of al-Quds Hospital (AL JAZEERA)- The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) on Sunday said it has received “serious threats” from Israeli forces to “immediately evacuate” the al-Quds Hospital in Gaza as it is “going to be bombed”.

The hospital, located in the Tal al-Hawa area of Gaza City, said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, that “since this morning, there have been bombs dropping 50 metres from the hospital”.

The threat comes as Israel has bombed several hospitals in the besieged Gaza Strip enclave, which has been under intense attacks for the past three weeks that have killed more than 8,000 people, mostly women and children.

Palestinians have also blamed Israel for the explosion at al-Ahli Arab Hospital on October 17 that killed nearly 500 people,

Al-Quds Hospital in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood in Gaza City. (Photo: WAFA)

many of them displaced Palestinians. Israel has denied its role in the explosion.

The PRCS has reported that the hospital is currently providing care to hundreds of injured patients, including those in intensive care units and newborns in incubators.

Around 12,000 unarmed displaced civilians, with a majority being children and

women, have also sought refuge in the hospital building.

WHO chief raises concerns The hospital also accommodates PRCS personnel, operating rooms, and ambulance crews who are tirelessly serving hundreds of thousands of citizens in the northern Gaza Strip.

The United Nations

health agency chief has also expressed concerns about the Israeli threats.

“We reiterate – it’s impossible to evacuate hospitals full of patients without endangering their lives,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director of t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization (WHO), said on X. While warnings from

Israel to bomb this hospital have intensified over the past week, Al Jazeera has obtained exclusive aerial photographs of the al-Quds Hospital, taken just hours after it received the most recent threat of Israeli air strikes.

The aerial scenes depict a significant gathering of displaced individuals seeking refuge in the h o s p i t a l ’s c o u r t y a r d s .

Hundreds of citizens have flocked to the hospital as it continues to admit victims of the ongoing Israeli bombardment in Gaza.

The pictures also reveal the presence of ambulances and the preparedness of medical teams stationed at the hospital entrance.

Ground operations expanded Meanwhile, as Israel’s ground forces have expanded their operations in Gaza, bombings around

hospitals have intensified.

On Friday after Gaza experienced a near-total telecommunications blackout, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, said the Israeli military spokesperson had distributed a map asserting that the al-Shifa Hospital was the headquarters of Hamas’s leadership.

“Hamas denied this … and at about 7pm local time, a major attack by sea and land took place, concentrated on the northern part of the Gaza Strip, around the vicinity of alShifa Hospital,” Mahmoud said on Saturday.

Al Jazeera has also obtained exclusive footage of the latest attacks to have hit next to al-Shifa Hospital and the Indonesian Hospital.

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Kaieteur News

Monday October 30, 2023

Monday October 30, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Monday October 30, 2023

Kaieteur News

Crackdown on unregistered – $1.5M seized, $10M pharmaceuticals under quarantine WANTED

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(TRINIDAD GUARD IAN)- The seizure and quarantining of millions of dollars worth of unregistered pharmaceuticals at the warehouse of a cosmetics company in Trincity on Friday has triggered further investigations as officials move to crack down on the sale of expired and unregistered drugs at pharmacies across the country.

Police seized $1.5 million Commissioner of Police ErlaHarewoodChristopherPhoto courtesy: TTPS

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worth of unregistered pharmaceuticals while $10 million more has been put under quarantine. In a release yesterday, Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher praised the efforts of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) MultiAgency Task Force (MATF) which was credited for investigating several reports about the sale of unregistered and expired drugs throughout the country.

Included in the seizure were 14,227 unregistered pharmaceutical items valued at over $1.5 million which are not allowed to be sold in T&T. Operation Windsor was planned and executed in conjunction with the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division (CFDD), Ministry of Health, to investigate reports from the public.

Although the TTPS did not say when the investigation began, documented information from the CFDD indicated that “many pharmacies have breached the Food and Drug Act, Chapter 30:01”.

The cosmetic company was listed as one of the companies in which unregistered pharmaceuticals were found at its various locations. Food and Drug inspectors visited their warehouse at Tissue Drive, Trincity Industrial Estate, around midday on Friday and ordered that the pharmaceutical section of the warehouse be placed under immediate quarantine owing to the lack of a Pharmaceutical Wholesale Licence or a licenced pharmacist for the site. The TTPS said that during Friday’s visit officers were met by a director of the company and a warehouse manager. Following an inspection of the warehouse for

pharmaceutical items stored at the location, CFDD inspectors along with ASP Haynes asked for certain documentation and information.

During the exercise, CFDD inspectors found several breaches of the Food and Drug Act Chapter 30:01.

“The inspectors also immediately seized 14,227 pharmaceutical items, which were found to be unregistered and therefore not allowed to be sold in Trinidad and Tobago.

These items were estimated to be valued at over $1.5 million. The items quarantined at the warehouse were estimated to be valued at over $10 million.” Seizure notices were issued to the warehouse manager and the warehouse area was secured and ordered sealed by the CFDD inspectors. The seized items were taken to the Chemistry Food and Drugs Laboratory Building, Frederick Street, Port-ofSpain, for safekeeping and further investigation.

The CoP assured that the MATF will continue to investigate reports to identify the origin of unregistered pharmaceutical items entering the country.

Enforcement at pharmacies started 3 months ago— Pharmacy Board Contacted for comment on the multi-million dollar seizure, Pharmacy Board president Clinton Sahadeo said he could not give any definitive statements as they had not been notified if the pharmaceuticals seized had been listed.

However, he said, “I have been wary of what seizures have been taking place. The Ministry of Health is the one with the authority to seize anything that is not registered for sale in T&T, and the CFDD comes under them.”

Asked whether the Board was aware of unregistered or expired drugs being sold in the country, Sahadeo said they were not aware.

He added, “We have asked pharmacists to notify the Board of what the Food and Drug had seized from their pharmacies. This thing started a long time ago and so far, we have gotten no responses from any pharmacies.”Sahadeo said seizures started approximately three months ago when “they had started checking on pharmacies, and they did seize one or two things but the Pharmacy Board Society had made a statement with respect to expired things because really and truly, you are going to find expired things in a pharmacy.”

He said they have since advised owners and operators of pharmacies to “list all expired things in a book, put them in a box, and mark expired stuff on it”.

Sahadeo explained that expired pharmaceuticals could not just be dumped in the garbage as approvals had to be obtained from the MOH for disposal of items such as antibiotics, narcotics, and controlled drugs. “They have to get it written off the books,” he said. Asked if expired pharmaceuticals could end up being sold under the counter at a cheaper price instead of being marked for disposal, Sahadeo said, “Honestly and truly, it boils down to ethics. There are unscrupulous people who will want to sell things. The majority of pharmacies I know are following the rules with expired stuff. “We have been inspecting pharmacies from the Council of the Pharmacy Board and we have been dealing with that issue of expired drugs and they all understand that expired stuff is not to be sold.”

In a nationwide crackdown on the sale of unregistered drugs, the Food and Drug Division confiscated several drugs, including vitamins, from over 40 pharmacies across T&T in August. The value of the drugs seized was estimated at $.5 million.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Kaieteur News

Monday October 30, 2023

PAGE 19

Chenapau residents clash with police over mining at Kaieteur National Park Dozens of women were among the protestors at the mining site on Sunday.

...“this is where we get our daily bread from”- village leader says Dozens of residents of the Chenupau, a village within the Kaieteur National Park (KNP), clashed with police on Saturday after the lawmen told them to leave their mining operations within the protected area.

According to reports, several police ranks, accompanied by the chief warden of the parks and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) descended on the community on Saturday and told the residents that they are mining within the protected area, and they must leave the site or face legal consequences.

The police were said to be acting on instructions passed by the GGMC and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

To s h a o o f C h e n a p a u , Standford John told Kaieteur News yesterday that the villagers were granted permission by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Natural Resources to mine within the buffer zone which he noted is approximately one kilometer from the boundary line of the village.

According to the residents, they are working within an area which was identified by the GGMC following a survey.

Following a skirmish with the authorities in 2017, the villagers had met with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the GGMC and were given a map of areas where they can work.

The residents staged a protest on Saturday, soon after they met with the police and GGMC officials. They also staged a protest at the mining site on Sunday.

John said the chief warden of the KNP met with the residents on Sunday but he noted that the situation remains unresolved.

“Nothing was resolved at the

meeting. The chief warden said if we don't move, they will send for more forces to move us out from there,” he said.He said the residents do not plan to move from the area and he noted that today, the villagers will return to the mining site. “We will wait and we really want to see the outcome because we do not plan to move,” he said.

“We didn't get no satisfaction from what he said,” the villager leader said of the meeting with the chief warden.

“He said if we don't move, it will be like a repeat of 2017, but I said to him that we are closer to home, because last year they try to move us from another area and we did not move because we know our rights,” he noted.

John said the area where the residents are carrying out their mining activities is closer to the village and he noted that he attempted to explain this to the KNP warden. “But he don't understand, he asking me if I know where is the buffer zone, where the boundary fall for the national park, so I asked him why he asking me that, it should be the other way around, because I was born and I grow here so I know where the boundary lines fall,” John noted.

On Saturday, the police were accompanied by a group of labourers who the village leader said will assist the GGMC in removing their equipment. “They are intimidating us, this is where we get our daily bread,” he said.

The villagers noted that they met with Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai during an event at Mahdia recently and the issue was raised with the ministers. They said the government officials told them that they can mine in the area.

“We didn't sign to anything but we told them about the issue and they said we can mine there,” he said.

In May 2017, the police arrested and charged 20 people from Chenapau for illegally mining within the KNP. “It has been decided that as an act of good faith Government will not prosecute the charges against the more than 20 persons arrested on Sunday May 28, 2017 for mining within the iconic Kaieteur National Park,” the Ministry of Natural Resources said in a statement at the time.The charges were dropped after the ministry met with the GGMC and several other government agencies.

At the time, the National Toshaos Council (NTC) had criticized the arrests, noting that the park's boundaries were extended in 1999 without the consultation of residents of the area.

One of the protestors at the mining site near Chenapau on Sunday.

A screen grab of several armed police ranks at the village of Chenapau on Saturday.

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Kaieteur News

Monday October 30, 2023

Monday October 30, 2023

Kaieteur News

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WTA Elite Trophy: Maia beats Qinwen for biggest title of career (BBC Sport) - Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia held off Zheng Qinwen to win the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, China on Sunday.

The world number 19 took two hours and 51 minutes to beat China’s Zheng 7-6 (1311) 7-6 (7-4) and claim the biggest victory of her career.

It is Haddad Maia’s first title above WTA 250 level and her third overall.

Elsewhere, Britain’s Joe Salisbury and his American partner Rajeev Ram won the Vienna Open doubles final by beating Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow.

The WTA Elite Trophy is a season-ending event for players ranked between ninth and 19th, with those ranked higher competing in the WTA Finals.

Haddad Maia will move up to at least 11th in the world rankings following the WTA Finals, which get under way in Cancun later on Sunday.

The Brazilian also has the chance to get her hands on another trophy as she joins up with Russian partner Veronika Kudermetova to face second-seeded pair Miyu Kato of Japan and Indonesia’s Aldila Sutjiadi in the doubles final.

In an 86-minute first set, Haddad Maia missed three set points in the tie-break before claiming the opener.

Zheng dropped serve first in the second, but the 21-yearold was roared on by her home crowd and levelled the scores at 3-3 - only to lose serve in the next game.

With Haddad Maia

serving for the title, the world number 18 again fought back to level at 5-5 and came within two points of taking the second set after racing to a 30-0 lead on the Brazilian’s serve at 6-5.

However, Haddad Maia’s serve proved stronger in the tie-break as she sent down three service winners - the last on her second championship point.

In Vienna, second seeds Salisbury and Ram won 6-4 75 12-10 against US duo Lammons and Withrow.

It is the pair’s first title together since winning the US Open - their third in a row - in September.

Sinner beats Medvedev & Auger-Aliassime triumphs Italian world number four Jannik Sinner claimed victory

Monday October 30, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Sometimes, it's amazing to see how your relationships can spin so easily out of control, Aries. Today you may have to deal with a lot of tension within your group.

You'll almost feel as if no one understands the situation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) As the dawn of another quiet and peaceful day appears, Libra, you will be in the best disposition to observe and appreciate the lightness of things. Life can seem so beautiful on some days.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You sometimes have difficulty making up your mind. You don't always know exactly what you want.

Today, Taurus, you'll be at peace with yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You will find a clean page on the agenda today, Scorpio.

You should try to think only about yourself. This will allow you to meditate about your life and be at peace with yourself. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You will wake up today on cloud nine, Sagittarius. Your morale is at a peak. You will feel totally free and be able to clearly perceive the essentials of life.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Sometimes we all feel a little lost, Gemini. We often want to move mountains and use all our energy and enthusiasm to try to do so.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You have a natural ability to accomplish a great deal rather easily, Cancer. But today you may feel snowed under with projects. Things around you might be moving quickly.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your day has finally come, Leo. You have your own vision of life and you like sharing it with others. You're far from thinking that you're any sort of new messiah.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Today you'll have the strange feeling that something is floating in the air.

The time is right to try to understand the different needs of your family circle.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The The astral energy will have you reminiscing all day long over childhood memories, Capricorn. These memories will take you to the houses and places where you were raised.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You love interacting with people others might consider eccentric. You can't help it. You're simply attracted to them. You will probably encounter one of these people today, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You have always tried to build up your health using traditional methods, and you take great care of yourself.

over Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (97) 4-6 6-3 in the Vienna Open final.

Sinner, 22, hung on to clinch a first set tie-break after Russia’s Medvedev failed to take a set point in the 12th game - and again when leading the tie-break 6-5.

But US Open runner-up Medvedev forced a decider after going a double break up in the second set.

Sinner, having eventually taken his ninth break point in an marathon fourth game, broke again two games later after an immediate response from Medvedev, allowing the Wimbledon semi-finalist to serve out victory for his fourth hard court title of the season.

Canadian Felix AugerAliassime successfully defended his Swiss Indoors title by edging through successive tie-breaks against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5).

With neither player able to break the opponent’s serve, 23-year-old Auger-Aliassime took the final four points in the first tie-break and closed out victory by winning the final three points in the second breaker after trailing 5-4.

The final lasted two hours and 51 minutes, making it the longest tour-level straight-sets match of the season.

(Getty Images)

Kaieteur News

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Monday October 30, 2023

ICC World Cup 2023: England beaten by India in latest capitulation (BBC Sport) - England’s m i s e r a b l e Wo r l d C u p campaign slumped further as they collapsed to a 100-run defeat by hosts India in Lucknow.

Chasing 230 on a tricky pitch, the defending champions were bowled out for 129 amid raucous home support in their latest batting capitulation.

It is their fourth defeat in succession in India and their fifth overall - the first time they have lost five times at a World Cup. After a steady England start, Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Dawid Malan and Joe Root in consecutive deliveries to ignite the crowd and spark a horrible collapse of four wickets for nine runs in 27 balls. All 10 wickets went for just 99 runs.

Ben Stokes, like Root, was out for a duck.

He struggled for nine balls before being bowled playing an ugly slog to Mohammed Shami, who also knocked over Jonny Bairstow for 14 via an inside edge.

England had earlier been much improved with the ball in keeping to India to a score that looked just below par.

Rohit Sharma scored a composed 87 from 101 but D a v i d Wi l l e y ’s 3 - 4 5 , including Virat Kohli for nought, kept India’s starstudded batting line-up in check. The results sends the unbeaten hosts back to the top of the table. They have also all but secured a semifinal spot. England, meanwhile, are bottom and while they are still not mathematically out of the competition, it is a matter of when not if they are eliminated. Only the top seven teams at this tournament will join hosts Pakistan in the Champions Trophy in 2025, so England have work to do to make that.

Unlike their previous defeats, England played well for more than half of this game, but those losses have sapped all of the confidence of a once great batting lineup.

India’s bowling was superb and the pitch not easy.

There was turn and uneven bounce and England’s top order fell lack a pack of cards after Malan played on to Bumrah.

Root emerged to a cauldron of noise, horns blaring and Indian flags

waving, and missed a straight ball. He reviewed and thought a slight spike on the review system was an inside edge but the third umpire disagreed.

Stokes was beaten four times by Shami before swinging across the line and having his stumps splattered.

Captain Jos Buttler was bowled by a ripper from wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav while Moeen Ali nicked off on 15 to become Shami’s third victim. Liam Livingstone was the highest scorer with 27.

It is the fourth time in a row England have been bowled out in this competition and they are getting worse.

Against Afghanistan they made 215, against South Africa 170, Sri Lanka 156 and now in Lucknow 129. The decisive blow could now come on Saturday at the hands of old rivals Australia in Ahmedabad.

A bowling performance wasted England had put in their best performance in India so far - eight days after conceding 399 against South Africa, their most expensive bowling effort in 50-over

Ben Stokes ran out of patience against a searing Mohammed Shami. (Getty Images)

cricket. Willey set the tone by beginning with a maiden.

When Rohit struck two sixes and a four in his next over England did not panic.

C h r i s Wo a k e s h a s struggled throughout this tournament but he struck first by bowling Shubman Gill through the gate. He bowled seven overs on the spin for 2-23 - he also had Shreyas Iyer caught topedging a pull for four having taken 1-113 across his previous four new-ball

efforts.

Willey was the pick. He celebrated wildly when Kohli tried to hit him back over his head but was caught at cover.

Crucially, Rohit and KL Rahul led a rebuild. They batted carefully, something that currently looks beyond England, for a partnership of 91.

But as they started to open their arms, Willey ended the stand with the second ball of his comeback

spell as Rahul miscued the left-armer to mid-on.

Adil Rashid ended Rohit’s stay with a googly that was miscued to cover and Willey provided another crucial breakthrough by having Suryakumar caught at deep cover, just as he threatened a big finish with 49 from 47 balls.

Still, the effort was not enough with England’s batters folding yet again in a tournament that cannot end quickly enough.

Haaland and Foden score as Man City beat Man Utd (BBC Sport) Manchester City cruised past Manchester United with embarrassing ease in the derby at Old Trafford to emphasise the vast gulf between the two sides.

Erling Haaland was the main tormentor with goals in each half before setting up a third for Phil Foden as Pep Guardiola’s side established superiority from the kick-off and rarely looked like relinquishing control.

There were poignant scenes before the start as supporters from both sides of Manchester’s footballing divide joined to pay tribute to the late Sir Bobby Charlton.

For manager Erik ten Hag and his players, the match that followed was one to forget.

Haaland put City ahead from the penalty spot after 26 minutes when Rasmus Hojlund was penalised for dragging down Rodri following the intervention of the video assistant referee.

Erling Haaland played a pivotal role in a Manchester Derby win once again. (Getty Images)

United keeper Andre Onana produced a brilliant save to deny Haaland a second from a far-post header on the stroke of halftime but the striker did not have to wait long to double City’s lead from an almost identical situation four

minutes after the break, Bernardo Silva delivering a perfect cross.

City keeper Ederson also excelled to save from Scott McTominay before halftime but City wrapped up this most convincing victory when Haaland set up the

easiest of chances for Foden 10 minutes from time.

Liverpool show support for Ruiz in Forest win L i v e r p o o l ’s p l a y e r s showed their support to absent team-mate Luis Diaz during a comfortable win over Nottingham Forest at

Anfield.

Diaz missed the match following reports his parents had been kidnapped in Colombia, with officials still searching for the winger’s missing father after his mother was rescued.

Diogo Jota, surrounded

by his team-mates, held up the Colombia winger’s shirt after firing the Reds into a 31st-minute lead when Matt Tu r n e r t u r n e d D a r w i n Nunez’s attempt into the Portuguese forward’s path.

Liverpool were dominant and Uruguay striker Nunez doubled the advantage four minutes later with his sixth club goal of the campaign after a cutback by Dominik Szoboszlai.

Forest’s miserable day was complete when Turner and substitute Harry Toffolo got in a tangle, allowing Mohamed Salah to become only the third player in the club’s history to score in each of the opening five home league matches of a season.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are three points behind leaders Tottenham, while Forest, who failed to seriously test Liverpool keeper Alisson, are 16th, five points above the relegation zone after a fourth defeat in six away games this season.

Kaieteur News

Monday October 30, 2023

PAGE 23

Concacaf W Road to Gold Cup 2023…

Lady Jags edge Suriname 1 - 0 …Guyana one step to Women’s Gold Cup playoffs

By Rawle Toney The Lady Jags are dominating Group A in League B of the Concacaf Wo m e n ’s G o l d C u p Qualifier, solidifying their position at the top with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Suriname in Paramaribo last night.

The scene was set at the Dr. Franklin Essed Stadium as Guyana claimed their second win over Suriname in the qualifiers, replicating their previous 1-0 result last Wednesday.

The latest victory marks Guyana’s third win in the Gold Cup qualifier, amassing an impressive nine points from four games played, with the side’s only blemish being a 1-2 loss to Antigua and Barbuda at the start of their campaign.

Suriname’s six points following two wins against

Dominica (4-0) and Antigua and Barbuda (1-0), puts them in second in Group A behind Guyana.

The hero of the evening was Otisha Charles, whose 24thminute goal proved to be the game-changer for Guyana.

Charles’ goal not only secured a crucial victory but also propelled Guyana one step closer to the preliminary round of the Wo m e n ’s G o l d C u p qualifier next year.

Looking ahead, the Lady Jags are set to face Dominica on November 29, where a win would not only solidify their position at the top of the group but also secure their ticket for the February 17 playoffs.

The qualification round for Guyana will conclude with a home game against Antigua and Barbuda on December 3.

The Lady Jags have firmly taken control of their Group with their second consecutive victory against Suriname

CWI CG United Super50 Cup...

WI Women A win Rutherford, spinners lead Harpy again to clinch series Eagles to 56-run win over Barbados 2-1 over Pakistan G

(SportsMax) - A half-century from Djenaba Joseph and career-best bowling figures from Jahzara Claxton proved instrumental in the West Indies Women A’s three-wicket win over Pakistan that ensured a 2-1 series victory on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 163 for victory after Pakistan Women A were bowled out for 162 in 44.2 overs, West Indies Women A scored 164-7 from 44.5 overs.

Batting first, Pakistan Women A succumbed to the wily spin of Claxton, who snared 4-19, an outstanding return for a player relatively new to the game. Sidra led all scorers for Pakistan with 27 with contributions of 23, 22 and 21 from Anohsa Nasir, Shawaal Zulfiqar and Eyman Fatima, respectively.

Sheneta Grimmond (2-40) and Zaida James (2-25) were also key players in the WIW A’s bowling effort.

Gajnabi’s 51 laid the foundation for the WIW A’s chase, even though the Caribbean women lost wickets regularly as Rameen Shamim (4-13) and Saima Malik (2-38) produced yeoman efforts to secure victory for the hosts.

However, key knocks of 37 from Shunelle Sawh and 24 Shabika Gajnabi help steer the West Indies Women towards the seriesclinching victory. Cherry Ann Fraser’s 18 runs also proved crucial for the tourists.

Djenaba Joseph (Photo: CWI)

udakesh Motie and Kevin Sinclair put on a spin clinic to help Guyana Harpy Eagles shoot to a 56 run win over Barbados Pride during yesterday’s exciting battle at the Sir Frank Worrell Ground.

What ended up being a low-scoring match after the Eagles were bowled out of 202 in 46.3 overs batting first, turned out to be a highly-competitive match.

Power-hitter Sherfane Rutherford scored his 2nd fifty-plus score this season, following up his breathtaking ton a few games ago, with an equally devastating innings of 74 off 70 with 4 fours and as many sixes.

Kemol Savory continued his form, despite not getting fifty, the left-hander kept the Eagles innings together with a gritty 36 off 66 (2x4). Shimron Hetmyer (19) and Kevlon Anderson (16) were the other top scorers.

Bajan opener Kyle Mayers nearly took the game away from the Eagles, nailing 9 fours and a six in his 64 off 63.

All-rounder Roston Chase had 25 but no other player looked threatening against the rampant Eagles.

The pair’s removal from the crease proved to be the Pride’s downfall, as Motie and Sinclair spun webs around the remaining batsmen, pulling the game

Gudakesh Motie

back significantly in favor of Guyana, who eased themselves to a much-needed win.

Motie was exceptional, stunning the Barbados side with 4-17. Sinclair provided similar magic as he returned 330, while Captain Veerasammy Pemaul (1-32) and Kevlon Anderson (1-24), helped wrap up a clinical bowling exhibition.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Monday October 30, 2023

Briton John cops Randolph ‘Duckie’ Singh Memorial Road Race title

I

n the Second Annual Randolph ‘Duckie’ Singh Memorial Road Race, defending champion Jamual John was dethroned as Briton John crossed the finish line in 14 minutes and 52 seconds (14:52.73s) to claim the senior’s race title.

Additionally, Aaron Newton emerged victorious in the Junior One-Lap Sprint and Abigale Jeffrey secured the Women’s title.

In the veteran categories, Robin Persaud and Olympian James Joseph won the Under-50 and Over-50

races, respectively.

The race commenced in front of the GDF compound on Vlissengen Road, opposite J.B. Singh Road, with senior cyclists Bryton and Jamual showcasing their sprinting prowess.

Briton gradually built a lead after the fourth lap, increasing the gap between himself and Jamual during the penultimate lap, resulting in an outstanding local performance.

Jamual and Surinamese cyclist Enrique DeComarmond claimed the second and third positions.

In the Junior category, Aaron Newton dominated the race leaving young cycling sensation Alexander Leung in second place. Abigale Jeffrey, representing Kaieteur Attack Racing CC, secured first place in the Women’s event.

In the Veterans Over-50 race, Robin Persaud delivered an excellent performance, with Seg Hubbard finishing in second place and Ian Jackson in third.

Similarly, in the Veterans Under-50 category, James

Joseph claimed the firstplace prize, completing the race in 13 hours, 49 minutes.

Junior Nile and Nigel London secured the second and third positions.

Lastly, in the Pre-Junior and Open events, Alex Newton and Curtis Dey demonstrated their dominance in their respective races securing well-deserved victories.

This event was organized by former cyclist and founder of the Flying Star C y c l e C l u b , Vi c t o r Rutherford, and club members.

Briton John during Saturday’s Randolph ‘Duckie’ Singh Memorial Meet

Joseph replaces injured Beaton in Harpy Eagles squad Shamar Joseph (Photo: Newsroom)

(CWI) – The Cricket We s t I n d i e s ( C W I ) tournament technical committee of the ongoing CG United Super 50 Cup has approved a player replacement for the Guyana Harpy Eagles.

Shamar Joseph has replaced Ronsford Beaton, who has picked up an injury, for the remainder of the tournament. It is a like for like replacement, with both players being fast bowlers.

Joseph becomes immediately available to play, having been added to the Harpy Eagles training squad in Trinidad prior to the opening of the tournament. In their fifth match of the competition,

they battled at UWI – Spec against the Barbados Pride, and pulled off an emphatic victory.

Before the match, the Guyana Harpy Eagles were sixth in the points table, having amassed a total of 15 points in their 4 matches and now have 2 more matches to be played in the group stage.

The CG United Super 50 group stage concludes on Sunday November 5.

The Harpy Eagles will be looking to win their remaining matches and push for one of four semifinal places.

The grand finale will be played at 1PM on Saturday, November 11 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Kaieteur News

Monday October 30, 2023

PAGE 25

Limacol Schools’ U-18 Football League…

Bartica, Carmel & Chase’s Academic secure opening wins

T

he 2023 Limacol Secondary Schools’ Under18 Football League kicked off its exciting season yesterday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) ground.

The league commenced with a bang, featuring four thrilling matches that set the tone for the tournament.

New GPC Incorporated, the title sponsor, had its representatives in attendance

New GPC Inc. Assistant Marketing Manager, Christine Samuels, did the ceremonial kickoff for the 2023 edition of the tournament

at the competition’s opening, where spectators witnessed some impressive goals scored on the first day of the event.

Bartica, Carmel & Chase’s Academic Foundation all secured their initial victories on the 4match card.

The tournament commenced with a clash between Christianburg Secondary and Bartica Secondary as Reiver Reid delivered an outstanding p e r f o r m ance, netting a brilliant brace, while Billy Smith added a solitary goal to lead Bartica Secondary to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Christianburg/Wismar.

In the second match, Carmel Secondary faced off against McKenzie High, at the start both teams struggling to breach each other’s defenses.

The first half ended in a scoreless deadlock, but C a r m e l ’ s Shem James

Guyana’s Pan Am Games medal drought continues - Track and Field athletes in action today

By Rawle Toney Guyanese athletes have been coming up short at the Pan Am Games so far, despite some credible performances.

Yesterday marked the start of the table tennis event in Santiago, Chile, where Chelsea Edghill and Shemar Britton battled it out in the mixed doubles.

After looking the first three games 8-11, 7-11 and 8-11, Edghill and Britton bounced back to take the fourth 11-7.

Needing fourth consecutive wins to take the match, the Guyanese duo bowed to 8-11 result in the fifth game.

Following their match, Coach Idi Lewis said the pair played well enough to win, but couldn’t get over the line.

“We’re actually the better side, but I think we didn’t get comfortable early enough in the match.”

Edghill and Britton are set to participate in the round-of-32 singles today. Britton will face Daniel Gonzalez from Puerto Rico, while Edghill is scheduled to compete against Mexico’s Yadira Silva.

Meanwhile, the country’s track and field team will have their first taste of action today as they look to end Guyana’s 20-year drought of an athletics medal at the Pan Am Games.

Aliann Pompey and Marian Burnett’s 2003 participation at the Pan Am Games, saw the Guyana finishing with bronze in the women’s 400m (Pompey) and the Women’s 800m.

However, today marks a new opportunity for Guyana, with Emmanuel Archibald,

Emanuel Archibald will compete in the men’s 100m semis at the Pan Am Games Keliza Smith, and sisters Jasmines and Aaliyah Abrams seeking to alter the country’s fortunes.

Archibald, a gold medallist at this year’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) games, aspires to add a Pan Am Games title to his achievements.

Guyana’s track and field history boasts only one gold medal, won by James WrenGilkes in the men’s 200m in 1975.

In the upcoming events, Jasmine Abrams and Keliza Smith are poised for a showdown in the women’s 100m semi-finals, while Aaliyah Abrams is slated to compete in the women’s 400m semi-finals.

Some of the action between Carmel Secondary and McKenzie High a n d S a m u e l F e rg u s o n shone in the second half, each scoring a goal to secure a 2-0 victory over the Linden side.

While in the third match of the day saw East Ruimveldt going up against powerhouse Chase’s Academy in an epic showdown.

Bevon Jones displayed

his prowess, scoring two brilliant goals, and he received excellent support from Bryan Wharton, who netted a well-deserved brace.

Additionally, Omar Sam and Justin Akinder each contributed a solitary goal, resulting in a resounding 6-0 v i c t o r y f o r C h a s e ’s Academy.

The final match of the

evening featured Ann’s Grove going head-tohead with Santa Rosa but the match end e d i n a 1 – 1.

Naron Jerrick drew first blood for Ann’s Grove in the first half then Reshon Campbell found the equaliser in the second half, which eventually led to the teams having to share points.

rts Spo

Guyana’s Pan Am Games medal drought continues - Track and Field athletes in action today

Chelsea Edghill (right) and Shemar Britton in action during the Mixed Doubles at the Pan Am Games.

CWI CG United Super50 Cup...

Concacaf W Road to Gold Cup 2023…

Sherfane Rutherford (Photo: CWI)

Otesha Charles (left) scored the decider for Guyana in Sunday night’s match against Suriname

Rutherford, spinners lead Harpy Eagles to 56-run win over Barbados

Lady Jags edge Suriname 1 - 0 …Guyana one step to Women’s Gold Cup playoffs

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