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Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 31, 2023
Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 31, 2023
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Exxon spent US$millions of Govt. unveils draft gas strategy, but now conducting Guyana’s profits to promote study on extent of resources self at local business events The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), on Monday unveiled its draft Gas Monetization Strategy for public consultation. Citizens have a twoweek window to review the draft document and provide feedback. In an official statement, the Ministry of Natural Resources highlighted that the gas strategy is part of a pivotal roadmap for managing the nation’s significant gas resources and that it also serves as a vital tool for Guyana to make informed decisions regarding the utilisation of its gas resources. Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo had previously announced the government’s intention to release this draft gas strategy for public input, a key component of their plan to monetize the 17 trillion cubic feet of gas discovered in the Stabroek Block. He emphasised, “We’ve made it clear, we want to monetize our gas assets. This
President Irfaan Ali strategy will outline our approach to the industry.” However, it should be noted that the Ministry pointed out that while the Stabroek Block and the Corentyne Block hold substantial gas resources, ongoing exploration and appraisal activities are underway to determine the full extent of Guyana’s gas reserves. Guyana is actively pursuing the use of natural gas in the Liza One and Liza
Two fields for the Gas-toEnergy (GTE) project. This initiative involves piping about 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to shore. ExxonMobil Guyana will fund a 12-inch pipeline for transporting the resource to Wales, where a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant will treat and separate the gas for use in the power plant. The power plant aims to generate 300 megawatts of electricity for the national grid and produce products like cooking gas for sale, aligning with the administration’s goal of energy self-sufficiency. Despite some expert concerns about the project’s nearly US$2 billion cost, the government remains resolute about its viability. To access the Guyana Gas Monetisation Strategy and participate in the public consultation, please visit the ministry’s official website at https://petroleum.gov.gy/. The deadline for public consultation is November 14, 2023.
Apology/Correction Kaieteur News wishes to apologise for errors contained in our lead article on Monday October, 30, 2023 under the caption: “Jagdeo failed to outline consequences for Exxon
Brazen Use of Stabroek Block; profits to finance Kaieteur, Canje blocks.” The headline should have read “Exxon will face no punishment or consequence for illegally
using Stabroek Block revenue for other blocks.” Kaieteur News apologises for the error. The correct article was reposted in our online edition.
The latest audit report on ExxonMobil’s expenses totalling over US$7 billion has flagged a number of bills which are not in connection with petroleum operations. According to the report compiled by Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc., with backing from Martindale Consultants, ExxonMobil spent US$4.9M on promoting itself at the events hosted by local business groups as well as for travel and rent expenses for its expatriates which were not in keeping with the conditions outlined in the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). Auditors said the PSA states that all costs, expenses and expenditures can only be recovered provided that they are relating to the petroleum operations. The team of experts said, “…a cost must be carried out for, or in connection with, production operations for the cost to be recoverable.” Kaieteur News understands that Exxon acknowledged that the costs are not recoverable because it reversed more than US$2M charged in another case for sponsorships, social media management, and other similar costs. On such a premise, the auditors argued that Exxon must do the same
and return the flagged sum to the Stabroek Block account. It should be noted that this audit report prepared by Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc is yet to be released to the public. Another critical point of note is that this audit did not entail a review of every bill related to the 2018 to 2020 period as it was not a forensic audit. In fact, leader of the local consortium involved in the audit, Floyd Haynes, confirmed this with Kaieteur News in a previous interview. He had further explained that the audit would not examine every single cost incurred by Exxon. He said no audit is ever done that way. Haynes said auditors look at a sample of the costs incurred. He had said that sample is based on a number of things. Kaieteur News had previously reported that the audit contract that was awarded to Haynes and his team back in 2022 for US$751,000 had a strict four-month deadline for completion. Notably, the US$7.3B costs which the auditors examined pertain to the investments for the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Projects which are currently producing approximately 400,000 barrels of oil per day.
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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
Spending and overseeing The Government of Guyana is on a tear, with the allocating and spending of millions upon millions on one public works project after another. In a simple description of what is going on in this new Guyana, capitalism is on the march, and at high speeds. For the best to be had for the dollars spent in the name of Guyanese taxpayers, it must be a nonnegotiable condition that there are systems and rules, plus robust procedures, in place. Still, it is the people who process and dispense by the billions that matter, make the laws and rules come alive. The same can be said for those who stand in oversight of such people, processes, and procedures. The numbers are mammoth. Over GY$350 billion from the national budget for capital projects, meaning some infrastructural building. Then, hundreds of millions of American dollars withdrawn from the Natural Resources Fund. Cumulatively, numerous bids for projects are handled by the National Procurement Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), which means sensitive responsibilities. NPTAB has some knowledgeable, trustworthy officers, but some of its decisions are nothing short of baffling. In the context of Guyana, suspicious might be the more suitable word. Nonetheless, the NPTAB has to be a bulwark that provides citizens with the confidence that their funds are competently awarded in the form of contracts approved, and that such were done in the cleanest fashion. In other words, the best qualified bidders are those who emerge as winners for public service contracts. Though it is troubling to say in the public sphere, it cannot be avoided. The NPTAB has not done justice by Guyanese taxpayers recently, and it was not the first time that controversy has swirled around its decisions. The reek of political influence has been high, and it is not the most inspiring situation when the composition of entities like NPTAB has so many political presences. It may be open to any manner of speculation and the conclusions that follow, but who is indebted to whom comes under closer and harsher scrutiny. The trust that is so precious to an entity like the NPTAB starts to wither away, and before long it becomes virtually nonexistent. We at this newspaper would be heartened to come out in full support of the NPTAB(s) of Guyana, but we can only do so comfortably when the record is there to justify. All it takes is one bad award that muddies the reputation, and whatever smooth, clean handling of other taxpayers’ business that was overseen before is quickly forgotten, and all too easily dismissed. In the same vein, there is the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) which came into being after an extended delay. The PPC has a crucial role to play, which is that of a vigilant watchdog. It must be a watchdog that has earned the respect of observers and the public as a whole. The best way that the PPC attracts accolades for its work is by being on the ball, and not coming across as stuck in a reaction mode. Or, worse still, it is only galvanized into action, when public outcry indicates sharp and sustained interest in some award of the NPTAB that generates heavy controversy. This is not in the best interests of the PPC group, and its functions as an overseer of the first line screener (NPTAB) loses some of the vital goodwill that is integral to its standing. The PPC, like the NPTAB, certainly has some good names in its circle. How they maintain that status depends on how alert the commission is to developments out of NPTAB, the timing of its response. A recent award by the NPTAB stirred considerable surprise in Guyana, to put it mildly. The latest is that PPC finally shook itself awake and wrote the NPTAB for the details behind the award. This action by the PPC took too long in coming, which puts it in a less than positive light. When the competition for tax dollars is neither fair nor clean, then the PPC must be in the forefront of righting things. Given current performance, both the NPTAB and the PPC could do with a makeover and making the matters they manage right by taxpayers.
Tuesday October 31, 2023
Ministry of Education urged to scrap policy of denying parents financial assistance for children writing CSEC examinations DEAR EDITOR I visited my son’s school, Westminster Secondary, recently to enquire about payments for his CSEC exams and submit information for financial assistance. In passing, the senior teacher I was speaking with explained that if subject teachers do not recommend the child, they can still sit the examination for the subject, but the parent has to pay the full fee, thus not being able to benefit from financial assistance for whichever subjects the child was not recommended. She advised that this was the ‘rule,’ the policy of the Ministry of Education. While I have not been able to verify this beyond the Principal of the school itself, it is easy to imagine that this was a policy reflective of inflicting punishment on errant parents for not attending more closely to the educational needs of their children. Such a policy however, as much as it may seem to have been lifted from some textbook philosophy of encouraging and chastising parents regarding the educational needs of their children, has not had the benefit of a larger
perspective on the socioeconomic dynamics of our society, that with poverty rates which continue to rise even in recent years, many parents are hard pressed to feed and properly clothe their children for school, much less spend time they do not have tending to their children’s homework and assignments as a financially capable family would. Many children come from what I consider dysfunctional homes, often run by single women, with their fathers caught up in the Matrix of life in Guyana. It goes without saying these hard working moms do not have the time of their counterparts in normal families to attend the needs of their children. Regardless of their appearance also, nutritionally deficient children will very likely have varying degrees of difficulty learning, and hard-pressed teachers who often feel that they are being denied fair financial compensation in the form of appropriate salaries, very often take the easy road of not spending enough time on these children, a situation exacerbated by large class sizes, the percentages
relative to the class of which rise significantly in the lower tier schools. The home environment of some children also impact negatively on their behavior patterns, generating antisocial behaviors which become a challenge for teachers, schools as well as parents. The dire conditions arising from these drastic instances of poverty, which hit above 40% recently, were only exacerbated in the extreme with the spate of COVID-19 which lasted from around April 2020 to January 2022, I think it was. With unemployment among the poor rising astronomically among many middle- and lower income families due to the COVID19 lockdowns, the lives of families, parents and children, were completely upended with respect to functioning as they would, much less with acquiring laptops and internet service to ensure their children were able to attend classes. COVID-19 conditions were so dire globally that even the Caribbean Examinations Council adjusted its timetable for these examinations and adopted multiple choice-based
examinations in recognition of the challenges faced by the Caribbean’s children. COVID-19 lockdowns affected all children of school age where their education was concerned, so while the lockdowns may have ended in 2022, children are still coming through the system with truncated levels of education which require much remedial attention and immensely more work by teachers to bring these children up to exam readiness. I wish to therefore ask the Ministry of Education to permanently scrap this rule/policy of unfairly penalizing parents by denying financial assistance when their children are unprepared for e x a m i n a t i o n s , circumstances which unfortunately result from g o v e r n m e n t ’s l a r g e r economic policy framework, the numerous challenges faced by teachers and students, and the unmitigated impact on students as a consequence of COVID-19. Parents whose children’s schools advise them similarly are also encouraged to make their voices heard at the ministry. Regards, Craig Sylvester
Despite drawing down from Govt: Good Hope Secondary still asking students for donations to fix classrooms DEAR EDITOR The newly established Good Hope Secondary School is the embodiment of c o r r u p t i o n a n d pandemonium. Instead of acting as a beacon of hope and goodwill, this institution, runs under a strict dictatorship and drains all hope, optimism, and care from its teachers. This is due to the school’s administrative staff’s poor management of the school. The school’s administration has continuously placed immense strain on the junior staff members in a number of ways, some of which, this letter seeks to outline and inform the public about. This establishment strives to stand out even if their attempts to do so are nonsensical and without basis. For example: The timetable that is actively used does not allocate time for the general assembly
sessions, which last for about 20-30 minutes on some days and takes time away from the student’s first and second period’s time. Accounting for this will clear up misconceptions and false reports of non-attendance for teachers for tending to their duties such as marking registers, interacting with their base classes and the time taken to deliver the register to the office and return to teach the class to which they are assigned for said period. These reports frequently result in teachers being verbally bombarded and belittled by the school’s heads; for circumstances, which are out of their control. It contributes significantly to the feeling of inferiority and inadequateness that comes from being a teacher at the above-mentioned school. It should also be noted that the
majority of the records are either temporary or incomplete which poses great difficulty for the teachers to navigate and utilize effectively. By the ministry instructions, the school was allocated four thousand dollars ($4000) per child to assist class teachers with whatever is needed in the classroom. However, the school is still asking students for donations to fix said classrooms. This is because the teachers were not given the monies to purchase things in order to create a wholesome learning environment; the administrative staff withheld the monies. They selected persons of their liking to purchase cheap materials, which were then distributed to the staff members in place of the monies. Each class was given about 10 sheets of
cardboards, a few pens, a few sharpeners, two singular tapes, a singular meter ruler, a small bin, three premade aids, a white out pen, a mat, a clock, some wooden markers, highlighters, three single rolls of toilet papers and two bottles of glue. To put into perspective, each class has about thirty students and if we multiply GYD$4000 by 30 students then the monies for each class would amount to $120,000. It would not take $120,000 to provide such little resources for each class, so where did the rest of the m o n e y g o ? T h e administrative staff pressured teachers to sign a document, which claims that they are aware of what the monies were spent on but this is a blatant lie. The seniors accused teachers of insubordination if they did not sign the document and (Continued on page 06)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 31, 2023
A contented people lead to a contended nation DEAR EDITOR, Parliament meeting to discuss Venezuela’s sabre rattling must also discuss the idea floated by Bharrat Jagdeo to give Venezuela passage to the Atlantic, via Guyana’s territory that country is coveting. During this parliamentary discourse the nation does not only need to hear motions reaffirming our unity as “One People One Nation One Destiny.” We must go beyond this to address the issue of Jagdeo’s view/idea, his retraction and full denunciation, and also issues of internal affairs. This nation would recall on 23rd October 2015, at a press conference then Leader of the Opposition and General Secretary of the PPP Bharrat Jagdeo informed when he was President his regime, and by e x t e n s i o n h i s p a r t y, discussed the idea that Guyana could have negotiated a settlement with Venezuela that would see that country being given “channel out to the sea.” Such an idea also accepts Guyana would cede part of its Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) as settled by International Law of the Sea. Today the PPP is in government, Jagdeo is still t h e P a r t y ’s G e n e r a l Secretary, wields significant influence in government, often times usurping the responsibility of the substantive President Irfaan Ali, and he has never denounced or walked back his statement. And whereas the APNU+AFC government, initiated the approach to the International Court of Justice, and included Gail Teixeira, as part of the PPP representative in the accepted quest for a national united front. This was inherited by the PPP, but notwithstanding this, Guyanese deserve unambiguous clarity in 2023 of the PPP’s position on resolving the border controversy. Is the PPP, as represented by the General Secretary still interested in exploring and/or granting Venezuela, “channel out to the sea.” If so why, and if not, why? We are in a fight for our life with Venezuela that has military might and bullish allies such as Russia. The world is no longer rigidly split between the West and East, and the non-aligned policy that once served
Guyana well is uncertain in the post-Cold War era and under successive PPP governments. People are well aware that diplomatic back channels are also a means to resolve issues. What is Guyana, under the PPP leadership, saying to Venezuela through such channels that the ordinary man is ignorant of? As far as Venezuela is concerned there are two messages out there- the ICJ route or giving Venezuela a “channel to the sea.” As far as Guyanese are concerned there are two messages out there. We need a full renunciation of the PPP’s message if that is not the party’s position today, whether in the seat of government or not. Our Parliamentarians, on both sides of the House, must have this matter clarified in t h e n a t i o n ’s h i g h e s t decision-making forum, and recorded in the Hansard for posterity. Our parliamentarians must also realise the border controversy and Venezuela ratcheting up its aggression is not only about condemning same and going on a national PR and education blitz, but also about addressing internal governance that would provide assurance to a battered, deprived and divided people both the Opposition and Government care about them.
We must be able to address our internal affairs in tandem with the external for they are not mutually exclusive but intertwined. The welfare of the citizens, among which include better pay and working conditions for the Disciplined Forces and other public sector workers; the upholding of basic human rights for all, and adherence to good governance as enshrined in the Constitution must be placed on the table for discussion. Guyanese are constitutionally assured of their right to be treated with dignity and respect and engage in meaningful participation in the day-day management and decisionmaking of the state that impacts their collective and/or individual wellbeing. The border controversy is one such among many. A contented people lead to a contended nation. The state of Guyana will mean more to citizens if they feel the nation state cares about them. As citizens we shoulder the responsibility to guard Guyana’s soil from both internal and external forces that fly in the face of the people’s right to all 83,000 square miles, its EEZ, the infrastructures of state, and governance that serve as both shield and defender. Regards Lincoln Lewis
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Over four months later, biological samples still to undergo toxicology testing DEAR EDITOR, My boyfriend, Nakema Deonauth was found lifeless in his apartment on 12thJune. He was relatively young, healthy and lived alone. As part of the investigation into his death, an autopsy was conducted. The autopsy entailed an examination of Nakema’s body by the pathologist, Dr Singh and forensic toxicology testing of biological samples. While the pathologist did his examination since early June, the autopsy report cannot be completed without the toxicology results, and this has apparently led to the investigation reaching a standstill (to the best of my knowledge). From what I have gathered it seems as if the investigators are awaiting the completed autopsy report to move forward with their investigation and here lies the problem. These samples that were sent to the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL), the only one of its kind in Guyana, over 4 months ago haven’t been tested as yet. While we anxiously waited for months for this part of the puzzle to
be solved and hopefully move us one step closer to closure nothing was being done and I only learnt why last month. After becoming frustrated with the lack of progress I reached out to the Crime Chief, Mr. Blanhum and subsequently visited him at CID headquarters on 13th September. There I met the lead investigator and was given the opportunity to ask questions and clarify whatever doubts I had. Mr. Blanhum also contacted the GFSL and asked about the toxicology report. From what was conveyed, I gathered that the GFSL is incapable of conducting the toxicology tests. I was then assured by Mr. Blanhum that the samples would be sent to Brazil. However, six weeks
later and GFSL arrangements are yet to be finalised with a lab there, so the samples remain in storage. I believe that the GFSL was supposed to conduct ‘routine’ forensic toxicology testing on the samples taken from Nakema’s body, the sort of testing that should be conducted as part of an autopsy when the cause of death or circumstances surrounding the death has not been clearly established and an investigation follows. If the premier state forensic laboratory in the country cannot conduct basic toxicology testing, then why is it still opened and why are biological samples at ‘death scenes’ still being sent to it? Editor, everyone I have (Continued on page 06)
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Tuesday October 31, 2023
Over four months later... Despite drawing down from Govt: Good Hope... From page 5 either met or spoken to on the phone who are in some way involved in this matter such as the crime chief, investigators and personnel from pathology and the GFSL has been very approachable, professional a n d h e l p f u l i n accommodation my many questions and visits/calls. I have truly been pleasantly surprised by their courteous manner and I have no complaints regarding my interactions with them, but I need closure and it has been months with no progress in this matter. I believe that the toxicology tests were not
conducted at the GFSL because of the lack of required equipment, materials and technology; and not due to the competency of its staff. I may be wrong in my assumption however, I’m not privy to the inner workings of the GFSL. Regardless of the cause, the fact remains that the GFSL receives samples/evidence from death scenes yet is unable to conduct routine forensic toxicology testing. This is an urgent matter that should be addressed and corrected by the ministry/entity responsible. Yours faithfully, Narissa Deokarran
From page 4 threatened that consequences will follow. An investigation into what the funds were utilized for, should be launched. The teachers ask for donations from students, as they are to follow instructions that are sent by the persons in charge, this is unfair to the students as well as the parents and teachers who are aware of the grants given by the Ministry. The process as well as the funds were largely mishandled and they are now scrambling to cover up the issue. Another point to note is the unprofessional behavior of senior staff members towards the junior staff members. Majority of the junior staff members are treated with little to no respect and care, as they are spoken to crudely and treated, as though they are insignificant by persons in authority and/or persons who the administration favors. These teachers are continuously ridiculed, yelled at, and subjected to humiliation for numerous baseless reasons, on a day to day basis. No respect, regard or professionalism is shown to any degree as the school is often referred to as a
“plantation” and the teachers as “the slaves” by the very individual placed to lead the learning institution. Te a c h e r s a r e o f t e n accused of colluding, plotting or talking against persons in charge whenever they collaborate or even communicate in a friendly manner. This places strain on healthy working relationships amongst the staff members, if any remains in existence at this point. Officers of the Ministry and visitors who are deemed worthy, are shown a level of fake warmth, accommodation and welcome that cannot be expected by teachers of the very same institution. Persons are only seen for how useful they are to the administration, if they are seen as being independent with opinions of their own, strong personalities and deemed a threat to the dictatorship that runs the school; they are made targets and are placed under intense pressure and scrutiny. Racism among teachers is another grave issue to be addressed. The administration discriminates against their teachers based
on their race or ethnicity in favor of selected persons. M e m b e r s o f s t a ff , i f addressed in confidence, express subtle biases, micro-aggression, and overt acts of discrimination they have either experienced or witnessed. However, they choose to remain quiet to avoid being made targets of the “people with plenty of links” on the administrative staff. Teachers are not allowed to be expressive as it relates to issues as every action is met with resistance, ill-will and threats of being issued letters. Some teachers are also dresscoded according to their race and where they fall on the favoritism spectrum. Some teachers, including heads of the school, wear skin-tight, short skirts and dresses but it becomes outlawed to wear certain outfits if you are not in their “preferred group” of teachers or you are simply of a certain ethnic descent. The administrative actions described are appalling. Effective communication, transparent workspace policies, and a fair allocation of resources are essential to maintaining a harmonious and productive
work environment. This is something that is conveniently forgotten by the leaders of Good Hope Secondary School. Another instance of favoritism to be seen is the appointment of a teacher to “run ward” on every smart room in the school. This particular teacher blatantly discriminates against others, is rude, dismissive and continuously lies about events and actions in relation to other teachers. A teacher who is selfindulged, who cannot communicate effectively, and who chooses to be difficult, should not be placed in such a position. In conclusion, Good Hope Secondary School fosters a toxic working environment. It suffocates its teachers and everyone who comes into contact with it. The image presented to the general public hides the true monsters which hide in its shadow. The administration is misplaced and misguided; this will result in many issues for the teachers of the school and will ensure that betterment never comes as long as changes are not made. Yours Sincerely, Alison Ward
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U SELF-EVIDENT TRUTHS . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B . . L LU ...BLUN . T B . . N . T U L N T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U BBL T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Tuesday October 31, 2023
Kaieteur News
Some things don’t have to be defended. Some things speak for themselves.
Nothing has to be distorted or degraded. Not when truth is a priority, justice rules.
Oil or clean governance: the truth will shine through. Leadership deceptions, leadership games, only last so long.
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Kaieteur News
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Tuesday October 31, 2023
ExxonMobil looking for more takeover opportunities (OILPRICE.COM) If there was any doubt left in your mind whether or not the oil and gas industry is literally running like greased lightning nowadays, it has been reported that ExxonMobil is still seeking out new Merger and acquisitions (M&A) opportunities - even after the firm’s massive US$60 billion acquisition of P i o n e e r. After the company’s blowout earnings and hiked dividend to end the week, CFO Kathy Mikells told Financial Times that the supermajor is still on the prowl opportunities: “It’s
important to say that we’re always looking. Many times I’ve described us as very inquisitive but also very picky. A deal has got to be what we say is ‘one plus one equals three’.” “ I t ’s i m p o r t a n t t o understand that we’re in a depletion business with upstream. I think [the deal] puts us in a good position for the long term,” she added. Exxon CEO Darren Woods said on Friday: “Pioneer will help us grow supply to meet the world’s energy needs with lower carbon intensity while Denbury improves our competitive position to
economically reduce emissions in hard-todecarbonize industries.” Pioneer is the leading player in the Permian Basin, FT notes, a key hub for America’s oil industry that stretches across Texas and New Mexico. Exxon’s acquisition of Pioneer will secure it a commanding role in the oilfield, contributing to 15% of the total crude production. This marks Exxon’s second m a j o r d e a l t h i s y e a r, following its US$5 billion acquisition of Denbury Resources in July to enhance its carbon management
capabilities. Denbury owns the U.S.’s largest CO2 pipeline network. Exxon reported earnings of US$9.1 billion for the quarter, slightly lower than analyst expectations of US$9.6 billion. But it likely won’t matter heading into the back end of 2023 with geopolitical tensions on the rise and a consistent bid likely under the price of crude well into 2024. Here is what the company reported for Q3: - Total revenues & other income $90.76 billion, beating estimates $88.81 billion
- Adjusted EPS $2.27 vs. $4.45 y/y, missing estimates of $2.37 - Total Q3 earnings: US$9.1BN, up US$1.2BN from Q2 - Upstream adjusted net income US$6.14 billion, 48% y/y, beating estimates of US$6.07 billion - Energy products adjusted net income US$5.55 billion, +0.3% y/y, beating estimates of $3.12 billion (2 estimates) - Chemical products adjusted net income US$249 million, -69% y/y, missing estimates of US$377.8 million - Specialty products adjusted net income US$619 million, -19% y/y, beating estimates of US$588.2 million On Thursday, it was also reported that an Exxon Mobil-led consortium made a “significant” oil and gas discovery in Guyana, per the country’s energy ministry. The Lancetfish-2 well is the fourth such find this year, increasing the total discoveries to 46 since 2015, with over 11 billion barrels recoverable. Most discoveries are in Exxon’s Stabroek block, expected to yield 1.2 million barrels per day by 2027. The Lancetfish-2 find adds an estimated 20 meters of
Exxon CEO, Darren Woods hydrocarbon-rich reservoir and 81 meters of additional hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone. Meanwhile, the entire industry has already been ripe with M&A this year. Not only has ExxonMobil dealt for Pioneer, but competitor Chevron announced a US$53 billion takeover of Hess this past week. Chevron CFO Pierre Breber was cagier about whether or not they would be looking into more M&A: “We’re focused on this transaction. It’s a big transaction... we’ll focus on executing this one well.” CEO Mike Wirth told F i n a n c i a l Ti m e s t h a t Chevron is ”investing to profitably grow our traditional and new energy businesses to drive superior value for shareholders”.
$273M to drill new wells in Essequibo, EBD The Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) is set to spend approximately $273 million to drill new water wells at Onderneeming on the Essequibo Coast and at Caledonia and Garden of Eden on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). Information provided by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) revealed that following the bidding process, the agency has awarded the contracts to Morris Jeffrey Enterprise who would drill the well at Onderneeming to the tune of $85,791,376, QA Civil Works who would drill at Caledonia to the tune of $89,000,300, and Jemcorp Engineering & Imports who would construct the well at Garden of Eden for $98,358,200. This year the GWI was allocated some $17.7 billion from the national budget to facilitate the construction of wells, water treatment plants among other projects in a number of communities across the country. The drilling of wells in the three identified areas are part GWI’s programme to improve water coverage in coastal areas and increase it to 90 per cent by 2025. It was reported that in addition to a new well at Caledonia and Onderneeming, GWI is also constructing water treatment plants in these areas. The Caledonia project which costs $3.6 billion is being constructed by Sigma Engineering Limited and is one of the newest plants for the East Bank. The contract for the plant along with six others was signed in October last year to the tune of $8.5 billion. As for the plant at Onderneeming, that is being constructed Toshiba Water Solutions, an Indian based company to the tune of $1.2 billion. The government has been making several interventions to ensure that its citizens can easily access treated water across the country, as such the construction of these structures are being conducted under the Coastal Water Treatment Programme which is being monitored by GWI.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 31, 2023
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Did Venezuela ever claim that the Geneva Agreement reversed the Arbitral Award?
R
alph Ramkarran has made an astonishing statement in his column of last Sunday. He claimed, “ …Venezuela has blatantly lied about the meaning of the Geneva Agreement. It has argued for decades that the Geneva Agreement reversed the Arbitral Award…” This is a most interesting revelation. It is hoped that for the benefit of the historical record that Mr. Ramkarran will provide more insights and the evidence to support his contention. His contention would seem to be at odds with two positions adopted by Venezuela. Venezuela had raised questions about the validity of the 1899 award prior to the Geneva
Agreement of 1966. Second, Venezuela’s position was that the Geneva Agreement was a political agreement and therefore could not legally nullify the 1899 Arbitral Award. Ever since the publication of the letter by Severo MalletPrèvost in 1949, Venezuela’s position has been that the 1899 Arbitral Award was rigged against it because of a deal among some of the judges. Venezuela described the award as resulting from a political transaction. It argued that the decision of the tribunal provided no legal principles or reasons. Guyana has argued that no evidence has been provided to substantiate the claim that the Award was rigged. Guyana also has compellingly disputed the
arguments in relation to the absence of reasons or legal principles in the award. Venezuela’s claim therefore rests on the tenuous contention – for which the evidence is skimpy -that there was a deal that led to the Award. It was Venezuela’s prior contention that the arbitral award was null and void that became the subject matter of the Geneva Agreement. Venezuela’s approach was that the Geneva Agreement was the basis for negotiations on its territorial claim to Guyana. But Venezuela’s position has always been that the Geneva Agreement cannot adjudicate on the legal merits of the Arbitral Award because the Geneva Agreement is a political
DEM BOYS SEH
Dem butchers getting competition now! Yuh ever hear ‘bout a butcher who could chop up meat better than how some of dem in de media could chop a story?’ Seems like we got some new contenders in the ring, and they not wielding cleavers, they’re swinging the pendulum of censorship. Dem butchers might be feeling a little competition these days, and it not coming from their own shop, but right from within the media. Now, don’t get dem Boys wrong; we like a good slice of meat as much as the next fella, but when it
comes to slicing and dicing stories, nobody does it quite like some of dem folks in de media. Sometimes yuh does be tempted to ask if some of dem parents were butchers because they can sure chop up a story or a commentary into little pieces that you can’t even recognise. The word is that cutters got their hands on the cleaver of censorship, and they are not afraid to use it. It’s like they’re trying to carve out a new world order, one where only their version of reality exists. And the best part? They do it with a straight face, as if
they’re doing the world a favour. They claim to protect us from “fake news” and “misinformation,” but in r e a l i t y, t h e y ’ r e j u s t protecting their own interests and narratives. It’s like a butcher telling you that he’s trimming the fat, but all you’re left with is a bone. So, Dem Boys Seh, let the butchers do what they do best – slice the meat. But when it comes to stories and press freedom, let’s leave the chopping to the professionals and not the censors. Talk half. Leff half
agreement and not a legal process. For Venezuela, the Geneva Agreement formed the basis for negotiations to correct what it saw as a historic injustice against it. But having adopted the stance that the Geneva Agreement was a political agreement, it could hardly have taken the stance that the said Geneva Agreement nullified the Arbitral Award. In its Memorandum to the ICJ, Venezuela referred to the London Conference of 1965. It mentioned that at paragraph 2, ‘the Parties were willing to seek satisfactory formulas for the practical settlement of the dispute regardless of the conclusion they could reach on the validity or nullity of the 1899 award [ emphasis mine]…’ Venezuela has contended that the Geneva Agreement was intended to find a solution to its claim. For Guyana, however, the Geneva Agreement, was not about negotiating over the claim but for finding solutions to the controversy that had arisen because of Venezuela’s claim. The two positions – Venezuela’s and Guyana’s – can be compared to two neighbours having a quarrel as to where the fence separating their properties should lie. The two sides reach an agreement about the process for resolving this matter. One neighbour, Venezuela, is saying that the process should be about deciding where the fence should fall. The other neighbour, Guyana, is saying the process should not be about where the fence should fall but about finding practical solutions to this quarrel
between the two sides. Interestingly, Cheddi Jagan and the PPP- the party to which Mr. Ramkarran belonged for a very long time – held the position that the Geneva Agreement reopened the territorial controversy. But the PNC never conceded this because it would be tantamount to a national betrayal. In rebuttal, those who sided with the PNC’s position, sought to contend that if there was any reopening it was done when the PPPC was in government. This assertion, however has no merit because the position of both the PPP and the British government at the time was that the agreement to examine records was not a reopening of the territorial claim. Indeed, the British was explicit that the opening of the records was merely intended to ensure that Venezuela would be satisfied that it had no claim to Guyana’s territory. The British and PPP’s government position is substantiated by the Memorandum, Venezuela submitted to the ICJ. It stated at page 8: “The next day (at the 349 session), the representative of the United Kingdom, C.T. Crowe (Doc. A/SPC/72), replied that the case was closed and rejected that there was a pending border issue between Venezuela and the United Kingdom in British Guiana. However, the British representative added that his government, with the consent of Guyana, was willing to discuss with Ve n e z u e l a t h r o u g h diplomatic channels the
arrangements for a tripartite examination of the lengthy documentary material regarding the issue, to “clear any doubt that the Government may continue to have regarding the validity of the award…” As explained by Cheddi Jagan in Guyana’s National Assembly, “The British Government said over and over, this is a closed case. The PPP Guyana Government took the same position. This is a closed case, but since they were making noise we said, “O.K.” “You think that you have evidence; look at the records.” They went; they looked; they saw nothing. Therefore, having looked, having seen nothing, the answer was to leave everything where it was.” Even if one accepts the PPP’s position that the Geneva Agreement reopened the border dispute, this is quite different from saying that t h e Ve n e z u e l a n ’ s considered that the Geneva Agreement rendered the 1899 the Arbitral Award null and void. Venezuela’s claim to a nullity was because of a dead man’s letter. But perhaps, Mr. Ramkarran will edify us differently. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)
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S
UTH
D TR
HAR
BY
ALL
KL
GH
Tuesday October 31,2022 2023 Monday May 02,
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
CHEVRON COMETH, WHAT DOES IT BRINGETH
F
or over a year, John Hess and Mike Wirth, the CEOs of Hess Corporation and Chevron respectively sat down in swank establishments, sipped vintage wines, supped on beluga caviar, and talked turkey. As a quick aside, I hope that Guyana is not being billed for those expensive powwows. But amid the Turkish cigar smoke, it was business, always business, and a deal done, save for some nuisance mopping up exercises. Like shareholder
approval, regulatory clearances, and the Government of Guyana greenlight. The latter is automatic. Now Chevron cometh, what doeth bringeth to this richest of oil global oil patches? Guyana’s biggest oilman jumped out of the paddock and read from the Bharat Jagdeo Book of Sacred Truths: Chevron has deep pockets. Yessir! A truer conclusion has not been offered before. Chevron’s deep pockets can have a meaning besides that it has much to spend in the Stabroek Basin, now
turning out to be among the most fabled of oil reservoirs. I regret to inform my fellow Guyanese (and Dr. Jagdeo) that deep pockets can go the other way. That is, there are not enough barrels of oil, and not enough billions in Yankee dollars, to stuff into the company’s capacious-if I m a y s a y, b o t t o m l e s s pockets, as swiftly as they can be churned out. Ah, there is the mystery that was not an anancy story now revealed. More barrels produced with more speed with more returns. Maximizing
revenues suddenly take on a new coloration, but with the same old deficiency: Guyana is the laggard. Guyanese are the ones jilted again and again. Even as I put on my trader’s and speculator’s ascot tie and hat (hypothetical investor’s also) about where oil prices would be [and demand], a side thought focuses on this great, big, hurry to produce at Formula 1 speeds. What is it that the brain trusts of Exxon and Chevron know that Guyana’s brainy people (BJ, MIA, and AN) don’t know, haven’t come
around to addressing their minds. My impression is not that Messrs. Woods and Wirth (sounds like outdoor gun show sponsors) are racing to improve their bottom line; but that they are racing against time. Did somebody say peak oil? Are there any whispers of alternatives proving to be competition to watch, possibly fear? Or demand destruction and the cyclical nature of oil prices? Whatever it may be that is driving this intense acceleration to greater and greater production levels, I still welcome more fellow Americans to Guyana. Better the devil that is known than the one not known as well, maybe not at all. What I do know, and which is now shared with my fellow Guyanese is that on several occasions when an environmental suit, or one of those inconvenient ones about climate matters are filed against Exxon, Chevron is right there in the defense box. Frankly, that key should be thrown away, or made to disappear conveniently. For some more enlightenment of locals, when action was brought against Exxon and other oil majors for abandoned wells a n d r e l a t e d decommissioning costs(Fleetwood Energy) in the Gulf of Mexico, Chevron was also among the parties fingered. Chevron agreed to pay, Exxon balked. Further still, and on a sour note, Chevron and Thailand have had their running disputes about who should be responsible for cleanup costs in the gas fields in that neighborhood. This does not bode well for Guyana and this new partner foisted upon it, thanks to John Hess’s maneuvers. Mr. Hess is a born salesman. There he was selling Guyana’s d e m o c r a c y, G u y a n a ’s glittering prospects to investors, while he was also busy selling his company’s Guyana interest over whisky and soda. A genuine capitalist he is, for a seat on Chevron’s board is assured, with him being the resident Guyana expert, and handsome compensation to match. It would be worth the expense,
s i n c e M r. H e s s c a n guarantee movement from top Guyanese leaders, including on matters where they shouldn’t be. I noticed that Mr. Hess is holding on to his family shares. Some of that will be invested here, for sure, which provides the best evidence of putting his money where his mouth is. On another note, Chevron is in Venezuela and has a foothold in Suriname. By my reckoning, the Venezuelan footprint should widen. Now try this strange little birdie to get the glands going: with oilfields in Guyana and Suriname, and Chevron in both places, some pipes could be run to connect nearby fields in the two countries. S u r i n a m e ’s m o r e e x p e n s i v e o i l (contractually) could find its way cross boundary for a bigger payday here, compliments of Guyana’s giveaway contract. I have repeatedly counseled fellow Guyanese and Jagdeo that one has to think like a thief to understand how teefin works. In the instance of Jagdeo, he needs no such insights, as he can write a 2volume book on teefin, and all that is involved in such activities. The man knows. Anyway, Chevron is on the way to join in the Guyana fun. As for Guyanese, they will have to be content with dealing with a blistering, battering sun. Mark these words: more production will come to signify more economic disillusions for Guyanese. In Messrs. Routledge and Wirth, two scorpions in a Demerara bottle, there is 70 plus years of oil knowhow. That is arguably more than all Guyanese know, including the tricks the companies picked up along the way. Exxon and Chevron could transform Guyana into scrap iron. (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.)
Tuesday October 31, 2023
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Tuesday October 31, 2023
AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2023…
Guyana negotiating US$500 million - funding to go towards loan from African bank infrastructure projects By Kiana Wilburg President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday revealed that Guyana is currently engaged in discussions with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for a substantial US$500 million loan. This potential influx of funds is earmarked for the nation’s ambitious line-up of transformative infrastructure initiatives. The announcement was a focal point during Dr. Ali’s keynote speech at the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum, hosted at the Marriott Hotel, which concludes today. Emphasizing the challenges faced by African and Caribbean nations to tackle key issues—ranging from f o o d t o e n e rg y insecurity—he spotlighted the crucial role of institutions like Afreximbank. Such
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during his address
o rg a n i z a t i o n s h e s a i d provide essential financing that can enable nations to tackle and surmount their various challenges. It was here that Dr. Ali confirmed the ongoing negotiations between Guyanese officials and the bank for the sizable bridge financing. Furthermore, President Ali highlighted other significant collaborations with African financial
entities that are opening doors for development in Guyana. A notable mention was made about Guyanese businessman and accountant, Floyd Haynes, the founder of New Hayven Merchant Bank which launched just last year.The Head of State said Haynes has been a bridge between Africa and Guyana, undertaking multiple trips to foster discussions that
bolster financial opportunities for the Guyanese market. “Floyd has held many discussions with the Africa Exim Bank to do a number of things. Just like the government, they (his Merchant Bank) are in final stages of negotiating a US$15 million facility to support local businesses, that is, small and medium-scale enterprises here in Guyana. His bank is also working with the Exim Bank, I am advised, in support of one of the first local group of women (Sispro Inc.), who would have won two of the oil blocks here in Guyana,” the President said. In a call to action, President Ali also urged the regional private sector to seize the moment. He emphasised the importance of engaging with A f r e x i m b a n k o ff i c i a l s present at the forum. His challenge to them was clear – to put forth proposals that could definitively address the region’s recurring transport issues. The Head of State said, “I would be furious… I will even consider it a severe missed
opportunity by the regional private sector if they cannot form a consortium and use this opportunity that the Exim Bank is offering to end our regional transport system failure and I speak specifically about our maritime transport infrastructure.” He added, “We can plant and grow as much as we want. We can do agroprocessing, manufacturing, and industrial development. We can reengineer the supply chain, but we have to move things. We have to move things throughout the region.” He said therefore that the matter of maritime and logistical trade woes must be top of mind. The President said he has received assurances from the African Exim bank that it is ready to examine a proposal from the regional private sector that offers a pragmatic solution. “Every single state in CARICOM has made it clear that we will give all the incentives necessary to facilitate the building of a regional transport infrastructure system to solve the problem of
regional transport. It is in your hands now. And we will champion it…We are too small to think and act in silos,” the President said. Ali was also keen to highlight that the African Exim Bank has an asset base totalling US$35B. He then urged the private sector to bear in mind that financial services sector account for more than 50% of the bank’s loan portfolio, adding that oil and gas only accounts for 15 percent. He also noted that manufacturing accounted for 4.5%, power generation accounted for 4.2%, and construction 3.5%. “This tells you that the bank has a diversified portfolio of opportunities you can tackle,” Ali said. The president then charged the regional private sector to be proactive and embark on a new chapter of development for the AfricanCaribbean relations. ABOUT THE FORUM AND BANK The idea for ACTIF2022 resulted from an official Afreximbank visit to Barbados in September 2021, which followed that (Continued on page 15)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 31, 2023
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Local Govt. Minister halts City Council’s amnesty programme Local Government Minister Anand Persaud has instructed the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to halt to its decision to grant amnesty to defaulting tax payers. In a letter dated October 16, 2023, the Local Government Minister asked the Council to show whether its decision is in keeping with Section 163 of Municipal and District Council Act, Chapter 28:01. “I hereby request a copy of the financial regulations which authorizes the decision of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Georgetown made on 26 September 2023 to offer amnesty on interest accumulated on the accounts of ratepayers, and the grounds upon which such a decision is based.” The Minister noted that the Council’s letter to him is dated 10 days after the start of the amnesty. “This oddity aside, I hereby request that you halt this alleged amnesty forthwith while the lawfulness of this purported amnesty is interrogated,” Minister Persaud said. In September, the M&CC
…City Mayor to explore legal options
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud announced that it will be offering ratepayers’ amnesty on their accumulated interests. At the time, City Mayor Alfred Mentore said that the funds garnered from the amnesty would be used by the municipality to pay off income tax debts to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). In a statement issued on Monday, Mentore explained that the decision to extend amnesty to
ratepayers was made by the Council at a statutory meeting late September 2023. The Council, he said, voted to offer the citizens of Georgetown a period of amnesty on interest owed in a measure to raise funds to clear PAYE debts accrued at the Guyana Revenue Authority. “This proactive measure was agreed to after the Mayor and executive finance members met with Commissioner General Mr. Godfrey Statia after the said statutory meeting.” Mentore said, “The PPP/C [Peoples Progressive Party Civic] administration has steadfastly refused to honour central government financial obligations to the City council and this continues to stifle the work of maintaining and rebuilding the Garden City. “In blocking the attempts of the Council to meet its obligations to the GRA, the PPP/C are showing their true colors, this is the care they talk about; they are deliberately hampering the livelihoods,
benefits, and well-being of staff and their families whom are affected by the non-payment of their PAYE,”Mentore said. The Mayor said that efforts were made to discuss and resolve “this absurd and unconscionable decision of the Honourable Minister but to no avail.” The Mayor asserted that there is “no law that speak to his overreach!” “I would like to remind the residents and property owners of Georgetown who are now being denied the opportunity to regularize their historical issues with rates and taxes owed, of the warnings we, the APNU gave, during the recent Local Government campaign “they (the PPP/C) want to control the City Council so that they could change laws and seize your properties for outstanding taxes,” Mentore said. The Mayor said he intends to call an emergency meeting of the Council and “present all options available for democratic discussion and decisions on the way forward including the adjudication of this
Georgetown Mayor, Alfred Mentore matter in the High court of the Supreme Court of the judicature, if necessary.” For years, the M&CC has been providing amnesty to ratepayers. The money received during that period is used to offset the Council’s expenses which includes the payment of wages and salaries and garbage contractors, while providing critical services to communities in the city.
Police investigating Businessman who robbed, of miner murdered friend for court today death - after body found An autopsy report has revealed that young businessman, Amit Devindra Singh who was murdered on October 24, died from multiple injuries. According to the police, the post mortem was conducted on Monday morning at the Memorial Gardens Mortuary by Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh. The results detailed that 21-year-old Singh died from blunt trauma to the head and face with multiple fractures. Also blunt trauma to the neck and by a broncho aspiration of blood (blood in the nostrils and lungs). S i n g h ’s b o d y w a s handed over to his relatives for burial. Singh will be cremated on Wednesday. Police also reported that the s u s p e c t , Yo g e e n d r a Sukhdeo involved in the murder of Singh is expected to be charged with murder today. Kaieteur News had reported that Singh was robbed and bludgeoned to death last week Tuesday at a house at Middle Road La Penitence, Georgetown. Relatives recalled that Singh was picked up from his home
Suspect, Yogeendra Sukhdeo Dead, Amit Devindra Singh in a car sometime around 13:00hrs that day but never returned. Police were called in and detectives were quickly able to track down Sukhdeo who confessed that Singh was murdered. The suspect had initially told investigators that he and three of his employees had robbed and murdered Singh at his father’s house at Middle Road. Sukhdeo had claimed that he and his accomplices had duped Singh into believing that they had a
large quantity of gold to sell. Investigators tracked them down but the men denied any involvement in the heinous crime. Kaieteur News was later told that the men provided alibis for their whereabouts at time when Singh was killed. Sukhdeo, however, after learning this, confessed that he acted alone in duping his friend Singh to be robbed and killed. This publication learnt that Singh, a licensed gold dealer got acquainted with
Sukhdeo through similar business transaction in the past. When Sukhdeo contacted him about a lucrative gold deal on Tuesday, Singh agreed. Sukhdeo told police that he picked up Singh from his Delph Street and Campbelle Avenue home in a vehicle with a false number plate. He drove Singh to a house he was taking care of at Middle Road and beat him to death with a piece of wood. Sukhdeo reportedly said that he had also attempted to strangle Singh. After killing the young g o l d d e a l e r, h e t o o k possession of the money and wrapped the body in a sheet. He then locked up the house and went to his home at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) where he hid the stolen cash. Police the following morning recovered almost $8M in cash from Sukhdeo’s bedroom. He had led detectives to his home at 20th Avenue Diamond Housing Scheme to find the money. A sum of $7,790,000, all consisting of $5,000 bills, was found and subsequently lodged by the lawmen.
floating in Mazaruni River Police are investigating the death of Renold Rodrigues, a 30-year-old Miner of River View, West Bank Demerara, which occurred sometime between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning at Makarie Backdam, Mazarui River, in Region 7. In a press statement police said enquiries revealed that Mohan Singh, a 36-year-old Miner, owns a six-inch mining operation at Makarie Backdam, and Rodrigues was his employee. At about 16:00 hrs Sunday, Singh was on site with his six workers, including Rodrigues, who was at the sluice box working while Singh and the other workers were in the mining pit setting up the impeller. When Singh and his workers exited the mining pit (after setting up the impeller), they could not find the victim. A search was launched, but Rodrigues could not be found. At about 09:00 hrs Monday Singh got into his speedboat and departed the camp, heading to Bartica. A short while after, Singh received a call from one of his workers informing him that Rodrigues’ body was found floating in the Mazaruni River. As a result, Singh proceeded to the Bartica Police Station, where he reported the matter. He stated that the sluice box is about 1,000 feet away from the river bank. Detectives from Bartica have left for the scene to conduct investigations.
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Tuesday October 31, 2023
Afreximbank pledges US$3 billion to CARICOM States upon full treaty ratification The African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank) has committed to making US$3 billion available to members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), contingent upon all member nations ratifying a recently inked partnership treaty. As of now, the bank has approved a lending limit of US$1.5 billion. The announcement was made by Prof. Benedict O. Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, during the Second AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum being held at the Marriott Hotel from October 30-31, 2023. In a stirring address, Oramah noted the historical significance of Africa’s relationship with the Caribbean. Referencing the words of iconic Reggae artist Bob Marley, he said, “Four Hundred (400) years ago, the continent of Africa was plundered, and its people taken away, such that as our
brother, Bob Marley said, ‘by the sweat of my brow, eat your bread’.” He emphasized the momentum gained since the First Forum was held in Barbados last year. “In just under a year, eleven of the 15 CARICOM Member States had signed the Partnership Treaty, and eight had ratified, which made the Treaty effective in months, not years,” Oramah stated. He then detailed some of the bank’s accomplishments over the past year, which includes multiple trade and investment missions leading to a pipeline of about US$2 billion in deals across CARICOM. He said too that there have been significant transactions approved or are nearing approval for countries like Barbados, St. Lucia, the Bahamas, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis in diverse sectors ranging from tourism and renewable energy to trade finance. The Chairman also
pointed out Afreximbank’s role in attracting African investments in fisheries, renewable energy, ports, and tourism. Notably, he said during the event, agreements are set to be inked for some of these financial endeavors. Further elaborating on the efforts to strengthen financial collaboration, Oramah mentioned, “ A f r e x i m b a n k ’s P a n African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) has been chosen for a pilot programme for CARICOM Central banks. We hope that one day the Payment Systems of Africa and the CARICOM will be integrated.” Kaieteur News understands that PAPSS is an initiative by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union. Its primary purpose is to facilitate intraAfrican trade and commerce by providing a centralized payment and settlement
infrastructure for trade and other financial transactions within the continent. During his address, the Chairman highlighted the August 2023 opening of Afreximbank’s Caribbean Office in Barbados and announced plans for developing the Africa Trade Centre in Barbados, which will host the permanent Caribbean office and offer a range of services, from trade information to conferencing facilities. He also noted that a significant revelation was the intention to create a CARICOM Eximbank. Toward this end he said the Afreximbank has full approval to fund the feasibility studies. He said, “…we in management are willing to motivate up to 49 percent of the equity that may be required if CARICOM States invite Afreximbank to participate.” Professor Oramah concluded his address by
Prof. Benedict O. Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank
emphasizing the challenges ahead, from global interest rates to geopolitical tensions. He also underscored the importance of unity in the face of these adversities. “In a de-globalizing world, Small Open
Economies will suffer if they don’t bind together, and there can be no better binding than that of brothers and sisters, as represented by AfriCaribbean trade and investment integration,” he stressed.
CoI into Mahdia female dorm fire extended to November The aftermath of the fire at the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory
President Irfaan Ali has granted the Presidential Commission investigating the devastating fire at the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory an extension to complete its work. The tragic fire claimed the lives of 20 children. The Commission was scheduled to be completed in October but Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Sigh requested an extension of the twomonth deadline. The Commission now has until mid-November to complete its work and submit its report to the President. Secretary of the CoI, Javed Shaddick, made the disclosure on Monday during a press briefing. “So far we have had 29 persons
who came before the Commission of Inquiry; of those persons we have gotten information in regards to each of the terms of reference. The Commission has been looking into the evidence to determine whether or not they need more persons to come before them, and as of today they have decided they do not need any more persons to come before them,” Shaddick said. However, the Commissioners have decided to return to Mahdia for another site visit. Before the inquiry commenced, the Commissioners had visited the area. According to Shaddick, Wednesday’s visit will encompass, “Site visits of the fire station, the dormitory, the hospital, the RDC (Regional Democratic Council)
…Commissioners to return to fire site
office and the alternative water supply source that was mentioned by the fire service.” The Commissioners will be accompanied by the dorm mother, firefighters, and other persons to gain a comprehensive understanding of the area and the events that occurred on the night of the fire. The site visit will also help them to assess the distances between key locations. A d d i t i o n a l l y, S h a d d i c k revealed that the Commissioners are actively preparing their report on the findings and intend to submit it within the given timeframe. In August, President Ali appointed Major General (Ret’d) Singh as the Chairman of the Commission, with Attorney-atLaw Joycelin Kim Kyte-Thomas
Secretary of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), Javed Shaddick and Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Derrick John as the other members.
The categories of witnesses included responders, such as the fire service and police personnel, pilots, doctors from Georgetown and Mahdia, and individuals present at the time of the fire. Special attention has been given to the protection of the rights of minors who were called to testify, with their interviews being conducted in-camera to safeguard their privacy and well-being. The deadly fire which occurred on May 21, 2023 reportedly began in the lavatory area of the female dorm and quickly spread trapping the occupants. The fire claimed the lives of 19 girls and a 5-year-old boy. A 15-year-old girl is currently facing 20 murder charges in connection with the fire.
Tuesday October 31, 2023
Man on $200,000 bail for raping woman Bailed: Kishore Choonoo
A 34-year-old man was on Monday granted bail in the sum of $200,000 after he allegedly raped a 20-year-old woman on April 3, 2023, at a hotel in Bartica, Region Seven. Kishore Choonoo, appeared at the Bartica Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Crystel Lambert to answer to the charge of Rape, Contrary to Section 3(3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was granted $200,000 bail. Choonoo is scheduled to return to court on December 8, 2023.
Guyana negotiating... From page 12 month’s inaugural Africa/CARICOM Summit. During the visit, the Government of Barbados and Afreximbank identified the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum as a key strategic activity towards institutionalising the engagement between both regions’ private sectors to advance trade and investment relations. The inaugural edition of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum was held in Bridgetown, Barbados from September 1-3, 2022, and the second edition is being held in Georgetown, Guyana, from October 30-31, 2023. As for the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), it is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution, mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. At the end of 2022, Afreximbank’s total assets and guarantees stood at over US$31 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$5.2 billion.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 31, 2023
Local Content Facilitation Fund coming - Pres. Ali
P
WANTED
VACANCY
Wanted: Experienced Puri Maker and Counter Person. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts. Call: 654-1361.
Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.
Office Assistant needed. 5 CSEC O’ levels, computer literate, prior experience will be an asset. Email: Agricola scaffmanguyana@gmail.com Wanted Scaffolders & Trainees. Prior scaffold experience will be an asset, training will be provided. Email: Agricola scaffmanguyana@gmail.com Diesel Mechanic wanted. Contact: 688-0417, 223-5273/ 687-5814.
One Clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics required. Call: 615-9132, Email application: techserigy @yahoo.com Maid needed to clean at East Bank area. Call: 615-9132. One male Cleaner needed for Eccles area. Call: 615-9132, 645-8443. One Spanish Chef. Vacante para un chef espanol debe Poder. Trabajar por los noches. Call: 634-8644.
Wanted! Male & Female workers for packaging pasta and chowmein on the Back Road (Mandela Ave). Call: 611-7839.
Two experienced Waitress with food handling certificate. Preferably on the West Bank. Call: 679-2612.
One male and female ablebodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 2261497, 658-8559.
Workers needed to work for growing business in Soesdyke. Ages 18-60 years. Call: 669-9258.
To purchase Antique or Vintage collectable souvenir. Call/ WhatsApp: 674-6452.
Receptionist, Deskstaff, Room Attendant, Laundry Attendant, Security Guard & Handyman needed at 233, South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198. Live-in Domestic/ Maid needed. Must know to cook. Call: 614-1819.
LAND FOR SALE House lots at Moblissa, S.L Highway. Limited lots at the creek side. Call: 661-3608. 18.6 acres of land along the friendship East Bank public road. Price $4.5 US. Contact: 623-1615. 4 House lot totaling 205 ft x 115 ft in Kese Village 6 Street Cummings street. Price $1.5 USD. Contact: 623-1615.
Male & female needed to work in the Interior, ages 18 years and older. Call: 6998486, 614-1819. Experienced able-bodied Yard man needed, flexible hours. Call: 614-1819. Vacancy at People's Choice kitchen for two experienced Cooks. Call: 696-6139, WhatsApp: 679-9449.
Land located at Russell Street Charlestown, very large back lot (83x43) with 8 ft driveway $16M. Call Ayube: 677-2581. NTech professional repair services, we repair all brand phones, Computer E.C.T. Call: 645-3184/ 652-2019. Recently constructed 4 storey building at Parika in the business district, two and a half floors available. Call: 699-4513. Bottom flat three bedroom apartment, located 173 D Eccles Old road. Contact: 660-4330
The decomposed body of 55-year-old Suresh Seaukumar, called ‘Charles’, was discovered on Monday at his Lot 501 Section ‘B’ NonPareil, East Coast Demerara, home. The discovery stemmed
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner) Contact#649-0956.
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charged the region’s private sector to form themselves into a consortium and use the support of Afreximbank to end “our regional transport system failure”. “We are too small to think and act in silos. We have to learn to remove the imaginary barriers between ourselves and act in a collective, in a consortium, bringing together our collective capital, our collective talent and our collective structure so that we can make use of the largestscale opportunities that exist within the region. We can’t tiptoe around this anymore.” The President said that effective maritime transportation is imperative for the collaborative plans in place for the region. “We can plant and grow as much as we want. We can do agro-processing, manufacturing, industrial development, we can re-engineer the supply chain, but we have to move things; we have to move things throughout the region. We must find the solution.” HISTORIC AFRICACARIBBEAN RELATIONSHIP President Ali also spoke about the cultural, economic, historical and human ties between Africa and the Caribbean Region. “For a matter of fact, that is the root of this relationship. That is the bedrock of this relationship. That is the main artery that will ensure this relationship is fuelled with the blood that will keep it alive.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali
The Head of State underscored that CARICOM and the Bank must align their thoughts on how we can build a regional project and transfer the technology that is required in a world 2030 and beyond. “My friends, today as I said earlier, we have an opportunity of expanding this partnership in a different way. The colonizers’ goal was to expand the slave trade, in honour of those men and women who we lost in the most horrendous form we now have an opportunity to rewrite the history, of collaborating and expanding partnerships, for the prosperity of the people of our region.” He further explained that the South-South trade potential is estimated at US$16 trillion with a population of more than four billion people among 42 developing nations.
“UNTAG reports that the volume is now higher than that of the North-South trade, growing faster than the world average, fostering trade in non-traditional exports including higher value-added and technology-intensive manufactured goods.” President Ali added that “we owe it to the memories of that generation” to do all we can in this generation, in this time of our history, to build stronger and create greater bonds based on friendship, love, and prosperity. Prime Minister of Barbados, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley; Prime Minister of St Lucia, the Honourable Philip Joseph Pierre; representatives from several African countries, members of the diplomatic community, business leaders and a number of cabinet ministers were also at the event.
Decomposed body found at Non Pareil
VEHICLES FOR SALE SERVICES
FOR RENT
resident Dr Irfaan Ali said that stakehold ers are working to formulate an agreement for the establishment of a Local Content Facilitation Fund before the end of the two-day AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2023, which is being held in Guyana. During the opening ceremony of the event at the Marriott Hotel, on Monday the Head of State said that the initiative between the Government and the African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank) will increase cash flow for local suppliers to enhance their investments. The President pointed out that the fund has worked in Angola and Nigeria and should support the local business community. He lauded the diligence of Afreximbank and the Chair of its Board of Directors, Professor Benedict Oramah and said that the time is ripe to forge a stronger partnership between CARICOM and Africa. “Today, the world is faced with many challenges. We in CARICOM are not divorced from those challenges. For a matter of fact, those challenges come at an accelerated pace to us, and we have the choice to bow before the challenges or confront those challenges and win amongst them. The Afreximbank offers that branch to help us to confront these challenges and win against them.” One of these challenges, President Ali pointed out, is to build a regional maritime transportation system. He
FOR SALE House & Land at Lowland Housing scheme, ECD. Call: 616-2377, 6361486. WhatsApp: +1-547-7019815.
from a report made to the police by Suresh’s daughter, Noorena Seaukumar, a 35year-old woman from Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. Noorena told the police that she went to her father’s home at Non-Pareil on Sunday afternoon to check on him, but the house was locked and secured, so she left and went away. At about 11:45hrs Monday Noorena went to
the Vigilance Police Station and reported that for the past seven months, she has not heard from nor seen her father because they were not on speaking terms. About ten minutes later, police ranks proceeded to Suresh’s Non-Pareil home. On arrival, ranks entered the house, where they discovered the decomposed body in a lying position on a bed in one of the bedrooms. Due to the
decomposed state of the body, it was difficult to examine. The body was later escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Enquiries disclosed that the deceased was an alcoholic who resided alone in the one-storey unpainted concrete building. Further investigation revealed that the deceased was last seen in his verandah during the month of June 2023. Investigations continue.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 31, 2023
Colombian sentenced in assassination of Moise CMC – A retired Colombian military officer was on Friday sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the July 7, 2021 assassination of the 53-yearold Haitian President, Jovenel Moise, at his private residence, overlooking the capital, Port au Prince. Moise’s wife, Martine Marie Étienne Moïse, who was present when the armed group entered the private residence, had to be treated in the United States for injuries sustained in the attack carried out by the hired group of about 20 military-trained Colombians. The United States has maintained it has jurisdiction in the case because Washington claims the plot to kill Moise was hatched in part in the US. German Rivera, the retired captain, who last month pleaded guilty to taking part in the plan, appeared before Judge Jose Martinez for sentencing. Dressed in brown prison garb, with his feet and wrists bound, Rivera passed on an opportunity to address the court before the sentence was read out. He is the second person convicted in the United
Jovenel Moise (Reuters)
States over the assassination. In June, Haitian-Chilean Rodolphe Jaar, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison for his role in supplying weapons to carry out the assassination. Earlier this week, the investigative judge in Haiti, Walter Wesser Voltaire, remanded Joseph Félix Badio to prison after he appeared before him for less than 10 minutes. Badio is the first person sent to prison by magistrate Voltaire as part of the investigation of the assassination of Moise, whose death plunged the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country into further instability with armed criminal gangs ruling most
of the capital. Badio, 60, a former official of the AntiCorruption Unit, who was dismissed on May 17, 2021, for serious breaches of ethical rules, is suspected of ordering the assassination of President Moise and had been on the run since his murder at his private residence overlooking the capital, Port au Prince. Badio is accused of ordering hitmen to carry out the attack. He is charged with murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery. A spokesperson for the Haitian National Police (PNH), Inspector Gary Desrosiers, said that Badio was caught while driving out of a supermarket car park in the capital five days ago.
…no immediate reports of casualties or damage
A
Man freed of Coldigen fisherman’s murder …another to be sentenced
5.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Jamaica ssociated Press A 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit J a m a i c a o n M o n d a y, prompting people to flee buildings amid heavy shaking. The earthquake was located about 2 miles (4 kilometers) west-northwest of Hope Bay, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It occurred at a shallow depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers). There were no immediate reports of
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damage or injuries. The earthquake prompted panic on the island. Members attending the International Seabed Authority meeting that began Monday could be seeing fleeing on camera before the broadcast cut off. While small earthquakes are common in and around Jamaica — some 200 a year — large ones are rare. The devastating Port Royal earthquake occurred in 1692, with a portion of the town
sinking into the sea. Then in 1907, a quake struck the capital, Kingston, killing more than 1,000 people. Another big quake was reported in March 1957, affecting mostly western Jamaica, according to the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. The island sits atop the Enriquillo–Plantain Garden fault zone, which it shares with Haiti and the Dominican Republic, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Roy Jaglall, one of the accused in the 2020 murder of Mukesh Mangra, was on Monday found not guilty of killing. Mangra, called ‘Paul’, the Coldigen fisherman was murdered on January 18, 2020. The body of 27-yearold Mangra of Coldingen Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was discovered on the evening of January 18, 2020 lying on the road with multiple stab wounds and lacerations. Police found a bluehandle knife about fifty feet from the fisherman’s body. Family members had reported that they believed that Mangra was attacked and killed during a brawl. Ram and Jaglall were subsequently charged with his murder. Jaglall was accused of the murder along with Vivekanand Ram. Ram pleaded guilty to the charge at his arraignment before at the High Court. He is set be sentenced on November 9, 2023. The trial into Mangra’s death concluded on Monday before Justice Simone Morris Ramlall at the High Court where the unanimous verdict was handed down. During the summing up of the trial on Monday, the mixed 12member jury found Jaglall not guilty of murder and on the proportion of 10:2; they found him not guilty of the lesser offence of manslaughter. Last week,
Freed: Mukesh Mangra prosecutors called several witnesses including Police detective, Chitram Seeram, who lead the murder investigation. Seeram told the court that he had instructed crime scene ranks to inter alia, to collect video footage from nearby surveillance cameras during the murder investigation. According to the policeman, the murder occurred in the vicinity of Chico Ramas gas station and Tasha’s bar on the ECD. He said that as a result, he instructed ranks to secure the video footage as part of their evidence gathering. Under cross examination by attorney, Dominic Bess, the officer related that the recordings were taken to the Magistrates’ Court but were not tendered as evidence. Seeram told the court that the footage was not clear and were not considered crucial. The detective said too that video footage was taken of a confrontation between Jaglall and another
suspect, Tagepaul Sukdeo but it was also never tendered in court. He revealed further that there were about six video recordings that were collected throughout the investigation and they too were not tendered as evidence. In addition, to the detective, State Prosecutors Rbina Christmas and Dellon Fraser called seven more witnesses including, Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh who gave details of an autopsy he conducted on Mangra’s body. During his t e s t i m o n y, D r. S i n g h revealed that the fisherman died of perforation to the liver and lungs. The pathologist related that the deceased suffered three incised wounds two of which were located in the abdomen and were likely caused by a sharp, pointed object measuring 10cm in length. Meanwhile, Sukdeo told the court that Jaglall told a group of men that he was hanging out with at Tasha’s bar and a man, he later identified as Mangra, had taken away his cutlass and knife and “want juke he up”. As a result, the group of men entered a car and went to confront Mangra. When the men, with whom Jaglall was with, confronted Mangra, he attempted to escape but was caught and stabbed about his abdomen with a knife.
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday October 31, 2023
Israeli forces move further into Gaza as Netanyahu declares ‘time for war’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli forces are making progress in Gaza raids, denounces calls for ceasefire.
Aljazeera - Israeli military forces have advanced further into the besieged Gaza Strip and battled with Palestinian fighters near Gaza City, as the United Nations and medical staff expressed fears over air strikes hitting closer to hospitals. Israeli soldiers and tanks carried out attacks from two sides of Gaza City in the northern section of the strip on Monday, with Palestinian armed groups saying that they repelled Israeli tanks to the east of the city. “Our duty today is [to] fight and fight,” the Palestinian Islamic Jihad armed group said in a statement, adding that it was not the right time to discuss a potential ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also dismissed growing calls for a ceasefire, saying that such action would constitute “surrender to terrorism”. Israeli forces said that they “killed dozens of terrorists who barricaded themselves in buildings and tunnels and attempted to attack the troops” and that three Israeli troops have been killed in Gaza. Israel also announced that it had freed a female Israeli soldier being held captive by the Palestinian armed group Hamas during its ground raids, which have expanded in recent days alongside its continuing aerial assault. More than 8,300 people, including more than 3,400 children, have been killed in
Fire and smoke rise following Israeli air strikes in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday, October 30 [Abed Khaled/AP Photo]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a press conference in Tel Aviv, Israel [File: Abir Sultan/Pool via Reuters] the bombardment, according to Gaza officials, and UN officials and aid organisations have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe as Israel continues to impose a “complete siege” on the territory. Numerous strikes lit up the north sky in northern Gaza on Monday. Colin Clarke, director of research at the Soufan Group, an intelligence and security consultancy, told Al Jazeera that the latest strikes could include large bombs meant to destroy a network of underground tunnels utilised by Hamas. “This could be the use of bunker busters, where the Israelis are dropping bombs meant to penetrate what we call hard and deeply buried targets,” said Clarke, adding that it was impossible to be certain. A small amount of aid has started to trickle into the beleaguered strip, with the Palestinian Red Crescent
reporting that 26 trucks carrying aid entered through the Rafah crossing with Egypt on Monday. No sign of a ceasefire Speaking to reporters on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphatically rejected calls for a ceasefire, saying that “this is a time for war”. The embattled prime minister also shot down questions about whether he will resign, as he faces widespread outrage from an Israeli public that holds his government responsible for a failure to stop an attack by Hamas on October 7 that killed more than 1,400 people, most of them civilians. “The failure of the Israeli security apparatus, they [the Israeli public] will not forgive him for that,” Abdelhamid Siyam, professor of political science at Rutgers University, told Al Jazeera, adding that the public “believes in the army,
but not in Netanyahu”. Speaking in a televised address on Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that Hamas has two options: “die fighting or to surrender without any conditions”. The UN Security Council was holding an emergency meeting to deliberate on Israel’s ground raids, with Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo saying that the session would receive a briefing from Philippe Lazzarini, director of the UN agency on Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. “This was a meeting where the UNSC members want to get a firsthand assessment of the situation in Gaza right now, and that is what we expect that they’ll be hearing,” said Elizondo. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud in Washington, DC, on Monday to discuss regional
tensions. Russian president says US responsible for Middle East ‘chaos’ Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed the United States for the “deadly chaos” in the Middle East in a televised address, calling the US a beneficiary of “global instability”. Putin also blamed Ukraine and Western nations for an outbreak of violence in the Russian republic of Dagestan on Sunday night, in which an angry crowd stormed an airport in search of passengers scheduled to arrive on a flight from Israel. Russian forces have themselves been active in the Middle East for years, assisting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the country’s bloody civil war and dispatching proxy forces such as the Wagner Group to Libya. Turkey condemns targeting of hospital in Gaza The Turkish foreign ministry has condemned “in
the strongest terms” an Israeli strike on the TurkishPalestinian Friendship hospital in Gaza, stating that it had shared the coordinates of the hospital with Israeli authorities in advance. Sobhi Skeik, director of the Turkish-funded cancer treatment hospital, called the attack “the first direct hit on a medical facility”. T h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization (WHO) has also warned that it is unable to help resupply Al-Shifa and Al-Quds hospitals due to high risks. “It’s a disaster on top of a disaster. Health needs are soaring and our ability to meet those needs is rapidly declining,” said Rick Brennan, the agency’s regional emergencies director. Brennan called for a ceasefire and said that one third of Gaza’s hospitals and more than 70 percent of clinics are now nonfunctioning.
More than 420 children killed or injured in Gaza every day: UNICEF Aljazeera - More than 420 children are being killed or injured in the Gaza Strip e v e r y d a y, C a t h e r i n e Russell, executive director of UNICEF, has said. “The true cost of this latest escalation will be measured in children’s lives,” she told the UN Security Council. “In the West Bank, i n c l u d i n g E a s t Jerusalem, at least 37 children have reportedly been killed. More than 30 Israeli children have reportedly been killed, while at least 20 children remind hostage in the Gaza Strip, their fate
unknown.” “The situation grows worse by the hour,” she
warned. “And without an end to the hostilities, I am afraid
for the fate of the region’s children.” She called on the UN
Security Council to “immediately” adopt a resolution that: calls for a ceasefire demands the parties allow safe and unimpeded humanitarian access d e m a n d s t h e immediate safe release of all abducted children ‘Nowhere safe’ for Palestinian patients to go amid Israel’s hospital evacuation push: UN official Meanwhile, Lisa Doughten of the UN humanitarian office (OCHA) says “life hangs by a thread” for premature Palestinian
n e w b o r n s and patients relying on dialysis at hospital in the Gaza Strip that are facing a lack of fuel. “Some 9,000 cancer patients are not receiving adequate care,” she told the Security Council, expressing concern over t h e I s r a e l i m i l i t a r y ’s warnings to evacuate health care facilities in the besieged enclave. “There is nowhere safe for these patients to go, and for those on lifesupport and babies on incubators, moving will certainly be a death sentence.”
Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 31, 2023
First catheter-directed thrombolysis of pulmonary embolism procedure conducted at GPHC
The medical team performing the Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis of Pulmonary Embolism at the GPHC. The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Monday announced that the first-ever catheter-directed thrombolysis of pulmonary embolism procedure was performed at the facility. According to a press release, GPHC said the historic procedure was done two weeks ago and was successfully performed by the hospital’s Interventional Radiologist, Dr. Joel Joseph following consultation with the hospital’s internal medicine team. The procedure was performed on a 35year-old patient diagnosed with saddled pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot (usually from the legs or other parts of the body) travels to the lungs, causing blockage in the pulmonary arteries. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications. “Under the skilled hands of Dr. Joel
Joseph, the surgery was executed with precision, leading to a successful outcome. We are pleased to report that the patient is recovering well and is currently under careful medical management in one of our hospital wards,” the hospital stated. The GPHC said that the groundbreaking achievement reflects GPHC’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services and pioneering medical advancements for the people of Guyana. Further, the hospital said that the collaboration between “talented medical professionals, including Dr. Joel Joseph and the dedicated internal medicine team, highlights the hospital’s expertise and determination in tackling complex medical challenges”. The hospital thanked all who were involved in the procedure and extends best wishes and a smooth and speedy recovery to the patient.
Fire flattens Enmore lumber yard ...owner says $50M worth of materials destroyed A fire of unknown origin on Monday completely gutted a lumber yard at Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), resulting in some $50 million in losses of materials. Owner of the land, Richard Persaud said that the fire started at about 10:00hrs. Persaud highlighted that he owns the land, but rents it to Rohan- who owns the lumber yard. Persaud said persons would dump garbage and set it ablaze from time to time at an adjoining lot. “Now it’s the pile of garbage that created this fire, because somebody been lighting this, to burn the rubbish, and it spread across, like they throw gas,” a frustrated Persaud told this publication. Notably he had spoken to the Neighbourhood Democratic Counsel (NDC) about this occurrence, but according to him they did nothing about it. “I don’t know what to do about it, this thing happening donkey years now,” he said. He said that the proprietor of the lumber yard called the Guyana Fire Service between 10:30 to 11:00hrs, but was told by an official they could not respond as all the fire tenders were out. He explained that he asked the fire service whether they could get back up, “because Rohan Lumber Yard would be completely burn up. I called back again that’s around 11:30hrs, and I was driving up, so as I got there, I saw two fire trucks doing nothing,
Fire at Rohan Lumber Yard, Enmore East Coast Demerara. they don’t have water or something,” Persaud related. He said eventually another truck arrived and attacked the fire that was lit at the garbage site, which had spread to the grass. Contacted on the matter, Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham said that firefighters had tried to put out the blaze at the lumber yard. He also mentioned that it is not likely for the fire service to show up on the scene with no water. Notably, the fire chief said a few days ago, they hosted a drilling session showing the public on how the Guyana fire Service intends to handle situations as such.
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‘Chow Pow’ granted $50,000 bail for allegedly assaulting daughter Comedian, Kirk Jardine popularly known as ‘Chow Pow’ was on Monday granted $50,000 bail when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer assault charges. Jardine, 57, is accused of assaulting his 22-year-old daughter last Friday. Reports are that the young woman visited a police station to file a report against her exboyfriend. As she exited the police station onto the Ruimveldt Public Road, Georgetown, her father reportedly pulled up alongside her in his vehicle and instructed her to enter his vehicle. The young woman refused and this allegedly enraged Jardine who dealt her several cuffs and slaps to her face and body after which he slammed her into his car. The young woman, reportedly shouted for help as passersby looked on. The police were summoned and Jardine was arrested while his daughter was taken to a city hospital for medical treatment. On Monday, when Jardine appeared before Magistrate Rondell Weever he pleaded not guilty to the assault charge that was read to him. He was represented by Khemraj Ramjattan, who after providing the court with a brief about his client sought bail in a reasonable amount. The prosecutor objected to bail on grounds of the severity of the offence, especially due to the amount of blows the
Granted bail, Kirk Jardine aka ‘Chow Pow’
virtual complainant sustained. Notwithstanding the prosecutor ’s objection to bail, the Magistrate granted bail in the sum of $50,000 with the condition that Jardine stays 100 feet away from the virtual complainant. He is also barred from contacting her. He is scheduled to return to court on November 6, 2023.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 31, 2023
Tuesday October 31, 2023
GGA hosts successful 7th annual Breast Cancer - Association set to make Awareness tournament huge donation November
The Guyana Golf Association (GGA) and Nexgen Golf Academy held another successful fundraising activity for Breast Cancer Awareness over the weekend at the Scout Association Ground on Woolford Avenue. Dozens of players turned up to support the annual event including Ministry of Education Priority Programme Golf coaches and several head teachers from various schools across the country from as far away as Leguan and Berbice. Contributions were also made by Jon Shipley from the Texas Golf Association in support of the work being done by the Guyanese coun-
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Kaieteur News
Some of the golfers pose following this past weekend’s Breast Cancer Awareness invitational tournament. terparts to support charitable programs in the country. Over 25 coaches from the Ministry of Education Priority Programme, including the current Number 1 and 2 Men’s National Champions
Avinash Persaud and Vishal ‘Butters’ Dhanai joined GGA president Aleem Hussain and LPGA Foundation Site Director Philip Haynes to show their support for Cancer Awareness.
Tuesday October 31, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You'll notice that your emotions are coming to a monthly climax today, Aries. Don't be alarmed but do be cautious about lashing out at people for no reason. You may feel on edge.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This is a terrific day for you, Libra, and you'll find that there is a great deal of power at your disposal. This is a day of new beginnings. You have the opportunity now to start over.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Extremes is the name of the game now, especially for you, Taurus. Today the emphasis is on action. You're the one to call to get the job done. You won't wait another second to simply go for it.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The fire is raging today, so be careful, Scorpio. Try not to be too impulsive in your actions. Your natural tendency may be to lash out against others without really thinking about the consequences.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be adventurous and strike out into new territory, Gemini. Be a pioneer. Work to make some new discoveries in the world. Today isn't a day to worry about consequences.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Go for the gold, Sagittarius. Today marks the beginning of the rest of your life. Treat it with respect. You may be on a crusade and your combative instincts could be working overtime.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Certain situations may be difficult to deal with today as they take an emotional spin, Cancer. You're getting anxious.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may feel as if someone is poking you today, Capricorn, urging you to get up and get moving. Don't be surprised if someone seems to be picking on you for no reason.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You should find that the general mood of the day is favorable to your personality style, Leo. Take this opportunity to present more of your thoughts and ideas to the world.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This is a great day for you to get up on stage and make your presence known, Aquarius. Let people know that you're the leader of the pack.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) The fog has lifted and you're ready to take off, Virgo. The dreaminess you may have experienced lately has been nice, but now it's time to get moving again.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This is a good day to add spark to your life, Pisces. If things have seemed boring and stagnating lately, you may need to infuse a bit of excitement into the situation.
Avinash captured hisc12th National title in honor of his stepfather who tragically lost his life on the very ground the tournament was played and was emotional about the events, “this is an especially important honor, because it was played with my stepdad in mind and I came from 4 shots down to win and make him and my family proud!” In upcoming news, on November 11, GGA will join with Diane Inniss and Tomorrow’s Leaders to provide over 250 children from Orphanages from all over the country with a day of Sport, food, fun and games.
Swimmer, Delroy Tyrrell, wins three gold... From page 25 opponents, Tyrrell sprinted away from the field in the last 50 meters to touch the wall in a time of 1:48.93 seconds. This was an improvement from last weekend’s time of 1:50.93 in the same event. Finally, the duel climaxed with the most anticipated event, the 100 backstroke. This was expected to be the clash of the second fastest 100 backstroker in the conference currently, Danny Lehr from Bentley and Tyrrell, the third ranked 100 backstroker in the conference. Strange things do happen in Sports. Danny Lehr was a no show. This didn’t deter Tyrrell who obliterated the field with time to enjoy a cup of ‘swank’ (lime juice or lemonade). He touched the wall first in 53.37 seconds missing the Bentley record by .10 seconds. Tyrrell finished the meet with an impressive three races and three gold and a medley relay record. He won the high point trophy and was the only swimmer to win three golds. Tyrrell’s next meet, will be in front of his home fans and he will be hoping to put on a show for the students of St. Rose.
Beaton replaced by Joseph in Guyana Harpy Eagles Squad
P
ort-of-Spain, Trinidad – The Cricket West Indies (CWI) 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 are currently doing battle at UWI – Spec against the Barbados Pride, who are fifth in the table with 22 points after 3 matches. The Guyana Harpy Eagles currently sit sixth in the points table, having amassed a total of 15 points in their 4 matches thus far, with 3 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
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Tuesday October 31, 2023
South Africa edge New Zealand to win Rugby World Cup for record fourth time Beauden Barrett scored the only try at Stade de France. (Adam Davy/PA)
PA M e d i a - N e w Zealand captain Sam Cane became the first player to be sent off in a World Cup final as South Africa retained their title with a nail-biting 12-11 victory at Stade de France. Cane was shown a red card for in the 28th minute for a dangerous tackle on Jesse Kriel but the All Blacks responded with character and resilience to take the champions to the wire on a wet Paris night. Beauden Barrett ran in the first try ever scored against South Africa in a World Cup final as the final quarter approached but, with Richie Mo’unga unable to add the conversion, New Zealand still trailed. Jordie Barrett then missed a tricky long-range
penalty that would have toppled the Springboks and despite furious late attempts to strike from long range they were unable to break through the green wall. Handre Pollard kicked four first-half penalties but South Africa failed to score again after the interval of one of the greatest finals that ended with the 80,000 crowd on their feet in nervous anticipation. The victory means South Africa are the most successful nation in men’s World Cup history with their fourth crown nudging them clear of the All Blacks. And it came despite one of their worst fears materialising in the third minute when Mbongeni Mbonambi – the only
specialist hooker in their matchday 23 – was injured by a dangerous clear out by Shannon Frizell. Mbonambi departed and on came Deon Fourie, a 37year-old who has played most of his rugby in the back row. Referee Wayne Barnes confirmed shortly after that Mbonambi’s departure was tactical only. Pollard rifled over successive penalties to reward mounting Springboks pressure but, having been shown a yellow card, Frizell survived the bunker review of his offending crocodile roll. There was no let up in tension on a night dominated by two ferocious defences and the scoreboard continued to tick over when
Mo’unga and Pollard took successful shots at goal. The World Cup’s most ruthless attack was making little headway against its meanest defence and twice New Zealand were turned over as an error-strewn spell was compounded with an overthrown line-out. Cane was the next All Black into
the sin-bin for his high tackle on Kriel and South Africa continued to win every meaningful moment of the contest. And it got worse for New Zealand as, just moments before Pollard landed his fourth penalty, Cane’s yellow card was upgraded to red by the bunker. South Africa came under furious attack in response but with Eben Etzebeth cynically returning to an onside position while interfering with play, they only conceded three points to Mo’unga. Next into the sin bin was Siya Kolisi for a challenge on Savea that resulted in a clash of heads and the All Blacks appeared to have exploited his absence by scoring through Aaron
Smith only for an earlier knock-on to be spotted. Upon Kolisi’s return they succeeded, however, when Mark Telea ran a mazy line and after he dropped the ball a superb pick up by Barrett allowed the full-back to touch down. Mo’unga missed the conversion so Zealand trailed by a point and there was no let up in drama as the final quarter ebbed and flowed. Wing Cheslin Kolbe became the third yellow card but Jordie Barrett was wide with the penalty attempt and, in the face of a determined final attack from the All Blacks, South Africa held out to successfully defend the trophy they won against England four years ago.
Britton, Edghill excite but out... From pae 23 entire Pan Am region; it’s just another step-up and another level to aspire to get to.” “I made tremendous strides this year. I had a good Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, I had a good Pan Am qualifier…this year I was very active and I produced some good results.” Britton said. Looking ahead, Britton pointed to the difficulty now balancing his studies at Hugh Wooding Law school in Trinidad and Tobago, “it’s very demand. But I still intend on representing Guyana to the best of my ability when I get
the chance.” Discussing his development, Britton emphasised the significance of continuing to play among the world’s top players while acknowledging that his aspiration to become an attorney-at-law will require some adjustments. “This tournament falls at the bad time for me…during my month off (after returning from China), I’ve been at Hugh Wooding Law School, me and Chelsea (Edghill) separated so we didn’t get a chance to have as many practice but I’m going to come back stronger next year, hoping to qualify for Paris (Olympics),” Britton said.
Tuesday October 31, 2023
Kaieteur News
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Cotton Tree advance to BCB Jaffarally T20 final Cotton Tree Cricket Club defeated arch rivals De Edwards Cricket Club by 7 wickets at the Bath Ground, as action across Berbice continued this past weekend. They have now advanced to the final of the BCB /Jaffarally 20/20 tournament where they will play Achievers B. After posting 116 for 8 from 20 overs, De Edward’s A. Khan had 35 and H. Bridgelall 28 as the main scorers. Cotton Tree bowling was led by the duo of Waqar Hassan who returned 2 for 13 and Roshan Gaffoor who had 1 for 11. In reply, Cotton tree had 118 for 3 in 18 overs. The heroes of the chase turned out to be Daniel Harrynarine, who scored 40, R. Gaffur 27 not out and Nick Ramsaroop 23. Meanwhile, A magnificent innings of 67
from Leon Reddi with six fours spearheaded Rose hall Poonai Pharmacy to a 24-run victory over arch rivals Albion and a place into the finals of the Romario Shepherd U13 tournament. Narine struck six boundaries as his team amassed a total of 184 for 6 from their allotted 30 overs. He was supported by Reafel McKenzie 33, Tameshwar Deonandan 25 and Dev Sewpersaud 15. Albion in reply were bowled out for 162 in the 30th over Rovin Lalbehari top scored with 49, Nathaniel Ramsammy 21, S Jumratty 17. Bowling for Poonai Pharmacy, Leon took 4 for 14 runs while Leon Reddy and Dinesh Singh took 2-36. RHT Poonai Pharmacy would now face Rose hall Canje in the finals of the tournament at the Canje.
Britton, Edghill excite but out of Pan Am Games Guyana’s Shemar Britton had agood showing at the Pan Am Games.
By Rawle Toney Shemar Britton and Chelsea Edghill showcased spirited performances during their journey at the Pan Am Games, but despite their impressive displays, they were unable to advance beyond the round-of-32 in the singles event in Santiago, Chile. Britton, the highestranked player in the Englishspeaking Caribbean, faced a challenging 1-4 loss to Puerto Rican Daniel Gonzalez, who currently holds a global ranking of 97 by World Table Tennis. In the match, Britton encountered a tough start, conceding the first three games 4-11, 8-11, 8-11, but he rallied back, securing the fourth game 11-6. H o w e v e r, G o n z a l e z asserted his dominance in the final game, winning with
a score of 3-11 to conclude the match. Meanwhile, the Germany-based Edghill faced fellow Olympian, Ya d i r a S i l v a , a s t h e decorated Mexican dispatched the talented Guyanese paddler 4-0 (11-4, 11-6, 11-4, 11-8). The Pan Am Games, an integral part of the Olympic Qualification process for various events, draw the participation of the top-tier players in the Americas region, all converging for action in Chile. Reflecting on his performance, Britton expressed that his Pan Am Games experience was an essential part of his sporting growth, stating “it was always a dream of mine to play at this level among the top 32 players within the (Continued on page 22)
- Rose Hall Poonai book Romario Shepherd U13 final Cotton Tree will feature in the BCB Jaffarally T20 final.
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Tuesday October 31, 2023
Guyana Fire Service bags GOAPC Inter-Ministry Tapeball title The Georgetown Office Assistant Promotion Committee (GOAPC) ‘Bat your Own’ Inter-Ministry Tapeball cricket competition sponsored the Ice Berg Company came to an exciting conclusion last Saturday at the National Culture Centre, Tarmac. Four enthusiastic teams took part in the competition on Saturday, showcasing their cricketing prowess. These teams included the Ministry of Human Services (MoHS), the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the Ministry of Education Cadets (MoEC), and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). The event reached a fever pitch with a thrilling final match between the GFS and the OPM, the Guyana Fire Service emerged victorious by defeating the OPM with an impressive 10-wicket victory. OPM batted first and posted a modest total of 35-10. O. Persaud was the star with the ball, taking 2 wickets for just 4 runs off his one over, while A. Fernando also played a crucial role, claiming 2-10 runs in 2.2 overs. In reply to OPM’s 36, the GFS showcased their batting prowess by swiftly reaching the target in just 2.3 overs, scoring 38 runs without losing a wicket. It was a dominant team performance that secured their championship victory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation contributed the medals for the competition, adding a touch of prestige to the event. The winning team was honoured with a trophy and medals, presented by the competition coordinator, James ‘Uprising’ Lewis. Excitement is building for the next competition, which is scheduled to commence on Saturday, November 18th at the same venue.
Champions! Guyana Fire Service cricket team share photo as captain collects championship trophy from Tournament Coordinator, James Lewis.
GMR&SC President Abrams siblings, Archibald Mahendra Boodhoo makes advance to finals at Pan Am Games return to Motor Racing
…100m finals set for tonight By Rawle Toney Guyana’s track and field athletes enjoyed a successful start in their pursuit to end t h e c o u n t r y ’s 2 0 - y e a r drought of an athletics medal at the Pan Am Games. Emmanuel Archibald in the 100m, and the sisters Jasmine in the 100m and Aaliyah Abrams in the 400m, are striving to change the country’s fortunes and have progressed to the finals in their respective events. Aaliyah Abrams secured a spot in the finals of the w o m e n ’s 4 0 0 m a f t e r clinching third place in Heat One, clocking in at 51.82 seconds. She finished behind Chile’s Martina Weil (51.47s) and ahead of Ecuador’s Dayci Caicedo (52.32s). As the current national record holder in the 400m (50.20s), Abrams holds a global ranking of 22 a c c o r d i n g t o Wo r l d Athletics. Aliann Pompey, whose record Abrams surpassed this year, had settled for Bronze in the women’s 400m at the 2003 games in Santo Domingo. In fact, Pompey and Marian Burnett’s bronze in the women’s 800m, were the only two medals for Guyana in the Dominican Republic, and it was also the last time
- With High-powered Lotus
Guyana’s Aaliyah Abrams (centre) in action in Heat One of the women’s 400m at the Pan Am Games.
Mahendra Boodhoo, President of GMR&SC during a previous interview.
the country saw the podium in track and field at the Pan Am Games. Meanwhile, Aaliyah’s sister, Jasmine, Guyana’s National record holder women’s 100m (11.07s), advanced to the finals of the women’s 100m in Chile after posting the fastest time in the qualifying round. Jasmine clocked in at 11.60s, securing victory in Heat Two of the qualifiers, surpassing Mexico’s Cecilia Ta m a y o ( 11 . 6 6 s ) a n d Brazil’s Carolina De Jesus
(11.64s). Unfortunately, Keliza Smith faced a less favourable outcome in Heat One of the Women’s 100m, finishing seventh with a time of 11.78s. Emanuel Archibald managed to qualify for the finals of the men’s 100m as the fastest nonautomatic qualifier. Archibald, the gold medallist at this year’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games 100m event, placed third
in Heat One with a time of 10.35s, following D o m i n i c a n R e p u b l i c ’s Alnardo Gonzalez (10.30s) and Felipe Bardi of Brazil (10.33s). I n t o n i g h t ’s 1 0 0 m finals, Archibald aims to become the second track and field athlete from Guyana to claim a Pan Games gold medal, following in the footsteps of James Wren-Gilkes’ performance in the men’s 200m in Mexico City back in 1975.
The Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) is delighted to announce the muchanticipated return of its President, Mahendra Boodhoo, to the realm of competitive motor racing. After a seven-year hiatus, Boodhoo is set to grace the South Dakota Circuit once again, competing in the Group 3 class with his newly acquired Lotus, powered by a formidable Honda engine. This significant comeback is not just about rekindling a personal passion for racing; it’s a journey into uncharted territory for Boodhoo. For the first time, he will be taking the wheel of a rear-wheel-drive car equipped with a sequential gearbox, embracing the challenges and excitement that come with it. T h e G M R & S C President’s car carries the
support of Platinum Investment Incorporated and Platinum Sales and Services the authorized distributor and service center for LG electronics in Guyana, showcasing the community’s robust backing for motor sports in Guyana. In recent interview, Boodhoo expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to the sport, saying, “I am absolutely thrilled to be back on the track and to be part of the racing community once again. Motor racing in Guyana has always been close to my heart, and this return signifies my unwavering commitment to the sport. I want to play an active role in fostering its growth and ensuring its prosperity for future generations. Racing has given me so much, and now it’s time to give back, driving not just my car, but the sport itself, forward.”
Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 31, 2023
PAGE 25
Hamilton Green’s Annual Inter-Ward KO Football C/ship
Festival City, Sophia, Airy Hall, Stewartville among winners on opening night
Festival City’s Mark Carriega (with ball) on the move against an aggressive Vengy FC attack.
T
he Hamilton Green’s 9-a-side I n t e r- Wa r d Knockout Football competition commenced with a burst of enthusiasm on a captivating Sunday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) grounds. The opening night unfolded with four
exhilarating matches, each culminating in gripping penalty shootouts. Festival City, Sophia, Airy Hall, and Stewartville etched their names in victory through epic penalty showdowns. Here’s a recap of the highlights from the Sunday matches: The Sophia and Mahaica clash concluded in
a 1-1 draw, and following a tense penalty shootout, Sophia clinched a hardfought 3-2 win against the formidable Mahaica side. Festival City, on the other hand, battled Vengy FC to a 1-1 draw during regular play. Vengy FC exhibited a splendid brand of football throughout the match,
Bounty GCC book first spot into Fanfan & Mendes Hockey final - With thrilling win over Old Fort The action-packed Farfan and Mendes/Woodpecker Products First Division Hockey Leagues continued Sunday last at the National Stadium in Providence. With just one match carded for the day’s proceedings, the stage was set for an intense showdown, as Bounty GCC Hockey team faced off against YMCA Old Fort. In the end, the spectators were treated to a nail-biting encounter that saw GCC emerge victorious with a narrow 10 scoreline. The hero of the day was GCC’s Dwayne Scott, who scored the lone goal of the match. In the 12th minute of the game, GCC found themselves on the fortunate end of a penalty corner decision, and Scott, the man of the moment, wasted no time. He expertly rifled home the winning goal for his team. GCC with a 1-0 lead, managed to keep Old Fort at bay throughout the second and third periods. Their defense was impervious, and they successfully maintained a clean sheet until the final whistle was blown. Meanwhile, with this win, the GCC Men’s team secured the first spot in the final of the Farfan and Mendes-sponsored Men’s League. The elation in the GCC camp was palpable, as they look forward to the chance to clinch the championship title. On the other side of things, YMCA Old
GCC match winner, Dwayne Scott.
Fort are not out of the running just yet. They are scheduled to play the winners of the upcoming match between Pepsi Hikers and Saints, which is penciled in for Sunday, November 5th. However, switching the focus onto the Woodpecker Products Women’s League, Woodpecker Hikers’ is set to tackle YMCA Old Fort on November 4th at 3:00 pm. While, table-topper GBTI GCC will take on Saints on the following day, November 5th, at 2:00 pm at the same venue.
Some of the action on the opening night of the 2023 Hamilton Green’s Cup s u r g i n g a h e a d e a r l y. Nevertheless, the North Ruimveldt side displayed their resilience, equalizing with a brilliant goal in the second half, ultimately settling for a 1-1 draw. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Festival City prevailed 3-2 over Vengy FC. In the other two matches of the evening,
Airy Hall and Stewartville secured victories by edging out Herstelling and Soesdyke, respectively, with identical 1-0 scores. The excitement is set to resume on Wednesday, November 1st, at the same venue, featuring an enticing lineup of eight matches. This tournament is made
possible through the generous sponsorship of Dr. Linden Dodson, GTT, IPA, CIDI, Reunion Gold Inc, Superbet, Gafoors, E-Net, To o l s i e P e r s a u d , B K International, Star Party Rental, New GPC Inc, Busta, John Fernandes Limited, NAMILCO, and New Thriving.
Swimmer, Delroy Tyrrell, wins three gold and High Point Trophy for College of Saint Rose Guyana swim sprint star Delroy Tyrrell continues his dominance in college swimming in the United States by winning three gold medals and helping St. Rosé break the medley relay record. Swimming against Bentley University, St Rose’s arch rival, Tyrrell and company wanted desperately to stop the bleeding of defeats that Bentley had inflicted on St. Rose in the recent past. Though Bentley has a much larger contingent of swimmers and can field four teams in any event, the men and women of St. Rose came within 30 points (estimate) of defeating Bentley. The 13 event format meant that all swimmers can compete in three events including a relay. In effect, the meet may be described as a sprint meet. However, for Guyana swim sprint king, it was more a duel meet. This was to be
Delroy Tyrrell and his coach Kevin Walsh pose after the Bentley meet. Delroy Tyrrell’s first big test of his college swimming. The duel was built around the 200 free, 50 backstroke in the 200 medley relay and the 100 backstroke. Tyrrell swam as ferociously as the Arapaima (Guyana’s largest freshwater fish). Swimming out of lane 3 in the medley relay, Tyrrell
started badly as a result of a shallow pool at Bentley, but quickly made gains and caught the Bentley backstroker (John Zhang) and out touched him in a time of 24.84 to Zhang’s 24.92. The duel heated up in the 200 freestyle. Starting slowly and measuring his (Continued on page 21)
Abrams siblings, Archibald advance to finals at Pan Am Games rts Spo
…100m finals set for tonight Jasmine Abrams (first from right) after winning Heat two of the Women’s 100m at the Pan Am Games with the fastest time in the qualifying round.
South Africa won each of their knockout games by a single point. (Getty Images/Dan Mullan)
South Africa edge New Zealand to win Rugby World Cup for record fourth time Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.