Kaieteur News

'Guyana one oil spill away from losing profits to another global disaster' Int'lorganizationsays...

...6 lawsuits, weak policies point to questionable management of sector

The World Bank's recent findings on Guyana's poor handling of the oil and gas sector and the fact that some six lawsuits have been filed againstthestatetoforceitto adequately protect the environmentagainstpossible oil spill damage are all indicators of “weak policy and highly questionable management” of the petroleumsector,Institutefor Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) hassaid.

The international agency which monitors and assesses energy markets, trends, and policies,indicatedinitsmost recent writing on Guyana's petroleum sector, that the fight to protect the environment from oil spill damage is ramping up as the government has failed to release the details of the ExxonMobil / Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) insurance policy, while a

recent oil spill at the Liza 2 project has made the potential danger even more realistic.

IEEFA reminded of the “one-sided”2016Production Sharing contract governing the exploration and development of the resource has several provisions benefiting the consortium to the detriment of Guyana. “Thelatestlitigationexposes one of the loopholes. Weak contracttermsprovidevague protections. And the failure by environmental authorities to enforce even vague protectionsmeansGuyanais just one substantial oil spill away from turning its expected windfall into anotherglobaldisaster.”

“This issue goes beyond Guyana'sbordersasoilslicks do not respect geographical boundaries,” IEEFAwarned.

It said that Payara's environmental impact assessment shows the project's potential to damage not only Guyana, but also

Trinidad, Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Curaçao, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

“Oilonthebeachesisnot goodfortourismandfishing, two industries that sustain

The lawsuit, IEEFA pointed out the terms and conditions expected of insurance coverage and sanctionsifitsprovisionsare notcarriedout.Thequestions raised in the litigation include therefore, whether

the resources necessary to cover the costs of a significant spill, which corporate entities are responsible for those costs and how much of the costs are covered by the actual permitagreements.

The lawsuit is also demanding that the EPA cancel the permit if the offshore operator does not provide the insurance, guarantees and indemnities required.

providedinthepermit.”

B a s e d o n i t s observations, IEEFA said that stakeholder's concerns were amplified by ExxonMobil's recent disclosureofanoilspillatthe Liza2site.

regional economies,” IEEFA urged.

President of the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) Fredericks Collins and another Guyanese citizen, Godfrey Whyte, moved to theHighCourtlessthanthree weeks ago to get the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)toenforcethe liabilityclauseinthepermits issued to ExxonMobil Guyanaandpartners.

Guyana EPA obtained the insurancepolicyfromExxon and partners, whether EPA ensured ExxonMobil's commitment to cover the total costs of restoration, cleanup and damage from a spill or well blowout or whether the terms and conditions that are in the insurance coverage comport withthepermit,contractand statutes.

It also questions whether thecompaniesinvolvedhave

IEEFAnotedtheplaintiff, Frederick Collins' concern based on former EPA head

Dr Vincent Adam's utterances that the insurance compliance provisions are being violated and that the EPA had not obtained guarantees that ExxonMobil wouldcoverthefullcostsofa cleanup.

“The plaintiff said Guyana authorities have refused to provide copies of the existing insurance policies that would show the unlimited liability guarantee

The conditions surrounding the discharge andthedetailsofthecleanup were not known when the latest case was filed, and at the same time, the former EPA director had said that ExxonMobil is currently pumping on Liza One at a rate of 150,000 barrels per day,50percentmorethanthe permittedrate.

“The overproduction, if c o r r o b o r a t e d , h a s implications for safety and healthrisksatthesite,aswell asincreasingthechancesofa major failure such as a well blowoutorspill.

Esso has already acknowledged using a faulty gas compressor that has resultedingasflaringbeyond

(Continuedonpage9)

Brassington, a no-show for panel discussion on Gas-to-Energy project

ByDavinaBagot

Head of the controversial Gasto-Energy (GTE) project, Winston Brassington was a no show yesterday for a panel discussion at the Guyana Basins Summit (GBS), currently being hosted at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre,inGeorgetown.

Brassington was slated to be part of a discussion on the US$2 billion project that included a question and answer segment. He was expected to be the lone local representative; however, the investors who came to Guyana for theseminarwereforcedtospeakto otherforeignersinhisabsence.

ExxonMobil's GTE Project Manager,FriedrichKrispinchaired thesession,whilethetwopanelists; Nicholas Sicard, Area Director for Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad at Technip FMC and Michael Gow, Guyana and Suriname Country Manager for Subsea 7- took on questions from a diverse audience. Both Technip FMC and Subsea 7 are sub-contractors of Exxon that havebeencontractedtoworkonthe natural gas pipeline that will connecttotwoFloatingProduction Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessels in the Stabroek Block, which will make landfall at Crane

andendattheWalesindustrialsite.

Brazilians, Venezuelans, Trinidadians and representatives from other countries stood up to question various aspects of the pipelinetobebuiltbyExxonMobil.

As it regards the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and Power plantaspect,tobedevelopedbythe Guyana Government, stakeholders

wereturnedawaywithnoanswers.

At least two of the questions directed to the panel were turned down owing the Brassington's absence.

For instance, one gentleman questioned how government would makemoneyfromtheprojectgiven its significant price tag, while the other question regarding market or

use for the excess gas was left unanswered.

Notably, Brassington was recently asked about the project's feasibilitywhileatameetinghosted inRegionThreewithresidentsthat willbeaffectedbythepipeline.The official said he was not taking questions and that the newspaper should direct its queries to the

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat who was also present that day But when Bharrat heard the first question, he requested that enquiries be limited tothesubjectofthatmeeting. Since the project was conceived, government has not hosted a press conference to allay the fears of the public.

The gas-to-energy project will encompassthreemajoraspects:the pipeline to transport the gas to Wales; the NGL facility that will treat and separate the gas and the power plant to generate the electricity. So far, Guyanese have been told that the pipeline aspect, which is being pursued by US oil major, ExxonMobil, will cost aroundUS$1.3billion.Eventhisis expected to increase when Exxon closescriticalcontractsforsame.

Meanwhile, Vice President BharratJagdeoanticipatestheother two facilities to cost an additional US$700 million, bringing the expected project cost to around US$2 billion. This project alone costsmorethanhalfofthecountry's total debt presently, yet there has been no updated feasibility study

Government hopes to reduce electricitycostsby50percentwhen theGTEprojectcomesonstream.

ExxonMobil's GTE Project Manager, Friedrich Krispin addresses the Guyana Basins Summit

Mutual Agreements for oil spill safety critical for Guyana, Suriname

- Petroleum Expert

ByKianaWilburg

Taking into consideration, Guyana and Suriname's geographical proximity, as well as their acceleration of offshore oil exploration and production operations, mutual agreements on safety must be seen as crucial for the respective administrators says ImanHill,ChiefExecutiveOfficer (CEO) of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers(IOGP).

The industry body, which she represents brings together more than 2000 experts from over 80 member organisations, including 25NationalOilCompanies,tohelp ensure safe, efficient and sustainable energy supply, and to enable a low carbon future. It also speaks on behalf of the industry to governments and regulators and advocates for the role oil and gas canplayintheenergytransition.It makes this case to a variety of global and regional bodies such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Guyana Basins Summit which comes to a close today, Hillsaid mutualagreements for safety is even more important

givenSuriname'sfocusonoffshore oilandthefactthatanyoilspillwill directlyaffectGuyana–theLandof many waters Hill said this reinforces the importance of investinginstrongpartnershipsand regionalcollaborationonsafety

Hill was keen to note that IOGP's Safety Committee, which gathers annual safety performance datatoleadandfacilitateindustrywide activities, and the Wells ExpertCommittee,whichassesses, shares and monitors industry response to global well control incidents and learning, are just some of ways that theAssociation can facilitate collaboration on this crucialtopic.

Importantly, Hill said regional co-operationisnotonlycriticalfor GuyanaandSurinamebutalsowith Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago. The Petroleum Engineer said developing oil and gas industries thatenableeconomicgrowthbutdo so in a sustainable way is a challenge. Be that as it may, Hill said she is a strong believer on the importance of collaboration, both acrosstheregionandglobally

IntheCaribbean,Hillsaideach country has its own strategies for gas, as it does for emissions and carbon capture, use, and storage.

She said currently, the approach is based on local level policy While thismaybethecase,Hillsaidthere aretremenduousbenefitstobehad if there were a block of energy countries that can shape their

economic development collectively

Despite Guyana and Suriname being neighbouring countries, Hill said there are currently no crossborder agreements in place. To build resilient ecosystems of any kind, Hill said collaboration via suchmeansisanabsolutemust.

As Guyana ramps up the development of its hydrocarbons, Hillsaidshewouldurgeauthorities to do so mindful of the need to producethecleanestbarrels.

The Petroleum Engineer said, “We must do everything we can to mitigate emissions clamping downonmethane,reducingflaring, andinvestinginallthetechnologies that allow hydrocarbons to play a role in a world that's charting its path towards net zero. We should strivetocreateanewnormalwhere increasingly, we only explore and produce new oil and gas where we'veassessedeveryopportunityto attachanintegratedcarbonsolution toit–whetherthat'sCCS,hydrogen orsomeotherrelevantoption.”

Hill said this will mean considering decarbonisation as a normal and must have part of the investment decision. While this may seem a tall order, Hill said believes it is possible with the will ofallstakeholders.

“IsaythisbecauseIbelieveitis keytoourindustryfulfillingitsrole intheenergysystemoftomorrow,” expressedHill.

Sheadded,“Inthisindustry,we have an obligation to bring our considerable know how, skills, innovation, technology, and investment power to create the sustainable world that we want to see for our children and their children. And if everyone pulls together, if we all play our part –

Iman Hill, CEO of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP)

including oil and gas producers thenIbelievewecanfindtheright pathandyouwillhaveasuccessful industry.”

Printed

Ltd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:SHARMAINGRAINGER

Tel:225-8465,225-8491.

225-8473,

PNC at 65: Time for a rebirth

The Vice President’s intolerance of criticism

DEAREDITOR,

approval and without The Vice President totellhimaboutArticle13-

One wonders whether budgetary appropriation, Bharrat Jagdeo was that it was he who signed it Vice President Bharrat meaning, the work is both intolerantofeventhemildest into the Constitution during Jagdeo came to the recently unconstitutionalandillegal. criticisms and comments by hisPresidency convenedmeeting

he People's National Congress (PNC) recently celebrated its 65th year of existence. It has been a

Tlong, checkered, and challenging life. There are many things that it could and should have done far differently Today,therearesomanymattersthatcallforits energy and vitality to be channeled properly, so that all the diverse elements in this society can partake of the riches lyingatourfeet.

For like it or hate it, the PNC is not going anywhere and, therefore,itmustbethekindofpoliticalpresencethatbrings about national change for the better because it has remade itself,rechargeditsengines,andisreadytorepresentallthe peopleofGuyana.

ThePNC'shistoryneedsnoretelling,forolderGuyaneseof each generation teach their young of its record. It has not beenagoodone,aninspiringone.

Like its twin, the People's Progressive Party (PPP), once again at the helm of government, the citizens of this nation havepaidhorriblepricesfortheirtrust,haveseentheirfaith crumble.Whatever happened before, and there is not much to recommend it, the PNC has an opportunity to rise to the challenges that are before its leaders. This is how its existenceasapoliticalgroupwillberegarded,andwhetherit isaforcetobereckonedwith,initscontributions.

There is incredible wealth today, and the great majority is beingleftbehind,whilethefewarebenefitingstaggeringly ThePNCmustmanifestifitismadeofstraw,orifithaswhat ittakesateveryleveltobeagame-changerinthiscountry Its own supporters are crying out, many in Guyana (including PPP/Csupporters)aredespairing,overwhethertheywillbe beneficiaries in the great patrimony bestowed on this land. More and more Guyanese are losing faith in the PPP/C Government, and an honest look at the political shoreline indicatesthatthereisonlyonegroupthathasthenumbersto make national leaders think twice, change course contemplated.

Regrettably, the PNC of recent times has shown its age, which is not good for Guyanese, and comes at the wrong time. In this new time of Guyana, when it is poised on the threshold of the once unimaginable, there are all these challenges and opportunities, for all Guyanese to rise from the impoverished state in which most of them have been condemnedbyhardcircumstances. ThisiswherethePNC hasconsiderablevaluetooffertoGuyana,butthequestionis whetheritiscapableofdelivering.

The PPP/C Government has been a runaway train, with the kind of conductors that causes shivering, and fear that intensifiesbythemoment.

ThisisnotthetimeforthePNCleadershiptobepassengers; or,worseyet,baggagethatispartofwhatisnowareckless national ride. Numerous Guyanese are alarmed, even agitated, by what they have concluded is a PPP/C Governmentthathasnobrakes.Theylivewithaleadership regime that is determined to drain this wealth for itself and cronies,anddragtherestofGuyanaintothedust.

TheleadershipofthePNChastomanifestmoresubstance, articulate a more concerted course of action, and be crystal clearaboutwheretheystandontherichesthatarenowours. In fact, and pointing to what has occurred so far, the riches cannotbesaidtobelongtoallGuyanese,notwheninsiders and favoured of the PPP/C Government are the only ones participating in the promise of incomparable prosperity for the nation. Given the nature of the times, the disrespectful attitudeofrulers,andthecrookedworksoftheirhands,more pressureandmoreexposurehavetooriginatewiththePNC. Its leadership has a duty to represent to the best the expectationsplacedbymanycitizens.

Itiswhatthoseontheoutsideofthegroupwatchandweigh todecideifthePNCisuptothetasksbeforeit,inthevisible andpotentchangesthegroupdelivers.Orifitisthesameold PNC which means that Guyanese are on their own, and endlesslyexploitedbytheirleaders.

What became clear as individuals such as Senior That is a deliberate and residents of Bel wellisthattherehasbeenno Counsel Ralph Ramkarran nodoubtwickedfalsehoodAir/Prashad Nagar to serve Environmental Impact whoJagdeointerruptedmid- Article 13 existed almost asanattackdogtodealwith Assessment,thereisno3-D wayinhiscontribution.And verbatim in the 1980 any questions with which model, no feasibility study in a not very friendly Burnham Constitution could cause embarrassment and no prior consultation.In response to a reference by Unable to deal with to the Government.Afterall, fact, Minister Edghill Christopher Ram to Article substance,Jagdeoresortedto the four lane road from announced at the opening of 13 of the Constitution, his typical coarseness and ConversationTreetoDennis the meeting that they called Jagdeo claimed that people falsehood. Street Campbellville has the meeting “to inform” the are abusing Article 13 and Yoursfaithfully, begunwithoutparliamentary residentsabouttheproject. thathedoesnotneedanyone NaziaMohamed

Religious leaders who used to be the guardians of morality are silent

DEAREDITOR, that's not OK. We were also With morals, decency entertainment Those

I have decided to write deluged with photos of two going out the window, released photos are this letter because of the female Government boundaries being crossed, permanent records of your large number of bloggers Ministers proudly and sexual deviance being behaviours. who thought Sodom and gleefully taking pictures advocated, where are we TheGovernmentcannot Gomorrah had descended withthescantilycladwomen heading as a society? Mr control how people will uponGuyanawiththevulgar who were gyrating, Grangerhadwarnedwemust behave, but it must set some behaviours, and high nudity “grinding,” and shamelessly becarefulwhatwecopy minimum standards for seen at the recent Cricket displaying their private Be copycats of good bands and groups Carnival. areas. things such as cleanliness, participating, especially if

I am also commenting

No wonder videos were orderliness, moral public funds are used. Is because the religious folks released of some of our behaviours, honesty, there such a thing as whousedtobetheguardians school children “grinding” decency,integrity,etc. wholesome fun anymore? of our morality, would be on each other in a school. If If we are copying Dowealwayshavetoresort silent,asusual. this is the kind of thing our CarnivalideasfromTrinidad to extreme vulgarity to have

Many revellers' outfit President had in mind when andBrazil,thatseemstobea “fun”? Luckily, the other weremoreappropriateforan he said he wants Guyana to badthing.Whopaidforthis? nineregionsofGuyanawere “X-rated”shownot“General be the entertainment hub of For our Guyanese sisters spared of having to Audiences” where children Caricom,weneedtorethink who want to have some fun personally witness this are looking on and being that. But our President is a and recreation, you have to vulgarity Decent fun, yes. socialisedtothinkthat'scool goodMuslimmanandwould setsomeminimumstandards Vulgarityandnudity,no! and okay That's bad not have had this kind of for yourself, your image. Sincerely, socialisation and modelling, displayinmind. Don'tprovidecheap,X-rated Dr.JerryJailall

Oil cost and profit shares

DEAREDITOR, is identified as the NOAfor transferpricing,amongother the same 10 barrels of oil is IntheEEPGLcontract,it the following reasons: Even avenues to claim revenue outrageous,asthecostofthe isspecifiedthatGuyanawill though Guyana owns the disguised as costs An inputsusedtoproducethe10 receive in the Production resource, Guyanese do not example of how total cost barrelsofoilcannotincrease Sharing Agreement (PSA), have access to all the real- will impact the distribution by $675 00, given that 50 percent of the profits, time information on every and magnitude of the profit significantsharesofthecost after EEPGL extracts transaction, since Guyana is will be described in the arecontactedamounts. upfront, and without notashareholderinEEPGL; paragraphsbelow Forexample,wagespaid Guyana'spriorreviewofthe butmustdependonwhatever The total cost (TC) to workers or other inputs cost, 75 percent of the total information EEPGL function that EEPGL used in the extraction revenueascost. provides. employsisspecifiedas: process cannot increase by

This proportional A n a d d i t i o n a l TC = 0 75 (TR) = that amount, given that linkage between total cost disadvantageisthatthereare 0.75(PQ), where P is the workers' wages and the cost (TC),totalrevenue(TR),and no comparative data from priceofabarrelofoilandQ ofinputsaredeliveredunder total profit is the most another oil extraction and is the number of barrels of specified contracts that do flagrant violation that has exporting business, as oil. not include the price of a beenincludedinthePSA,for EEPGLis the first company If Q is 10 barrels of oil; barrel of oil. Similarly, the itintroducestheoilpriceasa in this industry in Guyana. andtheprice(P)ofabarrelof interestcostonloanswillbe variableinthecostfunction. However, this should not oil is $10.00, then the total fixed and will not be

As a result, this cost hinder us from being cost (TC) is $75.00, derived impacted by changes in the specificationwilldestroythe vigilant. as follows: TC = 0.75(PQ) oilprice. objective of minimising the Giventheownershipand =0.75($10)(10)=$75.00. Inthecircumstances,itis cost of producing oil by information constraints

Now, if the price evident that this cost EEPGL; for when the oil identified above, it is increases to $100 00 per specificationwhichincludes price (P) increases, the cost contended that the barrel of oil and the number theoilpriceisunfair,sincea ofproducingtheoilwillalso specification of cost being of barrels sold remains the cost function always increase Moreover, this tied to revenue and profit same at 10 barrels, then the excludes the price of the specification will will have a negative impact cost for these ten barrels of product in its structure, but automatically reduce the on the magnitude of the oil is $750.00 ((total cost = onlyconsidersthecostofthe magnitudeoftheprofittobe profit that Guyana will 0.75 (PQ) = 0.75 ($100x 10 inputs used in production delivered to Guyana, the receive, while EEPGL will barrels)=$750.00). andthenumberofbarrelsof

This increase in the cost producedoil.

$75.00 to $750.00 for

Brazil’s electronic voting system - An example for Guyana to consider adopting

DEAREDITOR, recount supervised by at Brazil, our neighbour to were held last Sunday, last polling stations had that was previously Guyana’s General CARICOM

Subsequently, the south covering 49% of October 2, 2022 to elect the closed How was this common. Elections of March 2, 2020, election petitions were filed South America’s land mass President, Vice President, possible?

In addition, the number weremarredbyirregularities at the Guyana’s High Court, with a population of 216 and the National Congress.

Oil cost and profit shares...

Frompage4 shared. For example, Profit the cost function? If no Whatisalsoworrisomeisthe =PR–TC=(PQ–0.75PQ) answers are provided by burden of the 75 percent in = 0.25PQ. This implies that EEPGL, then the Guyanese the cost function: TC = profit is 25 percent of Total people will have to depend 0 75(PQ) For example, Revenue of which Guyana on the work being since the average cost of a and EEPGL will each undertaken by the audit barrelofoilis0.75P(thisis: receive 12.5 percent. If this team, as they must have TC/Q = 0.75P), this implies number was 50 percent access to information that thatasthepriceofabarrelof instead of 75 percent, then will shed light on the many oil increases, the average profits will be 50 percent of unknowns. Finally,because cost of a barrel of oil total revenue and Guyana totalcostincreaseswhenthe increases. and EEPGL will each oil price increase; that the For instance, if the price is receive 25 percent of the total cost incurred above 75 $50.00,thentheaveragecost profit. I would contend that percent of total revenue in per barrel is $37.50. If the EEPGL must explain how anyyearistransferredtothe price increases to $100.00, this 75 percent number was nextyear;andthatthecostis then the average cost per determined, since it has a fully controlled by EEPGL barrel is $75.00. Given that negativeimpactontheprofit without any review by Guyana has high quality, share Incidentally, it is Guyanabeforeanypurchase light crude oil that is less implausible to think that is made, it is plausible to expensivetoperhapsextract EEPGL, a subsidiary of conclude that PSA does not and process than heavy ExxonMobil, would settle mean, the Production crude, how was 75 percent foraprofitshareofonly12.5 Sharing Agreement (PSA), determined? Whywasitnot percent,giventhespeedand but for Guyana as the NOA, 50 percent or something m a g n i t u d e o f t h e this means ‘Please, Stepless? Thisquestionisposed investment, extraction and Aside’. because this mysterious 75 export activities of the Sincerely, percent number in the PSA company Iwouldfurtherask Dr.C.KenrickHunte determines upfront the EEPGLto explain why total Professor and Former magnitudeoftheprofittobe revenue (PQ) is included in Ambassador

Guyanese need to move past the past

DEAREDITOR, Afro-Guyanese seems to

Brazil uses an electronic of invalid votes has been during the vote counting which still await final million people, 270 times In addition, elections for voting system that has been reduced because voters who process, which led to a resolution. Now have a look that of Guyana. Elections Governors and Vice working smoothly for more cannot read or write were Governors,StateLegislative thanaquartercentury Itwas often overwhelmed before. Assemblies,wereheldatthe first introduced in 1996 Brazilianvotersusedtohave same time in 26 states and 1 Since 2000, elections in to write in their candidates’ federal district Most Brazil have been held numbers. amazingly,theresultsofthat completely electronically Now they enter a code, vote were made public less This has prevented the see the photo of the person than twelve hours after the manipulationofballotboxes selected and confirm the person with a green button. Thosewhowishtoabstainor vote invalid (voting is compulsoryinBrazil)pressa white button. The electronic ballot boxes for the 156 million voters are not connected to the Internet. Theyaredeployedtopolling stations throughout the vast country from densely populatedurbancentres

The PPP/C Government have a fear of being of Guyana is being accused subjugatedwhichsomehave of discrimination in managedtoovercome.Indofavouring its supporters Guyanese does not want the (mainly Indo Guyanese) PNC to rule over them. I again. suspectthatithasnothingto

It is no secret that pre- do with the PNC being 1992, PNC supporters Afrocentric but rather (mainly Afro Guyanese) because of the devastation went into politics for their causedbythePNC. betterment favouring the Somehow, both Afro party card Indo Guyanese Guyanese and Indo wentintoeconomicsfortheir Guyaneseneedtomovepast betterment. thepast.Irememberthepast;

When the Guyana Idon’tliveinit. Economy recovered after Isuggestlookingatways PNC devastation Indo we can work together for Guyanese benefited most mutualbenefits. because they were in Yoursfaithfully, businesses. SeanOri

Together we can build a better Guyana

DEAREDITOR, takeover…theparentsinthe had no control over: the fact economic deprivation when and accommodating the youths towards adults; the “Racism is learned home, the teachers in the ofourethnicity,ourreligious often it is the choices we involvement of decent, racial slurs hurled by many behaviour!” Words of the classrooms, the neighbour beliefs, our political make (ii) blacks may be honest, committed c o u l d o n l y b e a late President Nelson next door, the older workers persuasion and based on the responsibleformanycrimes Guyanese who have representationofthelearned Mandela of South Africa atourworkplaces,theTrade hateteachingsofsomeinour committed and that blacks determined and committed behaviour they would have who went on to add: “it is Unionists, the politician and Society to whom I alluded are extravagant while all to make their contributions inculcated in their homes, learned behaviour and we yes,thePastorandthePriest above. Myfriends,weneed Indiansarestingy as Agents of positive schools, work places and must therefore teach our in the Church; some of to stop listening to hate We may never have a changes in the development communities, and sadly peopletolove”. whomdonotstandoutasthe preachers or we will all society free of ethnic thrust that has obviously enough,adultstowhomthey

1)As little kids we play, paragon of good and suffer tensions and suspicions but envelopedourGuyana. look often for guidance we sing, we eat and we exemplary behaviour which We need to get rid of the we must work to achieve They too have an wouldhavebeentheteachers sometimes even sleep theyseektorepresenttous. stereotype thinking that such a society which is important role as Change At school through Family together But as we grow Andsadlyenough,many racistshaveengenderedinus wholesomeforallofus. Agents in our Country We Life Education, among older, the people and the ofuswhohavebeenlivingin and its halo effects which Like rational human must never lose sight of that others, we must help Institutions that influence harmony begin to develop a cause blacks to believe that beings, we all want the best fact.

children develop the our thinking and behaviour fear and mistrust for each (i) East Indians are for ourselves, our families, 2)Let’sstartinthehome. capacitytoliveinpeaceand and redefine values begin to other based on a factor we responsible for their our Organisation, our Parents/Guardianscanmake harmony with and to love Groups; but we need to a difference by setting the and respect each other’s recognize and to accept that right example, spending culture and religious values; whilewehavearightto‘the quality time with our to show racial tolerance; to goodlife’;sotoodotheother children even as we work deal with emotions; to peoplenearbyandnextdoor continually with them handle peer pressure and to Weneedalsotorespecttheir determined to install hate make their own decisions. rights and their cultural free values in the process. Family Life Education must diversity

Our children learn not only focus on character

All of us must be by seeing and observing education: on attitudes, involved We must see what we do but by also behaviour,moralvaluesetc., ourselves as agents of listeningtowhatwesay providing our children with change Thus, the T h e a r r o g a n c e , the capacity to live in peace Government has an disrespect and hostility andharmonyandto important role in facilitating displayed by many of our (Continuedonpage16)

Brazil’s electronic voting...

Frompage5 as promised. In addition, a candidate could inthesouthtothemostremoteregionsinthe more easily claim that there were Amazon basin to the north. The electronic irregularities in the elections during parallel ballot boxes function autonomously The vote counts - just like Donald Trump did in resultsofeachpollingstationareprintedout theUSPresidentialElectionsof2020. attheendofvotingandpostedpublicly The Given the long track record of Brazil’s harddrivewiththevotingresultsistakenina electronic voting system, GECOM should sealedenvelopetothenextelectoralcourtin seriously consider adopting it for Guyana’s the constituent state, and the results are nextandanyfuturegeneralelections. transmitted by internet or satellite (in the Sincerely, Amazon region, for example) directly to Andrerandli,PhD BrasiliatotheSupremeElectoralCourt. Professor

A printout of a person’s vote as proof is Ludwig Maximilians University not permitted, because the receipt would Munich allowvotebuyerstoverifythatavotervoted Munich,Germany

BLUNT BLUNT

Paying lip service to our teachers

Yesterday, our politicians sang all the glorious praises for teachers. One party even proposed an across-the-board increase of $100,000 for each teacher.

We at this newspaper know that all that was said was paying lip service to our national treasures. The AFC which made the $100,000 proposal was in government a few years ago and teachers had to protest to get basic increases, but now in opposition, they are loud in their call.

President Irfaan Ali also spoke about how much his government has been doing for teachers-claims which were quickly debunked by a teacher commenting under a story shared on social media. The teacher said thusly: “He believes he still on stage with Machel. Wake up dude, nothing was done for teachers since your government was formed. 7% increase, 8k uniform allowance don’t mean squat with the inflation happening now. So do something that makes sense and stop talking nonsense.”

Everything in this country is a struggle and by now, the teachers are well aware that all the glowing tributes yesterday were as hallow and fake as it could get. President Ali should back up, which would otherwise be empty words with an announcement of a 50% pay hike for our nation’s teachers.

BLUNT

Amerindian communities must reap benefits of oil and gas sector- IDB CountryRepresentative

Th e r e v e n u e

stream from the burgeoning oil and gas sector must not stagnate on the coasts, but must trickle down to Hinterland communities in Guyana to ensure equitable developmentinthecountry

This is according to Lorena Salazar, the Inter American Development Bank (IADB) Chief of Operations and Guyana Country Representative Salazar was at the time responding to a question, as panelist on the Guyana Basins Summit discussion, on 'Ensuring Local Prosperity & Sustainability Through Robust Strategic andInvestmentPartnerships' on Tuesday when she gave thecharge.

To ensure the success of Guyana's petroleum sector, she explained that decisions mustbetakentodiversifythe economy which means not

only targeting efforts to the oilandgasindustry Assuch, t h e I D B C o u n t r y Representative who hails from the oil producing state of Ecuador also gave specific advice to the government to ensure each citizen of Guyana benefits fromtheoilboom.

She said it is critical to

leave no one behind According to her, “that means not just focusing on the coastland but also checking the Hinterland Whataretheopportunitiesof the people in the Hinterland?” The IDB Country representative arguedthattheopportunities should not only be extended

to the education and health sectors, but also in the areas of communication and accessamongothers.

Salazarwas keentonote thatthefutureofthecountry isitspeople,hencemeasures

should also be taken to exploretheskillsneededthat may not have been taught in school.Shepointedout,“So there are several areas that a country of new oil and gas should take a look and I

would say that if I can compare to my country and other countries, I would say that that is the best part, of when a country focus on the other sectors (on) how to

onpage16)

Guyanese transport executive in NY fired for handing out jobs to family

(NY Post) A longtime MTA construction boss was fired last week after an investigation revealed he arranged jobs for family members on $18 million worth of contracts he oversaw for the agency,The Posthaslearned.

Ramnarace “Reese” Mahabir, 67, was escorted outoftheEastNewYorkbus depot by armed guards last Wednesday two days beforeheplannedtoretirein order to avoid punishment, according to multiple sources familiar with the investigation.

Mahabir was flagged by the MTA inspector general forarrangingforworkforhis brotherandnephewonMTA construction gigs The nephew, Ajay Mahabir, was hired by Rising Sun Construction in March 2021 to work as a site safety supervisorona$14.6million façaderenovationattheEast New York bus depot — despite not having the required qualifications for the role, according to documents reviewed by The Post.

His father, meanwhile, worked for a different contractor, Monpat Construction, on several MTA bus construction projects, including a $3.9 millionjobtorepairtheroof oftheFreshPondbusdepot, sourcessaid.Atnopointdid Reese Mahabir, a 34-year MTA veteran, flag the potentialconflictsofinterest for his superiors, the

investigation found. MTA officials only uncovered the family's scheming on April 29, 2022 when a contractor employee suffered a broken leg on the worksite where Ajay Mahabir was in charge of safety He ultimately resignedfromthepositionin July,sourcessaid.

Reese Mahabir's retirement party scheduled for last Friday was unceremoniously canceled after his dramatic termination, according to an electronic invitation viewed by The Post. Mahabir, who earned $172,024 in 2021, worked in the capital construction division of the MTA's bus division until 2

reassigned to headquarters amid an authority wide

reorganization A source close to the investigation said the longtime MTA hack's power over the projects he oversaw would have made contractors reluctant to deny his family membersjobs.

“He can make your life miserable where you start to losemoney,”thesourcesaid of Mahabir's role as a contract manager Reached by phone, a rep for Monpat denied knowledge of the investigationoritsfindings.

A man who identified himselfasoneoftheowners of Rising Sun Construction declined to comment “I don't know anything about. I'm not interested in this. I don't know anything about this guy,” the man said. The MTA confirmed that Mahabir was removed from authority property on Sept. 28. “The MTA does not tolerate actions that violate the All Agency Code of Ethics,NYSPublicOfficer's Law and the public trust,” authorityrepMichaelCortez said in a statement. “This employee no longer is employed by the MTA ” Approached outside his home in Queens, Mahabir claimedtobearelativeashe hopped into what multiple sources confirmed was his brand new BMW SUV. He refused to show ID to confirm his identity, and claimed he did not have his wallet on him. “You got the wrong guy. I'm a relative,” Mahabirsaid.“Hemovedto Floridayesterday.”

Ramnarace “Reese” Mahabir was escorted out of the East New York bus depot by armed guards after he was found to be giving his family jobs. (G.N.Miller/NYPost)

Lorena Salazar, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) Chief of Operations and Guyana Country Representative (right) participating in the panel discussion on Tuesday at the Guyana Basins Summit

Children should not be schooled under tents

The President should also being established along Lodge and now will be manystudents?Therearecut EducationSectorPlan2021have a serious chat with his the coast and this is inconvenienced in having to off marks for placement at 2025 appears to lay the placements?Minister of Education. It is absorbing a significant relocate her child to another that school. Why not raise blame at poor classroom

The President madeunacceptable for students to number of students. How school. But prior to the fire, the qualification criteria for managementbyteacher some lofty promises aboutbehousedundertents,when then it is that there is this her child was attending a entry into that school by a The Plan claims that education at the United there are far better problemwheresomeschools school which was miles few marks and thereby there appears to be a lack of Nations. This whole tentalternativesavailable. donothaveafullintakeand awayfromwhereshelived. reducetheactualintake? knowledge about classroom affairsuggeststhatunlesshe

Itmattersnotwhetherthe othersareovercrowded?

TheMinistry’sattemptto Itcanhardlythereforebe management since teachers remediestheproblemsattheschool, its Parent Teachers This is an administrative fix the problem is not by re- that the problem with c o m p l a i n a b o u t level of the Ministry ofAssociation and/or the problem which should be organising the school overcrowdingofschoolsisa overcrowded classrooms Education, his plans willstudents recommended fixed. It is not going to be placement system Its fast increasing school andnotbeingabletocaterto flounderand/or agreed to a tent fixed by erecting tents and response is to expand population.Thefactthatthis thediverselearningneedsof (The views expressed insolution.TheAPNU+AFCis inconveniencing students schools. overcrowding presently is diverse students in a given this article are those of the correct in asserting that Fix the school placement

The Ministry says that isolated, suggests that it is a class. But is the problem at author and do noth a v i n g s t u d e n t s systemandtheproblemwill this is to cater for the

managementproblem. theleveloftheclassroomor necessarily reflect theaccommodated in such be solved. There should be increase in the number of T h e M i n i s t r y ’s is it at the level of school opinionsofthisnewspaper.)circumstances constitutes a by now more places in s t u d e n t s w r i t i n g violationoftheirrights.Such schoolsthanstudents.Ifthis examinations. But are the conditionsareinhumaneand is not happening, especially numbers increasing enough impairtheirrighttosecurean in light of the spread of to justify the expansion education as provided for in private schools, then this is policy? This data does not the United Nations another area in which the supportthispolicy ConventionontheRightsof education system is failing The nursery school theChild. ourstudents. population is projected to

Guyana is not Mongolia The overcrowding remain about the same by where, in order to cater for problem may be associated 2025 And in terms of the nomadic communities, with parents wanting select enrollment, there is only tents are erected as schools for their children. likelytobeabout1,000more classrooms,andthelocation Thereusedtobeatimewhen nursery school children in of schools change every 45 many parents would be 2025 than there are today days The problem of desperate for their children Primary enrollment is overcrowding is an to attend Stella Maris projectedtoincreasebyfive administrativeproblem. Primary School or St percent but accommodation

The Ministry of Margaret’s Primary School. has to be made for the fact Education should have had It is surprising how many that an increase in private records of the level of parents changed their primary school enrollment accommodation at each addressessoastoallowtheir may ensure about the same school, and thus when children to fall within the levelofenrollmentinpublic making school placements catchment for eligibility to schoolsin2025asitistoday should have catered for the thesefavouredschools. And secondary school capacityofeachschool.The Afewmonthsago,theSt. enrollment is actually responsibility for this George’sSchoolintheheart projectedtodeclineby2025. problem rests at the feet of ofGeorgetownwasrazedby Yet, Queen’s College is theeducationauthorities. fire.Theparentswerecalled throwinginanextrawingto

Each year, the Ministry in and their students cater for a large student ofEducationspendsbillions reassigned to other schools. intake. Does this solve the of dollars in constructing One parent complained that problem or is Queen’s schools. Private schools are she was from Cummings College being assigned too

one oil spill away from losing...’

outofthesixenvironmental findingsandthesixlawsuits permittedlevels.” courtcasesfiledsofar,four point to a weak policy and IEEFA said that the related to government’s highly questionable concerns raised about the failure to properly manage management. potential for an oil spill are the permit process and The questions raised by not academic, and that “the enforcement of permit the latest litigation and the 2010 Deepwater Horizon provisions. lawsuits that have preceded disaster in the Gulf of In one case, the agency it do not bode well for the Mexico should remind said that the courts found people of Guyana,” the Guyanaofficialsoftheneed that Guyana officials broke agencysaid. to act with dispatch to the law by improperly Therecentlawsuitisthe protect the public.” IEEFA granting ExxonMobil a 23- sixth filed over the massive lamented that the BP spill year permit when permits drilling project, is an devastated marine life and are legally restricted to be attempt to ensure that the livelihoods. Although most fiveyears. consortium —ExxonMobil, localeconomiesaffectedby The effort by Guyana Hess Corp., and the China the BP spill were able to officials to cut corners and NationalOffshoreOilCorp. rebound with the benefit of hasten production was (CNOOC) would be diverseeconomicbases,the overturnedbythecourt. responsible for the costs of agency warned that, “a IEEFA noted that the an oil spill and not foist c o u n t r y l i k e World Bank review of responsibility to Guyana Barbados—with 22 percent efforts to reform the taxpayers. of its economy linked to programme and bring Economist Ramon tourism—faces particularly administrative capacity in Gaskin, University of high economic risks line with oil development Guyana research director, Neighbouring countries operations found that Dr Troy Thomas, Rights shouldpaycloseattentionto Guyana’s management activistSherlinaNageerand thelawsuit.” abilityisslipping. Vanda Radzik are a few of

Frompage2

pointed out that

Evil hypocrisy and the advice of India’s Foreign Minister

I would rate India’s Guyana’s interest but in fact wrong. He said that is the the advice of India’s foreign social extinction in foreignministerasoneofthe massaging their unlimited dutyofpeople. ministercomesintoplay. March 2020, they world’s most articulate egos,theyshouldseeavideo InGuyanatoday,thereis Fornow,Iwilllookatthe recognised that global figures and I would clip on what the foreign a deluge of offensive, outpouringbysomeonewho Guyana had to be rate him very highly. He ministerhadtosayaboutthe undemocraticanddangerous signed his name as Danny saved. the moment but when defends India’s philosophy needtorespondtocriticism. narrativesinthemainstream Ramnarain. The person in If they criticise the oil Guyana needed their on international relations He said what the media mediathatpeoplemustreply KN’s letter pages of contract, then they have the courage,theywerethere. withbrilliantpanache. coversandnotcoversishow to. I think as someone who September 29, 2022 moral authority to do so. Wherewerethosevoices

FrederickKissoon

His response to Western opinionsandperceptionsare hasbeenasocialactivistfor condemned me for adopting Others don’t and I reject the that now write voluminous critiquesofIndia’sstanceon shaped Of course, over50years,itisincumbent the perspective that those voices and pens of those lettersinthemediaaboutoil the Russian invasion of thousands of people have on me to confront not only who constantly lament the others who I find offensive contract? This person needs Ukraine is phenomenally said that long before he the moral sickness in the EXXON oil contract are people. I will not dissolve to do a simple task. Spend relevanttounderstandingthe uttered those words weeks argument that there is an hypocrites for not finding myprofounddisgustatsuch someminutesontheinternet world. He asked Europe – ago but given his large apartheid like system in their voice during the five- humans. The letter writer and go through the why is your problem the presenceontheglobalscene, Guyana but the evil that monthelectiondrama. wentontoobservethatIam newspapersandseeifhecan world’s problem but the thatemanationisvaluable. residesinsuchanoutlook. The writer was referring attacking civil society come up with one, just one, ThirdWorld’sproblemisnot The foreign minister I will certainly do that to my column of September peoplewhoarespeakingout civil society group that Europe’s? went on to berate the biases and I am researching my 27, 2022 titled, Oil againsttheoilcontract.This condemnedtherigging.That

For those who live in in the Western media and response. You cannot and hypocrisy meets election personmissedtwopoints. isnothingbutevilhypocrisy Guyana and see the trend in offered some stirring advice should never stop people hypocrisy.” In that piece, I One is that I haven’t Soweendwithwherewe hypocriticalthinkingwhenit toothers.Heurgedpeopleto from offering their questioned the credibility, attacked Messrs Lall and started–theforeignminister comes to criticism of the write and debate in order to viewpoints but when those character, patriotism and Ram. They have the moral ofIndia. government by people who educate others so that they o u t l o o k s b e c o m e

societalusefulnessofpeople authority to speak on the oil Once fictions, malicious claim they are acting in can know what is right and synonymous with evil then who refused to speak out contract. The other point is deceptionsareputoutthere, againstoneofthemosttragic that my castigations of the people who should know moments in Guyana’s post- other people are contextual. better can be influenced by Independence life but have Why did you remain them. There are millions of the energy to rant about the voicelessfromMarchtoJuly people, who no matter how oilcontract. in 2020 when Guyana faced obscure they are and how

Withpellucidenormity,I societal collapse but your wickedistheiragenda,when made two exceptions voice conveniently returned wereply,weopentheeyesof Messrs Glenn Lall and in2021? innocentpeople. Christopher Ram I IwastherewhenMessrs (The views expressed in concluded that they cannot Lall and Ram were using this article are those of the beaccusedofhypocrisyand their voice and pen to save author and do not double standard because Guyana.Youmaynotlikeor necessarily reflect the when Guyana was facing agree with their politics at opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Santa Rosa toshao under fire from residents on corruption charges

...stage protest for him to step down

ByShervinBelgrave

Residents of Santa Rosa Village, Moruca, Region One, on Tuesday accused their toshao of beinginvolvedincorruptionduring aprotestwheretheyasked:“where istheninemillion?”

The Region One residents decided to protest after the toshao, StavrosStanleyreportedlyfailedto give account for some $9.5M he allegedly received from the government for coffee farmers. They were reportedly motivated to takeprotestactionagainsthimafter aletterwaspublishedinoneofthe dailynewspapers,claimingthatno attention is being paid to allegations of corruption in Indigenouscommunities.

The letter was penned by MervynWilliams,amemberofthe opposition and he made reference totheallegationsmadebytheSanta Rosa residents that Stanley cannot giveaccountforthe$9.5grantedto the community by the government to fund a coffee project. Williams wrote that the funds were reportedly deposited in a bank accountandthevillagecouncilwas given control of the monies to manageitinthebestinterestofthe residents. “At a recently conveyed General meeting the Toshao, Stravos Stanley and the treasurer Phillip Bess were called upon to giveaccountfortheCoffeeProject fund.Thereportwasthatallofthe SantaRosaVillageFundshadbeen withdrawn from the account and

the villagers are alarmed. There wasnoconsultationwiththecoffee farmers regarding the withdrawal oruseofthefunds.Further,farmers have not benefitted from the fund withdrawn”, Williams alleged in hisletter

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Wednesday, residents said that indeed they had called on Stanley andthetreasurertogiveanaccount onhowthemoneywasspentbuthe failed to give them a proper response.Theyallegedtoothatthis is not the first time that Stanley is unable to give account for village funds.Moreover,theyaddedhehas beenbreakingvillagerulesandnot following the right protocols in administering lands and spending cash.

During the protest, villagers were seen holding placards and calling on their fellow community members to vote out their toshao. Another man could be heard saying,“Ify'allain'twantvotehim out then let him do the honourable thingandresign”.

Some of the placards read, “Accountability and transparency is needed in our village”, another hadthephrase,“Wevoteyouin;we will vote you out.” One of the protestors, Monica Lowe related thattheyneverhadsuchissueswith previoustoshaos.Shesaidthatthey thought Stanley would have been transparent with them just like his predecessors but since he was elected in May last year, his track recordhasnotbeenagoodoneand

theywanthimgone.

“One of the issues I had with himisthatheillegallyre-possessed my land and give it to someone else”,shesaid.Thewomanalleged that she was granted the land by a previoustoshaowhohadgivenher a signed document but he had repossessed it without consulting her or holding a general village meeting. Lowe claimed that when she raised the issue with him, he said that the document granted to herbytheprevioustoshaowasnot valid.

Othervillagerscomplainedthat

Scenes from Tuesday's protest.

one of the village rules he is breaking is not consulting with residents before handing out lands to people. Moreover, they alleged mostofthelandsheisgivingaway without consultation are to his friends and relatives They explained that although the lands cannotbeboughtorsold,theruleis

administered, the village council

must convene a general meeting with the villagers before handing themout.

Thevillagerswillcastavoteon whether or not the beneficiary is eligible for the land. It is the same rule for spending village funds.

Communitymembers,theyrelated, must be notified and updated on howthemoniesarebeingspentand whoarebenefitting.

However, according to them, Stanley has not been following the rules and has not been calling meetings and when they demand transparency, he is unable to give account. Another protestor, Paul Rodrigues, an elected committee representative of Kumaka - part of Santa Rosa - alleged that Stanley hasalsofailedtoadheretoanother rulethatisdeclaringfundsentering the village treasury to its council members He recounted two occasions where monies were not declared and when the council calledonStanleytoaccountforthe cash,hecouldnot.

“Acontractorcameinheretodo the roads and he paid the village $150,000 for sand royalties (a royaltypaidforusingsandfromthe village), that money was never declared, the same contractor also donated $260,000 to repair a four wheel motorbike belonging to the village,thattoowasneverdeclared and we don't know where the moneyis”,Rodriguesclaimed.

Kaieteur News reached out to Stanley to get his comment on the allegations that are being leveled againsthimbuthesaidthathewas unabletospeakwiththenewspaper atthatmomentbecausearelativeof his had passed away He did however, agree to give a comment at a more appropriate time and apologised for not being available tospeaktothemedia.

Tropical wave wreaks havoc in T&T

...woman swept away; major flooding, landslides reported, schools forced to closed

Residents of

Tobago and

n o r t h e a s t Trinidad are facing the full brunt of thundershowers associated with a fast approaching tropical wave. Violentrainfall,accordingto Loop News on Wednesday, started at midnight, five hours earlier than was previously advised by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) when its Adverse WeatherAlert-YellowLevel wasissued.

As the system moves overtheislands,gustywinds are also being reported There have been reports of incessant flooding, landslides, marooned vehicles, traffic as well as p o w e r o u t a g e s i n Roxborough and Mt St George, Tobago. This was reported extensively by the TT Weather Centre Motorists, pedestrians and homeowners were being urged against venturing into flood waters. Meanwhile, some schools were closed

early as floods cause chaos. Principals of schools in flood prone areas sent childrenhomeearlyassome institutions have been affected by inclement weather associated with the passageofthetropicalwave. This was confirmed by Minister of Education Dr Nyan Gadsby Dolly in response to a question from LoopNewsonWednesday

Dr Gadsby-Dolly said parents can also opt to remove their children from classes as a result of the weather She said, "Where required,parentscanrequest from Principals to collect their children early from school." One school which was severely impacted is North Eastern College, SangreGrande.Avideobeen circulating on social media shows students walking throughfloodwatersthatare uptotheircalves. Similarly, schoolsinthecapitalsuchas St Mary's College and SacredGirlsRCSchoolhave also closed early. The University of the West

Indies, St Augustine Campus also suspended classes as a result of floods. Tobago, and parts of northeast Trinidad, are being batteredbyviolentrainsasa tropical wave moves west over both islands An Adverse Weather Alert Yellow Level is in effect untilFriday

Womanswept The Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) also reported that a 44-year-old woman is presumed dead after she was swept away while attempting to cross a ravine as heavy rains lashed Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday Police said that thewoman,TeresaLynchof La PastoraVillage, Lopinot, locatedinthefoothillsofthe Northern Range, was reportedly with her 45-year old brother and a third

individual who were attempting to cross a ravine when she slipped into the rushingfloodwaters.

Her two companions attempted to rescue her, but theyencountereddifficulties

intherisingwaters,andwere unable to reach her The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS)saidthattheYellow Level alert issued as a result of the adverse weather would remain in place until middayonFriday

It has warned that the adverse weather would be accompanied by “periods of rain and/or showers of varying intensities…as an active tropical wave traverses westward over our area.”Itsaidthatthereisalso a70percentchanceofheavy showers and thunderstorms that can produce intense rainfall in excess of 25mm and warned also of gusty winds in excess of 55 kilometres per hour “Street/flash flooding and localised ponding are also likely in heavy downpours and seas can become agitatedattimesinsheltered areas. People are cautioned to watch for flying hazards during gusty winds, while landslides are also possible insomeareas.

More scenes of the heavy flooding in Trinidad and Tobago.

Alandslide at Aripo road that cut off the height of Aripo off from the rest of Trinidad. (Photos credit: T&T Weather Centre)

The impact of the flash flooding in some sections in Trinidad. (Photos credit: CNC3, Trinidad and Tobago) Tobago)

GRA files 10 charges of false declarations against Ramps Logistics ...company refutes allegations

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)'s Law

E n f o r c e m e n t a n d Investigations Division instituted 10 charges in the Georgetown Magistrate's Court yesterday against Ramps Logistics (Guyana) Incforfalsedeclarations.

G R A s a i d i t s investigation determined, amongothers,thatduringthe period of 2021 to 2022, the company made several

untruedeclarations.

The revenue authority saidthemovetothecourtsis in keeping with its mandate to ensure there is a 'level playing field' for legitimate businessesandthecollection of revenue. It also urged individuals/companies involved in any such illicit activities to cease and desist there from, and bring their businesses into compliance with the nation's Tax, Trade

andBorderlaws.

K a i e t e u r N e w s previously reported that the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division was probing Ramps Logistics Guyana for abusing blanket tax waivers granted for the importation of goods to be used by Stabroek Block operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), and its subcontractors.

NIS urged to improve service, giveser contributors annual statements

Key documents seen by Kaieteur News stated that LEID was in possession of information that Ramps in certain instances made declarations that were inconsistentwithitsinvoices. In this regard, the division hadcitedacaseonDecember 13, 2019, where it checked a shipmentofgoodsconsigned to EEPGL where Ramps Logistics Incorporated was listedasthedeclarant.

The LEID report reads, “The said declaration was deemed false since the quantity of the goods declared was inconsistent with the information stated on the invoice. The said act constituted a breach of Sections 217 (1) (a) and 219 of the CustomsAct, Chapter 82: 01, respectively In the s a i d m a t t e r , t h e Commissioner General (Godfrey Statia) in accordancewithSection271 of the CustomsAct, Chapter 82:01, invoked his discretionary power and

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia

waived the proposed compensation of $500,000 for the acts committed.”The report further noted that the Commissioner General Godfrey Statia also directed that the company be advised that should there be a recurrence of this nature, strict penalties would be imposed.

The document at this point went on to state that LEID was conducting an investigation based on information received that Ramps Logistics Guyana Inc., “continues to falsely declare consignments under the guise that same is being imported for Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited and its subsidiaries/subcontractors using their blanket tax exemption letter when in fact, same is being imported forotherpersons.”

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that Ramps was alsoafewmonthsago,fined $20M for shipping items out of Guyana to Trinidad without having the vessel used, properly inspected GRA seemed particularly disturbed by this case since specific instructions were issuedforthevesseltoawait inspection but said instructions were never acknowledged GRA was (Continuedonpage17)

The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has been urged to improve the quality of its service as the scheme r d celebrated its 53 AnniversaryonTuesday

Speaking at a special ceremony Finance Minister, Dr AshniSinghcommended the Board and management for the reduction in pending NIS claims, but also urged that the NIS urgently improve the quality of service it provides to contributors and pensioners. Theceremonywasheldatthe Patrick Martinborough Multipurpose Complex, CarifestaAvenue.

Singh said a priority of the Government when it assumed office in 2020 was to address the complaints receivedfromcontributorsto the Scheme with pending claimsatthetimeamounting to 14,000 as at November 2020 In support of this effort, Government at Cabinet level, undertook a seriesofnationwideoutreach sessions that took the services of NIS to the citizens, with 12 sessions held in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10. Over 1,500 persons across the country have benefitted from these sessions, many of whom are

inreceiptofOldAgePension afterwaitingforanumberof years. Additionally, of the 14,000 pending claims inherited in 2020, over 12,000havebeenaddressed, the Ministry of Finance said inapressrelease.

However, the Finance Minister said that notwithstandingtheprogress made,muchmoreremainsto be done. As such, he urged theNIStofurtherimproveits services and to ensure that employees receive their yearly statements of contribution. In fact, Dr Singhaddedthateverysingle contributor should be receiving these statements yearly

He also sounded a warning to employers that failure to hand over NIS deductions to NIS is a criminalmatter TheFinance Minister then urged the NIS toensurethateachandevery pensioner is treated with excellentservice.

“Because the NIS was conceivedthen(in1969)asit remains today, the preeminent national institution to provide for those who are unable to work, for medical insurance and for the sick and the elderly and to provide for

those who exit employment. This is the institution in whichyouaretoday'scohort managing and so when a pensionercomesintoanNIS office, we have a longstanding obligation to serve them in a particular manner driven by the high ideals of public service,” Singh is quoted in the press releaseassaying.

ChairmanoftheBoardof DirectorsoftheNIS,Ramesh Persaud also speaking at the event encouraged staff to continue to work diligently as 'the work done today wouldimpactsomeoneinthe next fifty years'. He also alluded to the Strategic Plan to be implemented by the NIS which will address several areas including repairing the public perceptionofNIS,increasing itsoperationalefficiencyand dealing with backlogged casesandappeals.

r dDuring the 53

Anniversary ceremony, children of NIS employees w h o p e r f o r m e d outstandingly at the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA)

Examinationswereprovided with Bursary Awards while long-serving employees also receivedawards.

ANSA McAL launches early Christmas Promotion with Trinchloro Brand

ANSAMcALkicked off its Grand Christmas Promotions on Saturday,October1st,2022,with thelaunchofthe“TrichloroWhiteChristmas campaign.

Inapressrelease,thecompanynotedthat three lucky persons will have the chance to drive away with a ToyotaAxio motorcar for the holidays, in addition to other grand consolationprizesupforgrabsincludingtwo tripsfortwotoanyCopadestination,onecash prize, two shopping sprees along with two AppleiPhone13.

Head of Consumer Goods, Subrina Bhajan-Kishore noted that the “Trinchloro White Christmas promotion is in keeping with ANSA McAL's core values to provide excellent services to our customers. Our

promotions recognise the needs of our loyal consumers by giving them chances to win prizesrelevanttotheirsustainability.”

Consumersnationwidecanwintheprizes by simply submitting any Trinchloro label withtheirnames,contactnumberandaddress into the Trinchloro White Christmas Promotion box available at 65 leading supermarketsnationwide.

The promotion runs until December 11, 2022. Drawing dates are the 1st and 19th of November, while the final drawing is December 20, 2022. “We encourage our consumers to take advantage of this promotionbyenteringtowin.

We extend gratitude to our loyal consumersfortheircontinuoussupportofthe Trinchlorobrand,”addedthepressrelease.

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni flanked by Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NIS, Ramesh Persaud and General Manager, Mrs. Holly Greaves.

WANTED

Driver, Sales man, Porters to work in warehouse. Must have experience, attractive salary offered. Call: 6 96-4444.

One Male Accountant

needed, must have a valid driver's licence. Call: 6447088/ 624-7248.

Taxi Drivers needed at Princess taxi service, Ramada Hotel. Call: 265-7075/ 76 or 616-5419.

Skilled Carpenters, Masons & Labourers. Call: 602-9469, 615-7526, 660-6385 or 6257642.

Part time (2pm-7pm) kitchen assistant and manager needed at Soup house, Mandela Avenue Location. Call: 675-1509.

Refrigeration/ AC Technician, must have a valid driver license, salary $80,000-$120,000. Call: 6294946/689-9856.

One general Maid between ages 20-40 years, from Cummings Lodge or Liliendaal. Call: 231-8737 between 8am-4pm.

Elderly bus driver wanted for 42 bus route. Call: 2336175/ 676-3963.

Wanted: Experienced supervisor, cashier, counter person , cooks and labourer. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts.

Male factory workers, $3500 per day. 7am-4pm lunch hr inclusive, transportation provided. Call: 611-7839.

Male clerical staff needed @ Prestigious Private Company. Minimum requirements, 5 subjects cxc 1-3. Call: 611-7839.

One male able bodied lerk.Tel:231-2029,693-8462.

One female and male able bodied clerk: 226-1497,2252313/658-8559.

Domestic required, to work in Georgetown from 7am3pm(4-5 days per week). Call: 623-6383.

Hinterland communities must reap...

From page 8 develop the country.”

Newly renovated apt for rent, suitable for business and living, located in Kitty. Call: 663-2506.

VACANCY

Driver for Vegetarian Garden, license to drive lorry. Call: 640-0673/ 227-7714.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call:6159132.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English & Math, grade 1 or 2. Call: 615-9132 or Email: techserigy@yahoo.com.

Driver needed. Must be able to assist in workshop @ Eccles, age 23-50, Car&Van licence. Call: 6458443.

One Secretary, 1 Sales Clerk & 1 washing machine/AC/ Refridgerator Technician needed. Whatsapp: 6608905.

Experienced Cashiers, Waiters/ Waitress , Kitchen assistant, roti/ puri cook & handy boy. Apply @ Hack's Restaurant 5 Commerce St.

Experienced Senior Bond Supervisor needed. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda.

One able-bodied live-in Housekeeper to work in Virgina U.S.A. Between the ages of 30-50. Call: 845-3258241/ 592-615-5476.

CLERICAL ASSISTANTS LIVE-IN ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE FOR OUT OF TOWN APPLICANTS COVID VACCINATED PERSONS ONLY. CALL: 223-7500.

CLERK AND DOMESTIC NEEDED. LIVE-IN FACILITIES FOR BERBICIANS AND ESSEQUIBIANS. CALL: 223-7500.

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Weighing in briefly, the High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Mark Berman said he “absolutely agrees” that the no one should be left behind in the development of the country from the oil and gas revenues. Offering his country’s experience, Berman said Canada has significantly invested in Indigenous communities and have also focused heavily on addressing women and gender equity issues. He believes, “these are very important issues that can be left behind and if you wanna have success, you have to ensure you keep your eyes on those balls.”

It is important to note that

no Government official attended Tuesday’s opening of the conference. The Guyana Basins Summit will draw the curtains today at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, in Georgetown. In the meantime, government has made it clear in the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Act that the revenue from the oil and gas sector shall be used to fund national development priorities, including any initiative aimed at realizing an inclusive green economy. It did not specifically outline some of the investment areas, but made provision for an Investment Committee to fulfill this mandate. The Committee was appointed by President Irfaan Ali on August 30, last. Mean-

while, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has told Guyanese that the oil money collected each year for the two oil projects is merely enough to complete two projects.

The VP was at the time speaking in Berbice about two weeks ago when complained that the money received from the sector is “not a whole lot”.

He explained, “When you hear a lot about the oil money and we’ve collected about US$350 million per year so far, the first two years, you think it’s a lot of money. But the Demerara Harbour Bridge alone, the four-lane bridge, there is US$260 million and the hospital, the Children and Maternal Hospital that we are

building which will be a World-class hospital for our children and women –specialised hospital with the best care that you can get like any part of the world that’s about US$170 million. That alone is one year of the oil money.”

He went on to note that these two infrastructural projects alone could use up the funds gathered, without even considering the highways to be built on the East Bank of Demerara and other road works scheduled for their Region. Notably, the projects he listed are all geographically placed on the Coasts, with no major plans announced for the Indigenous communities.

Together we can build a better Guyana...

From page 6 show love and respect for each other; otherwise, talk of Social Cohesion would be mere empty gaffe.

3) The role of the Church must go beyond the singing of hymns and praying, important though they be. The Church’s role must be redefined to include influencing thinking and positive behavioural change; and also about Church leaders being good examples to their congregation. Many are they who are very vociferous on the pulpit and portray characteristics that must be similar to that possessed and displayed by some of Jesus’ disciples.

Albeit, off the pulpit the antagonist and questionable attributes they portray must have been similar to that displayed by Judas Iscariot. Not good examples of laudable human behaviour.

Many are overtly hostile to the People’s Progressive Party and its supporters as if the Almighty had delegated the task of passing judgement to them.

Fellow Guyanese! We may never have a society free of ethnic suspicions and tensions but we must make a special effort to achieve this. Integral to the desired behaviour changes we seek is the work of the Political Parties among the people of Guyana. We must all be carrying the same message in-

tended to benefit all and not some; for the task before us is to govern our multi Ethnic Nation. In this regard there is a very important role for the People’s Progressive Party.

After all, the PPP has always been in the forefront of every effort to bring improvement to the quality of the lives of the Guyanese people.

Furthermore, let us all be reminded that the PPP/C won

33 of the 65 seats in the National Assembly in the 2020 National Elections. A majority of the Guyanese voters indicated, by their votes, that they have confidence in the PPP’s ability to deliver improvements in the lives of the Guyanese people.

Presently, that figure would have moved closer to 60% or more as the wheels of progress continue to turn at

an even faster rate. Collectively we must work to reduce even further; indeed to completely remove hate, envy mistrust and mischief wherever these stalk this dear land of ours. Together we would build a better Guyana.

Norman Whittaker

Former member of Parliament/ Minister of Local Government and Regional Development

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Health Ministry looking to buy ambulances with World Bank loan

On the back of a US$7.5 million loan from the World Bank the Government through the Ministry of Health intends to use part of the proceeds to procure three ambulances.

During the latest opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, it was revealed that the ambulances are one road ambulance and two off-road ambulances.

Two companies, Massy Motors and Car Clean Enter-

prises have submitted bids to supply and deliver the vehicles for the ministry.

Also opened was a tender by the Guyana Sugar Corporation for repairs to the roof of Uitvlugt Factory at an estimated cost of $27 million.

The Guyana Defence Force is also looking to construct a PVC sheet piling revetment at its Ruimveldt Coast Guard headquarters for some $116 million.

Below are the companies and their bids:

Ministry of Health

Supply and delivery of one road ambulance and two off road Ambulances - Ministry of Health.

Supply and delivery of four 195 HP 4-WD articulated agricultural tractors.

Supply and delivery of one mechanical cane harvester.

Supply and delivery of one 20 ton HI-AB lorry.

Guyana Defence Force

Construction of PVC sheet piling revetment, Coast Guard Headquarters, Ruimveldt.

Repair to lime Bond floor and roof at Uitvlugt Estate.

National Communications Network Procurement of computer workstation.

Supply and delivery of 100-120 4-WD agriculture tractors (8 Units).

Guyana Sugar Corporation

Supply and delivery of four 80-100 HP 4-WD agriculture tractors.

GRA files 10 charges of false declarations...

From page 15 therefore unable to determine independently the quantity of items that left these shores. The said items were sold to Ramps by EEPGL.

declarations.

Procurement of vessel trailers.

Repairs to building roofs of Uitvlugt Factory.

Ramps response Meanwhile, in a statement of its own, Ramps Logistics Guyana (RLG) said that on Wednesday, it was made aware of the charges filed in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

“July 25th, 2022 – RLG’s lawyers wrote the GRA responding on why the allegations raised by the GRA had no basis in law and clearly outlined the sections of the Guyana Customs Act that they relied on to form this opinion.

Ministry of Education Supervision consulting services for rehabilitation/ construction of water supply systems at Secondary Schools and Dormitories.

Lot 1- four 100-110 HP 4-WD agriculture tractors for Albion Estate, Lot 2- three 100-110 HP 4-WD agriculture tractors for Blairmont Estate.

According to the company, five days prior on Friday September 30th, 2022, it had filed an application for Judicial Review against the Local Content Secretariat. “While these charges will be reviewed and responded to by our lawyers through the court system, it is important to note the following: Every declaration filed by the GRA is in respect to Duty Free importations. There are no taxes or duties applicable on the imports and so there is no loss of Revenue to the GRA.”

The company said on July 12th, 2022 - the GRA wrote it informing of an investigation into alleged false

September 29th, 2022 – 8 weeks later, the GRA responds to RLG. Their response does not address any of the legal points raised by RLG’s Lawyers.

September 30th, 2022 –RLG files for Judicial Review against the Local Content Secretariat.

October 5th, 2022 – GRA issues a Press Release to say they are filing charges against RLG for False Declarations.

We have always respected the laws of every country we operate in and have always been transparent in everything we do. We will continue to operate with the highest levels of integrity.

We continue to be committed to Guyana and hope for a fair and speedy resolution of this situation.”

Supply and delivery of twelve inch/ 305mm high density polyethylene corrugated drainage tubes/pipes.

Supply and delivery of six double axle dump truck.

Supply and delivery of three 180-200 HP 4-WD agriculture tractors.

Autopsy confirms La Grange woman was strangled

A

nautopsyconductedon the remains of the La Grange woman, NirmalaSukhai,33,whowasfound dead on Friday last has confirmed thatshewasstrangled.

The post mortem (PM) examination was done on Wednesday and the results are leading police to believe that the self-confessed killer was not lying about the way he murdered her Commander of the Region Three police district, Mahendra Swinarine told Kaieteur News that the PM results showed that Sukhai diedofmanualstrangulation.

With the evidence of the autopsy results and a confession

statement in hand, police are hopingtochargeherboyfriendwith murder later today, once all the legal proceedings are completed early Sukhai was found dead around 16:00hrs last Friday inside her Lot 35 Factory Dam, La Grange, West BankDemerara(WBD)home.

Thediscoverywasmadebythe woman's 58-year-old mother who had gone to pay her a visit that afternoon.

Police had reported that her remains were found lying face downonherbedwithbloodoozing fromhermouth.Herbodywasclad inapinktop.

Apairofshortpantswasfound

closebyanditappearedasthoughit wascutofffromtherear

After learning that she was last seen alive close to midnight on Thursday drinking with some individuals at bar located at the head of her street, detectives were able to track down a suspect and laterarrestedhim.

The suspect identified himself topoliceasSukhai'sboyfriendand confessedthathehadchokedherto death during an argument over anotherman.Headmittedtobeing a part of the drinking session with Sukhai.

Themanallegedthatwhilethey were drinking, Sukhai “disappeared with another man in

3 new COVID-19 cases detected

OnWednesday,theHealthMinistryviait latestdashboardrevealedthatwithinthelast 24hourperiod,justaboutthreenewCOVID19 infections were recorded, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the countryto71,356.

With no patient admitted into the COVID 19 Intensive Care Unit, the dashboard shows that three persons are in institutional isolation, 65 are in home isolationandtodate,atotalof70,007persons haverecoveredfromthevirus.

the back yard of the bar” and this madehimangry

Theyleftandwenttoherhouse and started arguing again. The suspect further alleged that they started fighting and he choked her untilshewasunresponsive.Sukhai wasdescribedasajovialindividual who was full of life and “worked likeaman”.

Shewasalabourerwhoworked ashardashermalecounterpartsin the construction sector. One individual recalled being shocked when he saw her work for the first time. He remembered Sukhai picking up some sand paper and doing a good job of sanding some furnituretobepolished.

US-based Guyanese man who struck

jackpot buys

(NY POST) A Staten Island Powerball winner, one who struck a US$245.6 million jackpot in 2018, has just shelled out $4 million forahomeinWestchester— some US$305,000 over its asking price Gimme Shelterhaslearned.

The buyer is Nandlall Mangal, a Guyanese-born carpenter, who bought a US$6 Quick Pick ticket that August while grabbing groceries at a Stop & Shop supermarket on Hylan Boulevard After arriving back at his humble ranch home in New Dorp, he put away his groceries and tossed the ticket off to the side. At the time, Mangal reportedly said, he only bought lottery tickets on a few occasions, generally when the jackpot headed north of US$100 million. Butthatthrown-aside—and winning — ticket sat in its spot for days, and only after nooneclaimedthewinnings, hedecidedtogiveitalook.

“The ticket sat on my kitchen table for a week because I was out of town,” on a trip to Ocean City, Maryland, he told reporters atthetimeofhiswin.Hisone lump-sum payment totaled US$99 32 million after taxes. However, the victory tookadarkturn.

Jason Kurland, a lawyer in Long Island otherwise known as the “Lottery Lawyer” who represented winners,befriendedMangal. Mangal needed advice for

investing his winnings and Kurlandtoldhimtoinvestin hisbusiness,accordingtothe Sun. Kurland took illegal kickbacks based on his clients' investments without their knowledge — and, in July, was convicted of defraudingthemoutof$107 million, according to Manhattan US Attorney Damian Williams. Kurland was found guilty of five counts of wire fraud, honest services wire fraud and moneylaundering.(Kurland pleaded not guilty to each count and alleged his business partners swindled him.)

These days, Mangal can look forward to something nice. At 10,779 square feet, his sprawling stone and shinglecolonialhomecomes with seven bedrooms and sitson2.74acresinArmonk. The listing was on the

market for 17 days, asking US$3 69 million, before entering contract. The allcash deal closed in late August.

The custom home was builtin2007,andincludesan outdoor patio area and a pool Inside, the home features 20-foot ceilings in the entry foyer and 11-foot ceilings throughout, not to mention four fireplaces as well.

The main bedroom boastsadressingroomanda spa-like bath with a steam shower and a soaking tub. There'salsoachef'skitchen, built in bookcases and a finished lower level with a recreation room, a wet bar and a gym The listing brokers were Donna Frost Gordon and Cord Stahl of Compass; Alexis Sierra, of ColdwellBanker,reppedthe buyer

Murdered, Nirmala Sukhai.

Guyanese born, Nandlall Mangal

AFC proposes $100,000 pay hike for teachers

TheAlliance For Change hasproposeda$100,000 across-the-boardhikein salary for teachers and Leader of theOpposition,AubreyNortonsaid the mental well-being of teachers should be a matter of urgency as Guyana joined other countries in celebratingWorldTeachersDayon Wednesday

“Today in Guyana, we join hands with all Teachers and their Union to celebrate their day In doing so, we reflect on the theme “Transformation of Education begins with the Teacher,” Norton said in a message to mark the occasion.

HesaidinobservanceofWorld Teacher's Day on October 5 every year, “we celebrate our teachers as we take into account their hard work and dedication, their commitmenttonurturingtheminds ofourpupilsdespitethechallenges they face on a daily basis.” Norton said one of the immediate challenges today, is to recognise that they are not only expected to deliver the curriculum or impart knowledgeaswecommonlyexpect but they are required to also function as advisors and more recentlycounsellors.

“We acknowledge that our teachersandtheteachingfraternity suffered tremendous loss of life as the COVID 19 Pandemic took manyofourlovedones.

It is traumatic for our teachers and students to congregate as a class or as a school and acknowledge their loss and continue to plan for the years ahead,”Nortonsaid.

According to him, it is, therefore, imperative that our

...Norton says their mental well-being

and many more families found it challenging to provide computers, access to internet service and have children supervised during the hoursofonlineclasses.

“But, regardless of these challengesournobleteachers,both in the public and private institutions, worked diligently to produceremarkableresults.

The Alliance For Change thanks you for your efforts and e x t e n d s h e a r t i e s t o f congratulations.”

TheAFCsaidthechallengesof theCOVIDpandemicalsobrought opportunities and showed us that our educational system is capable ofdoingmore.

“We saw the utilisation of online learning and the development of materials to facilitate this mode of education delivery

Teachers over the years have struggled with low remuneration and have had to protest on numerous occasions for basic salary increases

teachers too need advisors, Counselors,andmoreparticularlya clean, comfortable, and caring workenvironment.“Iwishtostate for emphasis that the mental wellbeing of our teachers should be an emergency priority as it is just as important as any other indicator of success in the education system.

Today,wecelebratetheinnovative methods our teachers are using to bringaboutsuccessinourschools. It is an opportune time to be mindful that our success depends tremendously on the support from our educators in helping to nurture ournation'schildren.We,therefore,

saluteourteachersaswerecognize and appreciate their efforts in contributingtonation-building.” $100,000payhike

Meanwhile, for its part, the Alliance For Change (AFC) observed that this year's theme: “Teachersattheheartofeducation recovery,” addresses the very essence of the major challenge facingournation.

The AFC said it is especially relevant as schools have recently reopened to full face to face learning after being affected for about two years by the global COVID-19pandemic.

“Therecentimagesofstudents in tents, others without desks and packed together uncomfortable on benches show clearly the sad and atrocious conditions under which teachersareforcedtowork.

This is compounded with poor salaries, victimisation, and deplorablelivingquartersforthose working away from home and an arrogant political directorate,” the partyadded.

According to the AFC, the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on the delivery and access to education and many students were unable to access online learning

These are lessons not to be discarded but to be built on. The Alliance For Change is pleased to see that the present government is continuingtheprogrammeinitiated by the Coalition to provide breakfastandbooksinschoolsand more recently a bus to aid with transportation.TheAFChopesthat there will be more of this. It is pertinent to note, at this point, that theCoalitionprovidedgovernment internetaccesstoover200primary and secondary schools and the creationofover250ITChubswith free internet across Guyana. The AFC also takes this opportunity to reiterateitscallforthereturnoffree university education; and on this World Teacher's Day for an increaseinwagesforTeachersata minimum of $100,000.00,” the statementconcluded.

‘I'm not offering you any money'

During a meeting with the residents of Albouystown, Georgetown, Minister of Public Work, Juan Edghill stated that

government

wherethe$1.4 billion,enhancementprojectalong Independence Boulevard and Cemetery Road, will receive assistancebutnotmoney

On Tuesday, Edghill invited residents of Albouystown at the ministry's office, who had built

government reserve and are in the pathoftheproject.

According to the Ministry of PublicWorks,someofthesquatters already had housing applications, while others applied the day after Minister Edghill and his team had visitedthearea.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat

manyoftheresidentsinformedthe minister that they had nowhere to go, however, Edghill advised that once they were allocated land, based on what category they fell into income wise, then some assistancecouldbeforthcoming.

“I counted how many apartmentsarethere,includingthe man that got the boxing gym, I [already]countedthem.Wehaveto be careful and a little sensitive, [because] if we had allowed it, a few people wanted to take advantage of the situation, [and] it will not be allowed,” Minister Edghill said, adding that his decisionswerebasedonprinciples.

Edghilladded,“Thismeetingis forthepeoplewhohavenotmoved andIwouldliketohearwhatarethe reasons, what are the issues, and whyyouhavenotmoved.”

“I am laying down some clear principles, the land that you are dwellingonbelongstotheState,it is Government reserve, whether youarehere30years,40years,and 50 years. Consult with any lawyer in the country, or you can take a firm of lawyers, nobody can get prescriptive rights on Government reserve, you can get prescriptive

The illegal infrastructure that is to be removed

rights from your family land,” MinisterEdghillpointedout.

Tothisend,theministersaid,“I amnotofferinganybodynomoney, nothingasaninducementtomove, fair enough, the human factor is that people were living there becausetheydidnothaveanyland, nowheretogo.Now,youapplyfor your place to move, and there are

factors in moving and when that timecomesandyouhavetomove,I am not offering anybody inducementtomove,butifthereis assistancethatisrequired,whether itisthetruckorworkmentomove the material and be re-erected wherever, we will try to see what can be accommodated,” Edghill said.

be a matter of priority

Horse racing returns to the Bush Lot United Turf Club on Sunday 16th October

The Bush Lot United Turf Club is expected to be transformed to host one of the most anticipated One Day Horseracing events since the sold out races at Port Mourant and Guyana Cup. The event is carded for Sunday 16th October and will commence 1:00pm sharp with a well-structured 7 race meet.

Horse owners across Guyana have already pledged support for the restructuring and upliftment of the rapidly growing sport. With over 50

horses already imported and a further 10 expected to be flown in from Trinidad, horseracing has definitely grown tremendously.

The Bush Lot United Turf Club located at Sea View Park, Bush Lot, West Coast, Berbice has been home to founder members of the racing fraternity and has since been revamped with new elected members taking the mantle and pushing forward to commence rehabilitation works of the track.

Over $7,000,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs with bragging rights being the order of the day from grudge races. The event is expected to be filled with fun and excitement for the entire family.

As seen in Guyana Cup a newly designed walkthrough entrance will be set-up to ensure a smooth flow in and out the event. Clearly marked signs will be erected to ensure all patrons and competitors are directed to their respective areas to guarantee a hassle-

free experience. The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee is working closely with Guyana Police Force to ensure traffic congestion does not affect surrounding areas and commuters.The countdown has begun for one of the biggest Horse Racing Event in Guyana carded for Sunday 16th October at the Bush Lot United Turf Club.

This event was made possible through our title sponsor Banks DIH and supporting sponsors Guinness, XM Rum, Smirnoff Vodka, Hop House 13, Johnny Walker, AJM Enterprise & Jumbo Jet.

Thursday October 06, 2022

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

There's an important lesson to learn today, Aries, so don't shy away from the classroom. It's important to control your attitude now or it's likely to control you. It could be that your ego is a bit too inflated

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Consider the romantic relationships in your life right now, Taurus. It's important to remember that regardless of how hot and steamy a partnership is at first,

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Today is your day to become a hero, Gemini. You don't have to be dressed in fancy tights and a cape to make an important difference in someone's life.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

There's a great deal of fun to be had today, Cancer. Money isn't always necessary to make this happen, however. In fact, money isn't a great way to keep score.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Remember that the important thing isn't necessarily what you're doing but the people you're with, Leo. There's a great deal of passion in the air today that yo u can latch onto and put to good use.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

You could learn a tough lesson today, Virgo. More than likely, the harder the message hits you, the more important it was for you to hear. It's important that you accept failure gracefully.

Moseley receives football gear to aid in his development

Young Jamar Moseley of Kaneville recently received a complete football kit from Jasir Mohamed of Herstelling Raiders FC to aid in his development as a young footballer.

Coach Winter expressed

delight at the gesture, stating that Moseley had turned up to train without any gears and this prompted Mohamed to render assistance. He added that the youngster expressed joy for the donation which motivated him.

GTT Indoor Hockey...

From page 25 pool of players that were under-20 this year to be able to make on an Under-21 next year. So, although that was our motivation, we found so many spin off benefits from it, young people would have turned to other forms of entertainment and activities and so on during COVID.”

He continued by saying, “A lot of them would have been you doing indoor activities, electronic games, these kinds of things instead of coming out and playing a sport. So, this tournament, really invited them out.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

There's a great deal of fuel to keep your fire raging today, Libra. Powerful situations are apt to come your way in which you're asked to take decisive action. Don't shy away from added responsibility.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Remember that one wrong move today could cause you to have a headache for a good long while, Scorpio. Don't take uncalculated risks. There's dynamism and confidence in the air.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

It's a long road to becoming exactly the person you want to be, Sagittarius. You can't change who you are. Input from every person you know and lessons from every bump in the road.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

You should always leave a loved one with loving words, Capricorn. Each time you exit a room, consider that you're never going to enter that room again. Perhaps you'll never see those people again.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Just when you think you have absolutely no energy left, you're able to kick into a higher gear. Push beyond your limits today, Aquarius. You'll find that you can achieve a great deal.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Regardless of how you feel today, Pisces, it's important to own up to your mistakes. Keep in mind that you're responsible for your actions.

No matter how much you might want to shrink away,

“I think people were ready to come back out and do something and so it sort of heightened the excitement of the tournament and of the players and of the supporters and everything and I thought that it really set us on a good footing now, to build on that.” Because already we seeing a lot of the younger players, asking you know, “when is the next activity? When’s the next tournament?” People are now keen to go and train and to get back into the regular routine of the game,” Fernandes disclosed.

The fraternity will be satisfied soon with the hosting of the GTT Indoor Hockey Tournament which is scheduled to be contested in the latter part of October. “That’s going to be a very important tournament because that is the final warm up before the Diamond Mineral Water Tournament. That determines our Indoor National Champion for the year, so, we look forward to that and hopefully, we can have that and Diamond as our two closes for the year.”

Smalta U14 Hockey Tournament…

Meanwhile, one of the GHB’s prized events, the Smalta Under-14 Schools Hockey Tournament is one the agenda to make a return, according to the GHB President.

“A lot of what we’re benefiting from today comes from that Smalta U14 Junior Schools Competition. It is very important; one of the most important activities we do for the whole year. So, that one was one that was heavily affected by COVID, because of course young people we have to be very careful to make sure that we don’t endanger people’s children.”

“I think we are now in the clear to resume that and we definitely want to start that back next year. It will be a priority for us and we continue on that growth path that we’ve had due to that tournament,” he opined.

Finch, Wade help Australia to tight T-20 win over West Indies

G O L D C O A S T, Australia (AP) — Aaron Finch and Matthew Wade revivedAustralia’srunchase before Mitchell Starc clinched the three wicket win with a ball to spare yesterday in a dramatic last over of the series-opening Twenty20 international againstWestIndies.

Both teams are using the two-gameseriestofine-tune for the T20 World Cup later thismonth.

WestIndiesposted145-9 afterbeingsentintobatand thenhadAustraliaat21-2in reply when paceman Sheldon Cottrell dismissed David Warner and Mitch Marshinthesecondover

That brought regular openerFinchtothecreaseat No. 4 and he scored 58 runs from 53 balls despite Australia slipping to 58-5 in theeighthover,sharinga69run sixth-wicket stand with Wade.

Whenhewasout,caught in the outfield trying to hit Alzarri Joseph (2-17) over mid-wicket, Australia still needed 19 runs off 17 deliveries.

Odean Smith made it more interesting when he bowled Pat Cummins (4) in thepenultimateover,leaving Australia requiring 11 runs offsixdeliveries.

Cottrell conceded 38

runs in his first three overs butwasgiventheballforthe finalover,whichstartedwith Wade hitting a boundary to reduce Australia’s target to sevenrunsofffiveballs.

ButCottrellwasunlucky twicenottopickupwickets, with Wade and then Starc both dropped in the outfield attempting to hit a winning boundary

Starc (6 not out)

eventually got the Australians to 146-7 in 19.5 overs. Wade was unbeaten on39off29deliveries.

“Got a little bit close there,”Finchsaidinhispostmatch TV interview “Nice to get across the line in a closeone.”

Finch said he batted down the order to let allrounder Cameron Green continue opening but said there were likely to be changesforthesecondgame in Brisbane on Friday as his team prepares to defend its T20worldtitle.

“We’re going to keep tinkering with things just to make sure we’ve got all the basescoveredgoingintothe WorldCup,”hesaid.

The West Indies arrived inAustralia this week in the wake of the Caribbean Premier League season, forcedtomakealatechange to the squad when Shimron Hetmyermissedascheduled

flight and was replaced by ShamarhBrooks.

Seven players in the squad featured in the CPL final last Friday, so West Indies skipper Nicholas

Pooran said pushing Australiatothelastoverwas a positive sign for a team struggling with travel fatigue.

“Definitely tough at the end. We had our chance to winthegame Wemessedit up,” he said. “Catches win matches. Obviously we paid thepriceagain.”

AblazingstartfromlefthandedopenerKyleMayers, who heaved a six over extra coverandhitfiveboundaries in his 39, and contributions from Smith (27) against a full strength Australian bowling attack were good signs for the West Indies batting, although shot selection and impatience werecostly.

TheWestIndieswillplay two T20s against Australia thisweekandtwounofficial w a r m u p g a m e s i n Melbournenextweekbefore beginning the preliminary roundoftheT20WorldCup on Oct. 17 against Scotland inHobart.

Scores:Australia146for 7(Finch58,Wade39*)beat West Indies 145 for 9 (Mayers 39, Hazlewood 335)bythreewickets.

Mitchell Starc had a mini-collision with Johnson Charles while completing the last run. (AFP/Getty Images)

Crawford rides away with Asst Commissioner (ret’d) Eon Amsterdam’s 60th birthday cycle road race in Berbice

Priyanna Ramdhani out of women’s singles at S/A Games

…RamdhanisiblingsinMixedDoublesquarter-finals

It was a good showing for the country’s three member badminton team at the SouthAmerican Games inParaguay

Priyanna Ramdhani had advanced to the quarter finals of the women’s singles event, after a stellar showingintheprevioustwo

rounds of matches in Asunción Priyanna, playing at the South American Games for the very first time, had earned the right to play Peru’s FernandaRivvayesterday

However, the former junior and senior South American champion made

light-workoftheGuyanese, winning21-9,21-8.

Meanwhile,Guyanawill have another shot finding the podium, with Priyanna teamingupwithherbrother Narayan, in the Mixed Doublescompetition,where they’vereachedthequarter finalstofaceBrazil.

National Cyclist Romello Crawford, who is one of the top cyclists in the country at the moment, was in sublime form over the weekendinhishometownof Berbice.Crawfordwhohails from Fyrish, Corentyne, Berbice, was unstoppable.

Using his skills and craftiness with his experience the wily Crawford thumped the field to ride away with the Eon Amsterdam 60th birthday Anniversarycycleroadrace.

The 10 lap’s event was held last Sunday around the townofNewAmsterdamand sawsome10riderstakingto the starting line. The event, which got underway from Republic Road and Charles Place, tuned left into Vryheid Street, left into Main Street, left into Philadelphia Street/ High Bridge, left into Republic Roadfor10laps.

Crawford rode home ahead of another national cyclist Andrea “Padlock”

Green with Junior Niles and Syborne Fernandes coming in third and fourth. Topping the veteran’s category was Niles with Fernandes and Travis Cipriani. The tops j u n i o r w a s M a r i o Washington, with Richard Crandon and John and Cumberbatch rounding out thetopplaces.

Crawford rode away with a4 sprint prizes with Green taking 3 and Washington1. Amsterdam, who hails from Berbice, is a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police He served as commander in Berbice and other areas as well as traffic Chief and Commandant of the Felix Austin Training School, before retiring from theforce.

The well liked former senior Policeman was on handalongwithhisfamilyto sendthecyclistontheirway as well as assist with the distribution of the prizes which included cash,

trophies and other memorabilia.

The event, which was opened to Berbicians only, was organized by the Flying AceCycleClub(FACC)and coordinated by long serving National Coach Randolph Roberts.

Amsterdamalsousedthe occasion to present certificates of appreciation to a number of long serving cycling officials of the FACC including attorney at law Senior Council MurselineBacchus,Roberts, EliHazelandPearlArokium among others Although visiblynotwell,Robertswas still able to be in attendance to coordinate the event, a gesture which drew loud praisefromAmsterdam.

This is the second event that has been sponsored by Amsterdam.Thefirstwas at his retirement. Amsterdam plans to sponsor the event again next year as an open event for all cyclists in the country (SamuelWhyte)

Toshall Surujpaul XI triumph

ToshallSurujpaulXIdefeatedMohandass Surujpaul XI by one wicket when the teams collided in a T20 fixture on Sunday at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground in GoodSuccess.

Mohandass Surujpaul XI batted first and posted 132-9. Gladewin Henry made 58 and Mohandass Surujpaul 22; Bhomesh Lall took 2-14.

Toshall Surujpaul XI replied with 133-9. Toshall Surujpaul scored 42, Mahase Ramarine25andKhemolHarakram21;Henry claimed4-20andMohandassSurujpaul2-19.

Gladewin Henry

Top cyclist and officials pose for a photo op with sponsor Eon Amsterdam sitting at centre front.

Using oil revenue, Government plans to invest heavily in sports

ByRawleToney

Backedbyitsnew-found wealth, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the Government of Guyana is lobbying and investing, to make Guyana the premier destination for sports tourismandentertainmentin theCaribbean.

The Government just wrapped up its almost month long activities to coincide with the hosting of matches during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), including the finals. In fact, Guyana will be the host country for the finals until2024.

A series of events, including sports, saw some of the Caribbean’s biggest names in entertainment gracingstagesinGuyana,for

a number of concerts and parties, culminating with a ‘Cricket Carnival’ road parade.

“We’re working on modifying our horseracing, tomakeitapremierregional event to attract international participation.

Working in the motor racing industry,” President Alisaid.

Intheareaofboxing,the Head-of-State added, “I’ve alreadyaskedateamtoreach out to the World Boxing Council, to see how we can become a venue for WBC events.”

President Ali said the idea is to position Guyana beyond oil and gas, noting, “I’vesaiditbefore,thatwhat oil and gas does, it gives us revenue to build an

infrastructure to support the a d v a n c e m e n t a n d broadening of the economy and that is what we’re targeting.”

An ardent cricket fan, President Ali, since his inauguration, has stated that forms and important part in Guyana’s transformation, to whichhehassinceallocated a total of $4.7B ($1.5B in 2021 and $3.2B in 2022) towards the sector which is headed by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, CharlesRamsonJr

In keeping with a promise made during his campaign,PresidentAli,had announced that the PPP/C Governmentwillbebuilding multipurpose sport facilities in Regions 2 (Anna Regina Community Centre), 6

(Blairmount Community Centre) and 10 (Mackenzie SportsClub).

Emphasis, according to President Ali, will also be placed on developing sports from the grassroots level, while also rekindling the powerful tool of sport in the minds of young people and that his Government will place “a lot of heavy focus” on school competitions and schooltournaments.

Meanwhile, during his Teacher’s Day celebration message, President Ali said his Administration is also looking to revamp the schools’sportsprogrammes.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Education, PresidentAlisaid,havebeen tasked with “bringing togetherourformerathletes, put them into an accelerated trainingprogrammeandthen deploy them to the schools, so that we can revamp, reorganise, restructure and reignite sports as an important component in our

schools’ curriculum in the educationaltransformation.”

According to President Ali, “We don’t only want to create children and students whoarestrongacademically, we have to create rounded students,whocanparticipate inallaspectsofnationallife; that is part of the transformativeagenda.”

The Government of Guyanauseofitsoilrevenue is highly visible, and PresidentAli ensure he uses

almosteverymediaplatform given, to remind the country’s athletes and officials, that sports will not beleftbehind.

ThePresidentseessports as a “very important part of thetransformationthatwe’re going through and that transformation necessitate investmentinyoungpeople; investment in communities and one of the strongest component of that investmentisinsports.

Raj Jewellery contributes $100,000 to chess development

Raj Jewellery has supportedtheGuyanaChess Federation with a donation of $100,000 towards the ChessKidprogramme.

Thiswillaidinboosting chess development among youthsacrossGuyana

FM Anthony Drayton was on hand to accept the cheque on behalf of the Federation on Saturday October 1st during a chess exhibition at the GiftlandMall

ChessKid com is a virtual platform used by the GCF to introduce young players to the game of chess with puzzles, lessons,educationalvideos and unlimited live chess It also allows children to play against players from other schools around their ageandskilllevel

Right now, over 200 local youths are actively engagedontheplatform.

Anormal‘gold’license allows children to access an unlimited number of

so

Anthony Drayton was on hand to receive the donation on behalf of the Guyana Chess Federation.

allows the Guyana Chess Federation to provide more children with access to this freeofcost.

Thiscontributionwillbe significant to the development of our junior playersinGuyana.

The Guyana Chess

Federation has seen

outsideofRegionFour

es

Donations such as this,

membership more than triple this year due to efforts of the Federation’s hard workingteamtobring chess to more schools

Raj’s Jewellery was established in 1992 and has since retailed the finest hand crafted luxury jewellery using all high q u a l i t y g o l d a n d diamonds, with over 25 years of experience in hand crafting breathtaking andauthenticjewellery

The Federation is elated to partner with them as the sportcontinuestodevelopin Guyana.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Captain, Shimron Hetmyer, sharing a light moment with President Irfaan Ali.

Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association competes in Shuriken Karate Championship in Suriname

The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association was invited to the Shuriken Karate Championship in Nickerie Surinameonthe1stOctober 2022 Master Lloyd Ramnarinetookateamof29 studentswhoallparticipated and finished with great success.

With a total of 31 gold and28silvermedals,Master Lloyd Ramnarine was p l e a s e d w i t h t h e performance of his students and how they would’ve demonstrated their techniques to achieve what theyhadworkedfor Seth Dial scored 23 pointsintwominutes,while our only female Rosealin Samarooscored20pointsin twominutes,followedbythe

others.

MasterRamnarinenoted, “On behalf of the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Associationwewouldliketo thank the Director of NationalSportsCommission Mr Steve Ninvalle for assisting us with the transportation and the donationthatwasmadetous. Your contribution towards ourteammeantagreatlotto us and we look for your support in our upcoming events.”

Mr Ramnarine would also like to thank Howard restaurant and bar for personallyassistinghimand special thanks to the Organizing Secretary Mrs. Julie Ramnarine for making this event possible. Master Lloyd Ramnarine is

The participants take time out for a photo following the presentation of prizes.

encouraging his students to continue to work harder in thefuture.

The GMMAKA is registered with both a local and International Federation and will continue to work

GTT Indoor Hockey Tournament billed for October

along with the Federation they’reregisteredwith.They are some Martial Arts officials from Ghana who willbevisitingGuyanasoon

tohaveadiscussionwithour Association members in collaboration with working alongtogetherintheMartial Arts field. If anyone is

interested in joining any of our branches feel free to contact us on our whatsapp number: 698 6727, 689 9288,698-7456,681-1701.

Tiffany Solomon (GBTI GCC Tigers) takes a shot on goal in a penalty corner against Old Fort Igniters.

Following the Lucozade Indoor Hockey Tournament,whichwastheGuyanaHockey Board’s (GHB) ‘return to play’ event, the hockey fraternity has been craving to get backintothefold.

The intensely contested event that took place at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) also featured a historic component, theUnder-20Division,whichwashostedina seniortournamentforthefirsttime.

DuringaninterviewwithPresidentofthe GHB, Philip Fernandes, several topics were discussed including the GHB’s calendar of eventsandtheresuscitationoftournaments.

Fernandeswasveryelatedattheresponse the Lucozade Tournament garnered. “We havehadalongpauseforHockeyduetothe COVIDandallthedifferentaspects.So,this Lucozade Indoor Championships was really areturnoflocalhockeyaftersomemonthsof delay.”

“And I think that it was well received. I

thinkwehadgoodparticipation,lotsofteams came out, good quality hockey and we even had quite an exuberant and sizable crowd comingouttoseethehockey,”hesaid.

TheGHBBossstated,“Ithinkitbreathed new life into the sport, especially with the young faces that we saw. We had a junior divisionforthefirsttime.Itwasthefirsttime we had an under 20 division in a senior tournamentandthatinitselfbroughtoutnew faces,newsupportersandparentsandthings likethat.I thinkitwas arealbigsuccess for hockey Itwassomethingveryencouraging.”

TheUnder-20Division…

The long standing President further elaborated on the inclusion of the Junior Division: “Our motivation for the under-20s really was because there was a Pan Am Under-21tournamentbeingheldinBarbados next year And we thought we needed to see whatwehadoutthereintermsofthewider

Finch, Wade