Kaieteur News

Fmr. Pres. Ramotar says he would have renegotiated lopsided Exxon contract

…says better to fight than to not fight at all

Former Guyanese President, Donald

Ramotar recently stated thathewouldhaverenegotiatedthe lopsided deal Guyana signed onto with U.S oil major ExxonMobilunderscoring that “it's better to fightthannottofightatall.”

Since the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) was made public, there have been calls bylocalsaswellasindustryexperts forGuyana'sleaderstobringExxon back to the table and carve out a dealthatwouldshareequalbenefits from the lucrative Stabroek Block. WhilePresidentIrfaanAliandVice President Bharrat Jagdeo have taken a firm stance against renegotiatingthecontract,Ramotar revealedhisdisagreementduringa discussion moderated by Dr Asquith Rose. Ramotar described thecurrentcontractasdetrimental, depriving Guyana of vital resources, and expressed his willingness to renegotiate for the country'sbenefit.

The former head-of-state said, “I am one of the persons who believes that the contract is a very badcontract…thatdeprivesusofa lot of resources.” As such, he continued by stating that he would have been in agreement to renegotiate the deal to seek more benefitsforthecountry Tothisend, Ramotaracknowledgedthecurrent administration's reluctance to change the existing deal while noting that they have explored alternative avenues to maximise benefitsforthenation.

ExxonMobil is the operator of the lucrative Stabroek Block, with its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Exxon and its coventuresmadeitsfirstdiscoveryin

the block back in 2015 and by December 2019 moved into production phase The oil companies already sanctioned five US-multi-billion projects in the StabroekBlockwithaninvestment ofoverUS$50Billionthattheywill recover from Guyana's oil resources.

They are currently pumping about 400,000 barrels oil per day withhopestoreachonemillionbpd by 2029. Exxon is preparing to sanction its sixth oil project in the StabroekBlock.

LopsidedDeal

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who served under the APNU + AFC Coalition government between 2015 and 2020, was the one who signedthedealin2016withExxon. ThedealTrotmansignedwaivesall taxesfromtheoilcompanies,gives Guyana a 2% royalty on its rich resources, and agrees to the oil companies recovering 75% of

i n

vestments before the remaining 25% is shared, with Guyana receiving12.5%.Thearrangement, with the lack of ring-fencing, sees Guyanapayingforprojectsthatare yet to commence production activities.

Each month bills from future producingdevelopmentsareadded to the list of expenses to be costrecoveredbyExxon.

Afew months ago, Trotman in his book titled, 'From Destiny to Prosperity' offered support to the government to renegotiate the lopsided Stabroek Block deal the country has with an ExxonMobilledconsortium.

Trotman's offer was refused by VicePresidentJagdeo,andthecalls by citizens for the deal to be renegotiated have fallen on deaf earsasPresidentAliandVPJagdeo are adamant that they will not renegotiate the deal because of 'sanctityofcontract'.

Moreover, on September 11, President Ali during an interview with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Senior Journalist Gideon Long reiterated his administration's position to not renegotiate the lopsided Exxon deal,butadmittedthatthecontract is one that benefits the oil major morethanthiscountry

This publication had reported thatduringtheinterview,theHeadof-State was asked, “those big oil deposits that we started by talking about, those were discovered beforeyoucametopowerandsome critics have said that the previous government when they signed those contracts with Exxon and its partners, they were too generous, they didn't get a good deal for Guyana.TheygaveawayGuyana's oil riches too cheaply How true is that?”

In response President Ali said, “Well, I would say definitely, we did not have the best of deals,

Exxon have a good deal signed by the last government.” Ali then highlightedthatsanctityofcontract is “very important” to his Government,adding,“andwecan't gobackonthat.”Tothisend,Long asked, “So there will be no renegotiatingofthecontract?”

“We cannot go back and renegotiate,” President Ali responded.Hewentontostatethat whiletheGovernmentofGuyanais unabletorenegotiatethedeal,they have embarked on several initiativestoreapmorebenefitsfor thecountry

“What we have done is to ensure that, there are changes we have already outlined a number of changes in future Production Sharing Agreements completely different.

Allofthisisgearedtoimproved accountability, to ensure there is greater transparency and to ensure the country itself benefits greater from oil and gas resources,”

Lawsuit filed against police officer for throwing away boundary card of cricket fan

Alawsuithasbeenfiledagainst a police officer for seizing and discarding the boundary cards of a local cricket fan who attended the recently concluded Caribbean PremierLeague(CPL)games.

The application filed in the High Court was brought against Officer J.Austin, a member of the Guyana Police Force by Gregory Allen a private citizen and avid cricketfan.

Alleninhisapplicationclaimed that the officer forcefully took away his boundary cards and dumped them into a garbage bin while he was entering the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on September16,2023.

The applicant said he had carried with him two signs to use

anddisplayduringthegamebutthe officer prevented him from entering the venue and using signs claiming the signs contained messages of protest that could not beusedattheevent. Theapplicant isacitizenofGuyanabybirththat enjoysthefullprotectionofthelaw of the country including the constitution which is the supreme law

As such, Allen is seeking a declarationthattheofficerviolated his right to freedom of expression asguaranteedbyArticle146ofthe Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana The application which list theAttorney General of Guyana as defendant also asks such orders or directions as the court may consider appropriate for the purpose of

enforcing or executing the enforcement of Article 146 of the ConstitutionofGuyana.

Kaieteur News had previously reported that the incident occurred duringaroutinesecuritysearchata check point at the Stadium. Allen toldthispublicationthatuponentry to the stadium for the CPLgames, an agent noticed his custom-made boundary cards with the numbers six and four along with “taxes, moreroyaltyandRingFence6thoil project”.

Oneoftheagentssaid,“Sirleh meh see the thing yuh got in yuh hand.”Allen said he complied and hewastoldthathecannotenterthe stadium because he was going to protest.Allen said he informed the agent that he was not going to protest but just to see the game

while enquiring why he was being prevented from entering the stadium with boundary cards that express his views. Following his inquiry, the attendant called a policeinspectortothecheckpoint. The inspector then grabbed the boundarycards,lookedatthemand threwthemintoanearbybin.Allen saidthatheaskedthepolicewhyhe threw away the boundary card.

“WhenIaskhewhyhethrowaway my cards in the bin, he said no protestisallowedandyoucouldgo to complain to who you want,” Allenrecalled.

KaieteurNewsaskedAllenwhy he chose to write on his boundary cards and he responded, “It is my wayoftellingmyleadersthatIneed a better deal from our oil resources.”

President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali

Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo

Former Guyanese President, Donald Ramotar

The boundary sign that was tossed into the bin by the policeman

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Fish stock decline or variation

AGuyanese fisherman in Essequibo poured his heart out inarecentpublicconsultationheldbyExxonMobil. Itisclear that he is not a much-lettered Guyanese, but it was clear that he is a very battered one. He pointed an angry, accusing finger at ExxonMobil and its activities and the decline that it hascausedinthelocalfishstock. Itiswhathasgougedahuge hole in his livelihood, impairing his means to provide for his family “I need ayo fuh write one cheque fuh couple billion fuh me suh I could mine ma chirren them and stop work a sea because out deh na gat nothing.” We translate from the Creole to regular English for the benefit of foreign readers interested in what is going on in Guyana. What that humble, stricken fisherman was saying is HE NEEDS EXXONMOBIL TO COMPENSATE HIM FOR HIS LOSS OF LIVELIHOOD SO THAT HE CAN LOOK AFTER HIS FAMILY, SINCE THE SEAS HAVE RUN DRYOF FISH

His impoverishing circumstances are not unique, with manyfisherfolkwhooperateinotherfishingfieldsfeelingthe same squeezes. They work the increasingly barren fishing groundslonger,andtheircatchisless,andwhattheygetisnot of a very attractive variety The decline in fishing stock is ongoing and steep. There was some hangup on the part of ExxonMobil’s people at the public consultation for the sixth oilprojectwiththeuseoftheword“decline”todescribewhat is happening to Guyana’s fishing stock. Being ExxonMobil, thecompanyhadareadyverbalsleightofhandtodeliverinits nonstopeffortstodeceiveGuyanese.

Mr Anthony Jackson, ExxonMobil’s Project Manager, went to great lengths to employ the company’s preference which is “variation” to camouflage what is happening to domestic fish stock and local fisherfolk. It is a clever bit of verbalsparringandmaneuveringbyExxonMobil. Declineis veryclearastowhatitmeans:fishstockisdown,and/orgoing further down. On the other hand, Mr Jackson’s cute artistry of“variation”couldbethatthefishstockisgoingupordown, butastowhichoneapplies,therecordwouldbemurky

We hope that Guyanese open their minds about what unfolded at that public consultation at Anna Regina, Essequibo. There was ExxonMobil, a multibillion company withanenormousglobalfootprinttryingtokerfuffleasimple citizen, who is hurting badly because of the entity’s unrelenting focus on enriching itself in Guyana’s oilfields. This is the company that Guyana’s President Ali, and Vice President Jagdeo speak proudly about, one that mocks ordinary citizens with a construction like “variation” instead ofwhatthesituationis,whichisdecline.

ExxonMobil’s own consultant that it hired to conduct the required environmental study documented that “fish eggs could be lost daily during oil production.” What could be clearerthanthat,whatcouldbemoreofacorrelationthatlinks fish stock decline (“variation”), which means that when the eggsaredestroyed,thenthereisnofishtofollow?

Further, Mr Jason Willey, a senior officer in the consultancy firm hired by ExxonMobil, gave Guyanese this sobering reality to deal with: “If the intake occurs at a time when like a spawning event happens, let’s say like when the fish are reproducing, and a lot of eggs and a lot of larvae are in the water, there can be thousands lost, potentially many more than that.” Do Guyanese still need more to determine that there is a link between ExxonMobil’s activities that require seawater and the decline in local fish stock? Intake has a high probability of causing disruption in the life and cycles of marine creatures. In the same way, the chemicals, toxins, and heated liquids that are released into seas are not benignevents,butwreakhavoconfishstock. Atleastthereis alevelofhonestycomingfromtheExxonMobil’sconsultant. The same cannot be said of the PPP/C Government, which dishonestly points to climate change and seasonal variations as the contributors to decline in fish stock. This is how a weak, possibly comprised government, betrays its citizens, leaving people like that fisherman at the mercy of ExxonMobil.

Is this a conspiracy to deceive?

DearEditor, governmentsinceIhadsome making the 2020-2024 plan attracting; and the interest

Try as one might to involvement with GPLat the available to the public, I am which many self-generating positively evaluate the work policylevel. willing to assist the media in users were showing in of the government, it always In addressing the gainingaccesstoitifithasan returningtothenationalgrid. finds ways to contradict spurious claim of the interest in letting Guyanese Itshouldbeemphasizedhere itself and reinforce negative government, it is important know the truth about this that our plan anticipated the views of its performance. to point out that the matter return of self-generators to

The latest incident concerns Electricity Sector Reform The short-term proposals the national grid without the attempts of top leaders of Act and GPL’s Licence of our plan included themhavingtobetaxed. The the government to deflect require that it produce a 5- installation of 46.5 MW of Ali government is trying to blame for the nation’s year Development and power in 2020 and 55.2 MW make this look as if it was an electricity woes from Expansion plan. This plan in 2021, positioning GPL to unanticipated development. t h e m s e l v e s t o t h e mustbeadjustedannuallyon add 101.7 MW from new Itisnot.

APNU+AFC or Coalition a rolling basis. The plan is a investments by 2021. The Editor,manymightrecall government. One statement tool for action, measuring medium-term proposal mypledgetomakeblackouts in a press release from DPI performance and holding included installation of an a thing of the past. Before that caught my attention GPL accountable for the additional120MWofpower my resignation, GPL was on r e a d s “ t h e n o w delivery of service promised startingin2022whichmeant its way to implementing the opposition, during its 2015- tothepeopleofthiscountry that by 2023, Guyana would above plans that were 2020 tenure did not reinvest I became involved with have had 221 7 MW of intended to make that innewcapacity”. GPL during the period May generating capacity from promise a reality As stated When a similar effort to 2019 and August 2020 new investments and not the before, our short-term plan blame the Coalition When I got there, the 2017- 1 8 0 M W t h a t t h e for 2020 was to install 46 government came from the 2021 and the 2019-2023 governmentisnowpresiding MW of new power As we mouth of the Prime Minister plans were already in place. o v e r T h e f u l l were gearing up to do that, previously, I put it down to While I was there, the 2020- implementation of our plan Covid-19 was emerging as a politicking and the privilege 2024Planwasdeveloped. A would have added an threat. It was only because offreespeech. Ihavechosen review of this latter plan additional 180 MW of of strategic thinking, to break my silence on this would show that we had power, starting in 2025 and foresight by GPL’s team and occasion since the Ali short-term, medium-term bringing the total new understanding of the risk by government seems to have andlong-termtraditionaland investment to 424 MW no t h e A P N U + A F C no level of shame in making renewable energy proposals laterthan2026. Thatwasthe government that we were specious claims that can for addressing the electricity direction in which we were able to get ahead of the easily be disproved. Further needs of this country This moving when I was Covid-19 problem and put to the information provided submission will deal only chairman of GPL. These GPL in a position to install by former Minister David with traditional energy proposed new investments the 46 MW of new Patterson which covered the generation. It should not be were driven by three factors, generating capacity at entire tenure of the Coalition difficult for the government namely the anticipated level Garden of Eden before the that contradicted the bogus tomakethatplanavailableto of economic activity end of 2020. At the time of c l a i m s o f t h e A l i the public so that it can stemmingfromoilbecoming my departure in August government, I feel the understand what the part of Guyana’s production 2020, a contract to install the necessity to expose what Coalition government had in structure; the domestic and 46.5 MW of power had appears to be a conspiracy of store for them If the foreign investment interests alreadybeensigned,thecivil deception by the Ali government has difficulty that the country was (Continued on page 5)

US: Take Cuba off the Terrorist

List & End the Blockade

particularlyinhealth. more than most to bring Cuban teachers have relief to other peoples. Even helped to educate thousands up to recently, the Cuban DEAREDITOR, Agency(CIA). ofothersoutsideofCuba. people in very adverse

Forty-seven years ago on T h e s e a c t s w e r e Cuba’s solidarity is conditions developed th October 6 , 1976, one of the conducted against a small legendary It played an vaccines to fight against the worse terrorist attacks in our state whose peoples only important role in ending the COVID-19 virus and shared region took place just off the sought to improve their lives Apartheid regime in South it with others What island of Barbados when and to assist others to do the Africa and protect the generosity,whatselfless! seventy-three young and same. All they want and independenceofAngola. The time has come to unsuspecting persons were wanted was to develop their It is this country that has take Cuba off of the US destroyed by a bomb that countryastheywish. done so much to save lives, terrorist list and to lift the downed the Cubana Airlines The Cuban nation has eradicate ignorance and economic Blockade from Flight455. made a monumental enhance peoples’ health that this island. The time has

Among the person that contribution to our region in is subjected to such great cometoendthesufferingsof perished on that day were education (they have terrorism. theCubanpeople! eleven Guyanese, fifty- educated thousands of MorethanthattheCuban The people of our region seven Cuban nationals and people from Asia, Africa, state and people have been must call on the U.S. to take five from the Democratic and Latin America). The subjected to an economic Cuba off of its Terrorist List People’s Republic of Korea Cuban state has sent their blockade for more than sixty and abandon the oppressive (DPRK). The target of this doctors to all parts of the years.Thatblockadehascost blockade. Cuba has done a attackwastheCubanstate. world wherever natural the nation billions of dollars lot to fight terrorism. Why That was not the first disasters occur and into in trade and has created huge continue to punish their timethatCubawassubjected countries that have problems and suffering for people? toterroristattacks. insufficient medical theCubanpeople. Justicedemandsthis,itis A l m o s t f r o m i t s personnel to serve their To now compound the humanitariantodemandthis. inception Cuba and the people Most developing illegal attacks, the United (Those who perished in the Cubanpeoplewerevictimof countries have been the StateshaveplacedCubaona Cubana disaster cry out for terrorismfromCubangroups victims of a terrible brain list accusing it of being this.Allow Cuban to breathe in the US, hosted and drain Consider this one sponsors of terrorism. This and develop to its full financed by the US piece of information, there has given them the excuse to potential in its own chosen government, and from state are more Ethiopians doctors impose more hardships on path. terrorismmainlyfromoneof in Chicago than in all Cuba. Regards, the most powerful covert Ethiopia.WeinGuyanahave How ironic, how Donald Ramotar organizations in the world, benefited and are benefitting immoralisthis!

Former President of the Central Intelligence from Cuba in many areas, This country has done Guyana

Is this a conspiracy...

From page 4 works to accommodate the generators were in an advanced stage of implementation and the generators were already on thewaytoGuyana.

It should be clear to Guyanese from the foregoing that the investment in the 46.5 MWof new power at a contract cost of US$50 million was added under the APNU+AFC administration in contradiction to what appears to be a deliberate attempt by the current government to mislead the citizens of this country and to hide its own failings. To emphasize the forward thinking that attended the investment at Garden of Eden, let it be known that the new generators were purchased with the intention of using either gas or oil. The public should therefore understand that GPL is already positioned since 2020 to use gas as its energy source. If the government were to run a gas pipeline to the Garden of Eden generating station, with minor adjustments, a gas-to-shore projectwouldalreadybeinexistenceinGuyana.

One must therefore ponder the motive of the government toclumsilyfoistblameontheCoalitionforthepredicamentin whichitnowfindsitself. Thegovernmentdoesnotevenseem to realize how silly and deceitful it comes across in making these false statements. Guyanese must be surprised to discoverthatagovernmentthatcametopowerboastingthatit hadmanytransformativeprojectsinhand,anditknewwhatit was doing, was unaware that it needed to ensure that the energysupplywasadequate. Insteadofgettingbusydoingits ownelectricityneedsassessmentasrequiredbylaw,itbecame comfortable with what APNU+AFC had already done and went off on wild jaunts with all sorts of projects of few direct benefits to the people of this country It had three years to continuetheworkoftheCoalitionand,insteadofdoingthat,it tookitseyeofftheball.

Now that it has been caught with its pants down, it is hustling to blame APNU+AFC. For the government to be scrambling now to invest in a mere 30 MW of power towards the end of 2023 tells me that it would have ignored any development plans that GPL would have prepared for 20212025,2022-2026and2023-2027.

The media should ask GPL if it prepared those plans and if the government took account of them since taking office.

Respectfully, Rawle Lucas

Roysdale Forde calls out Anand Sanasie (part 2)

DEAREDITOR, utilisation of defamatory the APNU+AFC and a that issues related to T o c l a r i f y , t h e statements against Mr Bess Guyanese businessman, i n e q u a l i t i e s a n d ‘Washington Conference on criticised the APNU/AFC regardless of race, his (Mr discrimination, whether Guyana,’ which took place d e l e g a t i o n a t t h e Bess’) actual sentiments perceived or real, are on September 27 and 28 in ‘Washington Conference on expressed in the said article receiving focused attention Washington D C , was Guyana,’ where ‘racial wereclearlyanddeliberately from both the government of organised by the Guyana discrimination’ was omitted. In Mr Sanasie’s GuyanaandtheOpposition.” Caribbean Institute for emphasised, they omitted “browsingofthearticle,”did Did Mr Sanasie and his Democracy (CGID), a reference to the numerous he not also read Mr Bess’ cohortsalsomissinthesame diasporaorganisation.CGID otherinstancesthatwerealso expression that, “while I was article Mr Bess’ appeal for extended an invitation to the brought to attention. These initially unaware that the unity? Did Mr Sanasie and APNU+AFC to provide include Wilfred Brandford’s matter involving myself and his cohorts also miss Mr updates to the diaspora and Car Enterprises, CEVONS my challenges in doing Bess’ exhortations for members of the Black Waste Management, Dr businessinGuyanawouldbe “fairness and equitable Congressional Caucus Richard Van-West Charles’ a topic of discussion at the opportunitiesforeveryone?” regarding the situation in Atlantic Fuels Inc, Colvin Washington Conference, I Respectfully, Guyana. As any democratic Health London, Terrence find it heartening to observe Roysdale Forde, SC, MP and inclusive Party should, C a m p b e l l a n d t h e we acquiesced, in order to enumeration of other engage in a constructive examples were cited and dialogue. c a t a l o g u e d , a t t h e Editor, Mr Sanasie’s Conference where racial m e n t i o n o f S B F ’ s discrimination against afro sponsorship of ‘The Guyanese business owners Christopher Martin’ show, persists. which he verified was A truly objective financed by SBF funds, perspective prompts one to along with his statement, “I, inquire why Mr Sanasie an East Indian, signed the and/or his handlers opted for cheque,” has inadvertently the selective targeting of this affirmed the widely single businessman, a move acknowledged inclusivity that has been characterised displayed by Mr Bess, a by overt and subtle black business owner It manifestations of contempt underscores his willingness through various strategic to entrust the financial manoeuvres and other matters of his multi-billion- machinations. dollar business to an Indian In conclusion, it would colleague, irrespective of be interesting for Mr ethnicity Sanasie and/ his cohorts to

What is apposite to note explain why in exploring the however, that in Mr. Sanasie article referenced by Mr and/or his handler’s Sanasie overtly disparaging

Cabinet reviewing findings into probe of ExxonMobil’s US$214M audit fiasco

Vice President, Bharrat Markit which was hired tohavetheauditclosed.The conference he said, “The Jagdeo on Thursday back in 2019 to audit ministry’s Petroleum Unit report was being discussed disclosed that Cabinet is Exxon’s expenses totalling deviatedfromGRA’sadvice when I left the Cabinet and reviewing the findings of an US$1.7B. Those costs were and engaged Exxon in the the discussions are ongoing. investigative report into the expended by Exxon and its reduction of the sums to Iwillgobacktothemandas Ministry of Natural partners in the search for oil US$3M. soon as that matter is Resources’ mishandling of in the Stabroek Block Thisstateofaffairsledto completed, the president ExxonMobil Guyana offshore Guyana from 1999 many stakeholders calling willaddressit.Wearetaking Limited’saudit. to2017. f o r a n i m m e d i a t e itseriously.”

The probe was launched The Guyana Revenue investigation, which Once this aspect of the after the ministry’s Authority (GRA) is the President, Dr Irfaan Ali fiasco comes to an end, Petroleum Unit engaged government’s designated ordered. Jagdeo said today Guyana is expected to E x x o n M o b i l i n a n advisor on all oil expense that the report on the formally notify Exxon that “unauthorised” reduction of audits and had given its no- investigation has been the audit is closed at US$214M in questionable objection to the US$214M submitted to Cabinet which US$214M Both parties expenses to US$3M. The that was flagged. GRA also began a review of its would seek to resolve the US$214M was first flagged recommended to the findingsyesterday d i s p u t e d s u m s v i a by British company, IHS ministry on August 8, 2023 During his press arbitration.

Police issue wanted bulletin for suspect in Venezuelan man’s killing

TheGuyanaPoliceForce Alejandro Máximo Farrera, (GPF) on Thursday issued a 29. Farrera was murdered wanted bulletin of Edwin around 23:30hrs on Sunday Jose Mounos Rivas, 31, in reportedly by two men while connection with the murder waiting for his wife and of another Venezuelan daughter to return from a NationalonSunday b i r t h d a y o u t i n g Police said that his last Eyewitnesses reportedly known address was Tuschen recalledthattherewasabrief Housing Scheme, East Bank argument between Farrera Essequibo (EBE) and if and the men before they a n y o n e k n o w s h i s killedhim. whereabouts, they can One of them allegedly contact police on phone pulled out a knife and numbers, 225-6940, 225 stabbed him four times 8196, 226-7476, 225-2317, before they both escaped 225-8196, 227-1149 or the with his bicycle Police nearestpolicestation. suspect that it could be a Detectives believe that robbery Rivas could help them in Farrera was killed on his solving the murder of daughter’sbirthnight.

‘Disrespectful’ Moruca dentex jailed for attempted rape

A dental nurse at onstationbail. Moruca, who made several The matter was then sent outbursts at the magistrate to the office of the Director during sentencing on of Public Prosecution (DPP) Monday, was jailed for f o r a d v i c e . I t w a s twelve months for the recommended that the attempted rape of a woman accused be tried for backinOctober2020. attemptedrape.

Sheriff Francis, 26, of Reports are that on Kamwatta, Moruca madean Monday, when Francis appearance before the appeared in court, he made presiding magistrate at several ‘disrespectful’ Acquero, Santa Rosa remarks in the direction of Reports are that Francis the presiding magistrate allegedly verbally and When asked by the sexually attacked a female at magistrateifhehadanything the Moruca sub-region on tosay,theaccusedsaid,“you October 14, 2020 The iswhototellmethatIguilty, victim reported the matter to you got any evidence to the police at the Acquero prove that I guilty.” The Police Station and the man magistrate then cautioned wasarrestedandcharged.He the accused and he was led was subsequently released outofthecourtbythepolice.

Wanted, Edwin Jose Mounos Rivas

Murdered: Alejandro Máximo Farrera.

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Bobbingandweaving overtheauditprobe

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Former President Donald Ramotar has weighed in on the US$214M Exxon audit fiasco.

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He said no one being fired for reducing the questionable US$214M expenses to US$3M is alarming. Mr. Ramotar is on point.

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By now heads should have been rolling, starting with the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat who has failed to hold a single press conference in three years.

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Then what about the head of the Petroleum Unit, whoever that mystery person might be?

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Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo continues to bob and weave on the matter with the hope that citizens will take their eyes off that issue. All Guyanese have their eyes on him.

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Int'l Report slams Govt. and ExxonMobil for failure to be transparent on financing arrangements for Gas-to-Energy Project

Adamning report released this week by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), a US based think tank, has slammed the Guyanese Government as well as ExxonMobil Guyana Limited for failing to be transparent on the financing arrangements for the gas-toenergyproject.

The report, co-authored byTomSanzillo,Directorof financial analysis for IEEFA and Cathy Kunkel, an Energy Consultant at IEEFA,hastakennoteofthe GuyanaGovernment'sclaim that the gas project will displace petroleum for power generation and allow the Guyana Power & Light (GPL)tocutitsratesinhalf.

More recently, Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo stated that Guyana would “practically have the electricity [from the Gas to Energyproject]forfree.”

Basedontheirperusalof publically available documents for the project, the authors found it difficult to arrive at the Vice President's conclusion, noting that the financial arrangements for the project arenotexactlytransparent.

In fact, the report pointedly stated that, “Neither the Government of GuyananorExxonMobilhas been transparent about the details of the cost or financing of the project Muchoftheinformationthat follows (in the analysis) has

been pieced together from newsreports.”

IEEFAestimates that the total capital investment of the gas-to-energy project is approximatelyUS$2billion. This includes: US$1 billion for the offshore and onshore pipelines ExxonMobil is responsibleforbuilding.The GuyanaGovernmentwillbe paying for this in annual installmentsoveraperiodof 20years.

According to press reports, IEEFA notes that taxpayers will be paying US$55 million annually for 20yearstoExxon,foratotal of US$1.1 billion. IEEFA saidthecontractualdetailsof the pipeline agreement between ExxonMobil and the government of Guyana have not been made public. As a result, IEEFAsaid it is unclearwhichpartybearsthe cost of delays and/or cost overruns.

Looking to other sums, IEEFA recalled that the Guyana Government granted two contracts, one for US$759 million to Lindsayca/CH4, a US joint venture for the construction of the natural gas power plant and natural gas liquids (NGL) plant and a US$22 million contract for management consulting services for the project IEEFA noted that those contracts have not been madepublic.

IEEFA also noted that there is some US$175 million that will be needed for GPL's grid upgrades. IEEFA said it estimates this

cost based on the statement in the Guyana 2023 budget that the total gas-to-energy project capital cost for the government (that is, excluding the pipeline) is US$955.5million.

With respect to how the Government of Guyana finance its portion of the capital expenditures, IEEFA referenced the 2023 budget which states that US$646 million is to be financed by foreign loans and the remainder financed directly b y t h e G u y a n e s e government. IEEFA noted that Guyana has applied to theU.S.Export-ImportBank for the loan, which has not yetapprovedfunding.

IEEFA also said the government has not provided further details on how it will finance the remainingUS$309.5million ofitsshareofcapitalcosts.In its analysis, IEEFA said it assumed that these costs, as

well as Guyana's annual share of pipeline costs, will be borne by Guyana Power and Gas, a new state-owned company set up by the government to manage the natural gas liquids plant and thepowerplant.

“WeassumethatGuyana Power and Gas will enter into a contract with GPL to sell the resulting electricity and recover its capital and operationalcosts,”thereport states.

In summary, IEEFA's analysis of the available information regarding the financing of the gas-toenergyprojectmakesitclear thatverylittleinformationis publiclyavailableonthecost ofthenaturalgaspipelineor the arrangement between Guyana and ExxonMobil to pay for the pipeline In particular,theinstitutestates thatitisunclearwhichparty bears the risks of delays and constructioncostoverruns.It

has since urged citizens to demand greater clarity on thesematters.

BACKGROUNDON GASPROJECT

The PPP/C's plan for a gas-to-energyprojectentails partneringwithExxonMobil GuyanaLimitedtoconstruct a massive 218 km offshore pipelinestructurethatwould bring gas from the Stabroek Block's Liza field onshore andfeedintotwofacilities,a Natural Gas Plant and a 300MWPowerPlant,bothto be situated at the Wales DevelopmentZone.

The 12 inch pipeline being constructed by Exxon will have the capacity to transport 50 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) from the offshore Liza field, and will be able to deliver a minimum volume of no less than 10 MMcf/d The Government of Guyana and U S c o n s o r t i u m , LINDSAYCA/CH4 on

December 13, 2022 signed the contract for the construction of the integrated Natural Gas Liquids Plant and the 300megawatt (MW) combinedcycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant at Wales, West Coast Demerara (WCD), RegionThree.Thehistorical signingofthecontractforthe US$759millionprojecttook place at the Office of the President,ShivChanderpaul Drive.

In January 2023, President Irfaan Ali witnessed the signing of a contractbetweentheGuyana Power and Gas Inc. and Engineers India Limited (EIL) for the provision of ConsultancyServicesforthe Wales Natural Gas Liquids (NGL)facilityaswellasthe 300 megawatt (MW) power plant That contract is peggedatUS$22,143,190. The consultancy is for the Consultant to assist the Government of Guyana through the Gas to Energy Task Force in the design review, construction, supervision and general project management of the development of the integrated plants, and contract administration throughout the project implementation process and thereafter during the defects liabilityperiod.Government has said project generation costs, taking account of payment for the pipeline, operationsandmaintenance, andcapitalcostrecoverywill total less than five US cents perkilowatt-hour.

Canada-Caricom summit billed for Oct 17-19

PrimeMinisterofCanada,JustinTrudeau onThursdayannouncedthathewillwelcome leaders from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)toOttawaforthefirstCanadaCARICOMSummitonCanadiansoil.

He will co-chair the Summit, which will run from October 17 to 19, 2023, alongside the Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, the current Chair of CARICOM.As CARICOM celebrates its 50th Anniversary thisyear,theSummitwillhighlightCanada's strongtieswiththeCaribbeanandprovidean opportunity for leaders to continue to strengthen cooperation and chart a better future for people in both regions, a press releasefromtheCanadianHighCommission said.

Under the Summit's theme of “Strategic Partners for a Resilient Future”, the Prime Minister and CARICOM leaders will advancesharedpriorities,includingbuilding inclusive and sustainable economies, increasing trade and investment, and

promoting multilateral collaboration. The leaderswillalsoworktofightclimatechange and address its impacts in the Caribbean, including by exploring ways to improve access to financing for Small Island

DevelopingStatesintheCaribbean.

During the Summit, Prime Minister Trudeau will highlight the importance of reinforcing democratic values, promoting human rights and the rules-based

international order, and strengthening coordination on regional security, including respondingtotheongoingsecurity,political, andhumanitariancrisesinHaiti.

Finally, the leaders will engage with Canadian business leaders and investors to further commercial opportunities in the region. As co-Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocates group, Prime Minister Trudeau will take the opportunity to advance the SDGs–thepathwayfortheworldtobuilda more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous futureforeveryone.

“I look forward to welcoming leaders from the Caribbean Community to Ottawa this month. Canada and the Caribbean Community have built an enduring partnership over the last 50 years, based on ties between our people and our shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, andhumanrights.AtthisSummitand (Continuedonpage16)

Cathy Kunkel, Energy Consultant at IEEFA

Tom Sanzillo, Director of financial analysis for IEEFA

Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, the current Chair of CARICOM Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau

The PNCR and its Congress

Now that the PNCR has Committee The General position of leadership at the Other plans touted were the should hasten the holding of found the resources to Council is supposed to meet forthcoming Congress need to develop an the statutory meetings of the dispatch a delegation to every quarter But reports Ambitions are running high intelligence arm and more General Council and the Washington for a conference suggestthatthishasnotbeen within the party at the training. But these things holding of Congress next andameetingwiththeBlack happening Since the moment and this is made require resources But year Congressional Caucus, it is General Council manages worse because of the judging from recent (The views expressed in time for it to find the t h e p a r t y b e t w e e n divisions within the party developments, the party’s this article are those of the opinions and beliefs of this resources to hosts its Congresses,thefailureofthe Other positions are likely up coffers are likely to be in a a u t h o r a n d d o n o t n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s Congress The lack of General Council to meet as for grabs. There have been healthier state and this necessarily reflect the affiliates.) finances can no longer be required by the party’s complaintsaboutthemanner used as an excuse since Constitution has raised in which the party has been monies were found to send a concerns. administered The next large team to the United Congress not only sets Congress of the party is States. the tone for the party’s likely to be the first fully in-

There have been calls for activities and policies but it person Congress since the the holding of the Congress is vested with the right to pandemic.ThelastCongress ofthepartybytheendofthis order a review of any had a low delegate voter year Counter suggestions decision taken by any other turnout precisely because of have been made that the forum, organ or committee concerns over the pandemic Congress can be help next of the Party It is from and the fallout over the year, probably in April or in Congress that the leadership mutiny which pushed the August next year Congress secures their mandate. But f o r m e r l e a d e r i n t o does require a fair deal of what most persons are retirement. logistical planning and a interestedinistheholdingof

The fallout from the last greatdealoffinances.Itdoes the elections for officers of elections has hit the party’s cost a pretty penny to bring thepartywhichusuallytakes finances badly Some major delegates to the Congress, placeatCongress. financiers have reportedly some of whom have to be It is the Congress which pulled away from the party flown in from the deep elects the Party Leader, The situation reached a head reaches of the interior Each Chairman, Vice Chairman duringtherun-uptothelocal party group is entitled to one and fifteen (15) other government elections. The delegate per every 10 members, who shall become party ran a low-keyed, lowfinancial members This the elected members of the budgetcampaignanddidnot means that if the party has C e n t r a l E x e c u t i v e context in a number of about 16,000 financial Committee. constituencies, handing the members, then 1,600 would

Whoever is elected as P P P C a l a n d s l i d e . be entitled to be delegates to Leader in the next Congress Nonetheless, the party was theCongress. is virtually assured of still able to impressively Congress is the highest leading the party into the hold on to its main support decision-making forum of 2025 elections because it is bases in the towns of New the party. According to the not likely that another Amsterdam, Linden and party’s Constitution, the Congresswillbeheldintime Georgetown, even though supreme authority of the for the 2025 elections. This the PPP/C made some Party shall be the Biennial is one of the main reasons inroads. Delegates Congress. It is whythereissuchheightened A great many promises requiredtobeheldeverytwo interest in the Congress w e r e m a d e i n t h e years at such time and place because the person that is campaigning for the last as is decided by the General elected as Leader will Congress One candidate Council or the Central virtually be its Presidential promised to put the assets of Executive Committee may candidate. Even though that the party to work. This was decide. As such even if the can change it is not likely to no doubt in recognition of GeneralCouncilhasnotmet, doso. the need for the party to be the decision to hold the The incumbent leader, able to have its own Congresscanbemadebythe Aubrey Norton, is likely to economic arm that could C e n t r a l E x e c u t i v e be challenged for the generate funds for the party

Dem Boys Seh...

Life is a numbers game!

One Opposition politician gat a serious for an interview De interviewer did like ask problem with mathematics. She just seem to peoplequizfuhseehowmuchdemknow So get kerfuffle with numbers. She is not a he tell dem boys, “I heard you are extremely numberslady quickatmath.”

But imagine if this is happening with Demboysseh: “Yes,asamatteroffactI someoneindeparliament,howyuhganwant am!” to blame all dem pickney wah Interviewer:“Whatis14x27?” underperforming in math. No wonder we Demboysanswer…“49!” getting such poor results in math in de Interviewer:“That’snotevenclose!” country. DemBoys:“Yeah,butitwasfast.”

De Opposition gat to put someone who But de best was de time a teacher was good at maths to sit with dis lady Because givingamathlesson... shejustdon’tseemtobegettinghernumbers ...and she asked one of her students, “If correctanditbecomingalittleembarrassing you had two dollars, and you asked your now father for another, how many dollars would

But de government also gat a numbers youhave?” problem.Whendemdonewithdeaudit,dem Thestudentreplied,“Twodollars.” getting less than dem supposed to get. Who “Not quite,” the teach responded knows dem might soon tell we how we owe “Soundslikeyoudon’tknowyouraddition. de oil companies rather than de oil “No,” the student said, “you just don’t companiesowewe! knowmyfather.”

Whendemboysdidyoungdemdidwent Talk half. Leff half.

19 out of 117 business conform to CCAC legislation

Consumers across Guyana continue to businesses which were previously inspected takestepstoensuretheirrightsareadheredto and found compliant were issued with by seeking redress through the Competition certificates of compliance, as well. The andConsumerAffairsCommission(CCAC). highest number of complaints was in the

Over the last quarter, the Commission categories of Electronics/ Electrical inspected some 117 businesses for their /Accessories/ Repair/Service,Auto Industry/ compliance and discovered that only 19 were Auto Repairs/ Auto Parts, Appliance/ Parts / actually in conformance with the Consumer Repairs. AffairsAct(CAA)

Meanwhile, the Commission also

Those not in conformance were given a launched its Annual Compliance Award period to conform with the CAA. The programme, with an invitation for businesses Commission just recently received 121 to apply in the categories of, best warranty complaints for the 3rd quarter, an increase of policy, most compliant electronics, most 21 complaints, when compared to the second compliant auto sales, most compliant other quarter The total value of the complaints industries and a media award. The award amounted to $128,116,580, with a resolution event is scheduled for November 25, 2023 at rate and value of 60%. The other 40% are the new Pegasus. Details of the awards and ongoingcases. applications can be access via the

AccordingtoaCCACreport,twenty-two Commission’swebsiteatccac.gov.gy

GHK LALL

Those who defend Exxon become this

Guyanese know the slurs, the special labels, for those who betray their country and fellow citizens. In the light of sordid developmentswiththename Exxon stamped all over them, I invite fellow Guyanese, especially those in the PPP Government and itscastofthousands,tolook at themselves in the mirror andaskiftheybelongtothe variouscategoriesoftraitors thathistoryhasleftforus,as nowidentified.

I suggest some urgent self-examination is in order inthePPPcabinet,itselites, and base. Though lesser in extent, the same should be done by many in the PNC, andothers.

Myonlyfocusistopush Guyanese who side with Exxontolookatthemselves in the mirror Included would be those who betray their countrymen, through scurrilous objections to those who speak out Guyanese-public relations workers, media sanitizing

agents, ostrich-like head buriers, political partisans and their rackets, paid c o l l a b o r a t o r s a n d opportunistic bargain hunters-have a lot to answer for, are many in a dirty battalion of self-enrichers, andself-deceivers.

Norway had its quislings, a harsh word for those who worked for the Nazis,andpushedtheirpeers under the jackboot of the invading Hun. What is different here from what tookplaceinNorwaybefore German hordes, with rapacious predators operating not under the Swastika, but Guyana's Swastika equivalent, which is this accursed sanctity of contract? Who are the Guyanese quislings here under that contract contrivance? They know whotheyare.

Spain had its Fifth Columnists, which term gained currency during that country'sCivilWar Wehave Guyanese fifth columnists present, and there is what I

would call calamitous civil stresses in the making over thisoil. Thebrigadeoflocal fifthcolumnistsisknownby name and grouping, and through the shameless handiworkofboth. Theyare notinthePPPalone.

France had its Vichy G o v e r n m e n t a n d collaborators, both dirty words spat by the courageousFreeFrench,and whoseobjectsofwrathwere happy to be puppets for the Nazisoccupyinghalfoftheir countryduringWorldWarII. Vanishedwereanyconcerns inside the puppets over the vile nature of their treacheries. I urge fellow Guyanese to examine the local environment-political, institutional, commercial, spiritual, and individual-and interprettheactionsofthose wecoexistwith,andwhoare more for Exxon than Exxon itself. I appreciate that race and politics and money and position and other plums all playsomepart. Butthereis the rank odor of men and women who have lost all

self-respect, and emptied themselves of any speck of love for country Because they love money more than anything They live for outright lies, half-truths, flimsy deceits, no matter how those flay them, and exposethem. Alierepeated ahundredtimestakesonthe sheen of truth. Those who pretend at principle remind of America's onetime leading men of film Rock Hudson and Montgomery Clift who were publicly the picture of masculine virility, but were the closeted opposite.

Moreover, a quick walkthrough history reveals a rogue's gallery of betrayers. America had its share of betrayers during its fight for freedom from the British yoke. Benedict Arnold is a name that pulses with infamy Totonac, an Aztec chief joined forces with Spanish invader Cortez that led to the destruction of an empire, its people and culture. In Germany, there were Jews in Group 13 who becamereviledastheJewish Gestapo.

In India, many rich Indians were part of the British Raj's centuries-long suppression of India's masses.

Also, in India, former

Prime Minister Moraji Desai was alleged (alleged) to have been a paid informant of the CIA during the 1960s, when he served as Minister of Finance and Deputy PM.

The CIA informant allegation was strenuously denied by Shri Desai, who called it “sheer madness.”I believe that political leaders in this country have sold Guyanese to the US Burnham is Exhibit A, and today we have some who were at former Ambassador SarahAnnLynch'sbeckand call, Mike Pompeo's and now Anthony Blinken's finger twitch, and any facial tic from Messrs Darren Woods and Alistair Routledge of Exxon. This is how much the big and the badinthePPPhavesoldout, are impotent, lost national visions Even their own insiders and commoners see it. The power ladder in Guyana today is wellpopulated at different rungs with those who like Judas acceptExxon'ssilver Ilook the other way when those without surrender for survival. But the schooled and the settled cannot claim anysuchcrisis,standonlyas those selling for a cheap, secret dollar, contract, or

placeinthesun.

G u y a n e s e ( P P P functionaries) collaborate with Exxon and its farces (public consultations), embrace what they once reviled(acriminalcontract), and vilify their own (conscientiousobjectors)for denouncing voracious foreignplunderers.

I close. One leader's mishandling of the nation's wealth has wound him so tightly, he is now more rigidly coiled than a snake about to strike. Strike he does, betraying his hand further RegardingsomePPP helpers, I am weighing if theyarecomingoffthebottle orneedle.

When Exxon took over Guyana, this country transformed into a predator andtraitor'sparadise. Many in the PNC study, angle for theirshareofbuyoutmoney (The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

NDMA hosts cybersecurity training to promote digital security

In commemoration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday hosted a cybersecurity awareness training session for heads of public sector agenciesattheArthurChung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal.

The session aims to empower the agencies with the knowledge necessary to secure their digital data. It involvedpresentationsabout the importance of cyber securityinthedigitaleraand

explored a multitude of a r e a s , i n c l u d i n g ransomware, the risks and effects of data loss, and building resilient data protection. NDMA's Deputy General Manager, Orson

Smith, highlighted that the global interconnectivity and reliance on digital technology necessitate adequate digital protection measurestominimiserisk.

“The digital realm has evolved into an integral part of our global society influencing the way we communicate, work, and interact with the world around us. However, this remarkable transformation has exposed us to unprecedented risks and challenges The rapid proliferationofcyberthreats, rangingfromdatabreaches

NDMA's Deputy General Manager, Orson Smith

Heatwave dries up vendors’ earnings

By Alex Wayne

Th e h e a t w a v e relentlessly ripping acrossGuyanaishaving adverse effects on the trade of market vendors On Thursday, Kaieteur News visited three markets–Stabroek,BourdaandLa Penitence – where vendors complainedofthelowsalesdueto increasingtemperatures.

At the La Penitence Market, a significant number of stalls were closedonwhatcanbeconsidereda busy shopping day there Additionally,therewerehardlyany shoppersatthemarketastherewas analmosteeriecalmatthelocation.

During interviews with the vendorsandstallowners, Kaieteur News wasinformedthatcustomers haveoptedtoavoidthemarketand shop at cooler locations such as supermarketsgivingtheincreasing temperatures daily The vendors said that the decline in customers has resulted in a walloping decreaseontheirearnings.

FrustratedLaPenitenceMarket vendors

A frustrated Shivanie Singh who plies her trade at the La Penitence Market told Kaieteur News ofthenegativeimpactofthe heatwavehasonherbusiness.

“I am a vendor for over ten years now, and I have never experienced anything like this… Somedays,ahgattuhdragmehself out here just fuh try tuh sell a few things.

But nobady ain't coming fuh buy meh vegetable and provision…Oh

lawdman…”

Singh continued: “Every three orfourdays,Ihavetothrowaway ah whole set of greens from meh stall,becausetheheatdryingupall dem vegetables. No matter how muchwatayuhthrowpondem…It ain'tmeknosense,becausetheheat destroying everything…Yuh can't even remain under yuh umbrellas byyuhstall,becauseyuhdoesstart see dark, and if you see how meh does sweat like ah horse when de day come…Me ain't able with dis torment, but wha me guh do? Me ain'tgeteducationtowukatnobig affice. Dem people dis gah fuh do something,maaan.”

This newspaper was unable to interview many vendors at La Penitence Market since the locationwaspredominantlyempty In the past, this market attracted numerous shoppers in large numbers.

Investigations revealed that frustrated stall owners were not openingtheirshopsformanydays duetofewercustomersvisitingthe market Vendors related that shoppers are now opting to make their purchases at well airconditioned supermarkets (in the eveningtime),insteadofhavingto shopinunbearableheatoutdoors.

Vegetable vendor, Jennifer (only name given) was frustrated, andmadenoattempttoconcealher frustration, has accused the government of contributing to the heatsituation.

'I don't know what really happeninginthiscountry…Weare burningupouthereanddebigones inside dem fancy offices, and houses enjoying life, living big, and eating big…We on the other handhere,arestrugglinglikecrazy just to bring in a few sales for the day…EverydayIcomeouthereis like I am sitting in an oven. Meh

salesaspossibleastheybravedthe heat. In beads of perspiration, many vendors were seen using pieces of cardboard to fan themselves.Otherswereseenwith sippingfrombowlsoficewater

Like the vendors at La Penitence Market, the vendors at the Stabroek Market complained bitterlyofthedeclineintheirsales.

Bread vendor, Oneca Braithwaite with beads of perspiration streaming down her forehead spoke with Kaieteur News.“I ain't know what really is causing this heat, but quite soon

clothes getting ringing wet in no time and sometimes ah does get real dizzy… Not to mention the fact that we ain't getting no sales here.Peopleain'tcomingoutinthis heattobuyanything.Howisitthat Iamsupposedtosurvive?”

Throughout La Penitence Market,therewerecriesofdismay, as vendors related one tale after another, of their sales dwindling drastically, something they adamantly attribute to the heat wave.

Andpeopleain'tcomingouthereto buyanythingreally,andwelosing money big time. The Govament need tuh do something for us vendors, we have families to feed, comeonbudday,”shesaid.

All around the Stabroek Market, vendors bewailed the excruciating heat, and how it was adversely affecting their trade.

Some were even speculating on takingjobsassecurityguardssince the market trade was not offering muchfinancialstability,increasing temperatures.

nobodyain'treallyshoppingbro… Normally, I would tekthemeaton credit,andpaythemanwhenIsell out. But this look like I in serious trouble,becausethismanain'tgon tek back the meat. I will have to find his money by the hook or the crook… You know wha is it big bhai,fuhstandupwholedayinall this heat, and yuh ain't getting any kind ah sales? It crucial right now champ,” Stewart told Kaieteur News

The disturbing sentiments of the vendors were same at the Bourda Market, where everyone was hopeful for a resolution to the situationsoon.

Pamela Bailey was high in her hopesforraintoquellthesituation.

“Sir,Iwassogladforthelittle raintoday…Atleastitmanagedto cool the place a little. You know what it is to be sitting out here all day at a snackette, in the heart of thismarket?Itfeelslikeyourentire body on fire. In minutes, I would get wet with perspiration, and it's nothealthytobesellingfoodinthat condition.

Meanwhile,vendorsacrossthe three markets told this publication that they are even contemplating 'closing shop' and looking at alternativeoccupations.

At the Stabroek Market, vendors hustled to grab as many

people gon start fallingdown with heatstroke,allovertheplace.Some dayswhentheheatstartsouthere, we have to run inside dem stores before we collapse The big umbrellas we using ain't doing nothing with this heat budday…

At a meat stall inside the StabroekMarket,thetaleswerethe same and Frank Stewart told a harrowing tale of incurring severe lossesifhismeatisnotsoldsoon.

“Idoestekmeatandsometimes pay later from ah man in me village. It's almost three weeks now,andthepork,thechicken,nor the beef is not selling, because

I have a large fan here, but it brings in nothing but hot air all day…Andtotopitoff,everydayI carrying back home a set of pastries, because people ain't shopping like before,” Bailey stated.

Large numbers of stalls were closedatthethreemarketsvisited. Many opted to remain home or seek other business ventures since the dip in sales was severely affectingtheirpockets.

'This elderly woman was seen stocking up on very cold cane juice to brave the heat yesterday. The male vendor was excited at her large purchase

Beef to sell at La Penitence Market but no one to buy it

Most stalls in the La Penitence Market were closed for business

Court rules EPA decision to grant permit was contrary to law and improper

Even though the High CourtruledonThursdaythat the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acted'contrarytothelaw'and 'improper', by granting a Permit to ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL)formerly Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited- for the pipeline aspect of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, it did not quashtheapproval.

Citizens Vanda Radzik and Elizabeth Hughes in a Fixed DateApplication filed onMarch27,2023askedthe Court to reverse the Permit, since the Agency failed to comply with the legal requirements.

The pipeline is being constructed by Exxon and is intended to transport natural gas from the Liza Fields offshore to the Wales, West Bank Demerara site, where the Government of Guyana (GoG) will be separately constructing a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and a 300-megawattpowerplant.

Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry in a 24-page ruling saidthatRegulation17ofthe

Environmental Protection Act Regulation (EPAR) requires all applicants seeking an environmental a u t h o r i s a t i o n o r environmental permit under Section 11, Section 19, or Section 21 of the Environmental Protection (EP) Act to submit certain relevant information to the EPA.

ShenotedthatRegulation 17 (2) (c) (ii) directs the project developer or applicant to prove an entitlement, of some sort, to conduct the activity on the landsimpactedbytheproject development. However, if theApplicantdoesnothavea legal right of ownership to thepropertyortheconsentof thelandowner,theApplicant is required to submit information to the EPA to prove its legal entitlement to conduct the activity without such consent from the landownerorlandoccupier

To this end, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry stated thattherespondentsreliedon various correspondences, Ministerial Orders and other documents which they claim

to amount to establish Exxon'slegalrightsorability to conduct the activities associated with the GTE Project without the consent ofthelandowneroroccupier For instance, the High Court Judge cited a letter datedJune23,2021inwhich Project Head, Winston Brassington related Government's intention to acquirelandsfortheactivity TheJudgemadeitclearthat, “This statement of the government's intention has

no legal impact on the owners and occupiers of the lands and does not authorise EssoGuyanatocarryoutthe activityontheland.”

Further, she highlighted that the respondents cited a letter dated July 29, 2021 whichstatesthattheGuyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) will seek permission to appoint Exxon as an agent of GLSC for the purpose of surveying or otherwise examining the land with a view to

acquisition the whole or part of such land Justice Sewnarine-Beharry added thattheletteralsoauthorised E x x o n t o c o n d u c t geotechnical surveys and environmentalstudiesforthe Gas to Energy Project. She was keen to note that the document “does not authorize Esso to carry out the activity in the application.”

Additionally, she indicated that the respondents relied on Order Number18of2021madeon August 7, 2021 which declared the land to be a public work. In this instance too, the High Court determined that the document only authorised theGLSCtoconductsurveys and examine the land rather than carry out any activity relative to construction and operations of the GTE project.

Meanwhile, the High Court Judge stated that in another letter dated October 18,2021fromExxontoEPA, the company said it was authorised to access the 'privately owned lands' that

the government is acquiring through compulsory purchase.

Consequently, she said, “The need for compulsory purchase shows that Esso Guyanadidnothavealease, arrangement with the land owner or occupier or any other legal right or ability to carry out the activity in the application.”

In her ruling, the Judge highlighted that extracts fromExxon'sEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) were used to establish the company has a legal right /abilitytoconducttheproject activities. The EIA however made it clear that the government will acquire landsfortheactivity

Furthermore, she said Orders 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 of 2023 which relate to the proposed gas pipeline route clearly establish that at the 4th January 2023 the lands described therein were privately owned hence the need to compulsory acquire them.

Consequently, the Court ruled,“Itthereforecannotbe (Continuedonpage16)

Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry

Operator attached to company owned by ‘Guyanese Critic’ dies as crane topples on construction site

Operator attached to company owned by “Guyanese Critic' dies as cranetopplesonconstructionsite

A34-year-oldcraneoperatorwas on Thursday killed after a crane toppledatawharfunderconstruction at Lot 49 Parker Street, Providence, EastBankDemerara(EBD).

Thedeadmanhasbeenidentified asShawnAnthonyJosephofNumber 76 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. He was at time employed with “Tepui Group, which is owned by Mikhail Rodrigues,called'GuyaneseCritic'”. Thecompany,accordingtopolice,is contracted to build a wharf at the locationandataround11:30hrswhile Joseph was performing his duties when the crane toppled. Police said Josephjumpedfromthefallingcrane to save his life but ended up getting pinnedafterthemachinefellonhim.

Rodrigues was on the scene and identified himself as the Public Relations consultant with the company. He told reporters that the workplace accident took place while the crane operator was driving a pile.“…he was driving a pile, some movementhappenedatthefootingat the pile and the crane tilted”, Rodriguessaid.Hecalledtheincident unfortunate and added that his company is working along with the family

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour stated that it is investigating the fatality “The purpose of the investigation which is being

Heatwave ignites fire at New Amsterdam dumpsite

Th e N e w

A m s t e r d a m dumpsitewhichis being managed by Cevon's Waste Management has flared up yet again keeping the Fire Department extremelybusy

According to reports received, the fire has been continuously burning for a few days now and there are firemen on the ground working around the clock. Time off has been cancelled as it is a situation that requires all hands on deck. Onefirefighternotedthat“all I know is that its garbage so it's a lot of bacteria in the air

and it could cause a lot of sickness plus it's not too far fromthehospital.”

He went on to note they aredoingeverythingtheycan to get the fire under control and believes that the intense heatwavebeingexperienced in the country would have been a major contributor to theissue.Thefirefirststarted in September and it had causedgraveconcernsasthe high winds caused it to spread.

This had hampered firefightersfromreachingthe location. Thick smoke could have been seen billowing in theair

conducted by Mr Darwin Bourne, Occupational Safety and Health

circumstancesthatledtothisfatality

determine the causes and to make recommendationsforthepreventionof similar accidents”, the Labour Ministrystated.

Teen charged for armed robbery

A19-year-old man of 'B' Field Sophia, Georgetown was on Wednesday charged with two counts of robbery underarms.

Mwange Smith appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate's Court, before Magistrate Alisha George, where the charges were read to him. He was charged for the offence Robbery Under Arm,ContrarytoSection222 (c) of the Criminal Law (Offence)Act, Chapter 8:01. Smith pleaded not guilty to both charges and was placed on bail of the sum $150,000.

Charged: Mwange Smith

The matter was adjourned to November 11, 2023 for fixturesandreports.

The toppled crane at the scene

Fire at the New Amsterdam dumpsite

Water supply dangerously low in interior as heatwave intensifies

The Guyana Water Inc. (GWI)onThursdayrevealed thattheongoingheatwaveis causing a severe water shortage in the hinterland regions,morethanthatofthe coastalareas.

This was revealed by GWI's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh who yesterday briefed the mediaontheimpactoftheEl Nino weather phenomenon onthewatersector

Baksh said the GWI is closely working with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) which formed a national team comprising of the National Drainage and IrrigationAuthority (NDIA) and GWI and has been visiting the administrative regions to assess the situation on an ongoing basis.

Following several assessments,Bakshsaidthat thefindingsindicatethatthe hinterlandregionisseverely affected by the El Nino weather. “In all the hinterland regions we have seen depletion in water supply in the surface water supplythatisthespringsand

creeks, which is adversely affecting the population in thoseareas,”hestated.

One such area he highlighted that is experiencingthebruntofthe dry weather is the Salbora Creek in the Mahdia area of Region Eight The CEO explained that the Salbora Creek is currently depleted of about 80 percent of the water it supplies and has the potential of creating hardship for the population there.

He noted that the GWI currently has two wells in Mahdia and because of the situation at the Salbora Creek, the entity is moving on an emergency basis to drillanewwellatMahdiato relieve the hardship that is likely to be encountered by residents.

Hewentontostatethatin other hinterland areas such as those in Region One, the GWI found areas that are experiencing low water supplythroughthedepletion ofthesprings.Headdedthat there are wells in communitiesinRegionOne, however, they are not high

performingwellsbecauseof the geological formations. As such, residents tend to dependonthesprings.

In Region Seven, Baksh noted that places such as Kamarang and Jawalla are experiencing a reduction in thestaticlevelofthewellsin those areas A similar situation is occurring in Kurukabaru and El Paso in RegionEight.

Bakshalsoindicatedthat GWI has embarked on the drilling of deepwater wells in Region Nine that are climateresilient.Hesaidthe GWI discovered that “the hand dug wells are drying up ” Over the next few months, a number of wells will be drilled in Region Nineandotherareas.

Speaking about the coastland areas, the CEO explainedthatbecauseofthe dryweather,there,“hasbeen an extremely high demand for water not only for households but also the farming communities which is relying on GWI for water supply.”

According to him, currently the GWI wells on

Friendship man charged with assaulting woman

A 27-year-old man of Lot 5 Friendship Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara wasarrestedandchargedon October 3, 2023 for allegedly assaulting and using abusive language against a 25-year-old female.

SimonCorletteappeared at the Diamond/Grove Magistrate's Court before Principle Magistrate Judy Latchman, where the chargeswerereadtohim.

He was charge for the offences; abusive language, Contrary to Section 141 (a) oftheSummaryJurisdiction (Offences)Act, and assault causing actual bodily harm, ContrarytoSection30(a)of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences)Act.

Hepleadedguiltytothe abusivelanguagechargeand was fined $15,000. Corlette pleaded not guilty to the assault charge and was remanded to prison. He is expected to appear in court onOctober30,2023fortrial.

Taxi driver granted bail for assaulting man

AtaxidriverappearedonWednesdayatthe Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate's Court before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce to answertoanassaultcharge.

Alton Straker, 27, appeared at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate's Court, before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce, where thechargewasreadtohim.Hewaschargedfor theoffenceofinflictinggrievousbodilyharm

Itisallegedthattheoffencewascommitted on September 24, 2023, on Shepherd at Sarah Johanna,EastBankDemerara.

Strakerpleadednotguiltyandwasgranted bail in the sum $50,000. The matter was adjournedtoNovember3,2023.

Alton Straker

the coastland are producing wateratthemaximumatthis pointintime,whichistrying tomeetthedemands.

Baksh said overall in Region Two, the supply of water is stable except in some areas where wells are being maintained. “So, we

dohaveproblemsinoneand two areas; they are all receiving lower levels of water supply In Region Three, the situation is also stable although in some areaswealsodohavealower level of service than normal,”heelaborated.

As for Region Four, he d i s c l o s e d t h a t i n Georgetown in particular, the water supply is normal.

“We have observed that through the monitoring of the Lamaha Canal through which between 60 and 80 percent of water is being provided.”

As for Regions Five and Six, Baksh said areas in those regions are experiencinglowerlevelsof water supply.Water wells in those areas are supplying waterona24-hourbasisand atamaximumlevel.

While giving a brief highlight of the situations across the country, the CEO yesterdaymadeanappealto residents particularly in the coastal areas to be “more prudentandcautiousintheir use of this precious water supply resource, so that everybody can enjoy an adequate level of water service.”

Govt. removes 15 businesses from GPL's grid to ease blackout

Faced with a high demandforpower b e y o n d i t s generating capacity, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has reportedly removed 15 of its large commercialconsumerswith self-generating capacity from the grid during peak hours.

According to a notice published by the power company, the move, which was made to prevent widespread power disruptions, would see large commercial consumers beingcutfromtheelectricity grid from 18:00hrs to 22:00hrs.

GPL said the move was necessary since it had contacted the consumers in question and requested that they self-generate during peakhours.However,onlya small percentage of such consumers responded to the company's request. “This is a temporary but necessary measure for the company to preventservicedisruptions,” GPLsaid.

The power company recently announced that it h

unprecedentedpeakdemand of approximately 182 Megawatts (MW) of power Consumers connected to GPL's Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) have experienced frequent blackouts in recent weeks and the company noted that growths in infrastructural development as well as the current heat wave the country is experiencingarekeyfactors behindtheblackouts.

However, Former

Minster of Public

Infrastructure, David Patterson laid the blame squarely at the feet of the government.

H e s a i d t h e administration's failure to put measures in place to match the country's growth trajectory is responsible for the spate of power outages.

“The government has been opening malls, parks, hospitalsandhotelstomuch fanfare since coming back into the office, claiming the same was the result of their policies. A primary school student would have known that if on one hand, you willingly add additional

commercial entities to the grid, then you would need additional generating capacity,” Patterson said earlierthisweek.

Inadditiontoconsumers connected to the DBIS, households in Bartica in Region Seven have experienced prolong hours ofblackoutsrecently Last weekend, power outages left many residents i n a n g e r w h i l e businesspersonscomplained ofheavylossesofperishable goods.

OnWednesday,residents along the Essequibo Coast between Supenaam and Charity complained about the frequent power outages. Reports are that a generator which was taken to Bartica last weekend to mitigate the power woes at the township was on standby on the EssequiboCoast.

The generator in question was installed at Bartica under Patterson's tenure as Minister of Public Infrastructure; however, it was ferried to GPL's Onverwagt sub-station earlier this year to support theDBIS.

Simon Corlette

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), Shaik Baksh

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Polluters fined $300,000 each for noise and dust pollution

Two polluters were each fined $300,000 for breaching an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notice regarding noise and dust pollution.

The offenders, Radesh Williams and Marlon Khadoo, were charged for breaching prohibition notices regarding noise and dust pollution, the EPA said in a release.

The Vigilance Magistrates’ Court, on April 6, 2023, ordered Radesh Williams to pay a $300,000 fine for failing to comply with the EPA’s directions to abate noise and dust pollution, the agency said.

On July 10, 2023, the Whim Magistrates’ Court ordered Marlon Khadoo to pay a fine of $300,000.00 for breach of the EPA’s Prohibition Notice.

The EPA was represented

in court by its legal counsels, Frances Carryl and Shareefah Parks.

The EPA said that despite extensive efforts to assist businesses in adopting environmentally responsible

practices, the agency was forced to resort to taking legal action when businesses consistently ignored its advice.

These recent court rulings, the EPA noted, underscore its steadfast dedication to maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment.

The substantial fines emphasize the strict enforcement of environmental laws, reinforcing the EPA’s mission to s afeguard the environment and promote compliance with environmental regulations among business, it added.

Canada-Caricom summit billed for Oct...

From page 8 beyond, we will keep working together to take climate action, build strong economies, and keep people safe, now and into the future, “ Trudeau is quoted in the press release as saying.

The press release stated that Canada has long-standing ties with many CARICOM countries on a wide range of shared priorities, including trade, security and defence, international assistance and governance.

This Summit builds on the work Canada is doing to strengthen ties with the region, including the Prime Minister’s

visit to Nassau, The Bahamas earlier this year to participate in the 44th Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.

More than two million Canadians travel to CARICOM countries annually and over 10,000 students from CARICOM study in Canada every year.

CARICOM is a regional organization that was established by the Treaty of Chaguaramas on July 4, 1973. It is comprised of 15 Full Members and five Associate Members.

The Full Members are

Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago.

The overseas territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and Turks & Caicos Islands are Associate Members. In 2022, Canada’s two-way merchandise trade with CARICOM countries reached $1.8 billion.

In 2021, bilateral trade in services reached $3.9 billion.

Court rules EPA decision to grant permit...

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From page 13 said, that at the time of grant of the permit on 25th November 2022, that Esso Guyana had submitted all the relevant documents which could potentially evince a legal right or ability to conduct the proposed project without the consent of the landowner or occupier.”

To this end, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry said, “It can be concluded therefore that the decision by the EPA to grant the permit to Esso Guyana was contrary to law and improper.”

No good to quash Permit

Even though she flagged the improper decision made by the EPA, the High Court Judge determined that the reliefs sought by the Applicants would not be granted.

to them or the wide Guyanese populace upon the grant of the environmental permit facility, which would justify quashing the decision of the EPA.

To this end, she stated, “Cognisance must be paid to the fact that significant fiscal expenditure has been injected into the Gas to Energy pipeline. A quashing order would disproportionately disadvantage Esso Guyana and the State by halting significant project development already underway. Moreover, it may also have an unintended consequence of impacting innocent third parties to the project development, all while proving to be a brutum fulmen in the way of substantive relief for the Applicants.”

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She said, “There is no evidence that the Applicants were personally aggrieved by the EPA’s decision to grant a permit to Esso Guyana. The Fixed Date Application took issue with compliance to the law and sought, in essence, vindication through various orders and declarations the effect of which would bring the project works to a halt.”

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The Judge stated that Judicial review is not concerned with vindication in the public sphere and was never intended to be a sword for satisfaction but rather a shield against excesses of public functionaries. She noted that the Applicants have not clearly articulated what real or substantial public wrong occurred

As a result, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry said, “It is upon a delicate balancing exercise, that I am of the view that no good to the public can be done by granting the reliefs sought in the Amended Fixed Date Application.” Consequently, she refused the Orders sought by the Applicants. Attorneys-at-Law Abiola Wong-Innis and Melinda Janki appeared for the Applicants, while the EPA was represented by Francis Carryl. Meanwhile, Andrew Pollard SC and Edward Luckhoo SC appeared for EMGL and Anil Nandlall SC MP, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs appeared in person. The AG and Exxon were added as a second and third respondent in the matter on June 12, 2023.

NDMA hosts cybersecurity training to...

From page 10 and ransomware attacks to cyber espionage underscores the gravity of the situation,” he said.

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He emphasised that these threats pose a danger to the global economy, and even to national security. Smith pointed out that resilience and innovation continue to guide the global fight against cyber threats, and awareness sessions such as these help to advance this movement. “Our mission is not just to secure networks and data. It is to secure the very foundation of trust in this digital age and ensure that the benefits of technology are accessible to all, while safeguarding against its misuse, and a shared commitment to making Guyana a safer place for all generations to come,” Smith added.

Guyana is well on its way to implementing the necessary legal requirements to minimise

cybersecurity risks and ensure that there are systems in place to quickly recover from incidents where systems are compromised. In this regard, the Data Protection legislation, which was recently passed in the National Assembly, is one example of a law that encompasses the agenda.

The legislation aims to protect a person’s right to privacy for the processing of personal data. It provides for the regulation of the collection, keeping, processing, use, and dissemination of personal data. Global Cybersecurity Month is being celebrated under the theme: “Secure our World.” To integrate cybersecurity into education, the NDMA plans to visit several schools to conduct cybersecurity awareness sessions. Additionally, a cybersecurity awareness session will be held for public sector employees next week. (DPI)

GECOM to build new $55M office in Port Kaituma

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is currently preparing to construct its own registration office building in Port Kaituma, Region One for an estimated cost of$55,072,553.

This is according to the recently opening of tenders which revealed that three contractors submitted bids for the contract. They all placed bids below the engineer’s $55 million.

The Department of Public Information had reported last year February that Regional Chairman of Region One, Brentnol Ashley said that the initiative further cements government’s commitment to providing equal access to services to citizens, despite their geographical location. “We,attheregionallevelseetheimportanceofthisstructure and we know that Port Kaituma would be a great benefit once works are completed. This facility is not only for the people of Port Kaituma, but the entire Matarkai sub-region, becausethentheywewillbeabletobetteroffertheirservices thatareneededforthepeople,suchasreplacementofIDand registrationforIDcards,amongothers,”hesaid.

It was reported that GECOM currently rents a facility within the sub-region to offer its services. “GECOM has permanentstaffstationedhere,buttheonlythingthattheydo not have is a permanent facility (in the region). What they normally do on a month-to-month basis, is rent a facility which is identified as the sub-region registration office to conductbusiness,”theregionalchairshared.

The establishment of the office is one of the many initiativessettoopennewopportunitiestotheresidentsthere astheregionadvancesitsdevelopment.

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

Ministry of Education Procurement of SUV vehicle.

School boys’ brawl at Diamond was gang related - police

The attack of two phone valued at $68,000, a teenaged school boys at the backpack valued at $17,000 Diamond Access Road, East and $200 in cash. The gang Bank Demerara (EBD) on members managed to escape Tuesday was gang related, after the incident, and police police sources confirmed. areinvestigatingthematter On Wednesday, police On Thursday, police said disclosed that the two school that during additional boys aged 15 and 16 were interviews with the victims, heading home from ‘after the 15-year-old boy school lessons’ in Diamond disclosed that the attack was Village, when they were gangrelated. pounced upon by five gang Sources close to the members. investigation told Kaieteur Reports suggest that the News that the boy disclosed victims tried to resist the that he was a member of the attack, but were soon TMF gang while the 16overpowered and beaten year-old victim said his Police reports indicated that attacker was a 15-year-old the 16-year-old school boy whoisamemberoftheARK received stab wounds about Familygang. the body during the ordeal, K a i e t e u r N e w s andvillagesourcesdisclosed understands that the juvenile that he was treated at the suspect was interviewed in Diamond Hospital, and sent thepresenceofhisfatherand away reportedly confirmed his A resident of Diamond membershipinthegang. told this publication that the A c c o r d i n g t o gang members are always investigations so far, the armed with dangerous victims and suspects though weapons, and that at least attending different schools twoofthemarenoolderthan take ‘extra lesson classes’ sixteenyearsold. near First Bridge, Golden

This media house Grove,EBD. understands the 16-year-old It is believed that the student who was robbed, incident stemmed from a resides at Farm Village, heated argument on Monday EBD, while reports indicate between one of the victims that the boy aged 15 hails andthesuspect. fromMocha,EBD. Effortsarebeingmadeto While the 16 -year-old locate the other juveniles was relieved of a cell phone involvedinthefight. valued at $85,000, the 15- Investigations are year-old was robbed of a ongoing.

Office of the Election Commission Construction of GECOM Office at Port Kaituma, Region 1.

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport

Construction of spectators stands atAnna Regina.

Construction of grass mound atAnna Regina.

Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Renovation of training area.

Senior Petroleum Coordinator to face disciplinary action for Exxon's US$214M audit fiasco

Senior Petroleum

Coordinatorwithin the Ministry of Natural Resources is expectedto face disciplinary action for the unauthorized reduction of US$214M in questionable expenses by ExxonMobiltoUS$3M.

Making this disclosure last evening was Natural ResourcesMinister,Vickram Bharrat following a probe thatwasdoneintothematter Kaieteur News previously reportedthataninvestigation waslaunchedtwoweeksago to understand who were the persons within the ministry thatengagedinthereduction ofthequestionablesumsthat were first flagged by British company, IHS Markit. That firm was hired back in 2019 by the Guyana Government to audit ExxonMobil's expenses in the Stabroek Block for the period 1999 to 2017totallingUS$1.7B.IHS later flagged US$214M in questionable sums which weregivenano-objectionby the Guyana Revenue Authority(GRA).

DespiteGRA'sadviceto proceed with the closure of the audit at that sum, the ministrystillengagedExxon inthereductionofthesum.

Inamissivetothemedia, Bharrat stressed that the position of the Guyana Governmenthasalwaysbeen

that the Guyana Revenue Authorityisthesoleandfinal authority to determine the final outcome in relation to theauditofanoilcompany's expenses.

He said the Ministry of Natural Resource's role was to oversee the process of conducting the audit as per the 2016 Stabroek Block

Production Sharing Agreement(PSA),aswellas, to facilitate the exchange of i n f o r m a t i o n a n d documentation among the relevant parties, including

the Guyana Revenue Authority

“However, based on advice from Mr Gopnauth Gossai that the initial claim of USD$214,911,994 was r e d u c e d t o USD$3,414,853.68, I wrote the Guyana Revenue Authority on the 28th of November, 2022 to confirm this figure by seeking a no objection,”Bharratsaid.

AsrecentlyasJuly2023, the minister said Gossai in a meetingwith VicePresident, Bharrat Jagdeo and himself reported that the initial sum w a s r e d u c e d t o USD$11,497,140 then f u r t h e r d o w n t o USD$3,414,853.68. “Given that I had written the GRA sinceNovember,2022andit was established that the GRA's involvement is

Govt. imported forensic experts to enhance investigation capabilities – Nandlall

necessary to finalize the audit, I was under the impression that the reduce figure was done in collaboration with the GRA,”theministersaid.

Bharrat said he subsequently learnt that GRA did not agree with the position and the initial claim of USD$214,911,994 remainsthesame.

“Iwishtorestatethatthe position of the Government of Guyana today remains consistent with its original position that the only authority to make a final determination is the Guyana Revenue Authority,” the ministersaid.

He added, “Therefore, after examining all the facts, it is clear that Mr Gossai acted without the requisite authorization to engage Exxon and provided inadequate advice and as such, I have asked the Permanent Secretary to take the necessary disciplinary measures.”

Minister Bharrat said further systems will be established to ensure no repetition of this lapse in the future.

He said too that staff members will be advised to make full disclosure of all contact and sharing of i n f o r m a t i o n w i t h stakeholdersinthesector

Rose Hall Sugar Factory recommences grinding of sugar cane

T

he Rose Hall Sugar Estate has recommenced the grinding of sugarcane, the Department of Public Informationhasreported.

The factory was closed prior to August 2020, in a move that was termed as “right-sizing the sugar industry ” Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha made the disclosure during the s i d e l i n e s o f t h e commissioning of the model farm at Fort Wellington last S a t u r d a y . T h e recommencement of the canes grinding at the factory will add to the significant economic contribution, as well as employment in Berbice. “We have seen a number of punts of canes beingcrushedatRoseHall.

To date, they have produced just over 130 tonnes of sugar,” stated

MinisterMustapha.

Minister Mustapha is optimistic that the factory will continue to grind and crush sugar cane despite some mechanical concerns, whicharebeingfixedasthey occur

“Many parts in the factory now, we are seeing problems with and as it comes up, we are trying to rectify it. As a matter of fact, the steam problem in terms of the boiler, we are getting leaks and so forth.

So, we have to continue to look at those…That is why wehavenotstartedthefull commissioning yet. In another couple of days, I amhopingthattheycanget everything correct and the factory can go to its full capacity,” the agriculture minister explained The government continues to build a strong agricultural sector that will enhance

Guyana'scapacitytoinvestigateunlawful deathsthroughforensicinvestigationisbeing enhanced, as the government has imported four forensic scientists to aid the Guyana PoliceForce(GPF)incriminalinvestigations at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL).

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC on Tuesdayeveningsaidthemoveformspartof the robust transformation undertaken by the PresidentAli-ledAdministration in all areas includingthelegalandsecuritysectors.

The experts have a variety of skills in areas including ballistics, handwriting and fingerprint analysis, and crime scene forensics,amongotherareas.

Minister Nandlall believes this will help thestateinreducingtheoccurrencesofcrime inGuyana.“Wehavetoinvestifwewantto dentcrimeinthiscountry Wehavetoinvest inforensicsciencesandascientificapproach tocrimesolvingandthatisthecapabilitythat we're building,” he emphasised during his

weeklyprogramme'IssuesintheNews'.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs has also engaged the University of Guyana (UG) for theforensicexpertstosharetheirknowledge tobuildthecountry'scapacityespeciallythe investigative arm of the state and the law enforcementagencies.

UG has responded positively and they will soon be engaging the experts that are stationedatthecountry'sforensiclaboratory

“Hopefully, we'll see a new programme of forensic sciences being taught as a certified and certifiable programme at the University of Guyana,” Minister Nandlall expressed. The GFSL was established in 2014 and comprises four analytical departments (toxicology, documents, trace evidence, and Chemistry) and six nonanalytical departments (security, quality system, information system, facilities operation,evidence,andadministration).

It also offers deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing which will further be enhancedthisyear (DPI)

Scientists stunned by record heat in September

...researchers blame carbon emissions, rapid arrival of El Niño

(The Guardian) Global temperaturessoaredtoanew record in September by a huge margin, stunning scientists and leading one to describe it as “absolutely gobsmackinglybananas”.

The hottest September onrecordfollowsthehottest AugustandhottestJuly,with the latter being the hottest month ever recorded. The high temperatures have driven heatwaves and wildfiresacrosstheworld.

said Zeke Hausfather, at the Berkeley Earth climate data project.

Mika Rantanen, climate researcher at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, said: “I'm still struggling to comprehend how a single year can jump so much compared to previous years.” Prof Ed Hawkins, at the University of Reading, UK, said the heat seen this s u m m e r w a s “extraordinary”.

drought.Summerisgoingto bebrutal.”

livelihoods as part of its ambitious goal of ensuring global food security. The agriculture minister added thatsugarcaneworkersfrom Albion are assisting with the harvesting of cane at Rose Hallsugarestate.“Asusual, at Blairmont, Albion, and Rose Hall, whenever you have excessive cane, you use cutters from other estates to cut the cane. But they will be entitled to certainpaymentsandthose payments are being executed and you have harvesters who were employed at Rose Hall are cutting the canes too,” the agriculture minister noted. Notably, approximately 1,100 workers have already been employed at the estate. Rose Hall Estate is expected to make a positive contribution in terms of realising a total of approximately60,000tonnes of sugar that GuySuCo has set as the target for the year

September2023beatthe previous record for that month by 0.5C, the largest jump in temperature ever seen. September was about 1 8C warmer than preindustrial levels. Data sets fromEuropeanandJapanese scientistsconfirmtheleap.

The heat is the result of thecontinuinghighlevelsof carbon dioxide emissions combinedwitharapidflipof the planet's biggest natural climate phenomenon, El Niño. The previous three years saw La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean, which lowers global temperature by a few tenths of a degree as more heat is storedintheocean.

Conditions have now rebounded to an El Niño event, which releases ocean heat and drives up temperatures It's all but certain that 2023 will be the hottest on record and 2024 mayevenexceedthat,asthe heatingimpactofElNiñois felt most in the year after it begins. “September was, in myprofessionalopinionasa climate scientist, absolutely gob smackingly bananas,”

SamanthaBurgess,atthe EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service, said: “The unprecedented temperatures forthetimeofyearobserved in September have broken records by an extraordinary amount.2023[is]ontrackto be the warmest year and about 1 4C above preindustrial average temperatures. Two months out from [the UN climate conference] Cop28, the sense of urgency for ambitiousclimateactionhas neverbeenmorecritical.”

Theheathitrecordlevels within many countries too, including France, Germany, and Poland.The UK saw its joint hottest September on record, the Met Office reported, in data that goes backto1884.

In Australia, climate scientist and author Joelle Gergis said: “Observations of Australia's climate in September are shocking Figures show where maximum temperatures were the highest on record, with many areas 3C to 5C above average Rainfall deficits are primed for

While human-caused global heating and El Niño are the biggest factors causing the record-breaking temperatures, other factors may be contributing small increasesaswell,Hausfather said.Theseincludeanuptick in the 11-year solar cycle, cutsinsun-blockingsulphur emissionsfromshippingand industry and a volcanic eruption in Tonga that released a large amount of water vapour, which traps heat.

In August, the Guardian asked 45 leading climate scientists from around the world about the recordbreakingtemperatures.They said that, despite it certainly feelingasifeventshadtaken an alarming turn, the broad global heating trend seen to datewasentirelyinlinewith three decades of scientific predictions Increasingly severe weather impacts had alsobeenlongsignpostedby scientists, although the speed and intensity of the reality and the unexpected vulnerability of many populations scared some The off-the-charts sea temperatures and Antarctic sea ice loss were seen as the mostshockingevents.

The scientists said that the exceptional events of 2023couldbeanormalyear injustadecade,unlessthere is a dramatic increase in climate action The researchers overwhelmingly pointed to one action as critical:slashingtheburning offossilfuelsdowntozero.

GCB Senior Inter-County 50-Over tournament - Berbice vs. Essequibo

CPL champs star for Berbice

following

- (Anderson 57, Hetmyer 23, Shepherd 4-11, Joseph 2-16, Motie 32 & 1-10) Berbice /Demerara finals set

16-run win versus Essequibo

The Guyana Amazon battle was won by Berbice, settledmoreintohisinnings. muscled 3 sixes and 2 fours Warriors star players of the mainly CPL 2023 champ The pair put on 38 before before being sadly run out Berbice team came to the Anderson who led the Hetmyer was bowled by thanks to exceptional party yesterday as Kevlon Ancient County side with a Sampson, but Anderson gloveworkfromSavory Anderson hit a fifty while gritty 57 off 71, hitting 8 progressed and reached his Permaul (11) and Joseph pacer Romario Shepherd fours as he finally came into fifty off 62 deliveries but (15) were the backend snagged 4 wickets as part of some form after a few continued to lose partners at primary scorers who took an empathic win by 16 runs mistrials. But apart from afastrate. Berbice to a reasonable via Duckworth/Lewis contributions from Guyana Another of his Amazon score, in a match which MethodagainstEssequibo. A m a z o n W a r r i o r s Warriors teammates, Motie rested in the hands of mother B o u r d a G r o u n d teammates, Shimron then flexed his guns as he nature. continued to attract fans as Hetmyer (23) and Gudakesh yesterday’s heavyweight Motie who had a cameo 32 from 26 balls, Berbice did well to even reach their total of170-9in38.1overs.

Friday October 06, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Cooperate today even if it seems easier said than done. People will have hot tempers and be very focused on themselves. There's a me-first attitude around, and relations will be much better if you let people have their time in the spotlight.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

People will be focused on themselves, leaving you wondering what all the fuss is about. You have a strong desire to express your emotions. It may feel like you'reonstageinsomeway

GEMINI(May21–June20)

The energy flows smoothly today. Obstacles seem to have dissolved. There's a great deal of energy at your disposal. You have strong thoughts and powerful emotions backing youup.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

There's a spark about to ignite insideyou.Paycloseattention toyouremotionsandtakecare of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually Infuse your plans with passion.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Your emotions are piqued today You're spurred to take action. People might have a me-first attitude that may get on your nerves. You're more interestedinthecollectiveand improvingthesituationforall.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

Get off the couch and get into action. Come out of hiding and let others hear what you havetosay Letyouremotions shine and don't be concerned aboutwhatothersthink.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

This is a fantastic day Assert yourself with confidence and move toward your goals. Your emotions are working harmoniously with your outerdirected nature. You may want more attention from others today

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

People may seem a bit more stubborn and emotional than usual. Try not to contribute to it by being vain and stubborn. This isn't the time to contemplate

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Thisisaveryopportunedayfor you.Sayhellotothestrangerin line or follow through on a tip or comment. Opportunities are there.Allyouhavetodoisgrab them. You'd do very well in a groupsituationtoday

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

People might step on your toes today, but try not to react. Go with the flow. This may be the onlywaytheyknowhowtoact. Express your feelings. Open yourselfuptotheworld.

AQUARIUS(Jan 20–Feb.18)

Thisisafantasticdayforyou,so celebrate You're the star of the show, and you'll be up on stage more than usual People will look up to you and respect you for your incredible leadership skills Be confident and express yourselffromyourheart

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Something may get your dander up today There are hot tempers and strong opinions rightandleft.Trytoseethebig picture You'll seek extra attention from others, especially when it comes to yourneedsandemotions.

Itwasanothergoodgame with the ball for all-rounder Quentin Sampson who rocked the Berbicians with his 4-25, which was supported by the consistent skipper Anthony Adams (241), who led Essequibo’s bowling.

It turned out to be an uphill battle for Essequibo, as apart from a defiant 32 off 53 from senior wicketkeeper Kemol Savory, the Cinderella County boys misfired terribly; as they succumbedtothehostilityof theBerbicepacers.

WestIndieslimitedovers fast-bowler Romario Shepherd had an incredible opening spell, snatching 411 from only 4 overs roughing up the opposition batters, while the lively Shamar Joseph (2-16) and Clinton Pestano (1-22) addedenoughfueltothefire.

Shepherd blew away the Essequibo top-order, before allowing fellow pacers in Joseph and Pestano to feast on a wounded unit, minus Savory

Their skipper Adams (15), Sampson who had 11 runs from just 4 balls with a four and one six and a spirited Neiland Cadogan (19), tried to hang with Savorywhomanaged3fours and a six, but instead fell victimtothepacebarrage.

The spin duo of Kevin Sinclair(1-15)andMotie(110) wrapped up the innings in fine fashion as they prepareforthefinalround.

Taking first strike, Berbice lost their top 3 batsmen for under 10 runs each, but found some security in the arrival of Andersonwhomadeamends forhispreviousfailures.

Accompanied by his Guyana Amazon Warriors teammate,ShimronHetmyer who was aggressive, hitting apairoffoursandasixinhis 23 off 22 balls, Anderson

Man-of-the-match Romario Shepherd accepts his trophy from GCB Operations Manager Anthony D’Andarde yesterday at Bourda.

GCB Senior Inter-County 50-Over tournament - Demerara vs. GCB Select XI

Chanderpaul unbeaten 93 helps Demerara breeze past GCB XI by

7 wickets

- Barnwell hits 77 for GCB XI

Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul stroked 204 all out made by the Select XI, with an unbeaten 93 which led Demerara to a Chanderpaul narrowly missing his hundred comprehensive 7-wicket victory over the but batted beautifully for his 93* off 126 GCB Select XI at Enmore Ground, as part of (10x4), his second successive of the yesterday’sDouble-headerRound. tournament.

Veteran all-rounder Chris Barnwell MavindraDindyalscored43andshareda continued his form with the bat, cracking 83-run partnership with Chanderpaul, who anotherhalf-centurythistournament,abrutal hadsomegoodpartnershipincluding39with 71-ball 77 with 8 fours and a trifecta of sixes, his opening partner Hemraj, who hit a brisk whichcarriedtheSelectXIto204alloutin39 30 off 27 (3x4 2x6) to go along with his 2 overs,battingfirst. wickets.

Skipper Junior Sinclair launched 5 sixes In-form middle-order batsman Akshaya inhisentertainingknockof32andfeaturedin Persaud (21*) was another co-star in a good the team’s most successful partnership, that partnership, putting on a 4th wicket of56whichhesharedwithBarnwell. partnership of 68 runs with the West Indies

JoshuaPersaudhit29(3x41x6)tocapoff Testopener

the Select XI’s batting, as Demerara The left-hander’s half-century came off benefitted from the pace/spin combination of 79 balls and by the time drinks arrived in the Ronaldo Alimohamed (3-44) and 37th over, Demerara were well on course to Chandrapaul Hemraj (2-41), which proved victory The duo carried their respective bats enough. to the finish line; sealing victory with almost Demerara were then sublime chasing the 10oversleftinthebank.

One Guyana Premier Basketball League set to return October 7

After a thrilling start to the ‘One Guyana’ before the league culminate in a National PremierBasketballLeague,andabriefbreak, Finals Matches will be played every fansandplayersalikeareeagerlyanticipating Saturday, ensuring that fans have a regular the resumption of action following a one- dose of high-octane basketball action until a monthbreakduringSeptember Organisedby championisdecided.

the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF), in In addition to the intense competition on collaboration with the Georgetown the court, there are substantial rewards Basketball Association (GBA) and the awaiting the victors. The champions of the National Sports Commission (NSC), this ‘One Guyana’ Premier Basketball League basketball extravaganza is set to restart this will receive a staggering $1,000,000 in prize Saturday,October7. money Meanwhile, the league’s runners-up

The National Gymnasium’s Outdoor will not go home empty-handed, with a Court will once again be the center of respectable $500,000 awaiting them. It’s not attention, with three exciting matches just the teams that will be recognized; scheduled for the day The basketball frenzy outstanding players and teams will also be begins with Cummingsberg’s Bounty Colts rewarded with medals, trophies, and taking on Lamaha Springs/Park’s Pepsi substantial cash prizes, acknowledging their Sonics at 17:00 hours. Later in the evening, exceptional performances throughout the Mc Doom/Prospect’s Kobras will meet league.

Lenora’s D-Up Rising Stars at 19:00 hours, Thesuccessofthisbasketballtournament followed by Kwakwani’s Untouchables would not have been possible without the takingonPlaisanceGuardiansat21:00hours. generous support of its sponsors The

With 14 teams in the competition, the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports ‘One Guyana’ Premier Basketball League is (MCY&S),theGBF,theGBA,theNSC,H&J divided into two conferences: the Harpy Entertainment, and G-Boats Guyana have all Eagles Conference and the Jaguar played a pivotal role in making this sporting Conference. A total of 64 thrilling games spectacleareality

Demerara opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul is all smiles while receiving his second straight MVP award, this time for his 93 not out.

Australia Seal Series with 47-run victory

BRISBANE, Australia- conceding 34 runs in her 4-

fifty-overs cricket. The first In a riveting display of T20 over spell. Sent into bat first, ODIwillbowloffonSunday cricket, Australia’s women Tahlia McGrath led the October9at9:35am. emerged triumphant in the scoring for Australia with a Match Schedule and 3rdT20internationalagainst brisk 34-ball 65 which Results the West Indies, clinching included 11 fours and two

1 October: 1st T20I at the series 2-1 with a sixes. Ellyse Perry added 40 North Sydney Oval, Sydney commendable47-runwin. from 30 as Australia posted – Australia won by 8 Thestaroftheshowwas, 190/9 in their 20 overs. wickets undeniably, Hayley Shamilia Connell was the

2 October: 2nd T20I at Matthews Matthews pick of the West Indies North Sydney Oval, Sydney continued her scintillating bowlers with figures of 3-0- – West Indies won by 7 form, bagging her record 8th 25-3. Matthews continued wickets consecutive player of the her blistering form with the

5 October: 3rd T20I at match title and ultimately bat, smashing a 40-ball 79, AllanBorderField,Brisbane being named the player of which included eleven fours –6:05pmlocaltime(4:05am the series. Displaying her and four sixes Aaliyah Eastern Caribbean/3:05am battingprowess,sheplayeda Alleyneadded26astheWest Jamaica)- Australia won by blistering innings, smashing Indies Women finished on 47runs 79 off just 40 balls. Her all- 143alloutin19.5overs.

8 October: 1st ODI at picking up 5 wickets, setting becoming the first woman to to be aggressive but around capabilities were Over the course of the AllanBorderField,Brisbane a new benchmark in score 300+ runs across three unfortunately Darcie Brown evident as she also s e r i e s , M a t t h e w s –9:35amlocaltime(6:35pm women’s T20 cricket. With consecutive innings was outsmarted with a contributed with the ball, accumulated a staggering O c t o b e r 7 E a s t e r n thisfeat,sheetchedhername Moreover, Matthews slower delivery and nothing taking a crucial wicket while total of 310 runs, alongside

Caribbean/5:35pmJamaica) into the record books by reachedanothermilestoneas wenttoplanafterthat.”

Peter LewisAsphalt Sales & Construction Services Big Man Cricket2 final round robin matches fixtures set for this weekend

- Powered by Blue Waters as the official water for Big Man Cricket

BIG MAN CRICKET-2@ O40s T25 Cup during the past few weeks. There are tournament resumes this weekend after a just 2 final preliminary matches in the West break for the CPL and the Prime Minister’s Zonetobeplayedasfollows:

Guyana brings home 9 medals from the...

12 October: 2nd ODI at she became the second Despitetheloss,theWest Junction Oval, Melbourne – youngest woman to amass Indies team exhibited

10:05am local time (7:05pm 2000 T20I runs, further moments of brilliance and

October 11 Eastern establishingherplaceamong willsurelyusethisseriesasa Caribbean/6:05pmJamaica) thecricketingelite. learning experience for

14 October: 3rd ODI at

Speaking at the post- future encounters, with Junction Oval, Melbourne – match press conference Matthews’ record-breaking 10:05am local time (7:05pm Matthews said “I knew we featsbeingthecherryontop. October 13 Eastern had a shot and that’s what I The focus will now shift Caribbean/6:05pmJamaica) wasgunningfor Iwastrying focus to the longer format of

From page 24

And in his U21 category Saeed Karim BarbadosandCuracao’s2ndandJamaicaand teamedupwithTrinidadianAriaBatchasingh T&T’s3rd. to win silver against St Vincent’s Divya

Our Mixed Recurve Developmental Jiandani&JaredNichols6-4. Team came in 4th behind T&T’s 1st place, Final results Barbados’ 2nd and Jamaica’s 3rd, but over Individual medals: Jeewanram Persaud4thplaceCuracao&DominicanRepublic. Gold, Roshini Boodhoo-Gold, Saeed Karim-

The Recurve Beginner U21 Mixed Team Gold, Victoria Kum-Gold, Teemahall Lallof Guyana & Trinidad saw Saeed Karim of Silver,NataliyaPollard-Bronze. Guyana and Aria Batchasingh of Trinidad Team Medals: Jeewanram Persaud-Gold, place2nd over Jamaica’s 3rd as StVincent& RoshiniBoodhoo-Gold,SaeedKarim-Silver theGrenadinescamein1stplace.

Archery Guyana is very proud of our

The Elimination and Final matches were athletes and officials who represented the heldonSundayastheathletesgavetheirbest country and wishes to thank our sponsor performances for the medals. In the Gold Oasis Water, along with all other sponsors MedalmatchesPersaudbeatJairDavelaarof who would have made it possible for our Curacao 6-0, while Roshini Boodhoo beat teamtotravelandreturnwiththeirrespective Suzanne Sukram of Trinidad 7-3. Saeed medals.

Karim took Gold from Jared Nichols of St WewouldalsoliketothankUSAArchery Vincentfor6-2.

National Judge and NTS Coach Mr Phil

In her category, Victoria Kum got a bye Gravesfortakingthetimetoengageandpass thru to finals and beat Anandita Sameera onsomeofhisknowledgeandexperiencesto Singh of Trinidad 6-2. In his category ourathletesandcoaches.

TeemahallLalltooksilverasBarbadianCole The Board of Directors of Archery Gill took the gold 6-2. Nataliya Pollard took Guyana wishes to acknowledge the usual bronze in her U15 category, and in the teams kind support of the Ministry of Culture, Boodhoo and Persaud were given a bye thru Youth and Sport, National Sports tosemi-finalwheretheyshottheirwaytothe Commission, Guyana Beverages Inc., Mr goldoverCalidaCharles&AdamTryhaneof SamuelArjoonandtheManagementofOasis TeamBarbados&Trinidad6-0. Water

West Indies women celebrate a wicket.

(Bradley Kanaris/ Getty Images)

EnglandputtotheswordbyNewZealandinWorldCupopener

SportsMax - England’s World chase. six off Trent Boult from the second chastening reply, kicking off with a quickstuff. Cup defence began with a Where England relied on a ball of the day – but he offered a half-volley that Conway gratefully By the end of the 10-over punishing nine-wicket defeat in composed innings of 77 from Joe tamecatchoffMitchellSantnerjust strokedthroughcoverandshipping powerplay the Kiwis had roared to Ahmedabad as New Zealand Root, who managed four ashelookedtotakecontrol. 10fromhisopeningover 81forone,aclear30pastEngland’s helped themselves to a slice of boundaries and a six while a series Harry Brook, deputising for Young’s cheap exit raised scoreatthesamestage. revengefouryearsinthemaking. of unforced errors unfolded around Stokes, also burned brightly and English spirits, however briefly, Ravindra had Moeen in his Organisers scheduled a repeat him, Conway and Ravindra cut briefly Heclatteredtwofoursanda when he grazed a leg-side loosener sights now, clubbing him for six in of the 2019 final to kick off this looseunderlights. sixoffRavindraashedroppedthree from Curran into Buttler’s gloves eachofhisfirsttwoovers,andeven year’stournament,butratherthana Empty seats in the 134,000- successive deliveries short, then but that merely brought the match- thearrivalofAdilRashid’sleg-spin nail-biter to match the tension of capacity Narendra Modi Stadium lifted the next one straight down winnerstogether couldnotslowthingsdown. that Lord’s classic, they had to could be tallied in the tens of Conway’s throat at deep Ravindra, promoted to number Stokes emerged from the settle for a thoroughly one-sided thousands but the fans who did midwicket. three for the first time in his ODI dugout to deliver some words of affair show up witnessed a remarkable When Moeen Ali lost his off career, made an early target of encouragement at the first drinks England needed a super over standof273. stump hacking across the line at Woakes as the experienced seamer break but, even at that stage, it and a boundary countback to get The pair came together in the Glenn Phillips, England had served up a sequence of gentle four seemedtoolate. their hands on the trophy last time second over after Sam Curran slipped to 118 for four, but a stand balls. The required rate continued to around, but two majestic hundreds strangledWillYoungdownlegfora of70betweenRootandButtler(43) When England sought to come down as both men reached from Devon Conway and Rachin golden duck and proceeded to pile offeredsomestability reclaim control through the blunt celebrated centuries, Conway first Ravindra meant the Black Caps on 30 fours and eight sixes in a Roothadunleashedatrademark pace of Wood, it only made things over the line but Ravindra one ball romped home in the rerun with majorstatementofintent. reverse ramp for six off Boult early worse. quickerinjust82. almost14overstospare. England, meanwhile, were in his stay, but for the most part he Conway drove his first ball

The closing stages of the chase Conway finished 152 not out chaotic with the bat, lethargic with played conservatively rather than straight past him for four before were a procession, with runs while his Wellington team-mate theballandsloppyinthefield. lookingdominate.

Ravindrapeeledoffapairoflovely flowing at will and a weary Ravindra reeled off an unbeaten Put in to bat first they relied on Measured against the rest of his strokes, a swivel pull that raced flat England side barely able to contain 123

more than double his Roottosparetheblushesofhismis- side, it was a cut above. Measured through the night sky for six and a them before the finishing touches previousODIbest. firingtop-orderteam-mates. against the opposition, it was not perfectly-timed punch through cameoffthesecondballofthe37th

TheabsenceofBenStokeswith DawidMalanwasfirsttogofor enough. pointontopofthebounce. over a hip injury robbed the reigning a scratchy 14, caught behind He departed in the 42nd over, Wood looked rattled as he Scores: New Zealand 283 for 1 champions of some middle-order flashinghardattheimpressiveMatt nutmegging and yorking himself in continued to crank up his speeds (Conway 152*, Ravindra 123*) firepower but their score of 282 for Henry one swift movement as he tried to only for the ball to disappear with beat England 282 for 9 (Root 77, nine was nowhere near enough to Jonny Bairstow (33) enjoyed a reversesweepPhillips. regularity, Conway eagerly Henry 3-48, Santner 2-37) by nine constrain an outstanding Kiwi smootherstart– includinga flicked Chris Woakes set the tone for a showingoffhisprowessagainstthe wickets.

Guyana brings home 9 medals from the Caribbean Development Archery C/Ships 2023

It was a fun-filled and energetic closing of the 5th Caribbean

D e v e l o p m e n t Competition which was hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Archery Federation under the auspices of World Archery Americas in September2023.

T h e s u c c e s s f u l competition, which saw 176 archers from 11 countries participating, was held over the past weekend in capital Scarborough, Tobago at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago, following closely on the heels of the Continental JudgesSeminar

10 yr old Victoria Kum receiving her Gold medal from USA Archery Coach and Judge Phil Graves.

The Guyana team athletes in preparation for Boodhoo came in first place Grenadines with scores of conducted themselves the following day’s with a high score of 539, 570to577respectively excellentlywithalotoffirst- competition. followed by 3rd place Julie For the Barebow time overseas participants, Saturday’s Ranking Ann Williams’ 513, Theresa Beginner U18 Women, of which the National Rounds were shot off by all Deoroop’s 330 - 9th, Bibi Nataliya Pollard placed 3rd Federation, its Continental 11 countries’ teams with Salim’s 244 - 10th and Karin with205inhercategory Judges and National Coach athletes vying for their Toppin’s222-11th. In the Exceptional are very proud. Although highest possible ranking In the Barebow Beginner Beginner Recurve Women everyone didn’t medal in the scores to move onto the Men,TeemahallLallcamein Victoria Kum scored a total respective categories and elimination and finals 2nd with a total score 629 to of 472 over her competition divisions, they all came matches In the Recurve Barbadian Cole Gill’s 651. to gain the top spot in her away with much more than Beginner Senior Men Scoring 4th was Richard category, an impressive

Archers from the 11 registered countries on the first Practice Day at the targets.

For the Mixed Teams Davelaar and Julie Ann they would have expected, Category, the highest Dookie with 586, 6th was personal best for her since Guyana’s Roshini Boodhoo Williams 4th, St Vincent & experiencing for the first rankingscoreafter72arrows CourtleeRodrigueswith536 shehasbeenshooting. and Jeewanram Persaud theGrenadines5th. time how a World Archery went to the Guyana’s and 10th was Rasheed Alim I n t h e R e c u r v e teamed to place 1st, while Guyana’s Barebow international event is Jeewanram Persaud 608 with487.

Developmental Senior Men the team of Barbados & Beginner Mixed Team of organizedandexecuted. with Naresh Sukhu placing F o r t h e R e c u r v e Umasankar Madray placed Trinidadcamein2nd,British Teemahall Lall & Nataliya

The official practice day 7thwith383. Beginner U21 Men, Saeed 9th while Samira Duncan in Virgin Islands & St Vincent Pollard placed 4th behind (Friday 28th) began with the In the Recurve Senior Karim came in 2nd to Jared the Recurve Developmental & the Grenadines place 3rd, Trinidad&Tobago’s1st, coaches overseeing the Women Category, Roshini NicholsofStVincentandthe SeniorWomenplaced4th. Curacao and Guyana’s Jair (Continued on page 23)

NTC to get Internationally Approved Lighting as early as December - Says GFF Head, Wayne Forde

GFF Head, Wayne Forde during yesterday’s interview.

commissioned the playing the full completion of this areas in 2017 and completed facility within the next four the Federation’s building in years.” 2020, which includes Currently, the project is accommodations, a gym, in the electrical stages, with and ample space for guests. Cummings Electrical However, the latest update Engineering Services as the indicates that the federation assigned contractor for this is now advancing to the next aspect of the work. Rawlson phase of the project, which Adams,theProjectManager, involves the installation of explained that the lighting internationally approved systems for the project will lighting and seating for the consist of a four-tower southernandwesternendsof system, with lights to be n a groundbreaking thefacility strategically installed at the and momentous The primary objective of four corners of the pitch.

Iengagement event, the media briefing was to They are currently in the the Guyana Football provide an official update to process of offloading the Federation (GFF) hosted a the general public and the components of the lights. simple media briefing project’s stakeholders. It’s Additionally, the project yesterday at the National important to note that this includes the acquisition of Training Centre (NTC) to project is also part of the generators to ensure power provide crucial updates on FIFA Forward programme, availability in the event of theongoingproject. with the ultimate goal of shortages.

This initiative marks a making the facility suitable Adams also hinted at the significant step forward in for hosting international commissioning of the lights the development of the matches, possibly as early as scheduledforDecember facility 2024,accordingtoForde. F o r d e , t h e G F F

Ongoing works being done at NTC in preparation of the installing of seating to the facility Contractor from Cummings Electrical engages in the offloading process of lighting components at NTC.

appreciate the efforts of the infrastructure challenges, for improved infrastructure,

During an official Forde emphasized, “The President, expressed his Minister of Culture, Youth, the GFF also has an and from the GFF’s interview, Wayne Forde, the GFF welcomes the support excitement, saying, “We are and Sports, Charles Ramson obligation to contribute to standpoint, we have been President of the GFF, shared of FIFAand CONCACAF at happytobeinthismomentin Jr., and the Government of resolving this issue We diligently working to important details about the this moment We are our football history, Guyana in addressing understandthepressingneed addressthischallenge.” progress of the development working aggressively to delivering to the Guyana works at NTC. Notably, the have these works completed football fraternity and the contract for the electrical by the first week of nationatlarge. aspect of the project was December 2023, in time for This facility marks a awarded to Moscow theupcomingSeason6ofthe significant milestone as the Engineering (USA) The National Elite League firstofficialhomeoffootball GFF had previously Furthermore, we anticipate in Guyana While we