Kaieteur News

AG report flags lack of contract and quotation in botched deal

Th e A u d i t o r G e n e r a l o f Guyana has

flaggedthelackofacontract and price quotation in a botched fuel deal between Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) and an unlicensedfuelsupplier

Following allegations of corruption at the state owned company, GUYOIL

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Paul Cheong had written to the Auditor General Office in April 2021, requesting that an audit be conducted into the alleged procurement of fuel by GUYOIL from Aaron RoyalityInc.(ARI).

According to the special audit findings, four GUYOIL officials had

breached procurement protocolstoengagewiththe unlicensed company for the supply of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)evenintheabsenceof a contract and a price quotation.

In addition to the aforementioned, theAuditor Generalconcludedthatthere seemstohavebeenbeanad havocprocedureforinviting

bidsatGUYOIL,statingtoo that there was no competitive bidding process in selecting suppliers and that no due diligence was c o n d u c t e d o n t h e firm/suppliersselected.

Notably, it was also highlighted that the negotiations between GUYOIL officials and representative of the

unlicensed fuel company was conducted at a bottom flatofarentedpropertywith nosignboarddisplayingthe nameofthebusiness.

In the Auditor General (AG) report dated May 28, 2021 it named former Director, Akanni Blair, former General Secretary (GS), Trevor Bassoo, Company Secretary (CS), Shawn Persaud and Inventory and Procurement Manager (IPM), Leonard Khan – as the officials who acted inappropriately and notinthebestinterestofthe company

T h e A G h a d recommended that the officialsberelievedofduties and that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) should be called in to conduct an indepth investigation and institute charges if necessary

The fuel scandal started after GUYOIL won a bid to supply the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) with HFO.

On March 16, 2021, a contractwassignedbetween the two companies for the supply and delivery of 900,000barrelsoffuelatthe total cost of US$9,945,000 (US$11 05 per barrel) However, it was stated that GUYOIL official Khan had related that due to the timeline of the delivery s

GUYOILand their new fuel suppliers, the company resorted to engage its fuel s

Staatsolie) to deliver the HFOthatwastobesupplied toGPL.

D

receiving the fuel from their supplier,GUYOILdelivered two shipments of HFO to GPLbetweenApril9and20,

2021.

However, even though the contract was signed for the supply and delivery of 900,000 barrels of HFO valued at US$9.9 million, GUYOIL ended up paying excess money to its two suppliers. It was revealed in the audit document that a total of 62,266 barrels of HFO, at the cost of US$4.1 million, was delivered to GPL, which was not in accordancewiththecontract price.

In fact, the contract that

GUYOIL and GPL was for thesupplyofthe900,000

Former General Secretary, Trevor Bassoo

Former Director, Akanni Blair

Former Company Secretary (CS), Shawn Persaud

Inventory and Procurement Manager (IPM), Leonard Khan

'Don't take buy out from oil-drunk Politicians' -YogMahaeowarnscitizens

More money, m o r e

problems, may be the most suitable description for the potential dangerscivilsocietyactivist, Dr Yog Mahadeo says, are lurkingasPoliticiansbecome untouchable, backed by windfall revenues from the oilsector

Dr Mahadeo has been a strong critic of the lopsided 2016 Production Sharing Agreement(PSA)whichputs Guyana in an economically disadvantageous position with the offshore Stabroek Block operator. Despite numerous pleas from both local and international stakeholders for the renegotiationofthecontract, Government remains reluctant to address the agreement.

Dr Mahadeosaidthatin e x c h a n g e f o r n o t renegotiating the PSA, the administration is assured massive support by the oil companies through the next elections.

He said too that international watchdog groups are also beginning to internalize the troubling news that ExxonMobil and partners are calling the shots on the nation's oil industry andnottheGovernment.

Dr Mahadeo has gone further however to warn citizensaboutthedevastating effects of that combination. He explained in an invited commentthatcitizens'power couldbereducedorlostwhen Governmentsnolongerheed their demands and no longer seek their electoral support giventheincreasedfundsthat are now accessible from oil money Dr Mahadeo said that “Government's handling of the oil contract exemplifies its embrace of corruption; putting a corrupt Government and a corrupt contract in context.” He said that corruption has already leaked into various sectors and Government Ministries as“nepotismandcronyismis the legacy of this

Government”.

In the same vein, Dr Mahadeo agreed, citizens could be even more disadvantaged and risk losing their power over Politicians who now have moremoneytofunneltoward end games that are not necessarily be in the interest of the country “A noconfidence motion is a typicalexampleofvoteslost due to political will or to wealth distribution,” Dr Mahadeo highlighted He suggested that just for a moment “forget the

APNU/AFC's(APartnership forNationalUnity+Alliance for Change) torrid performance in office, and see the roles of democracy take strange and ugly turns, all in the name of democracy...” For example, the anti-corruption activist explained, the constitution democratically allows a noconfidence motion in Parliament as a means of unseating a democratically elected Government

“APNU was elected to serve five years but a no confidence motion brought an end to it. Now, supposing hypothetically, the one vote needed (in this case Charandass' (Persaud)) was "bought"(amnotsayingthat itwas),buthypothetically,if itwasbought,thenmoney/oil interest - or other special interest can "buy" Parliamentarians and have them bring down a Government...”

In the meantime, “what about the electors' votes that democratically elected them to power? It's been bought out within the national assembly ” Dr Mahadeo posited. He said that while thesituationseemsstrangeit is true as, “in the USA, the electoral college literally sweepsawaytherightsofthe individual voters ” He indicated that the example given is just one simple way that increased money to Governmentsallowsthemto act undemocratically and in

the interest of party and affiliates.

Dr Mahadeo told the Kaieteur News that, “the

Government has shown the oil companies that we are a country with weak leaders who cannot take hard

decisionsforfearofpersonal loss ” He said that the Government prefers to “stay in power with support from theoilcompaniesandtheUS Government until this position changes on the (2016) contract,” instead of getting for Guyanese, the benefitsdeserved.

This show of reluctance on the Government's part leaves the country in a very vulnerable position as the current administration has failedtobeboldanddemand a better oil share, the transparency advocate related.

He said that the Government has not only exposed their corrupt ways, and how weak they are to acting correctly, but they haveexhibitedtheirintention to stay in power through the

adherence of the oil companies'calling.

Dr Mahadeo told the newspaper that 'Article 13' has always supported the renegotiationoftheonesided oil 2016 contract as more benefitscouldbesecuredfor thenation.

He reiterated that Government refusing to do so is all part of the room giventotheoilcompaniesto conduct their activities uninterrupted, despite Guyana's weak position within the sector The Guyana Government has stamped its position to not renegotiate the 2016 oil contract until the next 14 years.

They said they will address the oil company backed provisions until the lifeoftheoilagreementends.

Founder, Dr. Yog Mahadeo

EDITORIAL

When Politicians dance, the people must decide

More Guyanese are seeing the light that becomes clearer by the day. The foreign oil companies are calling the shots, and Guyana’s Political leaders and groups are bending over backwards to get in line with their wishes, or make themselves impotent, so that they are not taken out. This was what was shared with the public in the article titled, ‘Int’l watchdog groups believe ExxonMobil calling the shots on Guyana’s oil…Article 13 says PPP/C Government dancing to companies’ tune to stay in power’ (KN October 3). That is also our belief and our position at this publication, and not only for the PPP/C Government seeking to stay in power, but also the APNU+AFC Coalition Opposition seemingly ready to do the same kind of dancing, so that it could go back in power.

We believe what we have shared before in this page. In nuanced language, the Americans have already read both the Government and the Opposition their version of oil’s Hippocratic oath. It is anyone daring to think of, or to touch the devastating 2016 oil contract to heal its pains, and there is the high risk of ending up with lots of political and leadership hurts.

This should present the clearest picture to all Guyanese, as to why the PPP/C Government (President, Vice President, and cheerleaders) and the APNU+AFC Coalition Opposition (Leader of the Opposition and others) are choosing their words with the greatest care, whenever any calls from citizens come about renegotiating the barbarous oil contract. Both political groups ensure that their public postures are like that of Boy Scouts and missionaries: they are nonthreatening, polite to a fault, and walk around on eggshells, whenever contract renegotiation is mentioned. Two points come to mind and are put to our fellow citizens in the form of questions. Who is running this country and who is really managing this great oil wealth of ours? Second, who is so boneless, spineless, and shameless among the lot of Guyanese Politicians and the two major political groups that they willingly and frantically dance to the tunes planted in their ears, running through their minds? Where is the burning patriotic blood in them that inspires each and everyone of them to draw a line, take a stand, and let whatever happens happen?

It is the future of Guyana that they should be fighting for, not holding onto power, or working behind the scenes to return to power. This is why they were put into office and given the reins of power, to lead the way, and clear away all obstacles that prevent Guyanese citizens from tasting the fullest fruits of their mineral wealth birthright. If they are too helpless, too cowardly, to move away from their resistances to renegotiation of this monstrous oil contract, then the Guyanese people know that they have to do, the way they must go. Since our Leaders and Governors resist getting better for us because they lack what women are not born with, then the Guyanese people must come to the awareness that they are on their own. That is, unless they do something, the oil will be pumped out and fetched out, and they will remain lifelong and generations long, paupers. The governance of this country and its oil wealth must be powered by the people. The disappointments and despairs of the Guyanese people must give them the strength and the guts to take their destiny into their own hands, for no one else will, since no Politician seems to have what it takes. Guyanese have been led by their nose and taken for a ride, while their compromised and weakened Governments have danced to the tune of foreign oil companies like ExxonMobil, and their ever watchful, ever supportive Governments. When we refused to sort our own troubles, we opened the door and invited the foreigners to come and befriend us, while solidifying their visions that enrich themselves. This is the one-sided bargain that we have signed-on to, this is what traps our Politicians and Governments. We, the Guyanese people, must come to our senses, shake off the shackles. If our leaders can’t be there for us, then we must do what has to be done for ourselves.

It’s difficult to predict when Guyanese will awaken to the reality of what’s happening

DEAR EDITOR, October 6th, 2022 marks the 42nd Anniversary of the FRAUDULENT 1980 Constitution. For 42 long years, the PNC and the PPP have ruled by fraud and force, completely unaccountable to the Guyanese nation and immune from prosecution.

The notoriously rigged Referendum of July 10th, 1978 paved the way for the PNC Government to put off general election due in October of that year for another two years while the party formulated its draft which was accepted by its two-thirds parliamentary majority and imposed on the Guyanese nation as the New People’s Constitution. Opposition to the Referendum of July 10th, 1978 was widespread and included the PPP, the WPA, other political parties, civil society, and thousands of Guyanese of different races and classes.

What is truly amazing is how this popular support that was mobilised to oppose the referendum accepted and has lived under the Burnham Constitution for 42 years fully aware of the process that led up to its imposition. The PPP that had boycotted the October 6th parliamentary session that ushered in the Constitution quietly returned to participate in the illegitimate parliament.

The ABC+EU turned a blind eye to the electoral frauds and the emergence of a bloody, brutal DICTATORSHIP under the PNC omnipotent leader LFS Burnham. There was no organised RESISTANCE to the Burnham DICTATORSHIP in the aftermath of WALTER RODNEY’S assassination. Burnham jok-

ingly said they scattered like goat shit! Most of the members of the Political Educational Bureau (PEB) and of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) deserted the party overnight. Those who remained quietly acquiesce the Burnham Constitution.

But the table turned following the collapse of the Soviet Union and Dr. Jagan, a rabid anti-imperialist somersaulted 360° into the mighty arms of US imperialism. Dr. Cheddi Jagan was a changed man, having spent 28 years in the political wilderness and had learned from his mistakes. He was a veteran politician, underestimated by the younger generation of political aspirants. With WALTER RODNEY and Burnham out of the way, he knew that the Guyanese people trusted him and he made many promises of the Dawn of a new era and the return of Democracy. He cunningly deceived Guyanese that rewriting the Burnham Constitution was first on his agenda fully aware that it would require a two-thirds majority and that the PNC would never agree with destroying the Burnham legacy.

Constitutional Reform was next placed on the agenda. Dr. Cheddi Jagan, author of the ‘West on Trial’ opened up the floodgates to the big Capitalist Consortiums, ‘OMAI’ was the first. Within less than a decade ‘OMAI’ charted off more gold from Guyana than the Spanish conquistadors carried away from the seat of the Inca empire Peru in 70 years yet there was no improvement in the living standards of the Guyanese nation nor

development. His successor Jagdeo used the powers of the Executive President in a manner that made the Burnham era pale into insignificance. He grounded the low-income Guyanese into poverty by imposing a 16% VAT on every item that sent the cost of living skyrocketing. His notorious black clothes police killed off hundreds of young Guyanese of African descent. The giveaway of our timber to Bai Shan Lin and our Canje and Kaieteur blocks to the big oil baron.

Given that the PPP leaders were granted immunity under the Burnham Constitution they returned less than 5 years later with an electoral victory over the PNC led coalition of parties which by some strange twist of fate included WALTER RODNEY’S Party, the WPA /R for Reform, and the AFC made up of a set of political rejects. After 23 years of tyrannical rule by the PPP, Guyanese felt for the PNC Coalition’s electoral ploy of ‘Vote like a Boss’, ‘jobs for young people’, ‘the good life’, ‘Constitutional Reform’, and more. The PPP were to pay for the atrocities they committed once they find their trail they were going to jail their tail. Guyanese quickly found out that the good life was only for the PNC and their acolytes. Nothing had changed, instead, poor people who were making a living outside the Stabroek Market were forcibly removed, mind you, these were supporters of the APNU+AFC. When Parliamentary sessions were in progress half of the city was closed to the public, even under the tyranny of

Burnham and Jagdeo this never happened. The APNU+AFC became Guyana’s worse nightmare.

Many people were happy to see the last of them and hoped after 19 months of titanic struggle and Covid lockdown that the PPP Government under President Irfaan Ali, would have brought some relief to the downtrodden Guyanese masses, especially with the ABC+EU countries advocating the need for Constitutional and electoral reform, but after two years and three mammoth size budgets exceeding gyd$1.5 Trillion, the plight of the poor and powerless Guyanese continues to worsen.

Constitutional Reform has been relegated to the back burner. While the PPP has clearly shown that our oil/ gas wealth benefits only the political Elites, party loyalists, their families, supporters, and financial backers, and from time to time behaving as benevolent rulers, giving out a little handout here and there. After 42 years of living under the FRAUDULENT Burnham Constitution, it’s difficult to predict when Guyanese will awaken to the reality of what’s happening…It took the Chileans over four decades to rid themselves of the draconian Pinochet Constitution and that process is still ongoing but Guyana is not Chile our historical circumstances differ. WALTER RODNEY in his short lifetime had shown the way forward.

Yours Faithfully, Desmond Alli (General Secretary, Guyana United Artists)

No hope-despair and decadence confront us

DEAR EDITOR,

The interminable, plaintive and useless cry of 90 percent of Guyanese were captured in the column, ‘The post-office: Keep complaining and people will be helped,’ penned by Freddie Kissoon, on Oct 03, 2022. This takes me back to September 21, 2022, when in ‘Noise Change will come – it will worsen,’ which was a response to the letter, ‘Land of the Cacophonous,’ alluded to by Shamshun Mohamed in his September 19, 2022 one, ‘DPP getting serious with noise nuisance.’ Thus, I am compelled to make comments.

Shamshun, like Freddie, is hoping in vain, that Guyana will change for the better, where ‘certain illegalities’ have been endorsed by the forces that be. Since much has been said (in vain too), about noise and traffic, two

permanent cultural, self-perpetuating depravities, initiating succeeding generations into ‘loudness of music’ and wildness of driving,’ I will only comment on the nature of basic services in Guyana.

Freddie Kissoon’s woes are replicated daily across all Guyana, barring a few places and only occasionally. But for first, let me share my encounter with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) in Brickdam.

Editor, it took me a total of eight years to get a house lot, in this land of underused and under populated Guyana. When the new Government took office in August 2020, I was hopeful of some kind of redress to accommodate backlogging. Maybe that was so, and I was ‘missed’ or was being waited upon to do ‘the norm,’ which meant a nepotistic or venal

route. In the end, I managed the first, through a kind ally of the ‘forces that be.’ As expected, I was elated and immediately proceeded to pay the required deposit. To make a long story short, it took me five hours to accomplish the feat. I had to go to the bank and endure the ordeal to ‘withdrawing my own money.’

Then, in fright, I traversed to Brickdam, joined three separate lines, and ultimately made my payment.

This is the ‘much vaunted and boast-about’ modern Guyana. Ask any few of the many visitors, here over the last few weeks, if they have to subject themselves to anything remotely close to this.

In the digital age, characterising the modern world, businesses and monetary transactions are expedited in a ‘few minutes of spare time,’ from an everyday

gadget, even on the roadside or while waiting in a car. I propose for debate that “Guyana is in a hole; it will never catch up.”

Freddie’s General Post Office (GPO), downtown, will never change. It is quintessential Guyana. Lodged in the psyche of Guyana’s leaders and citizens is a fossilized and impervious psyche. For example, when there are the building and resurfacing of roads, in Guyana, the norm in the developed world, here, they make for repeated and national headlines. Plus, whenever a new road is built, there is no talk about the depth; Guyanese only hear about the length. But we rejoice, as our minds have been conditioned to see ‘rights’ and ‘norms’ as huge blessings and signs of development. Will change come? You

Traffic Management

DEAR EDITOR,

Once more SN’s editorial of Tuesday October 04 has made some very cogent observations about the proliferation of weaknesses of the current blundering management (?) of increasing traffic.

The comments recall memories of a civil society arrangement where members and the police representatives would review and discuss not only the control of traffic, but the implications of accidents, and the health and economic survival or otherwise of the injured and drivers (some of whom also suffered).

In the light of the aforementioned Editorial it is arguable that some attention should be given to the resuscitation of such an oversight body whose membership

should consist, amongst others, of:

- Guyana Police Force - Guyana Medical Association

- Representation of the Insurance Companies

- Representation of Importers of Motor Vehicles

- Representation of Taxi Drivers

- Representation of Minibus Drivers

- Representation of Parent/Teachers Associations

and other identified related agencies, including towns and regional administrations; and reflectively, the judiciary to review legislation

The group would discuss and agree initially: - a Mission - comparabilities with other traffic management in identified territories e.g.

stricter training and licensing; accident reporting

- compensation for permanent injuries (in addition to insurance)

- the provision of public transport in areas of critical need

- a more comprehensive accident reporting format that takes amongst others, weather, lighting, and inadequate signals, into account - the strict scheduling of hours for heavy duty transport

Conce ivably the body should consider the construct of a strategic plan that would take into account future developed communities.

Hopefully t hey do not have to be limited to the above stimulant.

E.B. John

Oil cut – pain, possibility of gain

DEAR EDITOR,

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Guyanese are in for more pain. This would be at the pump, the market, the stores, and wherever business is conducted, and goods and services have to be purchased. OPEC+ just took away 2 million barrels of oil from global supply. How things have changed, how longstanding relationships come under stress, and how the players realign themselves and further their own interests.

Expectation of a million barrels of oil being taken off the supply table had already caused deep concern across the globe, already reeling from climate change, coronavirus, and Russian adventurism, with an emphasis on the latter’s “special military operation” in Ukraine. I thought that one million barrels removed from an already tight supply chain was it, that was pleaded against futilely. There was no reception in the OPEC+ community, probably none ever harboured. Now, the world has to deal with the effects of two million barrels gone from daily supply.

China and India had already positioned themselves nicely in the precarious oil equation. Now, as oil price rises, most likely somewhere north of US$100, which increasingly looks like favoured baseline, both China and India will likely not be as severely affected as others. The wishes and hopes of America (larger West) were largely ignored in that supply reduction, plus the press for price

caps on Russian fossil fuel output just ran into a roadblock. It is said that politics is war by other means, and the Russians manifested they are as good in the politics game, as any in the West.

Though fears lurk about a ‘hot war’ between adversaries, what has been playing out is more of the ebb and flow of a major economic battle for supremacy. Oil is key, and the oil weapon has been unsheathed remorselessly. In the middle of the hostilities between warring parties, a pain in the pancreas for places like Guyana, there is some lining amid the grim. I think of the grim first.

The PPP/C Government did commendably with fuel prices, regardless if overdue, or preemptive. But the OPEC+ cut just dented a hole in that 20 percent slash, more than overturned it; and it will be around for the next six months. Without the supply cut, ordinary Guyanese were already complaining that the benefits of the local price cut were not being experienced by them. I am sorry to report more rough weather for them, all of us. The pain is starting. Given that wrenching supply move, there is sure to be severe dislocation in lives globally; struggling, besieged Guyanese unspared. I anticipate that everything from bread to buses to banga-mary to bake and saltfish (and most other products) just crushed last week’s prices.

As said at the beginning, Guyana has opportunity, some room to maneuver and retable this country’s case,

while planting feet immovably. ‘Leaders’ feet, that is.

And that is, if they have the guts to go for the jugular. Tersely, Guyana’s current low six-figure contribution to the oil pool just assumed increasing weight. It can’t be at the same rate per pound; saying barrel or gallon is unnecessary since all understand. The Saudis grinned and bore their humiliation for decades, while they chafed under an unacceptably uneven oil relationship with monopolizing Americans. They turned the tables with full nationalization decades back, and now twist the knife, using OPEC+ as cover. To be straight, it is not the politics of revenge, but the politics of economics. In other words, business only, by seizing strategic openings and leveraging. Biden is dismissed, and America’s adversaries lead the way. Frankly, America and Europe suddenly find themselves being the humbled wearers of the other shoe.

Given circumstances, Guyana has its own chance to play hardball with Exxon. It either wants this oil on our terms, or packs its bags. Exxon was ruthless with its rackets in using Venezuela to beat us silly. Now, it is Guyana’s turn. We want more for our oil. Better terms, better returns, better and better

(Continued on page 6)

Who Is Responsible for Georgetown?

DEAR EDITOR,

The first or second question one asks of a country is the name of it’s capital city, for Guyana it’s Georgetown with a population of about two hundred thousand, one also wonder how a city this small with a small population is in such a deplorable state in many areas while being the capital city of the fastest growing economy in the world, the deplorable state of the city’s roads, drainage systems, sewer systems, livable infrastructure like hospitals, markets, police and fire stations, schools along with criminals and the mentally ill prowling around, among other deplorable aspects of the city . The pride of many great cities globally is the optimism for visitors to have a great experience while visiting the city, whether for work, tourism, business or just visiting , this starts from arriving via land, sea, or airport, travelling along bright, well maintained, smooth, and low traffic roads, and approach the city which invites visitors warmly with a beautiful skyline view.

Unfortunately for people coming to Georgetown via the Cheddi Jagan Airport, they must first go th rough the old fashion airport hassles in this modern-day age, must use substandard facilities although billions were spent to build and upgrade the airport, then drive along a congested jungle dam to get to Georgetown, and if there is a blackout all of one’s optimism for a great city experience changes to disgust and fatigue, those coming to the city via land and sea don’t have it better either because of the deplorable state of the roads.

So, who is responsible for improving the city from its current state?

Is it the Mayor and City Hall? Is it the Government?

Or is the RDC Officials of Region 4? Or who is responsible for what?

Or is this a case of too many officials spoil the city? And when will the citizens of Georgetown put an end to the nonsense for management that is plaguing their city?

With the amount of corporate offices and

foreigners in the city, the city coffers should have been overflowing with tax revenues or the corporations and foreigners in the city all have tax exempt status?

It is rumoured city employees don’t want to work because their party didn’t win the last national elections, if this is true, then what kind of nonsense is this? These employees would deliberately endanger and allow themselves and families to live in sub-standard health and living conditions just to spite the ruling government?

Also what is the current Mayor really doing?

At least ex-mayor Compton Young planted flowers, a while ago when Jagdeo got called out for corruption he shouted out ‘go and audit city hall’, seems like Jagdeo know a thing or two about corruption, it is time we hear from someone in authority on plans to improve the city, be it the Mayor, Region 4 RDC Officials, the Government or whoever has an interest, since the fastest growing country in the world deserve a much better capital city than this current one.

R. David

The Cricket Carnival clashes with Navratri

DEAR EDITOR,

As the dust slowly settles subsequent to the completion of the Caribbean Premier League 2022 version followed by the much-vaunted Carnival events, I must express my utter disgust over the fact that the aforementioned events were scheduled and coincided with the Great Hindu festival of Navratri during which the feminine aspect of god is propitiated. At the cricket we had some skimpily dressed young girls better known as cheer leaders gyrating in vulgar fashion. I am particularly concerned as well in regard to young children watching what kind of negative influence this must have on their impressionable minds. We in the West indies are real copy cats why do we need to adopt this from North American sports it is a most undesirable addition to the game and in

my opinion the matches will still be well attended without this sideshow.

No doubt there was a lot more alcohol and other drugs consumed during and after these events than would normally be the case in a country already beset by serious problems of Alcohol abuse and increasing use of Marijuana, Cocaine and other similar substances. During my brief remarks at Gandhi Youth Organization’s Navratri observance, I publicly stated that we Hindus are being disrespected by the authorities and coordinators of the infamous carnival in particular during one of our most auspicious spiritual observances, most devotees concurred with my observation. It is high time that we stand up and say not again during any one of our Major Parbs (festivals) otherwise we Hindus most make our voices heard in no uncertain language that it will not be tolerated. If we need to protest to get the

message across then we must do so.

I am wondering if these events were scheduled during the Eid or at Easter for example if the Christians and Muslims would not feel very offended? I am positive that the answer to my rhetorical question is yes.

Consequently, I am asking the Government and Cricket officials to make immediate plans to schedule cricket at an appropriate time for future tournaments but more importantly that the Government rethinks its decision to continue with the Carnival event which clearly takes vulgarity and lewdness to a new level in a country beset by increasing violence against women and increasing instances of immoral conduct in the general populace. We already have Mashramani which affords those so inclined to ‘carry on’ publicly in the streets.

Yours Sincerely, Chris Persaud

We can do better!

DEAR EDITOR,

The Cricket Carnival Season 2022 has come to a close and I wish to extend my congratulati ons to the organisers.

It is my hope that our great country continues to improve its sport and entertainment industry offerings.

However, regarding the Road Parade last Sunday, I must confess my absolute detest for the ongoing bias seen in the dress of the revelers.

The women are tramping down the road almost completely naked while their male counterparts are fully clothed.

I do not think this is fair or balanced at all.

The costume designers and the bands or whoever is responsible need to design and mandate costumes that are equally exposing both genders to participate in the bands.

Personally, I believe the women’s costumes in the Region these days are way too tiny and uncomfortable looking for a street parade in the general public and the display seen last weekend was too vulgar.

But if this is the trend we are following, the men participating must be similarly scantily clad.

They must diet and exer-

cise all year like the women do to fit in these ridiculous outfits and be exposed in public for the delight of us women too.

Either both genders do it or neither of them does.

It’s only fair.

In addition, the lack of professionalism of the videographers must also be highlighted.

I think it’s possible to capture scantily clad people dancing and having a good time at the street parade without super zooming in in-between their legs or on their crotches. No?

I hope we can do better.

Respectfully submitted, Cricket Carnival Fan

Oil cut – pain, possibility of gain...

From page 5 in every area of that dastardly contract. As an American, I hate to say it, but must. America is not Guyana’s friend, but its own best friend. Leaders in the PPP/C Govern-

ment (and PNC Opposition) can’t be this stupid, this slothful, this squeamish as not to discern what is before us.

He who seizes the moment just built his own express track

to the bank. And the Guyanese people could get to experience a little idea of what it means to be oil owners and producers of oil.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

No hope-despair and decadence...

From page 4 tell me. But for now, my second comment, here is another ‘illegal norm.’

Annandale North Market Road, on the western side, between Narine and Ramsingh streets, there is a twin-lot junk yard.

The twin lot is an impediment to daily living for marketers, pedestrians and drivers.

Vehicles, on business at the junk yard, encroach onto the Market Road, making life difficult, especially when students from Annandale Secondary are going to and from school.

Run-down snack stands accommodate buyers in vehicles, so that even walking is affected.

This junk yard has junk in an empty lot that is now over-filled. Then on the road, the actual Ramsingh street, heading west, the space leading to the drain is filled with the junk, or we can say, old pieces of vehicles.

This is because the owner sees this as the norm.

He has overfilled his pavement, all around his fence, and so the actual road

is the next step.

And why not? Afterall, having such a business at that location is okay.

So, the rest- blocking the road, encroaching the side walk, and burning debris, etc., all followed suit.

Such practices are widespread.

The President and his Vice, as well as the Attorney General, all know this.

In fact, the President and his AG made a regal visit to this village not too long ago.

And they had to see this morass, to which I add a few more ‘entrenched and endorsed illegalities’- the mechanic who has abandoned vehicles on Big Dam, leading to the high school, the Saturday and Sunday vendors at the entrance from Main Road (Leading into the Market Road), the ‘car park’ on the two sides of the road just mentioned, and I can go ‘on and on.’

In fact, even as I write on this Wednesday, the M onday garbage pick-up never occurred.

This village too epitomizes Guyana.

I mean, a Presidential en-

tourage came, saw the shambles, gorged (duckcurry-curried duck?) and over all, had a ball with the people, then left to ‘live happily ever after.’

What is the net effect? No change.

I recall the Village Council for the area (housed at the run-down Lusignan Community Centre ground) doing the routine scooping of the drains in Annandale, and guess what?

The refuse, comprising scum, sewage, slime, sludge, and swill, was left at the two side of the road.

What has not been washed down by the rain and pressed down by wide vehicles, is there.

It will remain there, as it is supposed to be there, since this is Guyana

Enough said, but I will iterate incessantly that Guyana is a forsaken and decaying land.

Just investigate and find out who goes for Medicare where and whose children are born outside of Guyana and who studies where. I rest my case.

Yours truly, Prescott Mann

BLUNT

Do PPP leaders stand for anything these days?

The PPP in recent years do not celebrate October 5- the so called return to democracy like they did before. Perhaps an acknowledgement that the hard work by Cheddi Jagan is being undermined daily by this new breed of Freedom House leaders.

Look at oil Guyana today; the people who loved Jagan, now attack those who mention what he stood for and against. The Yanks win again; always win. With leaders that can't stand straight. Can't look straight in the eye. Can't speak straight.

They are good at counting their chips, which can be changed for wads of cash. Now, the clarion call is 'Up with capitalism! 'Down with doomsayers and naysayers questioning capitalism's crimes and criminals. The latter are Politicians, the cast of pundits, and oil men running rackets here.

SOL must fork out $2B owed in taxes to GRA...ascourtstrikesdownapplicationtoappealassessment

SOL Guyana Inc. has lost an appeal before Madam JusticeDamoneF J.Younge overthepaymentof$2.7Bin Corporation Taxes owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority(GRA).

The judgment was handed down on September 30, 2022. SOL had filed a Fixed Date Application seeking an order to expand the time to file an appeal in thecase.

According to the Applicant, GRA had raised anassessmentofcorporation tax against it for the years 2014 to 2020 which totaled $2,713,212,251.00.

The Applicant objected to the assessments and

communicated same to the Respondent by letter dated October 13, 2021, in which the grounds for the objections were set out in somedetail.

The respondent subsequently wrote to the Applicantindicatingthatthe Authority maintains its assessment of corporation taxfortheyearsmentioned.

By way of letter dated June17,2022,theApplicant told the court that it had signaled to the Respondent its intention to appeal its assessment of corporation tax and also requested approval “to post a bond, guaranteeoranyappropriate form of security in lieu of taxes”assuretyforitsappeal

against the Respondent's assessment.

In that letter it was furtherstatedthat“giventhe size of the company's operations in Guyana, the quantum of the assessment,

the impact of rising commodity prices, and in reviewing the company's financial obligations in Guyana,thecompanywillbe severely impacted from a cash flow perspective if it attempts to settle the assessed tax, and is indeed unabletodoso.”

Byitsownadmission,as at June 17, 2022 when approvalwassoughttolodge abond,theApplicanthadnot yetsecuredthebond.

The Applicant claimed,

atparagraph9ofitsAffidavit in Support, that it “took all necessary steps to effect the bond by engaging the services of its insurance broker for the purpose of lodging same” and that despite the insurance broker's best efforts “the bond could not be put in place prior to June 27, 2022.”

The Court was keen to notethateventhoughSOL's Application was filed after June 27, 2022, no evidence ofabondwasputbeforeit.

Nonetheless, the company's request for approval was not favorably considered by GRAand this was stated in a letter dated June 24, 2022 addressed to

Counsel for the Applicant. The Applicant contended that the failure of the Respondenttorespondtoits request to lodge a bond as suretybeforeJune24,2022, frustratedits right to appeal, which formed the basis of the proceedings that followed.

The Applicant further contended that it could not lodge a bond to secure its appeal unless and until the Respondentapprovedofit.

SOL said GRA later issued a document to it urging the payment of the taxesowed.

Thecompanysaiditwas able to get an Interim Order grantedbytheCourtstaying the Execution of the Notice of Intended Judgment until the hearing and the determination of this Fixed DateApplication.

GRA in response vehemently denied frustrating the company's ability to appeal its assessment and contended that it was the applicant's o w n a c t i o n s t h a t prevented it from appealing in time, since at the time the request was made to lodge a bond, the applicant was not even in a positiontodoso.

The authority's position was that it acted in

compliancewiththelaws.

In its ruling, the court said it finds it difficult to a c c e p t t h a t t h e Commissioner General would be called upon to grant approval of a bond, sightunseenwherenoactual bond was put before him or where, for instance, he had no information on the proposedbondoranykindof undertaking from an insurancebrokerorfinancial institution as the case may be.

Having carefully considered the fixed date application, together with the affidavit evidence, and having also considered written submissions of counsel for both parties, the court said it holds that the full payment of disputed taxes or the lodging o f t h e b o n d o r g u a r a n t e e i s a precondition before therightofappealagainstan assessment under the Income Tax Act can be exercised.

Thecourtalsofoundthat the applicant did not satisfy the pre-condition for appeal setoutinthelawsoithasno rightofappeal.

GRA also won costs to the tune of $250,000 which is to be paid by Sol before October24,2022.

Inclusionary democracy is a euphemism for consultative democracy

Bharrat Jagdeo needs no reminder about Article 13 of the Constitution. The amendment of the 1980 Constitution, which enacted the present Article 13, was assented to under his remit.

Article 13 (the so-called inclusionary article) of the present Constitution is different in context from Article 13 of the 1980 Constitution. In yesterday’s edition of the Kaieteur News, one letter writer, alleging that Jagdeo was intolerant to criticism, claimed that that Article 13 existed almost verbatim to the 1980 Constitution.

A comparison may be helpful in determining whether this is so. Article 13 of the 1980 Constitution states: ‘The principal objective of the political system of the State is to extend socialist democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens in the management and decisionmaking processes of the State.’

Article 13 of the present Constitution states: ‘The principal objective of the political system is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.’

On face value it may appear that the two provisions are almost verbatim. But the context makes them entirely different concepts. In the 1980 Constitution, the principal objective of the country’s political system was to extend socialist democracy. In the Constitutional Reform process the principal objective of the political system was no longer about

extending socialist democracy but about promoting inclusionary democracy.

Inclusionary democracy is a bourgeois concept, contrived by the Washington Consensus, to deceive the masses into believing that they have a say or ought to have a say in the manner in which the State is managed. In a subsequent column, I will dissect the bourgeois roots of inclusionary democracy.

In the 1980 Constitution, citizens’ participation in decision-making and management of the State had a socialist orientation. In fact, at the local government level Burnham was moving closer towards the Cuban model through the establishment of supreme organs of democratic power such as the National Congress of Local Democratic Organs and the Supreme Congress of the People.

The latter, the Supreme Congress of the People, flouted the concept of the separation of powers. It coopted all members of the National Assembly and the National Congress of Local Democratic Organs and, like Cabinet, was an advisory body to the President. This was Burnham’s idea of extending socialist democracy.

The subsequent amendment to Article 13 watered down socialist democracy to inclusionary democracy. Inclusionary democracy is a euphemism for consultative democracy.

This is why there is a clause in the present Article 13 which speaks to ‘particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.’ In other words, inclusionary democracy is really about consulting the people about matters which affect their well-being; it is not about making them part of the substantive and overall

Dem boys seh...

political management of the State.

Article 13 is a bourgeois concept. This is one of the reasons why elements of the professional, academic and the middle and petite bourgeois classes are so fond of it. They see it as a backdoor mechanism which entitles them to a say in national affairs regardless of whether they represent a constituency or the size of any such constituency. Four or five persons can form a group and contend that they have a right to be consulted since some policy will affect them.

When the Vice President therefore holds a consultation about the construction of a road, it is a form of consultative democracy and falls within the rubric of inclusionary democracy. So the Government satisfies the form of inclusionary democracy when it hosts these talk-shop consultations to give the stamp of public ownership to decisions of the ruling political elite.

It is a paradox to speak of inclusionary democracy when there is an Executive President in which full executive authority is reposed. Not even the combined Cabinet can overrule the President.

The Cabinet is only advisory to the President. All the Ministers can do is to advise the President. No wonder some Ministers are paralyzed when it comes to making decisions. They know they have to clear things with the big honcho. Taking initiative and making decision on the spot runs the risk of doing something which will not find favour with the President and thus subject the Ministers to being admonished.

Such a system produces a certain kind of Minister. One day, we may end up with Ministers having to seek Presidential approval to go to

Dem fuhget Grandpa Cheddi!

Just imagine how dese chaps ungrateful. De 30th anniversary come and fly by and nobody nah even blink wan eye or whisper a word.

But yuh know why? Some ah dem believe dem greater dan Papa Cheddi. Dem believe dem is de best thing dat happen to Guyana since slice bread.

Dem fuhget de 30th anniversary but dem talking about a modular refinery fuh process a maximum of 30,000 barrels per day. A few years ago, dem bin hemming and hawing about proposal

fuh a refinery. Wan a dem bin claim how is risky business. But now it look as if dem changing dem mind. With a refinery de country at greater risk of de Dutch disease because is a greater share of de economy gan be oil.

We nah even gat enough workers fuh build house in de country. And we going to build refinery. Where we gan get de workers from and wah gan happen to de odder sectors? Where dem gan get workers from? We might end up worse dan Venezuela.

De Vee Pee did jump up

and seh how de fossil fuels production gat a narrow window and suh we gat to pump as much as we can and as fast as we can. Suh how come now de govament interested in mekkin a longterm investment if oil is short-life business?

Dat nah mek sense. But is de same fuh everything de govament doing in de oil and gas sector. Cheddi win victory fuh dem and dem turn dem back pon he. Wah yuh think dem gan do too to awe?

Talk half, leff half.

the toilet.

But such a system lends itself to micromanagement.

No wonder a former head of GOINVEST once described a former President as being a

control freak.

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

Open letter to Isabelle DeCaires and Ian McDonald

Ihave been given permission by the a u t h o r o f a conversation with the editor in chief of the Stabroek News,Mr.AnandPersaud,to publish its content with the request that his name be omitted for now. The author informedmethatMr.Persaud has given him permission to quote him. I will refer to the person as American Scholar (AS)

IrangMr Persaudforhis comments on his exchange with AS Mr Persaud acknowledged what he conveyed toAS but declined to speak on the positions he took with regards to the publications of the letters sentbyAStoStabroekNews overthepastfewmonths;Mr Persaud has refused to print all of the letters. Financial expert,Mr.JoelBhagwandin told me I can quote him that he does not get his letters to StabroekNewspublished.

Thisgentlemanisasenior American-Guyanese scholar

whoworksatoneofthemost prestigiousuniversitiesinthe world where he holds the statusofprofessor

His publications of refereed books and refereed academic article are impressive. Below is what ASwrotetome.

“I called and spoke to Anand Persaud at SN and he acknowledged receiving my letters Said they weren't published because they are critical of civil society groups, includingArticle 13.

Isaidwhydon'tyoupublishit and let the public decide. He hadnoanswertothat.

I reminded him that SN had published numerous articles - actually a couple hundredatleast.Iaskedwhat haschanged,andshockingly hesimplysaidoilandgas.He characterized my employer (GoG) as my minder I objected.

ItoldhimIknowpersons like Christopher Ram are honorable and with high credibility Ithenpointedout

thatmyarticlewasonArticle 13, and no individual was named and that was intentional.

Ibasicallysaidtohimthat anorganizationlikeA13can anddoeshaveapersonality.

I told him I drew on the workofLacanandpresented arguments based on his very influentialwork.

He still characterized my a r t i c l e a s h a v i n g adhomeniem I strongly disagreed. I asked him if I could consider the conversation a matter of recordandhesaidyes.

I asked him if it is not importanttogettheviewsof someone at GoG (Ali Administration). He said no, not if they criticize civil societygroups.

I told him that many of Article 13 statements are clearly and conspicuously inaccurateanduntruthful.He brushedthatoff.

The conversation lasted about 10 minutes and it took place at around 11:15 this

morning-October5,adayof extraordinary coincidence. I would appreciate it if you would write something on this. Many more things were said but I can only relate in person.

He said they don't take calls on letters. I acknowledged that and thanked him for speaking withme.Iwouldcharacterize the tone as defensive and combative at the same time but still salute to picking up thephone.

It did not matter to him that I am a highly qualified individual.ItoldhimIdid37 yearsofuniversityteaching.I will send you a write-up on me.”

When I spoke to the editor in chief he was arrogant in his tone. He did not see that what AS is complaining about does not happen in the real world of journalism.

I have been associated withtheKaieteurNewssince its formation 28 years ago

and I know Mr Glenn Lalland its past editors including the present one, Ms. Sharmain Grainger will never tell a letter writer – “we will not carry your letter because you criticise this or that organisation.”

The sacred principle of journalism is that people have a right to have their views published save for libelous content, scurrilous style and dangerous advocacy

A person who does not believe Obama was a competent president; Sachin Tendulker was a brilliant cricketer; Mandela was an effective president; have a right to have their views published.

Even the dull and ignorant must be allowed to havetheirsay

I know Mr Ian McDonald would never agree with what Mr Persaud pronounced in that

FrederickKissoon

conversation. I think, though I may be wrong, he is the chairman of the board of the Stabroek News.

Ms. Isabelle DeCaries, the majority shareholder in the Stabroek News, three times published letters castigatingme.

TheKNdidnotrefuseher publications critical of its columnist. I am calling on Ms DeCaires who administers Moray House to allowAStohavehisanalyses printed. Mr Persaud's edict isindefensible.

Let's hear what the Guyanese society has to say This is a dangerous turn in Guyana.Wemustspeakout.

(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 opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Woman nabbed in sting operation taking 14-yr-old girl to work at interior bar

A35 year old woman was on Wednesday nabbed by police during an sting operation taking a 14year-old girl from Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) to work at a bar in Blue Mountain Backdam, Region Seven.

Ranks intercepted the womanaround13:30hrsjust moments after she stepped off a boat at the Bartica Stelling. They also busted her with some 438 grams marijuana concealed in a brown haversack she was carrying. Kaieteur News was told that a police operation was set up to intercept the woman after detectives received information that she was involved in human trafficking.Ranksdecidedto stake out the stelling and when they spotted the woman and the girl they madetheirmove.Theywere taken to the Bartica Police Station and a search was conducted on them. Ranks discovered the illegal drugs in the woman's possession and she admitted that the narcoticsbelongedtoher

They arrested her immediately and placed her

in the lock ups The detectives then decided to call in the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) and the Trafficking in Persons unit (TIP) to assist them in investigating the allegations made that she

work Kaieteur News u n d e r s t a n d s t h a t investigators are at this time trying to find out if the womanhadinthepasttaken other underage girls or boys toworkininteriorlocations.

As investigation into the

wastraffickingthelittlegirl.

According to police an interview was conducted with the girl and she disclosed that the woman was “taking her to work at shop in Blue Mountain Backdam, to sell alcoholic beverages” and stated that theyarefriends.

Investigators on Thursday told Kaieteur News that the girl's parents were also questioned. They too said that the woman is knowntothemandtheywere aware that the girl was heading to the backdam to

trafficking allegations continues, police have placed the girl in the care of CPAandchargedthewoman withtheillegalpossessionof narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. She made her first court appearance on Thursday at the Bartica Magistrate's Court before Principal Magistrate Crystal Lambert The woman pleaded not guilty and bail wasgranted.However,upto press time she was still in police custody because she wasnotabletoraisethebail amount.

Govt.'s 'free cement and steel' Initiative for year-end roll out

Pe r s o n s

constructing

homes costing up to $25 million will soon be able to benefit from cement and steel as part of the Government's homebuilders supportinitiative.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Sherwyn G r e a v e s , s a i d t h e Government is expected to invest approximately $700 million in the programme by theendoftheyear

In July, President Irfaan Ali announced that persons constructing homes costing $6 million or less, will be given the steel needed and one sling of cement for the construction of the foundation.

For home builders spending $6 million to $25 million,theGovernmentwill providetwoslingsofcement.

Greaves explained that the modalitiesoftheprogramme havebeenworkedoutandthe Ministry is now moving to the tendering stage, where it will be seeking out suppliers to provide the materials to

qualifiedpersons.

“We want to make this process as transparent as possiblesowearemovingto a process of tendering. But, mostimportantly,wewantto ensure that everyone gets a

fairchanceandso,wewillgo all across the regions,” the CEOsaid,whilespeakingon thesidelinesofthelaunching of the Bartica, Region 7 housing programme on Tuesday.

He added, “And so, let's sayforexample,aswearein Region 7 here today, we want all the suppliers of cementandsteelinRegion7 tobegivenachancetotender forthisprogramme.”

Greaves pointed out that once a person owns land

coupledwithahousingplan, and approached the bank for a loan to commence construction, they will be supplied with the materials. Qualified persons will be issued with a voucher to purchase the materials at selectedmerchants.

“Persons must be aware that we will have officers following up to ensure they receive what they are supposedtoreceiveandthey utilise it to the fullest,” the CEOfurtherexplained.

He said that the programme is ongoing and so,thosepersonswhoareyet to approach the banks for loans or are still waiting to identify their lands will benefitfromtheprogramme. The initiative adds to the host of measures already implemented by the PPP/C Government to ensure citizens are allowed to achieve homeownership in keeping with its manifesto promise.

(DPI)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Sherwyn Greaves

OGGN supports use of electronic voting for future elections

With Local Government E l e c t i o n s

(LGE) just months away, civil society group, 'Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN)'hasjoinedcallsfor theuseofelectronicvotingin futurepolls.

The group has pointed Guyana to neighbouring Brazil which it said recently conducted elections with its more than 200 million citizens, but was still able to give the result of the process inlessthan12hours.

In a public comment, group member, Andre Brandli , said that Brazil has been using electronics in voting for more than a century and it has worked quite well for the millions of people using the electoral system. He highlighted that manyoftheinstancesrelating to electoral fraud has be removed or reduced due to the use of the system and urged that Guyana take its cueinthisregard.

“Have a look at Brazil, our neighbour to the south

covering49percentofSouth America's land mass with a population of 216 million people 270 times that of Guyana,” Brandli said. He explained that Brazil's elections were held last Sunday, October 2, 2022 to elect the President, Vice President, and the National Congress.

Inaddition,electionsfor Governors and Vice Governors, State Legislative Assemblies, were held at the same time in 26 states and 1 federal district “Most amazingly,” he posited, “the resultsofthatvoteweremade publiclessthantwelvehours after the last polling stations had closed. ” Brandli continued that Brazil was abletoachievethisby“using an electronic voting system that has been working smoothly for more than a quartercentury.”

Electronic voting was first introduced in 1996 and since 2000, elections in Brazil have been held completelyelectronically

“This has prevented the

manipulation of ballot boxes thatwaspreviouslycommon.

In addition, the number of invalid votes has been reduced because voters who cannot read or write were often overwhelmed before.”

Brandli went on that Brazilianvotersusedtohave

the156millionvotersarenot connected to the internet. Theyaredeployedtopolling stations throughout the vast country from densely populated urban centers in the south to the most remote regions in theAmazon basin to the north. The electronic

because the receipt would allow vote buyers to verify that a voter voted as promised.”

In addition, Brandli said that a candidate could more easily claim that there were irregularities in the elections during parallel vote counts, justlikeDonaldTrumpdidin theUSPresidentialElections of 2020. He noted however, that “given the long track record of Brazil's electronic voting system, GECOM should seriously consider adoptingitforGuyana'snext and any future general elections.”

numerous calls for the integration of biometrics systems into the voting process, with even Government Commissioners backing the idea and stating too that the idea was originally one from the governingparty

to write in their candidates' numbers. Now, he said, they enteracode,seethephotoof the person selected and confirm the person with a greenbutton.

Those who wish to abstainorevenvoteinvalidly sincevotingiscompulsoryin Brazil,canalsopressawhite button, he informed. “The electronic ballot boxes for

ballot boxes function autonomously,” the OGGN memberhighlighted.

Hesaidthattheresultsof each polling station are printed out at the end of voting and posted publicly The hard drive with the voting results is taken in a sealed envelope to the next electoral court in the constituent state, and the results are transmitted by internet or satellite (in the Amazonregion,forexample) directly to Brasilia to the SupremeElectoralCourt.“A printoutofaperson'svoteas proof is not permitted,

He reminded that Guyana's General Elections of March 2, 2020, were marred by irregularities during the vote counting process, which led to a recount supervised by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Subsequently, he continued, election petitions were filed at the Guyana's HighCourt,whichstillawait finalresolution.

Guyana's electoral systemincurrentlyburdened with two topical issue- that being a clean voters list and the use of better voting systems Opposition Commissioners at the GECOM have made

At a Press Conference at t h e A r t h u r C h u n g Conference Centre in August, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo said that his Government did not support the use of the biometrics which could be used for ulterior motives such as preventing people from voting.

“We will not support the use of biometrics as a restriction on people's right tovote,”Jagdeohadsaid.He suggested that if the biometric system is introduced, it could potentially become a tactic used to challenge election resultsandtheGovernmentis not “going to fall into that trapagain."Asitrelatestothe voters list, the Opposition is not against holding off the LGE until it is addressed. They have in fact urged that no elections be held until an earnest look at the issues facing the electoral system.

The GECOM is still to finaliseitsLGEdate.

Truck gets 5 years for businessman's death

Man charged for killing La Grange woman

Police on Thursday chargedtheboyfriendofthe La Grange woman who was founddeadlastweekFriday

Dead, Nigel Cush

slamMasood,a44-year-oldtruck

AdriverwasonThursdayjailedfor five years after admitting that he had caused the death of city businessman, NigelCush,46,bydrivingdangerously Masood of Lot 10 Supply Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) appeared at the GeorgetownMagistrate'sCourtsbeforeChief Magistrate, Ann McLennan charged with causingdeathbydangerousdriving.Afterthe chargewasreadtohim,Masooddidnotwaste the court's time and pleaded guilty to the offence. Kaieteur News understands that he apologised for his reckless driving which caused Cush's tragic demise. He also related that on the night of the accident he was overcome with sleep and lost control of the

sandtruckhewasdriving.

Cush was killed during the wee hours of Thursday September 15, 2022 last after Masood's truck bulldozed his Toyota Rav 4 into a light pole at the junction of Cemetery RoadandMandelaAvenue.

CCTV cameras showed that Cush was turning out of Cemetery Road and onto southern carriageway of Mandela Avenue whenMasoodjumpedtheredlightathisend andcrashedintohim.

Thebusinessmanwasreportedlykilledon thespotandjustafewmetersawayfromhis RoxanneBurhamGardenshome.Hewasthe owner of the popular 'Grill and Jerk Bar' locatedatthecornerofCummingsStreetand SouthRoad.

The defendant identified as Ryan Johnson had reportedly confessed to choking the woman, NirmalaSukhai,33,todeath onFridaylast.Johnsonmade his first court appearance virtually at the Wales Magistrate's Court on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) The indictable chargeofmurderwasreadto him by Magistrate Faith McGusty and he was not requiredtoplea.

Johnson has been remanded to prison until October, 27, 2022 According to reports, Sukhai, the woman he confessed to killing, was found dead around 16:00hrs inside her Lot 35 Factory Dam,LaGrange,WestBank Demerara (WBD) home by her 58-year-old mother who had gone there to pay her a visit.PolicesaidSukhaiwas foundlyingfacedownonher bed with blood oozing from her mouth. Her body was

Remanded, Ryan Johnson

clad in a pink top.Apair of short pants was found close by A knife was also found underherbody

An investigation later found that she was last seen alive close to midnight on Thursday drinking with some individuals at a bar located at the head of her street. Detectives were able to track down Johnson, and later arrested him He identified himself to police as Sukhai's boyfriend and confessed that he had

Murdered, Nirmala Sukhai

choked her to death during an argument over another man.Headmittedtobeinga part of the drinking session with Sukhai Johnson allegedthatwhiletheywere d r i n k i n g , S u k h a i “disappeared with another man in the back yard of the bar” and this made him angry.Theyleft and went to her house and started arguing again. The suspect further alleged that they started fighting and he choked her until she was unresponsive. An autopsy later confirmed that Sukhai d i e d o f m a n u a l strangulation.

No bail for Albouystown men who robbed soldier at gunpoint

Two men from

Albouystown,

Georgetown, were on Wednesday remanded to prison for robbing a 23-year old Guyana Defence Force (GDF)rankatgunpointofthe force'sHondaXRmotorcycle, an iPhone and $15,000 cash while he was visiting his girlfriendontheEastCoastof Demerara(ECD).

The defendants were identified as Brandon Robinson, 18, of Hunter Street, Albouystown and Junior Jordan, 32, a Labourer of Non Pariel Street,

Albouystown and according to police they had allegedly robbed the soldier, Marlon Reynolds on September 29 last at Good Hope, Phase Three,ECD.

Robinson and Jordan madetheircourtappearanceat the Cove and John Magistrate's Court and were charged with robbery under arms. The charge was laid indictably against them and theywerenotrequiredtoplea. Robinson and Jordan are expectedtomaketheirsecond courtappearanceon (Continuedonpage20)

Remanded, Junior Jordan

Remanded, Brandon Robinson

Poor working conditions force Guyanese teachers into early retirement

Th e G u y a n a Teachers' Union (GTU) said a numberofteachershavebeen opting for early retirement due to poor working conditions and Government not respecting agreements andtheirrights.

As such the union called for the proper recognition of teachers in the country for their hard work and dedicationinhelpingtobuild thenation.

Theunion'scallwasmade in its World Teacher's Day message on Wednesday. The occasion was celebrated under the theme: 'The Transformation of Education BeginswithTeachers.'

The GTU in its Teacher's Day message stated that the COVID-19 pandemic which left nations trying to recover from learning loss, saw teachers at the helm of this recovery Guyaneseteachers, the GTU said, have made an indelible mark. “We have produced scholars for almost everycountryintheworld.

Sadly, many of these scholars have left our shores due to a lack of recognition for their contribution,” the statementnoted.

The GTU stated that it notices scores of teachers opting for voluntary early retirement and noted that these professionals can offer more years of service if only theyarerespectedandtreated decently

“Respects our rights by making our lives less burdensome through providingbetterfacilitiesand equipment, better salaries, treating us professionally, honouring agreements signed, consulting us before decidingonpolices,etc,”the GTUfurthersaid.

Lastly, in stating that

Guyanese teachers are seldomlyrecognisedfortheir contribution, the Union suggests that there should be more ceremonies to acknowledge hard working teachersinGuyana.“Finally, the Guyana Teachers' Union wishes all teachers, present and past, a productive Teachers'Dayandhopesthat proper recognition of teacherswillberealizedsince the nation's sustenance directly depend on us teachers,”themessagestates.

Meanwhile, for his part, PresidentIrfaanAliPresident statedthatthisyear'sthemeis important because the transformation of the education system rests heavily on teachers being equippedandcapabletomeet the transformation and aspirations of the sector In supporting teachers across thecountry,thePresidentsaid thatsoonthegovernmentwill be establishing day care centres to support teachers andyoungmotherswhowant to advance and who should not be denied the advancement of their career Also, with the many challengesteachersfaced,he assured them that the Government will not turn a blind eye and that the issues willberesolved.

Teachers at the Black Bush branch being celebrated. (Photo credit: GTU)

Legislation to be introduced to develop Early Warning Systems

Provisions will soon be made in Guyana's legislation to allow for the development of Multi-Hazard EarlyWarningSystems(MHEWS) inGuyana.

MHEWS can address several hazardsand/orimpactsofasimilar ordifferenttypeinsituationswhere hazardouseventsmayoccuralone, simultaneously, cascading or cumulativelyovertime,takinginto account the potential interrelated effects.

These developments will be made possible through targeted investments by the Government, which will be allocated to improving Early Warning Systems in Guyana. Speaking Thursday at the opening of the Improving Multi Hazard Early Warning Systems'GovernanceConsultation with National Disaster Risk Management Offices in the Caribbean workshop, Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret'd) Mark Phillips,saidtheconsultationisan importantoneforthecountry

“The importance of Multi HazardEarlyWarningSystemsfor national and local Government cannot be underscored It is important that we have this

consultation on a regular basis so that a country like Guyana can updateandimproveonwhatweare doingintheareasofEarlyWarning, because as you heard before, early warning saves lives, and if we can forecastandwecanwarnpeopleat an early time of any upcoming disaster, it can also minimise the damage that people suffer during times of disaster,” he said at the event held at the Herdmanston Lodge.

The Prime Minister noted that

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, (centre) and other stakeholders of the 'Improving Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS)' workshop on Thursday

Guyana's vulnerability to multihazards, specifically floods and droughts, has been further exacerbated by climate change.As such, the development of early warning systems that are end-toendandpeople-centrediscriticalat this time. “The Government is committed to ensuring these provisions in our legislation to support the Early Warning Systems Guyana's efforts at improving Information and CommunicationTechnology(ICT)

willallowustotransitiontoabetter system of what is termed impactbased forecasting. Our plans to ensure that Multi-Hazard Early WarningSystems,however,willbe based on sound scientific and technical approaches that are centredaroundthoseinoursociety who are most at risk or most vulnerable,” the Prime Minister relayed.

He assured that plans for improving and digitising risk data across all sectors, while

simultaneously considering the changing reality and potential for the development of new multihazardriskswillbeaddressed.

“Wearecommittedtoensuring thatalloureffortsarealignedwith Guyana's country work programme, our Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, CDEMA's Comprehensive DisasterManagementStrategy,and theSendaiFrameworkforDisaster Risk Reduction.” Prime Minister (Continuedonpage22)

GTI teen died of fractured skull

2 persons in custody

A

s the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to investigate the motive behind the brutal attack on Government Technical Institute (GTI) student, Samuel Grannum, a post mortem examination conductedonhisremainson Wednesday revealed that he diedofafracturedskull.

The post mortem result was confirmed by one of Grannum's relatives who told this publication yesterdaythattheyoungman will be buried on Monday Still seeking justice for him, the family member related that based on information received, police have arrested two persons in relationtothematter

This publication had reported that 19 year-old Grannum passed away on Monday after being beaten by a group of men at a bus parkonFridaylast.

A c c o r d i n g t o information reaching this publication, the incident which claimed the life of GrannumofLot19Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara occurred around 15:45hrs at Croal S t r e e t , S t a b r o e k , Georgetown in the vicinity oftheroute45minibuspark. Police said based on information received so far, Grannumwasatthebuspark where he was confronted by several males who lashed himabouthisbodyandhead withagolfclubandescaped in a motorcar which has not yetbeenidentified.

AninjuredGrannumwas rushed to the Georgetown PublicHospitalfortreatment

butwaslatertransferredtoa privatehospital.

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Tuesday, one of Grannum's aunts, Marcia Grannum, had related that what she understands, on Fridayafternoonhernephew wasatthebuspark,withone ofhisschoolfriends.

“I not sure if they were sitting or standing but they were there, and the friend, I don't know who the friend saw, but he said to my nephew'runGrannum',sohe was like why you running and he (friend) start running and the mob start running too, but my nephew run probably late and they caughtupwithhimandthey beathimup,”sherelated.

Marcia said that she learnt that the gang attacked her nephew with hockey sticks, baseball bat, wood andbottles.

The woman had stated that while they are still waiting for answers they are convinced that the attackers had mistaken Grannum for someoneelse.

According to her, they arenotawarethattheyoung manhadanygrievanceswith anyone who would want to hurthimphysically

“He was never involved inanyincidents,inschoolor out of school, he was never involvedinanyincident,we asked the Principal and Lecturers and all of them gave us a good report and thathewasneverinvolvedin anything,”theauntrelated.

Asaresultofthebeating, the teen suffered two fracturestohisskull,broken ribs,anumberoflacerations, internal bleeding and a chop

wound between his right ear andhisneck.Grannumwasa second year student at GTI

studying electrical installation.

He was described as a jovial, kind and very obedient person and was the only child for his parents.

Police have so far issued a wanted bulletin for Keron Taylorcalled'Laro'ofLot83

A d e l a i d e S t r e e t ,

Charlestown, Georgetown

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that Taylor, who was charged with the 2015 murder of Senasie Lewiswaslaterfreedbackin October2020.

Dead, Samuel Grannum

Jamaican delegation looking to seize business opportunity in Guyana

In light of the

economic boom in Guyana owing to the country's new found oil and gas resources– Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce of Jamaica, Aubyn Hill and a delegation are wrapping up a visit to Guyana during which they s o u g h t b u s i n e s s o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d partnerships.

The Jamaican delegation comprises of about 38 businesses from the public andprivatesectors. Theteam visit commenced on October 2, and will conclude today Some of the key areas the trade the delegation has identified for collaboration include financial services, i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , manufacturing, professional services,andagri-business.

During an interview with reporters on Wednesday night at the Guyana Marriott Hotel Minister Hill stated that as the Minister with responsibility for investment and commerce in Jamaica, oneofhismainjobistomake sure that his country's economicgrowthprogresses.

He said it was also vital to continuouslyopennewdoors foropportunity

“We know Guyana is moving fast but there is so much to do… the amount of commerce and traffic that is goingtocomein,”Hillnoted.

The Jamaican Minister pointedoutthatwiththelarge amount of minerals Guyana has the country needs the

immediate cash flow from the oil and gas resources to propelothersectors.Assuch, the Minister stated that Guyana is a natural fit for Jamaica economically, sociallyandpolitically

“So we are coming back in another two and a half months. I had a very good discussion yesterday with your Finance Minister, Dr Singh and we are coming back with contractors and financiers.Sothecontractors can do the work and the financiers can provide the money,” Minister Hill disclosed The Minister explained that added to Guyana's oil and gas resources the country is also blessedwithalotofminerals but only a few people. He then compared Guyana 800,000 population to Jamaica which has a population of approximately three million people. To this end he said given Guyana's lack of human resources, Jamaicansarewillingtohead toGeorgetowntofillthegap.

Moreover, Minister Hill statedthathewantsthebanks in his home country to use

their “big capital to assist your banks as you have to invest because everything you going to do now money isbig.”

As it relates to finance, NCB Capital Markets Limited,ishopingthatwithin thenextfewmonthstheywill be able to have a physical presence in Guyana. NCB Capital Markets Limited is the investment banking arm of NCB Financial group –Jamaica's largest financial provider

The company offers a range of equity, money market, bond and mutual fund products, as well as corporate finance and portfolio management

services for individual investors.

Thecompanyalreadyhas a presence in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), Barbados

and Cayman Islands

According to

Gooden,theChiefExecutive Officer of NCB Capital Markets Limited, “we have been doing quite a bit of business in Guyana over the past few years. We have financed the agricultural sector, we have financed constructionandwerecently provided $10 million US in support of the Guyana Shore

Base and we are looking to provide another US$110 million…sowearevery,very activeinGuyana,”hesaid.

AG report flags lack of contract and quotation...

Frompage2 barrels at US$11.05 per barrel. However, the two shipmentsthatGPLreceived from GUYOIL were at the cost of US$64 93 and US$68 28 per barrel revealingthatGUYOILpaid i n e x c e s s o f US$3,462,311($692,000,00 0)totheirfuelsuppliers.

TheAG pointed out that itwastheGM,CS,andIPM who negotiated the deal to supplytheHFOthatresulted in an excess payment of US$3,462,311 to fuel companies, Staatsolie and Paria. As such he stated the trio should be held accountable. If this deal had continued GUYOIL would have paid their suppliers Staatsolie and Paria approximately US$55 million, which is six times higherthanthecontractcost which was signed for US$9.9millionforthesame 900,000barrelsofHFO.

On April 22, 2021, GUYOIL formally requested that GPL rescind thecontractandonApril23, 2021, the contract was mutually terminated. Notably, before the contract was officially terminated GUYOIL officials had already engaged ARI to supplyanddeliverfuel.

According to the audit document, it was Director Blair'sfriend,ChrisSpencer, who had suggested ARI to supplytheHFOfortheGPL contract. As such, Blair and the Company Secretary was invitedtoameeting.

The initial meeting was set forApril 2, 2021 (weeks beforetheothercontractwas terminated)attheCaribbean Inn which is located at Mon

company were unable to make it to that venue and as such the GUYOIL officials had went to the home/office ofARIrepresentativewhich is located at Diamond HousingScheme,EastBank Demerara.

On April 3, 2021, a meeting was held in GUYOIL's Board Room locatedatProvidence,EBD, withtheCompanySecretary, Director Blair, IPM Khan, and Jayson Aaron of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ARI.

D a y s l a t e r a representative of the unlicensed fuel company had emailed GM Bassoo informing him that the company was in the process of bringing the HFO to Guyana. It was also stated that the company is aware that GUYOIL had made arrangements with another supplier to bring the HFO. To this end, it was pointed outintheemailthattheother fuelcompanywassupplying GUYOILwith the HFO at a higher cost than what was agreed upon between GUYOILandARI.

The General Manager had later emailed the

No

Frompage16 November 7, 2022

According to reports, Reynolds was robbed

September 29 by three men in a dark-coloured Toyota Vitz car Reynolds told investigators that he was standing in front of his girlfriend's home at Phase

Three Good Hope, ECD when the car drove up. The driver reportedly pointed what looked like an AK-47 rifle at him while a second

ChairmanandDirectorsthat ARI representative were disappointed that GUYOIL officials had contacted them to source fuel but were refusingtoreceivetheHFO. As such, Aaron had issued several ultimatums to GUYOIL to conclude the transaction with him or he would expose that officials of the company had contactedhimtoprocurethe fuelandthattherewassome corrupt aspects to what was subsequently required of himtosecurethedeal.

After the GUYOIL fuel scandal came into the spotlight, Bassoo had tendered his resignation from GUYOIL in April 2021,andinthesamemonth President Irfaan Ali had ordered that Blair and Persaud be removed from thecompany

This publication had reported in April last year that the Guyana Revenue Authority(GRA)hadseized a shipment of fuel at the centre of the imbroglio betweenARI and GUYOIL. Earlier this year, ARI had threatened to sue GUYOIL for US$3.6 million over the botchedfueldeal.

man emerged from the backseat of the car and pointed a hand gun at him too The second suspect ordered him not to move while a third joined in relievinghimofhiscashand cell phone Two of the bandits reportedly escaped in the car while the third jumped onto Reynolds' XR motorcycle and sped off withitalongthePhaseThree Access Road. Police later arrested the two suspects presentlyonremand.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NCB Capital Markets Limited, Steven Gooden

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce of Jamaica, Aubyn Hill

Pres. Ali announces $28,000 one-off grant for pensioners

Am i d h i g h

inflation here

President Irfaan AlionThursdayannounceda $28,000 one-off cash grant for each old-age pensioner beforetheendoftheyear

The one-off grant will provide an additional $1.8 billion in disposable income tothenation'spensioners,the Guyanese leader told the nationinatelevisedaddress. In the address President Ali saidthisnewmeasureaddsto thehostofmeasures,policies and programmes being implemented by the PPP/C Administration to improve the lives of senior citizens.

“To our senior citizens, I wish to say that the Governmentwillcontinueto respectandhonortheservice you have given to our countryovertheyearsaswe continue to take all the steps necessary to ensure that the quality of life you enjoy, continuetoimproveinevery regard,”PresidentAlisaid.

Since the Government assumed office in August 2020, old age pension was increased from $22,500 to 25,000, and from 25,000 to

“Cumulatively, this amounts to more than 36 per cent increasegrantedintwoyears and place a total of approximately$22billionin the hands of our old age pensioners annually,” PresidentAlisaid.

In 2021, a one-off grant of $25,000 was paid to pensioners, which placed an additional amount of $1.6 billion in the hands of pensioners.

Beyond these measures, thewatersubsidyforoldage pensioners was also introduced, providing an additional disposable income of $200 million to 27,000 pensioners Moreover,PresidentAlisaid a number of interventions were made to make it easier forpensionerstoaccesstheir entitlements by providing alternative payment venues. Special arrangements were also made for shut in residents, including persons living with disabilities and persons who do not have close access to the post office.

In addition, the nation's

seniors continue to benefit from the across-the-board

investments by the Government, particularly to improve the public healthcaresystem.

These include the construction and upgrade of a number of first class hospitalsandregionalhealth centres, and improved and increased availability of drugs.

The Head of State is optimisticthattheadditional support announced by the Government will go a far away in helping the pensioners.

Old Age pensioners will receive a one-off cash grant of $28,000

WANTED

Driver, Sales man, Porters to work in warehouse.

Must have experience, attractive salary offered. Call: 6 96-4444.

One Male Accountant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Handymen and women required for compound maintenance @ Prestigious Private Company. Transportation provided, $3,100 per day. Call: 611-7839.

California family kidnapped at gunpoint found dead

(BBC) -Four members of a California family - including an eight-month-old infant - who were kidnapped at gunpoint earlier this week have been found dead.

VACANCY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hiab Truck Driver needed. Experience will be an asset. Call: 218-4970, Whatsapp: 623-4468.

The victims were identified as Aroohi Dheri, her mother Jasleen Kaur, 27, her father Jasdeep Singh, 36, and Dheri’s uncle, Amandeep Singh, 39.

Their bodies were found by a farmhand at work in an orchard in rural Merced County, in central California.

A suspect is in custody, but no motive has yet been identified.

“A whole family wiped out, and we still don’t know why,” Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke said at a news conference on Wednesday evening.

Warnke did not say how the family was killed, but said they were likely slain before they had been reported missing.

Surveillance footage released on Wednesday shows a man carrying what appears to be a firearm talking to the male victims outside their trucking business in the city of Merced on Monday morning.

The victims are then loaded into a pickup truck, with their hands zip-tied to their backs, and the suspect drives away. The truck returns a few minutes later, the suspect enters the property and,

with gun in hand, walks Kaur and her infant to the truck as well.

On Tuesday, police took Jesus Manuel Salgado, 48, into custody after the man’s family contacted law enforcement and told them he had admitted to being involved in the kidnapping.

Sheriff Warnke said the suspect attempted suicide before he was apprehended and had to be sedated because “every time he has come near consciousness,

he’s been violent”. “The circumstances around this, when we are able to release everything, should anger the hell out of you,” he added, visibly emotional. “There’s a special place in hell for this guy.”

A credit card belonging to one of the victims was used at an ATM within the county on Tuesday morning, but police have determined that Salgado was not the person seen in surveillance footage of the ATM. “I fully believe

that we will uncover and find out that there was more than just him involved,” the sheriff said. He also said that, although the kidnapper did not appear to make any ransom demands, the crime appears to have been financially motivated.

Police said Salgado was previously convicted of armed robbery in 2005 but had been paroled in 2015.

Investigators are yet to establish any links between the suspect and his victims.

145 Flood Reports, 30 Landslips since Wednesday

(Trinidad Guardian) - The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government received 145 reports of flooding brought on by the recent adverse weather since Wednesday.

LAND FOR SALE

House lots for sale in gated community, start with $500k deposit. Call: 233-6997/ 6221957.

This is according to the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Faris Al Rawi during a Press Conference on Thursday. He said the majority of reports (135) came on Wednesday during the passage of the tropical wave, Invest 91L, while they received 10 on Thursday as the country continued to feel its effects.

The roadway in El Carmen is now becoming impassable.

Image by Jesse Ramdeo

FOR RENT

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

SERVICES

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design,Advertisements, Wedding decorations & Elderly grooming: Hair,Nail etc.Tel:626-7040.

The events were witnessed in the Arima Borough Corporation, Chaguanas

Borough Corporation, the Mayaro Regional Corporation, Sangre Grande, Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation and Princes Town Regional Corporation. “I can tell you Tunapuna/Piarco Regional

Corporation had 95 of those events and Sangre Grande Regional Corporation had 23 of those events alone,” he said. He said there were reports of 30 landslips which are being managed.

Legislation to be introduced...

FOR SALE

3 Pitbull pups fully vaccinated with clinic card. Contact: 603-2640.

VEHICLE FOR SALE

One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable & 1 new super custom Hiace Bus 2.5M .Contact:649-0956.

Drawing of Building plans and estimate ,K.Lakeram building contractor.Tel:2160671/692-8464 whatsapp 622-0267.

Three weeks beginners nails course $30,000, E.B.D, materials provided. Call: 602-9373.

From page 18 Phillips said lessons learnt from previous disasters in Guyana and around the region will be incorporated into the Government’s approach to mitigating the negative effects caused by a disaster. Guyana’s goal is to have a robust and comprehensive system of hazard monitoring that will enable individuals, communities, the Government, and the business sector in Guyana to take timely

action to reduce disaster risk.

As such, the Prime Minister reiterated, the consultation is considered a crucial initiative, and the outcome of the workshops will be incorporated into the framework to improve governance as it pertains to disaster risk reduction in Guyana.

The two-day workshop aims to revise existing governance mechanisms in the Caribbean region to identify good practices and recom-

mendations to monitor and manage multi-hazard early warning systems.

Representatives from the World Bank, the United Nations Of fice for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Guyana Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) are participating. (DPI)

From left: Jasleen Kaur, Jasdeep Singh, Aroohi Dheri and Amandeep Singh

$22M estimated to construct elevator shaft, rehabilitate Georgetown & New Amsterdam High Courts

With some $4.7 billion allocated to the Justice sector this year, the Supreme Court of Judicature is gearing to spend some $22.8 million to upgrade the New Amsterdam and Georgetown High

Courts. During the recent opening of tenders it was revealed that the Supreme Court of Judicature was seeking contractors to construct an elevator shaft and execute rehabilitative

Supreme Court of Judicature

Construction of an elevator shaft and rehabilitation works for Georgetown High Court, Region 4.

works at both courts. The work at the Georgetown High Court is estimated to cost $7.7 million while the cost for the works at New Amsterdam is estimated at $15 million.

Three contractors have sub-

mitted bids for the projects.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is looking to build a residence for CARICOM Secretary General.

Below are the companies and their bids:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Construction of residence of the CARICOM Secretary General.

Health Ministry records five new COVID-19 cases

From some 206 COVID-19 tests conducted, the Health Ministry on Thursday reported that within the last 24 hours, just about five new infections were recorded. The cases were recorded among four men and a woman

The new cases which bring the total number of con-

firmed cases to 71,361 were recorded in Regions Two, Three and Four.

The Ministry via its latest dashboard revealed that two persons are in institutional isolation, 64 are in home isolation and to date, a total of 70,014 persons have recovered from the virus.

Construction of an elevator shaft and rehabilitation works for New Amsterdam High Court, Region 6.

Guyana Water Inc.

Design, supply, start-up and commissioning of In line filters at Sparendaam and Timehri, Region 4.

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Procurement of surgical instruments.

Supply and delivery of judges and magistrate’s minute/ record books.

Office of the Prime Minister Procurement of electrical spare parts Lot 1-3.

Provision of security services for rural/ interior courts and living quarters in Regions 1,6,7,8,9 and 10 for the year 2023 for Lots 1 to 7.

Ukraine lauds Kherson gains as Russian strike destroys building

(Al Jazeera) - Ukraine said on Thursday that it has recaptured swathes of territory from Russian troops in the country’s south as discontent mounted within Russia about the handling of the war.

Ukrainian forces have retaken more than 500sq km (195sq miles) of territory and dozens of settlements in the southern Kherson region alone since Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

In a video address, he said there have also been more military successes in the east. The battlefield victories re-

ported in Kherson are the latest in a series of Russian defeats undermining the Kremlin’s claim to have annexed about 20 percent of Ukraine.

Southern army command spokeswoman Natalia Gumeniuk said the recaptured territory was home to nearly 30 towns and villages that had been occupied by Russian forces for months.

Kherson, a region with an estimated pre-war population of about one million people, was captured early and easily by Moscow’s troops after their invasion launched on

February 24. Russian-installed officials have renewed a call for residents to remain calm with deputy pro-Moscow leader Kirill Stremousov saying Kremlin forces were holding back the advance.

Addressing a meeting in Prague of European heads of state, Zelenskyy called on Western governments to supply his army with more weapons “to punish the aggressor”.

He said Ukraine must fend off Moscow’s invasion “so that Russian tanks do not advance on Warsaw or again on Prague”.

The EU imposed its latest round of sanctions on Russia, expanding bans on trade and individuals over Moscow’s formal annexation on Friday of four Ukrainian regions. Deadly missile attack

On Thursday, seven Russian missiles struck an apartment building in downtown Zaporizhzhia, just 40km (25 miles) from the artillery battles of the southern front. Governor Oleksandr Starukh in the Zaporizhia region said two women were among the dead and 12 were wounded, including a three-year-old, and five were still under the debris.

Arch rivals Port Mourant and Albion to clash in final of BCB/Kevin Sinclair U-17 tourney

Albion squeezed past Rose Hall Canje by two wickets at the Jai Hind Ground in an exciting semifinal match.

Rose Hall Canje scored 83 all out in 28 overs; with Avishkar Persaud 20, Zadeen LaRose 17, Lakeram Singh 10. Bowling for Albion; Berbice Under15 left arm spinner Kumar Deopersaud grabbed 4 for 16 off 10 overs with 2 maidens, Tameshwar Manga 3 for 15 off 6 overs and Afraz Budhoo 2 for 22 off 7 overs.

In reply Albion scored

84 for 8 in 24.2 overs after losing early wickets. Ari-Afraz Kaidr 27 and Damion Cecil 20 were the only two batsmen to reach double figures in the chase. Bowling for Rose Hall Canje; Enrique Mickle 4 for 22 off 4 overs and Sanjay Algoo 3 for 25 off 9.2 overs were the outstanding bowlers.

Port Mourant brushed aside Cotton Tree by 10 wickets at the PMCC Ground.

Cotton Tree batting first after winning the toss scored 78 all out in 28 overs with Trevis Dookharan 17. Bowling for Port Mourant; Salim

Khan 2 for 18 off 6 overs, Rampertab Ramnauth 2 for 18 off 6 overs, Romeo Deonarine 2 for 2 off 2 overs and Ravin Boodwah 2 for 12 off 4 overs. In reply, Port Mourant CC raced to 82 without loss in 9.4 overs with Guyana Under19 opening batsman Rampertab Ramnauth scoring 50 not out and Romeo Deonarine 19 not out. The tournament is been organised by the Berbice Cricket Board with sponsorship from West Indies and Guyana senior player Kevin Sinclair.

Friday October 07, 2022

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

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

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

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

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

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

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

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

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

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

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

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

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

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

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

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

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

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

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

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

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

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

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

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

No matter how much you might want to shrink away,

Johnson will lead Demerara in 50-over Inter-County Tourney Essequibo’s

By Sean Devers

The Demerara team to defending Champions Berbice in the opening round of the GCB Senior 50-Over Inter County Tournament which starts on October 10, will be led Leon Johnson with Tagenarine Chanderpaul being his deputy. Johnson, Guyana’s most successful First-Class Captain, won five consecutive titles from 2015-2019, will have experienced players in Chandrapaul Hemraj and Christopher Barnwell as the team has a mixture of youth

From page 28 in full preparation mode in anticipation of participation. Guyana’s team will be ready and eager to represent the Golden Arrowhead as they have done in the past. The GAPLF anticipates a successful showing of its athletes and is appealing to potential sponsors to come on board and support the team’s participation.

From page 31 they lost, they lost by very narrow one to two goal margins.” “So, they were very competitive in the tournament. It’s one of those tournaments that luck didn’t shake our way, but that team that we took had as many as six under-21 Internationals, and therefore, we have that group as a core for the team for next year.” We have to build on some of the newcomers to the game and strengthen them up to the point where they can actually add value to the team and hopefully have good teams participating in that tournament,” the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) Commissioner affirmed.

From page 31 with physical and skill preparation, because if you fall in one. You can push yourself in the other to still manage to compete at your best,” continued Taylor, who lost to Countrywoman Ashley Khalil in the singles Final at CASA in Jamaica.

“I am confident in the preparation that I have put in leading up to this tournament. So I just hope to put my best foot forward, playing hard but more of all enjoying it.

Believe you can do what you love, train hard and smart,” concluded the talented cousin of Guyana most accomplished female Squash player Nicolette Fernandes.

Hercules named as Coach

and experience.

The 35-year-old Johnson made his List ‘A’ debut against Trinidad & Tobago at Providence on October 20, 2007 and played 81 times for Guyana at this level. He has played nine Tests and six ODIs. The 29-year-old Hemraj, who has six ODIs, played the first of 40 List ‘A’ matches againstEnglish County Kent on January 31, 2018 in Antigua while Barnwell, with six T20Is and 66 List ‘A’ matches, is the other player with International experience in the squad.

The Manager is Puneet Jaigopaul, while the coach is Ryan Hercules.

It was disclosed that Sherfane Rutherford, who is expected to return home on October 13, should be included for the round game on

October 14 and the October 16 Final, should Demerara qualify. Chairman of the Demerara selectors’, former Guyana Youth opener Peter Persaud, who is also a National Selector, reminded that all must available for the Inter-County to be eligible for National selection.

The full team reads: Leon Johnson (Captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (V/ Capt), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tevin Imlach, Jeremiah Scott, Akshaya Persaud, Steven Sankar, Christopher Barnwell, Ashmead Nedd, Richie Looknauth, Ronaldo Ali Mohamed, Qumar Torrington, Derick Mc Calmont, Sachin Singh Reserves: Shamar Yearwood, Alvin Mohabir, Larrel Parks, Anthony Lim, Carlos La Rose & Joshua Persaud.

New Zealand series great opportunity for inexperienced players claims Windies Women Captain Matthews

SportsMax -West Indies Women’s team captain Hayley Matthews believes the ongoing series against NewZealandpresentsareal opportunity for younger membersofthesquadtogain valuable experience playing againstaqualityteam.

On Wednesday, the Kiwis took an unassailable 3-1 series lead after beating the West Indies via a tense Super Over In the regular innings, the Caribbean team successfully chased down but could not overhaul New Zealand’sscoreof111.

In the Super Over, Matthews and Natasha McLean put on 15 runs but NewZealandcaptainSophie Devine put on a savage display of power hitting,

which ended with a last-ball six off Matthew to plunder 17-runs from the over and theserieswin.

With the likes of Anisa Mohammed, former captain Stafanie Taylor, and the recently retired Deandra Dottin all missing from the squad the team included several developing players andafewreturningones.

“Thisisverygoodforthe girls getting the opportunity to go out there and play the highest level of cricket. To play against an experienced teamlikeNewZealandwith a lot of veterans and known campaigners,” Matthews said.

“We do have a lot of injuries but it’s a great opportunity for the girls to

get out there be in the deep end, have a good go at international cricket, and hopefully learn a lot,” she added.

With Matthews only recently having taken over the captaincy from Taylor she admits the situation also presents her with a personal opportunitytodevelopinthe role.

“The team has been supporting me really well. It’s definitely thrown me in the deep end a bit with a lot of the injuries that we have had and not having as much experienceontheteambutat the same time, I think it’s only going to help me to learn faster and be better as well. So,I’mjustembracing thechallenge.”

Verstappen gets second crack at clinching F1 world title in Japan

AFP - Red Bull’s flying Dutchman Max Verstappen has another chance to clinch his second consecutive world championship when the Japanese Grand Prix returns at Suzuka this weekend after a three-year absencebecauseofCovid.

The runaway leader failed to secure the title at last weekend’s rain-affected SingaporeGrandPrix,buthe willdoitinJapanifhewins and nearest rival Charles Leclerc finishes lower than second.

Verstappen is 104 points aheadandheneedstoextend that to 112 points over the field to claim the championship after Sunday’srace.

Simplyput,ifVerstappen gainseightpointsonLeclerc and six on teammate Sergio Perez, who won in Singapore, he will be only thethirddriverafterMichael Schumacher and Sebastian Vetteltoclinchthetitlewith fourracestospare.

History appears to be on the 25-year-old’s side, with 12 Formula One world champions having been crowned at the Japanese GrandPrix.

Matthews believes the series against New Zealand presents a real opportunity for younger members.

“This is not where we wanttobebutwemoveonto Japan,”Verstappensaidafter a rollercoaster wet-dry race in Singapore where he

IBA allows return of Russian, Belarus boxers with flags and anthems

LONDON, (Reuters)T h e R u s s i a n l e d

International Boxing Association (IBA) on Wednesday cancelled a ban on amateur boxers from RussiaandBelarusandsaid it would allow them to compete with national flags and anthems in events with immediateeffect.

The world governing body, which is at odds with Olympic organisers, said in a statement that its board of directorshadvotedinfavour of the change Russian energycompanyGazpromis the biggest sponsor of the IBA, formerly known as AIBA. “The IBA strongly believes that politics

influence on sports. Hence, all athletes should be given equal conditions,” it said, adding that it remained “politically neutral and independent”.“IBAcallsfor peace and remains a peacemakerinanyconflicts.

Moreover, the IBA has obligation to ensure equal treatment towards the athletes and competition officials, regardless of their nationality and residence,” the statement said. “Both Russian and Belarus teams willbeabletoperformunder their flags, and the national anthems will be played in casetheywinagoldmedal.

“According to the decision, the technical officials of Russia and

Belarus will also be back in thecompetitions.”

Athletes, referees and judges from both countries have been barred since March from the IBA’s international competitions, followingRussia’sFebruary invasionofUkraine.

TheIBA,ledbyRussian businessman Umar Kremlev, last month suspendedUkraineaheadof ameetingthatdecidednotto hold a fresh presidential election.

The IBA does not r e c o g n i s e K y r y l o Shevchenko as president of theUkrainianfederationbut insteadconsidersitsheadto be Volodymyr Prodyvus, a Kremlev ally who left

UkraineinFebruary

Kremlevwasquotedlast weekassayingthetimehad come for athletes from RussiaandallyBelarustobe allowed to compete under theirownflags.

TheIOChastakenaway from the IBA the qualification tournaments and the competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympics after also stripping the boxing body in 2019 of its involvement in last year’s Tokyo Games due to governance, finance, refereeing and ethical issues.

Boxinghasalsonotbeen included in the initial programmeforthe2028Los AngelesGames.

Max Verstappen has another chance to clinch his second consecutive world championship in Japan.

finished seventh to end his five-racewinningstreak.

Verstappen has never woninJapanandwillaimto bounce back from a frustrating race under the lightsofSingapore,wherehe finished seventh after startingeighthonthegrid.

A fuelling blunder in qualifying left him seething andgavehimtoomuchwork todoonthetightMarinaBay street circuit, where overtaking was extremely difficult.

That will be less of a problem at Suzuka, on a circuit characterised by sweeping bends and dramaticelevationchanges.

Weather forecasts suggest the race could be another wet one, after a heavy rain storm delayed the start of the Singapore Grand Prix for more than an hour

The Japanese Grand Prixhasnotbeenheldsince 2019 because of the pandemic, when it was won by Valtteri Bottas in a Mercedes, and it will likely take more than rain to dampen the enthusiasm of fansanddrivers.

-Budgetbrouhaha

Casting a shadow over the race in Japan will be the investigation from the governing body FIA into 2021teamspending

Rival teams claimed at the Singapore Grand Prix that Red Bull and Aston Martin had spent more than the $145 million cost cap that was introduced last season to make racing

morecompetitive.

Afurious Red Bull chief Christian Horner blasted the claims as “fictitious” and threatened legal action, whiletheFIAsaidtheywere “unsubstantiated” as they still had to conclude their investigation.

The FIA are due to release their findings in a reportlaterWednesday

Should any team exceed the cost cap then there are a range of penalties available, from fines for “minor” breaches of the cap all the way up to points deductions and disqualification from the championship for a serious “material”breach.

IfRedBullarefoundto have broken the rules, it wouldcastafurthershadow over Verstappen’s first world title, won in controversial circumstances in the final race of 2021 in AbuDhabi.

By contrast, this year’s fightisallbutover,anditis a question of when, not if, the dominant Dutchman, who has won 11 of 17 races, will be declared championagain

Verstappen will clinch thechampionshipifhewins inJapanandtakesthebonus point for the fastest lap, regardlessof whereLeclerc finishes

Hecanwrapitupevenif he does not win Sunday’s race,althoughanotherfinish outsidethetopsixwouldsee the fight continue to the United States Grand Prix in Austininafortnight’stime.

GFF endorses new Ethics and Procurement Policies

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has created and approved strict ethics and procurement policies, sharing the new ruleswithitsmembershipto improve accountability and transparency in football as part of the ongoing FIFA reformprocess.

The documents were signed off by the GFF Council - formerly the GFF Executive Committee bringing the national federation and its membership in line with the highest global standards in football.

“The GFF is committed to managing football in the mostprofessionalmannerin ordertoensurethelong-term stabilityanddevelopmentof t h e g a m e a n d i t s administration” said GFF PresidentWayneForde.

“Itisoneofourstrategic goalstocontinuetostrivefor good governance because football cannot thrive and grow without a strong institutionalfoundation.”

“We believe these new standards place the GFF at the forefront of good governance in sports administration in the Caribbean region, ” PresidentFordeadded.

Thepoliciesapplytothe GFF Council and General

Secretariat, as well as its regional associations, member affiliates and memberclubs.

The full documents can befoundonlineontheGFF’s website.

TheEthics,Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy supports the GFF’s zero tolerance approach to unethical and illegal behaviour in football, covering areas such as gifts, hospitality, facilitation payments, kickbacks, employee and contractor responsibilities, record keeping and conflicts of interests.

Itestablishesaregisterof interests for senior officials across the football community

TheProcurementPolicy outlinesrulesandthresholds for tendering goods and services across a range of budgets, from open and restricted tendering to the request for a quotation for theGFFanditsmembers.

“All procurement now requires a clear paper trail and an accountable, transparent process,” Forde said.

“This will ensure the GFF and its members not onlyadheretoethical

Marcel Arokium sponsors second

GCB 50-Over Inter-County cricket returns Griffith to lead President’s X1

BySeanDevers

National opening

batsman Trevon Griffith has been named captain of the GCB President XI for the GCB Senior Male Super50 Inter County tournament, whichisscheduledtostarton Monday, October 10, 2022. They face Essequibo at Everestintheopeninground from9:00AM.

Nineteen-year-old West Indies U-19 opening batter, Canadian born Matthew Nandu, who was emerging Player in the CPL,will serve as Griffith’s deputy as 50overs Inter-County-Cricket returnsforthefirsttimesince Berbicewontheirlasttitlein 2014.

The 31-year-old Griffith playedthelastofhis21FirstClass matches in January 2019 after making his debut in February 2012 inAntigua while the stylish left-hander whobowlsoff-spin,hasfive fifties 34 List ‘A’ games between2009-2018.

Mavendra Dindyal, who scored a century in the last CWI Regional U 19 tournament, is expected to support Griffith and Nandu in the batting department, whileJonathanRampersaud, the leading wicket-taker for GuyanaintheRegionalU-19 tourney, is expected to lead thebowlingalongwithpacer ShamarJoseph,leftarmspin pair of Raj Nanan andAkini Adams.

Rose

Spinning all rounder Kwesi Mickle, while Joshua JonesandKeyronFraserwill providethepacebowling

The squad: Trevon Griffith (Captain), Matthew Nandu (Vice Captain), Zachery Jodah, Mavendra Dindyal, Jonathan

Rampersaud,KwesiMickle, Garfield Benjamin, Raj Nanan, Ricardo Peters

(wicketkeeper), Avinash Persaud, Akini Adams, Shamar Joseph and Keyron Fraser

The reserve players are Suresh Dhanai and Leo RayanRamlakhan

The team will be coached by Esuan Crandon and managed by Andre Percival, who will serve as theassistantcoach.

Senior organising secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association MarkWiltshirehasgainedthebackingof Marcel Arokium for the champion of champions 2 dominoes competition whichissetforSundayatRandRSports Club,Meadowbrook.

Arokium has sponsored the second placetrophy

The competition will be held in association with Dynasty Sports bar and Entrancefeeis$15,000.

The winning team will take home $200,000 and a trophy, runner up $100,000 and a trophy, third place $50,000 and a trophy and $20,000 and a trophy The MVP in the final will take home$10,000.

TeamsslatedtoparticipateareGoldis Money, Mix Up, Providence, Phantom, Spartans, 300, Strikers, Turning Point, C6,C7,Lions,Gangster,BigBossGirls, Executive, Mocha, Players, Fresh Cash, AllSeason,FandH,WildBunch,AllStar andOPKO.

Rose Hall Town Poonai cruised past Cotton Tree by 8 wickets in the first semifinals of the BCB/ Romario Shepherd U13 crickettournamentatCottonTreeground.

Cotton Tree won the toss and after decidingtobatfirstwerebowledoutfor24in 19.1 overs with Dhanraj Heeralall scoring 5 and extra contributing 14. Bowling for Rose Hall Town Poonai; fast bowler Adrian McKenzie3for9off5oversandoffspinner Balraj Narine 3 for 1 off 4.1 overs were the mainbowlers.

In reply, Rose Hall Town Poonai scored 26for2off5.1overs;LeonReddy7notout. A.Singh2for1off1over.

Tension was high last Saturday when Rose Hall Canje Under13 defeated Albion Under13 by 8 wickets to create one of the greatest upsets of youth cricket in recent times in the second semi-final at Jai Hind Ground.

Albionwonthetossandelectedtobatfirst was bowled out for 35 in 16.4 overs. Farhan Balle made 5 and Arif Marimutoo 4, while extrascontributed22.BowlingforRoseHall Canje; Brandon Grimmond the brother of

Brandon Grimmond

West Indies Under19 female batter Shenetta Grimmond,grabbed5for6off5overshewas supportedbyRichardRamdeholl2for3off5 overs.

Rose Hall Canje made 36 for 2 in 8.4 overs;RichardRamdehollscored16notout, whileextrascontributed9.

The under13 tournament is been sponsored by West Indies white ball player Romario Shepherd and organised by the competitionscommitteeoftheBCB.

Shamar Joseph

Trevon Griffith

Mark

from Marcel Arokium.

GFF

Wayne Forde

Matthew Nandu

Marvendra Dindyal

Raywan Sedatt supports “Cricket Gear for young & promising cricketers in Guyana”

Raywan

Raywan Sedatt aka Roger, owner of R. Sedatt and Son Lumber and Block Making Business, Lot 47 PalmyraVillage,EastCanje, Berbice has contributed two cricketbatstothisinitiative, jointly done by Kishan Das of USAandAnil Beharry, a formerBerbiceInterCounty all-rounder

At a simple ceremony Sedatt presented the bats to Beharry in the presence of Mukesh Appiah who is visitingfromtheUSA.“Iam delighted to be part of this successful venture,” Sedatt said.

Total cricket related items collected so far: $250,000cash,twotrophies, twelve cricket boots, nineteen pairs of batting pads, twenty three bats, fifteen pairs of batting gloves, nineteen thigh pads, one pair of wicket keeping pad, two arm guards, six cricket bags and three helmets.

Inadditiontotheabove, $600,000 worth in gear was donatedbySheikMohamed, former National wicket keeper/batsman.

To date, forty young players from all three counties of Guyana have alreadybenefitedfromthree

junior gear bag, two trophies, two arm guards, fifteen bats, one box, three helmets, twelve pairs of cricket shoes, ten pairs of batting pads, one bat rubber and twelve pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, two clubs in thePomeroonareabenefited from two used bats Pomeroon, Leguan and Wa k e n a m C r i c k e t CommitteesandCottonTree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each while RHCCCC received two, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicketkeepingglovesanda set of stumps and bails, The Essequibo Cricket Board and now the Town of Lethem.

Cricket related items, used or new, is distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients.

Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify same. Progressive andwellmanagedclubswill also benefit. We take this opportunity to thank Javed

and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster,BishPandayofP&P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl

J Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Dennis Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo, Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies and Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Chin Singh,DeneshChandrapaul, Dr Cecil Beharry, Davo Naraine of UK and Latch Mohabirandfamily Thanks tothemediafortherolethey areplayinginpromotingthis venture.

Distribution will continue. Anyone interested to contribute can contact AnilBeharryon6236875or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.(SeanDevers)

Boxers arrive in Paraguay hunting S/A games medals

The country’s boxing team arrived in Paraguaywiththehopesofdoingbetterthan their previous outing at the SouthAmerican Games.

Keevin Allicock, Desmond Amsterdam and Colin Lewis, along with coachTerrence Poole and Manager Gregory Cort touched down in Asunción yesterday and will be in actiontomorrow,Saturday

In 2018, Allicock (featherweight) and Lewis(Lightweight)bothwonbronze.

Thetechnicalmeetingwillbeheldtoday wheretheboxerswillknowtheiropponents.

ThethreeboxersalsorepresentedGuyana at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, where Allicock and Amsterdamhadreachedthequarter-finalsof theirrespectivedivisions.

Inaugural Joshua Denny Memorial Football Tourney culminates this evening

The inaugural Joshua DennyMemorialUnder-20 Football Tournament brings its curtains down thiseveningattheMinistry of Education (MoE) Ground,withthestagingof the third place playoff and thefinal.

In the final double header of the two day tournament,thethirdplace matchgetstheactiongoing from 18:30 hrs as C a m p t o w n a n d Conquerors go head to head then Santos and the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) spring into battle in the feature match from 20:30hrs.

OnSeptember23rd,the tournamentkickedoffwith the semi-final round that saw Santos trounce Camptown 6 – 1, while GFC defeated the Conquerors2-1.

Earlier this week, the Petra Organisation handed over the Championship

Trophy to Joshua’s mother, AferyaDenny,whorevealed that the original finale date of September 30 had to be rescheduled due to the activities of the recently concludedCricketCarnival.

Petra has collaborated with Mrs. Denny to honour the life of the former footballer that played in severalPetraTournaments.

Through this initiative, the parents of Denny and

Petra, wish to sensitize the public and more so the youths about working to achieve their goals instead ofturningtocrime.

The theme of the tournament is ‘Mothers AgainstViolence’.

Mrs. Denny and Petra are very pleased with the response the event has received and wish to invite persons to witness the historicfinale.

GAPLF shortlist team for Commonwealth Classic Powerlifting and Benchpress Championship in NZ

The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) is preparing to field a team for the Men’s a n d W o m e n ’ s Commonwealth Classic PowerliftingandBenchpress Championships from 28th November 2022 to 4th DecemberinAuckland,New Zealand.

The GAPLF preliminary nomination comprises nine athletesandtwoofficialsfor its eleven -member - team. The nominations comprise senior athletes who are champions of their respective divisions with internationally competitive lifts The team include Carlos Petterson, five times National Powerlifting Champion and Record holder both Locally and Internationally (Squat, Deadlift and Total), Bjorn Williams, current deadlift, bench press and total record holderinthe105kgdivision, and Dominic Tyrrell, the current National Record holderinSquatDeadliftand total in the Junior 74kg, as

Nadina Taharally

well two times National Junior 74kg Champion and who has unofficially recorded a world Record deadlift, which he aims to make official at the championship Other members include Roger Rogers, MII PamAm Squat and deadlift record holder, and Nadina Taharally, MastersIwhoholdsnational records in the Open and MI categories for the Squat,

Bench Press, Deadlift, and Total.

The main hurdle to Guyana’s participation at this juncture is resources. The federation has solicited financial and material support from the public and privatesectorsandishoping for favorable responses to

tsrequests to make participation possible Meanwhile,theathletesare

Aferya Denny (left) received the Championship Trophy from the Petra Organisation.

Resumption is set for Sunday with a doubleheader

It’s down to a battle for pride when the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Senior Mean’s League powered by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) resumes this Sunday at the Federation’s National Training Centre at Providence.

Two Groups of six clubs eachcommencedtheLeague in March and its virtually now down to the top four;

pointsandboastthebestgoal difference of all 12 teams in the league to date. Even though the Falcons are already through to the final four, they will be aiming to endthegroupstageonahigh note on Sunday against Friendship.

The layoff from active play could however have an impact on all the teams so one must be cautious as either team can walk the

Canadian-based Guyanese softball cricketer Ganesh Ramraj gives back to communities

Prominent Canadian based Guyanese softball cricketer Ganesh Ramraj continues to give back to communities across Guyana through his charitable organization, Ganesh Ramraj Youth Development Foundation.

This past Sunday, Ramraj provided over 200 boxes of nutritious meals to children within his La Penitence neighbourhood andtheBourdaandStabroek marketareas.

According to Ramraj, he is delighted at the opportunity to once again engage in this venture that he undertakes yearly, and hasforoveradecadeonhis yearlyvisitstoGuyana.

He acknowledges that this is a community initiative and thanks friends Keith, Dave, Amit and others from the neighbourhood in helping to make the event a success

He looks forward to permanently returning to Guyana in the very near future where he plans to broaden and expand his charitable work across all communities.

Ganesh Ramraj strikes a pose with some of children at his residence, 239 Independence Boulevard, La Penitence, Georgetown.

encourage them to become involved and excited about cricket, a game that has produced great home-grown cricketers like Clive Loyd, ShivnarineChanderpaul,the late Roy Fredericks, Lance Gibbs, Alvin Kallicharran, Rohan Kanhai, Ramnaresh Sarwanandmanyothers.

everywayIcould.

twoeachfromGroupsAand B.

They will clash on October 23 for the right to meet in the final which will becontestedonOctober30, all at the same venue This Sunday however, St Cuthbert’s Jaguars, in their f i r s t c o m p e t i t i v e tournament at this level under the Association, will contest their final match when they come up against fellow Linden Soesdyke Highway team, Swan FC, action will kick off at 1 3 : 0 0 h r s

The main attraction on Sunday brings together Friendship All Stars and Soesdyke Falcons which is leading Group B and one of two unbeaten teams in the League, the other being Group A leaders, Agricola RedTriangle.

TheFalconshavemadea huge statement in this competition as it is the first timeinmanyyearsthatthey havebeenthisdominantand nodoubtwouldbeseekingto go all the way; already handing Timehri Panthers the lone defeat they have

preverballosingplank.

Fansarelookingforward to an exciting match up despite the fact that Friendship is fifth on the table.

Meanwhile, the final three group matches are set forSunday,October16when MochaChampsmatchskills with Samatta Point Kaneville from 10:30hrs to be followed by a clash between Diamond United and Grove Hi Tech from 13:00hrs.

The final match will see Timehri Panthers taking on Kuru Kururu Warriors from15:30hrs.

ThewinneroftheLeague will pocket $200,000 with the losing finalist taking home$100,000.

Atotal of $50,000 is set aside for the third place winner and a trophy for the fourth-placeteam.

The top three teams will alsoreceivetrophies.

The Most Valuable PlayeraswellastheHighest Goal Scorer will each receive a pair of football boots while the Best

presented with a pair of gloves.

Ramraj, a right-handed batsman who recently celebrated a 7000 runs milestone in softball cricket in Ontario, Canada and struck an impressive 195 runsn/oforLightningSports Club in the Canadian Premier Softball Cricket League, is passionate and enthusiastic about cricket.

He wants to share that passionandenthusiasmwith youth and wants to

“I believe that cricket can present amazing opportunities for our youth that can lead to great accomplishments on and off thefield,Ramrajcounters.In recentyears,therehasbeena surge in young participants and more and more young men and women are taking upcricket.

Iwanttoencourageand promote that kind of p a r t i c i p a t i o n a n d competition amongst as many youth as possible. I look forward to being a protégéeofthosewantingto takeupcricket.

But beyond cricket my aim is also to help them in

Here I want to provide them with not just good nutrition as well, but with knowledge, experiences and the necessary tools to someday provide for themselves and their families, and contribute to buildingstrong,resilientand sustainablecommunities.

In this regard, I have amongst other things, given themaccesstoaspacewhere theycanengageinsportslike cricket, soccer, basketball and other sports that interest them.

The proposition is straightforward.

Sport is a tool to be exploited in the pursuit of building effective personal, social and cultural relations.”

Ramraj noted that this year’s meal distribution was done in memory of his late cousinKemerajSookrajwho passedawayearlierthisyear inCanada.

R a m r aj th an k s Kemeraj’s widow Christine and her 3 children, Shane, Sarah and Robin for sponsoringthisyear’sevent. He also expressed his gratitude to all those who helped in assisting in its preparation.

He extends a special thank you to Ravendra Mandolall for his coverage of the event and looks forwardtoworkingwithhim inthefuture.

In closing, Ramraj calls on communities across the country and abroadtocometogetherto help the needy, the vulnerable and the youth of today who will one day take the helm to become leadersthemselves.

“We must do all we can to give them hope and help them achieve and fulfill their dreams and look to a future of exciting and unlimited opportunities ”

Colt Ralliart up for grabs at GMR&SC Ignite Race of Champions

BySeanDevers

During the 2021 Regional Super50 Christopher Barnwell scored 183 runs from six innings while scoring his only Regional 50-overcentury;amagnificent107.

However, the 35 year old was not considered for the First-Class team this seasonbutwastoldthattheselectorslooking to ‘blood’some younger play for ‘Red Ball’ cricketbutcouldstillplayanimportantrolein theupcomingRegional.

Sohewasnotsurprisedtobeselectedfor the Demerara team due to performance with thebatthelasttime.

“Given my previous 50 over form and myexperience,IexpectedtobepickedandI intendtodowellwithbothbatandbowling

I’m always available and ready to represent my Country, once selected,” stated the batting All Rounder, who has a century and 10 fifties and 31 wickets from 66List‘A’matches

Barnwellhasplayed61First-Classgames and has two hundreds and 12 fifties with a highestscoreof148and85wicketsincluding threefive-wickethaulswithabestof6-78.

muchdifferentthan15yearsagowhenIwas oneoftheyoungplayersintheteamthen.

Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart car that will be given away by the GMR&SC

13 Race of Champions

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) upped the ante foritsannualNovemberrace meet, this time teaming up with Impressions to host what they’re calling the premiere Auto Event of the year, Guyana Automotive Expo and the Ignite Race of Champions.

The South Dakota Circuit, home of motor racing in Guyana, will welcome some of the region’s fastest cars in various groups, along with radicalcars,fromNovember 12–13.

Over the past 50 years, the GMR&SC said they have transformed the automotive industry in Guyana through the strategic creation of high level race meets and events which cut across various demographics: status, religion, gender and age, attracting more than 30,000 patronsinasinglespacefor oneday

The highly anticipated annual November Race of Champions, is said to be the single-largest sporting event that is consistent, well managed, and attracts a steady following and equal investment, and is also the GMR&SC’s marquee event on their local motor-racing

the November

Automotive

calendar

According to organisers, the ongoing Radical Caribbean Cup (RCC) will culminate in Guyana with fans being given the opportunity to cheer on Kristian Jeffrey, the lone Guyanese competing in the series.

As the series heads to Trinidad this weekend, Jeffrey, with four wins in the six races so far, leads RCC standings with 125 points

multiple Caribbean Motor Racing Champion David Summerbell Jnr, is also expected to compete in Guyana

Zane Maloney, the 19 year old ‘Bajan’ 2022 FIA Formula 3 Vice Champion, is also listed amongst the star studded drivers touted tobepartoftheevent

Apart from the high octane events at South Dakota, the Guyana Automotive Expo, the GMRSC said, will be the first of its kind to be held in the country, catering to auto dealers, banks and otherenthusiasts

The GMR&SC pointed out that in the last years, major work has been done in South Dakota, as it

aspired to accommodate high level action, such as Formula 4 cars for the North and Central American Championship (NACAM) in the near future

M e a n w h i l e , t h e GMR&SC, for the first time, will be giving away a brand new Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart car to one lucky patronattendingtheevent.

Witheverypurchaseofa tickettotheNovember12 13eventatSouthDakota,an opportunity will be given to enter a draw to win the MitsubishiColtRalliartcar

The GMR&SC plans to host a series of events to promote the November meet

President Irfaan Ali had listedmotorracingasoneof the sports his Government intends to target for investment, as his administration pushes to make Guyana the premier destination for sports tourismandentertainmentin theCaribbean.

J u n i o r S a m m y, ENetworks, Banks Beer, Prems Electrical, Vitality, BeharryAutomotivelimited, Secure Innovations and Concepts, Government of Guyana and Ministry of Tourism are listed as the sponsors.

Barnwell, who has played six ODIs, statedthathisstrengthishisabilitytoplay the situations and maintain a healthy scoringrate

For the year, very few First Division games were played here but the DCC righthandersaidthatnotplayingfirstdivisionfora longtimeinGuyanadidnotaffecthim,since hemanagedtogetsomegametimeinUSA.

Barnwell started at the Regional 50-over level in November 2008 when Guyana opposedCCCwhilehebeganhisFirst-Class career against the Leewards in February 2009.

“I will always enjoy the game, until I’m ready to retire while my role in the game is

Now 15 years later, being one of the seniorplayersintheteam,Iwillhaveakey role to play in helping my team win and share information with the young players,” said Barnwell who has the most First DivisionhundredsinGCAcricket

“I’m a genuine all-rounder, I just don’t bowl as much as I use to before,” said Barnwell who played for the Royal ChallengersBangalorein2013.

Barnwell who represents Atlanta in the USAsaidthestandardofcricketintheUSAis ontherise.

A lot of players from all over the world going to play tournaments there will only makethegamedevelopfasterintheUSA.

NBS semis & final on the Weekend

The GCA’s New

Building Society (NBS) 40over second division semifinals will be played tomorrow, Saturday, while the Final is set for Sunday Both days the games will be day/night matches and are scheduled to commence at 1pm On Saturday, defending Champions GCC, who beat Everest, willface offwithPoliceat the MYO ground on Woolford Avenue, while DCC and MYO will collideatDCC

The winners will clash

on Sunday, a National holiday in Celebration of Youman Nabi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, the founding prophet of Islam

In a packed weekend of cricket,theAtlanticMarine Supplies Inc & Suzuki Motor Cycles second Divison T20 tournament will be played with two matches per ground, with matchesstartingat9:30am and1:30pm

Tomorrow, Saturday, GNIC and Diplomats will clash in the morning

game, while Third Class and 4R Lions will do battle in the 1:30 pm game attheQCground

At Malteenoes, BelAir Rubis and Agricola battle each other before GDF andAceWarriorsfaceoff

On Sunday at QC, Diplomats oppose Third Class and Sophia clash with Ace Warriors in the afternoonencounter

At Malteenoes, GDF play Agricola before MSC and 4R Lions clash in the 1:30PM game (Sean Devers)

Christopher Barnwell

Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival earmarked for this year

The Guyana Hockey Board’s (GHB) marquee International engagement, the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival, has been allocated to be hosted later this year, according to the President of the local governing body, Philip Fernandes.

Thisevent,lasthostedin 2019 when Trinidad and Tobago’s Queen’s Park Hockey Club dominated all three categories in the 15th edition, is Guyana’s only International affair hosted here on the annual Calendar of activities, usually contested at the National Gymnasium.

Fernandes stated, “The Diamond Mineral Water InternationalIndoorHockey Championships is going to happen again this year We are right now in talks with a number of teams, most of them out of Trinidad, some of them out of Canada.And ofcourseourownGuyanese

teams are really looking forward to this because it’s our lone International level competition that we have on ourshores.”

“ S o , I ’ m v e r y encouraged by the level of interest we have on the internationalscene.Thecost of flights at the moment is high. So we’re doing some analysis Teams also are checking on their financing forsuchthings.ButIexpect a good edition of that tournament this year And I think that being that we did nothaveitforthepastcouple of years; I think that this wouldbeanotherreturnwith some excitement,” he revealed.

The tournament suffered a huge blow like so many others from every discipline in Guyana and around the world when the pandemic got into its full stride.At the time,theboardwas ontrack tohostthe16thedition.

“The couple of years out

thatwehadwiththeCOVID disruptions and so on did affectwhatwouldusuallybe our preparation period. So wearestartingabitlaterthan normal. But I anticipate that many of the countries probablywouldhavebeenin the same situation, especially the small nations similar to our size,” said the former national hockey player

“Thelargercountrieslike USAandArgentina,withthe amountofplayerstheyhave, I’m sure they would have had ongoing activities in someway ButIthinkthatwe now have to really make up thatgap.Butwe’renotalone. Everybody has faced the same global pandemic, and so,wejusthavetotrytosee whatisthemosteconomical way to get our support players up to draft quality,” thePresidentadded.

Future International Engagements…

Under the International

Taylor Fernandes looks to maintain intensity as Squash team leaves

for Paraguay

BySeanDevers Guyana’s ‘fearsome foursome’Women’s Squash team departs for Paraguay today for the X11 South AmericanGames.

Led by World’s Masters Women’s Singles Gold Medalist Nicolette Fernandes, the Guyanese ladies should be very competitive when they go intoactionnextMonday

The tournament will be playedfromtheOctober1015 with the team returning homeonOctober17.

The other members of the Quartet are CASA singles Gold Medallist Ashley Khalil, Taylor Fernandes and Larisa Wilshire, while Garfield Wilshire will double as Manager/Coach.

Yesterday Taylor Fernandes spoke with KaitetuerSports.

“Preparations for South American games have been more different from any

other tournament. I have been training both on the courtandinthegymranging from 3 to 4 days a week.

Dependingonhowmybody feels,”saidTaylor,thetallest ofthequartet.

“Ending my last tournamentonahigh,Icame back with the intention to maintainthesameintensity

Weekly match practice, improving on the areas I thought I needed to sharpen up in order to improve my game.

Two weeks ago we have

a squash camp with Coach CarlInce,otherwisewehave triedtomeetduringtheweek to train together,” explained Taylorwhohasgottenmuch strongerinthelastyearorso.

Taylor disclosed that the level at South American games will be more competitivethanCasa.

“We have competed againstmostoftheCountries competing, so we are lookingforwardtoit.

Mental preparation, I wouldsaygoeshandinhand

In this flashback, George United Captain, Brianna Govia (centre), of T&T tackles Saints defender, Rene James, for possession in the Female Division of the 15th edition of the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival in 2019.

Engagements bracket, the GHB is currently chartering a way forward for both senior and junior teams to have the opportunity to representGuyana.

“The senior national women’steamisinabitofa lullatthemomentintermsof their international schedule. Remember, when it’s a country like ours, we can’t justparticipateineverything

thatcomesalongbecauseit’s veryexpensivetodo.So,we have to pick and choose our battles,”Fernandesopined.

“Nextyearthereistalkof a Caribbean Championship and I think the Senior NationalWomenwillhaveto focus on that to try to see if we could participate. The dateandvenueisnotyetset; there is talk about somewherearoundmid-year

and it might be Jamaica, but that’snotconfirmedasyet.”

He continued: “On the junior calendar, however, there is an under 21 tournament for boys and for girlsinBarbados,endofthe first quarter This year, we did take a national women’s team to Bermuda, they were not as successful as we had hoped,butthegamesthat

(Continuedonpage25)

Taylor Fernandes plays a drive off the glass.

Boxers arrive in Paraguay hunting

games medals

up for grabs

Ignite Race of Champions