Kaieteur News

Opposition demands copy of report on Exxon's US$214 million audit probe

-AlsowantscopyofBobbyGossaiemploymentcontract

Shadow Attorney

General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Guyana, Roysdale Forde yesterday issued a letter to Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson Snr formally requesting a copy of the employment contract of Gopnauth 'Bobby' Gossai who serves as the Senior PetroleumCoordinatorinthe Ministry of Natural Resources.

K a i e t e u r N e w s previously reported that Gossai was recently identified as the individual whomishandledanauditinto US$1 7B in expenses incurred by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited in the StabroekBlockfrom1999to 2017. British company, IHS Markit was hired back in 2019toconducttheauditand subsequentlydeterminedthat the government has reasonable grounds to demand that Exxon returns US$214M.

Upon reviewing the findings of IHS Markit, the Guyana Revenue Authority

(GRA) which functions as the government's advisor on these matters, gave its noobjection.

The tax authority subsequently issued a notice to the Ministry of Natural ResourcesonAugust8,2023 instructing that the audit be closed and Exxon be informed of the final disputed sums. It was later revealed that the ministry's Petroleum Unit did not heed GRA's advice and engaged

Exxoninthereductionofthe flaggedsumstoUS$3M.

The ministry disclosed thatthiswasanunauthorized movebyGossaiwhoissetto face disciplinary action. In theinterim,Fordehasissued a r e q u e s t t o t h e C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information for Gossai's employment contract. “It is crucialforthepublictohave confidence in the hiring process and terms of employment for such a

significant position, particularlyincircumstances where there are serious lingeringquestionsaboutthe unauthorised negotiations between himself and ExxonMobil to reduce USD$214,911,994 to USD$3, 414,853.68,” said Fordeinhisletter

In addition to a copy of the contract or agreement, Forde also asked for a detailed job description setting out the powers, responsibilities and duties assigned to the head of the Petroleum Unit. Forde said this will assist in evaluating the competency and relevance of the appointed individual.

T h e O p p o s i t i o n parliamentarian also requested information regarding the process employed to select the head of the Unit, includingdetails

of any advertisements, requisite qualifications, interview procedures, and the selection panel involved. Additionally,Fordeaskedfor confirmation that the remuneration package for Gossai received the necessary approvals in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h governmental standards, regulationsandpolicies.

Forde asked for the foregoing to be provided within three weeks from yesterday Forde also dispatched a similar letter to the Natural Resources

Minister, Vickram Bharrat whereherequestedtohavea copy of the investigative report prepared on Gossai's actions. Forde also asked for the minister to furnish him with Gossai's employment contract.

The Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs also asked

Minister Bharrat to say what action has been taken in response to the unauthorized negotiations, including disciplinary actions, policy changes, or any other measures implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. He urged the minister to provide this information within seven days of the receipt of his letter to facilitate a thorough review by the political opposition.

Govt. to use other funds for Gas-to-Energy project until U.S. approves loan - Jagdeo

The Government ofGuyana(GoG) doesnotintendto allow delayed financing from the United States Export Import (US-EXIM) Bank to stall the highly toutedGas-to-Energy(GTE) project, this is according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

During his weekly press conference onThursday last at Freedom House, Robb Street, Jagdeo said that the loan has not yet been approved,butgovernmentis confidentthatthegreenlight will be given soon. To this end,heexplained,“Ifthereis needfor,wecanhavebridge financinguntilthatcomeson stream and from what I gather, the loan can fund retroactive expenditure so if you have bridge financing then you can go back and clear it easily once the loan comesonstream.”

Jagdeotoldreportersthat President Irfaan Ali met

withthePresidentoftheUSEXIM Bank during his recent visit to the United States. While providing an update on the state of financingforthemassivegas project, the VP said, “President Ali met with the PresidentofEXIMBankand (had) really good discussions It's moving forward.It'smovingapace.”

He was keen to note that though the loan has not yet beenapproved,therewillno impacts to the stipulated timeframe for completion, December 2024. The GTE project entails three components, a 12-inch pipeline that will transport the gas from the Liza One and Liza Two fields in the Stabroek Block, as well as a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility that will treat and separate the resource; a portion will then be utilized to generate some 300 megawatts (MW) of cleaner electricity

ExxonMobil, the operator of the Stabroek Block will be financing the pipeline aspect of the project,whilegovernmentis seeking to finance the other twocomponentsthroughthe loan agreement with the US lending institution While the project has the potential to supply the nation with a cleaner,morereliablesource of power, it has been subjectedtocriticisms,given its astronomical price tag, backed by no feasibility study

Governmenthassaidthe pipelineaspectisexpectedto costUS$1B,whilecontracts have been inked for the gas plants at a cost of US$759 million Other costs to support the project include landacquisitionsbythestate for the pipeline and t r a n s m i s s i o

distribution costs A damninginternationalreport by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial

Analysis (IEEFA), a US think tank has pointedly underscoredthatgoingsolar is a less costly alternative to thegasproject. Kaieteur News reported onSundaythatinthereport, co-authored by Tom Sanzillo, Director of financialanalysisforIEEFA and Cathy Kunkel, an

Energy Consultant at IEEFA,itwasexplainedthat distributed (rooftop) solar power provides an alternative to the gas-toenergy project that can be builtoutinsmallincrements to avoid overbuilding the generationsystem.

The experts stated that a rooftop solar and storage

system consisting of 2 8 kilowatts (kW) of solar panelsand10kWhofbattery storage would be more than sufficient to meet this level of current and projected consumption, producing approximately 368 kWh per month.

“We estimate that such a system would cost approximately US$7,800,87 andwouldgeneratepowerat approximately15cents/kWh less than the cost of GPL's current rates (20 cents/kWh for residential customers) or of a diesel generator,” the IEEFAexpertssaid.

Read more in the link below:

https://wwwkaieteurne wsonline com/2023/10/08/d amning-intl-report-findssolar-is-cheaper-alternativet o - g a s - t o - e n e rg yproject/#:~:text=Kaieteur% 20News%20%E2%80%93 %20A%20damning%20inte rnational,US%242B%20pri ce%20tag

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs, Roysdale Forde

Senior Petroleum Coordinator of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Gopnauth 'Bobby' Gossai

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

President’s housing loan to teachers

Teachers getting up to $15 million in mortgages for buying a home have a nice ring.At a rate of 3.75% for such loans, the eardrums are quivering. A round of applause is due to President Ali for that grand announcement, which must have inspired many teachers. Now there are some questions for the President, and they all have to do with the practicalaspectsofhisannouncement.

How are those $15 million loans going to happen?

Which bank is going to be found to offer those low interest rate loans? What would be the incentive for those banks thatmaybeinterested,thosefinancialinstitutionsthatcould be cajoled, to lend at 3.75 percent, when interest rates are where they are today? Considering what such $15 million loanswoulddoforhousingthatisneeded,thequestionmust be asked: where does such a loan, if and when taken, leave the new mortgage holder and homeowner, relative to the longlistoftheirotherurgentneeds?

We are all for $15 million special home loans for teachers,letthatbefullyunderstood.Butbanksmakeoneof the biggest slices of their earnings from home loans. The interest that they charge is not 3.75 percent, which is more than 2 percent under the going rate for noncommercial mortgage loans. In a matter of days, the banks are going to be at the table, and will hear about what measures the government (and president) have in mind. The challenge for banks is how they are going to make this work for their own profit projections. It can be a success, but if a few thousandteachersweretotakeadvantageofwhatthePPPC Government puts in place for special home loans, then the institutions that participate in this lending programme will have to figure out what is in for them, considering their lost interest revenue. Where is the quid pro quo from the government,andwhatformwouldsuchtake?

To repeat, a special home loan for up to $15 million at 3.75 percent could have many takers from the ranks of teachers.

Buttheyprotectthemselvesbyweighingcarefullywhat wouldbetheirmonthlymortgageonsuchloans,evenatthe low rate of 3.75 percent. One quick note, we would hope that the 3.75 percent rate is fixed for the entire duration of theloan,anddoesnotresetatanytime,unlessitislowerand favorabletoloanholders.

Now for the potential loan beneficiaries themselves, teachers. There is a standard of a 20 percent deposit for mortgageloans,butthismayvaryfrombanktobank. Ona $15millionloan,thatcallsfora$3milliondeposit,andthis ignores the usual tacking on of fees and such. Are banks going to waive that in full, or in part? Or is the PPPC Government going to arrange some type of blanket guarantee for these special loan arrangements? In other words, the government commits to being the guarantor of such loans. Regarding the nuts and bolts of a mortgage loan,specialorordinary,onefor$15millionfor30yearsat 3.75percentisabout$55,000inmonthlypayments.

That would be almost half the monthly gross pay of the average teacher Perhaps, the government has some relief in mind with a higher tax exemption (‘free pay’) threshold. Ifthegovernmentisn’t,thenapproximately$60,000iswhat teachers would be left with to manage a spiraling cost-ofliving environment, plus the other basics of life. This includes transportation, clothing, and caring for emergencies,eitherforself,children,orelderlydependents.

If nobody else is willing to say it, then we have to: suddenly this impressive idea of special home loans for as muchas$15millionat3.75percenttakesonanentirelynew complexion.

It is not a healthy one, but one that smacks of slavery, withthedifferencebeingthatthereisa30-year(or15-year) time limit. It should be noticed that we avoided commentingtodayonunionbusting,orgovernment’sgoing at matters alone again. The special home loan looks good onpaper,thedevilliesinwhatisbehindit.

We will fight to protect the lives and the liberties of all our citizens

DEAREDITOR, handing out candies and willingness to commit the Hamas’ attack on Israel Inthemorninghoursof7 expressing their joy in the worstwarcrimes. could not have been realized October, 2023, the terrorist faceoftheheinouscrimes. Hamas spares no means without the active support, organizations Hamas and That same beautiful to carry out its destructive both financial and military, Palestinian Islamic Jihad sunny Saturday was plans. Because indeed this of the Iranian Ayatollah (PIJ) initiated a new war supposed to start for the attack was planned in regime, which works against Israel: bloodthirsty people of Israel with the advanceandisnotconnected tirelessly to destabilize the squads of Palestinian celebration of Simchat to any pretext whatsoever regionandtheworldinorder terrorists breached the Torah,thelastholydayofthe The extent of the means that toexpanditscontroloverthe border fence from the Gaza Sukkotfestival. the Hamas and PIJ invest in Middle East and promote its Strip to Israel, carrying out The hundreds of their war effort proves that Islamic revolution Iran barbaric pogroms in the thousands of Israelis living this is where they invest the operates through its proxies, streets and houses of the in the pastoral countryside bulkoftheeconomicsupport now Hamas and the PIJ, as Israeli villages and towns surrounding the Gaza Strip theyreceive. well as the Hezbollah in along the border, massacring were caught in shock by the Their outspoken priority Lebanon, the Houthis in indiscriminately of gender dreadful Palestinian raid on is not the welfare of the YemenandtheShiitemilitias and age any Israeli crossing their way to pray in the residents of Gaza, but the inIraq. theirway synagogues or to spend the destruction of Israel Nevertheless, Israel shall

At the same time, the weekend with friends or Meanwhile, it is precisely prevail, despite the heavy same organisations launched family Israel that has tried in recent price in human lives that we a massive firing offensive of Hundreds of innocent times to alleviate the plight paidtoday thousands of rockets and people celebrating a musical of the civilian population of We will fight to protect missiles aimed at population nature party, strolling in the the Gaza Strip and to foster the lives and the liberties of centers, from Be’er Sheva street or simply resting economic and humanitarian all our citizens and through Tel Aviv up to quietly in their homes were aid. overcome the current Jerusalem. cold- bloodedly slaughtered Alas, for Hamas, the challenge, by sticking to the

As of this writing, the by bestial jihadi terrorists lives of the citizens of Gaza values of freedom, number of Israeli victims, motivated by the same are just cheap pawns to use democracy and the respect mostly civilians, stands at heinous ideology as the for the destruction of the of human life that we share over 900 dead and close to Islamic state. What should lives of Israeli citizens. The withthefreeworld. 2600 wounded, while more havebeenadayofjoyturned terrorist organizations The solidarity and our than 130 of Israeli citizens into a day of sorrow and operate deliberately from righttoself-defensehasbeen have been abducted and mourning. within densely populated acknowledged by the many taken hostage inside the Exactly50yearsafterthe areas and adjacent to friends in the international GazaStrip. surprise attack of Arab humanitarian institutions in community,whodonotwant

Footage of the terrorists armies on the State of Israel Gaza. the obscurantist forces to who go on their barbarous inthe1973YomKippurWar, Theycommitthusdouble succeed and endanger rampage, murdering and Israelagainfindsitselfunder w a r c r i m e s b y further the endeavors for looting, are distributed on attack by hate filled enemies indiscriminately shooting at peaceandstability social media, alongside who despise international Israeli civilians while using Itai Bar-Dov pictures of Palestinians in law or humanitarian the residents of the Gaza Ambassador of Israel to Gaza as in the West Bank standards and who display Stripashumanshields. Guyana

Govt. needs to address the problems in housing

forced to live in cramped Authority’s priority was to category of citizens had no accommodation with sell huge swathes of land to access to loans from extended family members or privatedevelopers,underthe commercial banks at the DEAREDITOR, squat. Central Housing & pretext of providing time, the decision was taken

The Constitution of the Planning Authority is in fact affordable housing to to have Central Housing & Cooperative Republic of continuing to provide working class citizens. Most Planning Authority engage Guyana in Article 26, aptly business opportunities for of these private developers contractors to build quality outlines the ‘right to citizens friends, family, and favorites catered to the needs of the houses under their strict f o r h o u s i n g to build houses for resale or wealthy, many of whom supervision. Allocating lots accommodation ’ An rental. were already property was not an option since analysis of the records at the During the PPP/C’s 23 owners. As a result, low and capital would have been Central Housing and years in office, squatting middle-incomeapplicantsto unavailable. Models of lowPlanning Authority will increasedinGuyana,Region Central Housing & Planning income rent- to- own and show that low and middle- 4. Some of these squatting Authority, from as far back other solutions were income citizens are being settlements were later as the early 90s, are still on discussed. Mechanisms for discriminated against, regularized Lots were the database “waiting for a payment to Central Housing contrary to the mandate of allocated in other areas callforaffordablelots”. & Planning Authority or Central Housing & Planning without the requisite Editor,aforensicauditof some approved government Authority Established in infrastructure,butafewhigh Central Housing & Planning agency were also being 1948, Central Housing & income and upper middle- Authority was conducted by explored when the Coalition Planning Authority’s income citizens were able to Ram, McRae and Company, demittedoffice. mandate was “to provide acquire loans and build a private firm, in 2016 at the Also, in the years 2016 housing for the working M a n y l o t s r e m a i n request of the Coalition and 2020, the Coalition class’, who are not property unoccupied, while some Government The Report G o v e r n m e n t h e l d owners. havesincebeenresoldoffthe confirmed the Coalition’s promotions, where allottees Editor, since August record. Central Housing & c o n c e r n s t h a t who were allocated house 2020, I have written ad Planning Authority also C O R R U P T I O N w a s lots pre-May 2015 and Post nauseam about the PPP’s engaged private contractors rampant at Central Housing May 2015 to enjoy a 50% mismanagement of the to build “under their &PlanningAuthority reduction on the prices of housing sector There is NO supervision”.The sad stories Additionally, an analysis house lots during the plan in the housing sector to of poorly built houses and of the chronological waiting celebrations of our nation’s address the needs of low and crumblingstructuresarewell list of applicants revealed 5 0 t h I n d e p e n d e n c e middle-income citizens documented and in the that housing solutions for Anniversary(May2016)and House lots are priced out of publicdomain. low and middle- income 5 0 t h R e p u b l i c a n the reach of this vulnerable It appears that Central citizens had to be urgently Anniversary(Feb.2020), group, many of whom are Housing & Planning addressed Since that (Continued on page 5)

President Ali and his Government should put an end to corruption at many levels of the administration

DEAREDITOR, corruption at many levels of conglomerates in Africa,

Because of the problems the Administration This Asia, Latin America and

and inequities in the oil and requires a moral sense to E u r o p e h a v e t a k e n Parliamentary Opposition gas sector, many of us have identifyrightfromwrong. advantage of Governments and come up with proposals blamed Vice President (b) If we had true that only speak on behalf of to get much, much more Jagdeo for the apparent patriots and statesmen halfofthepopulation. from our bountiful failure to maximize the making decisions with the (c) This talk about the resources. enormous wealth possible billions sanctity of contracts is I e n d w i t h t w o from our non-renewable of barrels and tons of nonsensical and flies n the observations, first, listening natural resources, oil, gas, gold,bauxiteandmanganese face of the real world. From toPresidentAli,youwillget diamond,gold,manganese. now being harvested, by Plato through the ages the impression that he President Dr Irfaan now poverty everywhere in ChangeaccordingtoaGreek believes that he is the font of Muhamad Ali’s stout Guyana should have been Philosopher, Milic Capek all wisdom with the divine response to a statement completely eradicated. All describes“Changeasaword right of Kings. This is a attributed to former that is required for the that designates one of the dangerous attitude. Not new PresidentDonaldRamotaris President is for him to be most conspicuous and most in human history I state his worrisome. faithful to the essence of the pervasive features of our sentence by a character in Donald Ramotar stated constitution, our customs sensory and introspective Shakespeare’s play, Julius that he supports the idea of andourlaws. experience - only the related Caesar “Why, Man he doth renegotiationorsimplyputa That is to be obedient to feature of plurality or bestride our narrow world. changeoftheselopsided,my the true meaning of diversity is equally so. “At a Like a Colossus, and we words, not his, extant inclusionary democracy and personal level, we go before petty men Walk under his arrangements. President Ali to end this charade of One God and Man and with our huge legs and peep about to wronglycontendsthatsucha Guyana, while ignoring the Holy Books swear that for find ourselves dishonorable policy would scare investors LeaderoftheOppositionand betterorforworse,forricher graves.Menatsometimeare away Absolutenonsense. the authentic Trade Unions for poorer, until death do us masters of their fates. The

Briefly I make the and representatives of part, yet everywhere those faultdearBrutusisnotinour followingcomments:- workersinthepublicsector contracts are broken with stars but in ourselves thatwe

(a) With a population of The President and his thousandsofdivorces. areunderlings.” point 8 million, with no Advisors must know that if In other words, when I conclude, let us unite to natural disasters, we have you speak to these powerful there are changes, we must avoid a retool of slavery and already have enough conglomeratesonbehalfofa beabletotalkthingsthrough a return to the harshness of investors harvesting and I single political group, you to benefit the majority of immigrant labour on the deliberately did not use the areunabletogetthebestdeal citizens. plantations To the word exploiting our natural for citizens of our country President Ali must stop Government and People of resources Even as we daily But speak on behalf of all of this nonsense about scaring Guyana, United we stand, bring up oil, gas, gold the people, you will get away Investors and the Dividedwefall. diamonds, etc President Ali much,muchmore.Thevoice sanctityofContracts. Sincerely, and his Government should of the People is the voice of IfourPresidentwishesto Hamilton Green put an end to the perceived G o d T h e m i g h t y be a true patriot, he would Elder

Govt. needs to address the problems...

The government’s deafening silence on the latest drug bust

DEAREDITOR, the boat, named Mathieu is The Government must registeredinGuyana. cease its silence and inform Subsequent to this thenationonthestatusofthe development, the Head of recent international drug the Customs and Antibust that subjected Guyana, narcotics Unit (CANU) told yet again, to international the nation that his agency infamy w a s p u r s u i n g t h e

I have noted the eerie investigation. To date, seven and worrying silence by the days later, there is no word Government of Guyana and o n t h e p u r p o r t e d itoughttobeofconcerntoall investigation. rightthinkingGuyanese. This is regrettable

It is useful to remind us ConsideringthatGuyanahas all that seven (7) days have b e e n l a b e l l e d a n elapsed since agents of international hub for drug Spain’s National Police and smuggling.

Tax Agency Customs I call on the Government Surveillance seized a ton of and CANU to update the cocaine in the waters of the nation and the world on the Atlantic Ocean near Cape investigation into this latest Verde on a fishing boat drugbust. boundforSpain. Regards,

In the operation, six Ms. Geeta Chandancrew members: four (4) Edmond

Guyanese and two (2) Attorney -at-Law Albanianswerearrested. APNU +AFC Member

The agents observed that of Parliament

CRG condemns the attack on the innocent

DEAREDITOR,

CRG condemns the brutal and unprovoked attack on innocent Israeli citizens. Families were killed why observing Shabbat and many innocent lives were taken. Also, many innocentcivilianswerekidnapped.

When there is a war those at war must be brave enough to fight their battles against those who have chosen to be the warriors.

Attacking innocent civilians is nothing less than an act of cowardice. CRG condemns such actions and those who embracethem.Itisourhopethattheinnocentwillbereturned totheirfamiliesassoonaspossible.

Regards,

Jamil Changlee

From page 4 old strategy of ignoring this

2 Allegedly, staff in breach because only somethingthePPPcNEVER vulnerable group and I membersofCentralHousing persons who do not already did in their initial 23 years. appeal to Minister Croal to & Planning Authority own own property are entitled to This approach saw may urgently provide housing properties in the new house lots from Central allottees paying off on their solutions for this vulnerable schemes and are renting to Housing & Planning balances. Editor, these are group. applicants. Authority the small things that matters I a l s o s t r o n g l y

3 Middlemen are 5 Houses sold are toordinaryGuyanese. recommend that another facilitating the purchase of extremely defective and

It was and still is forensic audit be conducted lots allocated by Central have caused owners to incur painfully to hear then and at Central Housing & Housing & Planning unnecessary expense to fix now from allottees, since the Planning Authority for the Authority at exploitative them. returnedofthePPPregimeto followingreasons: prices.

6. Infrastructure not in office, they scrapped this

1. There are allegations

4. Houses built, on lots place so those who can initiative,andmanyordinary of corruption, where staff allocated by Central affordtobuildcannotdoso. Guyanese were faced to pay members are involved in Housing & Planning May God’s blessings be the full cost for the price of deals to help young Authority in the new uponournation. the house lot allocated to professionals and others schemes, are being rented at Yours sincerely, them. jump the cue, so well- exorbitant prices by the Annette Ferguson, MP Editor it appears that the connected applicants are in owners who have other Shadow Minister of PPP/C has reverted to their receiptofallocations. properties elsewhere. This is Housing and Water

We need to reevaluate our approach to nurturing the emotional health of our boys

DEAREDITOR, Instead, it signifies that all answer is clear: emotionally boys in improving their therefore, it is for adults across the country As we In observance of World children possess the tools well children, irrespective of emotionalwellbeing,suchas everywhere to promote observe World Mental Mental Health Day 2023, it necessary to navigate the gender, are more likely to open conversations , active emotional wellbeing, and Health Day 2023, let’s talk is vital that everyone, countless emotions they develop strong and healthy listening, and encouraging provide adequate care to about the emotional everywhere give some encounter throughout their minds, paving the way for h e a l t h y e m o t i o n a l boystoensurethatboyshave wellbeing of boys By attention to this critical issue life. better lives in the future. In a expressions. Making our the opportunity to thrive recognizing that emotional that often goes unnoticed: T h o u g h t h e U N w o r l d w h e r e b o y s ’ homes, schools and emotionally wellbeing is a fundamental the emotional wellbeing of Convention on the Rights of emotional wellbeing is communities where boys As Guyanese we can all right and taking proactive boys. This year, ChildLinK the Child does not explicitly ignored and they may feel receive love, care, engage in local initiatives steps to support it, we can joins our Global partner, a d d r e s s e m o t i o n a l pressured to suppress their protection, security, and which include reaching out create a society where boys Family for Every Child’s wellbeing, it is inherently emotions, emphasizing their respectisparamount. to organizations to learn are empowered to express mental health campaign tied to numerous articles emotional wellbeing S o c i e t a l n o r m s , moreaboutwaystosupporta their emotions and which underscores the withintheconvention.These becomesevenmorecritical. traditions and expectations boy’s emotional wellbeing ultimately lead happier, universal message that articles encompass rights The first step to can exert tremendous or advocating for improved healthierlives. “Emotional wellbeing is a such as survival and supporting boys’ emotional pressure on a boy’s mental health services in Sincerely, child’s right, and there are development, respect for well-being is for adults to emotional wellbeing, schools and communities ChildLinK Inc. things we can all do to children’s views, freedom of recognize the importance of supportit.” expression, privacy, theirroleinthisprocess.Just

In a society where protectionfromviolenceand as we prioritize a child’s traditionalgendernormsand neglect, health, education, physical health, nurturing expectations often dictate play, and recovery from their emotional health is how boys should express t r a u m a E m o t i o n a l equallyvital. their emotions, it is wellbeing and mental health

All adults in a boy’s life, imperative that we are integral aspects of a including parents, other reevaluate our approach to child’s overall health, firmly family members, teachers, nurturing their emotional establishing emotional and community members, health. wellbeing as a child’s right, play a pivotal role in

Emotional wellbeing is a especially concerning their fostering emotional person’s capacity to righttohealthandhealthcare wellbeing Collaboration experience, express, and services. and communication are regulate their emotions. It’s Many of us may ask the essentialinthisendeavor crucial to understand that question, why is emotional There exist numerous emotional wellbeing doesn’t wellbeing important for tools and strategies that equate to endless happiness. boys, in particular? The adults can use to support

DEAREDITOR, Iwasayoungstermoving was in Guyana) were no-

The PPP and the State around political figures in shows They were controlled Chronicle are the 60s after the 1961 represented by the Prime obsessed with making General Elections and I am Minister and Minister Todd. propaganda capital at every aware that in 1972, top brass Thosewhoknowwhoarethe opportunity of the PPP were reluctant to heavy weights in the PPP

I read with dismay the support the PNC’s initiative will read much into the Chronicle Editorial today to have diplomatic relations above fact, so whoever connecting a visit by Mrs. with China because they did writes that Editorial in Jagan to the People’s not wish to offend the Soviet today’s paper is on the merry Republic of China in 1962 Union. mission to hoodwink the into the initiative taken in I’m told that at the 74th people.Youcanfoolsomeof 1962 by the Burnham AnniversaryofthePRCheld the people, some of the time administration to have on October 1, 2023, both the ,but you can’t fool all of the diplomatic relations with the President Dr Irfan Ali and peopleallofthetime. People’s Republic of China, the General Secretary of the Regards, thefirstintheCaribbean. PPP, Bharat Jagdeo (who Eric Moseley, MS

World Mental Health Day Message

DEAREDITOR, level and a policy level on Rights and Discrimination

Yesterday, October 10, how to minimize the effects against people with mental 2023, marked World Mental of mental illnesses on family d i s o r d e r s a n d l e s s Health Day. It is being andthecommunity. psychosocialwell-being. observed under the Itisanopportunetimefor With the Legislature profoundly appropriate Governments to ensure that passing the Mental Health theme “Celebrating World there are adequate, Protection And Promotion Mental Health Day 2023: accessible, and equitable Bil 2022, Bill No. 7 on Raising Awareness and mental health services August8,2022. SupportingthoseinNeed.” availabletothepopulace. It is the reasonable

It is around this time that It is time for us to expectation that all wellness gifts are offered, compassionately address the Guyanese will receive the mental health podcasts are n u m b e r o f p e r s o n s best and optimal care in aired, people become wanderingaroundourstreets mental health thereby disconnected from daily so that the victim’s offence ensuringthattheobjectiveof distractions, and even focus will not become a defence. theproposedlawisrealized. on some kind of art. It is a Further, it is also a time for Sincerely, t i m e o f r e f l e c t i o n , careful attention to be given Dr Karen Cummings introspection, and for to determine whether there Opposition, Shadow planning at a community are violations of Human Minister of Health

You can fool some people some time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time

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ONE DAY PROTEST

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Publisher of the Kaieteur News has called for a day of protest on October 27, 2023.

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The aim of the protest is to call on the government to invoke the provision in the lopsided contract with ExxonMobil for that company to relinquish 20% of the Stabroek Block which it currently holds.

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That 20% is equivalent to 120 oil blocks.

The protest will also be calling on the government to ring-fence Exxon’s 6th project as well as demand more royalty and taxes from the US oil major.

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So, join Mr. Glenn Lall and others on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 9am and let your voices be heard.

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Let’s show both President IrfaanAli and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, that they have to take back those blocks from ExxonMobil and change the way they are managing this oil sector.

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Guyana's 2022 oil blocks auction…

Only applications from most responsive bidders will be gazetted -Ministryclarifies

The Ministry of Natural Resources clarifiedyesterdaythattheapplications byoilcompaniesfornewblockswhich featured in the nation's first auction, will be gazetted only after they are properlyevaluated.

This clarification follows an article published by Kaieteur News on Tuesday, stating that it has been over three weeks since the Government has failed to gazette the applications made onorbeforeSeptember12,2023.

The ministry explained that a processhastobefollowedandthatthe applicationswillnotbegazettedsimply because they were received The ministry said in keeping with the recently repealed Petroleum Exploration and Production Act 1986, the notice for oil blocks tender was issued in the Official Gazette dated

December9,2022.

Theministrysaidthisnoticeinvited interested parties to competitively participateinthebiddingroundthrough paid access to a virtual data room. Importantly, this notice included the coordinates of the area for which interestedpartiescouldsubmittenders.

The ministry further noted that the Petroleum Activities Act came into force on September 1, 2023, which continued the 2022 Bid Round. Additionally, it said updated bid round guidelineswereissuedvianoticedated September11,2023.

Ontheconclusionofthebidround, and once the bids are evaluated, the ministry said the most substantially responsive bidder(s) for a specific blockwouldthenbeinvitedtomakean applicationforthegrantofapetroleum

Speeding driver kills elderly woman

A 56-year-old-woman died on Monday after she was struck down by a speeding car on the Lusignan Railway Embankment,EastCoastDemerara(ECD).

explorationlicenseforthatblock.

Theministrysaid this is in keeping with the established legal framework underthePetroleumActivitiesAct.

Further, the ministry said these are theapplicationsthatwillberequiredto begazettedinkeepingwiththenewlaw

Meanwhile,theMinistryofNatural Resources was keen to underscore that it remains fully compliant with all the applicable laws of Guyana regarding thenation'sfirstbidround.

Kaieteur News previously reported that the firms bidding for oil blocks in the offshore licensing round include global players like ExxonMobil, Total Energies EP Guyana B.V, and Qatar EnergyInternationalE&PLLC,among others The bids encompass eight blocks,withtheothersixofferedblocks expectedtoremainunlicensed.

DeadisPulwantieRamjan.

According to the police, the accident occurred around 18:15hrs on Monday and involved a motor vehicle which wasdrivenbya25-year-oldwomanofNonPariel,ECD.

Investigationsdisclosedthatthedriverwasproceeding eastalongthenorthernsideoftheLusignanEmbankment at a high rate of speed when the vehicle collided with Ramjan.

Thewomanwascrossingtheroadfromnorthtosouth whenshewasstruckdownbythecar Shewasflungintothe air and subsequently fell onto the road surface and sustainedseveralinjuriesaboutherbody

Emergency medical technicians who were summoned to the scene pronounced the woman dead. Her body was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)mortuary

Abreathalyzertestwasconductedonthedriver,which showed no trace of alcohol. Further investigations are ongoing.

Trini student evacuated from Israel

Trinidad Express- working with diplomatic London, as well as “some TRINIDAD and Tobago has contacts “to render all excellent contacts” with the aided in the evacuation from possible assistance in the European Union via the EU Israel of a young student interest of her safety and Ambassador based in Port of who, as of yesterday, had welfare”. Spain.

“taken off” for home as war Browne told i95FM that “I am pleased to indicate escalatesinthatcountry the student would have left that as of approximately one

Therescuewasdisclosed Tel Aviv for a third country, hourago,ouryoungnational yesterday by Foreign and where she was scheduled to took off out of Tel Aviv, on CaricomAffairs Minister Dr connecttoLondon. her way to a third country Amery Browne, who told The young woman is set and then in-transit to i95FM that the T&T to be met in London by a London, where she will be Government had been diplomatic team and would met by our diplomatic staff workingfortheprevious“24 then be on her way home, and subsequently, safely hours”ontheissue. Brownesaid. conveyed to her mother’s

Browne said in a brief “I am now in a position arms, here in T&T,” Browne telephone interview that the indicate that we have been said. young woman had taken off working the case of a young “The flight has taken off, from Tel Aviv yesterday, to national of Trinidad and out of Israel and I am now in connect to London, Tobago, who is a student in a position to share England, and eventually Israel and whose mother information on this returnhome reached out to me at the successful operation,” he

The minister had ministry, to request urgent added. disclosed on Sunday that the assistance towards ensuring

Browne noted that student’s family had reached her safety, given the contactinformationhasbeen out to the Government as outbreak of military issued by the ministry in a Israel on Sunday formally hostilities in that country,” public statement, to guide declared war on Hamas, as Brownesaid. anyone seeking assistance retaliation for a shock attack Browne said he had been outofIsraelatthistime. out of Gaza last Saturday, working for the last 24 hours

He advised that anyone that killed hundreds of on the issue, along with the needing help “convey such Israelicivilians. Ministry’s permanent informationtousandwewill

The Israel-Hamas death secretary and the Consular make the best effort to assist toll had yesterday crossed AffairsDivision. all our nationals, who are in 1,500, as Israel bombed the The minister said there such circumstances, ” GazaStripforathirdday was also collaboration with Browne said, adding that the Browne had stated last T&T’s diplomatic team in guidance “can be utilised Sunday that his ministry was the High Commission in andshouldbeutilised”

Holness announces 200-m programme to tackle dengue outbreak

Jamaica ObserverPrime Minister Andrew Holness has announced a n e a r $ 2 0 0 m i l l i o n programme aimed at ridding schools, households and communities of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that spreads the dengue virus

The first element of the programme will see an allocation of $70 million through the Ministry of Education and Youth ( M o E Y ) t o f o c u s specifically on the clean-up of schools, Holness told the House of Representatives on Tuesday

He explained that this will be done by the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), guidedbytheMoEY

“We’ve had several impact particularly if it is of the breeding grounds complaints of schools that used to target those schools could be open lots and so are literally overtaken by thataremostaffected”. theremightbeneedforsome mosquitoes and so we’re Additionally, $2 million bushing to take place. We’re givingastrategicresponsein will be allocated to each of trying not to encourage too making that allocation,” the 63 constituencies for much of that right now but it Holnesssaid. Members of Parliament to may be necessary,” Holness

The prime minister lead a community clean-up said, while noting that the acknowledged that “$70 campaign. island was receiving heavy million is not a lot but if it is “This will focus on the rains at the moment which used in directed ways and removal of bulky waste but would lead to overgrowth in strategic ways it can have an we also recognise that some someareas.

Fire guts grocery shop at North-East La Penitence

A grocery shop at Harpy Eagle Drive, 912 andafiretruckwassenttothescene. North East La Penitence, Georgetown was Fire fighters managed to control the fire earlyTuesdaymorningdestroyedbyfire. buttheshopwascompletelygutted.

Reports are that the fire started around Kaieteur news understands that the 01:10h. owner is still unaware of what happened and Neighbours said they smelled something efforts are being made to contact the burning and when they looked around they individual. noticed the shop on fire. Calls were made to Investigationsareongoing.

PLUNGED INTO GRIEF: Relatives mourn those killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City yesterday. Israel’s military battled to drive Hamas fighters out of southern towns and seal its borders as it pounded the Gaza Strip. —Photo: AP fighters

Prime Minister Andrew Holness

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

EXXON: THIS IS THE REVULSION THAT BHARRAT JAGDEO DEFENDS

Nothing stays a secret forever Though,itcantake a long time for the veils of secrecy to be pierced in the caseofExxon. Lookathow it partners with Guyana; I willtakeaghettocrimeboss. Look at what thisAmerican company has converted my brother Barry Jagdeo into, which makes me seek to warn him louder, protect himmorefiercely.

No Guyanese, and this includesthemostdiehardof PPP supporters, should see Exxon in a light different than what I share (a snaky, dirty, tawdry company) Every citizen should appreciate what frère

Jagdeo’stotalloyaltytothis American monstrosity has transformed him into: a shrill defender, a virulent smearer, a man distorted in face, warbled in eye, now crumpledinspirit.

ThereisExxonandthere isitsrecord,asitnowstands; only for now, as there is much more underneath, which are all draining of Guyanese interests and wealth. There was US$92 million that Exxon got mixed up (precontract costs), and Guyanese are cheated. Next, there was Shell not once, but twice; and Guyanese are cheated (possiblytensofmillionsof

US [each time]). Then, along came the US$214 million in audit findings; and once again Guyanese are cheated. I keep saying Guyanese to make this personal, for when Exxon rips Guyana’s guts out with its diabolical financial engineering, it is the Guyanese population eyes that will gouged from the sockets.

The 2016 Exxon contract-a bandit’s haul, a witches’ brew-was the first indicationoftheswindlesto come. Oh, they take many forms: farm out agreements with another like minded voracious oil dragon, this

one from Europe; whether British or Dutch, the new enslavement flourishes Numbers gamed and now heads (one) swiveled. Pay attention, please: swiveled, notrolled.

WhereistheMostHigh, the Most Mighty Jagdeo in allofthis? Heisconversing with Alistair Routledge Sorry, Mistah Alistair Routledge. He may be MassaAlistairtoVPJagdeo, butheisnottome. Iusedto scorn the red necks I encountered on Wall Street: thosewiththeirnosesturned up, their bigotries blatant, a n d t h e i r s u b t l e skullduggeries evident to

those who have eyes that actually see Bharrat Jagdeo should be pushing Exxon (and Routledge) against a wall, and at eyeball-to-eyeball distance, with rage thundering: what the hell is going here? Why is Exxon doingthiss**ttoGuyanese? What is this crap being pulledonmypeople? Getit fixed, and get it fixed now. One more thing: let these errors in accounting judgment, these failures in principle be the last, is that clear? And a final one: an apology is due to the Guyanese people. Their fuses are short; don’t let themwaitlongforit.

Given how brother Jagdeo can be most unbrotherly to critical Guyanese, those exposing the running sores under his suit, I expected that he would be even more aggressiveagainstthewhite corporate interlopers, white company of intriguers, and white invaders with their forkedtonguesandfixations on robbing Guyanese of their inheritance. I truly believed that Dr Jagdeo wouldhaveadministeredhis usual caustic, vitriolic, and toxicmedicinetothelikesof Routledge and John Hess, andwhicheverMaoistfigure isthemanfromCNOOC.

The thinking was that Oilman Jagdeo would have laid into those partners, those petro talking heads, and laid them out. It took Guyanese a while, but poco a poco, they came to see where their fellow Guyanese, VP, Dr Bharrat “ExxonMobil” Jagdeo was all about, and where he really stood. It isn’t for Guyanese.

WhereasOilmanJagdeo couldbebare-knuckledwith dissenting Guyanese, he is limp-wristed with Exxon, a regularshrinkinghibiscus,a leader slipperier than a banana peel, and with similar spine. Whereas Dr

Jagdeo has been bileinfested and bile-generating with objecting locals, he is Florence Nightingale with Alistair Routledge: all loving and caring, doing everything possible, so as nottohurtthewhitesavior’s feelings. And whereas the doctored up Jagdeo can be all rage and rancor with Guyanese pleading for him totakeapatrioticstand,heis mostpleasedtorolloverand rub the belly of the proud community that is Exxon. Who is tickling who is not known, but Guyanese are gettingmoretickedoff.

If Exxon can dig into its bagoftrickstocomeupwith different schemes to con Guyanese any way it can, then there is no limit to where the company would notexplorefornewcheating ideas, what it would not engage in to ream Guyana, andripGuyaneseanewone. ThelatterisAmericanslang foracorporatecolonoscopy, without any lubricants or anesthetic Exxon’s objectives are clear: just yank out Guyana’s guts. Takeayardhere,andcutoff another yard farther up the intestinal canal. These are the revulsions that Barry Jagdeo cooperates with, condonescompletely

Bobby Gossai was handed over yesterday Guyana is held hostage today Somethingwillhave togivesoon,tomorrow Ina later offering, the two smokinggunsofinterestrate and expenses will be up for Guyanese to study closeup, and detect what Exxon really is. A pathological corporate stalker, a demented defiler, a serial molester and repugnance. Suemeorshootme. Idare.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

VP Jagdeo dodges Court Marshals to

avoid being served libel suit

Court Marshals have been finding it difficult to serve a libel suit filed by former Auditor General (AG), Anand Goolsarran against Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo The Marshals have attempted to servetheVicePresidentonat leastthreeoccasions.

The Statement of Claim was filed on September 22, 2023.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that on September 25, 2023 Goolsarran, accompanied by aMarshal,attemptedtoserve the writ on Jagdeo at Freedom House around 9:30 a.m.buttheyweretoldthathe wasnotthere.

The duo then visited the OfficeofthePresidentwhere they were informed that the VicePresidentwasnotthere.

On September 27, 2023, Goolsarran and a Court MarshalreturnedtoFreedom

House with the intention of servingJagdeobuthewasnot there. The duo also visited Jagdeo's Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home and was told he was asleep and could not be disturbed.

OnSeptember29,2023at 1:30pm, Goolsarran and the Court Marshal visited Freedom House where they were told that he was not there.Thereafter,theyvisited the Office of the President where a guard on duty contacted Jagdeo's secretary The Marshall spoke with the Secretary, who enquired whether the visit was in relation to the “Goolsarran matter.”

The Marshal made it clear that she was not in a positiontodiscussthematter and it was then that the secretary told the Marshal that Jagdeo was not at the office.

According to Court documents seen by Kaieteur News, Goolsarran is seeking $30 million for defamatory statementsmadeagainsthim by the VP at a press conference held at the People's Progressive Party Headquarters at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown on 23 March, 2023 and during a public rallyheldatPortMourant,on March26,2023.

According to the court document, at a press conference on 23 March, 2023 Jagdeo made statementswhichwereaimed at tarnishing Goolsarran's good name The Vice President said that GoolsarranservedasAuditor General for most of the tenyearperiodwherenoaudited accountsforthecountrywere presentpre-1992.

The former AG believes that Jagdeo knew and

intendedtoutterthewords.

As a result of the Vice President's utterances, the former AG is seeking a permanent injunction restraining Jagdeo from repeating the defamatory statements or printing, publishing or causing to be printedthesaidstatementsor similar defamatory statements.

Goolsarran is also seeking exemplary and aggravateddamages;interest on all damages awarded pursuanttoSection12ofthe Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)ActCap:6:02.

In the document, Goolsarran pointed out that

he is a former Auditor General of Guyana who was appointed on 31 December, 1990andretiredattheendof December 2004, having faithfully served the country for14years.

Added to this, during the period August 2002 to August 2004, Goolsarran served as Chief Resident AuditorattheUnitedNations Peacekeeping operations in Sierra Leone and Liberia beforereturningtoGuyanato resume duties as Auditor General.

The former Auditor Generalalsolistedseveralof his academic qualifications including that he is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the United Kingdom. He is a British Chevening Scholar with a Master of Business Administration degree from theUniversityofStrathclyde inGlasgow,Scotland.

Goolsarran also holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the Robert Kennedy College in Switzerland, and a Master of International Business

Law (LLM/IBL) from the UniversityofCumbriainthe UnitedKingdom. He is also the author of several publications including 'Triumph of Democracy: The Guyana 2020 Elections and Their Aftermath, Guyana National Printers Ltd (2021)'; 'Governance, Transparency and Accountability, APH Publishing Corporation ( 2 0 1 6 ) ' ; ' P u b l i c Accountability at the Crossroads: The Guyana Experience,APH Publishing Corporation (2015); I m p r o v i n g P u b l i c

Accountability: The Guyana Experience 1985 – 2007, OutskirtsPress(2010)'.

Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Minister must obey all Cabinet directions on oil sector

By Kiana Wilburg

The Petroleum Activities Law which was passed by Guyana's ParliamentonAugust9,2023and replaces the 1986 framework, entrusts a number of powers into the hands of Natural Resources Minister,VickramBharrat.

Over the coming weeks, Kaieteur News will be informing industry stakeholders on the key provisions within this legislation and providing critical context whereneeded.

Thelegislationwhichreceived presidential assent onAugust 16, 2023 notes that the minister will have control over all activities withintheoilsector

According to the law, the minister will be in charge of the following:

1. the licensing of petroleum exploration, development, production, transportation and storage operations, including the geological storage of carbon dioxide.

2.theprescribingofsubsidiary legislationandtheissuingofsuch guidelines as may be necessary for effectively carrying out the purposeofthisAct.

3 coordinating and cooperating with relevant agenciesoftheStateregardingthe

environmental and safely aspects ofpetroleumoperations.

4 the monitoring of the conduct of petroleum operations to ensure compliance with this Act,andthetermsandconditions ofalicenceorpermitgranted,ora petroleumagreemententeredinto, under this Act and any other writtenlaw

5 directing persons and conducting petroleum operations to perform corrective actions where there is noncompliance with this Act, and the terms and conditions of a licence or permit granted, or petroleum agreement entered into, under this Act and any other written law and imposing sanctions for noncompliancewiththisAct.

6 developing terms of reference and prescribing qualification criteria for the grant ofalicence.

7.givinglicenseesorholdersof a permit directions as to any matter with respect to which regulations may be made tinder thisAct.

8. doing any and all things required by any direction given under section 17 and recovering such costs and expenses incurred fordoingsointhesamemanneras revenuesduetotheState.

9. directing that such studies

andinvestigations,astheMinister deemsfit,bedone,and 10 exercising any other powers required for the management of petroleum resources and operations carried outunderthisAct.

Importantly, the law states thattheMinister,intheexercise of his powers, shall conform to any general or specific directionsgivenbytheCabinet.

There are also three other caveats:

1.Theministermay,inrelation toanyparticularmatterorclassof matters in the subsection above, delegate in writing to any public officer or agency of the state, any of the powers or duties of the MinisterunderthisAct,

2 Notwithstanding any delegation, the Minister may continuetoexerciseanypoweror perform any duty listed under the Act.

3.Furthermore,anydelegation and any act done in pursuance of that delegation, maybe made subjecttoreviewandvariationby the Minister, and the decision given upon such review or variation shall be deemed to be thatoftheMinister

4. Finally, the Minister may, at any time and in writing, revoke any delegation made under this

section.

Conclusion

The Petroleum Activities Law of 2023 undoubtedly grants significant power and responsibilities to Guyana's Natural Resources Minister, VickramBharrat.

From licensing petroleum operations to overseeing environmental safety measures and setting qualification criteria for licenses, the Minister has broadoversight.

However,acentraltenetofthis legislation is the overarching guidance and direction that the Cabinetcanprovide.

Despite the vast authorities vestedintheMinister,heremains answerable to the broader governmental framework and is required to adhere to any specific orgeneraldirectivesissuedbythe Cabinet.

Moreover, while the Minister has the capability to delegate certain powers, he retains the ultimate decision-making capacity and the right to revoke anydelegatedpowers.

This structure ensures checks and balances within the management of the crucial oil sector in Guyana, emphasizing both individual authority and collectivegovernance.

Vendors bemoan state of La Penitence Market's roof …as City Council still to effect repairs

Vendors at La Penitence Market continue to bemoan the inability of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to repair the market's roof and other areas that are in a state of disrepair

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Tuesday, vendors said that the situation has been ongoing for almost 15 years with failed promises being the order of the day The vendors explained that giventhegapingholesonthe rotten roof, they resorted to padding their wooden stalls with zinc to prevent their

perishable items from being destroyed The vendors explained that the move was at an additional cost to them and has affected their sales since customers are disgusted by the state of the market.

OnevendortoldKaieteur News that the situation has been ongoing for “donkey years” adding that they have been made to ply their trade in a filthy environment that comprises of unkempt washrooms and clogged drains.

A visit to the washroom facilitiessawfaecessmeared

on thewalls whilethedrains were clogged with debris representing a perfect haven for mosquitoes. The market reportedly has one cleaner who does not frequent the market.

Due to the deteriorated state of the market, many vendors have been forced to ply their trade on the shouldersoftheLaPenitence PublicRoad.

Meanwhile, clothing vendors have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the stateofthemarket.Theytold Kaieteur News that they are forced to scamper when it

rainstopreventtheirclothing ondisplayfrombeingwet.

Vendors are of the view that their 'trade space' is being ignored, while other

markets around the country

are given significant facelifts.Attempts to contact Mayor of Georgetown, Mr Alfred Mentore on Tuesday

proved futile but Kaieteur News was reliably informed that works on La Penitence Marketareinthepipelineand willbeexecutedshortly

To protect their perishable goods, vendors have to cover wooden stalls with several zinc sheets.

The roof of La Penitence Market would soon 'cave in' if not replaced.

GPA frowns on ‘Presidential Press Corps’ initiative ...says it will further limit media engagements

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) has expressed concerns over the new Presidential Press Corps (PPC) initiative by the Government which it describedasanothermeansto censorthelocalmedia.

Following a meeting last month, the Ministry of Public Affairs announced a move to establish a PPC. In a letter disseminated to the press, the Office of the Minister of Public Affairs, Kwame McCoyoutlinedthattheintent of the PPC is to provide accredited members of the mediawithaccesstotheoffice of the President while facilitating more structured press interactions, including press conferences, which will enable journalists to gather information, ask questions and report on matters of nationalsignificance.

Under this new protocol, entry to the Presidential press conferences will be granted exclusively to accredited members of the media. Each media organisation was therefore asked to apply for the accreditation of one journalist with one photographerorvideographer as well as an alternate journalist photographer or videographer

In an invited comment to Kaieteur News on the issue, the GPA pointed out that the establishment of a PPC will only limit further the already constrainedlocalmediacorps.

“The GPA feels Guyana's media is too small and media houses have too many limitations for something like a press corps for the president, ” the Press Association said in a statement.

Citing limitations already being placed on press engagements, the GPA stressed that the new measure would prevent the press from garnering information and

shedding light on pressing public issues. The GPA said while the minister with the "responsibility" for the press may want to say the "media" and or editors agreed to the formulation of PPC, “overall, the government should consider the media's continued access to the President.” “…There are still limitations being placed on questions and follow-ups and overall interactions with the President that would help to shed light on pressing public issues.”

“We have concerns about limitations placed on questions and we hope to see the facilitation of follow-up and probing questions as part of the media's role to get the details and hold the decisionmakeraccountable,”thebody added in the release. Citing the absence of post-cabinet press engagements that could be useful for the public, the GPAnotedfurtherthatthereis still limited interactions with government ministers and the press.

Meanwhile, the GPA expressed concerns over the abrasive, intrusive, interventionist, and disrespectfulmannerofmedia consultant Kit Nascimento at the President's press conferencewhichtheybelieve has a dampening effect on reporters seeking details from the President The GPA nevertheless commended PresidentAliforengagingthe press more frequently within the past months “To the President's credit, at the last press conference, he proceeded to answer the media's question despite attempts to block the questions…We wish to point out that thus far, the order of the press conference did not appear to limit anyone from asking more than one question, which is commendable.”

Executive members of the Guyana Press Association

Leguan Stelling in limbo

…asGovt.accusescontractorofextortion

Wh i l e t h e

project is still to be completed after some six years,theMinistryofPublic Works on Tuesday accused the contractor – Sattrohan M a r a j o f S M a r a j Contracting Services, of trying to extort money for someunfinishedworksatthe facility

The ministry in a release yesterday addressed a news article published in another section of the media, which stated that the contractor alleged that works on the stelling stalled due to outstanding money owed to companybythegovernment.

“Contractorsandvendors providing service to the Government of Guyana

through the Ministry of Public Works, are hereby warned against any attempt to bully, and or manipulate the government into paying for incomplete projects,” the ministry stated after refuting theclaimsbythecontractor

The ministry went onto explain that the Leguan Stelling project which was expected to be completed by June 7, 2019 after the contract was signed in 2018, remainsathorninthesideof the government today, “with a contractor trying to extort money, even as only 2% of the work is said to be remainingontheproject.”

According to the ministry, the contractor has manifested opportunism throughout the execution of the contract, utilising

perceived deficiencies and ambiguities in the bill of quantities, as a basis for makingclaimsforadditional payments for the execution ofaspectsofworks.

These include claims for additional payment for activities that are inherent to the execution of the works, and which are typically cateredforinthebillratesat thebiddingphase.

According to the ministry, one of two notable examples that have had significant financial implications on the contract is the contractor's claim for additional payment for clearing the riverbed at the projectsiteofobstaclesprior to driving the pre-stressed concretepilesforthestelling.

In addition, another obstacle

is the claim of additional paymentbythecontractorfor cutting of pre-stressed concrete piles to the design cut-offlevelafterdriving.

The ministry noted that the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), which is responsible for all stellings, has sought resolution to the contractor's claims and has negotiated reasonable settlements with entity

The release stated that a total of ten variation orders havebeenresolvedunderthe contract to date, with the contractor being fully compensated in accordance withnegotiatedagreements.

“These were addressed under Addendum No 1 which was ratified between theContractorandT&HDin December 2022 The Contractor's assertion that the Ministry is reluctant to resolve legitimate claims under the contract is therefore dishonest,” the ministrymentioned.

Theministrysaidithelda negotiation meeting with the company prior to the ratification of Addendum No.1 and it noted that the contractor gave a commitment to completing the project expeditiously prior to the June 5, 2023 deadline and within the revised contract sum of $607,259,260.00.

“

Additionally, the Contractor has deliberately delayed the execution of worksatacriticaljuncturein the project execution when the links pan bridge installation is required to complete the major infrastructure works on the project.Thereiscurrentlyno

impairmenttotheContractor installing the link span bridge The T&HD has processed payments due to theContractortoprovidethe cash flow needed to execute thisoutstandingaspectofthe works,”theministrysaid.

According to the ministry, the T&HD issued multiple directives to the contractor regarding the completion of the link span bridge installation in accordance with the contract requirements and that the outstanding claims for payment to the contractor will be resolved in accordance with the provisionsoftheaddendum.

The Public Works Ministry noted that the contractor's failure to fulfill the outstanding project obligationsasdirectedbythe ministry will result in the application of recourse and compensatory provisions for non-performance in accordance with the contract and national procurement framework. The contract for the rehabilitation of the Leguan Stelling was signed in 2018 by the APNU+AFC government and since then, the contract sum has balloonedfrom$413million to$607million.

The Leguan Stelling where rehabilitation works have been ongoing.

DHB finances in the red since 2020

...Public Works Ministry defends management

The Demerara Harbour Bridge

Corporation (DHBC)hasbeenrunningat a loss since the end of December 2020, financial statements emerging from theentityhaverevealed.

Sources at the state-run entity on Tuesday revealed that while the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) is defending the management of the bridge, in reality the bridge has been failing to maintainitselffinancially

On Monday, the Ministry in a statement said that the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill is confidentinthemanagement of the DHBC with Mr WayneWatsonasitsGeneral Manager(GM).

The Ministry went on to highlight some of the achievements of the corporationunderthetenure

of Watson, who was appointed GM in 2021 According to the Ministry, “Under Mr Watson's guidance, the DHBC has achieved enhanced efficiency and cost effectiveness, while also implementing multiple projects to improve traffic management and customer service.”

ItaddedthatWatsonand his team should be credited for overseeing the extensive process of enhancing the bridge's structural integrity includingtheprocurementof a Motorized Platform for Undercarriage and

Substructure Maintenance along the Bridge the rehabilitation of 86 pontoons, replacement of 465 new deck plates and rehabilitating of another 7,515 deck plates, among several other infrastructural

upgrades.

TheMinistryhighlighted that, “Under Mr Watson's leadership, the team also oversawtherehabilitationof damaged sections of the HighSpan,retractorspans9 and 10, and the subsequent replacement of Span 9 Despite the temporary bridge closure for Span 9 installation, the team's prudent management ensured the installation was completed ahead of schedule.”

Additionally, the managerialteamensuredthe rehabilitation of Booth 4, reopening of Lane 4 for traffic, widening of the Easterntarmac,construction of concrete drains, rehabilitationoftheWestern tarmac, construction of public convenience f a c i l i t i e s , a n d implementation of the

Breezepassservice. On the human resource aspect of the DHB operations, it was explained thatthecorporationacquired 15 and 32-seater buses for transportation of its staff, three police motorcycles to

rehabilitated an unused building at the Eastern endofthebridgetohouse the Police Outpost and TrafficManagement (Continuedonpage22)

With 171 cases of road fatalities since January, Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh has cautioned motorists to park only in areasdesignatedforparking.

This he said will avoid accidents and more so, fatalities. During a recent virtual broadcast, Singh called on motorists to comply with the country's traffic laws, particularly when parking on busy and congested roads. Singh also warned of the implications for breaking the law, while noting that carefree parking hinders the free flow of

traffic which can lead to accidentsandfatalities.

He added that this practice also poses as obstacles for pedestrians navigatingtheroads.

That aside, the Police Traffic Department has announced that there has been an increase in accidents caused by speeding and drunk driving with some 171 fatalities occurring between January andOctober2023.

There has been a significant increase in the numberoffatalitiesthisyear when compared to last year According to the Traffic

Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh

report, there were 84 fatalities during the January toOctober2022period. Meanwhile, the Traffic Chief has placed motorists onnoticethathisdepartment will be ramping up its awareness campaign with theaimofreducingaccidents andfatalities.

‘Vehicles must be parked on designated areas on roadways’-TrafficChief

Govt. raises electricity rates for large customers

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL)

I n c h a s announcedsteeperelectricity tariffs for large/ industrial customers during the peak hours.

Thiscomesasthecountry grapples to supply the national grid with enough powertosupportthegrowing demand, triggering daily blackouts for prolonged periodsoverthepastweeks.

According to a Public Notice published on its Facebook page, the power company received the green lightfromthePublicUtilities Commission (PUC) to increase the charges with effect from October 1, 2023 untilJanuary31,2024.

Itisimportanttonotethat President Irfaan Ali had previously indicated that anotheralmost30megawatts ofadditionalpowerwouldbe available by mid-December to cater to the peak demand and avoid outages This measure however will not avoid the increased charges

to commercial users of powerbetweenpeakhours.

According to the power company: “The PUC has a p p r o v e d t h e implementationofaTimeof Use (TOU) Tariff for GPL's industrial/ large (Tariff D) customers in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Sector Reform Act1999(ESRA),amended 2010.”

Consequently, it explained that the Time of Use Tariff will be applied to recorded electricity consumption for large customers between the peak hours of 13:00hrs or 1:00pm to 15:00hrs or 3:00pm and 18:00hrs or 6:oo pm to 22:00hrsor10:00pm.

The power company was keen to note that the current rate will remain unchanged and applicable during offpeakhours.

The current rate per kilowatt hour (kWh) during off-peakhoursis$57.39.The new tariff will see large customers paying $78 91

during the peak hours stated above. This is an increase of $21.52.

Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson had blamed the

g o v e r n m e n t ' s mismanagement for the constant blackouts being experienced He said the administration'sfailuretoput measures in place to match

the country's growth trajectory is responsible for the spate of power outages plaguingthenation.

“The government has been opening malls, parks, hospitalsandhotelstomuch fanfare since coming back into the office, claiming the same was the result of their policies.

A primary school student would have known that if on one hand, you willingly add additional commercial entities to the grid, then you would need additional generating capacity,” the Member of Parliament(MP)reasoned.

He told this publication thatgovernmenthasfailedto upgrade the power supply to accommodate the growing demand.Consequently,ithas provenitsinabilitytomanage thepowersector

At that time, he told this publication, “You are now threatening these companies withincreasedtaxesforusing the services that you signed them up for and even encouraged.

This is the clearest sign thatthePPPremainclueless, run the country like a cake shop and, when exposed, seek to blame others,” Pattersonargued.

Charria Naitram

Truck driver granted $1M bail for causing death of

security guard

A 26-year-old lorry driver of Supply, East Bank Demerara was on Tuesday granted bail in the sum of $1Mforcausingthedeathof security guard, Patricia Hutsonwhowasranoverby a truck on Sunday at Ogle, EastCoastDemerara(ECD).

Charria Naitram appeared before Magistrate FabayoAzoreatSparendaam Magistrate'sCourtwherethe charge, causing death by dangerous driving, was read tohim.Hepleadednotguilty tothecharge.

In addition, the accused was also charged for having anunlicensedmotorvehicle, uninsured motor vehicle and uncertified motor vehicle. Hepleadednotguiltytoeach

charge and was placed on $25, 000 for each offence. Thematterwasadjournedto November 21, 2023, for report.

It is alleged that on Sunday around 6:30hrs on thepublicroadatOgle,ECD, Naitram, the driver of motor lorry bearing registration

GAE 9199, struck down 63th year-old Hutson of 13 Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. The woman reportedlydiedonthespot.

Kaieteur News reported that the woman met her demise minutes after stepping out of a minibus. Thispublicationunderstands that she was on her way to workwhentragedystruck.

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Handyman needed at Kitty, G/town. Call: 705-1515.

Governments network not infiltrated by hackers - NDMA

…questions cyber security firm’s motive behind report

By Shervin Belgrave

There has been no successful infiltration of the Government of Guyana’s network system, the National Data Management Authority’s (NDMA’s) said on Tuesday.

The government agency issued a statement saying that it has investigated claims

made by a Slovak cyber security firm, ESET that suspected Chinese hackers had infiltrated the Government network systems.

“Investigations reveal that the cyber security firm exaggerated the threat in their “exposé”, NDMA stated.

Following an extensive investigation reportedly done by NDMA to determine the validity of the ESET report, it was found that there were attempts to infiltrate but they all failed.

“The security systems employed intercepted this attempt and nullified its effects,” the agency noted.

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NDMA’s General Manager, Christopher Deen added that some 442 malware attacks at government agencies were detected and mitigated by his agency during the first quarter of 2023.

While no evidence of infiltration had been found, NDMA is still continuing its investigation and said that it has contacted the cyber security firm “to gather additional information, verify the data shared, and ascertain its source”.

Disclosing sensitive information without stakeholder consultation can be detrimental,” NDMA explained.

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“To date, NDMA is still awaiting the cybersecurity firm’s response”, NDMA said.

The Slovak company’s failure to respond has caused the government to question the motive behind publishing the report.

“Cybersecurity professionals have access to sensitive information including personal data and proprietary information.

The Guyana government now wants to know: “How is the cybersecurity firm benefitting from publishing and making claims based on medium confidence” and linking this spear-phishing campaign to other local events without evidence-based proof?”

“The singling-out of this particular incident also raises questions, as it is not conventional practice to disclose consumer-specific information without the customer’s explicit permission,” NDMA added.

On October 5, ESET released a report claiming that its researchers have

discovered a Cyberepionage attack against a government entity in Guyana by hackers that could be Chinese. Cyberspionage or cyber spying is a type of cyberattack where a hacker (s) attempts to access sensitive and classified data for economic gain, competitive advantage or political reasons and according to ESET, the attack on the Guyanese government was discovered in February this year and has been detected to be a spearphishing campaign. A spearphishing campaign basically means that the hackers infiltrated the government’s network systems by sending fraudulent em ails to the targeted entity, inducing it to reveal personal information.

DHB finances in the red since...

From page 19 Supervisors’ Office. Another office building was constructed to accommodate junior and senior managers (engineers), and a night premium for maintenance staff was introduced.

Since Watson was appointed, however, staff of the DHB told Kaieteur News anonymously that they were being forced to resign due to his management style.

They alleged that employees would be sent home for showing up to work mere minutes late, while others attached to the entity were denied contract renewals with no explanation.

sharply to 32 in 2021 and 45 in 2022. More alarmingly, however, is the fact that the bridge has already lost 55 employees between January and July 2023.

In response, MPW explained, “DHBC has observed that between 2021 and 2023, several individuals resigned, citing personal reasons, pursuing full-time studies, or migrating. Regarding terminations, since 2021, five individuals have been terminated, with four for poor work performance and one for insubordination.”

cost effectiveness” under the tenure of the new GM, sources at the DHBC told Kaieteur News that since 2020, the revenues being generated at the bridge are unable to meet the expenses of the entity.

In 2020, the DHB income totalled $879M while the expenses were close to $982M.

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Kaieteur News reported on Monday that the “uncomfortable” working environment, has reportedly led to the loss of more than 130 employees between 2020 and July 2023.

Based on information shared with this newspaper, the DHBC lost six employees in 2020. This figure climbed

Further it said the corporation is committed to following proper procedures when addressing reported grievances, which includes taking detailed reports and submitting them to the Plant Manager or General Manager for resolution.

Operating at a loss

While MPW indicated that there has been “enhanced efficiency and

This newspaper was unable to source data relative to the year 2021, however it was related that in 2022, the losses became greater. While close to $1.1B in revenue was generated, the expenses were just over $1.4B.

Meanwhile, information available for this year so far indicates that the DHBC recorded $766M in revenue up to August, 2023 with expenses reaching $1.1B.

Kaieteur News was told that due to the loss of staff, the DHBC has hired additional staff to fill the gap, thereby driving up operational expenses.

One CRV Honda, $3.3M negotiable and 1 Toyota Allion, $3.350 M, fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage . Contact:

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NewPoliceHQforReg.6estimatedtocost$246M

“Guyanese-Critic” linked company among bidders

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) will soon have a spanking new police headquarters in Region Six, a project whichtheMinistryofHomeAffairsnotedisestimatedtocost $246million.

This is according to the recent opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), which revealed that 18 contractors have put in bidsfortheproject.

AmongthelistofcontractorsisrecentlyregisteredTepui Group Inc. who was previously awarded an $865 million to build a pump station and a company affiliated with Mikhail Rodrigues,popularlyknownas“GuyaneseCritic.”

Earlier this year, the GPF commissioned a new regional headquarters for Region Five and that building was built to thetuneof$201million.

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

Ministry of HomeAffairs

Reconstruction of Ekereku Police Station.

Printing

Construction

Drilling

of Region Six Divisional Headquarters, Guyana Police Force.

Guyana Water Inc.

and construction of potable water wells at Lima, Essequibo Coast, Region Two.

Drilling potable water wells at Grove, East Bank Demerara.

The $201 million Police Divisional Headquarters commissioned earlier this year at Fort Wellington, Region Five.

Ministry of Education

of curriculum guides for the scaling up of renewed curriculum.

FLSporttohostcricketscorers’workshop

The dry season in aimed at increasing the pool have experience and are scoring with the various live Guyana also means cricket of competent scorers. The competent to pass on streaming platforms and season, as a result more one-day workshop will be knowledge to persons who tournaments popping up cricketisbeingplayedacross held at the Enmore wish to begin or advance Once done correctly and various formats throughout Community Centre Cricket their skills as scorers. The efficiently, cricket scoring the country This increase in Club on the East Coast of facilitators are John may open doors for long and games has also seen an Demerara and is open to Ramsingh, Sunil Ramlall, lucrativecareers. increase in demand for interestedpersonsofanyage Ronaldo Mc Garrell and Registration is being match officials; umpires and and gender who are willing SeonBovell. done at the venue between scorers.Whilethereseemsto to learn the fundamentals of Scoringisveryimportant 08:00 and 09:00 Hrs, via be a shortage of quality scoring in the book and as it provides accurate whatsapp on 611-3999, on scorers, FL Sport has a electronically There is no informationonthecareersof the web at www.flsport.gy solution. fee attached but each players while the data is also and on facebook and participant must have a

The local pioneer of live used by the media for instagram. There is no limit laptopcomputer. streaming, FL Sport has dissemination to the wider o n t h e n u m b e r o f organized a workshop on FL Sport comprises public. Recently, there is a participants. The first lesson Saturday October 14 that is persons who are trained, demand for electronic beginsat09:00Hrs.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in...

Albion reach historic final...

From page 30

for 16 runs from 4 overs to bowl outAchievers for 65 in 16 overs. InreplyRoseHallPoonaiPharmacyracedto69for2 withtheircaptainDharvishNarinescoringanunbeaten37.

At the Jai Hinds Cricket Ground, Albion defeated Mt. Sinai C.C by 8 wickets to reach the finals. Batting first, the visitors scored 111 all out off 19.3 overs as the exciting Keion DeYounge top scored with 25. Bowling for Albion, DanielJohnsontook4for42from3overs,AryanAli2for2 and Nicholas Madramootoo 2 for 10. Albion in reply, reached 115 for 2 from 12.3 overs as Sahid Gajnabi scored an unbeaten 48 not out, Nicholas Madramootoo 27 and GaneshShivdyal16notout.

Wednesday October 11, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

The desire to write your thoughts on a subject you've been either thinking about or possibly even researching couldarisetoday,Aries.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Your artistic talents could be puttogoodusetodayfixingup wherever it is that you work on, Taurus.You might want to repaint, put up new plants or pictures, or do anything else that makes the place seem a littlemoredressedup.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Organized parties, impromptu get-togethers, or other social events should be enjoyable today, Gemini. You will feel a strong sense of belonging to a family or community and a rush of affection for everyone involved.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Your imagination is flying high today, Cancer Whatever challenges come up, you will find ingenious solutions to them. Love matters and the creativeartscouldcometothe forefront.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Aphone call could come from a friend bringing great news your way today, Leo. This could involve the success of a project of some kind that you've both been involved with

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

Today you could surprise a close friend or lover with a gift, Virgo. There may be no special occasion. You may have seen something in the store that you knew he or she would like or mentioned wanting.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

A place far away that you haven't visited for a while yet long to see again could be on yourmindtoday.Youmighttoy withtheideaofgoingthere,but you aren't really sure if you can.

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You should feel especially loving now, especially toward that special someone You might want to schedule an intimate evening, perhaps at a favoriterestaurant.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Organized parties, impromptu get-togethers, or other social events should be enjoyable today You will feel a strong senseofbelongingtoafamilyor community and a rush of affectionforeveryoneinvolved

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

The aura today is calm and peaceful, stress is at a minimum. You're likely to be getting along very well with your group, even the more difficultamongthem.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Loveandromanceareapttobe among your top priorities today Someone from far away might have captured your heart. You could be looking forward to getting together tonight, perhaps to attend a concertorsportingevent.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

A member of your household who'srecoveringfromanillness could express appreciation for all your help This might come as a surprise because serving your friends is second nature to you Rest assured that whatever you've been doing has made a big difference

From page 26 destroyed Bangladesh’s chase with the new ball. He sent back Tanzid Hasan for one, and then Najmul Hossain Shanto was caught for a golden duck in the secondover

Four overs later, Topley bowledShakibforone.Chris Woakes had Mehidy Hasan Miraz caught behind for eight as Bangladesh struggled at 49-4 in 8.3 overs.

T h e g a m e w a s effectively already over, even as Litton Das topscored with 76 to help stabilize the innings. He put on 72 runs with Mushfiqur Rahim, the only time B a n g l a d e s h l o o k e d comfortable.

Rahim scored 51 runs, but there weren’t any lowerorder heroics to jeopardize England’swin.

E n g l a n d a n d Bangladesh, which beat Afghanistan in its opener, both have two points after twogames.

Scores: England 364 for 9 (Malan 140, Root 82, M a h e d i 4 - 7 1 ) b e a t Bangladesh 227 (Litton 76, Topley 4-43) by 137 runs.

At the Cotton Tree Ground, the home team defeated favourite Rose Hall Canje by 48 runs to advance. Cotton TreeCCreached120for7from20overswithFayadGaffeer scoring31notout. BrandonGrimmondtook3for14from4 impressive overs. In reply, RH Canje were bowled out for 72 in 16.3 overs with Donavan Newland top scoring with a solid 36. Bowling for Cotton tree, captain Fayad Gaffeer took4for16from4oversandTyroneDhania2for15. Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy would shortly clash with Cotton Tree to decide who would playAlbion for the Ricky andSonBusinessEnterpriseTrophy

BCBpresidentHilbertFosterstatedthatwiththesuccess of the Under11 tournament, the board would next host an Under9tournamenttocompleteitscircleoftheagegroup.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in a record run-chase at Cricket World Cup

HDYERABAD, India

(AP)—MohammadRizwan and opening batterAbdullah

- England defeat Bangladesh

Shafique hit centuries points from two victories. Cricket World Cup record Tuesday as Pakistan beat Sri Pakistan have beaten both when it made 329-7 to beat Lanka by six wickets in a the qualifiers the Englandin2011. record run-chase at the Netherlands and Sri Lanka The hundreds from CricketWorldCup. — going into the marquee Shafique and Rizwan, who

Chasing a target of 345, game against rival India in hit eight fours and three Rizwan played with a pulled AhmedabadonSaturday sixes, overshadowed Kusal right calf and scored an Sri Lanka has had plenty Mendis’ 77-ball 122 and unbeaten 131 off 121 balls. of bowling problems at the Sadeera Samarawickrama’s Shafique, replacing out-of- World Cup. The team also 108 maiden ODI form Fakhar Zaman, scored lostitsopeninggameagainst hundreds that pushed Sri 113 to help Pakistan reach South Africa, which scored Lanka’s total to 344-9 on a 345-4in48.2overs. 428 runs against the Sri day when bowlers got Pakistan stretched its Lankans. walloped from both sides on Samarawickrama showed then began Pakistan’s bowled Bairstow, but Malan WorldCuprecordagainstSri Pakistan’s big chase aperfectbattingpitch. plenty of aggression in the second highest ever run- and Joe Root added 151 runs Lanka to 8-0 as has four surpassed Ireland’s previous M e n d i s a n d middle overs with a 111-run chase in an ODI as Sri forthesecondwicket. third-wicket stand off 69 Lankan bowlers like Malan hit 16 fours and balls. Matheesha Pathirana five sixes overall, and

Mendis capitalized on sprayed plenty of wayward reached his hundred off 91 two early dropped catches deliveries with his slingy balls.After the landmark, he inside the powerplay when actiontoendupwith1-90. cut loose to score 40 off only first off-color Shaheen Scores: Pakistan 345 for 16 balls, hitting four fours Afridi (1-66) couldn’t hold 4 (Rizwan 131*, Shafique andthreesixes. onto a sharp return catch and 113, Madushanka 2-60) beat “It was fantastic to put in Imam-ul-Haq dropped a Sri Lanka 344 for 9 (Mendis a performance like this and sharp chance at point 122, Samarawickrama 108, win a game (for the team). Mendis hit 14 fours and six Hasan Ali 4-71) by six Hopefully my form will sixes, including a flicked six wickets. continueahead,”Malansaid. over midwicket against In the earlier game in “WithRootatthree,itallows Pakistan’s best bowler of the Dharamsala, Dawid Malan’s us to play freely I am day — Hasan Ali (4-71) — centurysetupEngland’sfirst desperate to do well in this that brought up his century win when it beat Bangladesh formatandproveapoint.” off65balls. by137runs. Rootalsoscoredquickly,

Samarawickrama took Malanscored140off107 reaching 50 off 44 balls. charge after Mendis holed balls his fifth ODI Overall, he hit 82 off 68 outtoawell-judgedcatchby hundred as England balls, including eight fours Imam at mid-wicket fence. reached 364-9 to bounce and a six, as he continues to Pakistan pulled back in the back from losing to New rediscoverhisform. final 10 overs despite Zealand in the tournament England lost its way a bit Samrawickrama raising his opener Left-arm pacer in the last phase of the century with Haris Rauf (2- Reece Topley returned innings After Malan’s 64) picking up both his figures of 4-43 as England dismissal, the English went wicketsinthefinalover bowled out Bangladesh for from 296-2 to 307-5 , losing Pakistan had a sluggish 227in48.2overs. Root and Jos Buttler (20). start to the chase when It was England’s fourth LiamLivingstone,whohasa Dilshan Madushanka got the biggest win by runs inWorld good IPL record at the keywicketsinthepowerplay Cuphistory stadium, was bowled for a as Imam pulled to fine leg Put in to bat, England golden duck. Harry Brook andcaptainBabarAzam(10) made a strong start as Malan (20) guided the score past edged a leg side flick to the and Jonny Bairstow (52) 350 along with the lower wicketkeeper shared 115 runs for the first middle-order Topleythen Shafique and Rizwan wicket. Shakib Al Hasan (Continued on page 25)

Guyana vs Puerto Rico matches in...

From page 27 prowess with an outstanding excellent prospects of 6-1 victory over the achieving victory in the Bahamas, followed by an eagerly awaited match impressive 5-0 win against againstPuertoRico. Antigua and Barbuda on

“Our boys have made a September12. positive start in the 2023

ThisseasonmarksPuerto Concacaf Nations League so R i c o ’ s i n a u g u r a l

I am confident that they will participation in League B, as work hard to deliver a they earned promotion in the positive result for the previous edition of the nation,”Fordesaid. tournament.

In an impressive start to

The GFF urges fans to the tournament, Guyana show their support for the secured a resounding 5-1 remarkable 3-2 triumph Golden Jaguars as they victory over Antigua and against the Bahamas in their continue their journey in the Barbuda on September 9. first home game on Concacaf Nations League Building on this success, the September12. GroupStage. Golden Jaguars continued On September 9, Puerto The October 14 match their winning streak with a Rico showcased their startsat3p.m.

Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique, left, and his batting partner Mohammad Rizwan run between the wickets. (AP Photo/ Mahesh Kumar A.)

Guyana Harpy Eagles 1st practice session

Hemraj, Shepherd, Savory showcase dangerous form ahead of Regional Super50

- Imlach, Chanderpaul, Anderson, Sinclair among runs

grabbed a wicket each as Eagles opener Tagenarine Romario Shepherd and theykepttheRestXIatbay Chanderpaul (33) helped set Kemol Savory blasted half-

Chandrapaul Hemraj,

It was a defying start, the tone alongside Hemraj, centuries, as Guyana Harpy which saw the GCB Select adding72forthefirstwicket Eagles (GHE) batsmen putting on 55 and 80 for the before the former fell to exhibited dangerous form first and 2nd wicket Alimohamed. ahead of the upcoming partnerships,respectively Vice-Captain Tevin R e g i o n a l S u p e r 5 0

After Ramnauth and Imlach (35) got some muchtournament, soaring to 140- Dindyal and Raymon Perez neededtimeinthemiddle,so run win over the GCB Select (36) were removed, it was too did Kevlon Anderson XI. left to Sampson to deliver (27) who added 71 runs with

The Eagles got off to a The Essequibian almost thedynamicSavory flying start at the Bourda muscled his way to a A brisk 19-ball 38 from Ground, as they got belligerent half-century but Kevin Sinclair (4x4, 2x6), themselves further prepared fell victim to a rampant then posted 99 runs for the ahead of their pursuit for the Motie. 6thwicketwithShepherd. elusive Super50 title, by

Guyana Harpy Eagles, wicketkeeper/ Vice-Captain Tevin Imlach was among the runs during the first practice match.

Kemol Savory, another Guyana Harpy Eagles gloveman scored a classy half-century during yesterday’s match at Bourda.

Some lower-order The pair capped off what postingadaunting383-7. r e s i s t a n c e f r o m was a tremendous warm-up

Opener Hemraj led Alimohamed (23) and Nigel match for the Eagles’ Guyana’sbattingashefound Deodat (13) saw the Select batsmen, who gained tons of some form with a scorching XI innings to a close without confidence as they prepare 81 off 68 balls, smashing 5 thelossoffurtherwickets. for the final practice bout

Alimohamed (1-80) and fours and 6 sixes in his

Earlier, Guyana Harpy Thursday spinner Steven Sankar (1entertainingknock. 45), came into some

The Guyana Amazon punishment from Shepherd Warriors pinch-hitter andcompany Shepherd, got an excellent The GCB Rest XI workout down the order, displayed courage and hammering 73 not out off 29 further showcased the wide as clobbered 12 boundaries array of talent in the Guyana including6toweringsixes. Academy, as the reserves

Wicket-keeper Kemol Eagles manages to put up a Savory continued to tremendous fight against the progress as a batsman, nationalXI. warming up with a brisk 53

Theyended243-9,ledby off 51, finding the boundary a classy 58 (1x5 1x6) from 4 times with one maximum, o p e n e r R a m p e r t a b to seal off the lot of half- Ramnauth Mavindra centurionsintheGHEteam. Dindyal hit 40 but it was the Only spinner Anthony aggressive Quentin Adams managed to escape Sampson who smoked a 15some sort of punishment, as ball 49 with 4 maximums the GCB Rest XI captain and5fours,astheyprovided returned 3-43 amdist the some entertainment for the carnage dished out to the decent-sizedcrowd. RestXIbowlers.

GudakeshMotiespunhis

Pacers Shamar Joseph way to 5-57 from his 10 ( 1 - 7 6 ) , R o n a l d o while a few of his mates

Guyana vs Puerto Rico matches in Concacaf Nations League group stage relocated to St. Kitts and Nevis

The October 14 and 17 matches between Guyana and Puerto Rico in the 2023/2024 Concacaf Nations League Group Stage have been relocated to the St Kitts and Nevis Football Technical Centre (SKN) a release from the Guyana FootballFederationhasinformed.

The games were moved to St Kitts due to the inadequate conditionofthefootballfacilitiesinbothGuyanaandPuerto Rico. Concacaf approved the change of venue to ensure that playerscancompeteinasafeandsecureenvironment.

Presently,PuertoRicositsatthetopofthetableofLeague B, Group D with six points, holding the leading position on goal difference. The group also consists of Antigua and BarbudaandtheBahamas.

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne FordefirmlybelievesthatGuyana’sSeniorMen’sTeamhas (Continued on page 26)

Kyle Couchman wins Jade’s Wok sponsored Chess Development tourney CWI reprimand BCA’s Conde Riley for ‘breach of trust’

The Guyana Chess drawing with reigning each) and 13-year-old Aditi memberofthefederation. Federation (GCF) held the Junior Chess Champion of Joshi (3 points), who Meanwhile, Chess Jade’s Wok Developmental GuyanaKeronSandiford. d e f e a t e d Wo m e n ’s legend Jose Capablanca Chess tournament from Couchman then won his C h a m p i o n J e s s i c a once said, “A book cannot, October 6-8, with support remaining games to secure Callender,AlexanderZhang, byitself,teachhowtoplay It from Jade’s Wok, a popular the top spot. Veteran player andNicholasZhangandalso can only serve as a guide, food entity in Guyana. The Justino DaSilva took the placed highest among the and the rest must be learned tournament featured 5 runner-upspotwith4points. females.Alex Benjamin and by experience.” The GCF rounds and attracted players He was impressed with the Raveon Adonis also ended understands that experience of all ages, including the development of the youth on3points. isessentialtolearningchess, current Junior Chess players, particularly

The Developmental and is committed to Champion and Women’s Alexander Zhang, who held Chess tourney was held to providing opportunities for Chess champions, as well as his own against some of prepare the eight-member players of all ages to hone senior players and the Guyana’s best. DaSilva was team that will represent their skills through upcomingjuniorteamforthe also delighted to see the Guyana at the Inter Guiana tournaments and designated InterGuianaGames. improvement of Zhang and Games later this year The training.

KyleCouchman,ajunior young female player Ciel GCF thanks Jade’s Wok for The GCF will also host a player with an impressive Clement. their continued support and booth at the popular record, emerged as the O t h e r n o t a b l e encourages everyone to visit Fumacon Convention at the tournament champion with a performances came from t h e i r w e b s i t e Mariott Hotel on Saturday, score of 4.5 points. He won Gilbert Williams and (guyanachess.gy) to learn October 14th 2023 from 1 three straight games before Ricardo Narine (3.5 points more about becoming a pm.

SportsMax - Cricket sometime in November that West Indies (CWI) president decisionwillbemade.”

Dr Kishore Shallow has A clearly upset Shallow reprimanded Barbados told Riley: “Your inaccurate Cricket Association (BCA) public statement that a letter head Conde Riley for from the ICC to the BCA “serious breach of trust” and advising that Kensington bringing “the entire CWI Oval had been awarded the organizationintodisrepute.” ICC T20 World Cup 2024

In a strongly worded final not only misled the letter to Riley on October 5, public but also constituted a Shallow outlined a number serious breach of the trust of issues which he said placed in you as a CWI reflected poorly on the director Such actions not Bajan’sstewardship. only reflect poorly on your

The most egregious, personal integrity but also Shallow said, was the 70- bring the entire CWI year-old Riley’s appearance organizationintodisrepute.” on the Mason and Guest Shallow urged Riley to radioshowonSeptember26, familiarize himself with when he claimed Barbados A r t i c l e 5 1 o f t h e had been awarded the rights memorandum and articles of by the International Cricket association of CWI and the Council to host the final of code of ethics for the board the 2024 T20 Cricket World ofdirectors. Cup. Shallow said there was

The World Cup is being hesitancy to throw the book held in the West Indies and atRiley,butwarnedthatsuch US, with Barbados, Trinidad considerations “may not be and Guyana reportedly extendedinthefuture.” vying to host the final. No Shallow added, “This announcement has been letter is issued with the made by the ICC or CWI expectation that you receive aboutthevenueforthefinal. itwithduegravity,CWIisan CWIvicepresidentAzim organization with sterling Bassarath recently told reputation, and as directors, i95.5FM: “I know for a fact we must act responsibly, in that decision has not been good faith and to maintain made as yet, and the reports the best interest of CWI. Our that we’ve had from the ICC collective actions must and from our people that consistently uphold the representCWIatICC,isthat higheststandardsofCWI.”

Conde Riley

RHTYSC Naeem Nasir Memorial Cricket tournament

History created as Berbice River team win tournament

TheArea ‘H’Ground was filled to five overs per side due to time K. Amsterdam scoring 69 not out their 6 overs. Tigers were then founder of Bakewell. Nasir was a to capacity as history was created constraints. Man of the Final and Philburg Wilburg 43 not out. restricted to 56 for 5 as their min passionate sponsor of sports on Sunday as the Rose Hall Town GavaskarChapelledthewaywitha Rose Hall Town Bakewell batsman Dilbert Hicks was bowled especially cricket and lawn tennis Youth and Sports Club MS hosted brisk 29 with 2 boundaries and a 6 spearheaded by a brilliant all round by off spinner Troy Matheson for a and his company has sponsored the the tenth edition of the Naeem while Derek Leacock chipped in performance by Jonathan 2 balls nought. Under17 bowlers RHTYSC since 2000 The N a s i r a n n u a l M e m o r i a l with 16(1x6, 1x4). Bowling for Ramperaud defeated No. 72 Cut Raj Tika and Romesh Bharrat took Secretary stated that Bakewell and Tournament. RoseHallTownBakewell,17years and load by 9 wickets, while a 2 wickets for 13 and 5 runs Nasir were one of the main reasons

The day’s event involved seven old Raj Tika took 2 for 9 and Troy brutal innings of 35 not out by respectively why the RHTYSC is now a teams - Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Mathieson2for16(2overs). former national player Dilbert Gavaskar Chapelle was named respectedhouseholdname. Rose Hall Town Tigers, Courtland, Needing to score 51 runs from Hicks led Rose Hall Tigers to a 9 Man of the Final for his crucial General Manager of Bakewell Police, No. 72 Cut and Load, their 5 overs, Rose Hall Town wickets victory over a hopeless innings of 29 while Jonathan Rajin Ganga stated that his Skeldon and Berbice River Bakewellwererestrictedto39for3 Courtland. Rampersaud copped the best company was proud to be Berbice River emerged as the with Jonathan Rampersaud Inthesemifinals,BerbiceRiver bowler and batsman of the associated with the RHTYSC due champions of the tournament after topscoring with 14, while Matthew got past Police by 8 wickets after tournament. The Champions took to the club record of achievements. defeating a youthful Rose Hall Pottaya score 13 before he was run restricting the lawmen to 61 runs home$100,000whiletherunnerup Thetournamentwasafittingtribute Town Bakewell team by 11 runs in out Joshua Leacock took 2 from their allotted 6 overs. They got$50,000. to the Bakewell founder and he front of a large and noisy crowd. It wicketsfor9runswhileD.Leacock achieved victory with 1.2 overs RHTYSC Secretary/CEO hailedtheoutstandingleadershipof was the first time that the Berbice claimedonefor12. remaining while Rose Hall Town Hilbert Foster, who is also the Foster at the club over the years. River had won a tournament Earlier in the day, the Berbice Bakewelldefeatedthecounterparts Berbice Cricket Board President, Ganga reassured the gathering the involvingotherteamsinthecounty Riverteamhaddrawnthebyeinthe Rose Hall Town Tigers by 13 runs. hailed the one day tournament as a Bakewell would continue to Batting first in the final, opening round. Police crushed Skipper Jonathan Rampersaud huge success. He stated that the sponsor the tournament in the Berbice River rattled up 50 for 5 Skeldon by 50 runs after amassing scored 25 not out as Rose Hall club was pleased to honor the future and also the activities of the wickets after the final was reduced 121withoutlossinjust6overswith Bakewell reached 69 for 2 from memory of Naeem Nasir, the RHTYSC.

WI Academy to face Ireland Academy from November 17

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket Graeme West, CWI’s High- goinginto2024.” West Indies (CWI) yesterday Performance Manager, outlined the West added: “These five matches announced the match schedule and ideabehindtheseriesandthestructure. are not being played in isolation, but venues for the West Indies Academy He noted that CWI continues to form part of CWI’s overall highhome series against Ireland Academy prioritize the development of players performance strategy We want to The series will feature three 50-Over with the aim to prepare them to play at provide the squad with competitive matches and two four-day matches in thehighestlevel. environments and high-performance Antigua from 17 November to 5 He said: “We are delighted to host platforms that facilitate growth and December Ireland Academy in Antigua for what prepare the players to excel in a West

The first 50-Over match will be at will be a highly competitive multi- Indiesshirt.” the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium format series. This series is critical in MATCH SCHEDULE (SVRS) on Friday 17 November the players ongoing development and 17November:1st50-Overmatchat followed by the second match at the educationandwearepleasedthatitwill SVRS Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) on involve both red and white ball 19 November: 2nd 50-Over match Sunday19November.Thethirdlimited matches.2023hasprovidedtheplayers atCCG over match will be back at SVRS on with some great exposure through the 21 November: 3rd 50-Over match Tuesday 21 November Both four-day Headley-WeekesSeries,theCGUnited atSVRS matches will be played at CCG – the Super50 Cup and the Republic Bank 25-28 November: 1st 4-Day match first starting on Sunday 25 November CPL,sothiswillbeafittingconclusion atCCG and the second start on Sunday 2 to the calendar year and provide the 2-5 December: 2nd 4-Day match at December squad with clear aims and objectives CCG

Man of the Final Gavaskar Capel receives his award from Rajin Ganga.

The Berbice River team poses with Bakewell General Manager Rajin Ganga.

Nyeem Young has been elected as the WI Academy captain.

Farfan and Mendes/Woodpecker Products First Division Hockey Leagues

GCC, Saints, Woodpecker Hikers among winners

Th e G u y a n a scoring in the 23rd and 34th Hockey Board minutes, respectively, to kicked off the secure a comfortable win.

F a r f a n a n d YMCA Old Fort, on the Mendes/Woodpecker other hand, found it Products2023FirstDivision challenging to breach the Leagues on Sunday at the Hikers’ defence, ultimately National Stadium in succumbingtoa2-0defeat. Providence, as many field While in the other h o c k e y e n t h u s i a s t s Women’s matchup featuring witnessed some thrilling GBTIGCCandSaints,GCC action on the opening day or opened the scoring with a t h e c o m p e t i t i o n superb penalty converted by Woodpecker Hikers and Paige Fernandes in the 19th GBTI GCC notched their minute, putting them ahead first victories in the 1-0afterthethirdperiod. Women’sdivisionduringthe They continued to press afternoon session, while for another goal against the Bounty GCC and Saints resilient Saints defense triumphed in the Men’s GCC’s Abosaide Codogan their lead to secure the a score of 2-1, staging a between YMCA and GCC, the 44th minute, and divisionlatertheevening. added to their lead with a victory remarkable comeback after YMCA opened the account DwayneScottaddedanother

In the Women’s opening fantastic Field Goal in the On the Men’s side of the conceding an early goal in in the 30th minute when goal in the 63rd minute, clash, Woodpecker Hikers 55thminute. competition, Saints and the 24th minute Saints’ Warren Williams netted a resulting in a 2-1 victory for surged to a 2-0 lead by A l t h o u g h S a i n t s Bounty GCC both secured Javid Husain and Baraka sensational Field Goal to GCC. halftime, with Trinity managed to score a solitary identical victories against Garnnet sealed the win with give his team the lead The tournament will Greaves and Jasmine goal three minutes later, PepsiHikersandYMCAOld goals in the 36th and 43rd

However, GCC, undaunted continue this Sunday, Asanana displaying their bringing the score to 2-1, Fort, respectively Saints minutes. by the deficit, fought back. October 15th, at the same prowess on the field by GCC successfully defended overcame Pepsi Hikers with Also in the match Meshach Sargeant scored in venue.

BCB/ Ricky and Son Under11

Albion reach historic final, RHT Poonai Pharmacy and Cotton Tree to Clash in lone semi-finals

World Classic & Equipped Masters Powerlifting Championships

Nadina Taharally (4 silver) and Roger Rogers (2 silver, 1 bronze) shine for Guyana

(GAPLF) has closed off a hectic 2023 on the international stage with a healthy haul of medals from its two-member team at the ongoing World Classic & E q u i p p e d M a s t e r s P o w e r l i f t i n g Championships,takingplace inUlaanbaatar,Mongolia.

On debut and hitting the platform yesterday, Nadina Taharally competed in the medal achieving a best squat

Dharvish Narine

Vinesh Narine

In its continuing effort to format. Albion has reached develop new talents for the the final of the tournament future, the Berbice Cricket while Rose Hall Town Board (BCB) launched a PoonaiPharmacyandCotton historic Ricky and Son Treeareinthesemi-final. Business Enterprise Albion easily defeated Under11tournament. Thisis Mt.Sinaiinthequarterfinals the first time in its 84 years and then drew the bye to the history that the BCB is final. hosting and Under11 to add RHT Poonai Pharmacy to its Under13, Under15, crushed Achievers by 8 Under17, Under19, Under21 wickets while Cotton Tree and Under23 tournaments. got passed Rose Hall Canje Ten teams drawn from West by 48 runs to book their Berbice, Lower Corentyne semi-final clash. Playing at and New Amsterdam/Canje the Bath Cricket Club, left participated in the arm spinner Singh took 7 tournament which is been wickets played in the Tapeball (Continued on page 25)

Canadian Scott Robertson, Powerlifting fraternity, Women’s ClassicM11 76kg of 182.5kg, bench press of squat 310.0kg, bench press noting that they have kept up and was good enough for the 82.5kg, deadlift of 192.5kg, 205.0kg, deadlift 275.0kg, the medal haul that was silver medals in the squat, and a total of 457.5kg. The andatotalof790.0kg. startedbyCarlosPettersonat bench press, deadlift, and bronze medal went to Great The bronze was taken by Senior Worlds (silver and total, a very classy Britain’s Franka Ronsome Great Britain’s Darren bronze), Sub-Junior and performance against five whose best squat was Grenville, best squat of Junior Worlds where Romeo othercompetitors. 130.0kg,benchpress60.0kg, 250 0kg, bench press of Hunter snared the squat gold

Not only were her lifts deadlift 167.5kg, and total, 170 0kg, and deadlift of and Dominic Tyrell got a good enough for the silver 357.5kg. Other athletes in 260 0ky for a total of silverinthedeadlift. medals, but she shattered a this category were from 680.0kg. The other athletes T h e G A P L F i s number of records at the Pan Finland, Australia, and in Rogers’ category were expressing its gratitude to AmericanandFesupolevels. Norway from USVI, Garmez Parks Minister of Culture, Youth Taharallyachievedabest Roger Rogers competing whowonthedeadliftbronze, and Sport Charles Ramson squat of 150 0kg, bench in the 120kg Men’s Classic USA, Denmark, Libya, Jr., Director of Sport Steve press of 77.5kg, deadlift of division won a silver medal Netherlands, France, Japan, Ninvalle,theNationalSports 182 5kg, and a total of intheSquat(262.5),abronze andIndia. Commission, Guyana 410 0kg Her new Pan in the Bench Press (162.5), GAPLF President, Olympic Association, American records are in the and a silver in the Total Franklin Wilson extended Fitness Express, Ministry of above lifts and total whilst (680 0) Rogers also congratulations to both Natural Resources, Ministry her new Fesupo records are achievedanewFesuposquat Taharally and Rogers on of Public Works, Ministry of in the squat, deadlift, and record. their excellent achievements Parliamentary Affairs, and total. His category, which for Guyana on behalf of the E-Master Corporation for

d i a n S y l v i a attracted a total of 11 Federation’s Executive their support in making this Atkinson won the gold athletes, was won by Committee and the possible.

Part of the high-octane action between Woodpecker Hikers and YMCA Old Fort Women’s.

Nadina Taharally

Roger Rogers