Kaieteur News
PAGE 02
Thursday October 12, 2023
GGMC calls on citizens to report gold-sifting claims at Chinese Manganese Company Amid allegations of gold-sifting at the Chineserun Guyana manganese Inc., Commissioner of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Newell Dennison is calling on citizens to report any illegal mingling of materials in shipments. Dennison’s comments come on the heels of a Kaieteur News article on Monday which shed some light on the allegations. Instead of directly responding to this newspaper, he dispatched a letter to the Stabroek News, calling on citizens to come forward with any information they may have about the claims. “The GGMC would welcome any credible reporting of the illegal commingling of commodities in their shipment from Guyana, so that the same can be properly investigated,” Dennison said in his missive to Stabroek News. The issue first came to light when Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall raised it on his nightly radio show. Noting that Guyanese are not
Mining of Manganese at Matthew’s Ridge
allowed to work near the mills, Lall said that the Guyana Manganese Inc. (GMI) company at Matthews Ridge is sifting the two minerals “non-stop” at the North West District mining operation. “The socalled manganese plant sifting manganese and gold non-stop in Matthews Ridge and not a single Guyanese is allowed to work near the mills separating the gold from the manganese,” Lall alleged. Lall made the revelation
on his show which is aired on Kaieteur Radio every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 19:20hrs and rebroadcasted on other days. The publisher noted that in the year 2022, Guyana collected around US $5M in earnings from manganese, when over $1B left the country’s shores. The company, a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned Bosai Minerals Group, obtained the rights to operate at Matthews Ridge in 2016. Lall said the company has a
fleet of 40-60 tonne trucks driven by Guyanese. The trucks transport the manganese to Port Kaituma from its operations base. However, he said locals are not involved in the operation beyond this point. “The loading of the manganese on the barges and on the ship, is strictly done by the Chinese. Guyanese don’t get to see what or how much is being loaded on those barges or ships on a daily basis. What is the reason for that?” Lall questioned. He went on to say that Guyana is giving away raw manganese in billions of US dollars while on the other hand, the country imports the finished products by the hundreds of millions of US dollars to purify the country’s water supply at the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI). “I was also informed that these ships when they leave Port Kaituma, they do not go out and offload immediately into the big ship waiting outside in the Atlantic Ocean. It goes first to Linden at the bauxite company to pick up bauxite. Then head out to offload in the big ship in the Atlantic Ocean,” Lall alleges. He further claims that at Port Kaituma, the ships are not filled to the brim, noting that only three quarters with manganese are loaded there. The ships, he claims then head to Linden where a small quantity of bauxite is spread on top to cover the manganese. According to Lall when declared with customs, the consignment does not leave Guyana as the expensive manganese metal, but rather, as the cheaper mineral, bauxite. Lall alleged that in order to cover up the scam, no Guyanese national is allowed to work near the ships at Port Kaituma. But that’s not all, he added. He said that some years ago,
Head of GGMC Newell Dennison Chinese nationals entered Guyana illegally to test the ground at Matthews Ridge to detect what minerals they could find to exploit. Upon their discovery of the exact mineral, they were after, which is gold, the Chinese company informed the government that they were going to conduct manganese operations in Guyana. “Them people land on a gold mine in Matthews Ridge, wuh become a gold galore, uncle day and night, is not enough for them people to wuk, them ain’t only install one grinding mill, them install three mills that separates the gold from the manganese,” Lall said. He claims that the manganese plant is a dualpurpose venture, sifting gold and manganese non-stop and Guyanese aren’t allowed to work near the site. He illustrated the operations on his show with photographs, which indicated the processing tray of the minerals and it was clear that the ratio of raw gold greatly outweighed that of the manganese. GMI is not registered to mine gold. The company never declared “a single pennyweight” of gold to the Guyana Gold Board. Lall added that he is in
possession of video evidence which shows the magnitude of the gold operations to substantiate his claims. Meanwhile, in his letter Dennison highlighted that the processing of manganese for shipment does not readily present the opportunity for the processing of gold. Dennison went on to state that the large-scale operators in mining such as bauxite, manganese, and gold are regularly inspected and processes observed which should uncover such obvious occurrences as the “sifting of gold non-stop at Matthews Ridge.” He further stated, that there are no areas of mining operations that GGMC staff cannot access as it is not off limits, and the agency has a constant staff presence of technical officers’ at largescale mining operations. “There are no areas of the mining operations that are off limits to the GGMC officers who are on regular and/or special inspections of the companies’ operations,” Dennison said. The Commissioner did note that the shipments of mineral commodities from Guyana have different aspects that engage officials from State agencies, who are competent authorities for such business. He said that GGMC has never been denied access to loading areas, if necessity arose. In August 2021, Kaieteur News reported that with the Guyana’s growing extractive sectors being key to the n a t i o n ’s d e v e l o p m e n t , communities like Matthews Ridge, highlight the need for a more robust engagement on the part of the government when monitoring the activities of companies like GMI and enforcing laws, which are supposed to protect citizens, their livelihoods, and environment.
Thursday October 12, 2023
Kaieteur News
PAGE 03
Govt. to move to CCJ Norton not interested over sale of waterfront in report on Exxon’s property to BK Marines US$214M audit fiasco
Attorney General, (AG) Anil Nandlall SC has vowed that the Government will go the length for justice in the case filed to repossess the prime waterfront property sold to local company, BK Marine. The AG made this disclosure on Tuesday’s airing of his programme “Issues in the News,” days after the Full Court dismissed his appeal in the matter. On September 18, 2023, Full Court Justices Sandil Kissoon and Jo Ann Barlow struck out Nandlall’s appeal, on the grounds that the Attorney General failed to establish a proper locus standi in the matter and the appeal filed was unmeritorious among other things. Speaking about the ruling on the show, Nandlall said that he will be taking his case to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The AG noted that he believes his probability of success is greater at the Apex court. He pointed to an instance when “the High Court told me I have no case; the Appeal Court said I had no case and the CCJ did not want to hear me on the matter but they ruled in my favour because it was such a clear case before them.” With regard to the recent determination of the Full Court in the matter involving BK Marines, Nandlall said he is prepared to travel the long journey to the CCJ. He noted that in his view, the Minister of Finance Winston Jordan disposed of the
Owner of BK Marines, Brian ‘BK’ Tiwari property without authorisation. “The Government in my view has every right to sue the company, the minister as well as the purchaser…Here the Court is not even hearing the Government. The Government is being allowed to put forward its case yet the Court is telling the Government that it is a meddler and strikes out the case without even hearing it,” Nandlall lamented. Nandlall was seeking to have the sale of the lands at Water Street or Mudlots 1 and 2; Lot F of Mudlot 3 and Lots A, B and D, North C u m m i n g s b u rg , Georgetown be declared illegal, unlawful, null, void, repugnant and contrary to public policy. He insists that the lands were sold at a gross undervalue and way below market value, and that BK Marine was unjustly enriched by $5 billion through this transaction. However, High Court Judge,
Justice Brassington Reynolds, stuck out his legal action. Justice Reynolds dismissed the case ruling that while the Attorney General is authorised to bring an action for misfeasance in public office against Jordan, he did not, in this case, satisfy the elements of the tort. Nandlall later challenged a decision describing the ruling as “one of the most shocking decisions I have ever witnessed in my brief career at the Bar” and committed to challenge the decision. Consequently, he filed a Notice of Appeal at the Full Court on September 28, against the decision of the High Court Judge. In the legal document, the Attorney General sought from the Full Court, “…an Order setting aside, reversing and/or vacating the decision…” of Justice Reynolds. The Attorney General argued in his appeal that the Trial Judge erred and his decision was misconceived in law when he dismissed the Statement of Claim on the basis of an abuse of the court’s process as there was no viable cause of action on basis of Misfeasance in Public Office and sought to make findings on the evidence when there were only pleadings before the court on the substantive case and no evidence had yet been filed, and no evidence was taken from any of the witnesses to test the veracity of the witnesses and weighing of the evidence.
“Snow cone man” killed, daughter injured after knocked off motorcycle A popular snow cone vendor was killed around Wednesday afternoon after a van knocked him and his daughter off a motorcycle at Scottsburg, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six. Dead is 67-year David Rose of Springlands, Corentyne Berbice and hospitalized is Shenezia Rose. Police said Rose was riding the motorcycle along the Corentyne road at Scottsburg with his daughter as the pillion rider when a van struck the bike from behind. The driver of the van, a 23-year-old man from Reliance, East Canje,
Dead, David Rose Berbice alleged that Rose had made a sudden right turn in front of him and he could
not slow down in time. The impact flung Rose and his daughter onto the roadway causing them to sustain severe injuries to their bodies. They were both picked up by persons passing by and rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where Rose was pronounced dead on arrival and his daughter admitted. The driver of the van is in police custody assisting with investigations. Rose was popularly known for not only selling snow cones but reportedly making the best homemade ice-cream in Berbice.
- says Roysdale Forde acting on his own with requests to Govt.
Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton
Shadow Attorney General, Roysdale Forde
While his Shadow Attorney General, Roysdale Forde has approached the government for a copy of the investigative report that details the mishandling of an audit into ExxonMobil’s US$1.7B expenses, Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton clarified yesterday that he has no interest it in. He also confirmed that this is the position of the political opposition. On Tuesday, Forde informed the media that he dispatched two letters, one to the Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson Snr. and another to Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat. His letter to Ramson requested a copy of the employment contract for Gopnauth “Bobby” Gossai who serves as the Senior Petroleum Coordinator for the Ministry of Natural Resources. Gossai was identified by his ministry as the official who engaged Exxon in the unauthorised reduction of its questionable expenses from US$214M to US$3M. The US$214M sum was flagged by IHS Markit, a British firm that audited Exxon’s spending in the Stabroek Block for the period 1999 to 2017. Forde’s letter the Natural Resources
Minister requested a copy of the investigative report on Gossai’s actions. Norton made it clear yesterday that while he respects Forde’s right to seek information; his request is not one that represents the Opposition’s stance. “The Office of the Leader of the Opposition wishes to reaffirm that the PPP’s attempts to throw public servant Bobby Gossai, Senior Petroleum Coordinator in the MNR, under the bus for the $214M audit scandal have fooled no one that culpability fully rests with his subject Minister and with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,” Norton’s office said. He added, “While the Office of the Leader of the Opposition fully supports the rights of our members of parliament to seek information on government affairs, we wish to declare that, as a political entity, we have absolutely no interest in the audit probe report and in Mr. Gossai’s employment contract, as have been requested of the government by one of our MPs.” Norton said the probe by government is “an insult to the intelligence of the Guyanese people.” The official said he nor the wider Opposition he represents, will play no part in it.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 04
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Leaders who have lost it
T
here comes a time when we all have to move on. It is time US President Joe Biden takes his leave a graceful exit would save him and his group some face. Former US President Donald Trump should not entertain a single thought that involves leadership of any kind, especially that of the Chief Executive of the United States. Right here in Guyana, former President Bharrat Jagdeo should be out of any leadership picture, any conversation that is focused on what is right for Guyanese. The difficulty is that none of these three national leaders have given any signal that they are ready to relinquish the reins of power. Their lusts for power, being at the center of it, having as much of it as possible in their hands, keep them riveted where they are: fighting for it, or maintaining their stranglehold on it. The other difficulty, and it is a considerable one worthy of much weight, is that there are swarms of diehards in their respective populations that swear by them, are inseparable from them, notwithstanding their blatant failures. Take President Biden, as the first example. This American is pushing 80, but he is hanging on for 2024, and God knows what else is in store for him and America, and not to forget the wider world. Currently, his immigration policy has left major US cities in tatters, and communities under siege. His energy policy is a hodgepodge of contradictions, and there is the ongoing partisan warfare between the White House and the Republican-led House of Representatives, which holds spending hostage, and citizens dejected at the outlook for both topnotch leadership and dependable governance. Taking this small snapshot of troubles, and leaving out President Biden’s family darkness, in which he is neck-deep, this leader should be saying his farewells, and readying to ride off into the sunset. But he is sticking around and hanging on, as though America’s progress would be stalled without him. An even worse nightmare is that of former President Trump, who is alleged to be no better than a common lawbreaker, but still burns with ambition for a return to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The position of many, and ours also, is that this one-time global leader really belongs in places where movement is limited, and not the Executive Suite. In shades that should stir Guyanese, Trump has had allegations of serious misconduct, bringing the presidency into disrepute, and manipulations involving frauds all attached to his name. While he fights legal battles to stay afloat, he is still laying parallel tracks to stay at the head of the pack for another stint in the White House. For whatever reason, nativist bigotry or the sputtering economy or the decline of America’s global hegemony, tens of millions in the US population are firmly in his corner, and got his back. In other words, his electoral upside looks unmatched in the field of potential competitors. His delusions and paranoias, the ugly and warped side of this leader, do not count for anything at all. Instead of going his way, he is staying, and making sure all and sundry are aware. In Guyana, citizens have their own misgivings and alarms about former President Jagdeo. According to his upside-down worldview, right is wrong and wrong is right. His record is that anything that has to do with money is saturated with questions, doubts, suspicions, and fears about the worst. On the nation’s vital oil patrimony, Guyanese now have to deal with a national leader who is a non-white version of Darren Woods and Alistair Routledge: he is more for ExxonMobil than Guyana. In fact, it could be asserted with a significant degree of accuracy that Jagdeo is now more ExxonMobil than ExxonMobil itself. Rather than wrap himself in the Golden Arrowhead, he is proud to dress himself in the Star-Spangled Banner, leaving many Guyanese to ask why this leader is still in the thick of things, if not totally in charge. After all the failures and disgraces, Jagdeo should go, and count his years and their rewards. The two aged Americans should do similarly.
Thursday October 12, 2023
Is this another conspiracy to deceive? DEAR EDITOR, A few days ago, I had cause to inform Guyanese that the claims of the President Irfaan Ali government that the APNU+AFC did not make new investments in the electricity sector were false. Being aware of the truth, it caused me to wonder why the Ali government would seek to blatantly mislead the people of this country on a matter that could easily be verified. My puzzlement has lessened with the emergence of what is fast becoming a scandal surrounding the unaccounted sum of US$214M that was discovered by the audit done by IHS Markit, and mysteriously reduced to US$3M. The statement emanating from the Minister of Natural Resources on the matter helped me to realise that the Ali government believes that deception is the art of good governance and integrity is a luxury that his government cannot afford. Editor, the explanation of the shifting audit figure by the Minister of Natural Resources must infuriate anyone with a modicum of interest in how this country is being managed. I am grateful that the Minister was bold enough to put his hilarious statement in public because it enables one to see, not only the incompetence of the Ali government, but the depths of the contempt in which his
government holds Guyanese at home and abroad. It also reveals the disdain that the government has for the rule of law. Editor, the Minister informed us in the third paragraph of his statement that Mr. Gossai told him in November 2022 that the unaccounted expenses found by the audit had been reduced from US$214M to US$3M. Thinking of the Minister as a smart guy, the question crossed my mind as to if he asked Mr. Gossai what had changed to cause the sum to fall so dramatically since it would have been hot information, considering that Gossai was not supposed to be directly involved in negotiating changes to the figure. With his attempt to make us believe that Mr. Gossai has only now been discovered to have gone rogue, I wonder if the Minister had also asked Mr. Gossai in November 2022 from where he got his information. This question is logical since, presumably, the Minister did not know at the time that Gossai might have been acting on his own. One would expect those questions to be asked because the Minister kept reassuring us in the statement that his government’s position was always to stick with the US$214M found by the audit. Thinking that the
Minister would have to give his principals the reasons for the change, it leaves me to speculate if Mr. Gossai had been pressed on the source of his information. If Mr. Gossai could not provide the answer, then the reasonable alternative was to ask the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) what caused the change, and not merely to seek a “No Objection”, since it was claimed that the government was wedded to the US$214M, and Gossai was not an authoritative source. Editor, Guyanese must know if this was done because it raises concerns about the care of our public finances and the extent to which the government is willing to level with us on this issue. Editor, the deception in the Minister’s statement becomes glaring in the disclosures made in the July 2023 meeting to which he refers. At least the Second Vice President should have known that Gossai had no business negotiating changes to the audit figure. Consequently, one should ask why Gossai was identified as the only source of information in a meeting eight months after the US$3M was first raised? Wa s t h e g o v e r n m e n t informed about this figure by the Minister before meeting with Gossai in July? Even so, did the Minister or the Second Vice President ask
Mr. Gossai to provide them with the report or documentation that contained the change since, according to the second paragraph of the statement, that was one of his roles. The failure to tell us if Gossai was asked for the source document is peculiar because the Minister was expecting a response from GRA and Gossai was not expected to have first-hand knowledge of any negotiated settlement. The absence of such questions does not lend credibility to the conclusion that Gossai had gone rogue. Indeed, for a rogue operation of that nature to be taking place in Guyana unknown to the guardians of our money for so long, speaks volumes of this administration’s inability to safeguard the resources of this country. It is interesting that the Minister does not tell us exactly when he learnt that GRA did not agree to the change. That timing is important because the change that we are talking about is significantUS$211M- and yet it did not trigger an immediate reaction from Gossai’s principals in November 2022 or July 2023. Considering the foregoing, the Ali administration must tell us what Gossai is being disciplined for. Is it for failing to share full information in a timely (Continued on page 06)
The Guyana Peace Council comments on developments in Israel DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Peace Council (GPC) abhors the declaration of war by Israel against the Palestinian people which has already claimed the lives of over two thousand people, on both sides, the majority of whom are civilians. Among the dead were women and children. Regrettably, there is no immediate indication of an end to the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza as casualties continue to mount by the day. This human tragedy highlights once again, the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory that saw several decades of sporadic and intermittent clashes between Israeli and Palestinian militants. The scale and intensity of this most recent conflagration is a stark
reminder that the legitimate demand, backed by U.N. resolutions calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state can no longer be swept under the carpet or resolved by military means. The Guyana Peace Council endorsed the position taken by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his call for an end to all hostilities and the immediate release of hostages. According to Mr. Guterres, the situation in Gaza is deeply distressing and could deteriorate e x p o n e n t i a l l y. Unfortunately, this is exactly what is taking place as Gaza is now under a state of siege. Electricity, water, food supplies and medicine are being cut off by the Israeli authorities resulting in untold sufferings by millions in the tiny Gaza Strip, home
to over 2.3 million people. Such actions are tantamount to ‘collective punishment’ and a violation of international law. The GPC is of the view that the only solution to the decades-old conflict is the complete and unconditional withdrawal by Israel from all occupied Palestinian lands and for a two-state solution along the lines of the 1993 Oslo Accord. Any resolution of the conflict must take into account the return of all Palestinian lands seized by Israel and full respect for the human rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. The use of excessive military force by Israel in the Gaza strip and the declaration of a ‘state of war’ to justify the on-going reign of terror which include artillery strikes are counterproductive and goes
against the norms of civilized behaviour. The GPC urges greater efforts on the part of the international community to bring about a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict. In this regard the GPC commends the position taken by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his address to the United Nations General Assembly when he re-affirmed Guyana’s longstanding solidarity with the Palestinian people and support for their dignified existence in accordance with the two-state solution. He urged member states ‘to do more to move past rhetoric so that the peace process can progress.’ Yours truly, Clement J. Rohee for Guyana Peace Council October 11, 2023
Thursday October 12, 2023
Kaieteur News
PAGE 05
Minister Edghill is an honourable President Ali and VP Jagdeo must face hard questions, servant; he should investigate the DHB provide the right answers DEAR EDITOR, Every day in Guyana which is supposed to be the richest country per citizen, only madness seems to be evident. All government services that should be working in the country are failing citizens who depend on these services for survival. Notably, the heat is getting unbearable, and as Glenn Lall predicted, VP Jagdeo blamed it on climate change, and not from the flaring and dumping of superheated water into the ocean from Exxon’s oil operations. Have Guyanese become robots and cyborgs with no h u m a n i t y, s a n i t y, o r conscience? How can someone see their elderly and sick family members stifle in this heat and don’t feel for them? How can someone send their children to school with empty lunch kits in this heat and have them in heated classrooms all day long knowing they would suffer, yet saying nothing? Dr. Vincent Adams said his EPA had already agreed with Exxon to minimize flaring and reinject the superheated water back into the wells to avoid this heat nightmare. Yet the PPP’s EPA changed it to unlimited flaring and dumping by Exxon while boasting of carbon credits by President Ali, VP Jagdeo, and Ashni Singh, while Guyanese stifle in the heat. How can Guyanese tolerate this madness in addition to no unlimited oil spill liability protection insurance without saying anything? President Ali and VP Jagdeo ranted about the renegotiation of the oil contract while in opposition, but now saying they didn’t mean that. Current Opposition Leader Norton said the word renegotiation, then wrote a letter retracting his statement. What would spook Norton so much that he would forego his nightcap to pen a letter in the night to
retract his statement on renegotiation, alongside President Ali and VP Jagdeo’s retractions? Thanks to those providing information on the oil and resource sectors, Guyanese locals and abroad are becoming more informed and are demanding answers to key questions on the management of these sectors. This along with the Washington conference by Black organizations has caused those in charge to become uncomfortable and the PPP have now gone into damage control launching their own information campaign on social media. Recently Gail Texiera, Clement Rohee, and Anil Nandalall held a podcast praising the PPP for emancipating Guyana from darkness on Oct 5, 1992. In 1992 the late Desmond Hoyte was President, he restarted Guyana’s economy from Burnham’s dead economy, he imported food back into Guyana quashing the failed Burnhamite food ban. He created the QRG task force which eliminated the kickdown-door crimes. He gave interest on bank deposit of 33% which benefitted Indo’s who had their money in the bank. He brought in rice millers so rice farmers were able to bargain for paddy price from their own home which they never did before. Under Hoyte GuySuCo was meeting its production targets causing workers to earn extra days’ pay regularly. The fishing and agriculture sectors were booming, local Guyanese particularly Indos controlled large sectors of the economy like transportation and small businesses, Guyanese never paid for water and the light bill was negligible. Most of all, in 1992 Guyanese were owners of the Bauxite Company, Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC), the AT&T Shares, the Sanata
Complex, the gold, other minerals, and timber concessions. Hoyte achieved the above because he fired incompetent Burnhamites and replaced them with qualified people, some of them Indos like me. Under the PPP, particularly Jagdeo, all the above went into reverse, I guess the light the PPP brought to Guyana came from the blackoutriddled GPL. MP Gail Texiera said when she took over the Ministry of Health, the hospitals were in a deplorable state, what state are they now in MP Gail Texiera? The PPP says they are the champions of democracy in Guyana, yet the President doesn’t want Guyanese asking him about oil, the parliamentary speaker says he is not obligated to provide information on key issues, and also says words like incompetence and corruption should be banned. Maybe he will also ban the words parasites, kabakamites and termites. The VP doesn’t want to provide information on the oil sector as people will nitpick to attack him. The VP has changed his defense to tough questions about oil and resources from, how he has dealt with those issues already, to now, these are Glenn Lall’s delusions, ringfencing as per him in opposition was good, but him now in charge ringfencing is bad. The VP said if he taxes foreign companies they will leave and Guyanese will lose their jobs. This is utter nonsense, as these foreigners need Guyana’s resources for their survival, instead of him calling their bluff on taxes, he is bluffing Guyanese. The VP’s case for the gas-toenergy plant is that the excess power will be needed to power the bauxite plant. Why reporters don’t ask him if, by the time the gas-toenergy plant comes on (Continued on page 06)
Dear Editor, My interest was piqued when I read the October 10, 2023, Stabroek News, and I noticed Minister of Public Works, Honourable Bishop Juan Edghill, coming to the defence of General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Mr. Wayne Watson. From what I read in the newspaper, the Minister has affirmed his full confidence in the gentleman as he pointed to several apparent achievements under Mr. Wa t s o n ’ s w a t c h . A s someone who was formerly associated with the Bridge, I must share I cannot see eye to eye with some of what the Minister shared. In life, I have always come to learn that people have their positive attributes as well as their negative ones. Certainly, Minister Edghill as a long-standing man of the cloth, would well be familiar with such human traits. While it is hard to argue with the achievements under the tenure of Mr. Watson, which the Minister outlined, it certainly would be naïve for us to believe that these were solely and wholly
the doing of the goodly gentleman. If the Minister checks, he would realise some of Mr. Watson’s ‘achievements’ predated his arrival. Moreover, the achievements that occurred u n d e r M r . Wa t s o n ’ s ‘leadership’ were not without their fair share of controversy, and some came at high costs in both a financial and human sense. Much of what that Minister touted are normal and usual tasks of the bridge. They were done in the past without any sort of fanfare or celebration. Is the Minister really extending plaudits to the gentleman for doing his job? I thought that was why he was paid handsomely. Maybe it is, I was mistaken. But the good Minister may want to check what those achievements cost the Bridge. On many occasions, the gentleman, seemingly “a bull in a China shop”, ignored, with no apparent justification, the advice of many personnel with considerable experience. Some of those decisions turned out to be costly misadventures. But where
Mr. Watson, I believe, particularly excels is his leadership of the staff. He has highlighted his academic prowess and deserves a round of applause. But despite his qualifications, he has done something that no other General Manager ever did. He has caused the agency to haemorrhage many of its skilled and experienced staff. According to Mr. Watson, such persons were time wasters. But those very ‘time wasters’ kept the Bridge afloat and operable all the time. That seems amiss, but it seems the gentleman may have a tendency to make a mountain out of a molehill. As the Kaieteur News pointed out, as many as 140 persons have left the job in 2½ years under Mr. Watson’s leadership. Is everyone aiming for greener pastures, as Mr. Watson highlighted? Certainly, men and women with considerable years of service to the Bridge would not just pick up themselves and leave. I urge the Honourable Minister to examine the data for himself, (Continued on page 06)
Mental health concerns investigate and act, please DEAR EDITOR, It is utterly hypocritical and deeply infuriating that Childlink Inc. local NGO has the audacity to announce its intent to observe World Mental Health Day when, behind closed doors, its management is allegedly responsible for numerous egregious mental health violations against their own employees. This blatant contradiction is an affront to the very principles they claim to uphold. It is an insult to the cause of mental health awareness and the countless individuals who genuinely suffer from mental health issues. Childlink’s actions reek of betrayal, and they must be held accountable. I demand
an immediate and thorough investigation into these allegations. Some in this organization cannot be allowed to get away with their hypocrisy. Their actions are not just harmful to their employees but also undermine the credibility of any effort to promote mental health awareness.
In the name of justice and integrity, I implore you to shine a harsh spotlight on this issue. The community deserves better, and those who profess to support mental health should either walk the talk or face the consequences. Sincerely, Kevin Khan
Kaieteur News
PAGE 06
President Ali and VP... From page 5 stream, if the bauxite will be all gone by then? The VP said when asked to comment on Glenn Lall’s tax case, said he doesn’t comment on court cases, then why is he opposing and appealing Justice Sandil Kissoon’s ruling? President Ali went on a ranting spree in response to ex-President Ramoutar on the renegotiation of the oil contract, saying everyone is now an expert on oil. The president should know, Guyana has the worst system when it comes to monitoring, transparency, regulations, and accounting for its oil sector making it easy for anyone to rightfully to become an expert in Guyana’s oil sector by highlighting the mismanagement. President Ali and VP Jagdeo should also know they are also oil experts because renegotiation came out of their own mouths, any leader who cannot represent their own words are deceivers more than they are leaders. The PPP in opposition also said Guyana should have an independent petroleum commission, now instead of AG Nandlall forming this commission, he is appealing Justice Kissoon’s ruling for parent company guarantee insurance for Guyana. If the President and VP are tired of tough questions, they can push for renegotiating the oil contract, they can enforce
Guyana’s corporate tax rate on gross profits on all foreign companies in Guyana, they can enforce and fine c o m p a n i e s f o r environmental violations, they can fight for the preservation of indigenous people lands and rights against mining and oil companies and the enforce t h e o i l b l o c k s relinquishment. President Ali and VP Jagdeo say they are tired of being criticized on the oil and resource sector management, well then, they can do the right things and receive praise instead of criticism. If the President and VP are tired of tough questions, they better get some rest and come back, Guyanese are waking up to the exploitation of their black gold, yellow gold, and other riches and have decided not to be quiet anymore and will not allow Guyana to become E x x o n l a n d . To t h o s e hosting podcasts like Leonard Girdharie, Frederick Kissoon, Norman Browne, Sherod Duncan, Mark Benschop, Rickford Burke, David Hinds, and others, if you all want a better Guyana, why don’t you ask your listeners in Guyana to join Glenn Lall’s protest on Oct 27? Instead of repeating ancient politics and the old mentality of PNC Afros and PPP Indos. Yours truly, R.David
Minister Edghill is an... From page 05 the data may be revealing. He should also seek to find out what is the reason/s persons have departed and are departing at a rapid pace. Even some friendly comrades had to leave. He may be shocked at what is transpiring under his watch as Minister. He may also want to find out what sparked a celebration after the incumbent left his former employ. He may also want to compare the turnover between the Asphalt Plant and the Bridge. Maybe it is the Asphalt Plant employees are not as ambitious as their Bridge counterparts. Mr. Minister, I urge you to let the bleeding stop and the healing begin. You are an honourable man and a man of the people. Let better sense prevail and do some checking you may find that the picture is not as glorious as it is depicted. Yours faithfully, Lloyd Peters
The Guyana Peace Council... From page 04 manner with his principals? Is it for providing false information to his principals? Or is it because he went rogue? Both GRA and Esso Exploration & Production (Guyana) Limited (EEPGL) should tell us what they know about this issue. On a related matter, could the Guyanese populace be advised as to the disciplinary measures a Permanent Secretary has at his or her disposal? Until the government, GRA and EEPGL can offer more clarity on this subject of definite national interest, I cannot help seeing this story as yet another attempt by the Ali government to deceive the people of this country. Respectfully, Rawle Lucas
Thursday October 12, 2023
$1B set aside to build new school at Vreed-en-Hoop H
aving already spent some $9B to build seven new secondary schools across the country, the Ministry of Education is looking to expend another $1B, this time to construct a new secondary school in the Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara area. The project was opened just recently at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board ( N P TA B ) o f f i c e a n d revealed that a total of 16 contractors have bid for the works. It was noted that the construction of the school will be done in six lots. Some of the works include the execution of the superstructure works for the school buildings, electrical works, sanitation and plumbing works just to name a few. Speaking previously with this publication, Region Three’s Regional Executive Officer (REO) Mr. Jagnarine
Somwar stated that the new school is being built to address the increasing student population in the region. Somwar noted too that the Ministry of Education is not only looking to build another school at Vreed-enHoop to cater to the increasing student population but looking at Zeeburg, Leonora, Bagotville and Philadelphia. Earlier this year, this publication reported that the regional administration signed two contracts totalling $75,605,530 for the extension of the Leonora Secondary School and Bagotville Primary School. When asked if there is an area earmarked for the new secondary school, the REO said, “We are looking just behind the RDC [Regional Democratic Council] building, there is a plot of land there that we are trying to acquire also, so we can get additional space for this new school.”
Construction of secondary school at Vreed-en-Hoop - Lots 1 to 6.
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B JAGDEO SHOULD GO! . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B . . L LU ...BLUN . T B . . N . T U L N T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U BBL T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday October 12, 2023
Kaieteur News
With all his grand failures from the white elephant Skeldon Factory to the Fip Motilall ‘road-to-nowhere scandal, former President Bharrat Jagdeo should be out of any leadership picture, any conversation that is focused on what is right for Guyanese. Yet he is hanging on.
Once upon a time, he used to refer to older leaders as fossils, we wonder when he looks in the mirror what he makes of himself now that he is above 60. His record is that anything that has to do with money is saturated with questions, doubts, suspicions, and fears about the worst.
On the nation’s vital oil patrimony, Guyanese now have to deal with a national leader who is a non-white version of Darren Woods and Alistair Routledge: he is more for ExxonMobil than Guyana. After all the failures and disgraces, Jagdeo should go, and count his years and their rewards.
PAGE 07
Kaieteur News
PAGE 08
Thursday October 12, 2023
NDIA refutes Opposition’s mismanagement claims - says extensions granted by NPTAB on pump station projects to accommodate unforeseen setbacks
T
he National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has strongly contested allegations by Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, who claims significant mismanagement is hindering the timely completion of multiple pump station projects. In a letter published by the daily newspapers recently, Mahipaul noted that a substantial contract of $544,890,203 was awarded to Adamantium Holdings back in July 2020 for the construction of a pump station at Charity, Region Two. The stipulated completion date for this project was July 8, 2023. To date, Mahipaul said only 10% of the work has been completed. Mahipaul further highlighted that Adamantium Holdings was also granted a contract for the rehabilitation of the pump station at Cozier, Region Two, valued at $261,080,869. The slated
completion date was April 16, 2023, but only 45% of the work has been executed. Additionally, Mahipaul said a contract awarded to Civcon Engineering Contractors for the construction of a pump station at A-Line Sluice, West Bank Demerara, was worth a substantial $717,095,940, with a completion date of June 12, 2023. Presently, Mahipaul said a mere 8% of the project is finalized, despite 25% of the contract sum having been disbursed. Equally disconcerting he said is the situation with the contract granted to Well Built Construction Service for the construction of pump station at Canal No. One Sluice (Southern Side). Valued at $650,074,684, Mahipaul said the project was expected to be completed by May 31, 2023, yet only 25% of the work is done, and 30% of the contract sum has already been expended. In addition, Mahipaul said the construction of a pump station at Cottage on
the West Coast of Berbice, a s s i g n e d t o VA L S Construction with a budget of $903,371,020, was slated for completion on December 1, 2022. As it stands, he parliamentarian said only 44% of the project is finalized. Lastly, Mahipaul said the construction of a pump station at Black Bush Polder to Irrigate Black Bush Frontlands, awarded to Yunas Civil & Building Construction for a substantial sum of $978,715,000, had an expected completion date of April 23, 2023. However, only 14% of the work is completed, with 20% of the contract sum already disbursed. As a member of the Public Accounts Committee, Mahipaul demanded accountability and transparency from the NDIA on these projects. In response, NDIA through the Ministry of Agriculture said at least five of the six projects experienced several setbacks. It was noted that at
the project site for the Charity pump station, Region No.2, there were difficulties with squatters who were in occupation of the site. NDIA said it had to engage the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to remove those persons within the wayleave of the pump station. This took several months. However, NDIA said works are progressing and pumping equipment is expected to be delivered shortly. At the project site for the A-Line pump station, West Demerara, Region No.3, the NDIA said it had to engage shopkeepers and fisher folk to remove encumbrances such as shops, fishermen’s storage huts and utilities. Again, NDIA said there were consultations and even compensation to aid in removal from the project site. This took several months before relocation. At Canal No.1 pump station project site, Region No.3, the drainage authority said there were delays in getting approval for the demolition of a community center building. NDIA said
the building was within the construction zone and housed a sub-office for the National Library of Guyana. Kaieteur News understands that there were engagements to provide for the relocation of the occupants. NDIA said this process took some time and significant delays were experienced by the project. It was keen to note however that the project completion status is far above 25% as was being quoted by Mahipaul. At the moment, NDIA said foundation piles are being driven with pumping equipment expected to be delivered shortly. At the project site for the Cottage pump station, Region No.5, NDIA said due to the erosion of the main access dam, there was an issue of access to the project site. In light of this, NDIA said a bridge and access dam had to be constructed. It said this resulted in major delays to the project. With regard to the construction of drainage pump station to irrigate
Black Bush Polder Frontlands, Region No.6, NDIA said this project was terminated on September 25, 2023 for poor quality and performance of works being executed. It said this project will soon be retendered. Given the foregoing circumstances, NDIA said Mahipaul could have reached out to the entity for information on the abovementioned projects before going to the newspapers. NDIA said it therefore views Mahipaul’s allegations of there being a haphazard approach in managing tax dollars as wholly misconceived and misleading. “In the circumstances, the Ministry of Agriculture’s NDIA wishes to categorically debunk these baseless allegations,” the entity said in its statement. It was also keen to note that the relevant extensions were sought and granted by the National Procurement and Tender Administration B o a r d ( N P TA B ) i n accordance with the law on the five ongoing projects.
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 12, 2023
PAGE 09
Punctuality is now a problem in Georgetown Schools Every school day in the city, in almost every ward, you can see scores of schoolchildren - dressed in their uniforms - ambling to school after 9:00am. The casualness of these children suggests that punctuality is no longer important to them or to their parents. But it does also raise the question as to what the schools in the city are doing about late attendance. Surely if stern
action was being taken against these children, there would have been greater urgency in them trying to get to school on time. In my time at school, when the bell rang, the gates were immediately locked. The assigned prefects made their way to the school gates with register in hand. After prayers had been concluded, the gates would be opened, and the names of all latecomers
would be recorded and they would each be sentenced to detention for late coming.No one attempted to try to evade the gatekeepers. There were too many teachers who would be on the lookout for those children who wanted to avoid sanctions. Any attempt to bypass the gatekeepers would be met with more than simply detention. As such, children made it their duty to try to get to school on time.In those days,
Bush fire smokes out residents at Corentyne village Thick black smoke from a bush fire at Brighton Village, Corentyne Berbice, Region Six, on Wednesday forced residents out of their homes after leaving them unable to breathe properly. Residents told Kaieteur News that the fire started between 16:00 and 17:00 hrs. They recalled looking out the riverside and seeing the sky looking red. As the hours passed, the fire crept closer and filled the air with black smoke. Not only did it force the residents out of their homes but also caused poor visibility for motorists on the roadway. Kaieteur News understands that up to press time, the fire was still spreading. Residents were fearful that it could eventually burn down their houses if it is not
extinguished. The last update this newspaper received was that it was heading for two houses. It is unclear if the fire service was called but residents explained that even if the agency showed up with firefighters, it would be difficult to quell the fire. They explained that firefighters would be unable to reach the location of the fire because of the terrain and it would be difficult to find an alternative route. Residents were hoping that it would “be out” before reaching close to any of the houses in the area. Recently, there has been a string of bush fire across the country and while the causes are still unknown at this time, many are blaming the ongoing heatwave in Guyana.
DEM BOYS SEH
Blame it on de rain When it comes to being on time, some people simply cannot make the cut. No matter what the occasion, they are bound to be late. Some churches have even had to impose penalties for not turning up on time for weddings. Imagine having the bride waiting at the altar while you are busying trying to be put on your suit. Or it is the other way around: with the groom having to wait on the bride? People, especially in de government, does be late for work. You could dial any government office at 8:00 hrs. and ask for some of de bosses. See how
many of them are in as yet. One boss however solved de problem of his workers coming to work late. He had 30 employees but only 29 free parking slots. The 30th was paid parking. But deh gat one thing Guyanese are never late for. When dem gat to go in to de US Embassy for dem visa, dem does never late. In fact, some of them does reach de embassy gate before de guards. When it comes to visa applications, Guyanese does be at de consulate’s doorstep at the crack of dawn, armed with a meticulously organized folder containing every
piece of paper they’ve ever owned since kindergarten. There’s no snooze button for visa appointments; they’re ready to face bureaucracy with military precision. But when it comes to work and school, well lateness is like a fashion show. And when it comes to excuse, deh gat plenty readymade ones. If is not de traffic, is some problem with de vehicle. And if is not de transportation is some problem elsewhere. Even de rain wah nah falling dese days getting blame fuh lateness. Talk half. Leff half.
school was convened at 8:00am. The overwhelming majority of the children made it to school on time. Since then, because of the transportation crisis which erupted in the country, the authorities decided that most schools would commence at 9:00. Some schools in the countryside however start classes earlier and end the day earlier. One of the casualties of this move has been a reduction in the lunch hour. This has had the effect in most children being unable to go home for lunch. This has added to the burdens of parents who live nearby to schools having to provide them with a lunch before they depart for school. Not many children today enjoy a home-cooked hot lunch such as was the case when the lunch break was one and a half hours long. But the later opening of school, at 09:00hrs. should have seen fewer children being late. Instead, what we are witnessing in the streets of Georgetown is that more and more children are late for school. And one has to ask, what about their parents? How come these parents are not ensuring that children are leaving for school to be punctual (at school)? This is not a problem which requires the intervention of the Ministry of Education. This is not a policy issue. It is a management issue and it is up to the respective headteachers to ensure
greater punctuality by ensuring that those who reach to school after 09:00 hrs. are sanctioned, first with a warning, then with a letter to call in their parents to enquire why the consistency in late school attendance. If teachers keep a proper record of those persons in their classes, they would realize quickly just who are not punctual and who are. This would allow for appropriate interventions to be made. In Jamaica, there is growing concern about the lack of punctuality and absenteeism in schools. One in every four children is said to be affected. Four years ago, the then Chief Education Officer in Guyana emphasised that regular school attendance and punctuality were critical to the development and education of students. He was quoted as saying that, “Excellence in attendance and punctuality should be rewarded because of the positive impact this has on the individual student, the school, community and society.” A few months ago, a letter writer to this newspaper observed that most, secondary schools in Georgetown generally start at 9am and dismiss at 3pm; students therefore spend 6 hours at school while nearby on the East Coast of Demerara, you will find secondary schools starting at 8:15, 8:30 or 8:45 am but all dismissing at 2:45 pm. He/
She questioned the inconsistency. So could standardising school hours assist? It is worth a try. There is no reason why schools should be commencing at 9:00 hrs. Many parents now drive and they have to reach to work for 8:00 am and so they can afford – and many do – drop off their children to school a full one hour before classes commence. If schools in certain areas commence before 09:00hrs., there is no reason why this cannot happen throughout the country. It is certainly worth a try to see whether it will improve punctuality. But even if the authorities are timid to revert to earlier commencement times, the S c h o o l s ’ We l f a r e Department should have by now been taking note of the large numbers of children who are late for school each day and for no apparent just reason. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10
S
UTH
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
L
LAL
Thursday October 12,2022 2023 Monday May 02,
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
PNC IN DC: A RECIPE FOR IMPOTENCY
T
he atmospherics are gradually easing on the recent PNC visit to Washington, DC to meet with some members of the U S H o u s e o f Representatives. As thrusts and counters quiet down, it is now timely to look at this visit (‘response to an invitation’) one last time, and state where I stand. In proceeding, I exhort that there is one essential component that must be borne in mind: when all the acoustics, acrobatics, antics, and optics are done, this is about politics, nothing but politics to the core. Politics is a game that is decided by numbers: those who have the most numbers win. Usually. When all the quarreling and squabbling is over, to get the bigger number is the beginning and end of politics, the visions of its practitioners, the ambitions of its hopefuls. Whatever follows after that in a
government, in a cabinet, in a parliament, hinges on scaling that first and last hurdle, viz-a-viz., getting the highest tally of numbers. This applies all over, be it Guyana or elsewhere. With that put to bed, there is this reality for the PNC to face: it does not have the numbers to carry a national election. The group can talk all it wants about the impacts of emigration, the differentials in demographics due to possible family planning, the disgruntlements in the support base of competing groups [of which there is only one], and so forth. But, taken individually or together, the bottom line is that the PNC by itself, or in association with others, does not have the numbers to win an election. No Guyanese needs to be at the GECOM, or manning the Bureau of Statistics, to know this, and to come to this conclusion. Accordingly, the PNC needs every vote
that it can get, and none as much as it does the fencesitters, the undecideds, the troubled, and the angry. In a teaspoon, any and all crossover votes are needed, would be worth their weight in rare earth. With that said, I return to the scene of the conference, which has now been made into one that is a crime by the PPP Government, and its cohorts of marvelous and well taken care of operators. Guyanese watch local TV (except me), and listen to political leaders (except me), so they get their fill of what was in DC, and who should not have been. More specifically, it is of whom the PNC should have been sensible enough to give a careful berth, one with plenty of cushion built into it. More bluntly, for the PNC to be seen, to be near, to be too close to some of the brethren risks sending the wrong signals, leading to kisses plastered on its cheeks. It would not be the
kiss of political life, as in electoral victory. The reality, as heavy and harsh as it is, must be confronted: the potential number of crossover voters could lose their interest and leanings, which is always fickle to begin with; and they are mainly from one segment of the demographic, the electoral heat map. One man’s likely loss, as feared, could be the other man’s gain, as long as the latter doesn’t inflict pain on himself. The latter is where the leadership of the PNC, as piloted by Mr. Aubrey Norton, finds itself. All things considered, I conclude that Mr. Norton did himself and his side an injustice. The visit to Washington, DC, and the circumstances in which it came about were not the most opportune for the PNC, nor among the better decisions made by the group. In terms of feared vote loss, I point to the PPP superheavyweight, VP Dr.
Bharrat Jagdeo, and his recent rages, which are not random, but of someone driven to the b r i n k o f t h e pathologically macabre, the politically depraved. The [former] national leader is not known to be a boozer, yet he has degraded into this brawler. From abuser to aggressor to archer of a dim, deplorable, and disappointing kind, name it and brother Jagdeo has traveled that road of no return. The more volatile and hostile he gets, the more his people shake their heads in dismay at what oil has done to him. In all this, there is one word that hangs in the air, and it begins with that now dreadful letter in the alphabet, an ‘r.’ Race has been the leprosy and cancer about which we are comfortable doing little about, and facing still less. It is about how people can be correctly interpreted or, perhaps, unfairly misinterpreted. Regardless of who is what, and which is which, the PNC does not have any margin of safety for it to experiment with these types
of sojourns and associations. There are other ways to obtain the best out of these relationships and situations, which all political parties have, as a matter of routine, part of their militant wing. I close this out now. Nothing written here today is about neurosurgery or has anything to do with differential equations. Rather, it is about the political environment in which Guyanese have always lived. Most Guyanese know this. The PNC knows this, which is why it should not do anything, nor be around any development, that causes it to self-destruct. Remember what the algorithms say: it’s all in the numbers, and who has most of them. Quite clearly, therefore, it had to be NO! to Washington, DC. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)
Cops under close arrest for corrupt transactions
Berbice Police Commander, Shivpersaud Bacchus has confirmed that two of his ranks are under close arrest for alleged corrupt transactions. The Commander did not divulge details surrounding
the matter but said: “two police, one subordinate officer and one constable were placed under close arrest for alleged corrupt transactions. Investigations are continuing.”
Thursday October 12, 2023
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
PAGE 12
Thursday October 12, 2023
Participants of the Rotary International’s Girls’ Empowerment initiative
Rotary Club of Georgetown holds girls empowerment forum I
n celebration of International Day of the Girl and as part of Rotary International’s Girls’ Empowerment Initiative, the Rotary Club of Garden CityGeorgetown executed a successful Girls Empowerment Event on Sunday, October 8, at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Learning Lab in Mahaica. International Day of the Girl, celebrated globally on October 11th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges that girls face around the world while
promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights, the Rotary Club said in a press release. “The Rotary Club of Garden City recognises the importance of this day and took action by organising an event that targeted 100 girls from four homes run by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. The Girl’s Empowerment Initiative by Rotary International is focused on clublevel projects through which Rotary clubs can create positive change in the lives of girls,” the release added.
The event featured a wide range of activities designed to educate, inspire, and empower the participants, aged eight to 17. These activities included: discussions on self-esteem and confidence building, vision boarding, mental health and wellness talks and age-appropriate conversations on sexual and reproductive health and rights. The event provided a safe and supportive environment for the girls to interact, learn, and grow. It aimed to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and self-assurance necessary to overcome challenges,
pursue their dreams, and become future leaders in their communities. “We believe that every girl has the potential to achieve greatness, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed,” said Alvina Rambarran, President of the Rotary Club of Garden City-Georgetown. “The Girls Empowerment Event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the International Day of the Girl and make a positive impact on the lives of these young girls.” “Organizing an event like this is not just about logistics; it’s about crafting a platform for dreams to
take flight. The importance of empowering these girls cannot be overstated – it’s about nurturing their potential and letting them know they have the power to shape their own destinies,” Elizabeth Cox, Assistant Governor, Guyana and Service Director of Rotary Club of Garden City-Georgetown. The Rotary Club of Garden City extends its heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, mentors, sponsors, and supporters who made this event possible. Their dedication and commitment to empowering young girls are invaluable and deeply appreciated.
Pinktober 2023 commits to over 2500 free mammograms GTT in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and several nongovernmental cancer support organizations are planning to offer more than 2500 free mammograms to members of the public who qualify. Mammography is the process of using low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening. T h e g o a l o f mammography is the early detection of breast cancer. To obtain a free voucher to undergo a mammogram examination, you must first be pre-screened at any of the community health centers across the country or through any of the Champions of Hope NGOs offering prescreening. A list of the Champions of Hope partners can be found on the GTT Pinktober website (https://www.gttpinktober.c om/). Additionally, all women 40 years and above can be screened or any woman with a strong family history of breast cancer or high risk of ovarian cancer can be
Programme Director for Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Lachmie Lall
Dr. Vilas Gobin, Managing Director of Woodlands Ltd
screened at an earlier age. Also, any male complaining of breast discomfort or has notable changes to the breast or surrounding area can also be screened. According to a press release from GGG, the mammograms will be offered by The Cancer Institute, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, and the Balwant Singh Hospital. Programme Director for NonCommunicable Diseases and Mental Health within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Lachmie Lall, during an
invited comment, lauded the initiative. “We continue to see GTT play an instrumental role in the fight against cancer and that is very commendable. What we are witnessing is the power of collaboration, which is the key to providing comprehensive care and support to individuals affected by cancer,” the GTT release stated. This year’s Pinktober campaign themed “Many Hands, Caring Hearts” is poised to make a significant impact on cancer awareness,
early detection, and support for those affected by the disease with large and small organizations joining the fight. Caribbean Surgery Inc. has also joined the movement by offering free breast examinations throughout the entire month o f O c t o b e r. N a r e s h a Ramnauth, Chief Operations Officer of Caribbean Surgery expressed the company’s dedication to the cause. “We are honored to contribute to this important movement. By providing free breast examinations, we aim to encourage more people to take control of their health and get screened early”. Woodlands Hospital, a pillar of the healthcare community, is also offering free assistance. They have provided over 40 cancer screenings to the public through the Pinktober 2023 initiative, inclusive of breast ultrasound, pap smears, H&E, PSAs, and colonoscopy screening, contributing significantly to early detection efforts. Dr. Vilas Gobin, Managing Director of Woodlands Ltd.,
Naresha Ramnauth, Chief Operations Officer of Caribbean Surgery
said that the company’s commitment is in keeping with its mission. “Our mission has always been to prioritize the well-being of our community. We are proud to be part of this collective effort, and we will continue to support cancer awareness and early detection in Guyana”. These collaborative efforts are a testament to the power of partnership, compassion, and shared responsibility in the fight against cancer in Guyana.
Together, GTT, MOH, Champions of Hope NGOs, Caribbean Surgery, and Woodlands Hospital are making a lasting impact, saving lives, and spreading the message that early detection is key. The public is encouraged to participate in the Pinktober Walk/Run for a Cause and Health Fair on October 29, 2023, beginning at 6am at the Everest Cricket Ground and contribute to the cause by texting “Donate” to 620-2828.
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 12, 2023
PAGE 13
GRA’s staff falling sick due to mouldy conditions at Camp Street HQ
E
mployees of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) are concerned that the mouldy conditions within the entity’s Camp Street headquarters. This they say has resulted in many staff members experiencing respiratory illnesses among other health issues. According to employees of the revenue body, for years they have complained to management about the situation and their complaints have been ignored on multiple occasions. “We have made several reports at the human resource department. We have persons who have breathing problems, some have sinus issues, skin rashes and many other illnesses,” a staff member told the Kaieteur News earlier this week. Attempts to obtain a c o m m e n t f r o m G R A’s
management on the issue this week have unsuccessful. Reports are that a senior staff member of the GRA was forced to seek treatment overseas for a respiratory ailment, which was attributed to the conditions at her work place. A staff member told this publication that at multiple meetings, she and her colleagues informed the entity’s management about their individual ailments which they attributed to the mould trapped within the walls of the five storiedbuilding. On some occasions, promises were made to address the situation, h o w e v e r, s h e s a i d a permanent solution appear distant. “It hampers productivity,” another staff member noted. The mould, which exists in various sections of the building including ceilings, walls and
a l o n g t h e b u i l d i n g ’s stairways, has been attributed to leakages from the air condition units within the edifice. In addition, when it rains, water would leak through the building and accumulate along the stairs. GRA employees told this publication that water usually leaks through the ceiling panels at the building and they often replaced whenever leakages occur. However, in recent times, the entity’s maintenance staff reported that there are issues with sourcing the correct panels to replace the damaged pieces. It was noted too that more than more than 400 employees of the revenue body work within the building each week. In 2015, the mouldy conditions at the facility were highlighted in the media and at the time, the GRA board
The Guyana Revenue Authority headquarters on Camp Street. explored a long-term solution to remedy the leakages at the building. Subsequently, a roofing structure was built over the roof of the building. However, while this solved the issue temporarily, the leakages continued. The building which houses the headquarters of the GRA was owned by the defunct Colonial Life Insurance (CLICO) Guyana
Inc. The structure has had many structural issues and it was deemed unfit for occupation by Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan in August 2015. GRA was expected to build a facility to house its new headquarters on state land at Pattenson, Turkeyen, ECD. H o w e v e r, t h e government subsequently announced that three hotels
would be built at the location by a private developer. In June 2022, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told the media that new headquarters for the GRA would be constructed at Ogle, East Coast Demerara. This week GRA staff expressed hope that the new project comes on stream soon given the conditions at the Camp Street headquarters.
Daily blackouts plaguing Lethem, Hyping-up of “Chinese hacker Chinese despite millions in investments infiltration” irresponsible -Embassy
Despite receiving millions in funding to offset electricity costs this year, the bordertown of Lethem in the Rupununi has been experiencing daily blackouts, with some areas of the municipality being without power for hours. Reports are that the power outages commenced some two weeks ago with some areas being without electricity for as long as six hours. “Every day is a notice about blackout. We have a solar farm that costs millions but like it ain’t serving its purpose,” an angry resident of Culvert City told this publication. The Lethem Power Company (LPC) has been posting load-shedding notices on its Facebook page in recent days and according to the entity, the exercise is to facilitate ongoing maintenance at the power station. “Most times they lying about the time when power will be restored,” an angry resident said. According to a notice which was published by the LPC on Wednesday, Culvert City was expected to be without power from 09:30hrs until 17:00hrs while Tabatinga was expected to be without power from 17:00hrs until midnight. Other areas were expected to
also be without power for several hours. Reports are that many businesses have suffered losses, mainly of perishable goods. Lethem’s power grid is supplemented by the 1.0-megawatt solar farm which became operational in 2022. However, the solar facility only provides supplemental power to the town’s grid during the day time. In August this year, the National Assembly approved a sum of $264 million in supplementary funding to support the operations of the LPC. This was in addition to a $4.9B which was approved under the 2023 National Budget for both the Lethem and Linden power companies. “We will remain closely engaged with the respective companies to ensure that they continue to manage their operations efficiently. We will also remain closely engaged with the communities,” Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh told the National Assembly in August. Lethem residents noted that the power outages have become unbearable since they are occurring when Guyana has been experiencing sweltering heat generated by an ongoing heat wave.
The Chinese Embassy in Guyana on Tuesday called the hyping-up of an alleged “Chinese hacker Infiltration” of Guyana government irresponsible. The embassy’s response came hours after the National Data Management Authority’s (NDMA’s) released statement saying that there has been no successful infiltration of the Government of Guyana’s network system. “China opposes and fights all forms of hacking in accordance with the law”, the embassy stated while adding “…we reject any irresponsible hyping-up of so-called “Chinese hacker infiltration.” In the statement, the embassy continued that cyber security is a common challenge for countries including China and Guyana. “China, as always, will collaborate with Guyana to safeguard cybersecurity through bilateral dialogue, law enforcement cooperation and other means”, the embassy said. On Thursday last a cyber security firm, ESET said that its researchers have discovered a Cyberepionage attack against a government entity in Guyana by hackers that could be Chinese. The company that the attack detected is a spearphishing campaign. A spearphishing campaign basically means that the hackers infiltrated the government’s network systems by sending fraudulent emails to the targeted entity, inducing it to reveal personal information. The NDMA, however, said that it has conducted a probe and it was found that the cybersecurity firm exaggerated the threat in their “exposé.” Extensive investigation reportedly done by the agency to determine the validity of the ESET report, revealed that there were attempts to infiltrate all failed. “The security systems employed intercepted this attempt and nullified its effects,” the agency noted. NDMA’s General Manager, Christopher
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan 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 cybersecurity firm “to gather additional information, verify the data shared, and ascertain its source”. “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. Disclosing sensitive information without stakeholder consultation can be detrimental,” NDMA explained. 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.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 14
Members of security forces undergo training in financial justice
M
embers of law enforcement agencies and other state workers have commenced a three-day workshop being hosted by the Ministry of Legal Affairs in collaboration with the Regional Security System’s (RSS) Asset Recovery Unit aimed at equipping them with technical skills and knowledge to advance financial justice in Guyana. The workshop which opened at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Wednesday will see participants examining issues including forfeiture of assets earned from criminal activities, cryptocurrency, money laundering, and organised crimes, among other related offences. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC,
delivered the feature address at the opening ceremony, noting that the initiative signals the administration’s commitment to fighting corruption, by equipping key stakeholders with technical skills to combat money laundering and other AML/CFT-type offences. “It is our government’s firm commitment to reduce criminal activities of every kind if not to stamp it out completely. The type of criminal activities that we are dealing with here specifically, require a unified approach,” according the AG. Since the workshop focuses on financial investigation and asset recovery, Minister Nandlall pointed out the importance of hitting criminals and o rg a n i s a t i o n s i n t h e i r pockets, to effectively
combat the sore issue. “Admittedly we have focused on investigating and convicting for the offence and jailing the convict and we leave it like that…that cannot continue anymore, as we are investigating for the offence…simultaneous with that investigation must be the investigation into the acquisition of assets believed to be derived from the criminal conduct. We have to now approach both types of investigations with the same seriousness and emphasis,” the Attorney General stressed. “You as law enforcement agencies, as investigators, and as prosecutors have to respond. If you don’t then y o u w o u l d b e outmaneuvered, outmatched. This is a battle; it is a war; it is you
against them,” Minister Nandlall added firmly. Speaking virtually, RSS’ Executive Director, Captain Errington Shurland encouraged participants to engage actively and to share the knowledge gained with other key stakeholders. Assistant Commissioner of Police and Head of Special B r a n c h , E r r o l Wa t t s welcomed the initiative and
Thursday October 12, 2023
Members of law enforcement agencies present at the opening of the three-day Financial Investigation and Asset Recovery Workshop
urged law enforcement officers to utilise their integral skillsets which will enable them to make stronger cases before the courts. Meanwhile, Assistant Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Diana Kaulesar-O’Brien expressed the importance of a unified approach needed to be successful in the fight
against financial and organised crimes. Participating agencies include the Guyana Police Force, Special Organised Crime Unit, Customs Anti Narcotic Unit, Criminal Investigation Department, Guyana Revenue Authority, Gaming Authority, Financial Intelligence Unit, and Office of the Director of Public Prosecution. (DPI)
Man critical after stabbed by Ministry seeking contractors drinking buddy to build school at Prospect A labourer is reportedly critical after his drinking buddy stabbed him around 02:10 hrs on Wednesday at Third Street, Bartica, Region Seven. Police identified him as Raphael Schroeder of Third Avenue Bartica and his case is being treated as an attempted murder. The prime suspect, a 53-year-old miner of Four Miles Housing Scheme, Bartica was arrested and is in police custody under investigation. Reports are that Schroeder and the suspect were drinking together when an argument between them started. Things escalated when the suspect reportedly armed himself with a knife and stabbed Schroeder to his neck. The victim was quickly rescued and taken
The injured victim being taken to the hospital in a taxi to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was admitted in a serious condition. Investigations are ongoing.
The Ministry of Education is currently seeking contractors to build the New Prospect Secondary School, East Bank of Demerara. The project is being financed by through a loan from the World Bank. In its request for bids, the ministry stated that having received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Guyana Strengthening Human Capital through Education Project, it intends to apply part of the proceeds towards the contract to have the school constructed. In inviting eligible bidders, the ministry noted that bidding will be conducted through International competitive procurement using Request for Bids (RFB) as specified in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers Fourth Edition November 2020. In terms of the financing the country had received under the World Bank’s - Guyana Strengthening Human Capital through
Education Project, Kaieteur News had reported that in August last year, Guyana had signed a US$44 million loan agreement with the World Bank. The project focuses on the expansion of access to quality education at the secondary level and improving technical and vocational training (TVET). The project will also support the piloting and national rollout of a new curriculum for Grades Seven to Nine and finance textbooks for Grades Seven to Eleven. It will also see the development of a new TVET sector policy for 2022-2030 and improve the delivery of TVET at secondary and post-secondary institutions. Two other secondary schools have been built through funding by the World Bank. Those schools are the Good Hope Secondary School and the Westminster Secondary School.
Ex-cop charged for allegedly defrauding woman over $2M A 48-year-old former police constable was on Wednesday granted bail in the sum $150,000 by Magistrate Rondell Weever after being charged for felony with intent to defraud Kuntie Kumarie over $2 million in 2021. David Singh of 46 Eccles New Housing Scheme, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, before Magistrate Weever, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty to the offence and an application for bail was made .The p r o s e c u t o r, h o w e v e r,
objected to bail due to the d e f e n d a n t ’s r e c o r d o f allegedly committing similar offences. The magistrate then granted bail in the sum of $150,000, with the condition that Singh lodges his passport. The next scheduled court date is November 15, 2023, for fixtures and statements. It is alleged that between March 1, and March 26, 2021 at Georgetown, Singh conspired with persons known or unknown to commit a felony with the intent to defraud and obtain the sum of $2,815,000, by
David Singh falsely pretending that he is in the position to assist Kumarie in receiving a plot of land at the Central Housing and Planning Authority.
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 12, 2023
PAGE 15
GNBS hosts successful laboratory symposium in observance of National Quality Week 2023 The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is currently observing National Quality Week 2023 under the theme “Shared Vision for a Better World: Incorporating SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing).” In keeping with the theme, the GNBS on Tuesday hosted a successful Laboratory Symposium to educate Laboratory professionals on the importance of
standards, quality and safety in the laboratory. The event, which was hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), attracted 65 participants from clinical and testing laboratories in the public and private sectors. To enhance the information provided to the participants, the Bureau invited representatives from the Standards
and Technical Services Department of the Ministry of Health, and the Occupational Safety & Health Department of the Ministry of Labour. Addressing the opening ceremony, Head of the Bureau’s Industrial Metrology and Testing Department, Ms. Donna Canterbury in her remarks pointed out that the forum is intended to
educate the participants of their responsibilities. “This session brings together you as laboratory professionals and the regulatory agencies to clarity what is needed to set up and maintain laboratories that are compliant with standards and laws,” she advised. The GNBS has so far certified thirty-one (31) Clinical and Testing laboratories under its Laboratory
Certification Programme. This programme serves as a stepping stone to international accreditation. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mrs. Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, in her remarks, emphasised the importance of laboratories in the success of health-care institutions, (Continued on page 16)
PAGE 16
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 12, 2023
Exxon secures lead in top US oilfield with $60 billion buy of shale rival Pioneer
WANTED
VACANCY
Wanted: Experienced Puri Maker and Counter Person. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts. Call: 654-1361.
East Bank Electrical is now hiring Electrical Engineer, Outside Sales Staff & Counter Sales Staff. Call: 604-6394, sales@eastbankelectrical.com
Pump Attendant needed to work at Charity (night). Contact: 687-5814, 688-0417, 2235273/74.
Male and female Factory Worker and Office Clerk needed. Call: 226-2621.
Diesel Mechanic wanted. Call: 688-0417/ 223-5273/74. Cook needed to work at Xenon Hotel, Charity. Contact: 687-5814, 688-0417, 2235273/74. Supervisor needed to work at Gaulin Supermarket, Charity. Call: 687-5814, 688-0417, 223-5273/74. Handyman, Manager, Waitress, Bartenders and Cleaner to work at Sport bar. Call: 223-5273/74, 667-1056. Wanted: Skilled Masons, Carpenters $10,000 per day and Labourers $6,000 per day. Call: 602-9469, 660-6385 or 625-7642. Secretary/ Office Assistant for Engineering Construction Company. Must have secretarial & accounting experience, Salary negotiable. Call: 632-1982/ 673-4122. Transportation service is seeking experienced Chauffeur with mini bus, hire car licence. Call: 645-0025. Maid needed, ages 35-45 years. Preferably from East Coast or Georgetown. Call: 653-0311 between 9am-4pm. Manager for security company. Must be able to work shifts and have a Driver's license. Contact: 603-5140. Domestic needed, must know to cook. 10am-6pm, $30,000 weekly. Call: 6103974, 646-7142. Wanted! Male & Female workers for packaging pasta and chowmein on the Back Road (Mandela Ave). Call: 611-7839. Vacancy exist for 1 Salesgirl to work in an electronic store. Call: 673-1182/ 650-6779. Female Domestic maid $4500, Male Labourer $5000 ,SemiSkilled Labourer $6000, Skilled labourer $7000-$8000 daily at Vreed-en-Hoop.Call: 6825230, 615-4414. Live- in Waitress to work in bar, must have an ID. Call: 659-1930/ 221-2785. 1 Cook and 2 Kitchen Assistant. Call: 603-1278/ 6655074.
Vacancy Exist For two Experienced Dispatcher At Confidential Cabs. Call: 2315784, 231-4001, 231-4000.
HOUSTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil agreed to buy U.S. rival Pioneer Natural Resources in an all-stock deal valued at $59.5 billion that would make it the biggest producer in the largest U.S. oilfield and secure a decade of low-cost production. The deal, valued at $253 a share, combines the largest U.S. oil company with one of the most successful names to emerge from the shale revolution that turned the U.S. into the world’s largest oil producer in little more than a decade. Exxon Chief Executive Darren Woods said in an interview the combination provides a big opportunity for synergies among the compa-
Receptionist, Room Attendant, Laundry Attendant & Security Guard needed at 233, South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198. Carpenter, Mason, Time Clerk, Farm Workers, Welder/ Fabricator, Excavator & Bobcat Operators, Maintenance Workers & Labourers. Call: 621-6969, 615-7784. Vacancy exist for Cook & Kitchen Assistant at Famous Flavors Restaurant in Georgetown. Call: 618-3696. Video Editor needed, knowledge and experience in Adobe Pro. Call: 667-8684. Email: quincyp@ pettonassociates.com, Cc: nickeshab@ pettonassociates.com Vacancy exist for Waitress at Soesdyke, EBD. Ages 18-26 years. Call: 688-6226/ 6977059. Bike Rider needed to work in Georgetown. Call: 223-73013 or email: info@ splashminsresort.com Workers needed to work for growing business located at Soesdyke. Ages 18-60 years. Call: 669-9258.
FOR SALE Farm produce for sale: plantain, lemon, cayenne and apple banana. Every Thursday from Pomeroon. Call: 688-0417, 223-5273/ 6005370. 19 acres of land along Friendship Public road, EBD. Price USD $4.5 mil. Call: 623-1615.
VEHICLES FOR SALE One CRV Honda, $3.3M negotiable and 1 Toyota Allion, $3.350 M, fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage . Contact: 649-0956.
FOR RENT Recently constructed 4 storey building at Parika in the business district, two and a half floors available. Call: 699-4513.
SERVICES Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526. Visa Application to Canada and U.S.A, graphics design, advertisements,USA passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 6267040. Enroll now! Classes: Cookery, Cake & Pastries, floral arrangement and cake decoration. Starts 17th Oct. Call/ WhatsApp Sharon: 6124193/ 672-8768.
WANTED Handyman needed at Kitty, G/town. Call: 705-1515. Male & female Workers and Female Cook & Domestic needed to work in Interior. Call: 660-9093. Looking for a reliable live-in aide for an elderly woman. Call: 686-8051.
nies. “We basically closed this deal fairly quickly,” Woods said after approaching Pioneer’s Scott Sheffield two weeks ago, “and started talking about the complementary nature of both of our businesses.” The merged company could add 700,000 barrels per day of oil and gas (boepd) production within four years of the deal closing, to 2 million boepd. It also aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and increase oil output per well by combining Exxon technology with Pioneer’s lower cost of operations, Exxon said. The offer represents a 9% premium to Pioneer’s average price for the 30 days prior to Oct. 5, when reports of deal talks surfaced. Pioneer shares were up 0.6% at $238.80 in midday trading. Exxon shares fell 4.4%. The deal, expected to close in early 2024, will leave four of the largest U.S. oil companies in control of much of the Permian Basin shale field and its extensive infrastructure. Woods said he does not anticipate antitrust hurdles to complete the deal. “The market share of this combination appears to be under thresholds typically warranting action,” RBC Capital Markets analyst Scott Hanold said in a note. LARGEST IN PERMIAN SHALE Pioneer is the Permian oilfield’s largest well operator, accounting for 9% of gross production, while Exxon occupies the No. 5 spot with 6%,
according to RBC Capital Markets. Pioneer had bulked up through multibillion-dollar deals such as those of shale rivals DoublePoint Energy for $6.4 billion in 2021 and Parsley Energy for $7.6 billion in 2020 under CEO Sheffield. Woods did not say who will run the combined operation. Its shale chief was suspended last week after he was arrested. Sheffield, who will join Exxon’s board after the deal closes, has announced his intention to retire from Pioneer at year-end. Sheffield will earn a $29-million exit package on the sale’s closing, and four other top Pioneer executives will receive about $42 million in severance pay, RBC estimated. Other Pioneer employees face job cuts and relocation from Dallas to Exxon’s headquarters in Spring, Texas, as it consolidates operations. The Permian is highly valued by the U.S. energy industry because of its relatively low cost to extract oil and gas, with Pioneer’s rock-bottom production costs averaging about $10.50 per barrel. Recent shale deal-making reflects the dwindling number of top drilling locations. “The oil shales are running out of Tier 1 inventory,” said Bryan Sheffield, founder of energy investors Formentera Partners and Scott Sheffield’s son. “Something has to change strategy-wise,” he added. The acquisition will be Exxon’s biggest since its $81 billion purchase of Mobil Oil in 1998.
But it is not its first move into shale. It acquired XTO Energy for about $41 billion in 2010, a deal that led to a massive writedown a decade later as natural gas prices tumbled. The deal would top Shell’s $53 billion acquisition of BG Group in 2016, which put the oil major atop the global liquefied natural gas market. WOODS IN DRIVER’S SEAT Exxon has pulled itself out of a period of deep losses and huge debts in the last two years by slashing costs, selling dozens of assets and benefiting from high energy prices spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He faced heavy criticism for sticking to a heavy oil-dependent strategy as climate concerns became more pressing, with its energy transition efforts focused on reducing its own emissions. But his decision paid off when the company last year earned a record $56 billion profit, two years after losses ballooned to $22 billion during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company socked away some of the huge profits from the oil-price run-up, putting aside some $30 billion in cash in anticipation of deals, according to analysts. In July, Exxon agreed to a $4.9 billion all-stock deal for Denbury, a small U.S. oil firm with a network of carbon dioxide pipelines and underground storage. That acquisition was intended to bolster (Continued on page 17)
GNBS hosts successful laboratory... From page 15 the well-being of the population, tourism and international trade. She pointed out that standards must be intertwined with day-to-day operations to ensure consumers are assured of quality and consistency. “With the increasing number of private healthcare facilities, there are more significant interactions between facilities and patients of medical institutions sourcing specific tests from other sites because of availability or urgency. This places a greater demand for consistency since doctors will rely primarily on the results supplied by external facilities. It also ensures that clinical diagnoses are consistent regardless of the laboratory that conducts the tests, she noted.” Mrs. RoopchandEdwards added that beyond the need for standards in the medical labs, testing labs also have a critical role to play in quality control, international certifications, and food security. The Permanent Secretary also spoke of the major developments taking place in
the Guyana’s healthcare sector, including the construction of medical facilities and capacity building. She went on to note that the Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce will continue to support the work of the GNBS which provides various calibration, testing, certification, training and other standards-related services to laboratories. She alluded to the construction of a new state-ofthe-art laboratory facility with a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank for the GNBS to provide more services in an efficient manner. Meanwhile, the acting Head of the Ministry of Health’s Standards and Technical Services Department, Dr. Pedro Lewis told participants that it is important to ensure all regulatory and compliance documents are in place for the operations of the laboratories. Dr. Lewis who was also a presenter at the Symposium lauded the GNBS for playing an important role in ensuring clinical and testing facilities
are operating in accordance with the standard. Presentations were also done by GNBS Technical Officers, Ms. Charissa Wilson and Maya Phillips and Senior Occupational Safety & Health Officer – Ministry of Labour, Mr. Roydon Croal. The topics covered include Regulations and Compliance Requirements for Laboratories, GNBS Laboratory Certification Programme, the GYS 170:2021 National Standard, Auditing Services provided by the GNBS, Laboratory Safety and Quality, Occupational Safety and Health requirements, and requirements of the ISO 15189 and ISO/IEC 17025 standards. The GNBS has a list of activities planned for the remainder of National Quality Week including the National Quality Awards on Wednesday, a free Food Safety Training for stakeholders and an Impromptu Speech Competition for Secondary Schools in Region 3 on Thursday. These activities conclude with a Staff Appreciation Awards ceremony on Friday, October 13.
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 12, 2023
PAGE 17
Trio remanded for illegal possession of firearms
Some of the booths being set up at the site
Agri Invest Forum, Expo plans progressing smoothly Preparations are in full swing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre for the upcoming Agri Investment Forum and Expo 2023. Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday did a walk-through of the site where he gave the media an update on how preparations are progressing. “Preparation for the 2023 edition is well advanced…Once again, our country along with our Caricom colleagues and investors, will put [be]on display with [our] individual and collective potential to develop the regional agricultural sector and plans for food security. As the host and the lead country for Agriculture within the region, Guyana is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the development and modernization of the sector,
while realizing its potential of once again becoming the breadbasket of Caricom,” he stated. Minister Mustapha said the event will present opportunities to heighten awareness of the ongoing positive transformation of CARICOM’s Agri-food system and the 25 by 2025 initiative. He also said that the emerging prospects in CARICOM’s agriculture including technological and logistical solutions will also be appropriately featured at the upcoming expo. “ A t o t a l o f approximately 150 exhibitors and some 100 agro-processors including 30 from overseas have confirmed their participation, thereby showcasing diverse quality agricultural and support systems. A number of heads of government along with international partners have
confirmed participation,” the minister noted. Minister Mustapha noted too that there have been tangible outcomes from previous events, with various investments in CARICOM countries. Minister Mustapha noted several agreements are expected to be signed including one with Cuba to help Guyana’s Apiculture and produce honey on a large scale in regions 1 and 9. During the three-day event, Guyana is also hoping to commission the largest hydroponics farm in the Caribbean. At a Special Taskforce on Agriculture which was established in 2021, CARICOM heads agreed that the Agri-investment forum would address rising food import bills and stimulate investments in agriculture and food production. (DPI)
Homeless man gets ‘home’ in prison for robbing woman A 28-year-old-man who claims that he is homeless w a s o n We d n e s d a y remanded to prison for robbing Angel Dwerning of valuables totaling $86,500 on Brickdam, Georgetown last week. Ronaldo Johnson called ‘Tall man’, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, before Magistrate Rondell Weever, where the charge was read to him and he pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor objected to bail and Johnson was remanded to prison until November 8, 2023. It is alleged that on October 1, 2023, at Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown, the accused stole from Dwerning the jewellery.
Remanded: Ronaldo Johnson aka “Johnson”
Exxon secures lead in top US oilfield... From page 16 Exxon’s nascent low-carbon business. Exxon originally made an all-cash bid for Denbury, and at the last minute switched to all stock, reflecting both the target’s rise in market value during the talks and investors wanting
to take part in any upside in Exxon’s stock. The oil giant’s share price has recovered strongly since its early 2020 tumble to about $30 as oil and gas prices collapsed. Exxon shares recently hit an all-time high of $120 per share.
Neil Dutchin called Tony Three men were on Wednesday charged separately and remanded to prison for illegal possession of firearms. Neil Dutchin called Tony and Osafo Peters appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, while Richard Charles appeared virtually, before Magistrate Rondell Weever, where the charge was read to them separately. They all pleaded not guilty to the offence. The prosecutor objected to bail for each defendant. Tony was remanded until November 15, Charles until October 31 and Peters November 31. It is alleged that on October 8, 2023, while ranks from Brickdam Police Station were on patrol duty heading east on Church Street, they observed Tony the driver of a black Toyota Tacoma motor vehicle, along with two other occupants parked on the middle of the road. The ranks immediately approached the accused, telling him to remove the vehicle, after which, they noticed Peters behaving suspiciously. Ranks thereafter told the accused and the occupants, that they will like to conduct a search on them and the vehicle. When Peters and the occupants exited the vehicle, he reached into his pants waist and pulled out an object and attempted to put it into the same vehicle. Police, however, intercepted and discovered that the object was a Taurus .32 pistol. When ranks questioned Tony if he is the holder of a firearm licence, he replied ‘No’. When told of the offence and cautioned, he reportedly said, “Officer, I get this thing to protect myself because I got shot in Blue Martini years ago.” He was arrested and escorted to Albouystown Police Station along with the two other occupants. On the same date mentioned, around 17:45hrs, while police were on mobile patrol, they observed Peters standing at the corner of Princes and Henry Streets, Werk-en-Rust. The ranks requested to conduct a search on him for
Osafo Peters
Richard Charles (Pic from SN) anything illegal, which he agreed to. While searching, ranks found in his pants crotch, a black Taurus .380 Pistol. He was asked if he is a holder of a firearm licence, and he said ‘No’. He was then told of the offence committed and arrested. Furthermore, on September 8, 2023 at about 14:30hrs, ranks from Region Four were on a raid exercise. Acting on information received, they proceeded to Jude’s Bike Shop on Robb Street, Bourda, where they contacted Charles. The police told Charles that they were in receipt of certain information and wished to search his home which is located on the same premises. Charles took them to the room he occupies and a search revealed the aforementioned ammunition and firearm in a closet. Charles was subsequently arrested and under caution, admitted ownership of the items. His confession was captured by both video and audio recording.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 18
Thursday October 12, 2023
CCJ hears appeal of dismissed former NBS CEO in relation to pension, benefits The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has heard the appeal filed by dismissed CEO of the New Building Society (NBS), Maurice Arjoon over his pension. The court has said that it will determine the matter shortly. The matter dates back to 2011, when Arjoon had sued the financial institution for dismissing him wrongfully in 2007. He was fired after being accused of conspiring with two others to defraud NBS of $69M – a case which went to trial and was subsequently dismissed. The money reportedly belonged to Bibi Khan. In 2017, High Court Judge, Brassington Reynolds, found that Arjoon was wrongfully dismissed and was owed his pension benefits. Justice Reynolds ruled in favour of and granted a $79 million award to Arjoon. Last year, the Court of Appeal slashed the $69 million judgment that NBS was ordered to pay to $18.8 million. Arjoon in turn appealed the ruling to the CCJ. The society also filed a cross appeal in the matter. On Tuesday, Senior Counsel, Steven Fraser who petitioned the CCJ on behalf of NBS asserted that the High Court had made a wrong determination by ruling that Arjoon was wrongfully dismissed. The lawyer said that he was therefore not entitled to his pension. In his submission, Fraser, inter alia, pointed to evidence that was tendered in the High Court but was not admitted. To this, judges of
A screenshot of the CCJ hearing of the case, in relation to pension, benefits.
Dismissed CEO of NBS, Maurice Arjoon the CCJ sought clarity on his reasoning. “Did you argue that the trial judge was in error for not admitting that evidence or ought to have admitted that evidence? What did the Court of Appeal decide about that and is this a ground of appeal before us?” Justice Peter Jamadar specifically asked. “Well… your honours if I may answer… we do feel that it is an egregious miscarriage of justice and we are fortified that this court, the Apex Court; even when there are cases of concurrent findings of fact is not shy to look at the inferences which are to be drawn from the findings or the primary findings of fact…” the attorney said in reply. Justice Denys Barrow raised similar contentions. He admitted that Fraser’s submissions bothered him. “I must confess that I am gravely, gravely bothered…You want us to make finding of fact in relation to the right to dismiss Mr. Arjoon. I look at your cross appeal, it states the court erred in law when it
failed to consider the grounds on which the appellant was dismissed. [ B u t ] Yo u m a k e n o complaint that the High Court failed to admit relevant evidence and failed to give proper consideration to this evidence.” At one point, Fraser asked the court to bear with him as he sifts through the contents in relation to the case. He started to point to inferences in relation to the facts but asked to take a break. ‘Your Honours, we are 41 minutes almost so I would be happy if we could be given a break.’ However, President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders interjected stating that he thinks the lawyer should “cut to the
chase!” “Why do you say this man should have been rightly dismissed what are the inferences that the Court should have drawn that it did not draw? he asked. To which, Mr. Fraser responded, “ Yo u r H o n o u r , t h e appellant after the incidence of withdrawal etc.; he [Arjoon] was called, he was written to... the letter which addressed him… called upon him indicating that an investigation had been carried out and it called upon him and invited him to a meeting to show cause why he should not be disciplined or dismissed…the reaction was the appellant went to court in order to seek an injunction to stop the
meeting being held...” He claimed that Arjoon failed to attend the meeting but sent his attorney in his place. He claimed that the single act of insubordination should be basis for summary dismissal. Meanwhile, in his submission on behalf of Arjoon, Senior Counsel Mr. Edward Luckhoo pointed to evidence that there was no wrongdoing by his client. “All the investigations of Raja Ram, the internal accountant, he testified in the Magistrate Court that he didn’t find those transactions to be illegitimate…He claimed all the rules had been followed.” The lawyer therefore reasoned that Arjoon should be awarded his full pension
package and other benefits. “I think the appropriate calculation will be under the rules of the pension scheme… There is a method of calculation for this that was done by Mr. Arjoon.” Luckhoo asked the Court to restore the judgment of the High Court in relation to the calculation of the pension. He noted in relation to the pension, the High Court ordered severance pay. He said that “If an employer acts wrongly and dismisses you then the employee is entitled to pension and severance.” The CCJ however found difficulty with this submission. In the Court’s view, Arjoon was not allowed to double dip, it is either his full pension or severance.
Digicel hosting Mega Concert at Berbice Expo - Come for the Expo, stay for the show!
C
anje Ground is expected to come alive this Friday October 13th, as Digicel is hosting a Mega Concert at the opening night of Berbice Expo. With a stellar lineup of Guyanese artistes and the dynamic Shakti Strings Band, the
show is said to be a major highlight that will set the tone for the weekend of excitement. “As the exclusive sponsor, Digicel is excited to bring this extraordinary experience to the Berbice community,” said the c o m p a n y ’ s
Communications Manager, Gabriella Chapman. “At Digicel, we believe in connecting people, and this event is a celebration of unity and the joy of bringing people together. We’re committed to enhancing community experiences and are delighted to host
this Mega Concert to celebrate the power of music and togetherness with our valued customers and the entire community in Berbice,” Chapman said. The star-studded lineup features Vanita Willie, Vicadi Singh, Tony Cuttz, AW Lyrical and Berbice
very own Carlvin Burnett and will be hosted by Digicel’s long standing Brand Ambassador and media personality, Casual. This Digicel Mega Concert is part of the larger expo and trade fair, hosted annually in Berbice, to celebrate the
v ibrant culture, arts, businesses and heritage of Guyana. This expo offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide array of exhibits, including special offers from Digicel. Come for the Expo, stay for show! Show time is 8PM.
Thursday October 12, 2023
Kaieteur News
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 12, 2023
Thursday October 12, 2023
PAGE 21
Kaieteur News
Jeffrey, Rickford to compete at S/A ESport Championship Guyana’s Steffan Jeffrey and Kahlil Rickford secured places among the top 10 out of 333 online qualifiers in the inaugural South American Esports Championship, finishing 7th and 10th respectively. Both racers are now set to compete in the grand final event scheduled for November 2 in São Paulo, Brazil. The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) was excited to announce that, for the first time, Guyana will have representation on the Esports stage, thanks to their partnership with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and iRacing. With a slim margin of
Steffan Jeffrey
less than six-tenths of a second separating the top competitors, Jeffrey and Rickford’s achievements are truly commendable. They will face off against elite sim drivers from six South American nations, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
The stakes are high, with the winner receiving an allinclusive experience during the Brazilian Grand Prix the following weekend. Furthermore, the top three performers in the São Paulo finals will be awarded cash prizes: $1,000 for the champion, $500 for the first runner-
Thursday October 12, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Share your skills today, Aries. You will find that as you engage in the role of teacher, you learn more than if you just hold onto your knowledge without sharing it.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Just because your emotions are reserved or somber today doesn't mean you shouldn't share them with others, Libra. Work through difficulties.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Don't underestimate the power of other people today, Taurus. They may seem flighty and scatterbrained on the outside, but underneath you will find that they have a great deal of wisdom to share.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may need to jump to many different people and situations today, Scorpio, yet something is holding you back. Listen to this inner voice that's asking you to be conservative at this time. . SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) ou feel like you have a stone strapped to your back, Sagittarius. The farther you walk with this load, the slower you go, and the more hunched over you will be by the time you reach your destination.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Remember that there's a benevolent force out there that loves you, Gemini. No matter what, there's always a shoulder to cry on, even if it isn't a tangible one. Even in your darkest moments. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't hesitate to say the obvious today, Cancer, even if it sounds corny. Many times people hesitate to say what they really feel because they think it's obvious to everyone. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Look to older figures for advice today, Leo. Seek counsel with a parent or grandparent on issues you feel strongly about. Relationships with older people are likely to go especially well. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Consider composing a bit of poetry today, Virgo. Use this as an exercise to condense your ocean of emotions into a very few words.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It Feel free to break ties with certain people now, Capricorn. You may be overextending your emotional bank account by investing too much of yourself in others' lives. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Less is more should be your motto for today, Aquarius. The more you cut back in certain areas of your life, the more room you open up to bring in new and exciting things. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may be asked to slow down today, Pisces. Whether this comes in the form of a speeding ticket or a scrape on the knee when you trip.
up, and $250 for the second runner-up. The debut for Guyana in the Esports arena
Resurfacing of the NT&FC... From page 24 highlighted that the resurfacing was performed by the same company responsible for the original track installation. The Minister confirmed that the cost of this resurfacing endeavor fell within the budget of 77 million, emphasizing the importance of this upgrade. Minister Ramson remarked, “We understand the significance of this resurfacing project.” He noted, “Earlier this year, we had to postpone one of our premier meets due to the track’s inadequate condition, failing to meet international standards. With the completion of this project, we anticipate not facing this challenge for many years to come.”
underscores the nation’s growth in motor racing and highlights the untapped tal-
ent prepared to leave a mark on international circuits, both virtual and real.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 22
Thursday October 12, 2023
Carr Tec Masters retain OMSCC B Division trophy Carr Tec Sports Club thrashed Ramblers Sports Club by 10 wickets to win the 2023 Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Over-40, B Division T20 trophy recently at Ashtonbee Park,
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. Canada-based Guyanese Suresh Ragoonauth grabbed 4-9 from three economical overs to help with the demolition job as Ramblers Sports Club was skittled out
for 31 in the 12th over. Apart from Ragoonauth, skipper Azeez Baksh, Safraz Abjal and Monty Dass supported brilliantly with two wickets each. When Carr Tec Sports Club batted, veteran opener
The victorious Carr Tec Sports Club team strikes a pose after the game.
Suresh Persaud hit 21 not out as his team retained the trophy for the second year in succession. Victory was achieved with a whopping 89 balls remaining. Meanwhile, the winning team collected a trophy
while MVP Persaud also took home one. At the post-match presentation, President of the OMSCC Orin O’Neil, another Canada-based Guyanese, congratulated the champion side while he
thanked the sponsors for this year’s edition. He also praised his fellow executives for their tireless work to keep the veteran players in action during the past six consecutive months.
GFF and Namilco partner to assist former national player Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson after house fire The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and National Milling Company of Guyana Inc. (NAMILCO) on Tuesday joined forces to provide financial assistance and a six-month gift certificate to former national footballer Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson whose home in Georgetown was destroyed by fire on October 4. The former Carolina Railhawks striker received the gifts on October 10 during a simple handover ceremony at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Headquarters in Georgetown. Richardson, along with his wife and children, lost all of their possessions when the three-storey family home in Howes and Lyng Streets in Charlestown caught fire. During the ceremony, Richardson expressed his sincere gratitude to the GFF and Namilco for their support during this difficult time. “Everything’s going good so far. I want to thank GFF President Wayne Forde and Namilco for coming on board with us and supporting Under-17 football and supporting me during this tragedy,” the beloved retired
Senior Men’s National Team player shared. In response, President Forde underlined the solidarity of the football community in Guyana, emphasizing that the fraternity stands together as a family offering unwavering support to Richardson. “When we say that we are a football family we are not using those words lightly, we are indeed a family and as the head of this family it is my duty to make sure that whenever a member of this family is facing the kind of tragedy Gregory is going through at the moment – then the fraternity must stand together and do all that we can to support that family member.” Forde added that the GFF has a “role to play as a federation to step forward and intervene whenever a member of this fraternity is facing a challenge. The National Milling Company is an extension of the football family. They’ve been working with us for more than seven years now supporting youth development, supporting female football, supporting many of our programmes
and it was therefore no surprise that Mr. Sukhai was eager to extend his generosity towards Chan.” Richardson, with an impressive record of 17 international goals for Guyana, is undoubtedly one of the most decorated Guyanese footballers. His exceptional skills as a striker have secured him a spot on international and regional teams, including Colorado Rapids in the MLS, Puerto Rico Islanders (USL), Carolina Railhawks (USL) and Joe Public (T&T). Additionally, he has made significant contributions to local football clubs including Pele, Alpha United, Beacon, Georgetown Football Club and Fruta Conquerors. Since retiring from professional football, the celebrated player has actively engaged in youth football development, taking on the role of coaching a NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 League team. NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 National Academy Playoff, which complements the GFF Academy Training Centre (ATC) programme, was launched on October 7.
Thursday October 12, 2023
Kaieteur News
PAGE 23
Little Giants win IIG T10 Tapeball tourney L
ittle Giants e m e r g e d victorious in the Insurance Institute of Guyana (IIG) T10 Tapeball competition which was contested on Saturday last at the Everest Cricket Club. Little Giants, a team comprised of players from Premier Insurance, Diamond Insurance, NAFICO, Caricom Insurance and Apex Insurance Broker, defeated Assuria in the final by 69 runs. Batting first, Little Giants posted 163-4. Hansraj Sookdeo struck 51 while Orlando Giddings made 46 and Danesh Seepersaud scored 42. Assuria responded with 946. Ramesh Persaud scored 30 and Kevin Baptiste 25. Randy Mangra took 2-27. In the semi finals, Little Giants beat Hand-in-Hand by five wickets. Hand-inHand took first strike and managed 113-6. S. Dayaram scored 57 as Danesh
Seepersaud took 2-15. Little Giants replied with 114-5 in 9.3 overs. Danesh Seepersaud struck 64 as Ganesh Singh claimed 2-24. Assuria overcame GTM by 132 runs in the next semi final. Assuria batted first and piled up 188-2. Seiraj Chatterpaul slammed 81 while Kevin Baptiste made 74. J. Hackett took 2-32. GTM were bowled out for 56 in 7.4 overs in reply. Michael Washington made 12 as Tameshwar Mohabir, Kevin Baptiste and Ramesh Persaud took two wickets each. Danesh Seepersaud was voted the MVP, Hansraj Sookdeo was their best batsman and Randy Mangra was the best bowler in the final. President of the IIG, Bish Panday thanked the participating teams and the Everest Cricket Club as well as all those who have contributed to the success of the event. He congratulated the winners.
The victorious Little Giants team.
Cricket World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma takes India to easy win over Afghanistan BBC News - Captain Rohit Sharma’s scintillating century sprinted India to an emphatic eight-wicket World Cup defeat of Afghanistan in Delhi. Rohit crunched a sparkling 131 from 84 balls before India reached their target of 273 with 15 overs to spare. Hashmatullah Shahidi made 80 to put Afghanistan on course for a more challenging target, but Jasprit Bumrah’s 4-39 had them end on 272-8. It is a second defeat in two games for Afghanistan, while India have two wins. The hosts join New Zealand and Pakistan in having a perfect record after two games and now play their fierce rivals Pakistan in the most anticipated match of the tournament in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Afghanistan stay in
Delhi to meet defending champions England on Sunday. Record-breaking Rohit puts on a show Rohit was the leading runscorer at the last World Cup in 2019, but missed out on a score in India’s opening win over Australia. This, though, was an awesome and recordbreaking knock that bulldozed a stunned Afghanistan attack. His seventh World Cup ton is a record, beating the six of India legend Sachin Tendulkar. In reaching three figures from 63 balls he scored the fastest hundred by an Indian at a World Cup, beating a famous 72-ball effort by Kapil Dev at Tunbridge Wells in 1983. Rohit’s third six was his 554th in all international cricket, going past the
previous best of West Indies’ Chris Gayle. It was an innings effortless in its elegance, savage in its clean-hitting. When Afghanistan dropped short, Rohit snapped into pull shots. When they were too full, he drove through or over the off side. In a century opening stand, Ishan Kishan contributed just 14. When Kishan offered a leading edge on 47, it ended the partnership of 156, allowing Virat Kohli to add another 49 with Rohit. Rohit eventually fell to his first ugly stroke, a wild sweep at Rashid Khan, but by then only 68 were needed. Kohli ended on 55 not out to follow his 85 against Australia, India looking ominous to every other team in the tournament. Improving Afghanistan
outclassed Afghanistan were woefully short of their best in a one-sided defeat by Bangladesh but here showed signs they can compete as the tournament progresses. Skipper Hashmatullah added 121 for the fourth wicket with Azmatullah Omarzai. L e f t - h a n d e r Hashmatuallh played deft glances to third man, Azmatullah belted the ball down the ground. With Afghanistan 184-3 in the 35th over, India were showing signs of desperation before Azmatullah was bowled by a Hardik Pandya slower ball for 62. The innings stalled and wickets fell regularly, most crucially when Hashmatullah was leg before sweeping the left-
arm wrist spin of Kuldeep Yadav. With Bumrah at his potent best, Afghanistan could add only 83 in the final 15 overs. The total was never likely to challenge India, especially as the dew under the floodlights made batting easier. Still, almost no target could have defended given the brilliant display of Rohit. Afghanistan curiously held back star leg-spinner Rashid until the 15th over, by which time most of the damage had been done. In truth, nothing was going to stop the remarkable Rohit. ‘A long way to go’ reaction Player of the match, India captain Rohit Sharma: “It is always special to score a hundred in a World Cup. “I don’t want to think
about records too much. There is a long way to go and I don’t want to lose my focus. “It is very important to get momentum at the start and have the winning streak continue.” Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi: “We had a target of 300+ in these conditions, especially as India’s batting line-up is strong. But back-to-back wickets cost us. “We will try and learn from our mistakes and come back with a positive attitude.” Scores: Afghanistan 272-8 (50 overs): Hashmatullah 80 (88), Azmatullah 62 (69); Bumrah 4-39 India 273-2 (35.0 overs): Rohit 131 (84), Kohli 55 (56) Result: India won by eight wickets.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 24
Thursday October 12, 2023
GGA introduces Golf to Suriname Schools - Hussain pleased with current stage of development
T
he Nexgen Golf Academy and the Ministry of Education Unit of Allied Arts was introduced to Suriname by executives of the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) who took time to visit the Ritfield Secondary School in Paramaribo to host clinics and a mini tournament. Paramaribo Golf Club
Manager Freddie Linger joined with Coach Aleem Hussain, GGA executive Monnaf Arjune and junior golfers Adina and Adam Arjune to introduce the game to over 75 first time players including teachers and Head Teacher Eunice Charlery who said, “This was an amazing experience for our children and we never thought that any of us would
GGA president Aleem Hussain showing a youngster the correct way to hold a club.
Students of the Ritfield Secondary School in Paramaribo, Suriname pose with teachers and executive of the GGA. be able to experience a sport that we only saw on television. I wish to thank Mr. Hussain and his entire Guyanese team for taking time out of their busy schedule to make this a most memorable experience for our students and teachers.” Golf has made tremendous progress under the umbrella of the Guyana Golf Association, Nexgen
Golf Academy and the Ministry of Education Unit of Allied Arts over the past two years, with hundreds of students making golf their PE elective at the CSEC examinations and thousands of persons in Guyana being able to experience the game for the first time. The positive reactions shown by the participants of the activity has resulted in
overtures being made by parents and teachers to the respective Surinamese Ministries of Education and Sport to develop a similar programme. President of the GGA Aleem Hussain said, “This is simply another step in our mandate as the entity responsible for golf development to promote the game to new players which
transcends borders. With more players competing, it will improve development of Guyana’s sports tourism as well as sharpen our players competitive skills.” The clinic was supported by Haukes Construction N.V. and Digicel Business, two long-time supporters of the program being developed by Nexgen Golf Academy.
Resurfacing of the NT&FC Rohit Sharma smashes six-hitting completed – Minister Ramson record in India’s Cricket World Cup match with Afghanistan Independent - Rohit Sharma smashed his way into the history books in front of a soldout crowd in Delhi, becoming the player with the most sixes across all forms of international cricket. India hosted Afghanistan in Delhi in the second match of the ICC Cricket World Cup and were set 273 to win, with Sharma opening at the top of the order. Before the match, Rohit sat second in the list behind Chris Gayle, with 551 to the West Indian’s 553. But Delhi was witness to not one but multiple records from the Indian captain en route to his century. Rohit beat Kapil Dev’s record for the fastest century for India in World Cups in emphatic fashion. Dev had managed the feat in 72 deliveries, but Rohit needed just 63 to bring up the three figures in a stunning individual performance against Afghanistan. It was also Rohit’s seventh century in World Cups, the most by any Indian player. But against Afghanistan he blazed his way to the top spot, as he led from the front, hitting 50 from 30 and leading India into a dominant position against Afghanistan. The Indian captain has led from the front in the second match after being bowled out for a duck in his side’s opening match of the tournament against Australia, when three of the host nation’s top four
Rohit Sharma
batters failed to score a single run. But at Delhi, India and Rohit starred with the bat, to lay down a marker for what India are capable of, as they moved towards two victories from their opening two matches. Before the game Rohit had 292 sixes in ODI cricket, but hit four more en route to the triple figures in Delhi.
During a timely visit to the National Track and Field C e n t r e i n E d i n b u rg h , Essequibo Islands West Demerara, the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Charles Ramson, along with the Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle, yesterday, proudly announced the completion of the track resurfacing project. This exciting development comes just ahead of the upcoming National Track and Field Championship scheduled for next month. To m a r k t h i s achievement, Minister Ramson and his team organised a brief walkthrough exercise, officially reopening the Leonora f a c i l i t y. B e y o n d t h e resurfacing of the track, Minister Ramson disclosed that several ongoing enhancements are underway at the facility. “The facility is currently in the procurement stage for acquiring fashionable bucket seats for the newly
Minister, Ramson (left) with DoS, Steve Ninvalle during yesterday’s visit.
constructed seating area on the north-western side of the compound. Additionally, a spacious indoor gymnasium measuring 120x150 feet is in the works to support allweather training. These upgrades are expected to be completed as early as next year, ensuring athletes have year-round access to this venue,” he explained. The Minister, true to his promises, expressed great satisfaction as he
commissioned the reopening of the track, stating, “We have successfully completed the resurfacing of the track here at Leonora. This is a momentous occasion because the synthetic track has evolved into one of our most essential facilities, attracting thousands of athletes throughout the year for training and participation in major race events.” Minister Ramson also (Continued on page 21)
Thursday October 12, 2023
Kaieteur News
PAGE 25
Abu Dhabi T10 Player Draft 2023: Shamar Joseph picked by Northern Warriors for Season 07 onlycricket24.com Guyanese Fast bowler Shamar Joseph has been Drafted by Team Northern Warriors for Season 07 of the Abu Dhabi T10 League. Eight teams will play in the upcoming season of T10 League as always. Apart from Bangla Tigers, Chennai Braves, Deccan Gladiators, Delhi Bulls, Morrisville Samp Army, New York Strikers, Northern Warriors, and Team Abu Dhabi are also in the tournament. Among the retentions for the new season, the 2022 title winners Deccan Gladiators have kept hold of the powerhouse Nicholas Pooran. The left-handed batter was the leading run-scorer of the previous season as he smashed 345 runs in 10 games at an average of 49.29 and a whopping strike rate of 234.69. Pooran also smashed 25 sixes, the maximum by any player last season. Meanwhile, The Chennai Braves retained Captain
Shamar Joseph has been drafted by Team Northern Warriors.
Sikandar Raza, who has been a symbol of consistency over the years. Fan favourite Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali has also been pre-signed by the Chennai Braves. The defending champions have also brought on kiwi speedster Trent Boult on board, while Morrisville Samp Army have roped in the services of former South Africa Captain
Faf du Plessis, among other new names. The runners-up of last season, New York Strikers retained former West Indies Captain Kieron Pollard, while Morrisville Samp Army kept hold of Moeen Ali. Team Abu Dhabi have kept the game-changers Philip Salt and Alex Hales in their squad for season. Northern Warriors made a strategic move with
retention of allrounder and T20 specialist Wanindu Hasaranga, while Bangla Tigers retained veteran Shakib al Hasan to bolster experience among their ranks. Delhi Bulls kept hold of dynamic Windies allrounder Dwayne Bravo, who will once again be a key player for them this season. Full List of Player Retentions and Pre-Signings
Team Abu Dhabi Retained: Philip Salt (Icon), Tymal Mills (Cat A), Alex Hales (Cat B) Pre-Signings: Noor Ahmad (Asian Super Star), Kyle Mayers (Platinum) Morrisville Samp Army Retained: Moeen Ali (Cat A), Maheesh Theekshana (Cat B), Basil Hameed (UAE-RES) Pre-Signings: Faf du Plessis (Icon), Jason Holder (Platinum), Dewald Bravis (Cat A) Chennai Braves Retained: Obed Mccoy (Cat A), Sikandar Raza (Cat B) Pre-Signings: Jason Roy (Icon), Charith Asalanka (Platinum), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Cat A), Hassan Ali (Asian Super Star) New York Strikers Retained: Kieron Pollard (Icon), Sunil Narine (Platinum), Akeal Hosein (Cat B), Muhammad Waseem (UAE-RES) Pre-Signings: Mohammad Amir (Cat A)
Deccan Gladiators Retained: Nicholas Pooran (Icon), Andre Russell (Cat A), Tom KohlerCadmore (Cat B), Joshua Little (Cat C), Zahir Khan (UAE-RES) Pre-Signings: Trent Boult (Platinum) Northern Warriors R e t a i n e d : Wa n i n d u Hasaranga (Icon), James Neesham (Platinum), Kennar Lewis (Cat C), Adam Hose (Cat C) Pre-Signings: Hazratullah Zazai (Cat A) Bangla Tigers Retained: Shakib Al Hasan (Icon), Iftikhar Ahmed (Cat C), Matheesha Pathirana (Cat C), Rohan Mustafa (UAE-RES) Pre-Signings: Yusuf Pathan (Asian Super Star) Delhi Bulls Retained: Dwayne Bravo (Cat A), Rilee Rossouw (Cat B), Fazalhaq Farooqi (Cat B) Pre-Signings: Quinton de Kock (Icon), Rovman Powell (Platinum), Ambati Rayudu (Asian Super Star)
More cricket gear for Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana” compliments of Terry Mathura
T
his initiative takes this opportunity to say thank you Terry Mathura, a veteran softball cricketer who participates in International Tournaments in Guyana and North America. The Canadian based Guyanese was in Guyana recently to participate in the annual Prime Minister’s Cup and presented two thigh pads, two chest guards and one thigh pad to Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall. Sunich is a friend and contributor to this project. Thanks again Terry for your support and assure you that the young and promising cricketers in Guyana will benefit. Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $370,000 in cash, thirteen colored cricket uniforms, two trophies, seventeen pairs of cricket boots, thirty one pairs of batting pads, thirty two cricket bats, twenty nine pairs of batting gloves, twenty four thigh pads, three pairs of wicket keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest
guards, two boxes, ten cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets and one softball cricket bat. In addition to the above, $600,000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket keeper/batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time. To date, sixty eight young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefited from three junior gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, twenty seven bats, two boxes, five helmets, twenty three pairs of cricket shoes, fifteen pairs of batting pads, twenty two thigh pads, one bat rubber, twenty four pairs of batting gloves and two pairs of wicketkeeping gloves. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wa k e n a m C r i c k e t Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club
thirteen color uniforms while RHCCCC received three boxes of balls, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails. Other beneficiaries are The Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem and youth coach, Travis Persaud, softball teams in the Upper Corentyne area, No.65 Young Titans, Just Try CC and National fast bowler Shemar Joseph. Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well managed cricket clubs with a youth programme will also benefit. We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of We s t I n d i a n S p o r t s
Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru and Dennis Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies, Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Chin Singh, Denesh Chandrapaul, Davo Naraine of UK, Dr Cecil Beharry, Raj Mathura, Raj Bharrat, Latch Mohabir and family, Suresh Dhanai, Vishal Nagamootoo, Moses Nagamootoo, Regal Sports Store, Omkar Singh, P a r m a n a n d Dhaniram,Denanauti Singh, K r i s h n a R e n g e n s a m y,
Terry Mathura (left) with Ramesh Sunich. Ishwar Singh, Ricky Deonarain of 4R Bearings and Terry Mathura. We thank the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture. Distribution will
continue. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
Resurfacing of the NT&FC completed – Minister Ramson A peek of the resurfacing work done atNational Track and Field Centre in Edinburg.
rts o p S GFF’s Andrea Johnson hands over the support to Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson.
GFF and Namilco partner to assist former national player Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson after house fire
Captain Rohit Sharma was named player of the match.
Cricket World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma takes India to easy win over Afghanistan
Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.