Kaieteur News

projects to the detriment of Guyana’

‘Show us the $1B bill to repair harbour bridge’

- Glenn Lall questions Govt.’s figures for Demerara Harbour Bridge works

Therecentaccidentatthe repair works- a sum which thebusinessmanexplained. Demerara Harbour Bridge transparency activists The Demerara Harbour (DHB) which resulted in the believemustbeexplained. Bridge was badly damaged closure of the structure to During his Friday during the wee hours of vehicular traffic for three evening radio programme October 8, when a days saw the government aired on Kaieteur Radio Panamanian flagged oil reportedly spending $1 (99.1 and 99.5 FM), Mr tanker, MV ‘Tradewinds billiontoconductemergency Glenn Lall, the publisher of Passion’, filled with fuel for this newspaper and an the Guyana Oil Company advocate for transparency Limited (GUYOIL) crashed and good governance said into it It was finally that the administration must reopened to light vehicular show how it expended the traffic last Monday evening whopping sum to put the after the major repair works bridge back into operation wereconducted. over a mere three days. He On Thursday last, told his viewers and Edghill made it clear, listeners, “The government however,thatmoniesarestill say them spend over $1 being spent on the structure. billion to repair it, that is Hesaid,“…whileeverybody US$5 million. When I heard is saying that traffic is that figure, I had to leave my flowingandmoving,theyare office and drive over to the still working miracles below bridgetoseeifthemreplaced (conducting repair works thedamagedsteelplateswith underneath the bridge), goldplates.” changing out pontoons and

The newspaper publisher doing all kinds of things continued, “how can anyone while still facilitating justify spending $1 billion movement of people and Guyana dollars in three goods to ensure that days? What on God’s earth commerce is moving…It’s you can buy for that $1 nowherenearfinish.” billion? What work, what Edghillnotedtoothatthe machines, what welding bridge does not only have to could have cost $1 billion in be functional for vehicular threedays?” traffic alone but also for

Lall said he is curious to marine traffic and in order know whether government for this to happen, the was forced to “fly in” parts retraction must be working for the bridge overnight well.The Minister explained which may have resulted in that marine traffic is freight costs escalating the important too because it costofrepairs. ensures that fuel and other

He was keen to note that basic supplies enter the the astronomical sum that country Nevertheless, he was used up in three days is said, works have advanced equivalenttoasevenpercent significantly and this is salary increase for an entire because of the hard work the yearforallpublicservantsin engineers have put in to the country but “that is the make the bridge partially kind of money the operableagain. government wants us to He iterated, however, believe they spent to patch thatownersofthevesselwill up the bridge in three days,” havetofootthebill.

GPL seeks bids for supply of 50MW of power

he Guyana Power Substation at 69 kV and five to 11-year period comes a g r e e m e n t w i t h and Light (GPL) Lot.2- supply of HFO-fired against the government’s

businessman,RoyBeepat,to Inc on Sunday 25 MW gross capacity promise to deliver 300 supply the national grid with

T announced that it interconnected with Megawatts of power via its 4.5 MW of electricity The is seeking contractors to Canefield Substation at 69 much touted Wales Gas-to- added power augmented the supply a total of 50 kV.” Energy (GTE) project by 120megawattsthatGPLwas megawatts (MW) of Heavy GPLalsopointedoutthat 2024. A number of experts supplyingtothepowergrid. Fuel Oil (HFO) generated applicants are invited to a n d a c t i v i s t s h a v e

The proprietor of powertothenationalgrid. explore the options of a questioned the feasibility of Giftland Mall had stated that In an advertisement power barge and land-based thisprojectinthepastandits his power generating system published in the daily power generating facilities ability to deliver on the has the capacity to share newspapers, the power with ‘black starting’ and promise of reducing system.

advertisement does not some4.5megawattswiththe company explained that it H F O f u e l s t o r a g e electricity bills by 50 Back in April, GPL had constitute an invitation to Guyana Power and Light, has opened invitations for capabilities. To this end, the percent, given that the published an Expression of tender It added that only depending on the time of applicants to submit detailed minimum required usable project cost has increased Interest (EOI) in search of power companies deemed day proposal(s) to provide 50 onsite fuel storage capacity from an estimated US$478 I n d e p e n d e n t P o w e r

He explained that while MW generating capacity in per Lot shall be 21 days, and toaroundUS$2billion. Producers (IPPs) to supply receive details, guiding the Giftland has 6 7MW of two lots, through a Power m a x i m u m , 3 0 d a y s

qualified by GPL will

Overthepastweek,there 50 Megawatts (MW) of next steps of the process. power, only 1.6MW is used Purchase Agreement (PPA). considering the operation of have been constant shut- electricity to the National GPL said, “the state-owned duringoptimaloperations. “The total capacity per Lot each 25 MW power plant at downs of the Demerara grid, by March next year electric utility company, It was later revealed that shall be base-load and is full capacity at 100 percent Berbice Interconnected Theadvertisementpublished invites technically and an estimated $34 million intended to bolster the availability Systems (DBIS) resulting in in the state newspaper said, financially sound IPPs to each month was being current and forecasted Applicants shall also long periods of power the 50 MW of power will submit an EOI to supply a forked out to purchase the demand for a period of 5 to demonstrate their ability to outages across the most interconnect with the 69kV total of 50 MW HFO-fired badlyneededpowerfromthe 11years,”thenoticesaid. deliver a complete project populated Regions in the (kilovolts) national grid and Firm Power Generating G i f t l a n d M a l l , t o

According to the and be ready to commission country In the absence of

shall be split into two lots of Capacity(gross)ona24hour compensate for the shortfall advertisement, “the required within the shortest possible press conferences and 25 MW per installation. The basis with appropriate ofelectricity total 50 Megawatt is divided timeline, starting at nine regular briefings by earmarked69kVsubstations substations to interconnect Beepat said that the into two lots: Lot. 1- Supply months from the date of President Irfaan Ali and the for interconnection are New withthe69kVNationalGrid power itself would cost of HFO- fired 25 MW gross notice to proceed, the utility rest of Cabinet, the public SophiaandCanefield. (the project) by March 2023 around $9 9 million per capacityinterconnectedwith firmoutlined. remains in the dark on what

Although the EOI was foraperiodofthreeyears.” month while fuel cost is New Sophia Substation or at This move to seek HFO- have been triggering the published, the company was Back in January 2020, estimated to be $29 5 the alternative Columbia generated electricity for a frequent blackouts in the keen to note that the GPLinkedapowerpurchase million.

‘Govt. approving more oil projects to the detriment of Guyana’

- Patterson says population can be the most unhealthy in the World next five years

Shadow Minister of development and fast July this year, the total She said it is, “A reckless N a t u r a l tracking growth and those discoveries for the prolific rush to chase money without Resources, David things like that but… it has Stabroek Block reached 33. counting the damages and

P a t t e r s o n i s long-termconsequences.”

Itisestimatedtoholdover11 losses in other areas in the a d a m a n t t h a t t h e

He reasoned that the billionbarrelsofoil. process, both in direct Government of Guyana impacts from oil and gas Presently, oil is being benefit we accrue daily, and prefers to have an “under development, inclusive of producedintheLizaOneand monetary terms, is staffed” and “undermined” transporting hazardous Two fields. A third project, shortsighted and dangerous Environmental Protection waste to shore will not affect Payara is expected to come to all of us, including Agency (EPA) even if it the population immediately; on stream next year which businesses and our economy means putting the country at however toxins can affect will take the total oil as a whole.” She explained risk to show off Guyana as livestock, fish stock and production up from the that each time a new FPSO the most fast paced plants while the government present approximate vessel is welcomed to developing country in the goes “after the easy money.” 300,000 barrels per day to Guyana, it also brings along World. “They are after the easy about 500,000 barrels per tonnes of toxic waste that is

While focused on this money and they are after day discharged into the waters, objective, the former being able to say we are the Meanwhile, the fourth thereby impacting our fish M i n i s t e r o f P u b l i c fastest growing economy in project, Yellowtail, with a and other marine species. Infrastructure said it may the world but within another production capacity of Not only this, but a end with the citizens of four or five years, we could approximately 250,000 tremendousamountofwaste G u y a n a b e i n g t h e be the sickest people in the gross barrels of oil per day is being brought to shore forChange (AFC) party

Shadow Natural Resources Minister, David Patterson

So they prefer - at anyunhealthiest in the world, world,”Pattersonwarned. has been given approval for treatment and disposal,member was keen to point cost even to the detriment ofowing to the inadequate On April 1 of this year, startupin2025. Mangal added The out that it is the onset of oil our society - to allow EPAtoperformance of the the EPA gave oil giant One environmentalist, environmentalist was keen and gas operations that continue just grantingregulatory body Patterson ExxonMobil the green light Simone Mangal Joly to note that the risks are not highlighted the deficiencies permits without any sort ofwas at the time speaking to tostartupoilproductionatits believes that the ramped up only limited to an oil spill,of the EPA; however a US$1 in-depth analyses and thosereporters at the sidelines of fourth development, production rates are a but the dangers extend waymillion World Bank loan thingslikethat.”an event on Friday when he Yellowtail. Less than two reckless chase after money beyondsuchanevent. taken by the former

Patterson continued, “Ifoffered these comments weeks later, Exxon appliedCoalition government was you get an expert in, he isabouttheEPA. to the agency for a Permit togeared at addressing this duty-bound, professionally-

He explained, “EPA is start extracting oil from its issue. bound to say no this can’twholly inadequate and we fifthproject,Uaru+.

W h i l e t h i s n e w happen, and obviously thatrecognise that and this is not

So they prefer to have anunderVincentAdams.It’san c o n d u c t i n g a n

Presently, the oil administration has decided will not augur well on thean issue that is current. I company’s Consultant, to put the money to use in government’splan.think this was recognised Acorn International is other areas, the Shadow

Natural Resources Minister understaffed, underminedissue that we all got to be Environmental Impactbelieves “they feel if you EPA so that they can getconcernedabout. Assessment (EIA) for the have somebody with whatever plans they want to

Everyone has to be fifth development in the knowledge, it will slow up do put forward and they willconcerned and take the StabroekBlock.Afteritstwo whattheywanttodo. claim it’s all in the idea ofblame.” The Alliance For most recent discoveries in

EDITORIAL

We had made our position clear from the inception: that audit of ExxonMobils US$9B in expenses was not going to go down well. Now here we are almost at the end of October, and of word regarding that same four-month audit, there is deafening silence from the PPP/C Government.

The audit that was scheduled to be completed at the conclusion of September, but regarding its state, there is nothing. It looks like it is going to go the way that almost everything that the PPP/C Government and leaders made big and bold promises about sharing with Guyanese. That is, more leadership deceptions, more political trickiness, and the same story of ongoing thick secrecy by government.

From the beginning, Guyanese knew what international observers knew, which was that the four-month audit timeframe was one big joke. Though the PPP/C Governments oil minister did say that if more time is needed for the US$9B audit, then that will be worked out, and shouldnt be a problem. Given that it is past the end of September timeline, then it would be helpful if the PPP/C Government and Vice President Jagdeo were to come out and say in the plainest language that the audit is making significant progress (or it is not), and that more time is needed. It would be straight talk as to where matters stand.

What could be simpler than that, we ask?

Why is that proving to be so worrying that there is this wall of silence from government and Vice President?

If the audit team needs another four months, then it must be said, and let it be arranged, be done. But, as we have often cautioned, silence breeds the worst of suspicions. When silence reigns, it is not golden, but about what is corrupt, possibly about what is being covered up.

On the other hand, if the US$9B audit of ExxonMobils expenses is completed, then the PPP/C Government must have the courage to share the findings with Guyanese. Let all have the clearest idea of what the auditors found. Then, let the audit papers be open to a trusted team of scrutineers to look at the work done to determine whether a bona fide and competent audit effort was given, so that Guyanese really did get the best value for their money spent.

Meaning, that what citizens received from the audit does justice to both the US$751,000 fees to be paid to the audit team, and the US$9B that ExxonMobil said that it spent.

To make our position crystal clear, we do not think that four months was sufficient to get an audit of this size and nature properly done. Further, and we cannot pull any punches, there are serious concerns by many others of highly competent calibre, who have doubts that the team assembled for this US$9B audit can deliver. The thinking is that the audit team is severely handicapped, and could be subject to political intrusions, that political expectations could be too much of an unseen and unknown but, nevertheless, influential presence.

The record of ExxonMobil is that everywhere that it has gone many costly tricks have been played, particularly on vulnerable countries poorly led and poorly managed. If expenses can be inflated, and gotten away with, then ExxonMobil will. If people have to be made to see matters a certain way that is in ExxonMobils interests, then the company will leave no stone unturned to ensure that they do so. Money is no object, and this is how weak, woeful politicians come across whenever the issue is oil, and when the concern is over what ExxonMobil is really doing to Guyanese.

The PPP/C Government has gone around and around like a plane that just cant land.

So, its leaders prefer to stay up in the air to avoid damaging themselves, and keep up their charades as long as they can, are allowed to do so.

The silence on the progress or lack of progress on the US$9B audit, or its completion and the findings, have all being shrouded like something that is dead, and which should not be exposed to light and sight.

Something tells us that there is trouble with this audit of ExxonMobils expenses.

Prevention is better than cure

DEAR EDITOR,

I recently read online an INEWS GUYANA article dated October 12,2022 with the caption “School screening programme to be introduced to detect health issues among students.” In that article mention is made of the “Promoting Safe & Healthy Learning & Living Environments.” Project supported by Canada and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF). I quote extensively from this article: “Funded by Canada and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Government of Guyana, the project is already making a difference in the lives of children here. In Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Essequibo), for example, health care and community workers have been trained and are delivering Early Childhood Development services. Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Mark Berman & UNICEF representative Nicolas Pron, spoke about the projects goal to provide gender responsive programmes for health that caters to both boys and girls…”

Sounds good, and Im sure that the authorities are wellintended, but what caught my eye was the last sentence in the article reportedly said by the UNICEF representative: “I want to emphasise that this project is not only gender-responsive but we aim for it to be gender-transformative.” What does that really

mean? I would like everyone - especially parents and teachers - to be aware of the fact that there is a global movement that seeks to undermine the moral fabric of our societies by introducing new norms to replace our tried and tested foundation stones and their atheistic agenda relegates morality and the fear of God to the dustbin of archaism!

In an article entitled UN EDUCATION WANTS to STAMP OUT TRADITIONAL VALUES by CraigAustin Rose, the writer reports that at a recent UN Education Summit in New York (Sep. 16-19), one of the conference documents proposed expanding the role of the teacher…” in order to teach modern values and to eliminate any influence of parents and traditional cultures on the formation of children.” It is reported that Yona Nestel from Plan International urged policymakers to begin comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) at the age of two years old. “…we have to start very young, from an early age…Gender is a social construct, right? Its learned…” WRONG! ABSOLUTELY WRONG!

The UN is now lobbying CARICOM to introduce what is called Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) into the Curriculum of our schools in the region. This has already begun in some countries. Children are al-

lowed to supposedly decide their gender and be allowed to begin irreversible medical procedures called “gender reassignment”. Children are free to take “puberty blockers” and parents are told that they have no right to refuse a childs wish to change his/her sex! Hear me! Thats Child Abuse! Thats eliminating our parental roles and responsibilities!

If you ask a growing child what he/she wants to be when grown, you would hear answers such as a policeman, fireman, nurse, etc. and many times they choose none of these careers, but some would have us believe that a child should be able to choose/change his/her sex and defy his parents counsel! What nonsense! Reminds me of the Scripture verse that says, “Professing to be wise, they became fools…” (Romans 1:22).

I read in an article entitled Alarming test by Randy Bennett, dated October 5,2022 “The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (Barbados) has come under fire for reportedly circulating a test to first form students which has been described as “distasteful and invasive” by some parents.” This test was administered by the Inter-American Development Bank.

“However, parents complained to Barbados TODAY that their children were quizzed on their sexuality,

gender identity, substance use and abuse as well as personal information about their parents.” One parent said his son had been traumatised by the test!

As a result of parents raising their voices against this, the Inter-American Development Bank issued a statement: “The Inter-American Development Bank expresses regret that a survey administered by the Bank to children in the Barbados secondary school system has offended many Barbadians. The Bank sincerely apologises, but stresses that no offence was intended…” Parents raised their concerned voices and derailed the hidden and subversive agenda!

I call on parents and teachers - indeed everyoneto be vigilant and to keep your ears on the ground! We can think for ourselves! Together we SHALL overcome! Lets not abdicate our responsibility!

PREVENTION IS BETTER

THAN CURE. I call on every God-fearing person - regardless of your religious persuasion - to raise your voices against any insidious attempt to sneak these degenerative, atheistic values into our society.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed! The same God who has blessed us with natural resources is the One who fashioned us and formed us the way we are. Do we have a better model than His?

Claudia Heywood

GPSCCU must not be allowed into political hands

DEAR EDITOR,

As a member of the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union (GPSCCU), I observed with horror the disingenuous swaying of the wider membership of the GPSCCU by its otherwise politicised leadership, which began under the Chairmanship of Trevor Llewellyn Benn, installed together with the Interim Management Committee (IMC) on 25th May, 2018 by the APNU/ AFC Minister, Keith Scott. This was to recover amounts previously meant for an Audit and Supervision Fund, waived by Minister Dr. Nanda Kishore Gopaul, a former PPP/ C Minister, in keeping with Section 55 of the Cooperatives Societies Act, Chapter 88:01, in order to allow the institutional Strengthening of the GPSCCU. This noble act by one Government was then destroyed by another and sums in excess of $100M retained for the benefit of education and other development of the GPSCCU were trans-

ferred from the Credit Union under the IMC Chairmanship of Trevor Llewellyn Benn, whose political affiliation is no secret.

Trevor Llewellyn Benn became Chairman of the Committee of Management of GPSCCU in 2021 under a questionable election process, mingled with “online voting” that was allowed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the planning of the online process, there were no disclosures of systemic controls to render the voting platform transparent, but the wider membership heard that Benn and his chosen team were granted victory by a landslide. The restoration of normalcy through Government s withdrawal of the COVID-19 Guidelines and requirements means that voting on October 24, 2022 must confirm to Section 21 of the Cooperative Societies Regulations and the Rules of the Society.

Not to be deterred, Trevor Llewellyn Benn and

committee subsequently made questionable decisions that currently threaten the stability of the Credit Union, and a fall-out and split among committee members. They rolled out mortgage and car loans, alongside the traditional membership stabilising loans that were offered by the GPSCCU, without bringing a sound investment plan to the wider membership for approval. At a recent meeting at Critchlow Labour College, a certified accountant aligned to Benn was proud to announce the depleting liquidity of the GPSCCU, within the first 10 months of the mortgage and car loans roll-out. According to him, almost one billion dollars ($1B) of the Credit Union cash balances was loan out for mortgages, etc., with nearly a similar amount remaining. The reality is that in another few months, there would be some difficulty to meet its operational commitments and loan requirements for the wider membership.

History reveals that the GPSCCU was birthed out of the struggles of the Guyana

Public Service Union (GPSU) for a better life for Public Service workers, which consecutive Governments failed to properly bestow upon them. The employed poor were to thereafter have access to loans they otherwise could not obtain from banks at affordable interest rates.

GPSCCU must not be allowed into political hands. It must remain to function effectively for the benefit of its members. The hijacking of the Credit Union by the overtly political operative of the APNU/AFC, Trevor Llewellyn Benn and his discarded nine surrogates, et anor, was doomed to failure when Benn unveiled his plan to Putin-like consolidate his power within the GPSCCU to rule forever. His disclosed intent to become Chief Executive Officer, while holding the Chairmanship of GPSCCU immediately shattered the stranglehold he had on his team mates, who ostracised him and voted in consonance with the Societys rules to remove him from the Chairmanship. Not to be undone, he

Is this an audit, or is it a case of bury it?

BALLOT BOX CHRONICLES

DEAR EDITOR, Local Government Election (LGE) will not be held this year (2022) but from all indications, it can certainly be held in the first quarter of 2023 providing the Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall acknowledges GECOMs advice and proceeds to name a date for the holding of LGE in 2023.

In the meantime, as preparations proceed, the opposition sponsored representatives at GECOM, continuously persist in throwing up obstacles at the weekly statutory meeting of GECOM. Clearly, they have embarked on a wrecking exercise aimed at blocking GECOMS efforts to hold of LGE in the first quarter of 2023.

The targets of attack are three-fold; the Chairman, the CEO and the work plan for the elections.

Because of their distracting effort s and spurious claims to prove the CEO incompetent, while taking advantage of the Chairmans tolerance and patience, the CEO was compelled to return to the drawing board on nine (9) occasions and to return to the commission with nine (9) revisions of his

work plan aimed at guiding the commission, GECOMS Secretariat and elections staff with the statutory and administrative guidelines for the realisation of LGE 2023.

The process of agreeing a realistic work plan appears to have recently reached its zenith, leaving the chairman with the option to write the subject minister advising about a window for the holding of LGE in 2023.

In t he circumstances, the chairman must be commended for bringing an end to the tortuous back and forth, engineered by the opposition sponsored Commissioners whose sole objective is to frustrate any consensual agreement on an implementable work plan for the holding of LGE in early 2023.

The APNU+AFCs attempts to throw a spanner in the works was reinforced when, during a recent exchange of views on GECOMs Current and Capital Budget Estimates for 2023. In the course of that exchange, attempts were made to include provisions for a fresh house-to-house registration exercise, an additional Claims and Objections period

as well as the procurement of electronic equipment and software for fingerprint capture for biometric identification at the place of poll.

Accepting these demands would mean no local government elections in 2023 or none at all!

This attempt, long suspected in coming, was met with staunch opposition from the three government-sponsored GECOM Commissioners.

From all appearances, the APNU+AFC alliance, working through their three Commissioners, are bent on frustrating GECOMs commitment to hold an early LGE in 2023 election.

The Ali administration is keen on holding of LGE in early 2023.

It is now up to GECOMS Chairman to advise the Minister of Local Government about a window for the holding of those elections.

A date identified by the Minister will then set in motion the operationalisation of a realistic and implementable work plan for the successful realisation of LGE in early 2023.

Clement J. Rohee Commissioner, GECOM

Help for the Animal Rescuers

DEAR EDITOR, Guyana owes a gigantic debt of gratitude to the small number of dedicated men and women who are devoting their precious time, energy and puny resources to rescuing and caring for abandoned and abused animals.

And they should not be repaid by unfulfilled promises from the President of the country which were made when he addressed Parliament on 11th February, 2021.

Over 19 months have since passed and the commitments made to the animals rights community have not materialised.

In fact, some of these rescuers have been reduced to making appeals for assistance to obtain medications and

other products for their animals. One well-known rescuer on the West Coast, Neeta Mangal has been desperately seeking to secure a suitable plot of land to construct a building to house the evergrowing number of stray animals for which she provides care.

However, within this same period, many similarly deserving groups in our society have received cash grants and other forms of support.

Another National Budget is currently being formulated and it hereby requested that:

1.An allocation be made for the construction of animal care facilities in each Administrative Region which will be fully equipped and manned.

2. An adequate monthly stipend be paid to every certified/registered animal rescuer. 3. Allocation of funds be made for regular nation-wide spaying and neutering campaigns.

This will substantially reduce the stray animal population therefore enhancing the communities and bolstering the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism to attract more visitors to our beautiful country.

I am also calling on the President and the Ministry of Housing t o extend a humanitarian gesture and expeditiously provide Ms. Neeta Mangal a plot of land and assist with the construction of her building to accommodate her and the animals she rescues and cares for. She deserves no less.

Best regards Ameer Hassan

GRA carrying the fight, leading the way

DEAR EDITOR,

The great American philosopher and statesman, Benjamin Franklin, once said “…in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” It is the ironic that another set of Americans are dismissive that the certainty of taxes, and even more heretically that the full extent of taxes does not apply to them. This is as interpreted by them, under circumstances conveniently and curiously defined by them. This is the contention of Exxon, with its Guyana affiliate, EEPGL, moving to the Guyana High Court for judicial relief.

The companys is going to the mat over the $4.223B withholding tax assessment bill delivered in its mailbox by the upstart and aggressive Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

I must say that fellow, Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, is one audacious leader.

I say further that it is time that one Guyanese public servant, one Guyanese warrior, take the fight to these whitecollar American (and British [and Dutch]) predators looking to leech every single cent out of this poor country.

Just what I expected from an old Central High School hand.

In the briefest and simplest terms, Exxons tax fight with the GRA revolves around what constitutes “technical fees” and “beneficial owner of…income” paid” and “income from rentals”, and whether the withholding tax rate should be “10% or 20%”, and as all these should be interpreted under a relevant Convention.

The bottom line is that GRA is sticking to its guns and insisting that the tax withholding assessment rate of 20% it employed is right, and that another $4.223B is still due. I am awed this unyielding stance of the GRA, and I applaud it.

Somebody has got to have the guts to battle for us.

What Commissioner Statia and the GRA are doing is what

Executive Director Parsram and the EPA should be making their mantra and mission in efforts to curb Exxons excesses, sneaky rip-offs.

Exxon is now of proven character in the dark arts of rapaciousness and roguishness, and I would advance its behaviour to that of swinishness also. Where money is concerned, there is nothing that is too monstrously exploitative in the torrid calculations of this American company.

Nothing is off-limits, no penny to be left unexplored and un-snatched, should openings arise. This is what I detect happening in Exxons court fight to evade paying the $4.223B withholding taxes assessed.

I hope that Guyanese are beginning to appreciate the magnitude of Exxons cashcrazed exploits against this country.

Exxon is not satisfied with the most generous and complete tax giveaway known anywhere. Exxon is greedy enough to grasp for more tax largesse through Guyanas Court.

Now Exxon seeks to reward itself with another tax bonanza on the sly, through using that 10% instead of 20% withholding rate.

What Exxon extracted in blood for itself in its own tax regime, is the thrust of what the company moves to the local Court to get extended in the most miniscule manner to its vendors also, and subcontractors, and who knows whomever else in the future. This is not merely madness, this is criminal, and we should jail for life anyone-American, British, Dutch, or other-for seeking to introduce yet another financial hustle on this country.

As much as it represents a handsome payday, no Guyanese lawyer or Guyanese law firm should consent to stand in advocacy for this robber barony of a company.

To my chagrin, I recognise that that last exhor-

tation is water on ducks back, and falls on deaf ears. This is what transforms what Godfrey Statia and the GRA is doing. How they lead the way in drawing a line in the sand for, taking a stand for, and leading the charge for all Guyanese citizens against Americas leviathan, Exxon. This powerful American corporate jackal pursues every avenue, explores every nook and cranny, and maximises every opportunity for its own ever insatiable advantage.

All of this makes the GRA stance so much more inspiring.

I appreciate that this is a David versus Goliath fight, but slingshots have slowed and felled many a foe, and their utility is now beyond dispute.

It would be heartening to see and hear His Excellency Ali follow suit in this struggle over our oil wealth, which I must reduce to what it is now, a Manichean one.

It might be expecting too much, but I do wish that the Vice President had such fiber in his makeup, such scorching, courageous truths too, where this nations birthright is under corrosive and erosive siege.

Today it is how much taxes are to be paid; tomorrow, it may be how much air we are allowed to breathe.

I have one last word for the carpetbaggers in Exxon: take your knees off from the necks of Guyanese. Way to go, Godfrey.

Be a warrior and leader for us, Godfrey of Bouillon in this crusade for what is right and our own.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

The Pathology of Road Infrastructure - Stressful Highways

DEAR EDITOR,

Since 2020, Guyanese have experienced a splurge of expenditure on Infrastructure. Some unkind critics prefer the expression Inferiorstructure, others acclaim as Superstructure meaning too much.

There are, however, more apprehensive reflections about the newly infrastructured highways on which motorists have since learnt to mourn about - overcrowded traffic, slow movement, stressful delays, too much time lost in getting to their destinations so critical if it is for medical attention, moreso resulting from an accident.

One complainant, speaking for others, bemoans the daily harassment of taking children to school requiring

too early a start which does not necessarily achieve an early arrival.

After a stressed out day at work, the return journey is more, if not equally unpredictable so many in the same dilemma, children and adults.

Not to mention the road rage of minibus drivers, competing with taxis all of whom must seek relief for their stress from the fares they charge.

They both however have to compete for space with the oversized, overladen business transport vehicles, too many of which are driven by newly licensed inexperienced drivers for employers who imperiously demand that they deliver on time regardless.

The infrastructure of traffic lights by no means light-

ens the physical and mental burden of motorists, whether too young or too old (there is no age limit). For they cannot react to abnormal incidents to forewarn of possible dangers ahead.

In any case, the systems are based on the presumption of normal behaviour. They cannot hear nor register the various complaints of frustrated motorists.

The situation therefore leaves room for more human intervention by the relevant authorities, who must by now forecast that the situation will worsen particularly in identified locations as the number of vehicles, and inexperienced drivers (including more disciplined foreign drivers) multiply. So there is the fundamental conundrum wherein the

provision of more infrastructured roads results in slowing down with frustration, anger, even desperation a dangerous point, that raises the question of the adequacy of appropriate Warning Notices at the required locations that hopefully would save the reckless driver from his/herself. In the milieu, allowance must be made for the reality of collapses of defective vehicles.

It has continually to be borne in mind the real possibility of the passenger being more affected than the driver, moreso where children are concerned. So that it is arguable that both operative motorist and passenger share periods of stress some longer and more frequently than the other the promise of more

accidents, more injuries, more deaths family losses.

The cumulative impact goes way past the actual incident, when for example it comes to the family breadwinner, the maimed students shortened school career.

There is also the issue of future economic viability of the adult, the consequential repercussions on poorer families in particular. Insurance, if any, is but a temporary palliative.

While the upper levels of the economic and societal ladders, private and public, are better able to ameliorate this constriction, they are still exposed to at least degrees of frustration.

In the end the preoccupation with infrastructure to facilitate the transport of people, goods and services needs to be counterbalanced by the more fundamental attention to be paid not only to the physical impact on the individual, but critically the depletive effect of a psycho-

logical environment that encircles the human being caught in the daily concentration on traffic hazards.

Hopefully then, a case is made for a comprehensive review by policy-makers, civil organisations, health officials, specialist engineers/ planners (local and foreign) of not only the infrastructured highways and byways, but the psychological effect on drivers and passengers, all of whom must observe the rules.

But since the traffic will get increasingly heavier, the more urgent consideration should be given to the provision of identifiable specific roads/lanes which could accommodate public transport, that is following discussion with bus (and taxi) drivers representatives as far as possible. The discussion should also include critical consideration of de-licensing palpably errant motorists.

E.B. John

GPSCCU must not...

From page 4 put his political training into action and whipped up support to remove the Committee, with the singular intent of regaining Chairmanship. Armed with new servants, he summoned the infamous Critchlow meeting, following a judicial ruling that resulted in new elections.

At that meeting, there was clear intent that the now estranged teammates of Trevor Llewellyn Benn that are currently being led by Mrs. Karen Vansluytman-Corbin were to be smothered and not be allowed to ever run for office again. These were his chosen team mates, but they were discarded since he could not get his way. He has since armed himself with new servants to rally the membership and to banish them into oblivion, with none of their democratic rights. Such is the nature of the beast. My fellow Members of the GPSCCU, be forewarned by the three positive colloquial sayings of our time that relates to the matter at hand. Firstly, “There is more in the mortar, than on the pestle”. Meaning that there is a lot more to the power struggles at GPSCCU. Secondly, “When elephants fight, the grass gets trampled”, meaning that in the battle for control between Benns chosen team and opposing forces, only the membership would suffer.

Lastly, “Dont take fire stick in the night to see the things you can see in broad daylight.” In this case, the machinations of Benns chosen team and the deposed team has been clearly ex-

posed, together with consequences, such as, the purchase of property for approximately $154M without the required approval of the general membership and the rolling out of long-term loans, without tabling for memberships approval of a long-term investment plan.

I remembered the days when a more conservative Committee of Management was managing the affairs of the Credit Union, sticking to policies that largely served the needs of the membership and enabled the growth that are the fundamental crux of the current battle for control. This Committee of Management was vanquished by the stroke of the APNU/AFC pen that foisted Trevor Llewellyn Benn upon the GPSCCU. He then chose the team, which he currently spurns and now invites the membership to install another of his choices. Could you trust in the leadership of this man? I call upon the membership to choose wisely, finding persons of diverse skills from among themselves. Our future does not include the Bennites, who were led or are being led by the man, whose very name may match his nature. Our future is based on how we prepare today, but another adage comes into play if you fail to heed my warning. “As you make your bed, so must you lie on it.” In short, you would bear the consequences of your fallacious decisions.

Yours sincerely, Indira Thakurdin Member

Guyana Public Service Cooperative Union

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1000-Men programme

On Sunday, President Irfaan Ali announced the launch of an ambitious programme dubbed 1000-Men aimed at reforming men and boys in our society.

It is a very laudable initiative and should be supported by all and sundry.

We at this newspaper await the full rollout of this programme, which the President said will see the deployment of 1000 men in various disciplines across this nation to integrate young Guyanese men into the economic and social life of the country.

It is clear our President is awakened to the realities of a grave situation where our boys are the victims of sexual and other forms of abuse; some of whom have grown into men and are still struggling to cope with these issues. It is estimated that one in six males suffers some form of sexual abuse as a child or teenager. In most cases, the victim knows and trusts the perpetrator - most often an adult or teenage male.

President Ali’s programme also could not have come at a better time, given the escalating domestic violence situation, where often men are the aggressors.

We commend this programme to all Guyanese and especially to our men, seize the opportunity to be mended if broken.

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‘More oil projects means more

- Agri. Minister tells Berbice villagersopportunities for farmers’

…large-scale transformation, modernization of agriculture sector needed

Notably, this variety will Agriculture sector in PPP/CGovernment,Guyana And you have a number of hospitality industry In fact,

In a bid to revamp the past two years under the people are doing agriculture. are very costly in the

attract “preferential prices” Guyana, at a time when the is poised for major young people who would heurged,“Thosethingswill

Mustaphapointedout. industry has been declining developmentinthesector have gone to the university, beneededintheoilandgas

Meanwhile, as it pertains steadily over the past few C i t i n g m a j o r studiedagronomy,havetheir sector We are seeing more to a marketplace for years, Agriculture Minister, developmental projects in degree, qualify, and are and more workers going Guyana’sproduce,President ZulfikarMustaphahasurged the sector, the Minister sitting behind a desk, not into the oil and gas sector. Irfaan Ali has been working Berbice citizens to plant lauded the revamping of the doing anything. Just writing That is more opportunity with a number of leaders more as more oil projects agricultural extension andtakingnotes.”According for the farmers, because within the Caribbean to will carry up the demand for system, which will see to him, “ the President wants more and more people remove the non tariff foodaswellinthecountry officers being more to change that, so what he going into the oil and gas barriers that affect the Minister Mustapha was responsivetofarmers’needs, has done is he has sector, we will have to movement of Local produce at the time addressing and offering advice on the implemented a new, smarter produce more food for into places like Barbados, residents of Cotton Tree, best practices for their way of doing it, and where themtosupply.”

Trinidad and Tobago, West Coast Berbice on undertakings. we have a number of young

Antigua and Eastern Friday when he gave the He also alluded to people now, they are underscored the need for Caribbeancountries. charge. President, Irfaan Ali’s push involved in high value large scale transformation

As such, the minister

These barriers, the According to a press to consolidate and expand crops; crops that they can and modernisation in the agriculture minister said, are release from the Department traditional crops through the grow and have a better price agriculturesector currently in the process of of Public Information (DPI), involvement of young forthem.”

DPI quoted him as being removed, “so, you the Mustapha explained that peopleinagriculture. To this end, he told saying, “We in Guyana here

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha. (photo credit: DPI)

farmers now will have more with major budgetary Mustapha explained, residents that a few of the are producing 60 percent of opportunities, you’ll have highlighted the improvedallocations and financial “Traditionally, when you high value crops include the food we are consuming, better prices for produce.” yield recorded with the newinjections into the look around Guyana, you broccoli, cauliflower, but the president and the The government is currently variety of rice beingagriculture sector over the findmostlymatureandolder carrots, and lettuce, which government are not satisfied working to develop a new distributed by the Guyanawith that. He said we must packaging facility at Fort Rice Development Boardramp up production, Wellington, where farmers (GRDB),GRDB16.especially in the traditional can take their produce, have

He reported that thecrops. Increase the rice crop. it packaged and prepared, agency was able to increaseMove the acreage. Increase and have a market found the national averagethe yield. Cash crop, fresh wheretheirproducecouldbe production from 39 bags perfruits and vegetables exportedinamoreprofitable acre to between 55 and 60Increasethelivestocksector way “So,wehavetoprepare bags per acre in the GRDB-“But what we must also ourselves, we have to 16 variety In addition,do is go into other crops. We modernize the sector to be Mustapha also boasted thatmust go into new crops so smarter,anddoagriculturein progress is being made tothat the country can grow a smarter way We have to develop “bio-fortified rice”morediversifiedcropsinour useshadehouses.Wehaveto which is a variety thatcountry.” use drones. Those are the contains the supplementFurther detailing the things we have to bring into zinc Very shortly, heimportance of moving away the agriculture sector. Those announced that it will befrom traditional practices are the things we are distributed to farmers towithin the agricultural implementing,” Minister scale up production.sector, Minister Mustapha Mustaphasaid.

The government does not listen

The plans to build fourlane bypasses in the city and to widen the country s public roads to four lanes should be revisited. This is not a decision which has been properly weighed.

As is evident in the decision to build a four laneroad from Conversation Tree to Campbell Avenue and to widen Cemetery Road to four lanes, both in the city, the government made decisions and then commenced consultations.

In the case of the former, it is alleged that public consultations only began after mobilisation works had already started.

These types of superficial and meaningless consultations are a sham. They are mainly undertaken to provide information and reduce push-back from members of the public.

This, however, is not a new modus operandi of the PPP/C; this is the manner in which the now ruling party has traditionally operated. Building four-lane roadways alongside where people live and do business is a deathtrap. Since the widening of the Mandela Avenue, the East Coast Public Road and the West Coast Public Roads there have been a spate of deaths of pedestrians and cyclists.

Four-lane roads encourage speeding and should never be constructed alongside where people live or where there are businesses. There is going to be a high incidence of road fatalities where people are trying to cross a four lane-roadways.

Also, as has been the case with the East Bank Public Road and Sheriff Street fourlane roadway, the cycling and pedestrian lane is being used for customer parking, Spending billions of dollars on these types of roadways

amounts to providing asphalted customer parking for businesses.

Guyanas main public roads were built to connect a string of villages.

It means that almost every 50 meters or less there is an intersection. This presents a problem for vehicles exiting a village and having to cross to the opposite end of the fourlane highway.

On the East Coast Demerara Public Road, there is a long stretch between Turkeyen and Annandale in which there are multiple traffic lights to direct the flow of traffic not only along the fourlane roadway but also in and out of many of the villages which run alongside this stretch.

Instead of allowing faster traffic, the four-lane East Coast Road actually ends up being not much quicker than using the previous two-lane public road.

Now there are plans to extend the Railway Embankment and even talk about it becoming a four-lane roadway.

When that roadway was constructed under the Jagan government, there was a report done which was critical of its location.

A consultant had actually suggested that given the depths of the villages along the East Coast, that the roadway should have been built further inland as it was too near from the existing public road and two far away from the lower ends of the villages.

The government is now going to spend some US$184M almost the same sum used to construct the Skeldon Sugar Factory to expand this road.

It would have been far cheaper and of greater utility to have spent this sum on a two-lane road circling the

Dem boys seh...

back of the villages. But you cannot raise these issues with the PPP/C. The PPP/C government operates as if its tone deaf to constructive criticisms.

So long as suggestions do not emanate from its leadership, they are generally disregarded and rejected.

It would be much better and safer for all concerned if instead of four-land roadways, the government would build circle roads which skirt the settlement areas. This would allow for better traffic flow and avoid creating the death-traps in the form of four-lane roadways.

Instead of a four-lane roadway for Cemetery Road, it would be better if a roundabout was built at the intersection with Mandela Avenue.

Instead of extending the Corentyne Highway, it would be better if a circle road was built behind the villages.

This would better alleviate the traffic congestion in areas such as at Rose Hall Town, Port Mourant and Corriverton.

Building wider roads will not solve the road congestion problem.

If the government is serious about ensuring a better road transport system, it would take some simpler steps such as prohibiting further commercial development along the countrys main road arteries and in Georgetown, limiting the construction of housing schemes along the East Bank of Demerara and looking at the possibility of mass transit systems, such as light rail from the main housing schemes to the nearest urban centres.

But do not dare mention these suggestions to the PPP/ C. It is bent on spending the governments revenues as fast as it can and thus it in

Cheating is problems!

It used to be a time when de one thing dat people did not condone was cheating on yuh taxes. Nowadays, de mo yuh cheat pun yuh taxes, de more respected yuh does be in society. Dat is how yuh know de world going upside down.

Dem sportsmen cheating. Dem even claiming a man cheating in Chess and dat is not considered by some people as a sport. Dem does call it game.

De Rusasians dem seh bin cheating by using illegal substances. Dem did

even ban dem from de Olympics at one time. Now we hearing about people getting ban not fuh cheating but fuh not tekkin a test.

A tennis star didnt get fuh play in de Australian Open because he was not vaccinated. De world going upside down.

But de best is de man wah end up in jail and find out dat he girlfriend cheat pon he. Dat is double loss.

When a man go to jail, he does lose some of he rights. He does retain he right to life but he freedom of movement does be curtailed. He nah enjoy de fullness of odder

rights.

But now it look as if when a man go to jail, he losing mo dan he rights. A woman claim how she spouse go to jail and when he was in de lockup, she went with someone else. She claim dat is not cheating, she dont consider dat cheating because de man was in jail.

So it look as if when yuh get jail, you does lose yuh rights but you better half does get de right fuh go and do what dem want with somebody else. Dat is how dem boys look at it. Talk half, leff half.

conjuring projects quickly and without careful studies.

No wonder it appears as if the government is plucking road projects out of a hat. It is.

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

Banks DIH, John Fernandes Ltd, and the Chancellor of the Judiciary

The ubiquity of oil governmentcouldhavebeen I saw with my own two DIH remains untouched by concluded at the money is so strong in overthrown. The wealth of eyes how a business the law See my column of same time and it is Guyana that its impact is the US has not created a company treated the third Thursday, August 18, 2022, going on to seven greater than the explosion of peaceful, stable, equal highest ranking police “What Banks DIH did to me years now and Justice anydestructivevolcano.The society Politicalthinkersare officer in Guyana. It was at andtheTrafficChief,” Cummings Edwards horrible land-grabbing wasexhilaration of the nation of expressing fear that the US Banks DIH. He visited the Will oil wealth stop the is still to give revealed,JFLbackeddown.Guyana is that this land now can suffer a terrible political company to issue an kinds of behaviour judgement. In simple terms,

Frederick Kissoon

From December 25, untohas resources that could give implosion. instruction for them to associated with what Banks the rule of law in Guyana this day, no one in theit a sustainable, successful Can oil wealth make remove illegally placed DIH did? Now read on. Dr. determines that citizens are African community camefutureitneverhad. Guyana a sociologically and cones on a stretch of public Walter Ramsahoye sued me notequalbeforethelaw. out against the NDC sellingButdoeswealthtranslate philosophically stable parapet that is almost a third forlibel. And it is obvious to African ancestral land for ainto civilised existence? A countrywheretheruleoflaw ofamile.Iwastherewiththe While announcing his Madam Chancellor that I am song.Ididananalysisofthislook at the United States of and wealth distribution are Traffic Chief and his senior libel with CN Sharma on not worthy of receiving her hypocrisy among AfricanAmerica answers that admirable features? The rank. channel 11, Ramsahoye judgement. My lawyer has leaders. See my column ofquestion A powerful answer is no and India is the The officials of Banks made disparaging remarks moved on and I have moved Wednesday, February 16,country whose wealth is counter-argument. DIH refused to meet with about me that was so on but thoughts of Guyana 2021.unimaginable is one of the India’s poverty is him.Hestoodatthegateand scandalousthatIthoughtthis being a banana republic

I am referred to as anworld’s most sociologically unimaginable.Indiadoesnot after half an hour of waiting was the worse form of swirlsaroundmymindwhen Indian racist by somefragilecountries. have the wealth of the US. he left. As soon as he drove barefaced behaviour I had I think of these two cases. AfricanpropagandistsyetnoThe US is sitting on a But it is a philosophically away, Banks DIH, in everseeninmylife. See my column of Sunday, one among African leaderssociological volcano whose successful society In India, addition to the cones, So I counter sued May 8, 2022, “Chancellor of except an Indian man sinceexplosion could set it back no company or institution or cemented permanent no Ramsahoye. The two libel the Judiciary and the last February, denouncedby hundreds of years. The cricket team or Bollywood parkingsignsintotheground writs were heard at the same syndrome: Maybe, maybe what JFL and the NDC haveUSelectedapresidentwhois studio can insult the third on a long, long stretch of time.JusticeDawnGregory- not.” done. To buy an acre of landviewed worldwide as not ranking federal police publicparapet. Barnes heard Ramsahoye’s Finally, the John for $250,000 makes Guyanaalrightmentally officer in the entire country That is the kind of action writ Justice Yonette Fernandes Ltd. (JFL) land abananarepublic.

The US has some and civil society, political that is characteristic of a Cummings Edwards, the scandal. It was on Christmas

(The views expressed inl a w m a k e r s w h o s e society, academia, the media bananarepublic.Therecould current chancellor, heard my Day in 2021 that the news this article are those of theextremism mirrors the and the country in general have been no deeper writ.JusticeBarnesruledfor broke that JFL had bought a u t h o r a n d d o n o trhetoric of Nazi Germany would accept it. It is quite manifestation of what a Ramsahoye and awarded 143 acres of land from the necessarily reflect theThe US almost had a violent possible that company may banana republic is than what himtwomilliondollars. Beterverwagting NDC at opinions of this newspaper.)putsch in which an elected endupincourt. Banks DIH did. And Banks M y h e a r i n g w a s $250,000 per acre.After this

Body of man found at Stabroek Market

The body of an unidentified man was on situation and when the cops arrived, they SundayfoundlyingonabenchclosetoRoyal examined the body for marks of violence but Castle at the Stabroek Bus Park, Central found none. They got a medical professional Georgetown. to check the man’s vitals for any signs of life

President announces programme to address challenges facing men

President Irfaan Ali on responsible youths in the we network together,” he Sundayannouncedthe1000- society,” the Guyanese stated resolutely The men programme which will leader stated while president said the men will bring together men from addressing a Youman Nabi be deployed to communities across Guyana, in a bid to service at the Leguan countrywide and will fully frontally address the Masjid. integrateeveryyoungperson challenges faced by men and Dr Alisaidmenfromthe into the economic and social boys, and redirect them to highest societal level need to aspectofthecountry “Those theirrightfulplaceinsociety be involved. “Because from who require training, are

Thediscoverywasmadearound06:30hrs before calling in undertakers from the by a health worker who at first thought that Merriman’s Funeral Home to remove the the man was only sleeping. Speaking with body Kaieteur News, thehealthworkersaidthathe Persons around the Stabroek Market area waspassingbywhenhesawthemanlyingon are acquainted with the dead man but do not a bench with a coat over his face. He was not knowwherehelives,ifhehasrelativesorhis botheredatfirstbutashecontinuedtolookat name. One woman said that he would work the man, he realised that something was during the day and when he is finished in the wrong because his “tummy was not moving evening, he would buy himself some High upanddown”.

Wine and then head to the location where he

He rushed over and removed the coat and was found dead. There he would drink by decided to resuscitate the man with a CPR himself and sometimes sleep there all night. procedure but then he noticed that man was Others noted that he appeared to be sickly alreadydeadandmighthavebeenlifelessfor because his feet were swollen. He was a while. The health worker phoned the described as a heavy built man of African Brickdam Police Station to alert them of the descentandinhisearly60s.

The initiative will be led within these organisations going to build a platform for by the President himself and themselves, we have to them to get training. There will see officers of the create a change, we have to will be no excuse for men to Guyana Defence Force create a positive mindset, a deliver on this responsibility (GDF)rankingfromColonel positiveattribute.So,thisisa and deliver on what is and above, the Guyana major mission that we are required of us to deliver to PoliceForce(GPF),fromthe launching all across the our families and people in r a n k o f A s s i s t a n t country,”heassured. Amain oursociety.” Commissioner and above, aspectoftheprogrammewill In a direct message to 100 local sportsmen, 100 see the initiation of a attendees of the day’s religious leaders, 100 male network of men that will programme, Dr Ali stressed teachers, community address all issues, including the need for people to workers, farmers and, violence against women and understand the importance entertainers being part of the children.PresidentAlisaidit of the family of humanity unit “This 1,000 men is only through that He said at the end of the day, programme is to reverse the interaction that the social people’s primary objective strategy in dealing with the malady could be cured in life is to be good human problems faced by young “Men in every community beings. To be a good human boysandmeninoursociety are on a mission to make a being,hesaid,requiressome

The mission of these positive change It is action, dealing with each 1,000menistoworkinevery refocusing the thinking of other in a particular way community to eradicate men themselves, to “We are a beautiful country hunger, to work in every understand that we have to We are one of few countries single community to lift be an active partner in that have a very dynamic those who are emotionally making the changes we need society We are rich in affected, and socially inoursociety religious heritage. We have affected.Itistochangeevery “Wehavetositdownand the ability to take the society and bring positive network Men need to message Understanding living and positive light to network across the country that we have an important everysinglecommunity Itis to understand violence responsibility towards each toworkagainstviolence,itis against women, violence other “You don’t need to be working to make men better, against children is not rich to smile at each other; at being good men, accepted and will not and you don’t need to be rich to r e s p o n s i b l e m e n , cannot be accepted in our be kind,” Dr Ali relayed. r e s p o n s i b l e b o y s , society Wecan’tdothisuntil (DPI)

Guyana Cancer Society hosts medical outreach at Matthews Ridge

ome 300 persons on Saturday turned-up at the Pakera District Hospital, Matthews

SRidge, Region One, to take advantage of a medical outreach held there by the Guyana Cancer Society.

The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) collaboratedwiththeGuyanaMedicalRelief,theUS Embassy Humanitarian Assistance Program, the First Lady of Guyana Menstrual Hygiene Program, the Regional Health Director and the Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region to conduct the outreach.

AccordingtoapressreleasesentoutbytheNGO, 300 patients turned up for specialist medical care in internal medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics (antenatal care and obstetrics ultrasound), gynecology, VIA screening, psychiatry, dermatology, opthalmology, dentistry,andphysiotherapy

Some 144 hygiene packages were also distributed to women as part of the First Lady,Arya Ali’s menstrual hygiene program. Some 12 women also received free mammograms (screening for breastcancer).

Pres. Ali talks up proposed development for Berbice

…promises

Bridge, technical training college

Following a two year become a leader in food and gas sector… Hospitality, with one of the pillars of the

production, agriculture, we need in the next three g

developmental pathway for Central

Exposition

Chamber

the capacity in Berbice to fossil fuel. Adding that, “the

Ali entrants in the hospitality Guyana to become a leader of Commerce (CCCC) was revealedthatthegovernment sector and we are building in renewable energy and heldovertheweekend.

At the launch, President transformative project in the giveworld-classtraining.” potential of Amaila Falls Irfaan

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advertisement for the

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Scenes from Saturday’s medical outreach at Matthews Ridge, Region One

President

Bandits invade Ogle yard

- robs family, ride away with motorcycle

Tyard of a family living at Ogle, thewomanbehindherhead. EastCoastDemerara(ECD),robbingthemof

hree bandits - one of them armed wife were sitting at a table and the one armed with a gun last week invaded the with a gun grabbed a cell phone and knocked

Another started searching the man’s their cellular phones, a haversack and a pockets to relieve him of whatever valuables motorcycle. they could find. It appeared as though they

The crime was caught on security relievedhimofhismotorcyclekeys. camerasmountedonthefamily’shomeandit

The trio grabbed another cell phone and a showed that the bandits walked into the haversack that were on the table before family’s yard around 18:36hrs last week escaping with the man’s motorcycle that was Mondaywhileacouplewasrelaxingoutside. park at the front of his yard. Police are

They walked up to where the man and his currentlysearchingforthecriminals.

The three men escaping with the man’s motorcycle

WANTED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Labourers to work on cash crop farm, salary $5000. Call: 695-6139,6797552.

Driver, sales man, porters to work in warehouse.

Must have experience , attractive salary offered. Call: 696-4444.

Female bartenders to work shop in Interior,age 2030yrs. Call:689-4461/ 6626254.

Experience sales person needed at courtney's boutiques. Stall b Bourda Market. Tel:227-3407.

A certified cook needed. Call: 626-6547/ 227-6544.

Live- in Waitress to work in bar , must have an ID. Call: 221-2785/ 659-1930.

One able-bodied Porter to work in hardware store at Sheriff St location. Between ages 20-40, call: 227-1363.

VACANCY

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

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

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

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Thousands of acres of farmland accessible via #58 Village access road

- President Ali

President Irfaan Ali said that the Government will continue to make a number of critical investments that would ensure that food production becomes one of the main pillars of Guyanas economic future.He said that these investments would encompass modern strategies to decrease the cost of production and increase the yield.

“Food production and agriculture is a major branch of the development transformation of our country… For us to increase our productivity and for us to increase our yield and reduce our costs of production, there are a number of things that must occur. The state of the infrastructure to support agriculture and food production must be transformed to support a more

effective transportation and production system…”The Head of State made this assertion during his address at the Commissioning of the #58 Village farm-to-market access road on Friday afternoon.

The road is 6.4KM (approximately four miles) long and was completed to the tune of $1,018,000,000. The President also pointed to the importance of research and development, which he said is critical to delivering “better yields, better cropsbetter variety”.He also stated that systems will be put in place to ensure that the Government utilises the best possible technology to enhance sustainability and resilience. “We know that we are faced with many challenges, including climate change. So our method of agriculture must be resilient so as to mitigate against the

consequences of climate change. Another important aspect is our human resources.”The Government, President Ali emphasised, has addressed these important considerations in the development of strategies for the agriculture sector. He reminded of the tremendous investments in the sector, in every region, over the past two years while reiterating that his administration remains focused on enhancing productive capacity and making the “right investments” that will ultimately broaden the economic base, create job opportunities, provide a medium for new investments and also “support the expansion of our economy and the growth and development of our people”.

The newly commissioned farm-to-market road, he said, is part of a “large

infrastructure plan that will lead all the way to Canje Creek and in totality will open up over 50,000 acres of land for production. The Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha; the Minister of Public Works, the Honourable Juan Edghill; and the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, the Honourable Deodat Indar, were also at the event. Prior to the commissioning of the new road, the President and his delegation visited two other agriculture-based communities in Region FiveBelladrum and Cotton Tree, where he interacted with residents and listened to their concerns. As to the importance of these engagements, he said that continuous dialogue and connection with the people are critical in delivering good governance to all citizens.

(DPI)

UK leader Liz Truss goes from triumph to trouble in 6 weeks

LONDON (AP) When Liz Truss was running to lead Britain this summer, an ally predicted her first weeks in office would be turbulent.

But few were prepared for the scale of the sound and fury - least of all Truss herself.

which to carry out ultra, ultra free-market experiments,” he told Sky News.

Its not as if the party wasnt warned.

pointed prime minister by Queen Elizabeth II in one of the monarchs final acts before her death on Sept. 8.

markets, and political experts, by surprise.

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In just six weeks, the prime ministers libertarian economic policies have triggered a financial crisis, emergency central bank intervention, multiple U-turns and the firing of her Treasury chief.

Now Truss faces a mutiny inside the governing Conservative Party that leaves her leadership hanging by a thread.

During the summertime contest to lead the Conservatives, Truss called herself a disruptor who would challenge economic “orthodoxy.” She promised she would cut taxes and slash red tape, and would spur Britains sluggish economy to grow.

Her rival, former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak, argued that immediate tax cuts would be reckless amid the economic shockwaves from the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Truss first days in office were overshadowed by a period of national mourning for the queen.

Then on Sept. 23, Treasury chief Kwasi Kwarteng announced the economic plan he and Truss had drawn up.

It included 45 billion pounds ($50 billion) in tax cuts - including an income tax reduction for the highest earners without an accompanying assessment of how the government would pay for them.

“Many of us, wrongly, expected her to pivot after she won the leadership contest in the way many presidents do after winning the primaries,” said Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London.

“But she didnt do that.

She actually meant what she said.”

The pound plunged to a record low against the U.S. dollar and the cost of government borrowing soared.

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Conservative lawmaker Robert Halfon fumed on Sunday that the last few weeks had brought “one horror story after another.” “The government has looked like libertarian jihadists and treated the whole country as kind of laboratory mice on

The 172,000 Conservative Party members - who are largely older and affluent — preferred Truss boosterish vision. She won 57% of members votes to become leader of the governing party on Sept. 5.

The next day, she was ap-

Truss was doing what she and allies said she would. Libertarian think-tank chief Mark Littlewood predicted during the summer there would be “fireworks” as the new prime minister pushed for economic reform at “absolutely breakneck speed.”

Still, the scale of the announcement took financial

The Bank of England was forced to step in to buy government bonds and prevent the financial crisis from spreading to the wider economy.

The central bank also warned that interest rates will have to rise even faster than expected to curb inflation that is running at around 10%, leaving millions of homeowners facing big increases in mortgage payments.

Ali talks up proposed development...

From page 13 support a deep-water harbour here.” While noting that “Re-

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gions 5 and 6 are well positioned, Ali said that his government is finalising work for the construction of the new stadium that will be built to ICC standard, the new mall, hotel, and recreational centre. All of which will be situated at Palmyra.

Currently the Disability Centre and Call Centre are under construction at the said location. “We are not working by guess, we are working

by a clear-cut agenda,” the President said.

President of the CCCC Mohamed Raffik in his address lauded the government for their forward approach to developing the country and also said that that Berbice Expo & Trade Fair is the largest the CCCC has ever held. He said this “is similar to what is happening in the country, so much going on, it’s difficult to keep pace.”

Raffik said that the Expo is taking place when “Guyana is spending the first set of money that has gone to our budget from oil and you would know what you see going on here, a lot of money is being spent on infrastructure…” Businesses in arts and craft, manufacturing, agriculture, utilities, food, were all on display at the Expo.

The Exposition closes today.

Cash for Gear for young & promising players in Guyana

Raj “Rebels” Mathura is the latest person to provide cash support

USA based Guyanese Raj “Rebels” Mathura is the latest person to provide cash support of $20,000 to this joint initiative by Kishan Das of USA and Anil Beharry, Special Technocrat with responsibility for Governance, Marketing and Finance, Guyana Cricket Board.

Raj visited Guyana recently during CPL 2022 and presented the cash to Beharry. “I am happy to assist with this noble initiative,”

said Raj as he presented the cash.

He is a top softball cricketer who participates in tournaments in the USA, Canada and Guyana. Beharry expressed gratitude in response.

Total cricket related items collected so far:

$270,000 in cash, two trophies, twelve cricket boots, nineteen pairs of batting pads, twenty-five bats, fifteen pairs of batting gloves, nineteen

thigh pads, one pair of wicket keeping pad, two arm guards, six cricket bags and three helmets. In addition to the above, $600,000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket keeper/batsman.

To date, forty young players from all three counties of Guyana have already benefited from three junior gear bag, two trophies, two arm guards, fifteen bats, one box, three helmets, twelve pairs of

Monday October 17, 2022

ARIES (Mar. 211pr. 19)

There's an extra spark in your eye that people won't be able to ignore. Today's a good day to get your point across, because you'll find people more open and receptive to new things than usual.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Take yourself on a mental adventure today in which you explore new aspects of your world. Discuss philosophy and religion. Get to the core of a matter that seriously interests you.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Today is your day, Gemini, so live it up! If it seems like things have been rather intense lately, don't worry, they're apt to lighten up quite a bit today. Feel free to be your usual jolly self,

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Be careful that you aren't acting in a way that you dislike in others, Cancer. You could find that you're slowly taking on the traits of the people you despise.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

The day's general mood should fit quite well with your agenda, Leo. There's no need to fixate on the negative. Keep things light and upbeat and worry about the consequences later.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

You may need a translator to get through to people today, Virgo. It could be hard to make decisions, but not impossible. Today's tip is to err on the side of adventure.

Raj “Rebels” Mathura

Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Dennis Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo, Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies and Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Chin Singh, Denesh Chandrapaul, Dr Cecil Beharry, Davo Naraine of UK and Latch Mohabir and family.

Thanks to the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Use your power resources today, Libra, as you have a great deal of dynamic energy at your dispo sal. You have the ability to transform and conquer anything now.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

You could be asked to make some spontaneous decisions today that you might not feel entirely comfortable making, Scorpio. You could feel you don't have enough facts.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Emotionally, you may feel as if you're running up against a brick wall, Sagittarius. It could be that your first reaction is to drown your sorrows in drink. Escapism is only a temporary remedy.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The Your emo tions could be extra powerful today, Capricorn, although something may not feel as if it's sitting right. It could be a feeling of manipulation.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Take hold of this day as if it's your own and use it to grow your dreams, Aquarius. You'll find a great deal of power and dynamism in the air urging you to take the adventurous route.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

There's a fiery tone to the day that can't be ignored, Pisces. You may find that adjustments need to be made in your own plan of attack in order to get on the same page with other people.

cricket shoes, ten pairs of batting pads, one bat rubber and twelve pairs of batting gloves. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats. Pomero on, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each, while RHCCCC received two, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails, The Essequibo Cricket Board and now the Town of Lethem.

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

Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify same.

Progressive and well managed clubs will also benefit.

We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports 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

Distribution will continue. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896. (Sean Devers)

Salah scores winner as Liverpool beat Man City

BBC Sport - Liverpool put their recent Premier League struggles behind them to end Manchester City’s unbeaten run in an enthrallingandhot-tempered encounter at Anfield, which sawJurgenKloppsentoff.

City, fuelled by the goals of Erling Haaland, were in prime condition but Liverpool finally found the form which has deserted them for much of the season to overcome the reigning champions.

Haaland, for once, was not on the scoresheet and it was Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah who made

Mohamed

exultant as Liverpool at last showed why they have consistently been City’s biggestthreat.

In a frantic finale, tempers boiled over and Kloppwassentoffbyreferee Anthony Taylor for his protests after he felt Salah was fouled but when temperatures cool he will be overjoyed by a statement win.

TherealLiverpoolstands up Liverpool went into this match with Manchester City in the rare position of underdogs at Anfield but, as so often in the past, they rose

by an assist from keeper Alisson.

The Egyptian showed he is still Liverpool’s matchwinner when he raced clear with Anfield expectant, and Ederson was unable to halt himonthisoccasion.

Liverpool’s false start to theseasonmeanstheyareoff the pace in the title race with Klopp, who was shown a red cardforvehementprotestsas tensions grew, already downplayingtheirchances.

The goal that decided the game was celebrated wildly, with justification, by Liverpool but City and Guardiola will be furious at

Unbeaten Madrid defeat Barcelona in Clasico to top La Liga

the vital contribution, racing ontoaclearancefromkeeper Alisson after Joao Cancelo’s slip to beat Ederson with a composed finish with 14 minutesleft.

Earlier, Ederson had produced a brilliant save to deny Salah in a similar oneon-one situation while City manager Pep Guardiola was furiousthataPhilFodengoal that would have put his side ahead was ruled out by the video assistant referee for Haaland’sfoulonFabinho.

This was not to be Haaland’s day, although he did bring two saves from Alisson, butAnfield was left

to the occasion in a thunderousatmosphere.

Klopp’s team were without key forward Luis Diaz and lost defender Ibrahima Konate to injury before the game, forcing 36year-old James Milner into the right-back role with Joe Gomez in central defence alongsideVirgilvanDijk.

Gomezshowedwhyheis so highly regarded by Klopp with an outstanding display which kept out City’s previously all powerful attack.

The game was settled by S a l a h ’s m o m e n t o f composure,onceagainaided

themannerofitsconcession.

City wasted a free-kick which ended tamely in the arms of Alisson, whose clearance was missed by Cancelo as he slipped, leaving Salah, who scored a hat trick in the 7 1 Champions League win at Rangers, to confirm he has rediscovered his best form withatrademarkfinish.

Results from Sunday 16thOctober2022

AstonVilla

Leeds

ManUtd

AFP - Reigning champions Real Madrid beat Barcelona 3-1 in the Clasico to overtake their fierce rivals at the top of La Liga yesterday

KarimBenzemaopenedthescoringinthe 12th minute by converting a rebound after Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved from Vinicius Junior, with Fede Valverde drilling home the second from the edge of the box before the break. Ferran Torres pulled one back for Barcelona in the final stages after good work by Ansu Fati, but Rodrygo won and converted a late penalty to ensure Carlo Ancelotti’s side inflicted Barcelona’s first domestic defeat of the season. Madrid ended the Catalans’ seven-game winning streak in the league and added to the still-raw pain of their struggles in Europe, where they are on thevergeofChampionsLeagueelimination. Barcelona, who spent heavily in the summer to try and catch up with their rivals, now trail them by three points. The Catalans had conceded just one league goal in eight games before the Clasico but shipped double

that tally in the first half, leaving Madrid as thedivision’sonlyunbeatenside.

“Weknewtherewouldcomeatimeinthe game where we had to suffer, because they movetheballwell,andthat’swheneachofus hadtogivemore,defendwell,andwedidit,” MadridmidfielderLukaModrictoldDAZN.

“Inattackwewereconvincing,wescored three goals and I’m very happy for our performance,Ithinkwehadagreatgame.”

After a damaging draw with Inter Milan midweek that left Barcelona’s European hopes hanging by a thread, Xavi made changes,includingJulesKoundereturningin place of Gerard Pique Last season

Barcelona’s best moment came at the Bernabeu, as Xavi’s side earned a surprising 4-0 win, but this visit found them at their lowest ebb since the Spanish World Cup winner took charge. “The feeling I have right now is that we’re in a negative dynamic where nothing is going for us,” Xavi told DAZN. “I can’t be happy with anything, losingintheBernabeu3-1isverybad.

Britain’s Evans wins first world title in women’s points race

Chelsea

Arsenal

Newcastle

(Reuters)-Britain’sNeahEvanswonher firstworldtitleinthewomen’spointsraceon the final day of the track world championships in Saint Quentin en Yvelines, France yesterday as the 32-year old delivered a last-gasp attack in a frantic race.

Britain's Neah

West Ham

Southampton

Liverpool

Evanswonthegoldmedalwith60points, finishingaheadofDenmark’sJulieLeth(53) and the United States’Jennifer Valente (51). Evans’gold came after she won silver in the women’s team pursuit earlier in this year’s championships.

“It’s not really sunk in yet. I’m full of adrenaline and excitement, but I’m delighted,”Evanssaidaftertherace.

“IdefinitelyfeltlikeIhadgoodlegsandI hadareallygoodgameplangoingin,soIwas quiteconfident.”

In themen’s eliminationrace,Italy’s Elia Viviani retained his title as New Zealand’s CorbinStrongtooksilverandBritain’sEthan Vernonwonbronze.

Dutchman Harrie Lavreysen earned his second gold of this year’s championships in the men’s sprint, with Australians Matthew

Richardson and Matthew Glaetzer grabbing silverandbronzerespectively

Germany’s Lea Sophia Friedrich defended her world title in the women’s Keirin as Japan’s Mina Sato won silver and Steffie van der Peet of Netherlands took bronze.

France won the men’s madison with BritainsecondandBelgiumthird.

Fede Valverde drilled one home from the edge of the box for Real.

Deontay Wilder knocks out Robert Helenius with single, devastating right hand

Boxing Junkie - That lookedfamiliar Deontay Wilder needed less than a round to win his first fight since 2019, obliterating Robert Helenius withasinglerighthandinthe finals second of the opening round Saturday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) wascomingoffback-to-back knockout losses to Tyson Fury, the first of which cost him his WBC heavyweight title.

Now, in the wake of just one more spectacular knockout in a career filled with them, he could fight for another world championship inhisnextfightortwo.

The opening round had

been uneventful, as a trimmeddown, quickWilder moveddeftlyaroundthering to size up the big Finn. The “Bronze Bomber” through a few power shots in the first two-plus minutes but none landed, the same of which canbesaidofHelenius.

Then came the sudden, dramatic ending. Helenius was charging forward and in the process of throwing his own right hand when Wilder beat him to the punch with his own short right to the nose and knocked him out cold.

There was no reason to count. Helenius lay on his back staring blankly into the rafters before finally regaining his senses several minutes later, when he

stepped dejectedly through the ropes and toward his dressingroom.

The official time of the stoppagewas2:57.

The victory obviously meant a great deal to Wilder, who hadnt had his hand raised since he stopped Luis Ortiz in seven rounds in November 2019. He became emotional during his postfight interview before settling into an analytical mode.

“When they fight Deontay Wilder, theyre going to come with their A+++ game,” said Wilder, who has sparred with Helenius. “I knew that from Robert. So I had to take my time, I had to circle around the ring. I wanted to be a

Netherlands sneak past UAE

mobile, hostile tonight. I set him up, allowing him to reach.And when he reached, Iattacked.

“It was a great fight. Robert,Iloveyouman.Icant waittosee.Andwhosnext?”

Three belt champion Oleksandr Usyk has expressedinterestinfighting Wilder even though he was expected to face Fury for the undisputed championship. If notUsyk,thenformerchamp

Andy Ruiz Jr has been mentioned as a potential foe. Anthony Joshua is another possibility

Usyk had indicated that he would attend the fight on Saturday but its not clear he wasthere.

“Ivebeenhearingrumors about Usyk but he aint in the building or is he?” Wider said. “Most of the time when guys say they want me and they come to a show of mine

and see a devastating knockout like that, they turn thecorneronme.

“Im down for whatever, whether its Andy Ruiz or whetheritsUsykofwhoever Lets bring it on. Deontay Wilder is back The e x c i t e m e n t i n t h e heavyweight division is back.

Theres no heavyweight division without Deontay Wilder Thatsafact.”

Namibia cause huge upset to beat Sri Lanka at T20 Wcup

GEELONG, Australia (AP) Namibia has beaten former champions Sri Lanka in a huge upset on the opening day of the qualifying tournament for the Twenty20 WorldCup.

The African nation secured a 55 run win over Sri Lanka after the 2014 champions won the toss and elected to field.

Sri Lanka now needs to win the remaining two games and hope bad weather doesnt wash out any of their encounters. Four teams from two qualifying groups this weekwillqualifyforthemaintournament.

Despite the defeat, Sri Lanka captain DasunShanakaremainedhopeful

“If you see in the Asia Cup, we had a similarstart

BBC Sport The Netherlands chased 112 to beat the United Arab Emirates off the penultimate ball The game also represented an upset as the Netherlands, who are ranked 18th in the world, got the betterof13th-rankedUAE.

It was a tame batting display from UAE, who struggledwiththetwo-paced nature of the pitch, with Muhammad Waseem topscoring with 41 off 47 balls intheir111-8.

Bas de Leede bowled beautifully, taking three wickets in the 19th over to finish with 3 19, while Fredrick Klaassen claimed 2-13. The Netherlands got off to a rapid start, racing to 37-1 after four overs, but they lost regular wickets throughout.

Colin Ackermann fell to 16-year-old Aayan Khan -

theyoungestplayertoplayin aMen’sT20WorldCup-but even at 71-4 they were in controlofthechase.

But the game swung the other way in the 13th over as Junaid Siddique removed Tom Cooper and Roelof van der Merwe to put UAE in control.

However, captain CP RizwandroppedTimPringle inthecoversinacostlyerror, as he went on to share 27 withcaptainScottEdwards.

Pringle fell in the penultimate over but Edwards, who finished unbeaten on 16, got his side over the line with Logan van Beek, who added a run-aballfour

Edwards said: “It was always a little nervy to the end, but it was just relief to getovertheline.”

Rizwan added: “It is completely heartbreaking

We knew it wouldn’t be easy to chase here, we told the boys that it was never over until the last ball and we almostpulleditoff.”

Namibia will now face the Netherlands, tomorrow, Tuesday(05:00BST)andSri Lanka will play the United Arab Emirates (09:00) in the nextGroupAgames.

Scotland and Ireland’s campaigns will start today, when they face the West Indies and Zimbabwe respectivelyinGroupB.

The top two sides from each group will qualify for the Super 12s, which start on 22 October The winner of GroupAand runner-up from GroupBwillfaceEngland.

Scores: Netherlands 112 for 7 in 19.5 overs (O’Dowd 23,Siddique3-24)beatUAE 111 for 8 (Waseem 41, de Leede 3 19) by three wickets.

In the second game of the day, the Netherlands topped United Arab Emirates bythreewickets

After Jan Frylinck and J J Smits seventh-wicket heroics batted them back into the match, Namibia defended its 163-7 with great bowling and fielding to dismiss SriLankafor108runsfrom19overs.

The win puts Namibia in the box seat to progress through the qualifiers and reach the Super 12 stage of the tournament, while Sri Lanka must now beat UAE and the Netherlands in its group

Sri Lanka sustained a blow in the morning of the game as promising left arm quick Dilshan Madushanka was ruled out of the competition with a torn quad muscle

He has been replaced by fellow left arm quick Binura Fernando, who will fly outfromColomboonSundaynight.

Victoria state has the largest Sri Lankan population outside the country and they turned up in numbers to support the team, bringing along with them a papare band a three piece group to perform native songs.

We lost badly toAfghanistan and then we raised our game and hopefully we can getinspirationfromthat,”Shanakasaid

It was Namibias first win against Sri Lankainanyformatofthegameandcaptain Gerhard Erasmus attributed the early successtotheteam’spreparation.

“We have been playing against teams like Zimbabwe in the lead up to World Cup and I guess that experience stood in good stead,”Erasmussaid.

Later, the Netherlands beat the United Arab Emirates in a last over thriller with the Dutch winning by three wickets with a balltospare

After the Netherlands restricted UAE to 111 8, they were expected to win without much trouble

However, fast bowler Junaid Siddique had other ideas and claimed three wickets to trouble the Dutch, who at one point slipped to 76 6

But captain Scott Edwards stayed until theendtoseetheDutchthrough.

Scores: Namibia 163 for 7 (Frylinck 44, Smit 33*, Madushan 2-37) beat Sri Lanka 108 (Shanaka 29,Wiese 2-16, Scholtz 2-18, Shikongo2-22,Frylinck2-26)by55runs.

Deontay Wilder needed less than a round to win his first fight since 2019, obliterating Robert Helenius with a single right hand.

Scott Edwards took his team home from a tough situation against UAE. (AFP/Getty Images)

GCBs 50-overs Inter-County

Beaton, Paul bowl E’bo into Tuesday’s final against B’ce

By Sean Devers at Providence

On a day blessed with brilliant sunshine, incisive fast bowling from West Indies pacers Ronsford Beaton and Man of the match Keemo Paul bowled Essequibo to an exciting 10runwinoverDemerarainthe final preliminary round of the GCBs senior 50-over tournament at Providence yesterday

Beaton (4-38) and Paul (4-50) conspired to dismiss Demerara for 146 in 31.1 o v e r s r e p l y i n g t h e Essequibos156from41.2.

Akshaya Persaud (36), LeonJohnson(29)andTevin Imlach (28) all got starts but could not go on for Demerara.

Kemol Savory followed up his first round ton with 66 from 119 balls with a single four while only Wasim Mohammed (22) reached 15 as leg-spinner Stevin Sankar had 3-43 to finish with nine wickets, while Renaldo Ali Mohammed (3 28) and Chris Barnwell (2 23) bowled well in a losing effort.

When Demerara began their chase they lost Tagenarine Chanderpaul LBW for a duck in the first over without a run on the board as Beaton, who

operated with genuine pace on a track that had dried out nicely Beaton, charging in under a blue sky then got rid ofJoshuaPersaud(13)at222andanicelittlegatheringin the Green Stand which included 10 U-17 cricketers from Golden Grove on the

thescoreto72beforeImlach edged Beaton to wicket keeperSavory Barnwell (3) was bowled by left-arm spinner Garfield Phillips five runs later and when Johnson, the leading run-scorer with 233 runs, pulled Paul to deep mid-

Essequibofanswitha48-run sixthwicketpartnership.

AkshayaPersaudstroked three elegant off side boundaries off Beaton in an over that cost 16 runs, while Rutherford(18)hittwofours and a six before he pulled Beaton to mid-on and when

Beaton had Looknauth (2) LBWat146-9.

Torrington joined Sankar andwasdroppedfirstballby Paul at second slip to deny Beaton getting the first fivewicket haul in the tournament. Abigshotfrom Sankar (2) went to long-on but he refused the single and was caught at mid-off next ball as Ricardo Adams put his team into Tuesdays day/night final when they face off with defending champions Berbice After the well-deserved win, the entire Essequibo team went tomeettheirfans.

the next ball to give Mohammedhisthirdscalpat 59-4.

Threerunslater,Anthony Adams was LBW for a duck as the experienced Barnwell struckagain.

Savory, not taking any undue risks, was joined by the aggressive Mohammed who played mostly the big shots with Savory contented to rotate the strike and run twos.The 100 came up in the 29thover

East Coast of Demerara and mostly Essequibo supports, weremakingplentyofnoise.

Imlach and the in-form Johnson played several enterprising shots and took

wicket at 88 5, the Essequibians were in the ascendancy

Sherfane Rutherford and

A k s h a y a P e r s a u d temporarily silenced the

P a u l b o w l e d A l i Mohammed (3) at 133-7 the gamewasinthebalance.

Askaya Persaud seemed a bit unlucky to be given LBWto Paul at 144-7 before

Earlier, Demerara asked Essequibo to bat on a fairly fast outfield and track which provided Tennis ball bounce due to the moisture and they were off to a bad start when Eknauth Persaud (1) fell to Barnwell at 8-1. Kevin Boodie, the only batter with a double century in 50-over Inter County cricket and Savory, took the score to 33 before Essequibo lost two wickets on that score Boodie(13)andKeemoPaul (0) were removed by AliMohammed in the same over RicardoAdams joined the rock solid Savory, who stroked Rutherford sweetly past cover for four as the 50 cameupin16.2.

But just after swatting Mohammed over mid-on for four,Adams (12) was caught trying to repeat the shot off

But with the score on 110, Mohammed, who deposited Looknauth for six, hit Sankar to long-on, as he playedinT20mode,whichis the only format played in Essequibo.

The big hitting Quentin Sampson could not repeat the heroics of his explosive 85atBourdaagainstBerbice and was dismissed by the impressive Sankar at 119-7, and Savory, who was batting doggedly, was in danger of runningoutofpartners.

Beaton hit Sankar back past his ankles for a b o u n d a r y b u t w i t h Essequibo on 144, Sankar had the last laugh when Beaton (7) was trapped LBW.

Savorys50camefrom96 balls with a single boundary before Looknauth had Neiland Cadogan (1) caught and bowled before removing Savory six runs later to end theinningsin41.2overs.

Kemol Savory sweeps during his carefully constructed 66 at Providence yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)

Askaya Persaud top scored for Demerara but Ronsford Beaton bowled Essequibo to a memorable win. (Sean Devers photo)

The Essequibo players celebrate with their vocal fans yesterday. (Sean Devers Photo)

GuyOil/Tradewind

Christianburg/Wismar regain the lead

Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) continued their solid form which propelled them back to the top of the points table in the Petra organised GuyOil/Tradewind Tankers

Under 18 Schools Football League, on Sunday at the Ministry of Education Ground.

CWSS brushed aside a hapless Cummings Lodge 4 0 to add maximum points to their tallies, which now stands at 12 points

They temporarily led the League with that win, before it was solidified following the results of the days final match between Golden Grove and Presidents College, w h i c h e n d e d i n a stalemate

Guyana secures Girls U13 Team title

Dolphinreject Friendship

Prior to the Golden Grove versus Presidents College encounter, both teams were on ten points each, but the stalemate meant they share points, and are now both on 11 points, in s e c o n d a n d t h i r d , respectively

In the other two matches, Dolphin produced a stunning performance a g a i n s t a d e p l e t e d Friendship unit, to win 6 0 while North Ruimveldt comfortably got the better of WestRuimveldt.

Dolphins victory started the days line up of matches Jequan Cole crafted a helmet trick with goals in the first minute, 34th, 51st and 68th minutes while a goal each came from Jamal Williams (58) and Daniel DeHaarte(68)

T h e m a t c h t h a t followed saw the Linden team being led by Demoll Warners brace (28, 69) along with a goal each from Kelvin Hintzen (26) and AmaniKing(34)

CWSS had to run without their coach for the second half of the

encounter after he was ejected by the referee on thebrinkofhalftime

North Ruimveldt got past West Ruimveldt in commanding fashion as goals from Hansjie Camacho, Omar Sam, Jevon Pluck and Jayden James, gave them the full three points which has kept them in contention for the title

However, North will be without Sam, a regular scorer, next match after he picked up a red card

After five rounds, CWSS lead with 12 points ahead of Golden Grove and Presidents College, both on 11 points, while North Ruimveldt trail closely in fourth with 10 points Cummings Lodge stills sit in fifth place with six points while Dolphin moved on to fivepointsinsixthplace. West Ruimveldt are in the penultimate spot with a point while Friendship, without points, cant seem to find their way out of the basement

A part of the action between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago in the Under-11 Team Championship

Guyana claimed their Girls Under-13 Team title of the Caribbean Region Table Tennis Federation (CRTTF) Mini and PreCadet Championship on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Homestretch Avenue.

The victorious female team, Guyana Team 1, which comprised of Jasmine Billingy and Samara Sukhai, met Jamaica in the final and prevailed 3 1. The athletes that battled on the Jamaican quad were Kayan DentonandKeearaWhyte.

In the Boys Under-13 Team event, St. Lucia defeated Trinidad and Tobago Team 1 in the semifinal round 3 1, while Guyana Team1progressedtothefinalwitha3 0win overJamaicaintheothersemi.

When St. Lucia and Guyana met in the

final, it was the visiting side that prevailed 2 3 over the home team. Guyanas team of Ebo McNeil and Malachi Moore played valiantly but were outdone in the end by Leshon FrnacisandManieEleuthere.

In the Boys Under-11 Team event, Jamaica reigned supreme over Trinidad and Tobagointhefinalewhichended3 1.

On Saturday, Guyana Team 1 lost to Trinidad and Tobago 0 3 in the semifinal round while Guyana Team 2 suffered the same fate in the other semifinal, at the hands overtheJamaicans.

TheChampionshipcontinuestodayatthe same venue from 9:30 am. The organisers have also disclosed that the medals presentation ceremony for the Team Championshipswillbedonetoday

CWSSs scorers (from left) Demoll Warner, Kelvin Hintzen and Amani King.

Dolphins scorers (from left) Jequan Cole, Jamal Williams and Daniel De Haarte.

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