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Friday Edition October 20, 2023 - Vol. 25 No. 42

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...Gaza hospital chief pleads after babies killed

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited Country Manager, Alistair Routledge

ExxonM exposed Audit report reveals ExxonMobil’s barefaced use of Stabroek Block revenues to cover expenses in Kaieteur and Canje Blocks FREE PALESTINE!

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Kaieteur News

Friday October 20, 2023

Friday October 20, 2023

Kaieteur News

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ExxonM exposed Audit report reveals ExxonMobil’s barefaced use of Stabroek Block revenues to cover expenses in Kaieteur and Canje Blocks T

By Kiana Wilburg

he second audit report on ExxonMobil Guyana Limited's expenses has found that during the period 2018 to 2020, the oil giant engaged in a brazen use of revenues from oilproducing projects in the Stabroek Block to cover expenses related to two other blocks—Kaieteur and Canje.

In the report—drafted by a local consortium Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. bolstered by the international support of SGS and Martindale Consultants— there was a meticulous breakdown of five instances where the Stabroek Block's financial resources were used for Kaieteur –a block Exxon walked away from this year –as well as Canje.

In the first instance, the report states that Exxon used Stabroek Block revenues to cover a permit fee for a Kaieteur Geotechnical and Geophysical Survey. When auditors made this discovery and roasted Exxon for such a flagrant violation of international best practices, Exxon agreed that it should not have occurred. As a result, auditors asked that the US$16,039 used to cover that survey be returned to the Stabroek Block cost bank. Auditors said this was done in October 2022.

In the second instance, auditors found that Exxon included its cost recovery statement for the Stabroek Block, 100% of the costs associated with an Emergency Response Study for oil spills from Guyana wells. Auditors said the Stabroek Block revenues should not have been used to cover 100 percent of this activity since the study looked at wells in the Kaieteur and Canje blocks. Auditors said Stabroek's share should have been 50% of the cost or US$ 32,575 while Canje's share should have been 25% or US$16,287.64 and Kaieteur's share 25% or US$16,287. Exxon was therefore asked to return US$ 32,575 to the Stabroek Block's account.

In the third case, auditors said Exxon charged the Stabroek Block's producing projects, 100 percent of the cost for various vehicles. Auditors said these vehicles were purchased in support of all the operator's Guyana

Map showing the Stabroek, Kaieteur and Canje Blocks.

(Note: Exxon announced in September 2023 that it pulled out of the Kaieteur Block) office, so charging operations, not just Stabroek, 100% of the more than hence the costs have to be US$6 million of allocated to all blocks. Auditors renovation costs entirely said they were verbally advised to the Stabroek Block's

by Exxon that the 100 percent account “is patently charge to Stabroek was proper inequitable.” because, paraphrasing, “the Auditors further reason the contractor was in the explained that basic country was because of Stabroek accounting rules hold operations.” that capital costs for Auditors said they argued assets that benefit against such a perverse multiple properties reasoning. should be charged to the They said while the Stabroek benefitting properties Block may be Exxon's major based on usage or other development at this point since ExxonMobil Guyana Limited Country Manager, Alistair Routledge metric over time.

11 billion barrels of oil resources “Under no circumstance have been unlocked, the oil giant should one property still explored for oil in Kaieteur In the fourth case, the auditors and Canje where additional said Exxon charged the account of bear 100% of the capital costs exploration activities are planned. producing Stabroek Block projects, simply because it was the first The auditors contended therefore 100 percent of the renovation costs property developed, because it is that since the vehicles are also used for Exxon's Duke Street office, larger, or because it is 'more to support activities related to the including upgrades, furniture, and important' than others,” auditors Kaieteur and Canje Blocks, Exxon setup costs. Auditors reasoned that said as they insisted that the must return US$404,285 to the Exxon operates all of its Guyana Stabroek Block account be Stabroek Block account. operations out of the Duke Street reimbursed with US$3,812,653.

In the fifth case, auditors found that Exxon charged the account of producing Stabroek Block projects 100% of the costs from Environmental Resources Management, ERM Guyana, and RPS Group for various studies on the impact of oil and gas operations on fish, bird, and turtle migrations, habitats, and survival. Auditors specifically stated that Exxon should have applied a 75% cost allocation for the studies to Stabroek and 12.5% each to Canje and Kaieteur. Auditors therefore urged Exxon to return US$1,391,902 to the Stabroek Block account. Overall, the five cases show that Exxon used US$5.6 million in Stabroek Block revenues to cover expenses that ought to have been applied to the books for the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks. The report with these damning findings is currently being reviewed by the relevant authorities.

Kaieteur News

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Friday October 20, 2023

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor-in-Chief: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Mr. Routledge’s rigmarole about ring-fencing The Chief Executive Officer of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (Exxon), Mr. Alistair Routledge, has weighed in on the merits of ring-fencing versus no ring-fencing of Guyana’s offshore oil projects. To paraphrase Winston Churchill, what Mr. Routledge did was deliver a rigmarole about no ringfencing to conceal possible corporate rogueries. It was Mr. Routledge waxing smoothly and richly, and which revealed much about what he and his company are about.

For starters, Mr. Routledge took the good soldier routine: “what matters to the government and the people are really maximizing the development of the resource and maximizing the revenue optimally into the natural resource fund and operating without the ring-fencing is what will help do that.”Mr. Routledge’s rank paternalism is rejected out of hand: leave maximizing revenue from its oil riches to the Guyana Government and Guyanese. Nobody can know that more than Guyanese, and nobody should take it upon himself to lecture locals regarding revenue maximizing priorities.

Do not try to foist no ring-fencing upon this nation because it helps to take care of Exxon’s visions about profitability, and how it manages and presents that publicly.

No ring-fencing provisions help Exxon to engage in expense management, possible expense smoothing, so that its financials present the best earnings light to those who watch that like hawks. No ring-fencing empowers Exxon to massage and manipulate expenses on projects to its advantage. As Mr. Routledge himself admitted, this “affects the timing of cash flows.” Call it what pleases, cash flows or earnings or income, but when such flows are timed to maximize the impact of the company’s profit picture, this is what an absence of ring-fencing makes possible. No ringfencing facilitates spreading out expenses over the life of several huge projects.

Rather interestingly, and most cagily, Exxon’s Mr. Routledge continued with this: “The potential downside of what we have seen from our experience is that in doing that [ring-fencing] what we can sometimes end up with is you strand resources because you tie a project and you say well there’s some resources outside of that ring-fence but on a standalone basis they are no longer economic or they struggle to compete for investment.”

He didn’t say that, cannot be saying that, given the enormously costly oil projects that the Government of Guyana has been pushed to approve one after the other, starting with Liza 3, 4, and 5, and with the sixth project now pending. The sixth oil project barreling towards approval is for US$12.9 billion, which is a massive amount for Guyana, one of its largest yet. In view of what Exxon’s studies have indicated relative to the billions of barrels of oil equivalents embedded in those projects, it makes no economic sense for Mr. Routledge to point to and speak of “some resources outside of that ring-fence…”. They either form part of the project with known reserves, or they are not ventured into because their returns would be unprofitable for both the operator and for Guyana. What we think that Mr. Routledge is doing is dangling mirages (“some resources outside”) to mesmerize Guyanese, as a rationale for no ring-fencing.

Further on the revenue maximizing point that Mr. Routledge spoke of more than once, and in different phrases, oil prices are now operating in a viable band above the US$80 per barrel threshold. Prices could increase or decrease, as has been the history of this choppy commodity. Sustained production cuts or demand destruction each have their positives and negatives. Hence, it makes sense to maximize Guyana’s intake now rather than in the future. New technology could make material inroads into oil’s near monopoly on energy needs. A new set of discoveries around the world could relax current supply restraints. An accord

It is better for Guyana to ring-fence each project DEAR EDITOR, The recent comments by the head of Exxon Guyana are true, but what he has not mentioned is the time value of money.

It is better for Guyana to receive the revenue earlier so as to be able to reinvest those funds and thus increase its value higher than what could be achieved

without ring-fencing a project.

In addition, if a project cannot be made attractive for an investment on a standalone basis, then it should not be pursued.

Without ring-fencing the other profitable projects will be used to subsidise the unattractive project, which will cause overall profits to

diminish. These are the underlying principles of Activity Based Cost (ABC) accounting.

For Guyana, this is unfavourable given the current structure of the profit-sharing agreement. In the case of Exxon, they will still recover the operating costs associated with the unattractive project.

The Ali administration must revisit and renegotiate this clause of the current PSA so as to maximize the value of the cash flows and profits obtained over the life of the projects.

Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

We must pursue peace to lead society toward development and prosperity DEAR MR. EDITOR, Thank you for the opportunity to publish this missive in your daily publication.

We must pursue peace to lead society toward development and prosperity.

The thousands of wars between nations that have occurred at various levels and during all periods are documented in history.

Living in a nation where our citizens are protected, our land belongs to us, and where we can go to bed at night in the blissful ignorance of not having to worry about our homes blown to pieces prevents us from actually understanding what war is. We will never really comprehend what it is like to be awakened by explosions and strikes or to see your loved ones crushed beneath the debris of your own home.

We will never be able to

comprehend how it feels to have our land, our house, possessions, and loved ones taken away while everyone else does nothing. We fall asleep to the sounds of frogs and crickets chirping, a gentle breeze, and the happy prospect of waking up in good health. But Palestinians cannot lead such a life.

In Israel and the Gaza Strip, we have seen unspeakable devastation and tragedy. There have been thousands of fatalities, injuries, and displacements.

But make no mistake, the newsworthy events of the present have been occurring for the previous century.

In Gaza, the UN has said that water, food, fuel, medical supplies, and even body bags are running out due to the siege.

Neighbourhoods have been destroyed and turned into complete rubble. Hospitals, places of worship and

refugee camps have been bombed. Palestinians in search of safety have nowhere to go. Many of those who relocated from northern Gaza to the south after the relocation order by the Israeli army were bombed as they attempted to flee.

The world can no longer wait to take action as the events of the past week have brought us to the brink of a h u m a n i t a r i a n d i s a s t e r.

People are being collectively punished and it is our collective responsibility to do something about it. We must call for a complete ceasefire. We must sign petitions and make donations to charities. We need to put pressure on our politicians to recognize the ethnic cleansing and genocide that is killing and uprooting Palestinians.

It is astounding how sensitive and naive people

have become, believing anything and anything without much consideration, inquiry, or comprehension. It is very hard to describe how disheartening it is to have to constantly demonstrate to humanity that people are worthy of having the right to exist in their own country. Of all, this is little in comparison to those who have been imprisoned and under occupation since 1948.

It is even more painful to have to rely on people of influence to use their platform in favour of Palestinians: in favour of the oppressed. And make no mistake, hand wringing about both sides and w h a t a b o u t i s m , equivocation, even silence, is not neutrality. It is taking a stance without the spine to call it that. Condemn the brutalization of bodies. By all means do. There is no (Continued on page 5)

Call for the Government of Guyana to immediately suspend all diplomatic and economic ties with Israel DEAR EDITOR, This is a call for the government of Guyana to immediately suspend all diplomatic and economic ties with Israel in light of its current and ongoing violence against the people of Palestine. Please note - this is not to ignore or endorse hostility towards Israeli civilians; targeting civilians must always be condemned and avoided, no matter how

righteous the cause.

However, Israel’s reaction to the recent Hamas attack displays an overwhelming lust for blood, a willingness to collectively punish a civilian population, and blatant violations of numerous international human rights laws and conventions.

In addition to indiscriminately slaughtering hundreds of

has been signed by Venezuelan politicians competing for power there, which could lead to the removal of US sanctions and a flood of Venezuelan heavy oil into the supply pipeline.

These developments, singly or in combination, could upend OPEC+ hostage taking and pressure oil prices downward.

The maximised revenue that Guyana was betting on could then be in jeopardy. This is why ring-fencing should be normalized now with each new project. Guyana needs more now, at least its suffering citizens do.

innocent Palestinians, bombing homes, schools, and hospitals, the Zionist Israeli government has also cut off all food, water, fuel, and medicine to the over two m i l l i o n l o n g - s u ff e r i n g residents of Gaza.

Additionally, there are reports that Israeli forces have used chemical weapons such as white phosphorusconsidered an incendiary weapon under Protocol III of the Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Certain Conventional Weapons.

Worldwide, peace and justice loving people have been speaking out against these genocidal actions and note is taken of the recent PPP statement calling for an end to this violence.

However, there is much

more that the Guyanese government can and should do to show true solidarity with the people of Palestine.

First would be to suspend diplomatic ties with the state of Israel. This would send a clear signal to Israel that its horrific violations of international human rights law are unacceptable and will not be condoned. In this David vs Goliath struggle in the Middle East, Israel enjoys overwhelming support from numerous Western/European nations, many of whom have long histories of domination, land grabbing, exploitation, and genocide themselves, here in our Caribbean region.

H o w e v e r, G u y a n a i s becoming increasingly (Continued on page 5)

Kaieteur News

Friday October 20, 2023

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Simona Broomes continues to pursue justice for the disadvantaged DEAR EDITOR, On Sunday October 8, 2023, the doors of the venue at Utica Avenue in Brooklyn, New York opened revealing a spacious room with primarily notable Guyanese from the US diaspora. One could not miss the ambience of the Hills restaurant as guests of the Broomes Foundation mingled. Soulful music filled the venue where a life-sized poster of Guyanese heroine and women’s rights advocate, Simona Broomes stood prominently.

The event saw the networking of Guyanese of calibre and social standing; many women who are known for their social and political advocacy were in attendance. Other special attendees included CGID president Rickford Burke and NAR’s chairman, Errol J. Lewis among others. The woman of the moment, Simona Broomes greeted and mingled with those present with graciousness and warmth. Persons at the function referred to her as the ‘president Guyana is ready for’. Judging from the large number of persons at the

event, one can correctly surmise that the Broomes Foundation and its founder is no doubt very popular with our Guyanese brothers and sisters in the United States of America.

Simona Broomes is a lady amongst women, a champion for justice and an advocate for humanity. She was born and raised in Bartica, Guyana as the last of sixteen children. She is the proud mother of three and a doting grandmother. More truly however, she is a mother to hundreds.

As a successful and respected miner with an impressive operation, Broomes was first a trail blazer for other women in the extractive industry. Her entry into politics began during the time of Hugh Desmond Hoyte, the late president and leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R). Simona Broomes joined the Regional Democratic Council in Region 7 and became a champion for small-scale miners in Guyana; she founded and chaired the Omai Small Mining Committee.

Call for the Government of Guyana to immediately...

From page 4 powerful and visible on the world stage; that power should be used in the service of justice, locally and globally, not for personal e n r i c h m e n t o r aggrandizement. Economic ties with Israeli companies should also be suspended.

Business cannot continue as usual while millions of innocent civilians are being massacred, displaced, and collectively punished.

Some Guyanese may know that the Ministry of Agriculture signed a MOU with an Israeli company last year to develop a hydroponic project, and that the Chairman and some staff ofDemerara Distillers Ltd.one of Guyana’s leading private companies- visited Israel earlier this year to meet with senior officials from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and finalize a project for the establishment of a dairy farm in Guyana.

Israel also has a stake in Guyana’s oil industry- Ratio Guyana Limited, a company whose parent company is Israel-based, is a jointventure partner of ExxonMobil subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production

Guyana Limited (EEPGL) in Guyana’s offshore Kaieteur Block.

By tying bundle with the Israeli government and these Israeli companies, Guyana has entered into partnership with a nation guilty of massive human rights violations- violations that have been accruing for decades. Of course, similar allegations can be made against other countries that Guyana also has economic ties with - China, the United States of America, Russia, Saudia Arabia, Quatar, the Dominican Republic, etc., and similar arguments made for the severing of those connections as well.

One knows that’s a lot to hope for. But as justiceloving individuals, we must not hesitate to ask those who lead and represent our nation to do better, to demonstrate real moral leadership and true solidarity with the Palestinian people, not just pay lip service.

Come on, GOG- put your money where your mouth is.

Suspend diplomatic and economic ties with Zionist Israel now, and call on other nations to do the same.

Respectfully, Sherlina Nageer

Following the attempts of the new government to demolish small-scale miners, she led a shutdown in Bartica that earned her a membership on the Special Land Use Committee (SLUC).

Broomes was successful in touching the lives of people and earning an epithet “heroine.” However, it was not until she founded the Guyana Women Miners Organization in 2012 that she truly epitomized that epithet. Frequenting the hinterlands, and witnessing the discrimination and abuse of women, and human trafficking of young girls and boys, Broomes determined to expose these atrocities in the hidden parts of Guyana.

After 25 years as a miner, she established the Guyana Wo m e n M i n e r s Organization (GWMO), a volunteer membership and advocacy organization with two main objectives: 1) to empower women miners and address the economic discrimination and physical intimidation and abuse that they encountered and 2) to eradicate trafficking in persons thereby protecting those vulnerable.

The GWMO was the first organization of its kind comprising miners advocating on a crosssection of social and economic issues.

Broomes worked relentlessly to engage the government, the

international community, and the media to raise public awareness of human trafficking in Guyana, identify traffickers, promote the establishment of shelters in remote mining communities for victim care, improve law enforcement, and increase job training for women in mining.

During this time, Broomes overcame being targeted by the authorities, ostracized by misleading publications and even physical assault.

Revered as one of our national heroines with an international reach, Broomes has worked with the United Nations, International Development Bank (IDB), and the United

States, Canadian and British Governments. She became a member of the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Gender Equality Group in 2012 and continued her phenomenal work after becoming a member of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

This pioneer established the first home for trafficked girls in Guyana with the aid of the Mercy’s Sisters and the Catholic Church.

C o n s e q u e n t l y, h e r exceptional humanitarian efforts were so dynamic that the State Department of the United States of America celebrated her with their prestigious TIP Hero Award (Continued on page 6)

We must pursue peace to lead society toward...

From page 4 justification for killing. But if you are going to condemn one side, then it is worth asking yourself if brutalization is acceptable to you. Tell the truth to yourself without discrepancy and own it.

Do not try to obfuscate the whole thing with talks of complex histories and religious scriptures.

Palestinians are tired of trying to prove their existence. Do you stand with Israel? You stand with oppressors. You stand for apartheid. You stand for genocide. You stand for racism.

You stand for ethnic cleansing. You stand with colonizers. Acknowledge the fact that you are leaning to the side of the oppressor. If you cannot be equitable, be honest.

That reckoning is internal. It is not one that Palestinians are responsible for facilitating. There is no need to pull statistics about sieges, illegal settlements, white phosphorus war crimes or data on the

assassinations of Palestinian journalists. The truth is all there! They are written in the headlines: Israelis “killed”; Palestinians “dead”. The diasporic Palestinians are too exhausted from functioning in countries hell-bent on erasing and mystifying context. The Palestinians are too exhausted to even survive.

Yo u r r e l u c t a n c e t o wholeheartedly support Palestine, your deafening silence in the face of the e x c r u c i a t i n g s u ff e r i n g endured by the Palestinian people, and your adamant refusal to label Israel for what it undeniably is - a heartless, colonialist, settlerdriven apartheid state implicates you deeply in the problem. Your voice and stance wield extraordinary influence, so I implore you to dive deep into the unfiltered truth. Do the research. Do the work. Refuse to be ensnared by the falsehoods perpetuated by Western media, which almost ALWAYS aligns itself with Israel’s interests.

It is time that we extend

the liberating truth of justice to yet another marginalized voice in society; that we leverage the expertise and willingness of an elite institution with a capacity for empathy towards the Palestinian struggle for freedom. If we allow this neglect of Palestine to revel in blissful ignorance any longer, we undercut any movement, domestic or international, focused on opposing state-sponsored brutality.

As Martin Luther King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” It is about time that we rally around this c o m m i t m e n t t o intersectionality - around the Palestinian struggle for freedom. As Nelson Mandela said, “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of Palestinians.”

It is about time that we start holding each other accountable for the neglect of the Palestinian identity and for reducing the Palestinian cause to hushed discussions.

It is about time that we start talking about Palestine.

Civilians are not bargaining chips. The cycle of violence against innocent civilians needs to stop.

We leave with you a heart-wrenching poem by the Palestinian Poet Mahmoud Darwish. The war will end. The leaders will shake hands.

The old woman will keep waiting for her martyred son.

That girl will wait for her beloved husband. And those children will wait for their heroic father. I don’t know who sold our homeland. But I saw who paid the price.

Respectfully, Nazar Mohamed

Kaieteur News

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Where was the supervisor when contractor bungled Black Bush Polder pump station project? Mahipaul questions …says firm paid full $21M sum to overlook project Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Ganesh Mahipaul on Thursday questioned the role of the consultancy firm which was hired by the Ministry of Agriculture to design and supervise the construction of the $987M pump station at Black Bush Polder (BBP), Corentyne.

“What exactly was Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services supervising?” Mahipaul asked as he noted that the firm, Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services, which was contracted by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) at a cost of $21,712,000 to design and supervise the construction of pump station, was paid in full before recommending termination of the contract on September 25, 2023.

O n We d n e s d a y, Mahipaul hammered Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha over the termination of the project noting that the decision was “short-sighted” and that taxpayers stand to lose more than $38M as a result.

Later on Wednesday, the minister the Opposition MP of “lacking technical knowledge” on the issue, while noting that he provided “misleading” information on the issue.

Yesterday Mahipaul responded to discrepancies which the Ministry of Agriculture identified as being among the factors why the project was terminated.

“The Ministry of Agriculture in a response to my findings surrounding this project claims that the concrete compressive test showed that the concrete strength did not meet the standard which would require the steel rods that were installed being removed and that the concrete will be broken out and steel rods replaced,” he

Opposition MP, Ganesh Mahipaul. said.

In addition, he pointed to discrepancies which the ministry alluded to regarding the reinforcement of the pile caps. “It was observed that no dowel bars were installed on a number of piles even though casting was ongoing,” he said adding that the spacing between the reinforcement bars was inconsistent with the drawings. “This further compounded noncompliance with technical specifications and construction drawings for the project,” he said.

G i v e n t h e inconsistencies, he questioned the whereabouts of the consultant when the errors he identified were made by the contractor.

“Why was the contractor allowed to place the cagelike formation of steel rods consisting of both one-inch and three-quarter inch corrugated steel rods spanning the entire concrete base if the concrete strength did not meet the standard which would require the steel rods to be placed there?” he questioned.

Mahipaul said the Ministry of Agriculture must be held accountable for the

financial losses which will occur as a result of the termination of the project by the NDIA. “With $21, 712, 000 paid to the consultant, over $38M in steel-rods deteriorating via rusting at a fast rate and millions yet to be paid to the contractor for completed work and materials on site, the Ministry of Agriculture must be held accountable for bad contract management and wasteful spending of taxpayers’ money,” he said.

One billion to complete As regards re-tendering the project, Mahipaul said that by his estimation, over one billion dollars will have to be paid to a new contractor to “correct the errors and complete this project.”

He said the estimated cost excludes, “the millions that will have to go towards the consultancy firm for supervision again.”

He added too that the ministry has not addressed the “financial implications” the termination of the project will have on the taxpayers.

“But I wish to make it abundantly clear that I am not interested in engaging in tit-for-tat politics with Minister Zulfikar Mustapha,” he said.

The Opposition MP said he contacted Mustapha my phone to arrange a discussion concerning the pump stations throughout the country. “Regrettably, to date, the Minister has not provided me with a suitable date and time for this conversation. Consequently, I feel compelled to seek answers through public channels,” Mahipaul said.

(Continued on page 9)

Friday October 20, 2023

Concerns regarding NPTAB DEAR EDITOR, I write to express my profound disappointment and growing concern over the recent distribution of 287 road projects in New Amsterdam, Region 6, by the Ministry of Public Works.

The allocation of these projects, as revealed, has raised serious questions about the fairness and transparency of the National Te n d e r B o a r d a n d P r o c u r e m e n t Administration.

It has come to my attention that these projects were primarily awarded to supporters of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC), including individuals with questionable backgrounds and those who clearly lack the necessary qualifications for such significant undertakings. The allocation of projects to individuals involved in fraudulent activities, theft, and improper financial conduct, as mentioned in my previous sentence, is a disheartening display of mismanagement and misjudgment.

Furthermore, it is deeply disconcerting to learn that the very individuals entrusted with the responsibility of governing our nation have permitted such nepotism and favoritism in the procurement process. The allocation of contracts to individuals due to political affiliations and personal relationships, rather than merit and experience, undermines the principles of fairness and accountability that should be upheld in the awarding of public contract.

The fact that veteran contractors, who have demonstrated their competence and expertise over the years, were neglected in

favor of inexperienced newcomers further accentuates the glaring issues with this procurement process. The exclusion of seasoned contractors like Chris Jagdeo, who have a proven track record in favor of new entrants with little to no experience, is indeed perplexing.

Equally alarming is the revelation that some engineers are reportedly demanding 10% of the contract sum to guarantee work for certain contractors. Such unethical practices only serve to erode the public’s trust in the integrity of the procurement system.

Additionally, it has been brought to my attention that contractors with a history of substandard work, such as SAWA, were awarded contracts valued at significant sums, which raises questions about the quality and value for taxpayers’ money.

In light of these revelations, I strongly urge the Public Procurement Commission to conduct a comprehensive investigation into these matters. It is essential to restore public confidence in the transparency and fairness of the procurement process.

The citizens of this nation deserve a procurement system that prioritizes merit, experience, and the best interests of the public over political affiliations and personal connections.

I implore the Commission to rectify these issues promptly to ensure that our tax dollars are allocated judiciously and in a manner that serves the best interests of our communities and our nation as a whole.

Sincerely, Jim Jones

Simona Broomes continues to pursue...

From page 5 in 2013. This was presented to her by Mr. John Kerry, then Secretary of State.

Broomes soon realized that for positive change to occur and last, it needed to be institutionalized, so she campaigned with A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition in 2015 at the national elections.

Her party was elected to serve the people and she was appointed Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection; she was appointed a position where she could directly implement the necessary changes to amputate injustices wrought on the vulnerable people in Guyana. She would have been able to champion those who felt helpless and hopeless. In six months, Broomes achieved what the previous government had not in twenty odd years of governance; she instructed the payout of one hundred and eleven million dollars to more than one thousand unrepresented workers. Under the APNU/AFC administration, Simona Broomes also served as Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency.

In 2017, the Broomes Foundation was formed as a family initiative to keep their social responsibilities foremost. The motto of the foundation is building a bridge to equality for the marginalized and misrepresented. The Broomes Foundation is a non-governmental, non-profit entity tackling major issues such as poverty, human trafficking, education, youth development, and environmental protection. Environmental protection became another passionate topic of Broomes following successful completion of the Harvard Executive Course on Climate Change. The Broomes Foundation initiatives

now undertaken cannot be quantified.

Simona Broomes has been recognized and honoured by numerous groups and entities around the world for unmatched empathy, passion and powerful actions. She was acknowledged by the Women of Mission International. She was recognized with a citation from New York Senator for empowering women and girls through her activism. More recently, Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake presented Broomes a general assembly citation on behalf of the citizens of the 34th New Jersey Legislative District. In 2018 she received the Sydney Allicock Global Humanitarian Award for her humanitarian efforts.

Ambassador Clyde Rivers, founder and President of iChange Nations (ICN), was so impressed by her work and her unremitting dedication to the disadvantaged and dispossessed that he bestowed upon her The Global Peace Award, that organisation’s highest global award. Similarly, in acknowledgment of a life lived in the service of humanity, the Hon. Simona Broomes was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Society and Human Rights on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. Simona Broomes is the personification of Martin Carter’s lines, “I sleep not to dream, I dream to change the world.” She has always dreamt to change the circumstances of vulnerable people.

Without a doubt, her legacy will continue to grow. Here is a woman of distinction, honoured internationally for her courage to fight for justice, admired for being merciful and loved for remaining accessible and humble.

Sincerely yours, Norman Browne Social and Political Activist

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Friday October 20, 2023

Kaieteur News

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

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

That 20% is equivalent to 120 oil blocks.

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

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

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

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 8 10

Friday Monday October May 02, 20, 2022 2023

Guyana is the only place where Exxon awards contacts for unapproved projects - ExxonMobil ExxonMobil, the largest shareholder in the Stabroek Block is so confident in the regulatory systems of Guyana that the company has had no qualms in awarding US-multibillion-dollar contracts in the absence of the relevant project approvals.

In fact, the company's Country Manager, Alistair Routledge said all it needs to do is provide the right “material” and “answers” to government to make the system “dependable”.

Routledge was on Tuesday responding to a question from Kaieteur News during a press conference about its practice of awarding

contracts outside the relevant project approvals when he explained: “the procurement process is separate from the regulatory process. All we are doing there is going through and aligning in such a way that we are ready to move forward as of when we receive regulatory approval.”

The Exxon official told reporters that while there is risk with making such huge investments prior to receiving government's blessings, the company sees it as an “acceptable risk” since they believe the process to be “dependable” when it comes to sanctioning projects in the Stabroek

Block.

“So yes, we are taking a little bit of risk on our side because the FDP (Field Development Plan) hasn't been approved, but we view that that's an acceptable risk given that we've seen the kind of regulatory process its dependable as long as we provide the right material, the right answers to the government then we found that to be dependable,” Routledge said.

He was keen to note however that Exxon may not take such investment decisions in other countries since it does not share the same confidence of a

dependable process elsewhere. Only last week, this newspaper reported that Dutch shipbuilder, SBM Offshore has been awarded a multi-billion dollar contract to perform front end engineering and design (FEED) for Guyana's sixth floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. That ship is expected to work for ExxonMobil's sixth deepwater oil development project in the Stabroek block, Whiptail.

This award was done by Exxon before it submitted its Field Development Plan (FDP) on the US$12.9B project to the government for

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited Country Manager, Alistair Routledge review. This means that the project is still under consideration by the local authorities. This award came as no surprise to those keeping a watchful eye on the company's operations over the past few years since the fifth FPSO shipbuilder, MODEC was also paid US$115M ahead of government's approval.

In January this year, Exxon also handed out yet another contract for its fifth project- Uaru- in the absence of regulatory approvals. It was reported that Strohm B.V, which is headquartered

in the Netherlands revealed that it received a contract from Exxon to supply 24 jumpers (pipes and pipe connections) for the Uaru field development which will produce 1.3 billion barrels of oil over the course of 20 years. In 2021, the oil giant awarded Netherlands-based, SBM Offshore contracts for the fourth FPSO, to operate the Yellowtail project before it was approved. Likewise, with the Payara project, the Prosperity FPSO got underway prior to the necessary regulatory approvals.

Kaieteur News

Friday October 20, 2023

PAGE 09

A bundle of contradictions and a handful of broken promises Consistency in a government’s actions and keeping its promises is a rare commodity. And this is all the more so in terms of the PPP/C’s management of Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

Consistency lends to credibility. Promises made in opposition must not be treated casually because it is these promises which cause people to elect a government into office. The PPP/C’s management of the oil and gas sector has been a bundle of contradictions. It has also been characterised by the backpedaling on commitments it has made when in Opposition.

While in opposition, the PPP/C lambasted the APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change) for signing a Production Sharing

Agreement (PSA) with oil companies that was lopsided. The PPP/C, hungry for change, promised to renegotiate the contract once t h e y c a m e t o p o w e r.

However, as fate would have it, the PPP/C swiftly changed its tune when it assumed office in August 2020. It invoked the sanctity of contracts as its primary rationale for not pursuing a renegotiation. This abrupt Uturn left many in the Guyanese public bewildered and disillusioned.

While in Opposition, Vice President Jagdeo, a key figure in the PPP/C, was vocal in his criticism of the absence of ring-fencing for the Liza 1 project. Ringfencing is a standard practice in the oil industry, which isolates the financial performance of individual

oil fields to ensure that profits from one field do not subsidize losses or exploration in another. But the irony lies in the fact that, once in government, the PPP/C has failed to ringfence successive field development projects in the Stabroek Blocks.

W h a t f u r t h e r complicates this already twisted narrative is the draft revised Production Sharing template developed by the PPP/C for the development of future oil blocks. In this revised template, the government insists on ringfencing, a move that appears to contradict its actions regarding the Stabroek Block. Even more perplexing is the government’s attempt to now shift the narrative by claiming that the absence of

Dem Boys Seh...

De dress code for schools needs putting right Dem boys seh, it’s time for a dress code revision in our public schools! These young children are strutting into school like they’re on a fashion runway, and it’s time the Ministry of Education stepped in to set things right.

Back in dem boys’ days, we had a simple dress code – no fuss, no muss. Our trousers were made from soft fabric, not like the hard pants some of these boys are wearing today. And bellbottoms? Forget about it!

We didn’t even dream of it.

But now, it’s not about bellbottoms; it’s all about tightbottoms! These pants are so snug; they look like they

were spray-painted on.

And what’s with the socks’ situation? Back in the day, you had to wear shoes or boots, none of them fancy sneakers. And your socks?

They had to be black for boys and white for girls. But some of these kids today are wearing neon-coloured socks, patterned socks, and socks that probably have a satellite dish attached. The socks are so loud; you can hear them from a mile away.

Now, let’s talk about the girls. Back then, their skirts or dresses had to be at least an inch below the knees. You had to dress modestly. And, of course, undergarments

were non-negotiable – no one wanted to see your private collection.

Back then lipstick, nail polish and jewellery were outlawed. We need some consistency and uniformity in the dress code. It’s time for the Ministry of Education to step in and put their foot down.

Let’s bring back the good old days of sensible attire, where students look like they’re going to school, not to a fashion show. It’s time to ditch the tightbottoms, neon socks, and short skirts and get back to basics.

Talk half. Leff half.

Where was the supervisor when...

From page 6 “The fundamental point in all of this backand-forth is that, when we entrust billions of dollars to contractors who are inexperience, it places a heavy burden on taxpayers, resulting in wasteful spending. Ensuring that contracts, particularly for technical projects such as the construction of these pump stations, are awarded to experienced contractors is of paramount importance. Therefore, strict adherence to the Standard Evaluation Criteria is not just a preference but an absolute necessity,” he added.

Proper functioning NPTAB In addition, he noted that the issue reflects on the functions of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and the Procuring Entity. “The Procurement Act of 2003, Section 39 (3), explicitly states that the procuring entity shall, if it concurs with the Report of the Evaluation Committee, publicly disclose the name of the tenderer

identified by the Evaluation Committee as the lowest evaluated tenderer,” he said.

Mahipaul said if the procuring entity disagrees with the Evaluation Committee’s determination, it shall issue an advisory recommendation to the committee regarding which bidder should be considered the lowest evaluated bidder. He said the Evaluation Committee shall take that recommendation into account.

Earlier this month, Mahipaul issued a call for a probe into several pump station contacts across the country which he said were way behind schedule.

The project at BBP, which was undertaken by Yunas Civil and Building Construction, was expected to be completed

by April 23, 2023. The contract was awarded by the NPTAB in 2021. Mahipaul said that only 14% of the work had been done but 20% of the contract sum had already been disbursed.

ring-fencing in the Stabroek Block has long-term benefits for sustainable oil production. This assertion is made while still maintaining the position that Guyana has a narrow window in which to exploit its oil resources. The doubletalk is a confusing and acts as a smokescreen for the failure to demand ring fencing in the third, fourth and fifth field development plans that have been approved for the Stabroek Block.

This lack of consistency i n t h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s approach to oil contract is detrimental to the nation’s reputation and its ability to attract future investments.

International oil companies carefully evaluate the stability of a nation’s regulatory framework before committing to projects. The glaring contradictions and backpedaling by the PPP/C regime will send worrying signals to potential investors that some investors are favoured more than others.

The double speak on ringfencing will further confound future investors.

The absence of ring-

fencing for the Stabroek Blocks puts Guyana at a disadvantage. Without ringfencing, there is a risk that profits from more profitable oil fields being diverted to compensate for losses in others, ultimately depriving the nation of the full financial benefits of its oil reserves. International experts have already advised the government to move ahead with ring- fencing.

Guyanese must demand consistency from their government. The PPP/C regime must be held accountable for its promises and commitments made while in opposition. It is on the basis of those commitments and promises that presumably it was elected to office. It is crucial for Guyanese citizens to advocate for the implementation of ringfencing for projects in the Stabroek Block. This would safeguard the nation’s financial interests and provide greater revenues for the development of the country. Guyana could benefit from independent oversight or audits of its oil

contracts and agreements to ensure that the interests of the nation are protected. The government must actively take into consideration the views of persons who are experts in the petroleum sector.

The PPP/C regime’s conspiracy of contradictions and backpedaling on its commitments regarding oil contracts is a cause for concern. The present stance poses risks to the nation’s economic well-being. This is why it is important for Guyanese to come out and to demand consistency from their leaders. The implementation of ring fencing for projects in the Stabroek Block is not just a matter of financial prudence.

It is about ensuring that Guyana’s maximizes the benefits of its oil wealth.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Friday October 20,2022 2023 Monday May 02,

H@RD TRUTHS CHRIS RAM, SHELL PLC AND GUYANESE

BY GHK LALL

S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

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LAL

Mr. Christopher Ram, Chartered Accountant and attorney-at-law, has written at least two letters, and contributed to one news article about two transactions involving Exxon and Shell plc. One was in 2009, the other was in 2011.

Together they encircled 50 percent of the now world famous Stabroek Block.

The transactions are revealing in that there is no record of either in the accounting books of Exxon or Shell, plc. Whatever these two commercial transactions meant at the

core, of one thing all Guyanese should be certain, they had to represent considerable amounts of money moving from Shell to Exxon, in whatever from (arrangements or schemes) such took. Yet, not a single Guyanese has stepped forward and asked: what the hell is happening here?

Why is this so? Where is the Government of Guyana on this? Why is everybody on an unending roll of thunderous silence?

I would think that those Guyanese who call themselves superpatriots would be up in arms. The

conclusion from this corner is that superPACs jump the line in front of superpatriots.

Don’t do anything to rub Bharat Jagdeo the wrong way. Don’t say anything that would rock the Exxon aircraft carrier docked in Guyana. Don’t open mouth or pick up pen that could result in isolation, demonization, and criminalization. The PPP Government and its top henchmen and their hatchet men are good at all those actions that drive fear into Guyanese; plus, there is always the pocket to consider, and how the flow

could dry up.

The two transactions between Exxon and Shell plc have generated neither phrase nor syllable from the l i k e s o f M r. A l i s t a i r Routledge, and his team of spinmeisters and googley artists. Perhaps, this was one of those cases of a cosmically ordained “systems glitch.” Whatever they are, those two deals between Exxon and Shell plc were not free, but highly probably amounted to many American millions. Exxon does not giveaway anything for free, not when a competitor is in the mix.

Unless there was some corporate conspiracy hatched that dismissed the rights of these C&N (think slurs) people, which seems more in keeping with Exxon’s standards.

Even if the dealings were on a contingency setup, then the Guyana Government had to have been made aware beforehand, and to issue its seal of approval both times. Surprisingly, even that aspect of this scheme is not commented about, have not generated any feelings of anger at how this partnership relationship has been practised. If Exxon did communicate timely in the proper format, then it would, indeed, be shocking if the Guyana Government were to give its blessing (twice) and with nothing coming into this country’s coffers then, or when Exxon finalized its accounting records. Mr. Routledge did sell this nation on the integrity of those records, so it would be most helpful if he could consent to clear the air on what went wrong, and why the books are blank.

That is, unless there is that Black Swan development, which is that Mr. Ram got his marbles all mixed up, and he is now imagining things.

I, for one, would dismiss out of hand any information forthcoming from any Exxon source that the Shell plc deals were of some unique structure that resulted in no money on the execution of the deals, nor anything at all thereafter. To explore or prospect or do any kind of work in Guyana’s Stabroek is a privilege, and it is not Exxon’s to divvy up and dole out according to the contrivances and possible caprices that find favor with sophisticated corporations.

This is the unthinkable that is unrecorded, and which is now unmentionable. By anybody from anywhere, ranging from Mr. Routledge (Exxon) to VP Jagdeo (Guyana) to the punditocracy (media) to the

ministry (natural resources) to the hangers on and soup suckers (social media), now all struck dumb.

I would have thought that this massive national patrimony was looked upon by locals as something to be watched over vigilantly, as if were a sacred duty. Half of the Stabroek Block sliced off and made to dance at Exxon’s dictates, and 800,000 Guyanese comport themselves as if under fearful siege, like some imperiled brethren in the tensest part of the Middle East right now. Still, it would be encouraging to hear or read one Guyanese from the PPP side of the local mental ghetto, one from the PNC corner of the domestic squatting area, possessing some nuts, by simply saying, asking, what’s going on? What did Exxon and Shell plc secretly work out between themselves, and what kind of stink and ‘dutty’ fix the two corporate leviathans put on Guyana?

I feel stained by writing about this. But the thick blanket of silence in today’s Guyana stands as a testimony to the tragedy that is this country.

For it discloses in the most blinding of terms the value that Guyanese place on the national patrimony that is theirs. To grovel and crawl before Routledge is a blessing for most Guyanese.

To prostrate self under the heel of Jagdeo is celestial happiness for almost every citizen of Oil Guyana. Chris Ram did some donkey work to unravel the Exxon-Shell puzzle (still unsolved).

Perhaps, I am a bigger jackass for even caring anymore.

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

Thursday Friday October November 20, 2023 24, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11 19

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Friday October 20, 2023

Kaieteur News

Govt. prepared to head to arbitration over US$214M costs T

he Government of Guyana (GoG) has made it clear that it will not be engaging in any settlement with ExxonMobil over the US$214million in questionable costs flagged by British auditor, IHS-Markit.

On Thursday, during his weekly press conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was asked by this newspaper whether government has considered settling the dispute with the oil giant given how tedious the process has been and the fact that Guyana will be required to cover the costs of Exxon's legal defence.

To this end, Jagdeo informed that the GoG has been guided by two sets of advisors on the matter that have both recommended that the US$214M sum be returned to the cost bank.

This means that the US$214M will be split as profits, which will allow Guyana to receive US$107M while Exxon will enjoy the other US$107M.

Consequently, Jagdeo asserted, “I don't believe there is scope at this stage for settlement especially given the magnitude of reduction.”

He explained, “Exxon is talking about moving from US$214M to US$3M and if we settle with that, then it's only half of that we get and so those figures are not palatable at all.”

As such, the former Head of Stated noted, “We may have to go to arbitration.”

Meanwhile, he told reporters that government has not done an assessment of what the arbitration process would cost.

He however pointed out that he believes this is the fittest method.

“Given all that has happened, I think you need an independent third party on this.

If you settle on any figure, say US$214M with Exxon people will say oh you caved to Exxon, if you settle at US$3M, it is worse so a third party is needed to deal with all of these issues. We

- Jagdeo should not engage, I think, in any negotiations,” the VP said.

The US$214M figure was first flagged by the Consultancy Group, IHS Markit.

That audit was awarded since September 2019 by the former Coalition administration.

It reviewed the expenses of the company incurred between 1999 and 2017.

Following the leaked audit report, it was reported that the Ministry of Natural Resources engaged in an “unauthorized process” that saw the reduction of the questionable sum from US$214M to US$11M and then to US$3M. The Ministry was forced to conduct an investigation which found that one of its officials, Senior Petroleum Coordinator, Gopnauth

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo Bobby Gossai, engaged Exxon in reducing the disputed sum.

Government has since indicated that it will be adhering to the technical advice from the GRA regarding the audit.

The process of arbitration is required under the terms of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with the Exxon consortium.

Annex 'C' of the PSA at Section 1.5 (b) states “…In

the event that an audit claim by the Minister is not settled to the Minister's satisfaction by the Contractor's reply as provided for above, the Contractor shall be entitled to recover any disputed amounts pending final resolution of the claim…”

The agreement also states that Exxon can provide reasons justifying the costs, but government would have to head to international arbitration to reclaim these

sums. Upon the resolution of the issue, Guyana would be repaid with interest, if the country is successful in its challenge.

However, all the legal fees incurred for both parties would be borne by the state.

Guyana has agreed to submit its dispute to the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) for arbitration before three arbitrators – pursuant to the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States.

Research by this newspaper found that the institution was established in 1966 for legal dispute resolution and conciliation between international investors and States.

It is parented by the World Bank Group.

Read more about arbitration in the link below: https://www.kaieteurnew sonline.com/2023/04/12/dis pute-settlement-over-oilexpenses-can-take-up-toone-year/

‘Be wary of land - Housing fraud traps’ Ministry The Ministry of Housing on Wednesday urged members of the public to be wary of fraud traps in relation to house lot allocations.

A former policeman, now taxi driver, of Eccles New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 charged with fraud when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court.

It is alleged that between March 1 and July 26, 2021 David Singh conspired with person (s) unknown to defraud Kuntie Kumarie of the sum of $2,815,000 while pretending to be employed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority and promising to help her acquire a plot of land.

Singh pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before Magistrate Rhondel Weaver and was granted bail in the sum of $150,000. Bail conditions include lodging his passport at the court and reporting to the Criminal Investigation Department every two weeks pending the trial, a statement from the Ministry of Housing said.

Singh was caught due to collaborative efforts between the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Ministry of Housing's Enforcement Department.

Meanwhile, in the statement, the Ministry said that all legitimate house lot transactions are done via its main and regional offices.

In an effort to curb the fraudulent practice, the Ministry said, “Please be reminded that

Released on bail: David Singh all legitimate house lot allocation or sale of turn-key homes are done at the Ministry's main Office, Regional offices and announced Dream Realise events, where official receipts are issued.

The Ministry does not conduct transactions, be it sale of land or housing unit through any third party.”

Kaieteur News

Friday October 20, 2023

PAGE 13

Jagdeo critical of Opposition's "dangerous" remarks on Venezuela border controversy Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday criticized Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton and Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan over their recent comments on the Venezuela/ Guyana border controversy which he described as “dangerous” and “irresponsible.”

During a press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo refuted the claims made by the two leaders who on Tuesday at a joint press conference expressed grave concerns over the uncontrolled influx of Venezuelan refugees.

Alluding to the recent threats by the Venezuelan government which criticized Guyana's decision to hold a licensing round for offshore oil blocks while accusing the country of violating international law, Norton and Ramjattan expressed concerns about the protection of Guyana's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Norton noted, “we believe that there are several

critical issues to be addressed. We remain alarmed over the continued influx into Guyana of refugees from Venezuela and the PPP government's inept and treacherous response to the situation.”

He added that “the influx and uncontrolled integration of refugees” can also facilitate the placement of fifth columnists and operatives into key government, military, and leadership positions both at the local and national levels, and thus achieve a “soft invasion” of the country, with far-reaching implications to the country's security, independence, and nationhood.

The Opposition also expressed fear over the possibility and reality of the PPP seeking to register refugees as electors to gain voters.

On Thursday, Jagdeo said it is important for the country to maintain its diplomatic stance on the matter, given the fact that the Guyana/Venezuela's border controversy case is still

before International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The former President said it is critical for the country to keep in solidarity, and nothing should undermine it.

“This matter is before the ICJ and for Ramjattan to read a false statement from {activist} Benschop and Adam Harris and then converts into something that is before the ICJ is a very dangerous thing to do.

Because by implication we

are saying that there has somehow been a different position by the political parties here in Guyana,” he said.

In government and outof-government, the PPP had a national consensus on these matters, Jagdeo said.

He said the government's position on the issue cannot be altered, noting that Venezuela's claims to any part of Guyana's territory “are spurious.”

As such, Jagdeo said that

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo Guyana must continue to resist Venezuela's advances to draw the country into

dispute.

Jagdeo noted that a (Continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Friday October 20, 2023

Govt. signed $8.8B in road contracts for Berbice ...says able to fix more roads than ever before

Government on Wednesday signed contracts to the tune of $8.8B for road works in Berbice.

Some 287 community roads will be constructed as part of the massive project.

The Department of Public Information said that the works will be carried out by 200 contractors. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh explained to those gathered at the event that it might seem like a simple signing ceremony but 'an initiative that will see 287 roads in communities across the length and breadth of Region Six being

rebuilt and, in some cases being rebuilt for the first time, by any stretch of the imagination, the construction or reconstruction or rehabilitation of 287 roads in a single Region is a truly momentous occasion.” “…and I believe that the people of the beneficiary communities are already seeing the impact of these investments,” Dr. Singh added noting that 'many of you know, you've seen me in your respective villages. I have had the privilege of going to communities and witnessing roads that previously were dams… many of them never

having been in receipt of the benefit of a finished surface - and I have gone back and seen how the construction of a road where previously there was a dam, the immeasurable difference this makes to communities.”

The finance minister reminded that as a result of the responsible and prudent management of Guyana's economy, Government is able to fix more roads than ever before and to fix them more quickly. “It takes careful management of the resources of the country to ensure that we are able to earmark resources at this (Continued on page 22) Some of the contractors signing their contracts

Kaieteur News

Friday October 20, 2023

PAGE 15

Calls mount for Guyana, CARICOM to cut diplomatic, economic ties with Israel over war International lawyer Melinda Janki and social activist Sherlina Nageer have joined former President Donald Ramotar in calling on the Government of Guyana and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to take a stand on the IsraelH a m a s Wa r a n d c u t diplomatic and economic ties with the State of Israel.

In a letter carried in Thursday's edition of the Kaieteur News titled 'Guyana must now demand that Israel complies with international and humanitarian laws', Janki said, “We cannot and must not be silent when the government of one state seeks to dehumanize and exterminate a different people. Guyana must now demand that Israel complies with international and humanitarian laws, and Guyana must break off diplomatic relations with Israel until Israel does so.”

Janki noted that after the 'Six Day' War [Arab-Israeli] in 1967, the United Nations (UN) Security Council passed Resolution 242 which e m p h a s i s e d t h e “inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war”. She said the goal of international law is peace adding that UNSC 242 said that a joint and lasting peace required the “Withdrawal of Israel armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict.”

“There will be no peace until Israel respects international law and ceases its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory,” Janki stated.

The 2004 Advisory of Opinion on the Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stated that: (i) “The construction of the wall being built by Israel, the occupying Power, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, and its associated régime, are contrary to international law.” (ii) “Israel is under an obligation to terminate its breaches of international law; it is under an obligation to cease forthwith the works of construction of the wall being built in the Occupied P a l e s t i n i a n Te r r i t o r y, including in and around East Jerusalem, to dismantle forthwith the structure therein situated, and to repeal

or render ineffective forthwith all legislative and regulatory acts relating thereto…” (iii) Israel is under an obligation to make reparation for all damage caused by the construction of the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

Janki stated that, “Hamas and Israel should be condemned for breaching international humanitarian law and bombing civilians.

Israel should also be condemned for using white phosphorous an incendiary material which burns humans and animals to the bone. The Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of I n c e n d i a r y We a p o n s prohibits its use against civilian populations.”

The international lawyer revealed that half of Gaza's population are children, and Palestine noted that Israel has killed one Palestinian child every 15 minutes since the bombing began. Further, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that Israel has carried out attacks on 41 health facilities. This represents another breach of international humanitarian law.

On Tuesday an Israeli strike at Al-Alhi Hospital in Gaza City killed more than 500 Palestinians, the sick and the injured, as well as children and the elderly.

Janki noted the Israeli Times report that quoted Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian, Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, saying that “Human animals must be treated as such. There will be no electricity and no water [in Gaza], there will only be destruction. You wanted hell, you will get hell.”

“We cannot and must not be silent when the government of one State seeks to dehumanise and exterminate a different people. Guyana must now demand that Israel complies with international law and international humanitarian law. And Guyana must break off diplomatic relations with Israel until Israel does so,” said Janki.

Meanwhile, Nageer in a letter published in the Kaieteur News today titled 'Call for the Govt. of Guyana to immediately suspend all diplomatic and economic ties with Israel' called on the Government of Guyana to “immediately suspend all diplomatic and economic ties with Israel in light of its current and ongoing violence

against the people of Palestine.”

Nageer said that Israel's reaction to the recent Hamas attack “displays an overwhelming lust for blood, a willingness to collectively punish a civilian population, and blatant violations of numerous international human rights laws and conventions.”

“In addition to indiscriminately slaughtering hundreds of innocent Palestinians, bombing homes, schools, and hospitals, the Zionist Israeli government has also cut off all food, water, fuel, and medicine to the over two m i l l i o n l o n g - s u ff e r i n g residents of Gaza.

Additionally, there are reports that Israeli forces have used chemical weapons such as white phosphorusconsidered an incendiary weapon under Protocol III of

the Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Certain Conventional Weapons,” said the activist.

Nageer said that the Guyanese government can and should do more to show “true solidarity with the people of Palestine.”

“First would be to suspend diplomatic ties with the state of Israel. This would send a clear signal to Israel that its horrific violations of international human rights law are unacceptable and will not be condoned. In this David vs Goliath struggle in the Middle East, Israel enjoys overwhelming support from numerous Western/European nations, many of whom have long histories of domination, land grabbing, exploitation, and genocide themselves, here in our Caribbean region.

H o w e v e r, G u y a n a i s becoming increasingly powerful and visible on the

world stage; that power should be used in the service of justice, locally and globally, not for personal e n r i c h m e n t o r aggrandizement.”

Further, Nageer called for economic ties with Israeli companies to be suspended.

“Business cannot continue as usual while millions of innocent civilians are being massacred, displaced, and collectively punished. Some Guyanese may know that the Ministry of Agriculture signed a MOU with an Israeli company last year to develop a hydroponic project, and that the Chairman and some staff of Demerara Distillers Ltd. - one of Guyana's leading private companiesvisited Israel earlier this year to meet with senior officials from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and finalize a project for the establishment of a dairy farm in Guyana.

Israel also has a stake in Guyana's oil industry- Ratio Guyana Limited, a company whose parent company is Israel-based, is a jointventure partner of ExxonMobil subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) in Guyana's offshore Kaieteur Block,” she said.

Nageer urged, “Come on, GOG - put your money where your mouth is. Suspend diplomatic and economic ties with Zionist Israel now, and call on other nations to do the same.”

“By tying bundle with the Israeli government and these Israeli companies, Guyana has entered into partnership with a nation guilty of massive human rights violations- violations that have been accruing for decades…But as justiceloving individuals, we must (Continuned on page 22)

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Friday October 20, 2023

Bartica teacher sent on leave for allegedly assaulting student over white socks A male teacher attached to the Bartica Secondary School, Region Seven was sent on administrative leave this week after a video surfaced on social media showing him assaulting a student over the colour of his socks, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand disclosed.

The video, which went viral on Wednesday, showed the confrontation in a classroom where other students were present at the time.

The issue arose after the male student wore white socks to school which is not in keeping with the school's dress code.

The dress code is that female students wear white socks while male students wear black.

The 23-second video showed the teacher aggressively pushing the student down into his seat before pointing a Tsquare in his face. “I getting serious with you. Yuh wasting meh time hey, take off the socks,” the teacher was heard saying in the video before he began to hit the student with the T-square.

The student then attempted to get up from his seat but was pushed down to his seat twice by the teacher.

The teacher then grabbed hold of the student's left foot in an attempt to get the student's footwear off, but he eventually pushed the child again which caused him to fall on the floor.

After falling to the floor, the teacher then proceeded to take off the child's boots in an aggressive manner before removing the white socks.

In response to the video, the Minister of Education shared on her Facebook page on Thursday that, “I am aware of the video of the teacher beating and toppling the child off his feet from the Bartica Secondary School.”

She revealed that following the incident, an investigation was launched and she promised that it will be thorough and fair. “In the meantime, the teacher is off the plant as he had been sent on administrative leave,” she stated.

In her post, the minister went on to state that generally; there are very specific rules on how and why discipline in the form of strokes can be administered.

The purpose of those rules is to avoid excesses and abuse of children, and that they must be followed, she mentioned. “I also believe the time is ripe now for us to have a look again at whether we want to continue to allow corporal punishment in schools.

And if we do what the possible options can be for parents. As a parent, I would like to opt out of having my children whipped. I must be allowed that,” the minister commented.

Screen grab from the video in which teacher could be seen confronting the child at the Bartica Secondary School.

Friday October 20, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

Friday October 20, 2023

Kaieteur News

The illegal items found in the barrel

Shipping company manager held as police probe guns-in barrel bust The manager of a shipping company has been taken into custody as police investigate the interception of a barrel containing several guns as well as drugs at the Laparkan's bond at the Cheddi Jagan Airport.

Eight 9mm pistols and 11.2 pounds of Cannabis sativa were found by law enforcement officials in a

barrel posted into the country.

The discovery was made during a routine customs check done at the bond at about 13:15hrs.

According to a police release, a 36-year-old Customs Officer was on duty at the Laparkan Bond, located at Timehri Road, when she examined a blue plastic barrel (Continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

Friday October 20, 2023

Bandit shot, mowed down by victim during failed robbery A 21-year-old security guard was arrested on Thursday night after he was shot to his right leg by a contractor who was moments earlier attacked and robbed by three men at a restaurant at the Success Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to the police, the 29-year-old contractor who is also a gold miner, of Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was attacked and robbed around 20:27 hrs on Wednesday at the Classic Chinese Restaurant at Success Railway Embankment, ECD. Police said the victim was relieved of his licensed 9MM pistol by three identifiable male suspects who walked into the restaurant and attacked the man and others. One of the bandits was armed with a firearm. The police noted that the victim was imbibing with his father and friends when he observed the three suspects. The bandits rushed into the restaurant and one of the men who was armed with a handgun, pointed same towards the victim while demanding his valuables and cash.

During a scuffle for the

victim's firearm, one of the bandits was shot in his right leg. The men then ran out of the restaurant in a western direction with the victim's firearm.

Police said the victim used his vehicle and chased after the injured bandit who had the man's firearm in his possession at the time. The victim observed the bandit heading south along the roadway on foot and drove his vehicle into the suspect, which caused him to sustain further injuries.

The victim then retrieved his firearm with 15 rounds and reported the incident to the police.

Police said the injured suspect was arrested and he was subsequently identified as a security guard of 'B' Field, Sophia. The man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was admitted as a patient under police guard.

Police detectives combed the area where the incident occurred and retrieved closed circuit television (CCTV) footage for analysis.

The victim's firearm and ammunition were lodged as further investigations are ongoing, the police noted.

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Friday October 20, 2023

Absence of data hindering poverty reduction efforts in the Caribbean The absence of up-to-date poverty and inequality data in the Caribbean leaves thousands, if not millions, unseen and unheard, undermining progress toward improving lives and ending poverty. This is according to Economist Marla Dukharan.

On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we emphasize the urgent need to measure poverty in order to inform corrective policy measures, ensuring that no one in the Caribbean is left behind, Dukharan said in an OP:ED .

According to the economist, in the Caribbean, understanding poverty and exactly who is affected and how, in order to inform corrective policy measures, is inhibited by the absence of data.

Many Caribbean countries simply do not

collect the data to measure and monitor poverty and inequality.

A World Bank study carried out in 2015 showed that nine Caribbean countries were data deprived, meaning they had one or less poverty estimates available within a ten-year period. The recommended frequency is 3-5 years (see chart showing the latest poverty data available by country).

This situation has not changed much since 2015. In 6 out of 18 countries in the Caribbean, national poverty estimates are available only for the 2000s.

With the exception of Jamaica, which has a long history of monitoring poverty on an annual basis, and the Dominican Republic, the most recent poverty estimates are between 5 and 7 years old. In several countries, socio-economic

- Economist information such as unemployment rates and demographic characteristics, is also not collected regularly.

Unless we have up-todate poverty data, we are unable to measure progress toward poverty reduction and may in fact be heading toward higher levels of poverty and inequality.

Without the data, we are also unable to develop effective policies and interventions that address poverty, and social welfare spending could end up missing the mark completely.

Caribbean people suffered severe socioeconomic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and their households were hit by yet another shock when living costs increased sharply

in 2022. Evidence from phone- and online-based surveys conducted by development partners in recent years suggests that these shocks hit the poor and vulnerable the most, leading to rising inequality which is very visible now and a direct cause of poverty as the two reinforce each other in a vicious cycle.

The 'CARICOM Food Security & Livelihoods Impact Survey' showed that, when faced with rising food prices in 2022, low-income households in the Caribbean were much more likely to reduce essential expenditure in health and education or sell productive assets to meet food needs than those betteroff. Such coping behaviors reinforce inequality.

On the other hand, higher

levels of inequality can perpetuate poverty if power is concentrated in the hands of a few and limits access to opportunities or basic needs for those who need it the most. We need the data, and we need deliberate policy action to break this cycle so many are stuck in.

More frequent household data can also be used to improve our resilience to climate change and natural hazards, for instance, by combining household data with climate and hazard data for vulnerability assessments that can inform targeted policies.

In the context of higher debt levels, the absence of recent poverty data means poverty may be less of a policy priority, but when poverty policies are implemented without sound data and evidence, they are less likely to be successful, resulting in wasted resources. The Caribbean simply can't afford to continue along this path Caribbean people deserve better.

The Capacity Gap Statistical capacity in the Caribbean is lower than in other world regions globally, as measured by the Statistical Performance Indicator.

Many Caribbean countries struggle with weak statistical capacity and low data usage, which reinforce each other.

Limited capacity means that the quality of the data can be poor and outdated. In addition, countries sometimes opt not to disclose poverty data based on political sensitivities, which hampers policymaking to improve the lives of the most vulnerable.

The bank said some Caribbean countries have made efforts to address aspects of the data gap. For example, initiatives like the World Bank funded OECS Data for Decision Making Project, the Caribbean Development Bank's Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment Project or Statistics Canada's Project for the Regional Advancement of Statistics in the Caribbean have been implemented with the support of development partners. However, if we are to end poverty by 2030, the following needs to be considered: 1.Commit to regular and comprehensive data collection on poverty and key socio-economic indicators.

This includes conducting

household surveys, censuses, and surveys to gather information on income, living conditions, employment, education, and healthcare access.

Governments must budget appropriately to conduct these surveys, and the development community can support these efforts by providing additional funding, capacity building and analytical support.

2. Invest in the capacity of national statistical offices and policy analysis units.

This includes adequate staffing of statistical offices and providing training and resources to staff responsible for data collection, analysis, and reporting.

3. Promote data transparency and accessibility. This includes making key indicators of surveys and poverty estimates available online and through public events, strengthening the legal framework for microdata dissemination and investing in microdata repositories for safe storage and dissemination.

Poverty projections conducted for the Caribbean by the World Bank and, insights from phone and online surveys conducted during the pandemic, suggest that the Caribbean may not be making material progress with poverty reduction.

Although poverty is expected to be on a declining path since its spike in 2020, in most countries it is believed to still be above prepandemic levels.

There is much work to do to help the poor and vulnerable recover from the pandemic and ensure that there will be no long-term impacts on the welfare of future generations who suffered from severe disruptions in education and health services during the pandemic. It is now imperative that leaders, in collaboration with international organizations and civil society, seize this opportunity to collect and transform data into meaningful action, leaving no one behind.

At an individual level, we all need to advocate for governments to conduct and share assessments of poverty and the corresponding outcomes.

By advocating for greater openness and transparency, we can contribute to the reduction of poverty and improved Caribbean lives and livelihoods.

Kaieteur News

Friday October 20, 2023

PAGE 21

Shipping company launches “Less than container load” service

The Tropical Shipping staff following the launch of the service on Thursday at its Water Street location.

A section of the operations on the Muneshwers’ wharf on Water Street.

Local company, Tropical Shipping, on Thursday launched its “Less than container load” service between Puerto Rico to Guyana.

The service, according to

the company, caters for the large influx of trade from the country’s growing economy.

Glenis Hodge, Country M a n a g e r o f Tr o p i c a l Shipping, who spoke during the launching of the service

at the company’s office at the Muneshwers Wharf on Water Street, said the service caters the shipping of small loads.

“This service is being done to help facilitate trade,

because even though people come from San Juan to Guyana with containers, I know there are many people out there who would like to bring less than container loads to Guyana from San

Errant contractors to face legal proceeding for incomplete, substandard work on public projects - AG

A

ttorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC said the government will be imposing strict actions against errant contractors who have been causing substantial disruptions with incomplete and substandard work on public projects.

Nandlall made the announcement during his programme ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday.

He explained that at a recent Cabinet meeting; the government made a resolute decision to take robust measures against contractors who fail to fulfill their contractual obligations.

“These are contractors who are issued with contracts from the government and, for whatever reason, have been breaching those contracts causing tremendous delays in the execution and completion of public works across the country, stalling the government’s infrastructural development drive,” Nandlall said.

In order to tackle this problem, he stated that the Ministry of Finance has been given instructions to expeditiously carry out an audit to identify contractors who are not in compliance.

Once identified, this information will be transferred to his office, noting that he has been explicitly instructed to inform the errant contractors of actions to be taken,

A section of Leguan Stelling

enforce liquidated damages as permitted by contract terms, and commence legal proceedings for contract violation.

“We cannot continue to have contractors not discharging the contractual obligations in accordance with the contractual specifications.

Government will not tolerate substandard work and breach of contracts from contractors who are paid billions of dollars to discharge their contractual obligations,” he said.

He continued: “Contractors who are performing well and who are discharging their contractual obligations have no reason to worry.

The delinquent ones, however, that delinquency will attract certain legal consequences and the government intends to move

strongly and swiftly in that direction.”

The Government of Guyana has been working to hold contractors accountable for failing to finish their projects within the allocated period.

One such project is rehabilitation of the Leguan Ferry Stelling.

Recently, the Ministry of Public Works accused the contractor, Sattrohan Maraj of S. Maraj Contracting Services, which was contacted for undertaking works to the Leguan Stelling, of attempting to extort money from the government for the project.

The ministry said the entity missed another contractual deadline to complete the structure, six years after the contract was signed under the previous APNU+AFC government.

Earlier this month,

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill revealed the contractor requested more money from the government to complete the project despite the fact that a previously agreed-upon cost had already been approved.

The contract for the rehabilitation of the stelling was signed in 2018 and since then, the contract sum has increased from $413 million to $607 million.

H o w e v e r, M i n i s t e r Edghill said, “a decision will have to be made if Mr. Maraj cannot finish what is to be done. There are many contractors in this country that can get the job done; we don’t have a shortage of contractors.”

The new deadline for the completion of the project was reset for July 2023; that date has also passed with no sign of the work being completed in the near future.

Juan,” she said.

She noted that the transit time of the shipment is 9 days, and when considering the distance between the two ports, she described the period as “an excellent transit time, to get your things together.”

Hodge further noted, “We’re always looking for ways to bring more trade in; we’re always looking for ways to connect to our shippers and our consignees.”

She said the company is aware of the trade market and since there is cargo in San Juan and a need for same to be shipped to Guyana, the company decided to bridge the gap. Maria del Mar Rodriguez, Assistant Vice President Hispaniola and USVI Islands at Tropical Shipping said that the company is excited to launch the service. “What a great way to connect the Caribbean and provide an additional service,” she said.

“Customers can just deliver their cargo to our warehouse anywhere between Monday to Friday, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm and we just need a copy of a commercial invoice or the declared value of what we’re shipping,” she said.

In addition, she noted that customers can make

bookings online via the c o m p a n y ’s w e b s i t e tropical.com – and upload all their documents.

“The consignee in Guyana will be able to see if their cargo was actually received by the warehouse automatically,” she added.

She went on to say that Puerto Rico has many suppliers of goods from Guyana, adding that the entity has systems in place to support this system of reciprocal trade.

President of Tropical Shipping, Mark Lopez, said that the service compliments its existing service.

“We’re excited about it.

This complements our existing 6-day transit of the United States on both LCL and SAL, and on 3-day transit from Trinidad. We’re very excited to be adding services as the need requires here in Guyana.”

He said that next year the company will be celebrating 30 years of weekly service in Guyana and it will partner with Guyanese importers to help build the economy and provide a seamless supply chain. At Thursday’s event, the company’s officials said the firm is proud of their track record.

They noted that the firm is proud to support Guyana’s evolving petroleum sector.

More than 300 households to benefit from Government 30,000 solar panel project More than 300 households in the Mabaruma Sub-region are to benefit from solar panels as part of the government’s 30,000 solar panel project.

This information was disclosed in a release issued on Thursday, by the Ministry of Housing and Water. The Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, led the distribution exercise along with Regional Chairman,

Mr. Brentol Ashley and other regional’s on Wednesday.

Notably, some 97 solar panels were distributed in Imbotero, 22 in Morawhanna, 58 in Hobodeia, 68 in Hostoquai, 55 in Assakata, and 12 in Lower Koriabo.

In addition to that during the Minister ’s visit to Hotoquai, he handed over a tractor to the Village Council.

PAGE 22

Friday October 20, 2023

Kaieteur News

Shipping company manager held as police probe...

From page 18 sent to a female of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice. The sender is a male from the Bronx, New York. The barrel was shipped by BL Abrigo Shipping LAZA, located in Brooklyn, New York, with a local address at Third Street, La Penitence, Georgetown.

On examination, it was WANTED

VACANCY

erty for sale in Tain Berbice.

25 Million Call: 648-9248 / Whatsapp 347-228-5754

Visa Application to Canada and U.S.A, graphics design, advertisements,USA passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 6267040.

Wood working for neatly made spindles and moulding One CRV Honda, $3.3M neat 196 third St. Craig E.B.D LAND FOR SALE gotiable and 1 Toyota Allion, Telephone: 673-2779 615-0940 $3.350 M, fully loaded im- Prime commercial land for Repairs at affordable maculate condition, low mile- sale @ Camp St, G/town. p r i c e s : F r i d g e , A i r age . Contact: 649-0956.

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VEHICLES FOR SALE

one green lunch bowl, 31 small transparent containers, 25 small containers, eight 9mm pistols with magazines (with serial numbers filed out), and five bulky transparent plastic parcels containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be Cannabis which, when weighed, amounted to 11.2 pounds.

A 32-year-old female

manager at BL Abrigo Shipping LAZA, who resides at Success, East Coast Demerara went to the bond to ‘clear’ the barrel on behalf of the company, was interviewed by investigators and was taken into custody.

Police took custody of the barrel, along with the narcotics. Investigation is in progress.

Calls mount for Guyana, CARICOM to cut diplomatic...

East Bank Electrical is now hiring Electrical Engineer, From page 11 Outside Sales Staff & Counter not hesitate to ask those Sales Staff. Call: 604-6394, who lead and represent our sales@eastbankelectrical.com nation to do better, to Vacancy Exist For two Expe- demonstrate real moral rienced Dispatcher At Con- leadership and true solidarity fidential Cabs. Call: 231- with the Palestinian people, not just pay lip service,” she 5784, 231-4001, 231-4000.

Vacancy for Security Guard stated.

Recently, Former and Gardener at CJ's Ice Business. Meal allowance & at- President Donald Ramotar tractive salary offered. Call: made a call on CARICOM to sever diplomatic ties with 614-7231.

Israel. In his letter published Office Assistant needed. Rein the Tuesday, October 17, quirement: CXC, speak and 2023 Edition of this write fluent English. Call: newspaper he said, “While I 667-8684. Email: quincyp@ support Caricom’s statement, pettonassociates.com, Cc: I do not believe that it went nickeshab@ pettonassociates.com FOR RENT Junior Accounts Clerk needed. Must have English Recently constructed 4 & Maths and knowledge in storey building at Parika in QuickBooks. Apply @ the business district, two mikeswholesaledepot and a half floors available. @yahoo.com or @ their lo- Call: 699-4513. cation.

Ground floor Kingston (BarHibiscus Restaurant 91 rack St). Camp and North Middle St. North Georgetown Road (first floor), perfect for hiring cook, Kitchen office, boutique, restaurant, assistant,driver,server. Con- etc. Call: 227-8478. tact 231-5857,604-0857 / hibiscusrestaurantgy@gmail.com Living and Business Quarter for rent at James and For a canter/ truck Driver (part Hunter Street. For more intime) to work in Georgetown, formation Call: 674 0614. ages 35-60 years. Call: 667Bottom flat three bedroom 3933/ 600-5992. apartment, located 173 D Vacancies exist for 1 site ForeEccles Old road. Contact: 660man please contact us at 4330 To buy black spandex fabric contact@kallco-gy.com 3-bedroom unfurnished & Heavy duty surger.Call WBD property for rent. Wifi, 672-5175 parking available. Contact WANTED Office assistant681-7261.

5 CSEC O’ Levels,Computer Upstairs & Downstairs 2 bedLiterate, Prior experience room, 2 driveway, Lot 1919 an asset Agricola section "c" Herstelling. ECD. FOR SALE scaffmanguyana@gmail.com Whatsapp 602-4378 or call 696Wanted Scaffolders & Train- Farm produce for sale: plan- 1994 ees Prior scaffold experience tain, lemon, cayenne and an asset. Training will be pro- apple banana. Every Thursvided Agricola day from Pomeroon.Call: scaffmanguyana@gmail.com 688-0417,223-5273,600-5370.

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discovered that the barrel contained a quantity of clothing, five footwear, thirteen bottles of Moët champagne, two bottles of Hennessy, one body scrub, two bottles of peanut butter, five bottles of body oil, five tubs of body butter, five queen size floral bed sheets, one XBox with one control, three packets of small zip lock bags,

far enough. After all, our region is one of the last areas where colonisation flourished.

How can we take the position of blaming both sides with a greater bias for the Israeli regime? I wish to urge Caricom leaders to show some backbone and denounce this war.

I urge that the region

breaks diplomatic relations with Israel. We must stand with the Palestinian people now!” Ramotar also lashed out on the country’s civil society saying he is “extremely disappointed to see the almost dead silence in our society as some of the worst human rights violation, ethnic cleansing and the horrific killings that is taking

place in the Gaza Strip as Palestinians, men, women and children are dying like flies.”

The armed conflict between the two states earlier this month has seen hundreds if not thousands dead and a large number of other severely injured as several buildings on the Palestinian side were bombed.

Jagdeo critical of Opposition’s “dangerous”...

From page 13 responsible opposition would have never engaged in such a conversation.

During his press briefing, the VP refuted claims that large numbers of Venezuelans were being registered to vote in future general and regional elections. According to him, the opposition is inventing another excuse to blame for its defeat in the next general and regional elections which are due in 2025.

“Now, the new bogeyman is the group of people who are here now, the Venezuelans

who are here; that somehow they are being registered across the country in large numbers by the People’s Progressive Party and they will determine the next elections,” he said.

He provided figures to support his position, “The latest registration figures dating back to January 1, 2023 show a total of 13,679 persons – 8,698 persons in category A and 4,981 in category B were registered,” he said.

“We’ve seen no evidence about Venezuelans

overrunning our registration system or anything of that sort,” Jagdeo added.

“Clearly APNU knows they are going to lose the 2025 elections. I think they know this.

Internally, the discussions have taken place in their camp and they know they’re going to lose the elections,” he said.

On Tuesday, Norton expressed the fear of Venezuelans holding significant votes in Guyana and eventually holding the balance of power in the country’s general elections.

Govt. signed $8.8B in road contracts for...

From page 14 level to be able to invest in infrastructure in the manner in which we are doing,” Dr. Singh emphasized.

“If you examine the composition of the Budgets during the APNU/AFC years, versus the composition of the Budgets during the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) years in Government, there is one very distinct difference…until 2014 when we were in government and would have appropriated our last budget there was a particular trend and that trend was visibly broken during 20150-2020 and was only restored from 2021 and what was it that trend? Throughout the years that the PPP/C has been in government, we have recognised the importance of investing in public capital assets or public capital goods and so every PPP/C Government budget reflects a strong emphasis on the capital budget,” the Minister reiterated.

Dr. Singh then juxtaposed this with the APNU/AFC’s period in office where he recalled that ‘there was an immediate decline, an immediate slashing of the capital budget and an immediate spike in the

recurrent budget’. “The capital budget is used to build roads, schools, hospitals, bridges, airports, airstrips investing in the things that matter for the long term of our country. The recurrent budget is essentially what we would call government consumption-transportation, meals and refreshments-and if you examine the composition of the budget during the APNU/AFC years, you will see that as soon as they came into government, they slashed the capital budget and they dramatically increased the recurrent budget - the amount they were spending on meals and travel,” he concluded. The finance minister then promised on behalf of President Irfaan Ali and the current administration that Government is committed to continuing to work until every street is fixed in every village in Region Six and every area countrywide.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, in his remarks noted that while defending the supplementary funds in the National Assembly for the construction of more roads, he had emphasized that as a country ‘we have been able to do more than we

anticipated’.

‘So at the beginning of the year when we had the National Budget, we had a sum that was allocated for the building of community roads, what we call miscellaneous roads, we went out to tender, we signed contracts, and we saw the execution of a number or projects. The Minister of Finance informed that there was fiscal space and because of that fiscal space, we received an allocation to be able to do more community roads,” he explained to residents.

“Across the nation, your government that you have elected, the PPP/C administration, which is led

by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has done more than they promised to do.

We are not in an environment where the people in holding their government accountable, are asking the question or making the statement ‘I hope the government keeps their promise’. We can proudly say that your government has done more than they have promised” the Public Works Minister posited amidst a round of applause from residents.

Friday October 20, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Friday October 20, 2023

‘Free world, where are you?’ ...Gaza hospital chief pleads after babies killed (ALJAZEERA) - The head of a hospital in the Gaza Strip has issued an emotional appeal calling for an end to I s r a e l ’s b o m b a r d m e n t following an air raid that doctors said killed several infants.

“Look at these children.

Who is killing these children,” asked Yousef alAkkad, director of European Gaza Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis, standing behind the bandaged and bloodied bodies of the toddlers.

“Free world, where are you regarding these massacres committed against this bereaved and oppressed people?” alAkkad continued, in a video

Images of dead and bloodied toddlers lined up on a hospital stretcher stirred outrage in Gaza and the West Bank [Screengrab/Telegram]

released by the besieged enclave’s Ministry of Health

on Wednesday.

At least nine people were

killed, including seven children, in an Israeli air

attack that struck the alBakri family house south of Khan Younis, Palestinian news agency WAFA said.

Many were trapped under the rubble, it added.

The news of the attack spread quickly on social media as images of children’s bodies lined up side by side on a hospital stretcher stirred outrage in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Photographers swarmed the operation room of the European Gaza Hospital as women covered their eyes and doctors wept.

“This is a massacre,” alAkkad said, his voice choking with emotion.

“Let the world see, these

are just children.”

Doctors and residents also confirmed that the children were killed in the attack and said the al-Bakri family was just one of many such cases on Wednesday, according to The Associated Press news agency.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which started a devastating air campaign on Gaza after an October 7 attack of Hamas, the group that rules the enclave, in southern Israel. Bottom of Form So far, at least 1,400 people have been killed in Israel and nearly 3,500 in Gaza, including 1,030 children.

Israel police boss threatens to send anti-war protesters to Gaza ‘on buses’ - Kobi Shabtai says there will be ‘zero tolerance’ for protests in support of Gaza in Israel.

(ALJAZEERA) Israel’s police chief, Kobi Shabtai, has said there will be “zero tolerance” for protests in support of Gaza in Israel, threatening to send anti-war demonstrators to the besieged Palestinian enclave that Israel has been bombarding daily for nearly t w o w e e k s . S h a b t a i ’s comments came in a video posted on the TikTok channel of the Israeli police on Tuesday. Israeli media picked it up on Wednesday after police broke up a rally

in Haifa in support of Gaza, arresting six people.

“Whoever wants to become an Israeli citizen, welcome,” Shabtai said.

“Anyone who wants to identify with Gaza is welcome. I will put him on the buses heading there now.” In the short video, Shabtai also said there would be “zero tolerance for any instance of incitement … there will be no authorisation for protests”. He said that Israel is “in a state of war … we’re not in a situation

where we will allow all sorts of people to come and test us”. Israel Police spokesman Eli Levy told Army Radio on Wednesday that since the start of the Gaza war on October 7, 63 people in Israel have been arrested on suspicion of supporting or inciting “terror”.

Police officials told the Ynet news site on Wednesday that they are scouring social media to find Palestinians in Israel who were expressing support for Hamas, the group running

the besieged Gaza Strip.

Israel has imposed a “complete siege” on Gaza, cutting off access to food, water, electricity and fuel for the strip’s 2.3 million residents after Gaza-based Hamas fighters launched an attack into southern Israel on October 7.

Israeli authorities say at least 1,400 people, most of them civilians, were killed in the attack, more than 4,400 were injured and 199 others were taken captive by Hamas.

Since the attack, Israel has bombarded Gaza from the air in a devastating campaign that has reduced entire neighbourhoods to rubble. Palestinian authorities have said that more than 3,400 people have been killed and more than 12,000 others wounded in the Israeli assault.

“After Operation Guardian of the Walls [the 2021 war with Gaza, which saw many Arab-Jewish clashes in mixed towns], we learned our lesson, and established a ‘war room’ to counter such incitement,” said Assistant Commissioner Dror Asraf. “[Today, the operation] identifies online incitement or planning or

Israel’s police chief Kobi Shabtai attends a weekly cabinet meeting [File: Gil Cohen-Magen/Pool via Reuters] any operational information that we identify on all the platforms, which has a goal of disrupting public order and harming others.”

Meanwhile, the ethics panel of the Israeli parliament has voted to suspend a left-wing parliament member, Ofer Cassif, for what it deemed as anti-Israel statements after the war broke out. Cassif had given an interview in which he accused the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of enacting a plan in Gaza, which he compared with the Nazis’ “Final Solution” against Jews in Europe. On another occasion, he told foreign

media that “Israel wanted this violence”, in reference to the Hamas attack.

According to the Jerusalem Post, Cassif has been suspended for 45 days. In a social media post published on Wednesday, Cassif called the Knesset’s decision “another nail in the coffin of freedom of political expression”. “In each of my interviews, I emphasised my complete condemnation and deep disgust for the criminal massacres by Hamas.

The political statements against the occupation and the war are not statements against Israel, since peace and justice also serve it and its inhabitants,” he said.

Kaieteur News

Friday October 20, 2023

PAGE 25

Chinese, Dutch firms in the hunt for contract to build Corentyne River Bridge An artist's impression of the bridge across the Corentyne River.

Three international companies hailing from the Netherlands and China are now the only firms competing for the contract to build the Corentyne River Bridge between Guyana and Suriname.

According to information provided by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), the firms that submitted proposals for the contract are: Ballast Nedam I n f r a S u r i n a m e (Netherlands); China Railway Caribbean Company Limited; and China Road & Bridge Corporation.

Kaieteur News understands that these three firms were part of a list of five that the Ministry of Public Works had stated were prequalified for the project. The Corentyne River Bridge, is a project being embarked on by both the Governments of Guyana and Suriname. The bridge will be constructed using the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) model.

It will be done through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. This means that the successful contractor or joint venture will be responsible for its final design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance.

The bridge, as previously stated by the Public Works Ministry will span the Corentyne River from South Drain in Suriname to

Moleson Creek in Guyana, and is slated to have a life span of 100 years. In May 2022, the consultancy assignment for the Feasibility Study and Detailed Designs for the Construction of the bridge were awarded to WSP Caribbean, amounting to US$2 million.

The assignment included various works such as topographic assessment, hydraulic and hydrographic studies, traffic demand analysis, financial and economic evaluation, environmental assessment, and the preliminary design of the bridge and roads.

The bridge will span approximately 1,100 metres in length with 22 spans measuring 50 metres each.

The sub-structure will be designed to withstand minor vessel impact. The carriageway is expected to span around 10.05 metres, accommodating two lanes under regular conditions and three lanes during emergencies or controlled situations. Additionally, the bridge will feature utilities inside the box girder, which will include an inspection path width of 260 metres, among other features.

The infrastructure project holds immense potential for fostering economic growth, strengthening regional integration, and improving transportation links between the two neighbouring nations.

In a Department of Public Information article yesterday,

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill while engaging residents at Black Bush Polder highlighted that the Corentyne River Bridge will facilitate the movement of goods to Suriname, allowing farmers to transport their produce with ease.

“So, we are opening up a new corridor of connectivity that will open up you the farmers of Black Bush Polder to new markets with the Corentyne River bridge,” he said.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday Friday October November 20, 2023 24, 2022

PAGE 27 19

Sara Misir tastes victory at Heroes’ Day Race Meet at Dover Gymkhana, horserace and fun day slated for Rising Sun Turf Club

SportsMax - Sara Misir delivered a solid showing to claim a P1 and P2 finishes in the Modified Production 4 Class at the Dover Raceway in St. Ann on Heroes’ Monday, October 16.

Misir started strong with the second-fastest lap in qualifying in the biggest meet of the year and the last on the JRDC 2023 calendar.

In the opening race, she claimed a fine victory, overtaking the Modified Production 2 class champion, Nicholas “Tazz” Barnes, who was the fastest

in qualifying. Misir recorded the quickest lap of the day by any driver, 1.25.84 seconds, on her second lap.

Torrential rain played a factor in her second race, where Misir registered a DNF as her windscreen fogged up causing her to lose track visibility.

However, she recovered to do well in Race Three.

Starting at the back, Misir worked her way through the field into second place behind Jody Gibson, who won the race in a four-wheeldrive Evolution.

“We did well in securing that second place given that we have a rear-wheel drive car, which does not perform as well in rainy conditions,” explained Sara’s father and coach Rugie.

For Sara, this was the perfect end to her season.

“After dominating the MP2 class in 2022 and ending on maximum points, I took on the bigger challenge of the MP4 class for 2023. It has been a rough local season where we had engine issues at a few of the earlier meets, but as they say,

the race is not always for the fastest, but who prevails to the end, so I’m happy to end with a victory in the MP4 class. The bonus, of course, is recording the fastest lap of the day; I couldn’t ask for more from my car, my supporters and my team,” she said. On October 6, Misir competed in the GT Cup final in the United Kingdom, finishing seventh in class at Snetterton alongside teammate Alana Carter.

She’s making preparations for the Caribbean Clash of Champions in Guyana on November 4.

Riverside Cricket Club...

Friday October 20, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) When you give your imagination free rein, you have a creative way of expressing yourself. Today you might feel like doing some public speaking or creative writing.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It's time to admit that your hectic lifestyle is catching up with you.

Today you must start to get organized. Waiting until the last minute to take care of important tasks only causes anxiety.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your mental acuity is high today. A recent innovation of yours could bring you some much-deserved recognition.

Your mind is especially sharp at this point, and ideas come thick and fast.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your inbox is probably crammed with party invitations. There's no such thing as a simple RSVP for you. Every call to accept or decline results in a lengthy conversation as you catch up with relatives and old friends.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you'll feel inspired to express yourself in fun, creative ways. Don't be afraid to let loose with your wild sense of humor. You could play a prank on a friend that makes him or her laugh and creates good feelings.

SAGITTARIUS(Nov.22–Dec.21) The planetary energies today are emphasizing family. This may be a good time to do some research, delving more deeply into your roots. Have you picked your grandmother's brain about her mother and grandmother?

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Expect a visitor to put you in touch with people who could make a real difference in your life. Changes are manifesting more quickly than you realize.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your hard work is finally paying off. You can expect to receive acknowledgement and advancement, along with a possible salary increase or substantial bonus.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today's celestial configuration may leave you feeling more spiritually inclined than usual. As your thoughts turn to more positive horizons, you'll be optimistic about your future and the future of humanity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) This is a day for good news, particularly regarding the home. It's likely that some positive changes are occurring or are about to occur. You may be considering a move or a major renovation.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) This is bound to be an interesting day as you meet some new people who have fascinating ideas about esoteric subjects. Listen closely and later jot notes on the conversation.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Good news from distant lands could have you feeling good about your life and eagerly anticipating the future. Your thinking is sharp and clear.

This is a good day to make plans, particularly if they involve travel or education.

From page 32 He got useful support from Fudadin who snatched 2 wickets as well but conceded 26 runs from three mediumpace overs.

Meanwhile, Riverside Cricket Club recently emerged champions too in the 40-overs tournament to end the season on a high.

Adding to their dominance in the T20 tournament, they thrashed Caribbean Cricket Club by seven wickets with 23 balls remaining in the semi-final played the previous day at the same facility.

They limited Caribbean Cricket Club to a modest 127-4 at the expiration of the 20-overs while Riverside Cricket Club surpassed the target with confidence, thanks to a pugnacious 36ball 63 from Adrian Sukhwa while Fudadin slammed an unbeaten 51, which included four sixes and a four.

Sukhwa clobbered six sixes and a boundary during his enterprising display.

Thorne, Sampson awarded Guyana...

From page 33 being handed a big opportunity to further their careers. List of GHE Franchise Contracted players 2023-2024 season: 1. Matthew Nandu 2. Tevin Imlach 3. Kemol Savory 4. Kevlon Anderson 5. Rampertab Ramnauth 6. Mavendra Dindyal 7. Kevin Sinclair 8. Nial Smith 9. Shamar Joseph 10. Ronsford Beaton 1 1 . Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul 12. Antony Adams 13. Junior Sinclair 14. sai Thorne 15. Quentin Sampson

Football and softball cricket to be featured Horserace fans and other sports lovers will be in for a treat come Sunday 22nd October 2023.

The occasion will be a Gymkhana, horserace and fun day event organised by the Club in collaboration with friends of Rising Sun and Banks DIH limited. The venue is the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice.

The day’s activity will be free of cost and a large crowd is expected to be on hand.

There will be a number of horserace events on the day.

The feature races will be for animals classified two year old, one for L class animals and the J class match up with sizable winnings including trophies available.

There will a football competition which is expected to bring the best football players in action as well as a softball cricket competition. A number of novelty events will also be held including the greasy pole and buns eating contest.

Admission, entry and parking is free for everything and a large crowd is expected to be on hand.

PAGE 28

A gleeful Rohit Sharma greets Virat Kohli and Kl Rahul.

(ICC/Getty Images)

Kaieteur News

Friday October 20, 2023

Kohli hits sublime hundred as India crush Bangladesh PUNE, India, (Reuters) - Virat Kohli smashed a century as India maintained their perfect record in their 50-overs home World Cup and cruised to their fourth consecutive victory with a clinical seven-wicket win against Bangladesh yesterday.

Bangladesh had to conjure up something extraordinary to upset an India team who went into the match after three successive wins, and the task became even harder in the absence of skipper Shakib Al Hasan was injured.

Electing to bat, Bangladesh could not capitalise on a 93-run opening stand between Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan, making 256-8 on a good batting pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

It was a clinical effort by India’s attack, considering they were one bowler short from early in the match after Hardik Pandya twisted his ankle in his first over.

Skipper Rohit Sharma led India’s rapid reply and Kohli ended with an unbeaten 103, hitting a six to reach his hundred and secure

India’s win with 51 balls to spare.

“It was a good win, something that we were looking forward to,” Rohit said after India drew level with New Zealand on eight points at the top of the table.

We did not start well but we pulled it back well in the middle stages and at the back end as well.”

The first six overs yielded only 19 runs for Bangladesh after stand-in captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat.

Pandya was introduced in the ninth over but he could bowl only three balls before hurting his ankle.

KOHLI BOWLS Decibel levels soared at the stadium soon as part-time seamer Kohli stepped up to complete that over.

Kuldeep Yadav drew first blood by trapping Tanzid lbw and India claimed three quick wickets to peg back Bangladesh.

Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Shanto for eight and had Das caught in the deep.

In between those dismissals, wicketkeeper KL Rahul flew to his left to take a

Virat Kohli was off to a flyer.

(Associated Press)

stunning one-handed catch after Mehidy Hasan Miraz had tickled Mohammed Siraj down the leg side.

Jadeja pulled off an equally spectacular catch at backward point to cut short M u s h f i q u r R a h i m ’s promising knock of 38 before Mahmudullah smashed a breezy 46 to help Bangladesh pass the 250mark.

Rohit (48) set alight the powerplay overs as he did in the last two matches whenIndia began their chase.

Shubman Gill (53) was initially content admiring the effortless shot-making of his captain before he joined the party by hitting Nasum Ahmed for two sixes in the same over.

Hasan Mahmud bounced out Rohit but followed it with two no-balls and Kohli gleefully smacked a four and a six off the resulting free-hit deliveries to ease any pressure on India.

Gill could not build on his half-century, holing out to Mahmudullah on the boundary.

Kohli has engineered many a successful chase for India and the right-hander revelled in that role again.

Sensing a 48th ODI century, Kohli, who was adjudged-player-of-thematch, refused singles on more than one occasion before reaching the milestone with his fourth six.

“India are always a very good side,” Shanto said after Bangladesh slumped to seventh place after their third loss in four matches.

“They are capable of playing this way and they showed us today that they can play better cricket.”

Twice champions India and 2019 runners-up New Zealand meet in a mouthwatering match between the tournament’s two unbeaten teams in Dharamsala on Sunday.

Scores: India 261 for 3 (Kohli 103*, Gill 53, Rohit 48) beat Bangladesh 256 for 8 (Litton 66, Tanzid 51, Mahmudullah 46, Jadeja 238, Bumrah 2-41) by seven wickets.

Kaieteur News

Friday October 20, 2023

PAGE 29

Allicock punches ticket to boxing quarter-finals at Pan Am Games …Jackman narrowly defeated

Alesha Jackman (left) connects with a left-hock to Lucia Perez of Argentina during their 66kg clash at the Pan Am Games (photo: GOA/Akeem Greene)

Victorious! Guyana’s Keevin Allicock (right) celebrates his 57kg round-of-16 win at Pan Am Games (photo: GOA/Akeem Greene).

BY RAWLE TONEY The opening day of boxing at the Pan Am Games in Chile brought a mix of outcomes for Guyana’s Alesha Jackman and Keevin Allicock.

Jackman, fighting in the women’s 66kg category, faced a challenging thirdround stoppage against Lucia Perez of Argentina,

bringing her journey in Santiago to an end.

In contrast, Allicock, in the 57kg class, had a promising start in his quest for the podium, securing a second-round stoppage victory over Panama’s Javier Ibarguen.

Allicock advanced to the quarter-finals where he would face American Jahmal Harvey on Monday.

Allicock outclassed his Panamanian opponent in the first round and continued to dominate in round two, ultimately proving to be too much for Ibarguen.

Egyptian referee Ishmael Osman halted the contest one minute and 32 seconds into the second round, granting Allicock his first win at the Pan Am Games and redemption for his

narrow 2019 defeat to Lucas Fernández of Uruguay in the 56kg round-of-16.

Reflecting on his victory, Allicock stated, “I just used my experience in the ring. I mean, the win doesn’t build my confidence. My confidence is always in God, he gives me strength, but I dont underestimate my opponents, I just go in the ring and do my thing.”

On the other hand, Jackman, participating in her second major event following her involvement in the Women’s World Championship earlier this year, did not attain the results she had hoped for against

Perez.

The contest was stopped by the 31-year-old Argentinian one minute and 52 seconds into the third round.

“I didn’t get the results we were looking for, but I saw improvements from my training camp in Cuba, and I can say I performed better than I did in India (at the World Championships,” Jackman said.

According to the 19year-old Jackman, “I know my coaches and the president (Steve Ninvalle), might be mad at the decision, but I did what I had to do, and everything was left up to the

referee and the judges.”

The other boxers at the Pan Am Games are Desmond Amsterdam and Joel Williamson.

Twenty athletes, in the disciplines of Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Table Te n n i s , Ta e k w o n d o , Swimming, Weightlifting, and Esports, will represent Guyana at the 19th edition of the games, which traces its origins back to 1951.

The last boxing medal at the Pan Am Games was secured by Clive Atwell, who earned a bronze in the Men’s 54kg category at the 2007 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Neymar to have surgery after rupturing ACL, meniscus - Brazil FA (Reuters) Neymar will undergo surgery after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, Brazil’s FA said, an injury that is expected to sideline the forward for several months.

The 31-year-old went down after tussling for the ball with Uruguay’s Nicolas de la Cruz in the 44th minute of Brazil’s 2-0 defeat on Tuesday, holding his left leg in pain and calling for medical attention as his team mates looked on anxiously.

Neymar, who signed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in August, left the pitch in tears on a stretcher after receiving treatment for several minutes, and an MRI scan on Wednesday confirmed the injuries.

“The striker will undergo surgery, on a date yet to be set, to correct the injuries,” Brazil’s football confederation (CBF) said in a statement on Wednesday.

Brazil’s Neymar reacts after sustaining an injury. (REUTERS/ Andres Cuenca/File Photo)

“The medical department of the Brazilian national team ... and Al

Hilal are in constant contact and are aligned in the athlete’s recovery.”

Neymar said he was frustrated to be sidelined with yet another injury so soon after recovering from an ankle operation.

Earlier this year, he underwent right ankle surgery that required months of recovery before he left Paris St Germain to sign a two year deal with Al-Hilal, where he had played only five games this season.

“It’s a very sad time, the worst,” he wrote onInstagram. “I know I’m strong, but this time I’m going to need my family and friends even more.

“It’s not easy to go through injury and surgery, imagine going through it all again after four months of recovery.”

Neymar’s career has been plagued with injuries. He spent three lengthy spells on the sidelines with his former club Paris St Germain after sustaining right foot injuries.

At the 2014 World Cup he suffered a back injury in the quarter-final victory over

Colombia, ruling him out of the 7-1 semi-final defeat by Germany.

In 2018, injuries again hampered his dream of winning the World Cup. Early that year, Neymar suffered a sprained right ankle that affected the fifth metatarsal in his foot.

He missed 16 games for PSG at the end of the 2017-18 domestic season and was never fully fit as he played through the pain for Brazil in Russia until they were knocked out by Belgium in the quarterfinals.

The forward suffered similar injuries in 2019, 2021 and at last year’s Qatar World Cup. The latest injury will be a bitter blow to Al-Hilal, who paid a reported 90 million euros ($95 million) for the forward.

The club is unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League and lead by one point, while they are also top of their AFC Champions League group after two games. ($1 = 0.9495 euros)

PAGE 30

Kaieteur News

Peter Lewis Asphalt Sales & Construction Services Big Man Cricket2 semifinals & final on this weekend - Powered by Blue Waters as the official water for big man cricket The 2023 BIG MAN CRICKET-2@ O40s T25 tournament concludes this weekend with the 4 top teams competing in the semifinals. On Saturday, Essequibo Masters will host Regal at the Relance ground, whilst both Everest Masters and West

Bank Warriors will be at a neutral venue in Enterprise for their semifinal. The winners of the 2 semifinals will clash in the finals at the Everest Cricket Club ground on Sunday.

Umpires and teams are required to strictly adhere to the times published for matches.

Former female cricketer, Alex Hartley Former England spinner Alex Hartley is set to be confirmed as assistant spin coach at men’s Pakistan Super League franchise Multan Sultans.

Hartley, 30, was part of England’s World Cupwinning side in 2017 and retired from cricket in August.

She remains a broadcaster on BBC Test Match Special and hosts the No Balls podcast with England’s Kate Cross.

Former Ireland player Catherine Dalton has also joined the franchise as a fast-

Friday October 20, 2023

Female coaches given the nod to serve as coach in Men’s PSL for the first time bowling coach.

Dalton, also 30, and Hartley will be the first female coaches in the PSL. Dalton played four oneday internationals and four T20s for Ireland and still represents Essex in women’s county cricket alongside her coaching career.

“It’s not lost on me the groundbreaking moment for a female fast-bowling coach to be working in a major men’s T20 franchise,” said Dalton.

“I am very humbled by the opportunity and cannot

wait to hopefully help make a difference on multiple levels.”

Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been coaching men’s cricket with Sussex since 2021 and with Manchester Originals in The Hundred, while ex-England coach Lisa Keightley has worked with Paarl Royals in the SA20, South Africa’s franchise competition.

The squads for the PSL have not been confirmed yet but the competition is set to begin on February 8. (BBC Sport)

2nd Annual Randolph ‘Duckie’ Singh Memorial Cycle event set for Oct. 28 Jamual John will be looking to retain the title for a second time in a row.

G

et ready to witness more cycling action as Flying Stars cycle Club gears up to host its second annual Randolph ‘Duckie’ Singh Memorial cycle road race, scheduled for October 28.

This year’s event is expected to draw fierce competition from some of the nation’s top cyclists, making it an exhilarating spectacle for all.

The Flying Star Cycle Club, the driving force behind this memorial race, has revealed exciting details about the event. The race will feature a diverse range of

participants, including seniors, juniors, veterans (both Under-50 and Over50), as well as Pre-Juniors and Ladies races, all vying for glory on the road.

Meanwhile, the first annual Duckie’s Memorial Road Race was an event to remember; with top Guyanese cyclist Jamual John will be looking to retain the title at this year’s event.

John won the first event; crossing the finish line at an impressive time of 31 minutes and 17 seconds.

The race, named in honour of Randolph

‘Duckie’ Singh, is a poignant tribute to a beloved figure in the local cycling scene.

Randolph Singh, the former President of the Club, passed away in November 2021 at the age of 69 after battling a prolonged illness.

Beyond his contributions to the sport, Duckie Singh was known for his unwavering generosity, extending his support to athletes from various disciplines. He also owned Duckie’s General Store, a cherished establishment located at Russell and Sussex Streets in Charlestown.

Kaieteur News

Friday October 20, 2023

PAGE 31

Forde hails Golden Jaguars’ success …calls for more corporate, Government support

BY RAWLE TONEY With Guyana on the brink of advancing to League A of the Concacaf Nations League, Kaieteur News’ Rawle Toney (RT) sat down with president of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde (WF), where they discussed the future direction of the senior men’s national team.

The Golden Jaguars are four-for-four in Group D of League B, where they sit comfortably at the top on 12 points, ahead of Puerto Rico (9), Antigua and Barbuda (4) and The Bahamas (1).

RT: As the Golden Jaguars approach qualification for League A, what factors do you attribute to the team’s success?

WF: Let me first seize this opportunity to join the rest of Guyana in congratulating our beloved Golden Jaguars for what has been so far, an exceptional campaign. Coach Shabazz, his technical support staff and the hard working staff at the GFF Secretariat have all worked tirelessly over the past months to support the preparation of the team and to ensure that they had every possible support needed to perform at their best.

What we are witnessing are the fruits of many years of strategic investment in the Senior Men’s programme, coupled with the right balance of specially gifted players, combined with the fatherly leadership style of Coach Jamal Shabazz.

Jamal is special in how he interacts, communicates and leads those Men, he has a gift and the evidence is clear – they play for him as though their lives depended on the outcome of each game.

Outside of those intangible elements, we can credit their performance to an extensive unhindered preparation period which was possible because the Golden Jaguars now have a home - the GFF National Training Centre.

Additionally, we have invested heavily in new technologies, modern tools and equipment to enhance the training sessions and the gathering of essential data which is necessary for informed tactical and strategic decision making by

the Head Coach and his Technical Staff.

We have also hired a world class resident fitness expert, who has done a remarkable job in bringing our domestic players to a level of fitness that mirrors professional standards. The fitness of the team was key in their victories.

More importantly however, are the players themselves, both domestic based and international, who have clearly made a deep commitment to the vision of the GFF’s leadership.

RT: It’s no secret that the GFF provides the majority of funding for football in Guyana, including club, women’s football, and the national teams, with limited corporate support. How challenging does this financial burden become as the Senior team advances to a higher level in Concacaf, accompanied by increased responsibilities?

WF: To be clear, it is the core duty of the GFF to provide funding, technical support and other related resources for football operations across the 83,000 square miles of Guyana. We have been meeting this responsibility in an unprecedented fashion over the past seven years.

Through the Members Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP) our Regional Associations, Affiliates and Elite Leagues Clubs are all well-resourced.

That said, I must also acknowledge the generous contributions our Corporate partners who, for many decades, have contributed generously to the game and continue to do so even now.

We now see more Corporate entities investing in football especially at the youth level, which is the foundation of the sport, and I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to each of them.

H o w e v e r, w i t h a n increase of more than 300% in regional National Teams competitions at the junior and senior levels since 2016, the GFF has been severely challenged to fund these activities.

T h e F I FA F o r w a r d programme obligates each Member Association (MA) to play a minimum of 4 international games per

Wayne Forde, president of the GFF calendar year as a requirement to access funding.

Our experience in securing Corporate support for the National Teams in particular, is no different from what other nations within the Caribbean Region are experiencing.

I am absolutely convinced that the prevailing perception is that football has loads of money to fund their programmes and activities – this is furthest from the truth.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, i n discussions with many Corporate entities, they often question the value of brand exposure outside of their primary market space.

In my humble opinion and respectfully, I have always argued that supporting your national team is much bigger than Return on Investment calculation.

However, I would also accept that we need to do much more in packaging and valuing the commercial assets of the national teams.

The truth is, we simply do not have enough funds to adequately resource all of our national teams while at the same time, aggressively investing in our domestic programmes.

On average, each senior Men home and away fixture cost the GFF on average USD150,000, the senior Women comes in around USD125,000 with each youth team costing approximately USD65,000 per international tournament. This is on top of the preparation cost and staff compensation.

At the moment we have our Senior Men and Woman playing simultaneously, this is unprecedented and it is costing the GFF USD870,338.

So, we would welcome corporate Guyana coming onboard to be sponsors for the various national teams as they would be engaging in bringing prestige to the nation and giving themselves the visibility and public goodwill such a noble gesture deserves.

RT: A c h i e v i n g promotion to League A will likely require additional funding from the GFF. Can you provide an estimate of the average cost increase for your Federation?

WF: It will be “ G U YA N A ” b e i n g promoted to the highest tier of football within a 41 nation Confederation, which would be a proud moment for our nation. These players are ambassadors and the entire nation share in their success.

I think this is how decision makers at every level need to view this.

However, while looking ahead to League A promotion is important, it is equally important that we keep our feet on the ground and remain focused on one game at a time.

I am confident that we will qualify but the common expression “football is on the day” is not to be taken lightly and I therefore want my boys to remain focused on the task at hand.

The bottom of the table teams have nothing to lose and they will throw everything at us in the

November window. It is important that we close this campaign strongly.

That being said, we are already crunching the numbers and the figures are frightening if we were to gear ourselves to truly compete rather than just simply participate.

I have no illusion regarding the level of football we will encounter in League A. To compete against the USA, Mexico, Canada, Panama etc. would be an entirely new stratosphere for Guyana.

However, with the right level of preparation our Boys will do well.

RT: Considering that the GFF Training Centre is still under construction, what concerns do you have about not having a venue in Guyana that meets the basic requirements for Concacaf matches in League A, where revenue opportunities and private sector partnerships are at stake for the Golden Jaguars?

WF: It would be simply heartbreaking for the Guyanese fans to be denied the opportunity to witness the history making qualification to League A of the Concacaf Nations League. The revenue potential of a home game also cannot be ignored.

However, these are not matters that I have any control over so I am currently channeling my energies on making the best of the current situation while planning diligently for 2024.

I was glad to see that the authorities have permitted hockey to play at the National Stadium. So I am hopeful, given that both hockey and football use

similar cleats, they would acquiesce to let our home games be played there for such an epoch-making event as Guyana being in League A. RT: How crucial is it for the Government of Guyana, Corporate Guyana and other stakeholders to collaborate with the GFF, especially with League A matches approaching in close proximity to FIFA World Cup qualifiers?

WF: The global interest and visibility our Golden Jaguars will generate by qualifying to League A on the heels of the 2026 FIFA world Cup qualification campaign which kicks off in March of 2024, demand nothing short of a national effort in support of our Boys.

The GFF will work diligently to package the assets and opportunities Corporate Guyana may be able to exploit on such a platform, in addition to working across a wide cross section of stakeholders.

The power of football to inspire and bring people and communities together is a shared mission of the GFF and the Government of Guyana.

In this realm, His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali has publicly declared his support for football on several occasions in addition to calling on Corporate Guyana to support the game.

I am therefore confident that he is very proud of the performance of the team and is enjoying the successes like the rest of the nation.

I know he will see to it that our Golden Jaguars have the resources needed to adequately prepare and participate at that level.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Friday October 20, 2023

Riverside Cricket Club lifts Essequibo set to join ‘Guinness Greatness of the Connecticut Cricket League Streets’ football tournament T20 Championship trophy - As organizers seek to kick off action next month

T

he 14 edition of the highlyanticipated ‘Guinness Greatness of the Streets’ football tournament is set to break new ground as the Cinderella County of Essequibo will now be added to the mix for the first time, as organizers look to potentially rollout soccer action from next month.

Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste, during Wednesday Night’s brief launch at the Grill and Jerk Guinness Bar on South Road, said the tournament is being earmarked for next month, November 2023 as the potential start date for the event.

According to Baptiste, they have already sent their request to the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports th

but have not gotten a reply to date, but expects some movement in the weeks to come.

“We’ve are trying to start in November, currently we are looking at potential.

We’ve sent correspondence to the Ministry but we haven’t gotten any feedback since. However, we hope to get some feedback in the weeks to come; then we will soon roll out our plan for November with the Georgetown leg”.

When officially kicked off, the popular competition is set to run from about 4 to 6 m o n t h s r o u g h l y. T h e Guinness Brand boss also said Essequibo has been on the radar for some time now and with logistical issues finally sorted, Cinderella County can soon expect soccer action in their neck of

the woods.

“This will be our first time going to Essequibo, once we would have done that we would have touched all the regions. The decision has been long coming, because the Essequibians have been asking us for the event but because of logistical reasons it was a bit difficult. Now we have ironed out those issues so now we could not have them waiting any longer; hence our reason for going to Essequibo”.

This upcoming edition of the competition is expected to be biggest to date according to the organisers as they seek to eclipse the previous seasons of the event, which is among one of the most successful sports tournaments in Guyana.

Adrian Sukwah

Assad Fudadin

Riverside Cricket Club beat South Windsor Warriors emphatically by seven wickets to lift the 2023 Connecticut Cricket League T20 Championship trophy last Sunday at Keney Park, 2.

South Windsor Warriors won the toss and opted to bat first but the decision backfired on them having lost their first wicket with only a solitary run on the board. They eventually rallied along to an inadequate 130-9 at the expiration of the 20-overs.

Riverside Cricket Club, in reply, galloped to 132-3 with a whopping 31 balls to spare.

Their batting got early impetus with an enterprising first-wicket stand of 89 between former Guyana youth player Adrian Sukhwa

and the inform Dino Choo-wee-nam.

Sukhwa belted five sixes and three fours in his 22-ball 49 while Chooweenam also batted with belligerence to hit 42 which contained five sixes from just 24 deliveries.

Former Guyana and West Indies batsman Assad Fudadin helped sealed the deal with an unbeaten 25.

Earlier, South Windsor Warriors lost wickets at regular intervals despite a secondwicket partnership of 79 between Ranganath Tiruhovalluru and Azher Ali. Tiruhovalluru contributed 42 while Ali made 38 as seamer Earl Hanningham grabbed two wickets for 20 runs from four tidy overs.

(Continued on page 27)

Kaieteur News

Friday October 20, 2023

Thorne, Sampson awarded Guyana Harpy Eagles Franchise contracts

PAGE 33

Executives of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sport Club during a press briefing held on Wednesday evening.

ENET Caribbean Clash of Champions…

Quentin Sampson

Isai Thorne

The Guyana Cricket Board has announced the signing of Isai Thorne and Quentin Sampson as newest members of the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) team.

The players were given the nod following their progression and development in recent times. Thorne, the Windies youth pacer has been making waves with his liveliness and his budding potential, currently plying his trade with the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) in the ongoing Super50.

Sampson, the hard-hitting Essequibian all-rounder is among the most devastating batters on the local scene, known for his power-hitting prowess as well as his ability to produce wickets with the ball. Sampson is currently with the Eagles team on tour as they seek to bring home this year’s 50-Over title.

Also, with the pair of Gudakesh Motie and Tagenarine Chanderpaul being given CWI retainer contracts meant two new slots opened. Thorne and Sampson are deserving players (Continued on page 27)

Pre-selling of tickets to commence shortly The highly anticipated ENET Caribbean Clash of Champions motorsport event will see tickets for the November 4 and 5 event begin pre-selling soon.

Following a press conference on Wednesday afternoon at GT-Motorsports Thomaslands office, it was revealed that the final preparations are being put in place to have tickets pre-sold for fans.

Mahendra Bodhoo, President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), the organisers of the event,

contended, “We are catering for the pre-sale of tickets. We are in the process of finalising the locations where tickets will be sold and we will release those details shortly.”

T h e G M R & S C President added that fans who are desirous of beating the lines at the entry gates should get their tickets early.

Meanwhile, title sponsor ENET through their owner Vishok Persaud explained the company’s vision behind becoming title sponsor for the event.

“From our end at ENET we have been impressed with proposals we’ve seen from GMRSC. Guyana has been known as the Mecca for motorsports and the type of atmosphere for the fans, it’s

an event that we are very proud of be part of.”

A slew of foreign competition is expected for the event set for the South Dakota Circuit including Jamaica’s Doug Gore and his ‘Beast’, Mark Maloney from Barbados, Franklyn and Zachary Boodram from Trinidad and Guyana’s best Action begins at 11:00hrs.