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Kaieteur News
Saturday October 21, 2023
2023 has an 85% chance of being hottest year on record - Deputy CARICOM SG BY DAVINA BAGOT Wi t h G u y a n a c u r r e n t l y experiencing a period of prolonged dry season, this year is likely to be the hottest on record. This information was brought to the fore by the Deputy Secretary General (SG) of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Armstrong Alexis during the opening ceremony of the third Regional Agri-Investment Forum and Expo at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal. Alexis, while delivering a presentation on behalf of the CARICOM Secretary General (SG), Dr. Carla Barnett, told hundreds gathered at the forum that the European Commissions’ Copernicus Climate Change Service predicted that this year has a high possibility of recording the highest temperatures. “On the fore-front of our production efforts, is the realities of climate change. According to analysis of temperature data from the European Commissions’ Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2023 has an 85 (percent)
chance of being the hottest advancements, a growing year on record,” he revealed population and the ongoing to a quiet audience. shift in demand for the type of The Deputy CARICOM food that the region SG was keen to note however consumes; these ladies and that this situation presented gentlemen are factors that we an opportunity for the private must continue to tackle head sector to foster innovation on with the full participation and transformation by of all stakeholders.” o ff e r i n g t e c h n o l o g i c a l He added, “We also need solutions to help drive or to consider the peculiarities maintain the necessary levels that have long characterized of production in the sector. the market of our region’s This year commemorates agricultural sector. This Deputy Secretary General (SG) of the the third annual Regional includes market distortions, Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Agri Forum. It is being Armstrong Alexis (Photo credit: CARICOM) where despite low farm-gate hosted at the ACCC between prices; the prices to the 20th and 22nd October, consumer are high.” under the theme ‘Achieving He said there is also increased Value Chain Vision 25 by 2025’. development by the development Meanwhile, the CARICOM Presenting an overview of the partners in support of CARICOM’s Deputy SG called on farmers to achievements so far, the Deputy visionary initiative which seeks to make use of the forum to exploit the CARICOM SG explained that implement strategies to decrease maximum benefits of their there have been increased cross the Region’s food import bill by 25 products. border investments, adoption of a percent by 2025. He explained, “From time to new game-changing Regional Alexis nonetheless signaled, time our regional producers must Agricultural Policy, increased “Despite our achievements so far compete in a market place where budgetary allocation to the however, there remains the the international competitors’ price agricultural sector in almost every imperative to fully transform our their offerings below the price of CARICOM member-state and the food systems. This, against the production. Our farmers are often establishment of the Youth in reality of the region’s aging farmer unable to match these prices or Agriculture Advisory Council, population, the effects of climate compete on an international scale among others. c h a n g e , t e c h n o l o g i c a l because of existing market
distorting subsidies.” To this end, he urged that it was critical for the Region to continue to explore opportunities to move up the value chain and transition from being mere primary producers to food processors. Alexis said the forum was ripe with such opportunities for farmers and producers. Increase food The need for increased food production was also underscored by the Deputy CARICOM SG, who highlighted that the world food production needs to increase by 70 percent by 2050, to meet the expanding global population. This, according to him, provides a “golden opportunity for our region”. On another note, Alexis called for an intervention to address the cost of a healthy diet and likewise, the cost of unhealthy eating. He urged, “It is imperative that collectively we confront not only the issue of a cost of a healthy diet but very important also the real cost of unhealthy eating. On that score, we propose that an intervention to treat with this issue be fasttracked.”
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Saturday October 21, 2023
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Auditors expose ExxonM’s recovery of US$MILLIONS in VAT from Stabroek Block account instead of awaiting GRA refunds The second audit report on ExxonMobil Guyana’s expenses has exposed numerous ways the oil giant is taking advantage of the profits being made from the oil producing projects in the Stabroek Block. In the report drafted by a local consortium, Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. and bolstered by the international support of SGS and Martindale Consultants, auditors found that Exxon recovered US$ 3,574,393 as 14% Value Added Tax (VAT) assessed on various thirdparty invoices. Auditors were shocked after making this discovery as they noted that Exxon, according to its Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), is exempt from VAT. In light of that exemption, auditors said VAT should never appear on Exxon’s cost recovery statements. Auditors pointed out that Article 15.1 of the Stabroek Block PSA deals with “Taxation and Royalty.” That section specifically states that Exxon “IS NOT SUBJECT TO VAT.” In fact, Article 15 goes further to state that no tax, value-added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge or other impost shall be levied on Exxon or even its affiliated companies in respect of income derived from petroleum operations or in respect of any property held, transactions undertaken or activities. Auditors said Exxon acknowledged it is exempt from VAT, but still said that it nonetheless pays VAT when included on vendor invoices and therefore charges VAT to the cost recovery statement. Exxon advised that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has not yet issued exemption letters for all vendors, so it must pay VAT as invoiced until it receives vendor-specific letters which will then allow the vendor to cease assessing VAT. Exxon also said it identifies VAT paid each quarter in these
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited President, Alistair Routledge instances and moves the VAT a m o u n t s i n t o a “ VAT Account” for tracking purposes. Exxon said it then submits a monthly refund request to the GRA, which Exxon advised, typically takes six-to-12 months to receive. Exxon said VAT refunds are credited to the Stabroek Block account when received. Auditors however noted that such a practice is not in keeping with the requirements of the Stabroek Block Petroleum Agreement. Auditors acknowledged that there are a number of arguments Exxon could proffer in an attempt to justify recovering VAT until it is refunded by GRA. Be that as it may, auditors stressed the fact that Exxon is exempt from VAT and as such, VAT should never appear as an item on its Cost Recovery Statements. Auditors said Exxon eventually agreed to remove the VAT from the Cost Recovery Statement. In addition to crediting the Stabroek Block account with US$ 3,574,393, auditors said Exxon was requested to cease including any future VAT amounts against the Stabroek Block while awaiting refunds from GRA. Kaieteur News understands that report which examines approximately US$7.2B in expenses incurred from 2018 to 2020 remains under review by the relevant authorities.
APOLOGY Kaieteur News inadvertently published inaccurate information in its Thursday, October 19, 2023 edition relative to the operation of the St. John Bosco Orphanage. We apologise for any inconvenience this inaccuracy has caused the institution.
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Ring-fencing or sword-fencing Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo only changes his mind and his tune when such suit his ambitions and his purposes. He was all for ring-fencing before, and enraged at how much the Coalition APNU+AFC gave away with no ring-fencing of Guyana’s offshore oil projects. Loud was the cry of the Vice President when he was in Opposition, but today when he is in government, he reverse himself on ring-fencing, as he tries very smartly to sword fence his way with words out of the tight corner he created for himself. “They [Coalition] came into office – three billion barrels of proven reserves and they gave up zero royalties, no taxes, no ring-fencing.” That was the old Jagdeo on fire over how the previous government sold out the Guyanese people, and he was right. But that was then, and this is now, where there is a new Jagdeo, who trots out his new position on ringfencing: “Thinking in policy making is much more complex, it’s never a linear way- oh ring-fencing can save all the money in the world; ring-fencing could lead now too to us having nothing in the future.” In Jagdeo’s new inspiration, ring-fencing of projects (the same thing over which he had taken the Coalition to task), would cost this country in the long run. This flies in the face of what the PPPC Government, as pushed by him, is charging ahead with, through higher and higher levels of production, when oil prices are over US$80 a barrel. It was Jagdeo and the president who have repeatedly said words to the effect that Guyana has to produce more oil now, and take advantage of current circumstances still favoring fossil fuels. Given the situation, a strong argument could be made to ring-fence present oil projects, because the revenues are there to absorb legitimate expenses pertaining to those projects, as properly audited, with cleaner and better monetary benefits for Guyana. Due to prices being where they are, and ExxonMobil ramping up production with increasing regularity, ring-fencing helps to contain expenses where they belong, which is within the silo that is each project, with no expense spillover (carry forward) to future projects. No ring-fencing is an invitation for ExxonMobil to play games with billions in expenses, with much disputed, as different audits are now bringing to light. Currently, Guyanese in the national economic basement are hurting and need relief now. The oil money is flowing in one direction only, i.e., to ExxonMobil and its people. Ordinary Guyanese outside of the PPPC Government’s favored circle haven’t had a real taste of what it is to be among the top oil producers in the world. This is as Jagdeo is today talking up the future as his overnight justification for no ring-fencing. It is a lame one, and he knows it, but still persists with what has become his worldclass cunningness. Jagdeo knows that though fossil fuels still have some life, it is under constant pressure as the energy source of choice. Jagdeo also knows that oil prices can be up and down, and that there are periods of prolonged slump, or reduced demand due to economic conditions. Jagdeo knows that new oil discoveries around the world, or a revolutionary technology that powerfully competes with fossil fuels, could change the profit projection picture for Guyana because prices could come under sustained pressure. For all the above reasons, it makes sense for Guyana to ringfence its oil projects, and to grab its fair and rightful share of oil proceeds. Not to ring-fence, is to be an active party to ExxonMobil enriching itself at the expense of the Guyanese people. This feeds into the demand for all oil expenses to be disclosed, so that Guyanese have the clearest idea of what they are paying for, and that it is accurate and not padded, and that it is this country’s and not from somewhere else. Ring-fencing must be accompanied by the fullest disclosure of expenses, as audit results are now teaching this country. Ring-fencing serves as a needed discipline for ExxonMobil, gives Guyanese some confidence, and puts money in their pockets now, all being equal. Being hungry and living in poverty should not wait for relief until the next decade.
Saturday October 21, 2023
NIS in deep trouble DEAR EDITOR, The feeble handwriting hurdle thrown at a contributor for an NIS claim (SN O c t o b e r 2 0 ) i s nothing short of an act to frustrate. What next will that organization come
up with as it seeks to frustrate and ultimately deny claims? Why must a contributor be held responsible for something outside of her control? Why doesn’t NIS inform
medical practitioners of the need to write clearly and legibly rather than holding the contributor responsible? NIS has lost its way with this flimsy stumbling block. Frustrate and thwart with
the hope claims would not be pursued, seems to be its preferred modus operandi. Perhaps a presidential outreach is what is needed to resolve this issue. Yours faithfully, Shamshun Mohamed
Imperative that the PPP Govt engages Opposition on Border issue DEAR EDITOR, Every Guyanese patriot ought to be concerned about increased mobilization by the Venezuelan military not far from our western border. Sometime now, those of us who have been in the hustings during the Cold Wa r, t h e i n d e p e n d e n t struggle and the saberrattling of Venezuela after Independence, must understand the complex nature and delicate situation when it comes to securing our territorial integrity. Every day we receive reports of Guyanese miners and workers being harassed at places like Eteringbang and areas near to the contentious island of Ankoko. These violations on both sides of the border are usually dealt with by the civil authority and police. Myself among others have pleaded with top advisors of the President and cabinet to persuade the President and the General Secretary of the PPP to dismount from the mountain top of knowing all things, being all self-righteous and initiate meaningful dialogue with the established Opposition on two vital matters. One, the use and disposition of our nonrenewable bountiful natural resources, oil, gas, gold, diamond, timber, manganese
and second, the Border issue. W h e n Ve n e z u e l a recently announced a proposal for Referendum, it was a sensible move knowing fully well irrespective of their political allegiance, every Venezuelan child grew up convinced and believing that Essequibo belongs to them. Has our Government noticed that the American Administration has toned its rhetoric and is now willing to engage the Venezuelan government, now that the clouds of the OPEC sponsored oil crisis seem visible on the horizon and do they know that Venezuela is a founder member of the Oil Producing Exporting Countries (OPEC)? Here in Guyana, a government truly interested in our welfare should have by now put aside their petty puerile approach and seek to engage the constitutionally identified Opposition and the group that represents a substantial proportion of citizens. Our President and Government should understand that once in office after August 2020, the President and his top brass must put aside the garment of a political party and put on the robes of Statesmen to initiate serious dialogue so that when we speak, whether it be to the mighty
conglomerates, or an over ambitious neighbor, we speak with the voice, as they say, of all of the people and not some of the people. In that regard, the other side will be bound to listen. Nothing encourages the hostility of an outsider more than the recognition of a nation divided. In the meantime, the Government must immediately put an end to this nonsensical attitude, inimical to the best interest of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. First, this anxiety to welcome the thousands of Venezuelans who continue to breach our borders and our oceanfront needs to be put in its historical context. Are they authentic refugees? Are they plants or are they part of a diabolical plan by this administration for Pure Political Purposes? Every Guyanese should welcome with open arms genuine refugees and persons seeking a better life in Guyana. Our authorities lack the capacity to monitor these thousands who are already here as refugees, migrants or interlopers. We have seen in another continent, the realignment of borders where the majority of residents claim, and in fact are of a particular culture and language, so what is to prevent with some military
muscle, a group of Spanishspeaking persons in parts of the North-West, saying that they are now the majority. That land area in another few years will be easy picking. Another act of shared stupidity is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying that marking police cars in Policia (in Spanish) is merely the first step of putting up signs in Spanish in other areas of the country. For me, this is a betrayal of the efforts of the founders of the PPP, Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham. T h o s e t w o Ti t a n s understood what Independence meant and, in a sense, supported the song by Dave Martin, “Not a blade of grass.” Dear Editor, in the interest of our young people, I ask you to use your columns and the belief that in the end, the pen can be mightier than the sword, persuade our leaders, to sit around the proverbial round table and whether they shake hands or not, to talk and talk so that we can sing and say to outsiders we are singing out of the same song sheet. There are some bits of w is d o m th at en d u r eth forever. United we stand, divided we fall. Yours faithfully, Hamilton Green Elder
Incompetence and waste prevalent at the Demerara Harbor Bridge DEAR EDITOR, A few days ago, a worker of the Demerara Harbour Bridge wrote to your newspaper to speak about the challenges we workers are facing. I want to say all that my brothers or sisters said was true. Bridge workers are facing hard times and everyday people are leaving the job because of the management. I believe that some in the management has no heart for the workers. The Human Resources
Manager goes around and say she gets happiness when she can suspend and send home workers. What kind of manager is that? Right now, the bridge bought two buses to transport workers and they are parked up most of the time. The only time they were used was when the span nine was changed. Since then, they are in the compound though millions were spent. The bridge also bought a truck to remove
vehicles that weigh 22 tons. Editor, it is as if the people who bought it were not thinking. The bridge’s weight limit is 18 tons and anything over that requires a special crossing meaning the bridge has to be shut down. That truck is another white elephant. Right now, the bridge is renting a truck to do lifting and got a useless one parked up. I have to wonder what is in mind when they buy these
things. Editor, workers cannot talk since people twist things their own way. Our Union is with us, and I am glad they are here because the situation could be worse. But the Minister and the Government need to take a serious look at what is taking place at the Harbour Bridge before one day there is no experienced worker left. Yours faithfully, Concerned Worker
Saturday October 21, 2023
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Guyanese be vigilant for abuse of stepchildren by stepparents DEAR EDITOR, As one who grew up with a most horrific and brutal stepfather, when I read, see or hear of the brutalities on stepchildren by stepfather/stepmothers, my heart gets ripped apart and my soul gets tormented for days and days to points where I go into depression. The only thing that I can do so far is to constantly highlight in the print and electronic media, as well as Facebook on my program “In the Raw!” The most brutal case of this most precious child “Travis Morrison” who was most horrifically brutalized with his head fractured, and obviously with his mind damaged for life. Then after the long weekend of sadness and pain, the morning of the 16th of October 2023 in a National newspaper I saw the headline: “Man arrested for allegedly raping 10-yearold stepdaughter.” It would appear that in Guyana and many countries, brutalities and sexual abuses
on stepchildren are a way of life. This is a sad reality in our country. We see the police taking action and the system of law-and-order working. But it is my view that we need more than this! We need to galvanize our peoples in the country to always be on the lookout for all kinds of child abuse. But more so for the stepchildren as the brutalities on these kinds of children are always most traumatic, psychologically and physically; mentally and realistically. It is my opinion that the Ministry of Human Services working in cahoots with community organizations, the police and policing groups should constantly be on the lookout for those homes with stepchildren. Neighbours need to assist by reporting incidents to the police even if they do not identify themselves. Try to video record and expose them in the media and maybe a record should be kept for monitoring.
I recall a stepchild in the East Bank Demerara area, knowing the brutality that he would face, asked his mother to take him with her to her work but his mother said that her employers would not allow it. And so, the boy was left alone with his stepfather. The next thing we knew was that the child was hanging by his neck, dead. This was discovered by his mother on returning home. Some postulated that the boy might have committed suicide out of terror but some of us know better. It is unfortunate that we do not usually hear anything after the arrest and the charges laid against the molesters and abusers. The people of this country need to know the outcome of these cases. The newsprint and electronic media need to follow up vigorously on these kinds of trials so that the people of the country are aware of what is taking place. It would appear that the abuse of stepchildren by stepparents and guardians is an epidemic in Guyana and even by Guyanese who move overseas. I recall a case in Queens New York
MPs and activists hobnobbing with a wanted man DEAR EDITOR, My grandson told me that he has been reading about a well-known fugitive from Guyana, who has been very prominent in the news lately. He said that members of parliament and political activists, have been writing about this person, as if there was a sacrosanct ambience about him.
My grandson asked me if this was okay. I told him that it was not okay, for two reasons. First, by indulging and fraternizing with this wanted man, they are really disrespecting our law enforcement. And secondly, they are saying that no matter how many heinous or gruesome acts this person
may have committed ....it is fine with us. F i n a l l y, I t o l d m y grandson that if these people had truly loved their country, they would have done the only thing that needed to be done. They should have done their patriotic duty, and performed a citizen arrest. Respectfully, Herbert Allen
City where a Guyanese woman living with a man from India was constantly brutalizing her stepdaughter, who had just come from India. She used the excuse of having to bathe the child and beat her constantly, then to death in the bathtub. That child came recently from India, and I can imagine the pain of the mother who sent the child to stay with the father in the US. I recall another case in New York City where a big woman not only by age but physical size it was reported in the media, raped a little child. I think the male child was about four years old. Both these cases in the USA receive maximum imprisonment. We need to know as Guyanese that imprisonment and penalties of stepparents and guardians are publicly advertised to create fear and terror in the hearts of those other cruel stepparents. Stepfathers must know that they cannot take the woman with children and not accept the children. And the woman must know that she cannot take the man and not respect and appreciate the man’s children. People cannot become guardians without trying to protect and develop the child; without trying to protect and develop the child to whom they promised to guard and protect. Here under I will give some synopsis of cases of abuse of stepchildren in Guyana and also some facts on overseas based information that I have collected on this issue: “A mother and her two daughters—aged eight and 13—were seeking lodging and protection in the West Berbice area on Friday after her reputed husband raped
the two girls, impregnating the older one. The man has been taken into custody as police and officers from the Childcare & Protection Agency (CCPA) conducted investigations, but the women and girls were still afraid because he had threatened them.” (Stabroek News June 17, 2012) “A man was charged, in c o u r t y e s t e r d a y, w i t h unlawful assault of his stepdaughter. Kevin De Souza pleaded not guilty to the November 13 offence when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineB e h a r r y, a c c u s e d o f assaulting Penny Reaz. Police Sergeant Lionel Harvey, prosecuting, said the virtual complainant saw the defendant abusing her mother, became upset and intervened. The prosecutor said a scuffle ensued between the victim and her stepfather.” (The Chronicle 16th November, 2011). “A nine-year-old boy of Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), is currently hospitalized in critical condition after he was allegedly doused with gasoline and set on fire by his mother and stepfather.” (INews Guyana September 16, 2023). Dr. Lisa Fontes in her published report for the European Union entitled, “Cries in the Dark – Child Sexual Abuse in Guyana Today” with a forward by Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Former
Deputy Vice-Chancellor University of Guyana, (September, 2018) stated that the: ‘Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) situation in Guyana right now is so dire, as children from infancy through their teen years are being preyed upon and permanently scarred by those who should be providing their care. Pessimism also because our nation is still in the beginning stages of mounting an effective response to the problem of CSA, and in the meantime, children are experiencing harm, and many perpetrators are yet to be brought to justice. And more needs to be done to bring the situation under control.” “In the USA in criminal child sexual abuse cases, the police generally investigate and decide whether to ask the court to charge someone. However, citizens can also ask the court to charge someone by filing an “application for statement of charges” with a court (Continued on page 06)
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Saturday October 21, 2023
Guyanese be vigilant for abuse of stepchildren... From page 05 c o m m i s s i o n e r . Commissioners issue charges if there is “probable cause” to believe a crime occurred. In sex crimes cases, charges also may be presented to a grand jury. If the grand jury believes that a crime occurred, they will issue an indictment. In some
cases, charges first come from the commissioner and then the prosecutor presents the case to a grand jury.” (Understanding the Legal System When Your Child Has Been Sexually Abused by the Sexual Assault Legal institute 2018). I, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan as a child was hanged by my
stepfather, where my hands were tied like that of a goat just slaughtered as if to be skinned under a shed. I was hung under a shed! If the rope was on my neck, I would have been dead. My stepfather was a most cruel man. Cruel to me! One day I recall as a little boy playing with Awara seeds
that we called ‘Banga’ in a game called ‘enter hole’ with my little friends. I was about eight or nine years old; I was on my knee bent over to collect my banga when a penetrated lash on my back caused me to collapse. I was in a state of shock, like being stabbed into the back with a sharp instrument like a knife. It was a black sage whip. My stepfather wanted me to sit on the bicycle and hold an engine while he rode to the mechanic shop for some repairs, and I had not heard him calling. He also had a big son just after me but would always pamper his son as well as his other children and would never pressure or beat them. I must state, that as I still am today, I was always a humble, good, decent and elegant child. I was always loved by neighbours and teachers, preachers and especially Afro Guyanese neighbours and Pastors, who would always counsel, guide and teach me. I was always attending the Islamic schools, Christian Sunday schools, Hindu schools and even studying the bible with Jehovah Witnesses. I was always told that I was a good-looking child and many believe that it was because of this that my stepfather always got irritated by me. On another occasion, my stepfather
would look at me in my face and come to punch it and tell me that he feels to smash my face. On other occasions he would just come to me and slap me with all his might, he was the strongest man in the world, in my opinion. On one occasion, when I was about 12 years old, I was mauled for nothing but mere cruelty or desire to satisfy the cruel nature of my stepfather’s brutal lust with a belt. The belt head was the part hitting my body. Ladies and gentlemen, readers, friends and families, to date I have marks on my left leg of the damage to my skin from since then. On another occasion my stepfather asked early in the morning ‘why I did not go to school yesterday,’ and I said I told mom that I did not feel well, and she had agreed to me staying home. However, he used that as an excuse to unleash lashes on my back with the belt head and busted my left shoulder and my back. On numerous occasions my stepfather at about the age of four to nine, would lift me up bodily and throw me violently to the ground. Ladies and gentlemen as I write I am in tears. I am in tears for me, but I am in tears also for Travis Morrison, and the rape of that little girl child whose
story was recently carried in the media. I tear for the mothers, at times whose heart will suffer, but will take the blows for her child/children and on herself. In silence, because she knows that she cannot take care of herself or her children economically. She depends on the cruel husband or stepfather due to lack of education, usually. I believe that all children who go through these kinds of brutal traumas should receive serious psychological counsel and guidance as well as the mothers. I believe that cruel stepparents should receive maximum penalties at all times. As I close this letter, I shed tears and I pray for all of these children. I myself was at times compelled by my stepfather to spit on the floor and “chaatay” (lick it). At times I had to spit in my hand and lick it. Yet I thank God for my mother, Hajin Latifan Khan, my teachers, my Pastors, my Imams and my African neighbours and friends. They helped me to be loving, gracious, kind, discipline, thus causing me to only have forgiveness in my heart for that man, who I always ask God to forgive. Yours Sincerely, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L JOIN THE PROTEST B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B . . L LU ...BLUN . T B . . N . T U L N T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U BBL T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday October 21, 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.
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Saturday October 21, 2023
‘More incentives needed for Agri. sector’ In a resolute bid to achieve a substantial 25% reduction in CARICOM’s food bill by 2025, a rallying call has been issued to Caribbean leaders and the private sector by Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo. On Friday, during a pivotal session at the Agri Investment Forum and Expo, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) VP Jagdeo underscored the role that the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS2030) plays in advancing agricultural development. During his address, the VP said that Caribbean leaders must channel significant investments into critical areas such as infrastructure, innovation, t e c h n o l o g y, a n d , e q u a l l y importantly, enact supportive legislation and fiscal incentives for key players within the agricultural industry. With palpable concern, the Vice President lamented the embarrassingly paltry sums allocated to the agriculture sector in individual Caribbean countries, which are insufficient to catapult it into a flourishing and viable
industry. He laid out a compelling blueprint to address this issue. “If you track the budgetary allocation from most of the Caribbean countries, you would see an embarrassingly small sum of the budget dedicated to agriculture. So agriculture growth requires a few things basically that I believe we should address, that is a policy issue, so a fiscal policy first of all that gives incentives to the agriculture sector, and growth in that sector. that is comparable with fiscal incentives that we give to all of the other industries like tourism etc. because often agriculture in many of these places don’t contribute to a large part of the gross domestic product in many regions…” Jagdeo said. Jagdeo emphasized that agriculture deserves fiscal policies and incentives that are on par with those enjoyed by thriving industries like tourism. He firmly believes that agriculture must receive comparable fiscal support, as it often doesn’t contribute significantly to the region’s gross domestic product. In a call to action, Jagdeo urged the implementation of vital laws
and regulations, which are currently lacking, to create a conducive environment for the agriculture sector to prosper. “Secondly, the enabling laws so there is lots of legal requirements or laws… that have not been put in place…” the VP added. He stressed the critical need for robust infrastructure development, adding, “Infrastructure is needed for agriculture to prosper, you need drainage and irrigation, you need to tackle question of availability of water in some countries…” Jagdeo underscored. Notably, a substantial challenge lies ahead, with an estimated US$7 billion in investments required to meet the ambitious 25% reduction goal by 2025. Guyana’s Vice President also raised a critical question, indicating that not even US$500 million has been invested in agriculture over the recent years. He stated that success hinges on strong investments from both the public and private sectors, emphasizing that governments in the region should consider underwriting certain risks for insurance in the agriculture sector.
- VP Jagdeo
Vice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo on Saturday during his address Moreover, he called for the extension of fiscal incentives currently enjoyed by the tourism industry to agriculture. Jagdeo reiterated the necessity for sustained commitment and a favorable policy environment. It was explained that achieving this vision demands not only political capital, but also the collective understanding and commitment of each country to foster the growth of
a vibrant agriculture sector. It was highlighted that fiscal resources earned from the LCDS 2030 in Guyana have empowered the government to invest approximately US$500 million over the next three years for climate adaptation, and proofing in the agriculture sector. The Vice President concluded by underscoring the importance of unity in the Caribbean region, emphasizing the need for international funding for climate resilience and adaptation at the upcoming COP28. The Agri Investment Forum and Expo, held under the theme ‘Achieving Vision 25 by 2025,’ has set the stage for a crucial and transformative journey from October 20-22. It is a concerted effort to address the pressing goal of reducing the food bill by 25% by 2025, underlining the determination of Caribbean nations to forge a sustainable future in agriculture.
Kaieteur News
Saturday October 21, 2023
PAGE 09
In the digital age, Guyana’s economy is still predominantly cash-based We now have smart phones, online banking, and contactless payments. You can transfer credit from your phone to a friend but yet you find that some businesses still do not have the means or refuse to accommodate electronic payments. Given the spread of digital and electronic technologies, it might appear counterintuitive that people in Guyana are still grappling with long teller lines at commercial banks. The frustration that people express on social media about having to stand for long periods in such lines, however, is a reflection of the persistence and dominance of cash-based transactions in the country. Guyana remains largely a cash-based economy, where the overwhelming majority of daily transactions rely on paper money. Most businesses in the country still lack the infrastructure to facilitate electronic payments. Some major businesses – large scale in operation – do not offer electronic payment options, despite their substantial daily sales turnovers. These businesses often lack the means to accept digital payments. Many established supermarkets do accept electronic payments, but not all. Some supermarkets run by non-Caribbean nationals
often do not have the infrastructure to enable electronic payments, which further restricts the adoption of digital transactions. Likewise, several petrol stations in Guyana do not offer electronic payment options. When customers inquire about paying with cards or other digital means, they are often met with the response that these facilities are not available. This, in turn, discourages individuals from transitioning to electronic payment methods for their everyday needs. Setting up an electronic payment system requires a initial investment, which might deter smaller businesses with limited capital. For small businesses therefore, there are legitimate reasons for sticking to cash-based transactions. Implementing electronic payment systems requires initial investments in hardware, software, security measures, and staff training, which can be unaffordable for small businesses. But the same cannot be said for mediums c a l e a n d l a rg e - s c a l e enterprises. In some areas, the technology required is either absent or not functioning properly. Internet access may be slow and this acts as a barrier to graduating towards electronic payments. Some businesses may
argue that there is insufficient demand from customers for electronic payments, thus questioning the return on investment. And this is true because some customers have grown accustomed to cash payments and are not comfortable with making electronic payments. Some even are fearful that their accounts will be hacked and they will lose their savings. Businesses, in turn, have concerns about the security of digital transactions and the potential for fraud, which can further deter them from transitioning to electronic payment methods. While these concerns are valid, it is essential for Guyana to embrace digitization to keep pace with the global economy and to offer more convenience to its citizens. The government has been touting digitization in other sectors. Only recently, the Head of State said that the country would be placing emphasis on digitization. And he stressed the need for more digitization in public services and in the private sector. Given this declared thrust by the government, it should in collaboration with financial institutions, consider making electronic payments mandatory is some sectors. This can be a phased policy beginning with specific types of businesses
DEM BOYS SEH
How one man put an end to noise-making
P
eople does complain about noise nuisance when people playing music too loud. But yuh does gat noise nuisance when school is dismissed and dem children finding all kinds of mischief to do when dem on their way home. De ruckus some of dem does make is enough to be classified as noise nuisance. One time dem had a group of school children who used to walk through the street where a retired man lived. The children would beat on every rubbish bin that they saw. It created quite a din. This went on for weeks. So the old retired man decided to take action. One afternoon he walked out to
to meet the boys as they banged their way down the street. Stopping them, he said, “You kids are a lot of fun. I used to do the same thing when I was your age. Will you do me a favor? I’ll give you each $50 each if you’ll promise to come around every day and do your thing.” The boys were more than happy and continued to bang the bins every day on their walk home. After a week, the old man walked out and greeted the kids again. However this time, he didn’t have a smile on his face. “This recession’s really putting a big dent in my income.” he told them. “I’m going to have to cut it down to $25 a day to keep
you kids banging the bins.” The kids were obviously unimpressed but they accepted the reduction in payment and continued their afternoon activities. A few days later, the man approached them again. “Look!,” he said, “I h a v e n ’t r e c e i v e d m y retirement checks yet so I’m not going to be able to give you more than $10 to bang on the bins. Will that be okay?” ”That’s it!?” the ‘drum leader’ exclaimed. “If you think we’re going to waste our time beating these around for $10 a day, you’re nuts! No way, mister. We quit!” And the man enjoyed peace and serenity for the rest of his days... Talk half. Leff half
which usually have large daily turnovers. The policy can start with hardware dealers, petrol stations and, supermarkets. All that is needed is for the government to insist firstly that these businesses, as a condition of their operating licenses, must offer access to electronic payment systems. Later, the government can pass regulations or laws which mandate that businesses of a certain size or type must provide electronic payment options to customers. These regulations could be phased in gradually, allowing businesses time to adapt. The transition to a more
digitized economy will bring numerous advantages. For businesses, it can streamline operations, improve security, reduce the risk of theft, and enhance record-keeping. Customers will benefit from greater convenience, reduced dependence on cash, and enhanced financial security. People would not need to be walking around with wads of cash to make payments. Guyana has the potential to leapfrog into the digital era. However, this transition requires careful planning, investment, and a collaborative effort between the government, financial institutions, and businesses. There will be resistance to
move towards greater use of electronic payments – for reasons that are well-known. But for the fastest growing economy in the world, in this decade to still be a cashbased economy is a contradiction. (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.)
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S
UTH
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
L
LAL
Saturday October 21,2022 2023 Monday May 02,
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
AG NANDLALL – THE MAN FOR DARK SEASONS
T
hey tell me that A t t o r n e y General, The Hon. Mr. Anil Nandlall, SC, MP, Esq., is a fine son of this magnificent soil. That he is, oh yes, that he is. The word is that the same Mr. Nandlall is an even finer ray in his luminosity on things related to the law. Though there is confidence that some truth exists on that score, I exercise my right to take such under advisement. There is the certainty that M r. N a n d l a l l i n a n y capacity-citizen, constitutionalist of rare order, or practitioner of the majestic arts of the law-will not object to such an exercise on my part. It is with trepidation, therefore, that I stumbled across this learned man, this upstanding marshal of things orderly and lawful, and discovered that he harbors some degree of consternation over citizensa mere few of themventuring into the judicial arena to obtain some respite
from the bench over their alarms. From what I gather, Mr. Nandlall would rather see them benched, and not given the freest passage to state their concerns, to present their fears about hidden calamities before the bench. On that lofty bench sits members from the galaxy of Guyana’s eagle-eyed and bat-eared tribunes. The magistracy is groped for as the last remaining bastion of justice, of the curative, of the small man’s narrative. Neither manifestoes nor leadership arts nor corporate (foreign) public relations prove adequate, reliable. Such should not be obscure from a man of Mr. Nandlall’s perspicacity. Frivolous is the word that gained the rich currency and blessing of Mr. Nandlall as he prays for any favorable hearing that could come his way re the imposition of the bar of costs. A deterrent, by another name. The more favorable such listening is from jurists, the more Mr.
Nandlall could be inspired to greater actions via frequency of appeal over what bothers his beloved comrades in the party and government (PPP). The trouble is that what Mr. Nandlall finds convenient to package as ‘frivolous’ is what is the cause of many fevers in the mostly female band of sisters and warriors who bring their battles before the bench. While there can be no question, no pushback, that Mr. Nandlall’s fertile brain buzzes, and needs no fertilizers [liquid or solid], I regret that he leaves no space but to pin him against the wall of peculiar fame that he has created for himself. Is there no limit, O esteemed one, to the indecencies and the tragedies that the PPP piles on Guyanese? If today, they can’t file a petition to protect their contemporaries, then I suspect that more political vulgarity cloaked in the lawyerly syrupy, could be coming out of the PPP
laboratory. For when Mr. Nandlall d i s m i s s e s o n e m a n ’s (apologies, some women) freedom of conscience under the tattered flag of ‘frivolous’ then I daresay that freedom to think could be the next casualty of the war that the PPP has declared on Guyanese dissenters. Josef Stalin, Mr. Nandlall should know, use to brand such people as ‘misfits’, lunatics, and heretics. Of course, given these politically correct times, Mr. Nandlall [ever the stickler for appearances] would not be caught dead, or on tape, uttering such a lapse in judgment or looseness of speech. To my surprise, and not a little shame too (for Mr. Nandlall) over what I heard and interpreted, filing court cases of a certain content and bent now amount to the handiwork of the equivalent of head cases and nutcases. On behalf of disturbed Guyanese, a word of thanks is extended to Mr. Nandlall for not delivering such local petitioners of the court into the tender category of outlawry, as in hard cases. In absorbing Mr. Nandlall’s histrionics and hi jinks,
something becomes undeniable. It is that t h e P P P, a s a government and an enterprise of a specific kind of commerce, expends a considerable amount of time, talent, and treasure to takeout those Guyanese who take it to task, for one governance failure after another. Their circuits are short circuited, their residual channels of escalation are plugged, and the environment is more and more conditioned to be of one people with one thought in the head. The white man knows best, and the PPP is the best of the rest. I am shocked that a man of the pathology and prowess and particular penchants of Mr. Nandlall would willingly consent to be associated with such a patented pot of piss [piwari). I hope that I have not offended his tender sensibilities. What about day in court, and the entitlement to a hearing, no matter in which direction the leaning? What about the judiciary being the sole safe harbor of integrity and sanity, Mr. Nandall? I can hear Mr. Nandlall choking on the word that he
and his kind like to use, which is preposterous. In the preposterous lies the kernel of what could be calamitous for the PPP Government and its scaly imperialist minded friends. In my broadest imagination, I could never have foreseen anything remotely resembling a slave master’s and plantation mentality in the person of Mr. Nandlall. Or of him being anywhere near to such people. Or of him consorting with the blood enemies of the Guyanese people. It is never too late to learn, and I am learning daily in Guyana. The ruff and tuff part is that I would prefer no such learning at all. Thanks, but no thanks brother Anil. I trust I am still seen as one, and not as some traitor. Or frivolous. (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.)
Saturday October 21, 2023
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Saturday October 21, 2023
Saturday October 21, 2023
Kaieteur News
Man remanded for discharging firearm, injuring trio at West Ruimveldt Twenty-seven-year-old Nicholas Smith was on Friday charged with discharging a loaded firearm in public and maliciously wounding three persons when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate, Leron Daly. Smith is accused of discharging a loaded firearm in the public on October 16, 2023 with the intent to maim, disfigure, or cause them grievous bodily harm. It is alleged that at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Smith and Rondel Reyes were engaged in a violent altercation. Smith left the scene and subsequently returned with a knife and a gun. He indiscriminately shot into a crowd that resulted in Husain Campbell and Keshawn Fraser, two bystanders, being shot. Reyes was also wounded during the altercation with Smith. The accused pleaded not guilty to both charges and his attorney, Stacy Goodings
Remanded: Nicholas Smith
made an application for bail on his behalf. However, the prosecutor objected positing that the accused has a history
of similar offences. Smith was denied bail. He is scheduled to return to court on October 30, 2023.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday October 21, 2023
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Saturday October 21, 2023
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Agri-Food Investment Forum and Expo 2023…
Pres. Ali announces Centre of Excellence for Agri. Studies, new CARICOM Situation Room, and Multimillion-Dollar Agri-Innovation Project BY KIANA WILBURG G u y a n a , i n a groundbreaking collaboration with the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), is poised to elevate agricultural education to unparalleled heights with the inception of a Centre of Excellence for Studies in Agriculture. This disclosure was made yesterday by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during his address at the opening ceremony for the Agri-Food Investment Forum and Expo 2023 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC). There, Ali noted that the illustrious establishment will symbolize a beacon of innovation and enhanced educational methodologies. Together, Guyana and IICA will embark on a remarkable journey, championing a robust educational framework that seamlessly intertwines traditional agricultural wisdom with contemporary and technologically advanced teaching paradigms. The Head of State said this development marks one of the successes of his recent trip to Costa Rica where leaders of both nations agreed that the region’s
President Dr. Irfaan Ali during his presentation at the Agri-Food Investment Forum and Expo 2023
youth ought to be empowered to be part of the new development plans for the industry. Ali at this point revealed that the imminent IICA Guyana Centre of Excellence will cater for studies in the field of agriculture, focusing on innovation and resilience. The President also spoke of another significant partnership on the horizon with IICA as he noted that it will be leading the establishment of a CARICOM situation room here that will give real time data to farmers. “It will allow evidence-based decision making and more proactive planning in terms of our crop development and crop and growing. So that is another major initiative,” he said. President Ali also unveiled other plans for the
sector as he noted that there will be a partnership between Guyana and Canada to launch a programme for 3000 youths to be trained to take up jobs across various technological fields. Additionally, the Head of State said that a US$4.5 million Agri-Innovation Project will soon be launched in partnership with ExxonMobil and its Stabroek Block partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited. Ali said the project will benefit Regions five, ten and two. He said the project will allow for the creation of a business development and innovation center which will be controlled by young people, 35% of which will be women. “We are focusing heavily
on women and young people. By the time we get to 2030, the modern innovative farms that will address the issues of resilience and sustainability must be owned by young people and women. That is the direction in which we’re going,” the Head of State said. President Ali also spoke t o G u y a n a ’s g r o w i n g international appeal has he noted that next weekend, authorities will welcome officials from Africa and Europe as the African Export-Import Bank will hold its annual general meeting and investment forum in Guyana. The Head of State said, “These things do not happen by accident. These things happen because the world is looking at us from a different lens. The world is examining n o t o n l y G u y a n a ’s opportunities but its
leadership and ability to make a meaningful change in the lives of people across the world. That is why we have committed to a very important task. The task that we have committed ourselves is the position Guyana in a world, 2030 and beyond, as a global leader on climate change, food security and energy security.” The President also spoke about the government’s intent to make massive investments digitization. He reasoned that in today’s volatile circumstances, agriculture, and more specifically, food production is no longer guesswork. “It is a precise science. It is based on the analysis of data. It is based on the timely dissemination of information and the days in which we have to rely on extension officers to go to
the fields and to meet communities can no longer work…We have recognized that technology gives us the opportunity to connect the farmers directly with extension officers i n s t a n t a n e o u s l y, ” t h e President said. He also noted that part of the innovative investments government will make is to create a proactive information sharing and response platform which will be available for farmers across the country. That platform will only assist them when they need information or when they need data but they will also benefit from government’s proactive analysis of critical information to the sector. Ali said the foregoing efforts are all critical parts of government’s plan to reduce its food import bill by 25 percent by 2025.
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Saturday October 21, 2023
Murder witness kidnapped by Gunmen who threaten to kill him if he testifies against suspects remanded for gold miner’s murder Gunmen traveling in a tinted white Toyota Allion with registration number PAE 8992, on Thursday kidnapped a murder witness from Robb Street, Georgetown and threatened to kill him if he testifies against suspects on remand
for the shooting death of a gold miner four years ago. The gold miner, identified as Deon Stoll, was killed around 10:00hrs on October 14, 2019 during a shootout with bandits who had pounced on him at El Dorado Trading, a gold
dealing establishment located at Da Silva, Street, Newtown, Georgetown. Eight suspects were charged in connection with his death. Wayne St Hill, Shane “Demon” Morgan, Roberto Sankar, and Steve Rollox are on remand for the murder.
On Thursday, one of the witnesses in the case was attacked by two men after stepping out of a location on Robb Street. One of the men was armed with a gun while the other had a baton. The baton- wielding man dealt the witness several blows to
his body before he was forced into the car. Kaieteur News understands that the car drove off and the gunmen took the witness to a location in Sophia. The witness recalled being taken to a yard with an old unpainted wooden house. The gunmen reportedly patted him down and assaulted him as they threatened to take his life if he proceeds to testify against a named suspect. Kaieteur News learnt too that the suspect even called the gunmen from jail and asked to speak with the witness. The suspect reportedly told the witness that he has been searching for him a long time and threatened that he will ‘take him down’. The kidnappers even warned the witness that they know where his daughter and family live so he needs to “keep his mouth shut”. This is reportedly not the first time the witness was attacked. He was attacked two years ago and had fled. He returned recently but has somehow been located. The matter has since been reported to the police and investigations are ongoing. On October 14, Stoll had gone to conduct business at the gold dealer when the bandits attacked him. Security videos showed that a Toyota 212, later determined to be a vehicle in which Stoll was seated, pulled into the driveway of El Dorado. Another car following closely behind pulled up and two masked men, ran out. They converged on Stoll’s car, one to the passenger side where the businessman was seated and the other to the driver’s side. The video showed that the driver was seen getting out the car and wrestling with one of the masked men. One the other side, Stoll and the other bandit shot at each other. The gunman was seen falling twice as he retorted to the getaway car that was waiting. Both he and the other bandit abandoned their attempts. Stoll was later seen clutching his side, in the area he was shot.
Dead: Gold miner, Deon Stoll
Charged: Shane “Demon” Morgan
Charged: Steve Rollox
Charged: Wayne St Hill
Saturday October 21, 2023
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Youths to benefit from US$4.5M Agri Entrepreneurship Project
T
he Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with One Guyana Agriculture Inc., CNOOC, Hess and ExxonMobil Guyana, on Friday launched a US$4.5M Agriculture and I n n o v a t i o n Entrepreneurship Programme that will see 300 youth benefitting. The project was launched at the opening of the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC). The beneficiaries will hail from Regions Two, Five and Ten. The project is aimed at revolutionising agriculture in the Caribbean by setting new standards and practices along with the introduction of cutting edge technology, to ensure economic prosperity. Marketing Director of One Guyana Agriculture Inc. Clebert Wade, in his remarks said that, “This hydroponic project is rooted in innovation, shade house technology and it holds the key of addressing the dual
imparities of increasing agriculture production, while reducing the environmental footprint and creating opportunities for young people.” Wade concluded, “Today we stand at the intersection of innovation, agriculture and sustainable development. This expansion or phase two will be established in regions two, region five and region ten. This represents not only a monumental step forward for Guyana but a shining example of collaboration and investment by Exxon Mobil into the sustainable development of agriculture in Guyana.” He added that the project is testament to the collective commitment to address the pressing issues of food security, climate change and economic growth. S i m i l a r l y, C h i e f Executive Officer (CEO) of One Guyana Agriculture Inc. Teesha Mangra said that the entity recently embarked on a journey under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali, to empower the
youth. Mangra noted that focusing initially on shade houses with the aim of training and empowering young people to become owners of agricultural businesses and to contribute to the increase in domestic production while ultimately
Attendees at the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center.
reducing the country’s food importation bill. “Together we are really finding the agricultural landscape of our region, we are not just growing crops, and we are growing opportunities, knowledge
and sustainable practices that will shape our future, our nation’s future. To the youths who have been the beneficiaries, and will be the beneficiaries of this programme I want you to know that this expansion is
as much your achievement as it is ours. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work have inspired us all,” she said. The Agri Investment Forum and Expo will conclude on Sunday.
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Saturday October 21, 2023
GDF head visits border as Venezuela extends military operation Baramita
Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, on Friday reportedly visited Eteringbang, Cuyuni River, Region Seven, as the Ve n e z u e l a n m i l i t a r y heightened its presence and extends its operations further along its border with Guyana. Details of the Chief of Staff’s visit was not made known to the public but residents of Eteringbang told Kaieteur News that Venezuelan soldiers were noticed on Friday morning moving down river toward Carebisi with heavy artillery, which included large caliber machine guns used for land warfare. In response reliable sources told Kaieteur News that the soldiers are going to set up two additional bases “Down River” between San M a r t i n , a Ve n e z u e l a n Akawaio Village located opposite Eteringbang and Carebisi. Venezuela maintains that its ongoing military operation is only to eradicate illegal mining taking place within its borders and territory and has no intention of invading Guyana. Indeed, the army has been arresting a number of illegal miners and destroying their mining camps with explosives. However, Guyanese are still concerned about the number military bases being set-up along the Cuyuni River and that the Venezuela army is moving closer and closer towards Guyanese territory down river. Since heightening its presence along the border a number Guyanese and Brazilian nationals traversing the Cuyuni River are reportedly being harassed by Venezuelan Soldiers. “ T h e Ve n e z u e l a n military is stopping all boats that moving in the river at
Eteringbang and more down. Guyanese have no rights in the river anymore,” one angry resident said. Another concerned resident said, “In Eteringbang we don’t have road to move only the river we use to move, what happen to our government? We need justice early before things get more serious.” A third resident said, “First was the SYNDICATOS, and now is the Venezuelan military.” Kaieteur News reported a few days ago that a number of Guyanese and Brazilian nationals were detained while passing the Island of Ankoko located on Venezuelan Shore along the Cuyuni River in a boat. It was alleged that they were detained for failing to have legal documentation. It is unclear if they have been released but eyewitnesses recalled that they were packed into a truck and taken to Tumeremo, a Venezuelan town located some three hours away from Anacoco. Following their detention, two other Guyanese miners were arrested by the Venezuelan Military while passing by in their boat. Their gold, boats, and outboard engines were taken away. Kaieteur News learnt one of the detainees had in his possession almost one kilogram of gold. One of the Guyanese businessman was identified is Gary Vieira and he was reportedly detained for four days. Sources told this newspaper that soldiers argued that one of the men was involved in contraband while the other had Venezuelan gold. Legal representation was sought to defend one of the men but Kaieteur News understands that both of the men were released with their boats and engines. It is unclear, however, if their
Venezuelan soldiers leaving San Martin for Carebisi
Map showing the location where the Venezuelan military extended its operations along the Cuyuni River.
Akawini Mission
Pickersgill
Aunama
Venezuala San Antonio
Simiriundui Takuta
Carebisi
Kurachi Amamure Village
Awarabati
Aurora
Guyana Isseneru Village
Ekereku
Upper Kamaria
Peters Mine
Botamano
Venezuala Simiriun San Antonio
Carebisi
Takutu
Kurachi Awarabati San Martin
Isla de Anacoco
Map showing the distance between Carebisi and San Martin
Guyana gold was returned. Other residents said that the Venezuelan military is accusing them of smuggling Venezuelan fuel. As a result of the multiple detentions taking place, Eteringbang is quickly coming to a grinding halt because residents are afraid of being detained if they travel in the river. Meanwhile, the Guyanese Government earlier this week issued a statement indicating that it is paying keen attention as Venezuela ramps up military activities near the border. In the statement issued on Wednesday evening, the
government said that it has taken careful note of the various social media posts which have reported the mobilisation of increase personnel and execution of military exercises by Venezuelan troops in close vicinity of the borders. “The government wishes to advise that every piece of information is taken seriously and is being examined in detail. The Guyana Defence Force has also been reviewing these reports,” the release added. To t h i s e n d , t h e government said the Venezuelan Ambassador was called in by the Ministry
of Foreign and International Cooperation for an explanation. According to the statement, the government said that Ambassador claimed the mobilisation of troops near the border is geared towards curbing illegal mining operations. “Nevertheless, the statement added that “the Government of Guyana remains on guard and shared the increased military activities by Venezuelan taking place on its borders with CARICOM Heads and other international partners.” T h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s
Bartica
Hororabo Poterima
statement follows on the heels of contentions raised by members of civil society and the political Opposition. In a release issued on Monday, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU)’s Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amanza Walton-Desir said the critical issues of the border controversy and the e s c a l a t i n g Ve n e z u e l a n migrant crisis demand our immediate attention. She noted that these matters have clear implications for Guyana’s national security, stability, and international relations and it therefore is essential that “we address these challenges with the diligence and vigilance that this state of affairs warrants.” She added, “It is important therefore, Hugh Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation convene an urgent meeting of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Foreign Relations to brief Members on the developments with regards to the border controversy case before the International Court of Justice as well and the ongoing Venezuelan migrant crisis,” Walton-Desir, the Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs said.
Saturday October 21, 2023
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Chinese contractors in bid for construction of Brickdam Police Station
C
hina-owned firm, Shandong HiSpeed Dejian Group Co. Limited, the company that recently rebuilt the St. Roses High School, is among four contractors who submitted US$ millions in bids to design and reconstruct the Brickdam Police Station. At a recent opening of
tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), it was revealed that the firms vying for the project are Adam’s Project M a n a g e m e n t & Construction Limited which bid US$55 million, Shandong Hi-Speed Dejian Group Co. Limited which bid US$36 million,
Below are the companies and their bids: Ministry of Home Affairs Design and build proposal for the reconstruction of the Brickdam Police Station.
Nabi Construction which bid US$29 million, and R. B a s s o o & S o n s Construction Co. in joint venture with Quingjian Group Co. which bid US$30 million. Kaieteur News had reported that on October 2, 2021 a devastating fire flattened the Brickdam Police Station, along with
two vehicles and a business place close by. According to reports, the fire reportedly began around 11:06hrs in the upper part of an eastern building and spread to several other buildings in the compound. I m m e d i a t e investigations led to the root of the fire, which was found to be caused by arson.
National Drainage and Irrigational Authority Supply and delivery of three hydraulic excavators to the NDIA
A p r i s o n e r, w h o w a s arrested earlier for robbery under arms, confessed to the crime. Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn at an event in December that year, had said that several discussions were held with stakeholders, along with engineers on the rebuilding of the Brickdam Police
Station. He disclosed that the government intends to construct an 11-storey building to replace the police station. Following that, some $400M was allocated to the Ministry of Home Affairs in the 2022 budget for the construction of the new complex.
Guyana Elections Commission Renovation of GECOM’s Annai Office.
Ministry of Finance Painting of concrete fence. Ministry of Public Works Replacement of the asphaltic concrete pavement rigid pavement for the international apron at Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
Ministry of Agriculture Supply and delivery of livestock for the MOA Lot-1 cattle and Lot2- small ruminants.
Guyana Energy Agency Construction of south wing extension of GEA Head Office.
(Continued on page 23)
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Saturday October 21, 2023
Kaieteur News LEGAL NOTICE 1 c)
LAND FOR SALE Prime commercial land for sale @ Camp St, G/town. Call: 227-8478. House lots at Moblissa, S.L Highway. Limited lots at the creek side. Cll 661-3608. WANTED
VACANCY
FOR SALE
Wanted: Experienced Puri Maker and Counter Person. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts. Call: 654-1361.
East Bank Electrical is now hiring Electrical Engineer, Outside Sales Staff & Counter Sales Staff. Call: 604-6394, sales@eastbankelectrical.com
Pump Attendant needed to work at Charity (night). Contact: 687-5814, 688-0417, 2235273/74.
Vacancy Exist For two Experienced Dispatcher At Confidential Cabs. Call: 2315784, 231-4001, 231-4000.
Farm produce for sale: plantain, lemon, cayenne and apple banana. Every Thursday from Pomeroon. Call: 688-0417, 223-5273/ 6005370.
Diesel Mechanic wanted. Call: 688-0417 or 223-5273 / 74. Cook needed to work at Xenon Hotel, Charity. Contact: 687-5814, 688-0417, 2235273/74. Supervisor needed to work at Gaulin Supermarket, Charity. Call: 687-5814, 688-0417, 223-5273/74. Handyman, Manager, Waitress, Bartenders and Cleaner to work at Sport bar. Call: 223-5273/74, 667-1056. Wanted: Skilled Masons, Carpenters $10,000 per day and Labourers $6,000 per day. Call: 602-9469, 660-6385 or 625-7642. 1 Cook and 2 Kitchen Assistant. Call: 603-1278/ 6655074. Male & female Workers and Female Cook & Domestic needed to work in Interior. Call: 660-9093. Male & female Workers and Female Cook & Domestic needed to work in Interior. Call: 660-9093. To buy black spandex fabric & Heavy duty surger. Call 672-5175 WANTED Office assistant5 CSEC O’ Levels, Computer Literate , Prior experience an asset Agricola scaffmanguyana@gmail.com
Vacancy for Security Guard and Gardener at CJ's Ice Business. Meal allowance & attractive salary offered. Call: 614-7231. Junior Accounts Clerk needed. Must have English & Maths and knowledge in QuickBooks. Apply @ mikeswholesaledepot @yahoo.com or @ their location. Hibiscus Restaurant 91 middle St. North Georgetown hiring cook, Kitchen assistant,driver,server. Contact 231-5857,604-0857 / hibiscusrestaurantgy@gmail.com For a canter/ truck Driver (part time) to work in Georgetown, ages 35-60 years. Call: 6673933/ 600-5992. Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443. One clerk for TSI Eccles office.English & Mathematics,grade 1 or 2 . E m a i l application:techserigy@yahoo.com or call 615-9132. Maid needed to clean at East Bank area. Call: 615-9132. One male Cleaner needed for Eccles area. Call: 615-9132 645-8443
SERVICES
Diesel Mechanic wanted. Contact: 688-0417/ 2235273/687-5814
Wood working for neatly made spindles and mouldings at 196 third Street Craig E.B.D Telephone: 673-2779 / 6150940 Visa Application to Canada and U.S.A, graphics design, advertisements,USA passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 6267040.
Wanted! Male & Female workers for packaging pasta and chowmein on the Back Road (Mandela Ave). Call: 611-7839.
Repairs at affordable prices:Fridge,Air c o n d i t i o n e r , Wa s h i n g machines,Dryers,TV,Microwaves & Freezer: 610-5846 or 6618158.
Wanted Scaffolders & Trainees Prior scaffold experience an asset Training will be provided Agricola scaffmanguyana@gmail.com
3 bedroom two storey property for sale in Tain Berbice. 25 Million Call: 648-9248 / Whatsapp 347-228-5754
VEHICLES FOR SALE 1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner) Contact#649-0956.
FOR RENT Recently constructed 4 storey building at Parika in the business district, two and a half floors available. Call: 699-4513. Ground floor Kingston (Barrack St). Camp and North Road (first floor), perfect for office, boutique, restaurant, etc. Call: 227-8478. Living and Business Quarter for rent at James and Hunter Street. For more information Call: 674 0614. Bottom flat three bedroom apartment, located 173 D Eccles Old road. Contact: 6604330 3-bedroom unfurnished WBD property for rent. Wifi, parking available. Contact 681-7261. Upstairs & Downstairs 2 bedroom, 2 driveway, Lot 1919 section "c" Herstelling. ECD. Whatsapp 602-4378 or call 696-1994
EDUCATION Supercharge your child/ loved ones reading and writing skills using the highly effective hooked on phonics program. 7 years & older. Call: 650-8925.
LEGAL NOTICE 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA REGULAR JURISDICTION 2023- HC- DEM- CIV- FDA698 BETWEEN: RAFEIK BAKSH represented by his duly constituted attorney MUHAMMADIBRAHEEM BAKSH, by way of Power of Attorney executed on the 26th August, 2022, recorded in the Deeds Registry on the 28th November, 2022 and numbered 6711 of 2022. Applicant and DEON NAITRAM Respondent Notice TO: DEON NAITRAM Block RB3 Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application was filed on the 19th day of May, 2023, in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana at Georgetown, Demerara by MUHAMMAD IBRAHEEM BAKSH in which the Applicant claims: a) A declaration that the Respondent is deemed as a trespasser on the property owned by the Applicant situate at Block lettered ‘RB3’, Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara, Guyana, more fully described in Transport no. 815 of 2019; b)An injunction restraining the Respondent, his licensees, agents, servants or otherwise or howsoever from committing any trespass upon the Applicant’s property situate at Block lettered ‘RB3 ‘, Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara, Guyana, more fully described in Transport no. 815 0f 2019;
A mandatory injunction directing the respondent to immediately remove the building and any other buildings or erections which the respondent unlawfully placed on the Applicant’s property;
d) Further and in the alternative an order that the Applicant be permitted to remove the building any buildings or erections from the Applicant’s property forthwith at the Respondent’s expense; e)
f)
Damages in excess of $1,000,000 ( one million dollars) for trespass of the Applicant’s Property situate at Block lettered ‘RB3’, Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara, Guyana more fully described in Transport no. 815 of 2019; Exemplary damages against the respondent;
LEGAL NOTICE 1 AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within 28 days after the second and final publication of this notice, prepare an Affidavit in Defence in Form I0C prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on the applicant’s attorney-at-law, to Mr. Donavon Rangiah whose address for service and place of business is at 8 Hadfield & Breda Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, Guyana, and file it with proof of service at the Registry at Georgetown, Demerara, not later than 4 days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your attorney-at-law must appear at the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file such affidavit and or if you appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that this matter is fixed for hearing before the Honourable Madam Justice Roxane George on 20th day of November, 2023 at 10:00 am.
g) Interest pursuant to the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Dated this 6th day of Provisions) Act, October, 2023. Chapter 6:02; h) Such further or other reliefs as the Court in the exercise of its discretion, may deem just i) Costs. AND/OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE h) An order that Respondent do deliver up to the Applicant vacant possession of the Applicant’s LEGAL NOTICE 2 property situate at Block lettered ‘RB3’, 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1148 Sarah Johanna, East IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF Bank Demerara, JUDICATURE FAMILY, Guyana more fully DIVORCE AND described in MATRIMONIAL Transport no. 815 of JURISDICTION FAMILY 2019. DIVISION UPON APPLICATION in Application No. FD-1148 person or by letter to Mr. Between Donavon Rangiah Attorney- ALANALATOYAFINGALL Applicant at-Law for the Applicant, -V- whose address for service OWEN L. GOODRIDGE and place of business is at Respondent Lot 78 Hadfield & Breda Streets, Werk-en-Rust, TO: LLOYD EUSTACE Georgetown, Guyana copies DANIELS Last known Address of the Fixed Date Application, filed herein, will Lot 129 Anna Catherina, West Bank Demerara be delivered or sent to you.
Saturday October 21, 2023 LEGAL NOTICE 2
LEGAL NOTICE 2
TAKE NOTICE that on the 21st day of July, 2023 a Application Relating to Children was filed against you by ALANA LATOYA FINGALL, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 26th day of September, 2023, the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues in the KAIETUER NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published of general and circulation in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the world wide web. . AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents.
The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 9th day of October, 2023.
ANDFURTHERTAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file a Reply to Application Relating to Children, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within thirty-five (35) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 29th day of November, 2023 at 10:15 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln in the High Court at Georgetown, via Zoom Meeting ID: 817 2463 7445 and Password: Court12. IN DEFAULT of your filing a Reply to Application Relating to Children/Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.
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Kaieteur News
LEGAL NOTICE 3 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1413 IN THE HIGH COURT OF LEGAL NOTICE 3 THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-1413 Between:(DA FONSECA ESTERLITA ROSIT A nee BRANDT also Known as ESTERLETA ROSETA DA FONSECA nee BRANDT Petitioner -v(DA FONSECA) VALDETE ALVES Respondent TO: VALDETE ALVES DA FONSECA Karrau Creek, Lower Mazauni, Guyana, TAKE NOTICE that on the 18th day of September, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by ESTERLITA ROSITA DA FONSECA nee BRANDT also known as ESTERLETA ROSETA DA FONSECA nee BRANDT, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 26th day of September, 2023, the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur Newspaper, a daily newspaper printed,
LEGAL NOTICE 3 , published of general and circulation in and around the Republic of Guyana and around the world wide web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 29th day of November, 2023 at 10:15 am before the Hounourable Madam Fidela CorbinLincoln via Zoom Meeting ID: 733 558 9086 Password : Court12 in the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 10th day of October, 2023
Motorcyclist killed after crashing into car at Linden
A
26-year-old motor cyclist was on Friday killed after he crashed into a car along the Sir David Rose road, Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 commonly known as “Five Corner”. Dead is, Keon Marvin of Lot 252 Mackenzie, Linden. Police said that Marvin met his demise around 10:45hrs. Investigations reveal that the car was proceeding east along the northern side of the road while the motorcyclist was riding in the opposite direction. As they both approached the intersection, the driver of the car allegedly made a sudden right turn s o u t h i n t o Wa s h e r Pond Road and ended up in the path of the motorcyclist. Marvin could not slow down in time and crashed into the car. “As a result of the collision , t h e m o t o r c y c l i s t was flung some distance onto the roadway, where he received bodily injuries,” police said while adding he was picked up by a passersby in an unconscious condition and taken to the Mackenzie Public Hospital Complex. He died while receiving treatment. The car driver is in custody assisting with investigations. LEGAL NOTICE 4 APPLICATION FOR MONEY LENDER’S CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 4 OF THE MONEY LENDERS ACT I, ANWAR HASSAN SALIM of Roden-Rust, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, hereby give notice that I have applied to the Magistrate of the Georgetown MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT for a Certificate under the Money Lenders’ Act, authorizing the grant to me of a Money Lender’s Licence to carry on the business of a Money Lender under the title· of SALIM’S MONEY LENDING of Roden-Rust, Parika, East Bank Essequibo. NOTICE of any objections to the application should be sent forthwith to the CLERK OF COURT OF THE G E O R G E T O W N MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT and a copy of any such notice should be sent to the subscr,iber, ANWAR HASSAN SALIM of RodenRust, Parika, East Bank Essequibo. Sworn to at Georgetown, Demerara, This 19" day of October, 2023
Dead: Keon Marvin From page 21 Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Construction of fence and pavement at Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, Region 3.
Kaieteur News
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Saturday October 21, 2023
‘We were baptised here and we will die here’: Gaza’s oldest church bombed At least 18 dead after Israeli air strike hit Greek Orthodox church in Gaza City which served as shelter for displaced
A woman shows a picture of a baby, George Ramez al-Souri, one of the 18 dead following an Israeli air strike on the Orthodox church in Gaza City [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera] ALJAZEERA – Ibrahim Jahsan’s young family has been sheltering at the Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City since the war began. One of Gaza’s 1,000 Christians, Jahsan never doubted the church was a safe space for him, his pregnant wife and two children aged five and six. The Greek Orthodox church – the oldest in the city, located in the Zaytoun neighbourhood – has traditionally served as a sanctuary for both Christians and Muslims during Israel’s periodic wars against Gaza. The church was sheltering hundreds of people when an Israeli bomb severely damaged one of the four buildings in its compound on Thursday evening, causing its ceiling to collapse and leaving dozens trapped under slabs of concrete, according to witnesses. By Friday afternoon, the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem told Al Jazeera at least 18 people were confirmed to have been killed, including several
children. ‘We thought we would be protected’ “The building that they bombed is beside the church,” said Jahsan, still shaken from what he says was a massive blast. “We just pray to god to end this war.” About 200 children, women, elderly and sick people were taking shelter at the church when Israeli warplanes targeted the building with two raids, said Ibrahim Al-Souri, another survivor who had also been taking shelter. “We thought we would be protected by the church but unfortunately the brutal Israeli occupation does not differentiate,” he said. “They have targeted churches, mosques and hospitals. There is no safe place.” Al-Souri called on free people around the world to pressure their governments to stop the bloodshed against Palestinians. “We know that the world leaders are against us, but as [former PLO leader] Yasser Arafat said, we are a mighty people. And this is the price we have to pay,” he said. According to Father Issa Musleh of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Bethlehem, the building that collapsed was part of the church’s compound. Dozens were found to have been injured as rescue efforts were still under way
on Friday to find victims trapped under the rubble. “One lady is waiting for her three kids to be pulled out of the rubble,” said another witness at the church, who did not want to give Al Jazeera his real name. “It’s something you can’t really imagine, you can’t really explain.” An Orthodox Christian, he said he had sought refuge at the church after the war began, thinking it was a safe place. He remained there despite Israel’s order for residents of Gaza City to move south – where bombings have continued nonetheless. “We didn’t flee last night because we were afraid, we might be hit [on the way],” he said. Since the war began, mosques, schools and hospitals where people have sought safety after fleeing their homes have come under fire. Just two days ago, six people were killed after an Israeli air raid hit an UNRWA school in Gaza’s alMaghazi refugee camp. Later that day, a massive blast at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital killed hundreds more. “People there – Muslims and Christians – they thought they’d be safe inside the [church] building,” Father Issa Musleh told Al Jazeera. “Because it’s a church, they didn’t think it would be bombed by Israel.” One Christian, who only
People sheltering at the Saint Porphyrius Orthodox church which was hit by an Israeli airstrike on Thursday, killing 18 including several children [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera]
Palestinians inspect the site of the Greek Orthodox church, badly damaged following Israeli air strikes on Gaza City, October 19, 2023 [Abed Khaled/AP] gave his name as Fadi, said nobody is safe in Gaza, regardless of religion. “This message is to Biden, the president of the United States: The Christian community in Gaza is being targeted,” the 31-year-old who was born and raised in Gaza said. “No one is safe and everyone is in danger. Everyone should move to stop this.” ‘This is a war crime’: Orthodox Patriarchate The Patriarchate has condemned the strike, but said it remains committed to providing shelter to the d i s p l a c e d . “ Ta r g e t i n g churches and their institutions, along with the shelters they provide to
protect innocent citizens, especially children and women who have lost their homes due to Israeli air strikes on residential areas over the past 13 days, constitutes a war crime that cannot be ignored,” a statement read. An Israeli army statement said the air strike had targeted a command and control centre involved in launching rockets and mortars towards Israel. “As a result of the [Israeli army] strike, a wall of a church in the area was damaged,” it said, adding, “We are aware of reports on casualties. The incident is under review.” Videos and photos of the incident show people, including children and
elderly women, being rushed to hospital, as well as the damaged building whose first floor has completely collapsed. At least 4,137 Palestinians have been confirmed dead as a result of Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip since the war began, including 1,524 children. Some 1,403 Israelis have been killed, mostly in an attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7. “All the children are traumatised,” Ibrahim Jahsan said. “No words can describe what we are going through.” Despite the horror, he said, he will continue to shelter at the church with his family. “We were baptised here, and we will die here.”
Kaieteur News
Saturday October 21, 2023
PAGE 25
Landlord charged with breaking into tenant’s home A landlord was on Friday charged with breaking into her tenant’s house and stealing valuables valued over $600,000 and causing damage to a chair valued at $85,000. It is alleged that on April 4, 2023, at Duncan Street,
Campbellville, Georgetown, Kavita Singh broke into Nadia Simmons’s house and stole a flat-screen Samsung television valued $290,000, a microwave valued $24,000, jewelry valued $140,000 and $180,000 in cash.
Kavita Singh
It is also alleged that Singh, on the same date and at the same location, unlawfully and maliciously damaged a chair valued at $85,000. When the accused
appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, she pleaded not guilty to both charges. In her explanation to the court, the woman said that she and her tenant were
before the court for the tenant’s failure to pay rent for eight months. After listening to the case, Magistrate Leron Daly then grated bail in the sum of $40,000
for the simple larceny charge and $20,000 for malicious damage to property charge. The matter has been adjourned to October 27, 2023.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday October 21, 2023
Saturday October 21, 2023
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Kaieteur News
BCB and NPG Packaging and Plastics Inc launch 20/20 Cricket tournament for Upper Corentyne teams The Cricket teams in the Upper Corentyne would soon be involved in another tournament as the Berbice Cricket Board forges ahead with the hosting of another tournament. On Tuesday last, BCB President Hilbert Foster accompanied by senior cricket coach, Winston Smith visited the offices of Nand Persaud Ganesh Packaging Inc (NPG Inc) to officially launch a twenty overs (20/20) tournament for Upper Corentyne teams. Foster stated that the 20/ 20 tournament would be for
teams located at No.35 Village in Central Corentyne to Moleson Creek including the Black Bush Polder area. The tournament would be played on a knockout format and it would start after the completion of the Dave’s West Indian 40 overs tournament is completed. Foster stated that apart from the Berbicewide tournaments, the BCB and the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association had organized several tournaments for the sub-area. They include the Vishnu Super Store 40 overs, Dave
West Indian 40 overs and the Baijnauth Primary School under11 among others. The final of the delayed Upper Corentyne Price is Right 20/20 tournament saw close to $1M worth of prizes shared out to the top teams and performers in the tournament. The champions No. 72 Cut and Load carried home $400,000, the runner up $200,000 and the Man of the Finals $100,000. Other attractive prizes were also shared out to the best batter, best bowler among others. The Berbice Cricket Board
Saturday October 21, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Get-togethers with friends or meetings with a small group, if possible, should prove informative and enlightening today, Aries, although some of it may be a bit perplexing. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today things could be rather hectic at work, Taurus. You'll probably be very busy and happy with whatever results you produce. You could tire yourself out, GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Some new information about an interesting field could have you browsing the web and looking through books to learn more, Gemini. This could involve law, philosophy,
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today your mind will be quick, insightful, and inspired, Libra. Your creative impulses should go a thousand miles an hour and ideas should pop in and out of your head like crazy. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) If visitors are able to pop in and out during the day, Scorpio, you'll be in the right frame of mind to enjoy their company. Expect interesting news and stimulating conversation. . SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't be surprised if your inbox fills with email or your phone rings off the hook, Sagittarius. Friends, relatives, and colleagues could have great news and useful information.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today you might learn about new and creative ways to increase your income, Cancer, possibly involving technology in some way. So much new information could come your way.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It Inspiration is the word for today, Capricorn. Your creative talent should blossom and motivate you to work on wonderful ideas. This could involve music, painting, decorating,
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Social events could put you in touch with interesting people in intriguing professions, Leo. You might get involved in some fascinating conversations that provide you with a lot of useful information.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Today your physical and mental energy should be operating at a very high level, Aquarius. You probably won't spend much time inside if you can avoid it. Expect get-togethers
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) A friend or colleague could recommend some books that you want to read right away, Virgo. Be sure you take breaks and rest your eyes from time to time to avoid eyestrain and headaches today.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your intuition is likely to be very keen today, Pisces. Accurate psychic insights could come to you thick and fast. Your imagination is also strong, and you might come up with ideas to enrich your home,
BCB president Hilbert Foster receives sponsorship from NPG office Clerk Sherry Basdeo as other staff members look on.
would like to inform clubs that the tournament would be using the red ball and would start at 1PM sharp. Captains are expected to be at the venues by 12:30pm or their rights to spinning the toss would be forfeit. Walkovers shall be granted half hour after the scheduled start of the play. The BCB would also like to inform teams that only players from the area are allowed to play unless they have a long standing relationship with a particular club. Foster noted that the BCB has placed special emphasis on the development of cricket in the Upper Corentyne area. Apart from hosting numerous junior and senior cricket tournaments, the BCB has assisted clubs and players with cricket gear, practice nets, bowling machines, cricket balls, coaching equipment, educational grants, scorebooks, grass cutters, water pitchers, pitch covers, bicycles, coaching manuals and youth information booklets among other items. The BCB has also organized annual cricket academy, numerous coaching clinics and personal development programmes for youths in the area. Among the teams expected to participate in the BCB/NPG Packaging Inc. 20/ 20 tournament are No. 72 Cut and Load, No.72 All Stars, Skeldon, No. 43, No. 64 Fighting Marines, No. 35 Explosion, Radha Krishna, Line Path, No. Vikings and Dukestown. Managing Direction of NPG Packing Inc. Surendra Ganesh expressed his appreciation for the development taking place in Berbice Cricket. Ganesh stated that he was delighted to sponsor the tournament and expressed confident that the 20/20 Cup would be a success.
Kaieteur News
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Saturday October 21, 2023
Cricket World Cup 2023: David Warner hits 163 as Australia beat Pakistan BBC Sport - David Wa r n e r ’s s u p e r b 1 6 3 inspired Australia to a 62-run victory over Pakistan as they breathed life back into their World Cup campaign. Warner shared a stand of 259 for the first wicket with Mitchell Marsh, who made 121, before Pakistan fought back. Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi took 5-54 to help limit the Aussies to 367-9. Imam-ul-Haq (70) and Abdullah Shafique (64) gave Pakistan a start but when Mohammad Rizwan departed for 46 to Adam Zampa, Australia closed out the game. Pakistan had already chased a World Cup record total of 345 against Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament, but fell short of repeating the feat here. In a World Cup in which there has been a dearth of close encounters, this match at least threatened to go to the wire before Pakistan’s batting crumpled. An opening stand of 134
from Shafique and Imam-ulHaq provided a platform, only for both men to fall to the medium pace of Marcus Stoinis (2-40). Australia skipper Pat Cummins redeemed himself for an earlier drop with a fine catch to get rid of counterpart Babar Azam (18) before Rizwan’s dismissal, trapped plumb in front to the impressive Zampa, effectively signalled the end of the match as a contest. Warner and Marsh had earlier batted with the kind of zest hitherto absent from Australia’s performances in the tournament thus far. There were a couple of blemishes on Warner ’s knock as was dropped twice on 10 and 105, but he and Marsh made hay in favourable batting conditions. Australia’s victory lifted them above England and up to fourth in the table, level on points with Pakistan but ahead of them on net runrate. Openers star but Aussie
batting doubts remain Australia were bowled out for 199 and 177 in defeats to India and South Africa, and nervously chased down 210 against Sri Lanka, in their opening three matches of what had been an underwhelming start to the tournament for the five-time winners. When Marsh deposited the first ball he faced in the match from Afridi back over his head into the stands for six, it showed an intent to break the shackles of those tame efforts. Marsh’s long levers allowed him to access areas down the ground and through the covers. His style dovetailed superbly with the pugnacious Warner, all waspish cuts and wristy flicks, as Pakistan’s attack struggled to find consistent lengths. One six from Warner was especially eye-catching, as he hit the roof of the of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with an audacious paddled flick, down on on knee, off Haris
Rauf. It was measured at 98 metres - the second-biggest six of the tournament. The pair reached their hundreds in consecutive deliveries from Mohammad Nawaz - Warner off 85 balls and Marsh reaching the milestone at exactly a run a ball. Such a monumental firstwicket partnership - a run away from equalling Australia’s highest-ever stand for any wicket at a Wo r l d C u p - l a i d a n incredible base for Australia. Yet it was followed by a tepid effort from their middle-order batters, the minds of who seemed scrambled on how to best approach the task at the back end of the innings as they lost six wickets for 38 runs. Stoinis (21) and Josh Inglis (13) were the only other players to make double figures as Glenn Maxwell (0), Steve Smith (7) and Marnus Labuschagne (8) floundered. A total in excess of 400 beckoned for Australia but
David Warner got some love from Shaheen Shah Afridi after being dismissed Oct 20, 2023. (AFP/Getty Images)
they fell well short of that and instead left question marks over the balance and form of their batting unit. Scores: Australia 367-9 (50 overs): Warner 163 (124), Marsh 121 (108);
Afridi 5-54 Pakistan 305 (45.3 overs): Imam-ul-Haq 70 (71), Shafique 64 (61); Zampa 4-53 Result: Australia won by 62 runs.
I’ve never seen so many Monza and Argentina grown men cry, says forward Gomez gets Pakistan coach after rare win two-year doping ban (Reuters) - Argentina forward Papu Gomez who plays for Italian side Monza has received a two-year ban for doping, the Serie A club said on Friday. The 35-year-old, who joined Monza on a free transfer at the end of September, was part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad last year. “AC Monza announces that today, 20 October 2023, FIFA has notified the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission of the first instance ruling of the Spanish AntiDoping Commission against the player Alejandro Dario Gomez,” the statement said. The club also said the presence of terbutaline was found in the player’s sample, a drug taken to calm a bronchospasm crisis. It happened in October, 2022 when Gomez was playing for Sevilla.
Argentina’s Papu Gomez reacts. (REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo/File Photo)
(Reuters) - Pakistan’s 10 victory over Cambodia in a World Cup qualifier this week hardly registered on soccer’s radar yet such was the significance for the national team that manager Stephen Constantine said he had never seen so many grown men cry. A 67th minute goal by Harun Hamid in the second leg ensured Pakistan progressed to the second round of Asia’s World Cup 2026 on aggregate having drawn 0-0 draw in Phnom Penh. It was Pakistan’s firstever World Cup qualifying round win and t h e c o u n t r y ’s f i r s t international victory of any sort since 2018 and sparked celebrations at I s l a m a b a d ’s J i n n a h Sports Stadium. Englishman Constantine had only taken over in late September, tasked with ending a 13-match losing sequence with a squad pieced together from home and overseas-based players, some of whom had not
played a competitive match for months. “It is an unbelievable atmosphere here, I’ve not seen so many grown men cry in all my life,” the 61-yearold Constantine, whose coaching career includes stints in charge of Nepal, Malawi, Sudan, Rwanda and India, told the BBC. “It is a massive deal; in their 75-year history it is the first time they’ve qualified for the second stage, they haven’t won since 2018 and it was the first home game for eight and a half years. It has been unbelievably emotional. “I’ve only been here three and a half weeks, not even. I’m just really pleased for the people, the players and Pakistan football.” Cricket is by far the most popular sport in Pakistan with soccer a very distant poor relation in comparison. Ranked 197th in the world, Pakistan were banned by world soccer body FIFA in April 2021 for 15 months because of ‘undue third party
interference’ — their second ban in four years. “We don’t have regular football; half of them have part-time jobs ... and that makes the double result even more impressive. Some of them haven’t played for months,” Constantine said. Pakistan will now face matches against Asia powerhouse Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Jordan in the second round, which begins in N o v e m b e r a l t h o u gh Constantine does not know whether he will still be in charge as he is on a shortterm arrangement. “The next game is away to Saudi Arabia in November, so welcome to the real world! My current deal finishes in the next three days ...” he said. “They cannot give me a full one-year, two-year term. The PFF (Pakistan Football Federation) will have to come up with some sort of plan. I’m assuming they want me to stay but we’ll see.”
Saturday October 21, 2023
Kaieteur News
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Pompey out of Pan Am Games By Rawle Toney Boxer Emmanuel Pompey did not achieve the desired outcome in his 92kg bout against Antigua and Barbuda’s Tabukuo Aska during the Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile. Pompey lost yesterday’s match on points, 1-5, to his Antiguan counterpart, making him the second Guyanese boxer, after Alesha Jackman, to exit the 19th edition of the games. Reflecting on the match, Pompey expressed, “I think I could’ve done better. I think I could’ve put out the work from training, but, everyone makes mistakes so I’ll go back to the gym and put in the work that is needed and push myself a bit more.” Pompey believed he had
a strong start against Aska but admitted that as the fight progressed, he faded in the later rounds. This marked his first appearance at a major event, and he remarked, “What I learnt is that I could do better, push myself a bit more. So I will train harder so I can go to the big games.” Meanwhile, Desmond Amsterdam is scheduled to step into the ring today to face Argentina’s Gabriel Buonarrigo in the Men’s 80kg category. Amsterdam, recognised as the Caribbean’s top middleweight, holds the distinction of being a South American Games and Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Championship bronze
medallist. The Guyana Defence Force Sergeant aims to advance to the quarter-finals of the Pan Am Games, just like Keevin Allicoc, with the ultimate goal of securing a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 2023 Pan Am Games officially commenced last evening, and Guyana is represented by 20 athletes across various disciplines, including Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Table Te n n i s , Ta e k w o n d o , Swimming, Weightlifting, and Esports. Guyana has participated in every Pan Am Games since 1959 and has accumulated a total of 18 medals, comprising two gold, four silver and 12
bronze. Weightlifter Martin Dias (1963) and sprinter James Wren-Gilks (1975) are the only athletes to have won gold at the Pan Am
Antigua and Barbuda’s Tabukuo Aska (left) being declared the winner in the bout against Guyana’s Emmanuel Pompey. (GOA photo)
Games. However, boxing has been a consistent source of success for Guyana, accounting for seven of the 18 medals.
At the 2007 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Boxer Clive Atwell brought back Guyana’s only medal from the Pan Games.
CWI CG United Super50 Cup
YK Investment & Guyana Harpy Eagles vs. Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Pawn Shop sponsors ‘A’ Familiar rivals meet, as fireworks Class Draughts competition expected today at Tarouba
D
YK Investment & Pawn Shop logo
T
he National D r a u g h t s Association Annual event continues tomorrow, Sunday. The game would be played at the Transport Sports Club. To m o r r o w ’s g a m e i s sponsored by YK Investment & Pawn Shop along with Puran Bros. Waste Disposal Service. Registration begins at 10:00am and games start at
10:30am. Registration fee is $500 per person. Please take note that the competition is open to ‘A’ class players only who has been approved by the National Draughts Association. The ‘B’ class was played last Sunday and the top 4 players were given a complimentary to participate in this week’s game. Should all the ‘A’ players turn up, the game
would be exciting and so far t h e w i n n e r i s unpredictable.Players are asked to note also that the venue is changed to the Transport Sports Club pavilion. Trophies and medals would be awarded to the winners. Guyana Beverage Inc is our quench provider. For further information please call 614-6671.
ifferent format, familiar foes with same intentions meet today as the Guyana Harpy Eagles play the home team, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in what should be a mouth-watering Day/night clash at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba. The rivalry continues as the Trinidadians prepare to host their most notable foes, Guyana, this time with the Red Force owing the home field advantage. Familiarity arises yet again as these teams, slightly tweaked but with essentially the same face met not too long ago in t h i s y e a r ’s C a r i b b e a n Premier League (CPL). The Guyana Amazon Warriors won the title for the first time but the history between the two sides regardless of format or tournament, runs deeps as rivals square off, this time for the 50-Over title. Their last match was a taste of what could be one of the most formidable batting attacks, as Red Force opener Kjorn Ottley opened his
account with 134 not out. With Darren Bravo, Jason Mohammed, Terrance Hinds and Joshua DaSilva all in good touch coming off their win in the last game, the middle-order will be the target for the Eagles bowlers today. Harpy Eagles fastbowlers Romario Shepherd and Nial Smith seemed to have found their rhythm as they shared 5 wickets between them in their thrilling win last game. Sherfane Rutherford was aggressive with the bat but his pace will be an X-factor should he bowl. Spinners Gudakesh Motie and Kevin Sinclair will be a handful given their recent form in the CPL and the domestic games back in Guyana. Guyana Captain Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l remains the most successful bowler in the region and his 10 overs will be crucial against the veteran Trinidad core of batsmen. More will need to come however from the Guyanese batsmen who toiled in their
last game. Vice-Captain Tevin Imlach was the main scorer along with Sinclair in the last match, both scoring 41. With West Indies pacer Shannon Gabriel leading the way, Red Force will rely further on the likes of premier spinners Sunil Narine and Akeal Hosein, who will have 20 important overs to bowl. Yannick Cariah had 4 wickets against the Volcanoes, the same team who Guyana narrowly overcame, while Jayden Seales and Mohammed make the Trinis more of a bowl threat. S h i m r o n H e t m y e r, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kevlon Anderson, Chandrapaul Hemraj will need to set to tone for Guyana with the bat, as Shepherd and Rutherford already found some pinchhitting form during the last outing. Leewards Islands Volcanoes will play the We s t I n d i e s A c a d e m y today as part of Saturday’s double header.
Saturday October 21, 2023
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New Zealand into Rugby World Cup final after outclassing Argentina AFP - Will Jordan scored a hat-trick of tries as New Zealand outclassed Argentina 44-6 yesterday to set up a Rugby World Cup final against the winner of the second semi-final between England and defending champions South Africa. The result at a rainy Stade de France saw the All Blacks become the first team to reach the final of a World Cup on five occasions. The three-time champions, who beat Ireland in a thrilling quarter-final last week, outscored Los Pumas by seven tries to none, mixing some doughty early defence with front-foot flamboyance in attack. History was on New Zealand’s side coming into the match, the All Blacks having won 33 of the 36 previous encounters between the two sides with Los Pumas claiming two victories, with one match drawn. And although it was
Emiliano Boffelli who opened the scoring for Argentina with a fifthminute penalty, it was not long before New Zealand’s dominance shone through. The All Blacks spurned their first chance of a kick at goal, instead going to the corner for an attacking lineout and after a series of pickand-drives, a long Richie Mo’unga cut-out pass found Jordan and the winger crossed for an easy try that the fly-half converted. As forwards linked impeccably with backs, Jordan then turned provider, drawing in the final defender just enough to allow Jordie Barrett a line into the corner for New Zealand’s second try. - Ragged Argentina Although they pinched a couple of All Black lineouts, Los Pumas looked increasingly ragged around the breakdown and consistently lost territory through their ill-discipline at the ruck. Boffelli grabbed his
second penalty after a rare show of Argentinian pressure, but Juan Martin Gonzalez handed the advantage straight back after taking out Jordan under a high ball and Mo’unga slotted the penalty. Mark Tele’a showed why All Blacks coach Ian Foster had recalled him in place of Leicester Fainga’anuku after serving a one-match suspension for a breach of team protocol, the winger jinking his way through four defenders towards the line. The ball was worked left by Aaron Smith to find Frizzell unmarked on the wing, the outstanding flanker crossing for the All Blacks’ third try. Mo’unga’s conversion came back off the post, but at 20-6 at half-time it felt as if the game was all but over as a contest. That was confirmed just two minutes into the second period as Smith sniped over for a classic scrum-half’s
Teddy Bishop’s unbeaten 95 leads West Indies Academy to victory in 2023 CG United Insurance Super50 Cup SportsMax - In a thrilling clash at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad, the West Indies Academy launched their 2023 CG United Insurance Super50 Cup campaign with a resounding 29-run victory over Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) on Thursday. The West Indies Academy put on a stunning display of batting prowess, amassing a formidable total of 318-8 in their allotted 50 overs. Their victory was anchored by remarkable half-centuries from Teddy Bishop, Matthew Nandu, and Leonardo Julien. The trio’s collective performance set the stage for a dominant showing. Former West Indies Under-19 standout, Teddy Bishop, was the standout performer, narrowly missing out on a century with his sensational innings of 95 runs off just 75 deliveries. His knock included an impressive 14 boundaries and one towering six. Joining Bishop in the batting spectacle was Guyana’s first-class opener, Nandu, who announced his List-A debut in style, contributing a solid 84 runs from 92 balls, featuring seven boundaries and a six. Julien also played a pivotal role, contributing 51 runs from 67 deliveries, including three boundaries and two powerful sixes. Nyeem Young provided a late flurry of runs with his quick-fire 24 off 14 balls, embellished with three boundaries and a maximum. Isai Thorne took 3-65 off 10 overs and Abhijai Mansingh 2-55 off 10 for the CCC. The West Indies Academy’s impressive batting display was complemented by a determined bowling effort. The CCC team had a mountain to climb to chase down the
Player of the Match Bishop scored an unbeaten 95.
Will Jordan scores the second of his three tries in New Zealand’s rout of Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. (FRANCK FIFE) opportunistic try, Mo’unga kicking the extras. A streaking break by the fly-half then set up the All Blacks deep in Argentine territory and with Tele’a proving a handful, Frizzell showed incredible strength to muscle his way over for his second try. A raft of replacements disrupted the rhythm of the
game, but Tele’a was on hand to draw in three defenders as New Zealand ran through the phases, leaving Finlay Christie to feed Jordan for his second five-pointer. Scott Barrett saw yellow for needlessly playing the ball in a ruck, but Jordan was on hand to finish off his own chip-and-chase for a third try
and his eighth at World Cups to draw level with Jonah Lomu, Julian Savea and Bryan Habana. Argentina hung in there, however, and at least avoided the ignominy of suffering the highest margin of defeat in a World Cup semi-final, the All Blacks having beaten Wales 49-6 in 1987.
Bayern, Galatasaray and AEK Athens fined by UEFA for crowd trouble The UEFA logo is pictured at the headquarters ahead of the announcement. (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo)
challenging target. Despite valiant efforts from their top-order batsmen, including Johann Jeremiah, who raced to 82 off 65 balls before being run out and Shaqkere Parris’ 52 off 74 balls, the combined team could not breach the Academy’s total. Guyana’s Akshaya Persaud contributed 28 runs off 30 deliveries, while Shatrughan Rambaran and Abhijai Mansingh chipped in with 26 and 24 runs, respectively. The West Indies Academy’s bowlers displayed their mettle in defending the target. Nyeem Young led the attack with an impressive 3-80 off 10 overs, while Kelvin Pitman and Joshua Bishop provided crucial support, taking two wickets each. Pitman’s figures read 2-37 off six overs, while Joshua Bishop accounted for 2-58 off his 10 overs.
(Reuters) - Bayern Munich, Galatasaray and AEK Athens have been fined for crowd disturbances in recent Champions League and Europa League games, European soccer’s governing body UEFA said on Friday. U E FA’ s C o n t r o l , E t h i c s a n d Disciplinary Body fined Bayern 40,000 euros ($42,380.00) for the throwing of objects and lighting of fireworks by fans during their 2-1 win at FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. Galatasaray were fined a total of
51,500 euros ($54,564.25) for offences which included the throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks, acts of damage and crowd disturbances in their 3-2 Champions League win away to Manchester United. Meanwhile, AEK Athens have also been fined 81,625 euros ($86,481.69) for the blocking of public passageways, throwing of objects, use of a laser pointer and lighting of fireworks in their Europa League 1-1 home draw with Ajax Amsterdam. ($1 = 0.9438 euros)
Saturday October 21, 2023
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South African athletes for 2023 South American 10K …over 150 athletes confirmed for November 5 event Guyana’s leg of this year’s South American 10km Classic is poised to draw international athletes from as far afield as South Africa, as disclosed by James Cole, General Secretary of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG). According to Cole, the annual event, scheduled for Sunday, November 5, has piqued the interest of runners from various countries,
including Brazil, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Guadeloupe, and, notably, South Africa, making its debut appearance in the competition. With over 150 competitors expected to participate in the 21st edition of this event, the AAG anticipates fierce competition, particularly among senior male and female athletes vying for the coveted first prize of
A quality field of athletes are expected for this year’s South American 10K.
FLASHBACK! Winston Missigher celebrates winning the 2022 South American 10K (Rawle Toney photo)
US$1000 and other incentives. The winners of these races will also receive medals crafted from Guyana’s renowned gold. The top four finishers in both the senior male and female categories will be rewarded with cash prizes, with the first, second, third, and fourth runners-up pocketing US$1000, US$600, US$400, and US$200, respectively, in addition to trophies. Junior athletes (ages 16-20) and Masters (Women 35+), Men (40-55), and (56 and above) will also be acknowledged with
trophies and cash prizes. The top four junior athletes will receive vouchers or grants valued at US$100, US$75, US$50, and US$25, while the top four Masters (Women 35+), Men (40-55) will be awarded GY$20,000, GY$12,000, and GY$8,000, respectively. Masters (56 and above) top three finishers will collect GY$15,000, GY$1,000, and GY$5,000 in that order. The event is scheduled to commence at 15:00hrs from Barrack Street, proceeding along the University of
Guyana (UG) road before returning to the starting point for the finish. “The formal launch is imminent and the Technical Manual will be out on Sunday” Cole said. In the previous edition of the South American 10K race, Attoya Harvey and Winston Missigher emerged as the victors. Winston Missigher clinched the top spot with a time of 32 minutes and 25.9 seconds (32:25.9), earning him the US$1,000 prize and an impressive 18-karat gold medal. He faced a fierce challenge from Suriname’s
Janiek Pomba (32:32.6). Odwin Tudor secured the third position with a time of 32 minutes and 42.1 seconds (32:42.1). Marlon Nicholson completed the race in fourth place (33:46.1), while Matthew Gordon followed closely behind in fifth place (34:11.1). On the women’s side, Harvey crossed the finish line in 41 minutes and 57.7 seconds (41:57.7), outpacing Abidemi Charles (second), Joanna Archer (third), Tia Azore (fourth), and Jelesa Wright (fifth) to secure the victory.
BCB/Kris Jagdeo 20/20 Second Division Tournament 2023-Lower Corentyne...
Rampersaud, Hussain score centuries in opening round A
brilliant innings from national Under 19 allrounder Jonathan Rampersaud was the highlight of the opening round of the Berbice Cricket Board Kris Jagdeo 20/20 Second division tournament for teams in the Lower Corentyne sub area. Rampersaud struck seven massive sixes and a similar amount of boundaries in his 106 versus Kennard’s Union while the promising AriAfrizal Kadir scored 97 for Albion versus Chesney. Veteran Imran Hussain also scored 109 for Jai Hind in the opening round. Scores in some of the matches played are: 1. Rose Hall Town Bakewell defeated Kennard Memorial team by 41 runs at the Area H ground
Batting first, Rose Hall Town Bakewell scored 176 for 4 off their 15 overs as the match was reduced due to a late start. Matthew Pottaya scored 26 and Troy Matterson 20. The visitors in reply, reaching 135 for 6 when their overs finished with S. Seelall scored 38, T. George 30 and R. Ragnauth 33 top scoring. The best Bowler for RHT Bakewell was Romesh Bharrat with 2 for 11. 2. Rose Hall Town Tigers defeated Guns and Cannon by four wickets at the Area H ground. Guns and Cannon amassed 160 for 4 from their 18 overs with former national junior play Arif Chan scoring 83 with five sixes and four boundaries. He received support from Ravi Narine 29 and G. Outar 17. Lucus
Ari Afrizal Kadir
Jonathan Rampersaud
Arthur took 2 wickets for eight runs. In reply, Rose Hall Town Tigers reached 162 for 6 in 16.5 overs with Joshua Ramsammy to scoring with 67 including 2 sixes and 4 boundaries. He received solid support from Lucus Arthur with an unbeaten 41 and Mahendra Charran 23. Bowling for Guns and Cannon P. Baldeo took 3 for
34. 3. Albion defeated Chesney by 82 runs at Chesney. Albion amassed 193 for 6 from 20 overs as Ari-Afrizal Kadir scored 97, Tameshwar Mangal 29 and Leon Cecil 15. Narine Deonarine took 3 for 26 from his three overs and Saif Latchana 1 for 35. In response, Chesney were restricted to 111 all out with N. Kissoon 22, Imran Khan 20 and S. Latching 17 being
the principal scorers. Berbice left arm spinner Kumar Deopersaud was Albion best spinner with 3 for 16 and Kevin Umroa 2 for 24. 4. Ve t e r a n I m r a n Hussain scored 109 with 15 boundaries and 4 sixes as Jai Hind CC defeated Kildonan by 65 runs at the Jai Hind ground. Jai Hind CC scored 223 for 8 from 20 overs with Vi d e s h K a m a l a d i n 3 8 supporting Hussain. E. McDonald 2 for 30 and C. McKenzie 3 for 29 were the best bowlers for the visitors, who in reply were dismissed for 158 with C. McKenzie 21, P. Ramdihal 36 and B. Williams 23 being the principal scorers. Feaz
Baksh took 4 for 6 for Jai Hind. 5. R a m n a r i n e Memorial defeated Tain Block 4 at Liverpool. Ramnarine Memorial 165 for 6 in 20 overs, R. Gray 33, K. Sampson 28. Tain Block 4, 112 all out in 28 overs, J. Holder 3 for 20, J. Velloza 2 for 23 and C. Gray 2 for 21. 6. Fyrish defeated Whim by 29 runs at Fyrish. Fyrish 146 for 6 in 20 overs, Yogindra Chinapen 28, Javed Mohamed 39, Saif A z e e z 2 3 . Yo g i n d r a Harrinarine 2 for 22, T. Harrinarine 3 for 36. Whim 227 all out in 20 overs, Y. Harrinarine 72 and Surendra Budhoo 16. Imran Ali 3 for 7 and Saif Azeez 3 for 12.
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Saturday October 21, 2023
Farfan and Mendes/Woodpecker Products First Division Hockey Leagues continue tomorrow A glimpse of what to expect this Sunday - Day Three.
A
s the 2023 Farfan and Mendes/Woodp ecker Products First Division Hockey Leagues enter the third week of competition, the National Stadium in Providence is set to host more thrilling action tomorrow, Sunday with four exciting matches penciled for day’s proceedings. In a simultaneous display of skill and determination, the Men’s and Women’s leagues see the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Hockey teams establishing themselves as the dominant forces in the tournament, leading the points table in both categories. Under the expert guidance of National Coach Philip Fernandes, GCC has consistently showcased their prowess on the hockey field. The GCC Men’s Hockey team has reigned supreme in the local hockey scene for the past two decades. They have captured the 2023
Bounty/Antonio’s Hockey Championship title, earlier in the year. Simultaneously, the Women’s team has made impressive strides in the region, with noteworthy achievements in 2019; securing a remarkable double victory in the Girls Under-16 and Under-21 divisions of the prestigious Paragon Indoor Hockey Championships in Trinidad and Tobago. In a recent interview, Coach Fernandes attributed his team’s success to discipline and goal-setting. He pointed out how, in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Men’s team’s consistent triumphs led to complacency and a decline in training commitment, affecting their performance and opening doors for other clubs. GCC has since worked diligently to reverse this trend and return to their winning ways. Regarding the Women’s Hockey team, Coach Fernandes credited their
remarkable growth to unwavering discipline and goal-setting. He highlighted their resurgence from a humble position in the early 2000s, attributing their rise
to dedication, rigorous training, and fierce competition for spots on the team. Looking ahead, four thrilling matches are
scheduled for tomorrow. In the Woodpecker Products Women’s League, GBTI GCC will take on YMCA Old Fort, while Woodpecker Hikers face off against
Saints. In the Farfan and Mendes Men’s League, Saints will battle YMCA Old Fort, followed by a clash between Pepsi Hikers and Bounty GCC.
Fun filled Gymkhana fixed for tomorrow at Rising Sun Turf Club Free entry and parking to venue as Jumbo Jet gives back to fans
T
he Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred R a c i n g Committee has decided to give back to the thousands of supporters who made Guyana Cup & President Cup a grand success. Tomorrow, Sunday, the Rising Sun Turf Club will be transformed into a day of horseracing and non-stop competition which includes softball cricket and football. Fans will be entertained further as the novelty events are expected to be a major crowd pleaser and fans take attempts at the greasy pole, bag race, lime and spoon race and horse kart racing. The six over softball and football tournament is expected to attract a large turnout especially with $100,000 in prize money apiece on offer in both competitions. Parking and admission to the event will be absolutely free, all entries to the races and vending will also be free. This fun filled day of excitement will commence at 9:00am and is set to conclude at 8:00pm. Horse owners have the opportunity to enter their horses in these
Fans can count on exciting horse races as well as fun novelty events and softball cricket and football action.
races to monitor their rigorous training routines and the results in preparation for the larger signature races. Races that have already
been attracting huge attention are the 2 year old 2 furlong with a $200,000 purse, L Class 3 furlong with a $150,000 prize and the J Class
4 furlong with $300,000 in cash on offer. The other races would also cater for the remaining classes. The Jumbo Jet
Thoroughbred Racing Committee is encouraging all fans to come out and enjoy a great day of entertainment as they says a big thank you to
fans who have supported them in their signature events with a ‘free co’ day at Rising Sun Turf Club geared for their enjoyment.
Kaieteur News
Saturday October 21, 2023
PAGE 33
The new “Canada Generation 8” of Guyana’s Lady Jags By Colin Benjamin Guyana’s Lady Jaguars first gained attention when they appeared in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers in Mexico, facing the hosts, Canada & Trinidad and Tobago. That team was built on “Foundation 8” Guyana heritage Canadian players; The De Souza sisters Kayla & Brianna, Mariam El Masri, Ashley Savonna, Alison Lawrence, Justine & Ashley Rodrigues and Olivia Gonsalves. They produced memorable moments from scoring two goals versus Mexico in defeat in 2010, then toppling Jamaica and Guatemala in the 2016 Olympic qualifiers. While the team has grown to now include diaspora United States and England players, fast forward to 2023 a new “Canada Generation 8” has emerged. They include; Raven Edwards-Dowdall, Rylee Traicoff, Savanna MondesirSingh, Brianne Desa, Samantha Banfield, Dylana Markarowski, Stefanie Kouzas & Shanice Alfred. One difference from the 2010 era that came together at senior level, this generation has been able to grow together at youth level. All these ladies except Stefanie Kouzas have experience playing together in Under-20 tournaments in 2020 where they qualified for Quarterfinals & 2022 in the Round 16. Notably the Guyana Men’s U20s never reached a CONCACAF
Stefanie Kouzas (left),Brianne Desa, Rylee Traicoff (right).
youth quarterfinals in its history. When they graduated to senior team and impressed in last year’s CONCACAF 2023 World Cup qualifiers 22 d r a w i n Tr i n i d a d , potentially an exciting phase for the Lady Jaguars beckons, with the new & old generation combining. 19 year old Samantha Banfield epitomizes this transition from U20 to seniors. She played in three U 2 0 s c y c l e s (2020/2022/2023) before making her senior debut in the September window. “It’s been a blessing to be with the Lady Jags program since the U15 level. I’ve met a lot of girls that I’ve grown up with & I’m eagerly looking forward to the games versus Suriname”, said Banfield. Banfield & Dylana Markarowski play with York University Women’s Soccer team in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA)
league. Lady Jaguars Assistant coach Paul De Abreu coaches both players at York University to highlight the smooth synergy between club and country the women have at their disposal. When Guyana drew 2-2 versus Trinidad some key first team players were absent. Two of the starting players who stood out in that contest were Brianna Desa playing at right back and Stefanie Kouzas in midfield. The 23 year old midfielder Kouzas recalls having a total out of body experience in front of the 20,000 partisan crowd in Tobago. “That Trinidad game was simply incredible and an amazing experience. It was my debut with the team and it was a match we had to win”, said Kousaz who plays for Montreal based McGill University Women’s team in the Canadian University (U) Sports system.
Samantha Banfield (right), Lady Jaguars Assistant coach Paul DeAbreau & Dylana Makarowski (left). “Going into this match there was a lot of emotion and I’ve never played in front of such a huge crowd.” “One moment that was unique for me and I remember talking to coach Ivan (Joseph) at the time, despite the crowd and noise I got into this zone where I was able to block out everything and focus just on the match. It was a total out of body experience”, concluded Kousaz who is of both Guyanese and Greek heritage. Guyana goes into its double header against Suriname needing potentially two victories given only one team will advance to CONCACAF Gold Cup single game playoff in USA on February 17th 2024. However despite the disappointment of not being able to play at home, the Lady Jags don’t view that as an impediment. “After the loss against Antigua last month I
promised you we will do our best not to feel that way ever again. Yes we would prefer home field in Guyana, but we are going into these Suriname games with the mindset that we don’t care about a single damn thing other than getting full points”, said Desa who plays for League One Ontario Women’s team Simcoe County Rovers FC. Attacker Shanice Alfred is entering the camp in tremendous form for Seneca College Sting Women’s team. She ended the Ontario College Athletics Association (OCAA) season with a record nine (9) goals in a single game. “I was looking at footage from Suriname and the field over there & it looks like a turf field and for many of us that’s what we have grown up playing on. Reality is the Guyana field is not the best, so I feel we can play our best football on better surfaces whether
home or away”, said the 22 year old Alfred who is of Guyana and St.Lucian heritage “During the last round in Antigua & Barbados we had the GFF Technical director flying out to support us and President Irfan Ali did FaceTime with the team. So we know although we will be away from home - that we will have support”, said 21 year old full-back Rylee Traicoff who plays for Nipising Lakers Women’s Soccer in U Sports Canada. Many of the ladies have lineages to other nations such as Ukraine, Jamaica, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Greece, Grenada, but they were all pulled to Guyana as highlighted by the story of Edwards-Downdall that they all have versions of. “Many people don’t understand how much playing for Guyana means to me”, said Edwards-Dowdall from League One Women’s North Toronto Nitros. “My grandfather is my connection towards Guyana and he knows how much soccer meant to me. When he passed in 2018 and this opportunity came up, I took it as a sign that he was with me every step of the way. I thank him for creating the opportunity that I didn’t know was possible.” (Colin Benjamin is the f o r m e r G F F communications officer during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, also previously with West Indies cricket, Canada Soccer & W Connection FC Trinidad communications.)
Courts Optical Pee Wee U-11 Tournament…
Semi-final passes to be booked today Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca takes a photo op with team memberLavern FraserThomas following Thursday’s press briefing.
E
dition ten of the Unicomersponsored Courts Optical Pee Wee Under-11 Schools Football Tournament enters the quarterfinal stage today when the final-eight spring into action at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue. At noon (12:00hrs), the Petra Organisationorganised event kicks off with the first match which will feature the defending champion, Enterprise Primary, going head-to-head with the impressive Potaro Primary.
An hour later (13:00hrs), the second encounter of the four-match card is set to u n f o l d b e t w e e n We s t Ruimveldt Primary and Den Amstel Primary. Marian Academy’s team is billed to collide with the 2022 runner-up and former champion, St. Pius, in the penultimate showdown of the day at 14:00hrs. After that, Redeemer and St. Stephens will take centre field to decision who secures the last semi-final spot up for grabs. Their clash commences at 15:00hrs. Meanwhile, the teams that concede defeat today
will not be eliminated, but move on to play for final placement (5th – 8th) when the tournament resumes next weekend at the same venue. On Thursday, the Petra Organisation hosted a simple press briefing at Spice Garden, located in Brandsville Hotel, where they gave a brief update of the tournament’s status heading into the final stretch. Petra Co-Director, Troy Mendonca, said, “I think we have had a very exciting tournament thus far; we hardly had any lopsidedgames. I think this year we have seen a serious level of
maturity from most teams and I believe the teams that are in the quarterfinals deserve to be there. So we anticipate some very good match-ups this Saturday.” Mendonca also took the time to extend his gratitude to everyone who has played their part in the successful hosting of the tournament this season. The Unicomersponsored event is also supported by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Guyana Football Federation, Sterling Products Limited and MVP Sport.
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Pompey out of Pan Am Games Guyana’s Emmanuel Pompey goes on the attack against Antigua and Barbuda’s Tabukuo Aska at the Pan Am Games. (GOA photo)
Mitchell Marsh and David Warner piled on the runs in the first powerplay. (Getty Images)
Cricket World Cup 2023: David Warnerhits 163 as Australia beat Pakistan CWI CG United Super50 Cup Guyana Harpy Eagles vs. Trinidad & Tobago Red Force The Guyana Harpy Eagles will be looking to go 2 up today against their arch rivals Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.
Familiar rivals meet, as fireworks expected today at Tarouba
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