K
Sunday Edition Jagdeo admits NEWS Guyana can get more
AIETEUR
October 22, 2023
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
profits now by ring-fencing oil projects ...but will not make changes
Price $150
Online readership yesterday, 52,173
ExxonMobil brazenly used Stabroek Block profits to pay drill ships to standby for Kaieteur and Canje Blocks Jagdeo says will not confirm whether Exxon is charging interest on multibillion $$$ oil projects
Hundreds of Guyanese join worldwide protest in support of Palestine Brother saves sisters as grandmother perishes in Berbice fire
Chinese Manganese Company boasts of having best wash plant in the country - GM denies working gold when workers confront him
ExxonMobil slapped Guyana with US$58.5M in COVID-19 bills for 2020 - included US$18M for chartered flights
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Sunday October 22, 2023
Kaieteur News
ExxonMobil brazenly used Stabroek Block profits to pay drill ships to standby for Kaieteur and Canje blocks The second audit report on ExxonMobil Guyana Limited's expenses totalling US$7.3B has exposed how the company brazenly used Stabroek Block profits to pay for drill ship expenses related to two separate and distinct blocks—Kaieteur and Canje. The auditors which consisted of local consortium, Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. with support from international firms, SGS and Martindale Consultants, expressed alarm at such a practice by the oil giant. Expounding on their finding in this regard, the auditing team said Exxon had four drill ships from Noble Corporation working during early 2020. However, the COVID19 pandemic made staffing all four vessels challenging. Auditors were informed that Exxon took the decision to suspend the services of the Stena Carron drillship and the Noble Tom Madden and move them closer to shore into a “hot standby” (idle but still operational) mode until the staffing issues could be alleviated. Auditors said they had no qualms about Exxon charging 100 percent of the standby costs for the Noble Tom Madden against the Stabroek Block account since records show it was later used to service that block alone during the subsequent 12-month period. In the case of the Stena Carron, auditors said records show Exxon had Stena on standby to execute works for Stabroek as well as Canje and Kaieteur which it walked away from this year. Records show that
A map showing the Stabroek, Kaieteur and Canje Blocks. (Note: ExxonMobil walked away from the Kaieteur Block in September 2023)
Exxon had the Stena Carron drill ship drill the Tanager-1 well in the Kaieteur Block beginning September 9, 2020 and ending November 23, 2020. Stena was then moved to the adjacent Canje Block where it worked on the Bulletwood-1 well beginning December 31, 2020 and ending March 2, 2021. Stena was also used to drill the second well in Canje called Jabillo-1 beginning March 12, 2021 and ending March 20, 2021. In light of this, auditors said Exxon had no right charging the full standby costs to the Stabroek Block account if it had intentions of
using the said ship on two other blocks. Exxon however told the auditors that it believes “all costs s h o u l d r e m a i n c h a rg e d t o Stabroek” adding that its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited are in alignment on this matter. Auditors however noted that such “alignment” is irrelevant to the case at hand and maintained that the standby costs ought to be shared among the blocks that utilized the Stena Carron. Exxon was then asked to return US$4,176,934 to the Stabroek Block account. It should be noted that this audit report which Kaieteur News has
seen is yet to be released to the public. Neither the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) nor the Ministry of Natural Resources would respond to requests by this newspaper over the last month for this to be done. Another critical point of note is that this audit which covers Exxon's US$7.3B expenses incurred for the period 2018 to 2020 did not entail a review of every bill related to that period as it was not a forensic audit. In fact, leader of the local consortium involved in the audit, Floyd Haynes, confirmed this with Kaieteur News in a previous interview. Haynes had said that a
forensic audit is done with the aim of identifying fraud and embezzlement with the goal of gathering evidence to be used in a court. He noted however that he and his team were hired to do a cost recovery audit pursuant to the parameters of the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). “The goal is to verify the accuracy or rather the legitimacy and validity of costs claimed,” Haynes had said. He had further explained that the audit would not examine every single cost expended by Exxon. He said no audit is ever done that way. Haynes said auditors look at a sample of the costs incurred. He had said that sample is based on a number of things. “It could be high risk areas that you think have potential for exposure based on past experience or based on having done work in the industry before. So you take a sample of those, you look at it closely and then you ask for corroboration or additional information on those types of things and that's what we did,” Haynes had said. Kaieteur News had previously reported that the audit contract that was awarded to Haynes and his team back in 2022 for US$751,000 had a strict four-month deadline for completion. Notably, the US$7.3B costs the auditors examined, with the help of international consultants, pertains to the investments for the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Projects which are currently producing approximately 400,000 barrels of oil per day.
Jagdeo says will not confirm whether Exxon is charging interest on multibillion $$$ oil projects Even though the Government of Guyana (GoG) has been repeatedly condemned for managing the affairs of the country's rapidly developing petroleum sector behind tightly shut doors, there has been no improvement when it comes to matters of grave significance. This was yet again highlighted on Thursday as the sector's chief spokesperson, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo clearly said he will not confirm a startling revelation by the majority shareholder in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil. During a press engagement on Tuesday, the company's Country Manager, Alistair Routledge, in response to a question from this publication said that Guyana is not being charged an interest rate on its multibillion-dollar
investments in the Stabroek Block. According to him, “ExxonMobil is not charging any interest on what we are recovering like for the Liza projects and the likes, we are not charging financing costs to Guyana so one of the things that's been raised before is Guyana in debt to the Stabroek investors and it's not true.” Routledge continued, “The country is never in debt; that's the beauty of a production sharing agreement, it's the investors (that) take all that investment risk. We invest the capital and the cost recovery mechanism only pays back the dollars we have invested, (so) there is no financing component.” In a bid to clarify the pronouncements made by the President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Kaieteur News asked the VP
to confirm whether the information was factual at his Thursday press conference. In what turned out to be a failed attempt to shed light on this critical aspect of the country's oil sector, the policymaker made it clear that he will not be confirming this state of affairs. The VP said, “I'm not confirming anything of that (nature). I'm not confirming anything. If he says that and there is an interest rate and there is a charged interest rate in the cost bank then it wouldn't be allowed. So it's a straight forward matter for me as far as I'm concerned.” Jagdeo has constantly dodged questions relating to the interest rates being charged by the oil company. In June this year during a press engagement, Jagdeo was asked to expound on the rates being paid to the oil companies when he deferred
the question and provided an unrelated response. Earlier in his press conference, the VP said Guyana was paying a rate to Exxon as this is a standard practice for a return to be generated on a company's equity. “Regardless of whether you make the financing in the form of a loan or equity you have to get a rate return. There is a cost of capital and that is how it is,” Jagdeo asserted. C o n s e q u e n t l y, t h i s publication queried whether there was a standard rate Guyana is paying. The subject of a standard rate is particularly significant, given that Guyana has already been warned by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that the country could lose massive revenue by failing to cap the interest rates on the investments for its oil projects.
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo The IMF said it is an industry norm that the government of the day disallows interests from being recovered on loans. Even if this is allowed, the administration sets a cap or limit to prevent the full interest amount from being recovered. The IMF pointed out that Guyana not only
allows the recovery of the interest but also sets no cap. In his response to the specific question however, the former President told this newspaper, “We are not paying anything. The Government of Guyana is not paying anything because they have to raise the financing using the best efforts; the cheapest cost of financing that is what they are supposed to do as a company, so this is what can be analyzed even when you look at the cost bank.” Before further questions could be asked, Jagdeo requested that the press conference “move on”. The response from the country's chief spokesperson on the petroleum sector casts a gloomy picture on what the true cost of capital is, and the total revenue Guyana could be losing annually on interest payments.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
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ExxonMobil slapped Jagdeo admits Guyana can get more profits now Guyana with US$58.5M in by ring-fencing oil projects COVID-19 bills for 2020 ...but will not make changes Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has finally accepted that ring-fencing the oil projects will allow Guyana to benefit more from the wealth generated in the resource-rich Stabroek Block, immediately. Despite his acceptance however, the VP is unwilling to effect any changes to the lopsided deal that United States (U.S) oil giant, ExxonMobil and its partners signed with this country. The contract stipulates that a whopping 75 percent of the monthly revenues are to be deducted as costs to repay the companies’ shareholders, while the remaining proceeds are split as profits equally with Guyana. In the absence of a ring-fencing provision, the companies have authority to use the income from producing oil projects to pay for other projects that are yet to commence producing oil. A ring-fencing provision would therefore prevent oil companies from using revenue generated from a production field to offset costs in another project. It would also mean that when that project cost is repaid, Guyana would enjoy 50 percent of the revenue generated there. On Thursday, Jagdeo while clarifying his position on the subject said moving in this direction would entitle Guyana to a higher share of profits. He said, “I spoke about what our position has been and what ring-fencing will do and how the timing that with money coming to the Treasury that is the whole issue that I was speaking about. Not that nothing will come in the future.” At a press engagement on October 12, 2023, Jagdeo explained that the country could be left with nothing in the future should such a provision be implemented. H e r e a s o n e d , “ We admitted that we are foregoing revenue now in exchange for massive future income because it’s going into new projects that will increase production, and so even with the same share of the 50/50, plus the two percent royalty that the future income, because of the bigger scale will be massive in Guyana’s case and we are deliberately foregoing that in this period
for that purpose and then trying to grab this bone now could cause you to lose all the bones, the bigger bones too in the future.” At his most recent press conference however, the former Head-of-State pointed out that he was referring to the real possibility of the country losing revenue by failing to invest early in future projects at this stage. He admitted that while it is true that the country could benefit from more profits today by ring-fencing the projects in the Stabroek Block, this does not guarantee Guyana of future revenue from other oil projects there. He said, “If you ringfence this project now, it’s true that we could get more because you will pay off for the investments earlier, so you will start receiving a higher revenue flow earlier.” Jagdeo continued, “If there is no ring-fencing, therefore it would take a bit longer to get revenue, so it comes in the back end, more revenue but it comes from a larger production so the revenue increases dramatically if the money that would have come in earlier gets reinvested...because if you end at one project and you ringfence and you collect and there is no new investment well then you will not get any additional resources in the future.” Guyana has been repeatedly advised by independent international experts to ring-fence its oil projects to ensure the country benefits from its resources early on, as this would help to improve the n a t i o n ’s e d u c a t i o n , infrastructure and health services among others. For instance, the Director of Financial Analysis for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Tom Sanzillo in a report estimated that Guyana should receive upward of $6 billion annually by 2028 or sooner, however, the organization believes that due to all of the new costs, Guyana will be shortchanged until the 2030’s, if not longer. It would be poignant to note that last year, the Stabroek Block generated a whopping US$9.8 billion,
but Guyana only received US$1.4 billion in profits and royalty, while Exxon took US$7.4 billion to recoup their investments across the Stabroek Block. Consequently, Sanzillo noted, “The lack of contract protections means that every time Guyana announces it has received more revenue it is actually being shortchanged…the country may never see the promised annual revenues in the billions of dollars.” In the meantime, Guyana as a newcomer to the industry faces a unique challenge as the world transitions to cleaner sources of energy, causing a decline in oil prices. Government in its HalfYear Report has already indicated that the country is likely to earn lower revenue from the industry this year than earlier projected. It said this is as a result of declining oil prices on the global market triggered by a slide in demand for supplies. The report noted that petroleum deposits for the year are now projected to total US$1,629.3 million, compared with US$1,631.7 million projected at the beginning of the year. This means that the country will receive US$2.4 million less than anticipated or approximately GYD$480M.
- included US$18M for chartered flights A team of local and international auditors examining ExxonMobil Guyana’s expenses for the period 2018 to 2020 found that the company submitted US$58.5M in COVID-19 bills of which US$18M was dedicated for chartered flights. Notably, the auditing period only examined the first year, 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit these shores. Significantly, auditors said the COVID-19 costs were not incurred just in Guyana, but also in Houston, the United Kingdom, and Trinidad and Tobago. Those costs were in separate files labeled Houston Facility costs, United Kingdom (UK) Facility costs, Flights, Guyana Facility, etc. In total, auditors found that the Stabroek block account was charged 90% of the COVID-19-related costs, while Canje and Kaieteur [a block it walked away from earlier this year] received 10% in total. This newspaper understands that Exxon charged approximately US$9,000,000 for recoverable hotel and hotelrelated costs, the majority of which was for the Atlantic Hotel (Marriott) in Guyana that included blocks of rooms whether occupied or vacant. Other hotel costs were for Cara Lodge and
Pegasus Hotel in Guyana and hotels in Trinidad, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. used for quarantining individuals prior to traveling to Guyana. Exxon also charged a p p r o x i m a t e l y US$18,000,000 for COVID19-related chartered flights, including travel voucher taxes, and pre-flight COVID-19 tests, aviation fuel, and catering for flights. Chartered flights from London using British Airways totaled US$1,300,000 while flights from Huston using United A i r l i n e s w e r e US$1,200,000. Exxon also charged a p p r o x i m a t e l y US$2,000,000 for various medical staffing and supplies, including test kits, nurses, masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. The oil giant also charged approximately US$11,000,000 for staging employees for operations, including staging coordinators, security, medical, and catering specific to operations. Kaieteur News also learnt that Exxon charged approximately US$210,000 for facility management
expenses such as janitorial, tent rentals, electrical and generator repairs, and various sanitization supplies. It also charged a p p r o x i m a t e l y US$1,300,000 of employee or affiliate costs for standby, quarantine, and staging costs. The contract to audit ExxonMobil’s bills totalling US$7.3B for the period 2018 to 2020 was awarded last May to Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. The local consortium was supported by international firms- SGS and Martindale Consultants. The audit report prepared by the team is yet to be released to the public. It is in the process of being reviewed by the relevant authorities. Importantly, the audit process did not sample every bill associated with the US$7.3B expenditure. Auditors only reviewed a sample of the bills. The local and international team of experts was given a fourmonth deadline to complete the audit.
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456 Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Sunday October 22, 2023
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News, 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
President Ali needs to give orders on how ExxonMobil confident that missing NIS contributions are to be handled EDITORIAL
Guyana is ‘dependable’
ExxonMobil’s Guyana Country Head, Mr. Alistair Routledge, is getting to be like his partner in the offshore consortium, Mr. John Hess, CEO of Hess Corporation. Like Mr. Hess, Mr. Routledge breaks his silence and he gives up the ghost. In the instance of Mr. Routledge’s recent press engagement, the man from ExxonMobil said that his company plunges ahead with signing huge contracts with vendors because it believes, knows, is confident that Guyana is “dependable.” To elaborate, it is obvious that from ExxonMobil’s perspective, the institutions of Guyana are dependable, the process is dependable and, above all, the Government of Guyana is dependable. There is plenty in that word, so carefully articulated by Mr. Routledge. Dependable in its literal, traditional sense is that which can be relied upon, trusted, as in the people surrounding sensitive and crucial situations being able to deliver whatever is called for, whatever the circumstances demand. It is that regardless of the difficulties or odds of doing so, certain people are dependable when even in the tightest corner. Considering what is going on in Guyana under the PPP/C Government, and under the helmsmanship of the Vice President of Oil Policy and Oil Activity, Bharat Jagdeo, Mr. Routledge’s employment of that word “dependable” is neither random nor casual nor a lapse. It is one that is loaded with meaning, most of which are not on the positive side for the hopefuls in Guyana. Dependable, as put to use by the ExxonMobil Guyana Country Head, has a special meaning, and it is one of extraordinary significance and depth. In the context of unapproved oil projects in the pipeline and ExxonMobil committing itself to huge contracts with suppliers in advance, dependable is a substitute for GUARANTEED. That is, the approval for this project or process is guaranteed to happen. To emphasize, “dependable” is more than what is expected to occur because of the supporting circumstances, dependable is as good as things could get, with none better. Dependable, in the mind of Alistair Routledge, is airtight, and dependable is foolproof and tamperproof. When Mr. Routledge speaks, he articulates the convictions of his bosses back in ExxonMobil High Command in Spring, Texas. The PPP/C Governmentisso“dependable” that the company can put its neck on a chopping block that it will approve whichever project is before it. Vice President Jagdeo is so “dependable” that there is every assurance that he will not allow anything or anyone to stand in his way and approval of ExxonMobil’s projects as they are lined up, and rushed through local review processes. Bharat Jagdeo is seen as so “dependable” to deliver in a crunch, regardless of objections and pushbacks, that it is as if ExxonMobil has one of its top executives or board director deep inside the review and approval processes followed by Guyana, whatever they may be. The essence of what Mr. Routledge carefully outlined boils down to the worrying. It is that regardless of the noise made by citizens over concerns about exposures identified in the company’s own studies, Guyana’s processes willbedependableandcomethroughforExxonMobil.Itisthat regardless of intensifying local and international pressures about the handicaps under which Guyana operates, Jagdeo and the PPP/C Government will prove to be dependable. Whatever the project that is put before leader and government, it will be given the greenlight in the shortest time, with what appears to be pantomimes for review processes. Dependable makes rubberstamps and pawns of those having some part to do with approving projects. Oftentimes, ExxonMobil has been accused of numerous weaknesses and troubles, but there is one vital aspect of its corporate conduct that cannot be faulted. For when hundreds of millions of US dollars are involved, ExxonMobil does not go out halfcocked, but with power, confidence, and determination. The company (and Mr. Routledge) knows which politicians it has all sewed up and in the bag. Those politicians have no choice but to be the most “dependable” that be found anywhere in the world. to be declared “dependable” by top people from ExxonMobil is the equivalent of a blessing from the Mafia. The results will be delivered, nothing can stand in the way, as everything is guaranteed.
DEAR EDITOR, President Ali has intervened and asked NIS to “close” files by the end of the year. Does the President want files simply to be “closed, not solved” or “closed, solved?” I believe the President, leading with the heart, was moved with compassion when he has been getting so many complaints people have with the poster child for governmental incompetence - the Humpty Dumpty agency – the NIS. I believe the President needs to tell the Chair of the NIS Board that he wants files “closed, solved,” because the Chair is telling me that my 88-year-old cousin who has been given the run around for 28 years, has to show proof of contributions missing for one year. The
Chair must not have gotten the President’s memo. My cousin has 740 contributions according to the NIS records provided but the NIS records are missing 48 contributions for the year 1984. At first, they told him they don’t have a record that he worked for Bermine. The Chair wants my cousin to provide documentation for the missing year. How can he do that? Back in the 1970s and 1980s, NIS did not mail/provide contribution statements. There were no computers to check if the NIS was doing their statutory duty to make sure all employees contributions were documented. It is not the employees’ job to do that. NIS is a mandatory scheme. They take out NIS contributions from your pay
whether you like it or not. If the NIS failed to do its job, do you blame the employee? The employee finds out the NIS has not been doing its job tracking and documenting your contributions only when you reach 60 years and you apply for NIS. Only then you are finding out the NIS had not been doing its job properly, and they send you on a wild goose chase to track down former employers to get records, if any. If the NIS Chair wants documentation, where will the employee get that, when the missing year was 40 years ago? You have to go to NIS and they will tell you, they don’t have that. The employer, Bermine, has been closed down for a long time. So due to problems of the system, not the
employee, Mr. President, do we as a country deny the employee his or her benefits? Is that fair? Is that justice? Is this, “Because We Care?” While Exxon is allowed to rape our country’s resources aided and abetted by the Government, would we tell senior citizens and poor people no NIS benefits for you, go away and die soon so we don’t have to pay you? Use some of the incoming profits from the US$214 audit funds to pay the people what belongs to them! Aren’t we the fastest growing economy in the world? If contribution records are missing because of the negligence and failures of the NIS to do its statutory duty that does not mean the (Continued on page 06)
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox President Ali needs to give orders... From page 04 employee did not work for that missing period; it simply means the NIS did not do its job to secure contribution records. NIS should be punished, not the employee. If the records are missing, NIS cannot conclude you did not work, or prove you did not work! My cousin provided two credible statements from his colleagues at Bermine– one from the former Personnel Manager at Bermine, and one from an employee he supervised. Both the NIS Chair and the NIS Manager at New Amsterdam told us that was all that was needed, if contributions cannot be found. Now, they are still saying my cousin needs proof that he worked in 1984. Given how NIS operated in the 1980s, it is impossible for the employee to provide proof for the missing contributions. So how do we resolve this impasse without filing lawsuits? (Most NIS lawsuits have sided with the employees). The President must provide some directives on how to handle the missing contributions in these kinds of cases that date
back for decades. It is immoral and wicked for NIS to deny any employee their benefits when they have faithfully contributed to the mandatory NIS. It is time for NIS to pay up. The NIS should be ashamed and the Minister, the NIS Board, and Government should be saddened, if not ashamed, that after 28 years of being pushed around, my 88year-old cousin is no closer to getting his benefits paid. The PPP has been in power for 23 of those past 28 years and this problem has not been solved. My next article will show how Minister Ashni [Singh] on numerous occasions has indicted the NIS for having incomplete records and for being inefficient. Guidelines have not been put into place to deal with situations such as my cousin’s where people worked, the records are incomplete, and NIS denies them their rightful benefits. There needs to be some reforms in the NIS procedures to address this problem of missing contributions using remedies that are equitable and reasonable. And for those people way below the threshold of 750 contributions, use a formula
to pay partial monthly benefits. Use a sliding scale. A better solution is revamping and modernizing the NIS operating on ideas from the 1960s. We need the Government to reach deep down to its Jaganite roots where we care about the plight of the working people. The NIS bureaucracy and Board come over as ruthless and callous. There are not enough bad words to describe giving an 88-yearold man the run around for 28 years. In the meanwhile, a group of concerned citizens are discussing the formation of a Civil Society “Advocates for Victims of NIS” group, to monitor that the President’s initiative stays on track, and that “NIS” is not a “SIN” against poor people. More details to be provided. G overnment s hould realize 60,000 people getting NIS is 10-12 seats. Add in Old Age Pensioners and that’s additional seats. Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall
Resolution passed in solidarity with Palestine DEAR EDITOR, Resolution adopted by participants at a solidarity meeting with the people of Palestine held on 19th October 2023 at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, Georgetown, Guyana We Demand: 1. The immediate, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access of fuel, food, medicine and water be allowed to enter Gaza; 2. The immediate reversal of the evacuation order by Israel for the Palestinians to leave Gaza; 3. That international humanitarian laws be respected and upheld, and for civilians on both sides not to be targeted by military operatives, 4. An end to hostilities and the killing of thousands of innocent civilians in Northern and Southern Gaza; 5. That Israel, a heavily
armed and militarized state stop the aggression against the civilian population of Palestine; 6. An end to the occupation and possession of Palestinian lands by Israel; 7. The establishment of an independent state of Palestine within the borders of pre-June 4th, 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital; 8. The release of all hostages, as well as Palestinian political prisoners from Israeli prisons and the right to return of all Palestinian refugees to their homeland in accordance with UN resolution 194; Supports: I) The call for a comprehensive and lasting
peace in the Middle East in order to bring about the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Arab lands occupied since 1967; 11) The call for the dismantling of Israeli settlements in the occupied areas on Palestinian lands; 111) Recognition and respect of the political, civil and human rights of the Arab people of Palestine; 1V) The Palestinian people’s right to selfdetermination be respected; 9. Calls: On members of UN to vote in favour of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people when the matter is debated at the upcoming meeting of the UN General Assembly. Clement Rohee
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Sunday October 22, 2023
Local firm in partnership with Kuwaiti Company win US$1.2M contract to redesign Belfield to Rosignol road Guyanese firm SRK’Engineering in joint venture with Abuljebain Engineeirng Consultants Office (AECO) –Kuwaiti Company has won the US$1,224,802 consultancy for the redesigning of the existing road network from Belfield, East Coast Demerara (ECD) to R o s i g n o l , We s t C o a s t
Berbice (WCB). This was revealed recently by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). This project is being undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works. Abuljebain Engineering Consultants, according to its w e b s i t e i s a “multidisciplinary
consulting firm typified by its talented architects and engineers.” “Under Kuwaiti ownership, AECO has offices in Kuwait, Dubai, Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Southern Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, and the Middle East which empowers it with international reach coupled
with local insight,” the website said while noting that it provides Engineering Consultancy Services to International Clients through adopting excellence standards, providing latest technology, hiring qualified staff and continuously improving their competence, ensuring green engineering and corporate responsibility. The upgrade of the road between Belfield and Rosignol has been a project long in the pipelines. The road widening and redesign project was intended to be a continuation of the East
Coast Road Widening and Expansion Project, which was commissioned in 2020. The ECD road expansion and widening project was supposed to have two components: a four-lane expansion from Better Hope to Annandale, and an upgrade to the existing twolane road from Annandale to Belfield. In 2019, it was reported that the Government had received a Grant of Kuwaiti Dinars (KD) 500,000 from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to undertake a Technical and
Economic Feasibility Study for the Redesign of the Belfield to Rosignol Road Network. The study was said to solve the issues of deteriorating roads, poor drainage and road safety along the Belfield to Rosignol stretch of roads. The redesign of the network would ensure enhanced capacity of the roads, strengthen trade and economic development and facilitate new and improved interactions among farming communities. It will also reduce delays and increase user satisfaction.
B . . . T N U T L B N B . U . . L T T L B . N . . U N Guyana’s currency U T L N B . N U U . T . L T N L B . T U . . L UNB T B . N . . T U T L N N B U . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U U L N B U . BL . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . N T B . . U N . L T U L B N . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U L UN .BLUNT. B U . . L . T B . . N . . T U . L N T B U N . . L . U T B . . N . T U L N B U . . L . T UN .BLUNT...B . . T LUN Kaieteur News
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In a country as wealthy as Guyana, the nation should not be running low on foreign currency. More troubling is the fact that cambios across the capital city which are selling the US-dollar are doing so for as much as $218. Can our leaders provide us with the credible answers? We don’t need a surface economist to address the foreign currency shortage; we need the Finance Minister to tell this country why Guyana’s currency is depreciating instead of having more value while we are dubbed one of the richest countries on earth today!
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Sunday October 22, 2023
BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation. SUNDAY – OCTOBER 15, 2023 A powerless country Guyana’s electricity sector is a reflection of its leaders - powerless in the face of adversity! When the country needs them to act on its behalf, the leaders crawl into their holes after shouting through speakers of the changes that are needed to improve living conditions for Guyanese. A new crop of leaders with a sturdy spinal cord and powerful groin is what is needed to safeguard the livelihoods of our future generations. MONDAY – OCTOBER 16, 2023 Support the protest 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. L e t ’s s h o w b o t h 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.
for Guyana, and Guyana should be planning a bag of its own surprises for this onesided, twisted-sided, and tricky-sided partner that made gold out of oil here.
TUESDAY – OCTOBER 17, 2023 ExxonMobil as a partner ExxonMobil has run a contract racket from the first day, under which it has fleeced Guyanese for all that they are worth. ExxonMobil has been the finest example of a greedy and grasping and gluttonous partner with this nation’s oil wealth. ExxonMobil must not be given an inch to do the same with the natural gas portion of Guyana’s patrimony. The company is planning
WEDNEDAY – OCTOBER 18, 2023 An entire company of people escaped from Guyana The People’s Progressive Party Government is very good at keeping tabs on Guyanese, monitoring their every word, weighing their actions. Yet an entire company of people walked out of this country as if they owned it. Troy Resources owed billions to Guyana, but it flies the coop. Second Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is caught
with his pants down. Minister of Natural resources, Vickram Bharrat is lost and lifeless. And Guyanese are billions out of pocket. Isn’t it time that those in charge be
fired? Isn’t it time that some big ones be jailed in a small cell? This is more than poor governance. This is criminally irresponsible leadership.
The Nyah Foundation - Guyana embarks on youth empowerment, transformation journey
Adettie McAlmont, President of Nyah Foundation
Joshua Dorris, Vice President of Nyah Foundation
The Nyah Foundation – Guyana, a non-profit organisation whose mandate is dedicated to empowering and supporting the country’s youth, is embarking on a “Journey of Youth Empowerment and Transformation.” The group was formed in August 2020 with an unwavering commitment to support and empower the youth, particularly during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. The name “Nyah,” derived from the Swahili language, signifies ‘Lustrous, Goal/Purpose,’ reflecting our mission to illuminate the path for the younger generation, the body said. At its genesis, The Nyah Foundation primarily comprised a group of CXC students on the cusp of adulthood, striving to navigate life’s complexities. However, the foundation temporarily paused its activities to reevaluate its approach, the group noted. It said the challenges faced during this hiatus underscored the critical importance of youth empowerment. “It is at that juncture when young individuals must chart their own course, figure out their identities, aspirations, and the mark they wish to leave on the world. The absence of guidance from teachers or parents, coupled with the harsh realities of the world, can be an arduous journey.” In August 2022, The Nyah Foundation embarked on a rejuvenated mission with renewed dedication. “Our aim is crystal clear – to secure the financial, emotional, mental, and, most importantly, spiritual well-being of our youth, guiding them along a path of positivity and purpose. We are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that young minds have every opportunity to improve their lives in every conceivable way,” the body stated. Unlike those who seek mere publicity and superficial recognition, The Nyah Foundation is resolutely focused on empowering youth to fulfill their divine purpose and achieve their dreams, the group said. “We are not content with merely providing a meal to street children; we aim to empower them by offering opportunities for employment and self-sustainability. Our mission is to enact real change, create a better future, and restore hope for those who have lost faith in themselves.” The Nyah Foundation said it stands ready to do whatever it takes to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the Guyanese youths. “We invite partners, sponsors, and the community to join us in this noble cause. Together, we can build a brighter future for the next generation,” the group said.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
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Languishing in limbo More than three and a half years into President Irfaan Ali’s tenure, his government Guyana has been marred by a series of unfulfilled promises. While the administration may project an image of being action-oriented, several crucial areas have been neglected, casting doubt on the government’s commitments to honoring its promise. The government of Guyana, despite projecting itself as an action-oriented administration, has failed to live up to its promises in several critical areas. Delayed ministerial appointments, unfulfilled diplomatic missions, the dormant Order of Democracy, and languishing economic initiatives are all examples of promises made which have not received the requisite degree of attention, or so it appears. In early August of this year, President Ali announced the impending appointment of a Minister of
Local Government. However, more than two and half months have elapsed with no official announcement of who will hold this substantive appointment. It is inexcusable that the government should be pussyfooting with such an important position. The failure to announce a Minister of Local Government, in turn has triggered speculation and rumors to the effect that the government might be waiting for a suitable moment to reintroduce the former incumbent who resigned amid allegations that were later retracted. The delay in the appointment of a substantive Minister of Local Government is all the more disconcerting when one considers that the promise was made to make the appointment “soon”. So how ‘soon’ is ‘soon’? The President needs to act with alacrity in making this appointment. It is not an
uncomplicated decision. There is no reason, for example, why the incumbent junior minister cannot and should not be elevated to this post. He has held the fort w i t h o u t p u b l i c admonishment thus far. More than seven months ago, the government said that diplomatic appointments were a priority. Yet, key overseas Missions, including those in Brazil, India, the UAE, and various European capitals, remain without substantive ambassadors and high commissioners. While a nominee for the ambassadorial post in Venezuela has since been named, this should have happened a long time ago. The absence of an ambassador in the midst of growing concerns about p e r c e i v e d Ve n e z u e l a n military exercises near Guyana’s borders raises legitimate concerns about the state of our foreign relations. Given the emphasis on
Timehri man jailed for larceny
A
26-year-old man of Lot 30 Timheri, East Bank D emerara (EBD ) will spend the next three years behind bars after he pleaded guilty on Friday to a “Break-andEnter-and-Larceny” charge. The man, identified as
Ken Geoms, appeared at th e Diamond Magistrates’ C o u r t b e f o r e Magistrate Judy Latchman. The court heard that Geoms broke into the house of a Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD) man and stole several items.
Jailed, Ken Geoms
DEM BOYS SEH
The need for speed B u d d y, y u h won’t believe wha’ we seeing on dem roads in Guyana lately! It look like the trucks in dis country are getting ready for the South Dakota Circuit motor race all by themselves. Dem boys say, maybe we need to introduce a whole new category: drag racing for them big rigs! Yuh see, it ain’t no secret, dem trucks been speeding like they deh in a race already. We talking ‘bout some serious speed! The way they driving, it’s like they practising for a drag meet right there on our highways. We got to wonder if they got nitrous
in dem tanks or something. Yuh gat to clear de way when dem coming through. Every day, we hearing the police talking ‘bout hundreds of charges being laid for speeding and reckless driving. But when you look at the tens of thousands of vehicles in this country, it’s like scraping the top of the problem with a toothpick. Dem boys saying it’s like trying to empty the Atlantic Ocean with a bucket. Now, while the traffic authorities busy announcing them charges, maybe it’s time they consider giving some of them speeding trucks a t h o r o u g h c h e c k . We
talking about some inspections on their brakes, ‘cause if they flying down the road like that, they better have brakes made of vibranium. Otherwise, we looking at some serious accid ents w aiting to happen, meh friend. So, keep yuh eyes peeled when you out on them Guyanese roads, ‘cause these trucks ain’t joking around. It’s like a Fast and Furious movie out there, and we just hope t h e y d o n ’t t u r n o u r highways into a blockbuster action scene. Dem boys saying, “Buckle up, Guyana, ‘cause dem trucks got need for speed!” Talk half. Leff half.
relations with the United Arab Emirates it is a gross oversight that an appointment is yet to be made. In making this decision, the government may wish to consider the practicality of having an embassy in Kuwait and whether it may not be more practical to remove the Mission in South Africa to Ghana, the new center of gravity of relations between Guyana and Africa. Over three and a half years ago, President Ali announced the establishment of a new national award, the Order of Democracy, to recognize those who contributed to safeguarding democracy in Guyana. Despite the initial fanfare, this award has languished in limbo. The failure to follow through with the creation of such an award is mindboggling. The award was intended to recognize and honour honoring those who have championed democracy in the country. T h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s Manifesto promised the establishment of industrial estates and parks for
manufacturing, a commitment that presumably remains a work in progress. But why has this not been accorded greater priority? Additionally, the pledge to reduce bureaucracy, streamline application processing, and simplify the tax system has not materialized. These unfulfilled promises affect the ease of doing business and can deter potential investors from engaging with the country. The government pledged to promote agri-energy through the production of ethanol, palm oil, cassava, and corn. Regrettably, very little has been heard about this initiative since its announcement. Using food to create fuels is by no means an uncontroversial decision and the least the government can do is to indicate whether it is going ahead with this Manifesto promise. Promises made by politicians are meant to be kept, but the dynamic nature of politics often necessitates adjustments in priorities. Situations can develop, new challenges can emerge, and
unforeseen obstacles can arise, leading to shifts in the government’s focus. This is an accepted reality in the world of politics, where flexibility and adaptability are crucial. However, what should always be expected and demanded from any government is transparency and accountability. While it is understandable that promises may need to be revisited, the least that can be done is for the government to provide a comprehensive status report on its languishing promises. This allows the public to be informed about the reasons for delays or changes in priorities. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)
Kaieteur News
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S
UTH
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
L
LAL
H@RD TRUTHS
Sunday October 22, 2023 Monday May 02, 2022
BY GHK LALL
The old time Chinese had it right Some local and foreign people think that I abhor Americans, Chinese, Europeans, and Guyanese, among others. Let’s get this right: I hate their actions, their work products, but only when those are crooked, and damaging to Guyanese interests, defeating of this country’s promise. I promise here and today that there will never be any hate at them individually or collectively, but only at what they do. As proof, look at what brother Jagdeo and his folks tried, and look at how they made me better. It is
their private enterprises that I loathe, on which there is the shortest of short fuses. For all of them, which brings me to the Chinese. The oldline Chinese were an extraordinary group. I didn’t have much use for Mao Zedong, but the verbal flair of his righthand leftist champion Zhou en Lai was a source of amusement, the cogent, and the constant contributions about the predicament of poor coloured people all over the world. Zhou was the one who left the world with the immortal “running dogs of
capitalism.” As someone who believes in honest work, fair play, and a fair deal, that didn’t sit too well, but the imagery resonated and lingered. Who would believe that of all people, given where I have been and climbed a rung or two, that I am the one who takes unending offence at what goes on in this dear land of Guyana under the shield of capitalism. It is more than crony capitalism and crooked capitalism; it is this rabies infested crime that fluences around under the negligee of capitalism. Man,
it is so transparent that it is n a k e d ( t h a n k s , D r. President). At the risk of mixing and mangling metaphors, the running dogs of capitalism are alive and strong in Guyana 50 years after Zhou’s immortal crack now proven so accurate. There is Exxon, there is Hess, and there are those new Chinese (CNOOC) at the head of the ravenous pack. They are running, and what they discharge on Guyanese is a sight to behold, a sent to remember. CNOOC is the Chinese of Xi Jinping and not Chairman
Mao, or Vice Lord Zhou. Indeed, the time are a changin’… All of this is so, but there was something else that this stoic and serene Chinese political sage called Zhou left us from more than a half century ago. When Zhou (may he rest in celestial eternity) spoke of capitalism, he made frequent use of a word that had telling effect then, and has come to have the most sprawling application and impact in this country today. The word that Zhou used was “barbarians” and I register at the heights on my scale nowadays: as a slur that has no equal, as a putdown from which there is no comeback, and as an insult that is as American as god, country, mother, and apple pie. Oh yes! Zhou saw c a p i t a l i s m ’s w o r s t barbarians in Americans; I agree, when I think of my Yankee brethren offshore, onshore, and in the PPP Government (the PNC Opposition too). From the East, the trumpet blast of “barbarians” traveled across the Pacific and landed on the European landmass, and enveloped the Nordic, the Celtics, the Gallic, the Teutonic and, of course, the Angles and the Saxons, who a r e a l l Va n d a l s a n d Visigoths. Man, do they put Guyana to the sword, and look at how they sack poor, vulnerable, defenseless Guyana. With leaders of the thunderous prowess of Dr. Irfaan Ali, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and Dr. Aubrey Norton, the “barbarians” run wild in Guyana. I look at those brothers of mine, doctors of national anemia and national dissipation, and behold not family physicians, but general practitioners of a different calling: those who provide aid and comfort to the viruses that invade Guyana. Zhou had the best name for them: “barbarians” which has proven to be so perfect in the circumstances of
Guyana. The barbarians plunder our riches, and get a grip on how President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo assist them with their sophisticated schemes that lead to the impoverishment of the spirit of Guyanese. The national leaders who loved to be called doctors, actually demand so, preside over a country reduced that they have reduced to a carcass, when they allow the barbarians to pick Guyana to the bone: British, Chinese, Americans, and others of that buzzard family. When President Ali opens his mouth to pronounce on issues of national significance, the barbarians love him, applaud him; they have a medal for him. It is because the barbarians have the freedom to excavate the riches in every cavity of Guyana, without incurring any cost for doing so. Each time VP Jagdeo does the impossible, which is to outrun his shadowy arrangements, his patented farces, the barbarians ready their harpoons overrun another area of Guyana. I encourage my fellow Guyanese to look at the Chinese of Xi Jinping. His outlook and attitude are simple: whoever wants to tap into the vast Chinese potential and market come here on the terms dictated. The Red Chinese know what they have, how much they mean to Yanks and Brits and Eyeties. Red means green, as is profit gold. President Ali and VP Jagdeo should take a page: the oil is here, and this is what is what Guyana must get. (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.)
Sunday October 22, 2023
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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WEEK-IN-REVIEW SUNDAY Jagdeo claims ringfencing oil projects could leave Guyana with nothing in the future After accusing the former government of “selling Guyana out” to foreign oil companies by failing to ring-fence the Stabroek Block projects, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo now seems comfortable with the lack of such a provision, since he believes the country could be left with nothing in the future should such a provision be implemented. ‘Ring-fencing’ simply means that each project would pay for itself, thereby allowing for greater profits to be split when development is paid off. According to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana inked with ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC, 75 percent of the monthly revenue will be deducted to cover costs, while the remaining 25 percent will be split equally (50/50) between the parties to the contract. In this manner, a ring-fencing provision would have allowed Guyana to benefit from half of the revenue generated in a project, after the expenses are repaid. Without this provision, the oil companies are allowed to give Guyana meager profits while they take the lion’s share to develop other oil projects in the Stabroek Block. Recognizing the significance of such a major gap in the contract, Jagdeo when he was leader of the Opposition, prior to August 2020 was fuming during an interview when he addressed the former government’s incompetence for failing to ring-fence the two oil projects it had approved. “They sold us out to the foreigners. The oil
companies, every time there is a find out there, our people should be sad because nothing comes our way. We are gonna renegotiate those contracts because that’s not what we had in mind,” Jagdeo said. He added, “When we were in the early days, we were coaxing the people [ExxonMobil] to go along. They [Coalition] came into office – three billion barrels of proven reserves and they gave up zero royalties, no taxes, no ring-fencing.” A few short years later, the Vice President now believes that ring-fencing the oil projects in the Stabroek Block could possibly leave the country with nothing to gain in the future. During his Thursday press conference, the VP said, “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.” The Vice President explained, “We admitted that we are foregoing revenue now in exchange for massive future income because it’s going into new projects that will increase production and so even with the same share of the 50/50 plus the two percent royalty that the future income, because of the bigger scale will be massive in Guyana’s case and we are deliberately foregoing that in this period for that purpose and then trying to grab this bone now could cause you to lose all the bones, the bigger bones too in the future.” While Jagdeo fears Guyana not being able to gain revenue in the future from the sector due to a ringfencing provision, experts in the industry have urged the nation to include such a provision to ensure it enjoys early returns from the sector. In three separate reports dated 2017, 2019 and 2019, the International Monetary
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo Fund (IMF) stated: “This asymmetrical treatment of profit and cost oil will benefit the contractor at the expense of delaying government revenue.” Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), along with another international expert, Chatham House and the World Bank called on Guyana to include a ringfencing provision for each project. Painting a more graphic picture in one his reports on Guyana was Director of Financial Analysis for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Tom Sanzillo. IEEFA estimated that Guyana should receive upward of $6 billion annually by 2028 or sooner, however, the organization believes that due to all of the new costs, Guyana will be shortchanged until the 2030’s, if not longer. It would be poignant to note that last year, the Stabroek Block generated a whopping US$9.8 billion, but Guyana only received US$1.4 billion in profits and royalty, while Exxon took US$7.4 billion to recoup their investments across the Stabroek Block. Consequently, Sanzillo noted, “The lack of contract protections means that every time Guyana announces it has received more revenue it is actually being shortchanged...the country may never see the promised
Sunday October 22, 2023
annual revenues in the billions of dollars.” Falling oil prices Another major factor that can affect the country from enjoying the “bigger bone” in the future, as anticipated by the VP is the declining oil prices. Government in its H a l f - Ye a r R e p o r t h a s already indicated that the country is likely to earn lower revenue from the industry this year than earlier projected. It said this is as a result of declining oil prices on the global market triggered by a slide in demand for supplies. The report noted that petroleum deposits for the year are now projected to total US$1,629.3 million, compared with US$1,631.7 million projected at the beginning of the year. This means that the country will receive US$2.4 million less than anticipated or approximately GYD$480M. Kaieteur News had reported that the plummeting oil price on the global market can be dangerous for newcomer to the sector, Guyana, especially as oil major ExxonMobil continues to pump billions of US-dollars to develop the resources discovered in the Stabroek block. The country can easily find itself unable to repay the investments or enjoy profits from the industry should this trend extend.
audit, to monitor… We believe that we need to pace it... to do a survey to see what we as a people need, to be able to monitor, evaluate the sector, as well as to ensure that the local content keeps rising rather than declining.” I n c o n t r a s t , ExxonMobil’s projects, particularly in the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two projects, continue to display astonishing production levels. The delayed August oil production data revealed sustained high production, with Phase Two exceeding its initial capacity of 220,000 barrels per day (bpd), even before the planned production optimization activities. It is maintaining production levels around 250,000 barrels per day. This indicates a potential for even higher production levels after Exxon optimizes the
As Opposition urges moderation, Exxon continues to reach astonishing production levels
project, raising safety concerns among stakeholders monitoring offshore oil production. The Payara project is set to further increase oil production. Scheduled to begin production later this year, the Payara project will reach full production capacity by early 2024. ExxonMobil’s strategy aligns with statements by Chief Executive Officer, Darren Woods that there will be larger projects with higher production capacity to drive down unit costs and enhance cost-effectiveness.
O p p o s i t i o n L e a d e r, Aubrey Norton has articulated a call for moderation, calling for paced production to develop institutional capacity for oil sector regulation. Norton stated during a press conference, “It is critical to understand that while we want these developments to occur, you have to build institutional capacity to
Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton
The garbage truck Angel Azocar was travelling in which crashed into a trench along the Cullen, Public Road, Essequibo Coast on Saturday.
Woods highlighted the c o m p a n y ’s f o c u s o n understanding the resources in the Stabroek Block as a guiding factor for future developments. He explained to investors, “These bigger production facilities make a lot of sense when you have the resource to support it because it brings your unit cost down, brings down your cost of supply.” The floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels being placed offshore Guyana are among the highest producers in the world. There is a clear dissonance between the O p p o s i t i o n ’s c a l l f o r moderation and E x x o n M o b i l ’s h i g h p r o d u c t i o n t r a j e c t o r y. However, Exxon is not a rogue agent. It is being s h e p h e r d e d b y Vi c e President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who supports accelerated oil production. Jagdeo wants Exxon to drain the oil out from offshore Guyana before the world transitions to cleaner energy sources. Stakeholders see it as crucial for Exxon ensure that its operations, which have potential for significant ecological impact, comply with the strictest safety protocols. This would minimize the risk of spills, which can be devastating not only for the environment but also for multiple countries. Wi t h E x x o n M o b i l ramping up its operations in Guyana, local and regional stakeholders have emphasized that past disasters should serve as a stark reminder and incentive to avoid similar pitfalls. Porter dies in Essequibo crash A 33-year-old porter died on Saturday morning after the garbage truck he was travelling in crashed into a trench at Cullen, Essequibo Coast. Dead is Angel Azocar (Continued on page 13)
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
From page 12 of Reliance, Essequibo Coast. According to information reaching this newspaper, the fatal incident occurred just around 05:00hrs yesterday and involved motor lorry #GAE 4065, owned by Puran Brothers Disposal Inc., which was driven at the time by Rambeer Singh, a 45year-old from Lima, Essequibo Coast and carrying occupants Govie Daniels, 39, of Richmond, Essequibo Coast and Isaiah Latchman, 26, of Lot 66 Pomona Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast and Azocar. It was reported to the police that just before the tragedy struck, the garbage truck was heading east along the northern driving lane of the Cullen Public Road, reportedly at a fast rate. Police said the driver claimed that while driving he had applied brakes and lost control while doing so. This resulted in the vehicle ending up in a nearby trench on the northern side of the road. As a result, the driver and occupants were taken out of the lorry by residents with the assistance of the Region’s Fire Service. It was reported that while rescuing the occupants, Azocar was found trapped in an unconscious condition in the cabin of the truck, and he was subsequently removed. All the occupants were rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital, where they were examined by a doctor on duty who pronounced the Azocar dead on arrival. Police revealed that the driver and others were treated for minor injuries and sent away. Azocar’s body was taken to the hospital’s mortuary, awaiting a postmortem examination. The driver was subsequently taken into custody and is assisting with the investigation. MONDAY Opposition calls on Jagdeo to prove ringfencing oil projects could hamper future revenues The comments made by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo that ring-fencing oil projects could potentially leave Guyana with “nothing” in the future have left sections of society baffled at the reasoning behind this conclusion. One such stakeholder is the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) that
represents a sizable portion of the country’s population. On Sunday, Economic Advisor to the Opposition Leader, Elson Low said that the VP must justify his position with a proper study. Low explained, “Jagdeo cannot just make a blanket statement about ring-fencing without citing a government study. His reasoning is not gospel.” Ring-fencing is a provision that would allow each oil project to pay for itself. In Guyana’s case, it would allow for the country to benefit from 50 percent of the revenue generated after the cost of each project has
Economic Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition, Elson Low been repaid. In the absence of such a provision, the operator of the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil is allowed to use the revenues generated from the operational projects to pay for developments that are yet to come on stream. This means that the country will continue to receive meager profits while the oil companies deduct 75 percent of monthly revenues to cover expenses. Jagdeo, during his weekly engagement with the media on Thursday, said including such a provision could possibly leave the country with nothing to gain in the future. He explained, “Thinking in policy making is much more complex, it’s never a linear way- oh ringfencing can save all the money in the world; ringfencing could lead now too to us having nothing in the future.” According to Jagdeo, “We admitted that we are foregoing revenue now in exchange for massive future income because it’s going into new projects that will increase production and so even with the same share of
the 50/50 plus the two percent royalty that the future income, because of the bigger scale will be massive in Guyana’s case and we are deliberately foregoing that in this period for that purpose and then trying to grab this bone now could cause you to lose all the bones, the bigger bones too in the future.” Meanwhile, the Opposition explained that to correctly manage the industry, government must regularly conduct studies and review its position. To this end, Low said the Opposition intends to review the economics of each development. He was keen to point out the importance of Guyana benefitting from revenue early on in the industry. Low reasoned, “Remember those early revenues can be reinvested and you can use math to determine the most effective allocation such as in healthcare, education, infrastructure.” It must be noted that during the Leader of the Opposition’s press conference on Friday, Norton highlighted the need for government to budget resources to seek expertise on matters of importance. He said, “You [need] a professionally trained core that can help political decisions. The stupidity of saying everybody is a specialist is real stupidity. What we need is trained professionals that can guide the politicians because as a politician you might study governance, well some ain’t study nothing, but we anticipate that you will study governance, understand some basis but you need the professionals to assist you.” Norton admitted that when he was elected Opposition Leader, he had no expertise in oil and gas but he has engaged with specialists for guidance. Similarly, the leader stressed, “A government should be informed by proper professionals with professional information rather than a Vice President running around like if he knows it all and talking whatever comes to his mouth, rather than what has come out of brains that are trained to deliver quality information to us.” While Jagdeo fears Guyana not being able to gain revenue in the future from the sector due to a ringfencing provision, experts in the industry have urged the nation to include such a
provision to ensure it enjoys early returns from the sector. In three separate reports dated 2017, 2018 and 2019, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated: “This asymmetrical treatment of profit and cost oil will benefit the contractor at the expense of delaying government revenue.” Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), along with another international expert, Chatham House and the World Bank called on Guyana to include a ringfencing provision for each project.Painting a more graphic picture in one his reports on Guyana was Director of Financial Analysis for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Tom Sanzillo. He said, “The lack of contract protections means that every time Guyana announces it has received more revenue it is actually being shortchanged…the country may never see the promised annual revenues in the billions of dollars.” Guyanese protest Israel’s assault on Palestine …Former President Donald Ramotar also part of Gaza protest Over two hundred Guyanese turned out on Sunday morning and braved the heat in support of Palestinians in Gaza which is being bombarded by heavy artillery by Israel. Bearing placards which read “Stop Israel’s war crimes in Gaza”, “Palestine will be free”, “Stop genocide in Palestine” and “Respect existence or expect resistance”, the protestors marched peacefully from Homestretch Avenue and Vlissengen, then walked down to Camp Street, and returned to Homestretch Avenue and Vlissengen
PAGE 13
Road. In addition, former President Donald Ramotar was also part of the march. In a short speech at the gathering, he condemned the atrocities that are meted out to the Palestinians. Kaieteur News Publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall was also among those who participated in the walk on Sunday. The BBC reported on Sunday that Gaza is seeing an “unprecedented human catastrophe” based on a report from the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees. Amidst the conflict, the United States Secretary of
More than 1,400 people were killed in Israel last weekend when Hamas’s fighters crossed the border to attack civilians and soldiers. Four hospitals in the north of the Gaza strip are no longer working, the World Health Organisation has said. In a statement on social media, the WHO in occupied Palestinian territory adds that 21 hospitals in Gaza have been given an order to evacuate by the Israeli military. The global health body also notes that the “forced evacuation” of hospitals may amount to a violation of
The bike which Kimal Khan was riding at the time of the shooting. (Wayne Lyttle photo) State, Anthony Blinken has urged Israel to do everything possible to avoid harming civilians. Iran has continued to warn Israel that if it escalates the conflict in Gaza, it risks drawing in the involvement of Iran’s military. “If they do not cease their atrocities in Gaza, Iran cannot simply remain an observer,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told Al Jazeera. “If the scope of the war expands, significant damages will also be inflicted upon America,” he added. It comes one day after Amirabdollahian met with the leader of Hamas in Doha. Since the conflict, more than 2,450 people have been killed by Israel’s bombing of Gaza, Palestinian authorities say, with an estimated 1,000 missing under rubble.
international humanitarian law”. Mon Repos man gunned down at Ogle Police are investigating the murder of a 42-year-old man who was riddled by gunmen in a motorcar as he waited on the traffic lights to change at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) early on Sunday morning. Dead is Kimal Khan of Mon Repos, ECD. The man sustained gunshot wounds to his head, chest and abdomen, police noted.According to the police, around 00:10hrs on Sunday, Khan and his 21year -old common-law wife were on a black Honda motorcycle when three “unidentifiable men” in a Toyota Allion (Continued on page 14)
The scene of the shooting at Ogle, East Coast Demerara. (Wayne Lyttle photo)
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From page 13 motorcar opened fire on the couple, fatally wounding Khan. The police did not mention whether the man’s wife sustained injuries. Police said around 23:00hrs on Saturday, the couple left their home and proceeded to the Wee Bar and Lounge on the Mon Repos Public Road where they each consumed an alcoholic beverage. The duo then left for another bar at Mon Repos and later returned to the Wee Bar and Lounge, where they spent a few minutes and left again. The couple were headed to another drinking spot in Georgetown when Khan met his demise. According to the police, Khan stopped his motorcycle at the traffic lights at Ogle, and while waiting for the light to change, a tinted, silvercoloured Toyota Allion motorcar pulled up alongside the couple. The occupants of the car then discharged several rounds in the couple’s direction. Police said Khan immediately fell off the motorcycle and onto the roadway as the car sped away, heading south along the Ogle Access Road. Five minutes later, the police arrived at the scene while Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were summoned. The man was later pronounced dead by a doctor and six 9mm spent shells were recovered. Khan’s body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and is awaiting a postmortem examination. Police said the area was canvassed for closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, which were seen but are yet to be viewed. Investigations continue. TUESDAY ‘Guyana has right to change oil contract’New Int’l Report “Guyana, as a sovereign state, has the right to exercise its legislative power, and the right to enact, modify, or cancel any law at its own discretion. It can be argued that by deciding to invest, the investor takes the business risk to be faced, with changes of laws or even likely to be detrimental in its i n v e s t m e n t , notwithstanding this stabilization clause. A prudent investor knows that laws will evolve over time.”Int’l Report
Guyanese have been protesting against the lopsided contract, calling on government to bring ExxonMobil back to the negotiating table. The Government of Guyana (GoG) has been reluctant to amend the lopsided terms of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement or Contract (PSA/PSC) signed with oil major, ExxonMobil and partners, stating that this country must abide by the ‘sanctity of contract’ principle to avoid any legal repercussions. However, a new report compiled by eight specialists, with decades of experience in the sector, has recommended that Guyana enact changes, since the very core of the agreement goes against general international petroleum industry practices. The ‘Oil and Gas, Natural Resources, and Energy Journal’ (ONE J) report published in May 2023 by the University of Oklahoma, College of Law Digital Commons, examined the ‘Evolving Trends in Production Sharing Agreements & Cost Recovery Systems’ of eight oil producing nations, including Guyana. Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago as well as Angola, Ghana and Kazakhstan were also included in the report. One of key findings in the document as it relates to Guyana a relative new emerging frontier oil and gas producer, was the lopsided nature of the very agreement. It underscored the fact that the Stabilization Clause in the 2016 contract only mentions protecting the interest of the Contractor (ExxonMobil). In this regard, the report noted: “this is unlike an economic equilibrium clause which protects the interests of both parties.” Consequently, the report noted that contract is not in line with modern trends. Guyanese have been
protesting against the lopsided deal, calling on Government to effect changes. Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who entered into the agreement with Exxon on behalf of the country in a new book had cited his support for a renegotiation of the deal. As an Attorney-atLaw, the ex-Member of Parliament (MP) noted that the contract was not cast in stone. Meanwhile, on the other side of the political divide, former President Donald Ramotar also signaled his support for a better oil deal. In spite of the calls from Guyanese and international experts, the People’s Progressive Party has made it clear that the contract terms will remain. Article 32 of the Exxon contract, which lists out conditions for ‘Stability of the Agreement’ states at 32.1 that, ‘Except as may be expressly provided herein, the Government shall not amend, modify, rescind, terminate, declare invalid or unenforceable, require renegotiation of, compel replacement or substitution, or otherwise seek to avoid, alter, or limit this Agreement without the prior written consent of Contractor.” The agreement goes on to say at 32.2 that “after the signing of this agreement and in conformance with Article 15, the Government shall not increase the economic burdens of Contractor under this Agreement by applying to this Agreement or the operations conducted there under any increase of or any new petroleum related fiscal obligation, including but not limited to, any new taxes whatsoever, any new royalty, duties, fees, charges, valueadded tax (VAT) or other imposts.” Upon examining
this provision, the report opinioned that Guyana has a right to make changes as necessary, arguing that investors should not be immune to risks in business. It stated, ‘Guyana, as a sovereign state, has the right to exercise its legislative power, and the right to enact, modify, or cancel any law at its own discretion. According to the report, it c a n b e a rg u e d t h a t b y deciding to invest, the investor takes the business risk to be faced with changes of laws or even likely to be detrimental in its investment, notwithstanding this stabilization clause. A prudent investor knows that laws will evolve over time.’ Taxes Apart from the “freezing provisions” in the ExxonMobil contract, the report goes on to flag the “generous” taxation policy enjoyed by the company. It noted that an International Monetary Fund (IMF) Assessment Report in 2017 indicated that the contract has the lowest Average Effective Tax Rate (AETR) of all the fiscal regimes evaluated. To this end, the specialists said, “This observation strengthens the argument that the fiscal terms offered in the agreement, are very generous to the investor and that the contract is lopsided.” Arbitration Meanwhile, another section of the report that delved into the settlement of disputes provision found that the contract does not adhere to industry best practices. It explained that the contract provides for the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ISCID) arbitration under Articles 26 and 32.4; whereas Article 26 provides for Sole Expert and
Sunday October 22, 2023
Arbitration. “The issue here is whether these provisions are enforceable and the proper interpretation of Article 32.4 of the ExxonMobil PSC under the Guyanese law, the governing law of the contract,” The study cautioned. It went on to point out, “Unfortunately, Articles 32.4 and 26 demonstrate that the ExxonMobil PSC is lopsided and arguably in favor of protecting the investor interest. Repeatedly, in the PSC, there is mention of protecting the c o n t r a c t o r ’s e c o n o m i c benefits while no mention is made of protecting the interests of the State. Ironically, while the contract makes mention of “generally accepted customs and usages of the international petroleum industry”, and states that the contractor and subcontractors shall operate in a manner as is ‘customary in the international petroleum industry, in accordance with good oil field practices, it
leading academic institutions around the world. He has been active in the oil and gas industry for more than 15 years and is an international expert on joint operating agreements. Reg Fowler is a legal consultant with more than 25 years providing English international law advice to oil majors operating in the UK, Russia, Kazakhstan and Africa. Meanwhile, Alicia Elias-Roberts is currently the Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Law at the UWI St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago. She teaches Oil and Gas Law and International Environmental Law at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus. Husband kills wife who accused him of cheating with a foreigner A 42-year-old woman was early Monday morning stabbed to death at the hands of her reputed husband who had earlier accused her of
Christina Holder can be argued that the very core of the contract does not adhere to general international petroleum industry practices.’ About the authors of the ONE J Report The study on PSAs and Cost Recover was compiled by Eduardo G. Pereira, Reg Fowler, Thomas Stephens, Alicia Elias-Roberts, André Lemos, Wan Mohd Zulhafiz Wan Zahari, Reyhan Kamil and Nurzhan Kakimov. The specialists together boast decades of experience in the p e t r o l e u m s e c t o r. F o r instance, Eduardo G Pereira is a professor of natural resources and energy law as a full-time, part-time, honorary, associate, adjunct, researcher and/or visiting scholar in a number of
being unfaithful. Dead is Christina Holder, a cook, who lived and worked at Princeville Backdam, Region Eight. Kaieteur News understands th at th e f atal s tab b in g occurred just around 02:00hrs yesterday at the couple’s camp at Princeville Backdam. According to the police Holder and her 41year-old husband whom she has been in a relationship with for the past 12 years, were on Sunday night at their camp imbibing ‘high wine’ with coke and water while playing cards. A dredge worker reported to investigators that about 02:00hrs on Monday, he was awoken by a noise coming from the couple’s camp, (continued on page 54)
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
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Brother saves sisters as grandmother perishes in Berbice fire
The gutted two-storey building.
A
17-year-old boy on Saturday saved his sisters from their burning house at St. Magdalene Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six but his grandmother perished. Dead is 85-year-old Sharon Austin. The fire reportedly started after 04:00hrs and destroyed Austin's two-storey wooden home which she shared with her daughter and grandchildren.
Reports are that Austin, her daughter and grandchildren were inside the house sleeping when the fire engulfed the building. Kaieteur News learnt that Austin was sleeping in the upper flat with her two granddaughters, ages 14 and 7 while her grandsons were in the bottom flat with their mom. The boys were reportedly awakened by sounds coming from upstairs.
One of the boys ran upstairs to see what was going on and found his sisters trying to open the door while shouting “fire”. He managed to pull them out and get them to safety but did not return in time to rescue his grandmother. When he returned to the upper flat, his grandmother had already collapsed at the door and the entire flat was consumed by the fire. The Guyana Fire Service said
that it received a call around 04:19hrs that the family's home was on fire. Firefighters were able to contain and extinguish the flames. An investigation was conducted and according to the Fire Service officers, the deadly blaze was caused by an overheated electric fan.“The Fire Department wishes to extend condolences to the relatives and friends of Sharon Austin”, the Fire Service said.
Dead: Sharon Austin
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
Hundreds of Guyanese join worldwide protest in support of Palestine Hundreds of Guyanese marched the streets of Georgetown on Saturday in protest against the inhumane treatment meted out to Palestinians. Saturday's march mirrored marches held globally in support of Palestine.
As the participants walked the city streets, they chanted, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free… Free Palestine! Free Palestine!” After the walk, they assembled at the Square of the Revolution where several prominent persons spoke. One speaker said, “We cannot remain silent with what we see going on with our brothers in Palestine.” The man accused the “Zionist Israel” of committing Genocide. The speaker said that world leaders
Hundreds walk the streets of Georgetown on Saturday calling for Palestine to be freed.
are standing by silently and watching as thousands of Palestinians are being slaughtered. “We live in a world of double standard”, he said while questioning, “where is the humanity?”. Meanwhile, Saudia Ferouz said, “At this moment in our seen reality, Gaza is experiencing genocide before our very eyes,” while adding, “Israel has cut off food, water, and fuel to a population of 2.3 million civilians.”Ferouz reminded that more than 4,500 Palestinians have been massacred by Israel in the last 14 days alone. “More than 1500 of those deaths were children. More than 1.2 million people have lost their homes,” she stated. Recent statistics put together, by Euro-med Human Rights Monitor, more than 4000 Palestinians have been killed, “including 1,413 children and 806 women, with approximately 3,420 civilians among the dead. More than 15,000 additional Palestinians have been injured in various ways, with more than half of them being children and women. Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor concluded that Israel is committing complex war crimes in the Gaza Strip. The organisation reiterated that these crimes represent serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes under the Fourth Geneva Convention for the Protection of Civilians.
Sunday October 22, 2023
Kaieteur News
Former teacher and hinterland coordinator attached to the Ministry of Education, Edward Jarvis.
Hinterland student among top CSEC performers at Camille’s Academy
...eyes career in medical field
For his sterling contribution to the education sector and his community...
Retired educator Edward Jarvis is a ‘Special Person’
Kamladevi Sharma Founder of Revive Coach
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Reon Thomas is named the Valedictorian for Camille’s Academy Inc ‘s Crane Branch
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Guyanese beauty, Aruna Sukhdeo is the reigning Miss India Worldwide 2023. Aruna is the second Guyanese to win this title in 30 years. The 21-year-old is the founder of 'Gyaff It Off,' a mental health campaign that is aimed at helping youth cope with mental health issues. Through the platform, Aruna aims to visit schools and have the discussions with young people about various mental health issues. She's a mental health activist, singer, student and most of all, a humble country girl. The beauty queen advises her followers to never be fearful, but let fear fuel your passion. Photo credit: (Miguel's Beauty Creation)
Sunday October 22, 2023
Aruna Sukhdeo
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
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Kim Kardashian’s hosts star- Britney Spear shares studded 43rd birthday party jaw dropping secrets in new memoir
Kim Kardashian has wowed fans, arriving at her star-studded birthday celebration in a curvehugging gown with cutout details. The Hulu star flaunted her shrinking frame in the outfit as she prepared to party with Khloe Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and other famous family and friends. The Hulu star partied the night away with Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and other big-name celebs. Kim, 43, was spotted arriving at Funke in Beverly Hills, California, late Friday night in a brightly-colored dress that flaunted her fit figure. She walked into the venue wearing a red sleeveless gown with straps across the chest and cutouts down the side of her torso. The bottom of the dress hugged her famous hips, with strappy details hanging loose off the sides. Her hair hung loose down her back in a crimped wavy style and she shielded her eyes behind a dark pair of sunglasses despite the sun having set. She was spotted making her way from a black SUV to the party, holding a tiny black bag in her hand. Her black hair was styled in its typical short pixie cut and she was rocking a full face of glam that included dark eye makeup. Khloe, for her part, flaunted her slim figure and toned arms and legs in a bright white dress. The outfit featured a high-cut neckline and short hem that elongated her tan legs. She styled her blonde hair in loose waves and completed the outfit with oversized sunglasses, white high heels, and a white bag.
Kim Kardashian has wowed fans, arriving at her star-studded birthday celebration in a curve-hugging gown with cutout details
Kim’s model sibling Kendall rocked a daring look, stepping out in an animal print maxi dress with strappy sandal heels. Like her siblings, she rocked a pair of dark sunglasses. Her brown hair was styled in voluminous curls that hung around her shoulders. Kylie arrived at the bash in an all-black ensemble. She strutted her stuff in a leather-look tube dress that hugged her curvy figure. The mom of two paired the dress with sheer black tights and matching shoes. She carried a small bag in one hand and tousled her curly brunette hair with the other. The Kylie Cosmetics founder wore slim black sunglasses over her eyes,
completing the look. Her new beau, Timothee Chalamet, was not with her as she arrived. In addition to her famous family members, Kim was joined by Hailey Bieber and, in a shock to many onlookers, Ivanka Trump. Justin Bieber’s wife was seen arriving at the Skims mogul’s birthday celebration in a brown leather mini skirt, white top, and brown suede jacket. She tucked her short hair behind her ears as she made her way inside the venue. Ivanka opted for a more modest style, sporting a cream-colored cropped top that showed just a tiny sliver of her toned stomach. The shirt shimmered in the light from nearby camera flashes and featured long sleeves. She paired it with a matching mid-length skirt that hugged her frame. The former first daughter also wore a neutral pair of high heels. Kim’s birthday celebrations kicked off well before her party. On Thursday, the TV personality showed off a selection of lavish gifts from her famous friends as she prepared to spend the weekend reveling in birthday bliss. Kim took to social media to show off a massive white flower arrangement seen sitting on the floor of her $60million Los Angeles mansion. She also showed off an ice cream freezer full of tasty treats. Both gifts were sent to the mom of four courtesy of the music legend, Snoop Dogg. Kim zoomed in on the well-stocked freezer, which was full of cartons of birthday cake-flavored ice cream.
Usher to perform at 2024 Superbowl Usher
Usher will be the headline performer at the 2024 Super Bowl half-time show, it has been confirmed. The R&B star follows in the footsteps of Rihanna, whose dazzling set last February also functioned as the announcement of her pregnancy. “It’s an honour of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list,” said Usher. “I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me
before.” The singer was one of the biggest stars of the late 1990s and 2000s, with multiplatinum hits including You Make Me Wanna, Pop Ya Collar, Yeah!, Burn and Confessions Pt II. He previously played the Super Bowl in 2011, as a special guest of the lead act, Black Eyed Peas - where he performed a breathtaking leap over will.i.am before landing in the splits.
Britney Spears’ memoir, The Woman in Me arrived on Tuesday, Oct. 24, and the Princess of Pop has not wasted her chance to tell her side of the story. The singer opened up about her highly publicized relationship with boy bander, Justin Timberlake and elaborates on all the ways their time together has been misconstrued. She shares her thoughts on how being in the public eye shaped the woman she has become — for better and for worse — and how she has come to terms with the privileges and consequences of that fame in her current life. Spears begin her story with heartbreaking detail about her sincere connection with the women in her family, and how their trauma has uncannily resurfaced in her own life. From a grandmother who lost a child and later found herself institutionalized, to how her own mother coped with her father’s heavy drinking. The pop star also details how, much like her grandmother, she felt silenced by her family as they controlled her through a conservatorship, and her disturbing belief
Pop star Britney Spears that her own kin was on a mission to “kill” her. In a quick, 275-page read, Spears finally has the chance to tell her own narrative, to get her voice back after years of tabloid stories and a 13-year conservatorship that stripped away her autonomy. The Woman in Me is worth reading in full to understand the true depths of Spears’ experience through her own lens — or a few hours’ listen when actress Michelle Williams narrates the audiobook. There are gossipy stories in Spears’ memoir that will certainly make readers gasp — though she has said that the memoir’s “purpose was not to offend anyone” — but there are also a lot of vulnerable and heartbreaking moments that could not have been easy to share.
Afro Beats superstar Wizkid and his mother
Wizkid buries mum in traditional ceremony in Nigeria Nigeria born Afrobeats superstar Wizkid is currently bereaved. WizKid and his family stepped out in their traditional best to celebrate his mother’s life at her funeral this week. The pop singer lost his mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun, in the late August in London. Born Ayo Balogun on July 26, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Wizkid grew up in a polygamous home with a Muslim father and a Christian mother. In a 2012 radio interview with Tim Westwood, Wizkid confirmed that Muniru Olatunji Balogun, his father married three wives. His mum, a formidable cornerstone of
strength, lent unwavering backing to her son’s meteoric rise in the industry. Her steadfast support was a familiar sight on the periphery of concerts and events. Her presence at Wizkid’s performances wasn’t just that of a mother; it embodied an emblem of unyielding allegiance to her son’s career. This devastating news comes months after the Singer’s mum, who appeared hale and hearty, attended an event where veteran fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM1) performed. The video captured the moment KWAM1 recognized her presence as she joined him on stage and rained N1000 notes on her
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
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Sunday October 22, 2023
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Positive thinking: Stop negative
self-talk to reduce stress P
ositive thinking helps with stress management and can even improve your health. Practice overcoming negative self-talk with examples provided. Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you’re optimistic or pessimistic — and it may even affect your health. Indeed, some studies show that personality traits such as optimism and pessimism can affect many areas of your health and well-being. The positive thinking that usually comes with optimism is a key part of effective stress management. And effective stress management is associated with many health benefits. If you tend to be pessimistic, don’t despair — you can learn positive thinking skills. Understanding positive thinking and self-talk Positive thinking doesn’t mean that you ignore life’s less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst. Positive thinking often starts with self-talk. Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your selftalk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information or expectations due to preconceived ideas of what may happen. If the thoughts that run through your head are mostly negative, your outlook on life is more likely pessimistic. If your thoughts are mostly positive, you’re likely an optimist — someone who practices positive thinking. The health benefits of positive thinking Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide
include: · Increased life span · Lower rates of depression · Lower levels of distress and pain · Greater resistance to illnesses · Better psychological and physical well-being · Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke · Reduced risk of death from cancer · Reduced risk of death from respiratory conditions · Reduced risk of death from infections · Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress It’s unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. One theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body. It’s also thought that positive and optimistic people tend to live healthier lifestyles — they get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet, and don’t smoke or drink alcohol in excess. Identifying negative thinking Not sure if your self-talk is positive or negative? Some common forms of negative self-talk include: · Filtering. You magnify the negative aspects of a situation and filter out all the positive ones. For example, you had a great day at work. You completed your tasks ahead of time and were complimented for doing a speedy and thorough job. That evening, you focus only on your plan to do even more tasks and forget about the compliments you received. · Personalizing. When something bad occurs, you automatically blame yourself. For example, you hear that an evening out with friends is canceled, and you assume that the change in plans is because no one wanted to be around you. · Catastrophizing. You automatically anticipate the worst without facts that the worse will happen. The drive-through coffee shop gets your order wrong, and then you think that the rest of your day will be a disaster.
· Blaming. You try to say someone else is responsible for what happened to you instead of yourself. You avoid being responsible for your thoughts and feelings. · Saying you “should” do something. You think of all the things you think you should do and blame yourself for not doing them. · Magnifying. You make a big deal out of minor problems. · Perfectionism. Keeping impossible standards and trying to be more perfect sets yourself up for failure. · Polarizing. You see things only as either good or bad. There is no middle ground. Focusing on positive thinking You can learn to turn negative thinking into positive thinking. The process is simple, but it does take time and practice — you’re creating a new habit, after all. Following are some ways to think and behave in a more positive and optimistic way: · Identify areas to change. If you want to become more optimistic and engage in more positive thinking, first identify areas of your life that you usually think negatively about, whether i t ’s w o r k , y o u r d a i l y commute, life changes or a relationship. You can start small by focusing on one area to approach in a more positive way. Think of a positive thought to manage your stress instead of a negative one. · Check yourself. Periodically during the day, stop and evaluate what you’re thinking. If you find that your thoughts are mainly negative, try to find a way to put a positive spin on them. · Be open to humor. Give yourself permission to smile or laugh, especially during difficult times. Seek humor in everyday happenings. When you can laugh at life, you feel less stressed. · Follow a healthy lifestyle. Aim to exercise for about 30 minutes on most days of the week. You can also break it up into 5- or 10-minute chunks of time during the day. Exercise can positively affect mood and reduce stress. Follow a healthy diet
to fuel your mind and body. Get enough sleep. And learn techniques to manage stress. · Surround yourself with positive people. Make sure those in your life are positive, supportive people you can depend on to give helpful advice and feedback. Negative people may increase your stress level and make you doubt your ability to manage stress in healthy
ways. ·Practice positive selftalk. Start by following one simple rule: Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else. Be gentle and encouraging with yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with affirmations of what is good about you.
Think about things you’re thankful for in your life. Here are some examples of negative self-talk and how you can apply a positive thinking twist to them: Putting positive thinking into practiceNegative self talk Positive thinking I’ve never done it before. It’s an opportunity to learn something new.
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Sunday October 22, 2023
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Kaieteur News
Bounty Killer, Bling Dawg, Busy Signal, and Popeye Caution for Creative Titans Launch in Guyana (Dancehall Mag) Starting November 4, a live performance series will commence in Georgetown, Guyana, to launch Creative Titans GY—a subsidiary of Creative Titans Music, Inc. “All the acts chosen are in the Creative Titans family through management, publishing, or music consultancy. These acts are staples in the dancehall community for Guyanese. Bringing these acts to Guyana in a more intimate setting will set the tone for what’s to come, all of our clients will be within reach and are open to new sounds of collabs,” Ron Teflord, founder and CEO of the entity, told DancehallMag. The three-part series that is being powered by Audiomack will see performances from the ‘Warlord’ Bounty Killer alongside Bling Dawg on the first night at the Outside Lounge. In December, the live performance series continue with a high-energy show featuring Busy Signal and Popeye Caution. The final date of the series will coincide with Mashramani, a cultural celebration dear to the hearts of the Guyanese people. On this special day, Creative Titans GY plans to raffle a car to one lucky attendee. To qualify for the raffle, attendees must keep all three ticket stubs from the series. According to Telford, a Grammy Award-winning music executive, the decision to expand Creative Titans to Guyana was inspired by a desire to invest
investments made by his entity in Guyana, he hopes to see an improvement in the local music scene, especially with regard to bringing in capital. “The most important hope is that Creative Titans GY can show local acts that
Bounty Killer, Ron Teflord
in the talents in his home country. “Well, I was actually born in Guyana and moved to the USA when I was 4years-old. My mother moved back when I was 17 and we (my sister and I) would visit her often,” he shared. “I fell in love with Guyana and always wanted to find a way to connect with the people. Through music, I’ve been blessed with music business intelligence that I can pass on to, not only, artists in the area but individuals within government to advance the culture.” Starting out as a m a n a g e m e n t a g e n c y, Creative Titans was officially founded in 2017. The company expanded as bidding wars ensued amongst publishing companies to sign CT and its undeniable roster. Telford entered a joint venture deal with Concord Music Publishing, part of a Grammy-award-winning record label Concord Records. Currently, the Creative
Titans team of writers and producers is responsible for nearly 40% of the music coming out of the Caribbean and Latin America, including hit records such as Koffee’s Toast from her 2020 Grammy-winning album, Reggaeton duet kings Wisin Y Yandel for their latest hit single Recordar, that dropped last December and Jorja Smith’s Be Honest featuring Burna Boy. The company previously expanded to Canada in 2022. Telford revealed that his team also has its eyes set on Grenada, Colombia and Haiti. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e construction of a multipurpose recording studio in Guyana has been ongoing. Telford said that it should be open to the public by the end of 2023. “We started the process in March of 2022. We aren’t skipping any steps and it will be the ‘go-to’ facility for music recording and education in Guyana,” he said. Telford said that with the
Ron Telford, Bling Dawg
it is possible to make it as an international artist and earn six to seven figure US$$$ income. We also want to show individuals that you don’t necessarily have to be an artist, producer or writer to earn a living in music – we will highlight music
executive and administrative roles,” he said. “Lastly, we would hope to educate the government of the need for more music programs and push for music copyright initiatives, so that Guyana can tap into this $31.2B industry.”
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Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
ing ... t s ere res Int eatu Cr
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The Sea Pig (Scotoplanes)
Yes there is also an animal in the sea that adores the mud and is very similar to pigs. Sea pigs are Scotoplanes, scavengers that tiptoes over the deep seafloor, searching for a meal. The tentacles around its mouth probe the mud for treats — bits of dead animals, poop, and mucus. Unlike the pigs we love to fatten until they weigh hundreds of pounds for meat, sea pigs are between 1.5 and 6 inches (4-15 centimeters) long.
The sea pig, according to scientists, may get its name from its pink-colored body and love of the muddy seafloor, but it’s actually a type of sea cucumber. The odd-looking, but surprisingly adorable creature has tube feet on its u n d e r b e l l y, b a c k , a n d surrounding its mouth. It spends its days snuffling through the muddy sediments on the seafloor, eating bits of dead algae and animals that have fallen from the surface. These animals
would even herd up in huge numbers to devour the extremely large and decaying carcass of a whale. Sea pigs are also known
for being protectors of baby crabs. Researchers at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) noted that juvenile lithodid
Sea pigs searching for food on the sea floor
crabs (Neolithodes diomedeae) would climb onto or hide under sea pigs. Scientists suspect that the crabs do this to protect
themselves from predators. Source of information: (https://www.montereybaya quarium.org/animals/animal s-a-to-z/sea-pig)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
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This week in History Disney’s animated Wikileakes released the largest musical film classified military leak in history Dumbo was released October 22 On 22nd October 2010 WikiLeaks released the largest classified military leak in history. Julian Assange, an Australian computer programmer who founded the media organization WikiLeaks. Practicing what he called “ s c i e n t i f i c journalism”—i.e., providing primary source materials with a minimum o f e d i t o r i a l commentary—Assange, t h r o u g h Wi k i L e a k s , released thousands of internal or classified documents from an assortment of government and corporate entities. A s s a n g e ’s f a m i l y moved frequently when he was a child, and he was educated with a combination of homeschooling and correspondence courses. As a teenager, he demonstrated an uncanny aptitude with computers, and, using the hacking nickname “Mendax,” he infiltrated a number of secure systems, including those at NASA and the Pentagon. In 1991 Australian authorities charged him with 31 counts of cybercrime; he pleaded guilty to most of them. At
Julian Assange
sentencing, however, he received only a small fine as punishment, and the judge ruled that his actions were the result of youthful inquisitiveness. Over the next decade, Assange traveled, studied physics at the University of Melbourne (he withdrew before earning a degree), and worked as a computer security consultant. Assange created WikiLeaks in 2006 to serve as a clearinghouse for sensitive or classified documents. Its first publication, posted to the WikiLeaks Web site in December 2006, was a message from a Somali rebel leader encouraging the
use of hired gunmen to assassinate government officials. T h e d o c u m e n t ’s authenticity was never verified, but the story of WikiLeaks and questions regarding the ethics of its m e t h o d s s o o n overshadowed it. WikiLeaks published a number of other scoops, including details about the U.S. military’s detention facility at Guantánamo Bay in Cuba, a secret membership roster of the British National Party, internal documents from the Scientology movement, and private e-mails from the University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit.
American civil rights activist Rosa Parks dies October 24 Rosa Parks, née Rosa Louise McCauley, civil rights activist whose refusal to relinquish her seat on a public bus precipitated the 1955–56 Montgomery bus boycott in Alabama, which became the spark that ignited the civil rights movement in the United States, died October 24, 2005. Born to parents James M c C a u l e y, a s k i l l e d stonemason and carpenter, and Leona Edwards McCauley, a teacher, in Tuskegee, Alabama, Rosa Louise McCauley spent much of her childhood and youth ill with chronic tonsillitis. When she was two years old, shortly after the birth of her younger brother, Sylvester, her parents chose to separate. Estranged from their father from then on, the children moved with their mother to live on their maternal grandparents’ farm
Rosa Parks
October 23 Dumbo, American animated musical film, was released on October 23, 1941. The film produced by Walt Disney was based on a children’s book of ringmaster to showcase the young the same name written by elephant in a circus act. Helen Aberson and Dumbo’s clumsiness causes illustrated by Harold the big top to collapse, Pearl. h o w e v e r, a n d h e i s The film centres on thereafter forced to Dumbo, a baby circus perform with the clowns. elephant who is One night, he and Timothy constantly taunted by inadvertently become other animals because of intoxicated on champagne, his abnormally large ears. and the next morning Dumbo Disney’s Dumbo When a boy at the circus pulls wakes up in a tree. Timothy on his ears, Dumbo’s protective realizes that Dumbo’s ears must mother spanks the child and, as a result, have allowed him to fly. This newfound is separated from the rest of the animals. Still ability, coupled with a boost of selfan outcast, Dumbo becomes friends with a confidence, allows Dumbo to become a hero mouse named Timothy, who persuades the in the circus and to reunite with his mother.
Britney Spears’ (Hit me) Baby One More Time was released In 1998, she released American pop star Britney Spears released her first single, “…Baby One More Time.” The song soon became the subject of controversy, both for its lyrics (“Hit me baby one more time”) as well as for its Lolita-like video, in which Spears appeared as a provocative schoolgirl. The attention, however, only helped the song, and when the album (…Baby One More Time) was released in 1999, it quickly went to number one on the charts and eventually sold more than 10 million copies in the United States. In 2000, she released her second album, Oops!…I Did It Again. It sold 1.3 million copies in its first week of release, setting a record for first-week sales by a solo artist. Although Spears drew criticism for her revealing attire—often imitated by her female fans—she was able to convey a wholesomeness that proved highly profitable. In 2001, she signed a multimillion-dollar deal to be a spokesperson for Pepsi and released her third album, Britney, which sold more than
Britney Spears four million copies domestically. Its followup, In the Zone (2003), sold nearly three million, partly on the strength of the hit single “Toxic.”
The Terminator was released on October 26, 1984
in Pine Level, Alabama, outside Montgomery. The children’s great-grandfather, a former indentured servant, also lived there; he died when Rosa was six. For much of her childhood, Rosa was educated at home by her mother, who also worked as a teacher at a nearby school. Rosa helped with chores on
the farm and learned to cook and sew. Farm life, though, was less than idyllic. The Ku Klux Klan was a constant threat, as she later recalled, “burning Negro churches, schools, flogging and killing” Black families. Rosa’s grandfather would often keep watch at night, rifle in hand, awaiting a mob of violent white men.
The Terminator
October 26 The Terminator science fiction action film directed by James Cameron was released on October 26, 1984. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, a cybernetic assassin sent back in time from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose unborn son will one day save mankind from extinction by Skynet, a hostile artificial intelligence in a postapocalyptic future. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) is a soldier sent back in time to protect Sarah. The screenplay is credited to Cameron and producer Gale Anne Hurd, while co-writer William Wisher Jr. received an “additional dialogue” credit. Filming, which took place mostly at night on location in Los Angeles, was (Continued on page 37)
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Sunday October 22, 2023
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Sunday October 22, 2023
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Lush green among the flowers of the Promenade Gardens. (Photo: Dan Sloan)
The Square of the Revolution (Photo:Dan Lundberg)
'One Travel’ blog features Georgetown's green spaces
A view of the palm trees which line the roadway within the Botanical Gardens. (Photo: National Trust of Guyana)
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
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From Burnout to Fulfillment:
Forbes features Guyana's
Kamladevi Sharma
on her Impactful Approach to Corporate Training and Coaching ( Adapted from Forbes) In a world where the demands of corporate life and entrepreneurship often lead to burnout and stress, Kamladevi Sharma, founder of Revive.Coach, is on a mission to change the narrative. Her career choice as a Corporate Trainer & Coach was driven by a profound understanding of the need for leaders and entrepreneurs to find fulfillment and success without sacrificing their wellbeing. Kamla's journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship has equipped her with invaluable insights into the challenges faced by high-achievers, and she's using these experiences to make a significant impact. Kamladevi's story is one of transformation. She, too, was once caught in the relentless cycle of work, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of her corporate job, and later, as an entrepreneur, while balancing the roles of being a full-time mom of three boys and a wife. The stress, burnout, and lack of fulfillment took a toll on her well-being. She realized that her mindset, energy, and strategies played a pivotal role in her life's outcome, including her financial wellbeing. What Kamladevi refers to as a “MESS” (Mindset, Energy, Strategy, and Soulful Outcomes) became the cornerstone of her approach. She understands that this isn't just her story; countless individuals worldwide find themselves trapped in unfulfilling work lives, affecting their sense of purpose and satisfaction. In the corporate world, where time is money and productivity is paramount, Kamladevi's work addresses a critical issue: the importance of workplace happiness without creating an imbalance in the employee-employer contractual duties and obligations. She believes that without a sense of fulfillment, productivity suffers, and this, in turn, works against a company's objectives. Kamladevi is committed to helping leaders and entrepreneurs feel more connected, purposeful, and happier in their daily lives. Revive.Coach offers a range of bespoke training and
workshops for organizations in the public and private sector, coaching programs for leaders and entrepreneurs and Kamladevi's empirical program, “Money Overflows”. Kamladevi understands that money is a major stressor for many, and it can significantly impact fulfillment and work-life balance. Her expertise in money mastery and financial intelligence helps individuals align their mindset with their financial goals, enabling them to lead prosperous and successful lives responsibly. Kamladevi's approach isn't limited to corporate settings. She also conducts financial intelligence and career planning sessions for high school students, and stress management and career fulfillment trainings for teachers, contributing to a positive shift in mindset and well-being at an early age. What sets Kamladevi apart is her personal journey and her commitment to making a difference in corporate culture and work ethics through sustainable growth mindset generations. Born in Guyana, South America, she holds multiple degrees, including an MBA, and has worked in management and academia. Her life has been enriched with the presence of her three sons and having incredible support from her husband, parents, in-laws, other family and friends. Her decision to leave corporate life while three months pregnant was a turning point. It was during this time that she ventured into the online world, eventually leading her to the realization that mindset and money mastery were the keys to a fulfilling life. Kamladevi's dedication to helping others transform their lives is evident in her corporate training and coaching programs. Her focus on money mastery and financial well-being is especially relevant in today's world, where financial security plays a crucial role in overall happiness and fulfillment. Revive.Coach's success stories speak volumes about Kamladevi's impact. Clients have experienced remarkable (Continued on page 58)
Revive leader Kamladevi Sharma
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Sunday October 22, 2023
The very happy Ramcharran family
Tony Auto Spares: a business driven by team spirit and great customer relations
S
ome businesses are held together for many years and operate smoothly, simply because they remain true to core value that “success is assured where a team spirit is present.” This is definitely the atmosphere at Tony's Auto Spares. While one would expect, the business headquartered at Lot 72, Light Street, Alberttown, Georgetown would exude the expected 'raunchy and masculine energy', that is usually associated such entities. This is not the case, as this entity emits a soft and comfortable atmosphere, which is noticeable from the receptionist's desk to the administrative section and managers' offices. A recent visit to the location by this publication and it was noted that the building was well decorated. The business has been doing its part to spread
awareness; there were slogans, signs and pretty bunches of pink and white balloons everywhere, even the employees were in decked in attire in keeping with this month's observance of Breast Cancer Awareness. Marketing Manager, Subrina Bhagwandin shared that at Tony's, team spirit is the order of the day, and is the driving force behind the resounding success as an auto spares distributor. Bhagwandin said that she worked at different reputable companies and none can compare to Tony's. She lauded the Managing Director, Tony Ramcharran, always emphasizes on the importance of team spirit to the staff. “We have a leader who cares about us and our wellbeing and goes as far as the well-being of our families. He checks up on us from time to time to see how we doing, he ensures that we have all
the right tools to have our duties completed with ease, he speaks to us with respect, and most importantly, he listens to our ideas and he gave us the freedom to be creative…” The Marketing Manager also assured that customers are treated with vital importance. “We have refund policies, packaging, and strive daily to stay in conformance with consumer legislation,” she
Staffers at Tony Auto Spares Georgetown Branch are proudly decked in outfits in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness
Staffers at Tony Auto Spares at the East Coast Branch dressed in attire in observance of the Breast Cancer Awareness said. A senior employee, Aleesa Ali also heaped praises on their Managing Director. She said, "I have been working here for over ten years, and I have seen much growth where my personality and experience is concerned. My boss is to be greatly complimented as he has taken great pains to mold me into an employee who now
grasps fully, the importance of customer satisfaction, and great customer service... He is kind and patient, and is not a boss who walks around with his nose in the air. He is very considerate, very down to earth, and gives us that extra courage to go on, even when we may be facing challenges". With customer service and satisfaction as priority (Continued on page 35)
Sunday October 22, 2023
Tony Auto Spares: a business driven by... From page 34 factors of the business, folks there are preparing for much expansion in the near future, and this is to ensure that they are able to meet the needs of customers, all around Guyana. Acting Branch Manager, Jasper Ramcharran affirmed that team spirit, and great customer service are factors that allows them to execute, ‘cutting edge service, and customer relations’. “Tony Auto Spares strives relentlessly to always give to customers, ‘a cutting edge services. We always strive to be different, and to always be a notch higher where customer relations’ are concerned.” Ciana Harris, another employee explained how working with the company has changed her life. “I have been working at Tony’s for the past four months...I enjoy it here at Tony’s because I work in an area that interests me and inspires me to learn and I do believe my role plays an integral part on the company as a whole. I appreciate the fact that my managers appreciate my efforts and encourage my development and I am respected as an employee and not treated merely as a number,” she said. She added “I work with supportive colleagues, who always know how to make me smile even on the dullest of days. Working at Tony’s, I see room for personal development as an individual. And I am so much better off as a person with great mentorship, which I have received from my boss, Mr. Tony Ramcharran”. Similarly, Leon Ragnauth was elated as he detailed how the company manages to deliver good service and, ‘shines bright like a diamond.’ “I have been here for quite a while, and I simply love it here. Working at Tony’s Auto Spares has allowed for much growth in me as a person. Every department and happy customers,” he said. The company was plans to play a major role in other upcoming observances, and will also be hosting a series of, ‘special events’, as they gear up for anniversary celebrations, in March 2024
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
This week in History United Nations founded United Nations Day, on 24 October, marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. There is no other global organization with the legitimacy, convening power and normative impact of the United Nations. No other global organization gives hope to so many people for a better world and can deliver the future we want. Today, the urgency for all countries to come together, to fulfil the promise of the nations united, has rarely been greater.
The United Nations emblem in the General Assembly Hall UN Day, celebrated every year, offers the opportunity to amplify our common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided us for the past 78 years.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained Independence October 27 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, island country lying within the Lesser Antilles, in the eastern Caribbean Sea gained independence on October 27, 1979. It consists of the island of Saint Vincent and the northern Grenadine Islands, which stretch southward toward Grenada. The island of Saint Vincent lies about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Saint Lucia and 100 miles (160 km) west of Barbados. It is 18 miles (30 km) long and has a maximum width of 11 miles (18 km). The larger islands of the Grenadines
Flag of St. Vincent and Grenadines
associated with Saint Vi n c e n t a r e B e q u i a , Canouan, Mayreau, Mustique, Prune (Palm) Island, Petit Saint Vincent
Island, and Union Island. The Tobago Cays, just to the east of Mayreau, have been designated a wildlife reserve.
The Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated October 28 On October 28 in 1886 U.S. President Grover Cleveland officially dedicated the Statue of Liberty—a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States—on Bedloe’s (later Liberty) Island in Upper New York Bay. “The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World” was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886. The national monument is located in Upper New York Bay, east of Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, and southwest of Battery Park at the tip of Manhattan in New York City. Entrance is free, but there is a charge for the ferry service
Statue of Liberty that all visitors must use. In 2007, a concession was granted to Statue Cruises to operate the transportation and ticketing facilities, replacing the Circle Line which had operated the service since 1953. The waters are patrolled by the U.S. Park Police [26][27] to enforce the restriction on private boat landings. Ferries depart from both parks and all boats stop at both islands, enabling passengers to visit both islands and choose either destination on the return trip.
The Terminator was released on... From page 29 delayed because of Schwarzenegger’s commitments to Conan the Destroyer (1984), during which Cameron found time to work on the scripts for Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) and Aliens (1986). The film’s special effects, which included miniatures and stop-motion animation, were created by a team of artists led by Stan Winston and Gene Warren Jr. Defying low pre-release expectations, The Terminator topped the United States box
office for two weeks, eventually grossing $78.3 million against a modest $6.4 million budget. It is credited with launching Cameron’s film career and solidifying Schwarzenegger’s status as a leading man. The film’s success led to a franchise consisting of several sequels, a television series, comic books, novels and video games. In 2008, The Terminator was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
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Sunday October 22, 2023
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Valiant Eyes Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album - Slingerz Records Grateful for Opportunity Dancehall sensation Valiant is riding high on the wave of success, and his mixtape “4:14” has catapulted him into the Grammy Consideration spotlight for Best Reggae Album. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Valiant’s artistry and the exceptional collaborations featured on the mixtape. “4:14” is packed with hits that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Some standout tracks include “Regular Day,” “Spaceship,” “007” featuring Najeeriii, “Hot Cup of Tea,” “Insomnia Remix” with Chronic Law, “Muhammad,” “YM” featuring Kranium, and many more. Each of these songs showcases Valiant’s versatility and his ability to infuse fresh energy into the
Dancehall genre. One of the tracks that has had fans grooving is “007,” a captivating collaboration with the talented Najeeriii. This track, produced in collaboration with Diplomats Records, Sasaine, and Slingerz Records is a masterpiece, thanks to the brilliant composition work by Deemo, Mxssivh, and Prod.Carterr. It’s a testament to the creativity and synergy that came together to create “4:14.” Another gem in the mixtape is “YM,” featuring Kranium, with music composed by Guyana’s own Ridwaan Razak and produced by Slingerz Records. The track serves as a symbol of the global reach of Dancehall music and the seamless blend of international and local talent.
Valiant and Kranium’s magnetic performance in “YM” further solidify the mixtape’s status as a Grammy contender. Slingerz Records from Guyana played a significant role in the creation of “007” and “YM.” Their involvement added a unique and innovative touch to these tracks. Established in 2021 by the Balgobin brothers, Kevin and Troy, Slingerz Records is making remarkable strides in the Dancehall industry, and their contributions to “4:14” are noteworthy. They express their deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this project and are elated at the possibility of witnessing Valiant winning his first Grammy. The success of “4:14” is a result of the
collective efforts of many, including DJ Mac, DJ Biiginton, Sasaine Records, Slingerz Records and The Diplomats, Valiant and his team’s label. The synergy between these creative forces has been pivotal in crafting the mixtape’s exceptional sound and has cemented Valiant’s position as a rising star in the
Dancehall scene. As the Grammy Awards approach, Valiant’s journey to Best R e g g a e A l b u m consideration has not only thrilled his fans but also highlighted the global appeal of Dancehall music. Whether or not Valiant secures his first Grammy, this recognition marks a significant milestone in his
career. Slingerz Records, with their dedication and innovation, are poised to make an even more profound impact in the Dancehall industry. The future holds great promise for Valiant and all those involved in the “4:14” mixtape, and their contributions to the genre are destined to leave a lasting legacy.
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Sunday October 22, 2023
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Sunday October 22, 2023
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Lauryn Hill Leaves It All on the Stage at ‘Miseducation’ 25th Anniversary Concert
Brandon Lake and Tasha Cobbs Leonard take home top honors from 2023 GMA Dove Awards Brandon Lake and Tasha Cobbs Leonard were among those in the winners circle on Friday evening (Oct. 20), as the 54th annual Dove Awards aired on TBN. The Gospel Music Association began in 1964, and the first Dove Awards were held in 1969; initially, the ceremony primarily honored Southern gospel music. But the awards ceremony has expanded over the decades to honor an array of sounds and musical styles, including pop, hip-hop, Gospel, country, Latin and more. During the 2023 ceremony, which was taped on Oct. 17 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Lake took home the lion’s share of wins, earning four trophies, including the overall artist of the year trophy. “There are so many people in this room that I look up to and who gave me permission to write as a young boy. They say imitate before you innovate,” Lake said in accepting his artist of the year honor. “I have imitated so many of you year after year after year and songs not making it and no one hearing it and then God breathes on a little something. I’m so grateful to be a part of this community.” Cobbs Leonard took home two awards — gospel worship album of the year for Hymns (Live) and traditional gospel recorded song of the year — and closed out the evening by performing “Burdens Down.” “This album means a lot to me because I’m a church girl; I’m a PK [preacher’s kid],” Cobbs Leonard told the audience after winning the evening’s first honor, gospel worship album of the year. She added, “One of the ways I learned scripture was through song. I think we have an amazing opportunity
Gospel music’s Tasha Cobbs
“Thank you for your grace and patience,” Ms. Lauryn Hill gushed. “I’m ’bout to sing my voice out, but that’s okay because I’m in BK!” Ms. Hill — armed with both an admirable air of gratitude and a motivation to quell the controversy caused by her tardiness at her Oct. 17 Newark opening show — mounted a glorious celebration of her seminal Miseducation album, the Fugees’ legacy, hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, Black innovation, and family, both blood and chosen, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, on Thursday night (October 19). Considering that she’s selling many thousands of tickets off the back of a 25year-old album and no new material, it should be clear that Ms. Hill has nothing to prove. Yet, with a seemingly ever-deteriorating reputation as a punctual performer — fresh with new grumbles following Tuesday night’s show — Lauryn Hill did, in fact, have something to prove. Gracing the stage around 9:40 p.m., the Grammy-winner battled and
Ms. Lauryn Hill Pulled Off a Surprise Fugees Reunion at Global Citizen Festival conquered a slew of technical issues, holding on dearly to the two constants that have kept her such an alluring cultural figure for nearly three decades: music and family. Donning a stunning white pantsuit complete with an oversized bow on the back, Ms. Hill opened the show with “Everything Is Everything” — a subtle nod to the ways in which the show would track the interconnectedness and
cyclical nature of Black music and Ms. Hill’s approach to her art. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Ms. Hill’s debut solo album, arrived on Aug. 25, 1998. The album debuted atop the Billboard 200, making her the first solo female rapper to reach No. 1 on the chart. The record, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2021, spawned three Billboard Hot 100 top 40 singles: “Doo Wop (That
Thing)” (No. 1, two weeks), “Ex-Factor” (No. 21) and “Everything Is Everything” (No. 35). Miseducation won Hill five Grammys in one night, making her the first woman to do so; her album is also the first hip-hop record to receive the Grammy for album of the year. Hill’s debut solo studio album — which remains her only studio LP as a solo artist — was added to the Library of Congress in 2015. All this is to say that few albums can sit in the same space as Miseducation, and that’s part of the reason why a tour of this nature can exist and excel. Despite delivering some of the most recognizable couplets and hooks in late20th century pop music on Miseducation, Ms. Hill opted to perform reimagined arrangements of each track, nearly seamlessly executed by a sprawling live band featuring a hearty brass section, a standout guitarist, and background singers that, at times, assisted the crowd in singing Ms. Hill’s biggest hits with their original melodies.
Bruno Mars Was Instructed to Evacuate Israel Amid Terrorist Attacks
O
Singer Brandon Lake collects his award to impact future generations through our lyrics.” Toby Mac, Blessing Offor and Jeff Pardo each won two awards. Other winners included Katy Nichole (new artist of the year), Elevation Worship (worship album of the year for Live From the Loft), Jason Crabb and Dylan Scott (bluegrass/country/roots recorded song of the year for “Good Morning Mercy”) and Lecrae (rap/hip-hop album of the year, for Church Clothes 4). Song of the Year went to “Goodness Of God,” honoring songwriters Ben Fielding, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson, and Brian Johnson. Miel San Marcos, Daniel Calveti, Marcos Witt and Ingrid Rosario won Spanish language recorded song of the year for “Coritis (En Vivo).”
n S a t u r d a y, Bruno Mars was set to become the third American artist ever to perform two sold out concerts at the 70,000capacity HaYarkon Park in Tel Aviv, Israel — following Madonna in 2009 and Michael Jackson in 1993. He played his first show there last Wednesday with two Tel Aviv acts opening, running nearly four hours in total. Both shows were promoted by Bluestone Group, which is owned by Live Nation Israel. “I say Tel Aviv!” Mars shouted to the audience. “The Hooligans made it to Israel – thank you so guys so much for coming out,” Mars told fans after opening his show with his hit 2016 song “24k Magic.” Mars’ Saturday show was supposed to be the second-to-last date on a brief world tour that previously stopped in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Oct. 1 and was headed to Doha, Qatar, for an Oct. 8 show to
follow the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix. Early Saturday, though, reports began to circulate of a coordinated Hamas-led terrorist attack that would escalate the ongoing IsraelPalestinian conflict. Later that day, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared on television and declared that his country was now “at war” with Hamas. By afternoon, Live Nation Israel issued a statement that the concert was canceled. (The following day, Mars also cancelled his planned Doha concert.) “All ticket purchases to the show will receive an automatic refund to the credit card through which the purchase was made,” said a statement that Bluestone Group shared online. Securing the venue, located inside Tel Aviv’s one-and-a-half-square mile Yarkon Park, along the banks of the Yarkon River, during active fighting would
present unnecessary risks to concertgoers, a source tells Billboard, noting that the decision to cancel was made a few hours after the attacks began that morning. By 2 p.m., Bruno Mars and his 60-person crew were at Ben Gurion Airport, where they boarded a flight to Athens. From Athens, Mars was supposed to travel to Doha for his performance, but he
was reportedly unable to pack up and transport his production gear out of Israel in time for that performance. On Sunday, hours before he was scheduled to take the stage in Doha, Lusail International Circuit racetrack announced on Instagram that Mars would not perform, and that French producer and artist DJ Snake would take his place.
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Sunday October 22, 2023
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GNBS IN FOCUS
PRODUCING QUALITY POULTRY MEAT USING STANDARD
A
s our country continues to o b s e r v e Agriculture Month, we must acknowledge that the poultry industry in Guyana is experiencing steady growth to meet the rising demand for poultry meat, driven by fastfood chains, restaurants, offshore operators, and other consumers. Inclusive of ducks, chickens, and turkeys, it is essential to process the meat from these birds under stringent conditions to ensure it remains uncontaminated and free from spoilage. To produce wholesome poultry meats, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) recommends the use of the National Standard GCP 13: 2005 “Code of Practice for Poultry processing.” The standard is applicable to all establishments in which poultry is slaughtered, packed, or otherwise handled during preparation,
and all establishments in which poultry cuts and parts are processed, packed, or otherwise handled. As the National Standards Body (NSB), the GNBS encourages new and traditional producers of poultry meat, processors and other stakeholders to acquire a copy of the standard and implement the requirements therein, to guarantee the safest output. The document specifies requirements for poultry meat which have not yet been treated in any way to ensure their preservation, except that it has been chilled or frozen. Importantly, the standard does not cover requirements for poultry rearing but includes general requirements for the poultry holding or display pens, removal of live unfit birds, waste disposal and pest control. The areas covered are critical for quality and safety of consumers. Regarding holding pens, these structures shall not
constitute a hazard to the health of the birds while the materials used to construct the pens shall facilitate ventilation and thorough cleaning. For conformance, unfit poultry also shall be segregated prior to delivery at the processing facility and disposed of in an appropriate manner. It is recommended
that adequate precautions are taken to dispose of waste in a manner that does not constitute public health or hygienic hazard or contaminate the meat. Meanwhile, pest control and other measures shall be taken to protect the live birds from other animals, insects and contamination from
vermin, substances and other birds. For processors, the standard addresses processing facilities and operating requirements. Key components outlined in the document include plant registration, construction and layout, location, size, water supply, lighting, ventilation, sanitary design facilities and control. For equipment and utensils, aspects covered include processing tables and handling tools, sanitary design, construction and installation, bleeding and blood collection and processing equipment. The Code of Practice also addresses operating requirements. These requirements relate to sanitary maintenance of processing facilities, cleaning routine, pest control and hygiene and health of personnel. Poultry processors can be guided by the operational practices and production requirements stated in the standard, which focus on
inspection and grading, preparation and processing, packaging and labelling, storage and transport of the finished product, waste disposal, import requirements and laboratory control procedures. Finally, in addition to the Code of Practice for poultry processing, other available poultry related standards are the Specification for poultry and poultry products (GYS 210, 20217), Specification for poultry feed and feed ingredients (GYS 58:2006), Code of Practice for the operations of hatcheries (GCP 27:2006), and Specification for labelling of table eggs (GYS 273:2006). To view a full list of the agriculture standards, visit the Standards Portal at www/gnbsguy.com. F o r f u r t h e r information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064/65/66, hotline 219-0069 or WhatsApp us on 692-4627.
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Sunday October 22, 2023
A Night With A Junior page Living Pumpkin Macrame Ghosts Matthew and Jessica came rushing down the hallway and stopped just shy of the front door. They were filled with energy and excitement while they watched their parents walk towards them. Halloween had finally arrived and trick or treating was all that was on their mind. Once their front door was opened, they ran outside and disappeared. Jessica wanted to be Red Riding Hood that year, so she dressed up as the character, complete with a red hood and a basket. She also carried around her Scooby Doo stuffed toy as a stand-in for the big bad wolf. Meanwhile, Matthew dressed up as the fastest man alive. The Flash had been one of his favorites ever since he saw the Justice League cartoon on television. The roads in the neighborhood were filled with children in colorful costumes bringing baskets and plastic bags. There were older children as well. Most of them were chaperones for their little brothers and sisters. Jessica and Matthew even bumped into a few of their friends. They showed off their costumes and gave m u c h d e s e r v e d complements to one another. As the evening progressed, Jessica and Matthew visited more and more houses until they reached the more deserted parts of their neighborhood. None of them had been able to walk that far from their house the night before. While they were strolling, Jessica saw something that made her stop abruptly. The sweet delicacies rustled inside when the basket shook at the sudden halt in motion. She grabbed Matthew by the arm to get his attention. When she had his attention, she pointed to a house that seemed empty and said, “Was there always a house here?” Matthew saw the house and began to question whether or not he had seen the house before. They passed by that street on their way to school, so surely he would've noticed. But that night, he wasn't sure if it was. The house in front of them looked old and timeweary. Instead of clean cut grass, weeds had sprouted in its place. The lack of light
Supplies: embroidery hoops, black paint, macramé cords. Begin by painting embroidery hoops with black paint and letting them dry. Cut equal lengths of a macramé cord about 50” long (you will need 12 - 14 pieces of cord per hoop). Follow the instructions below for simple knots or make your own: Lark's Head Knot: Hold two pieces of cord together and fold them in half. Wrap the folded half around the embroidery hoop and pull all four tails through the loop. Pull tight to secure. Repeat the process around the top of the hoop. Square Knot: Start by creating Lark's Head knots with one cord each across the top of the hoop. Starting with the leftmost piece, wrap it over the next two cords to the right. Then take the fourth cord and wrap it behind the previous two cords on the left, tucking it through the space between the first two cords. Pull to tighten. Continue across the embroidery hoop.
Jack O' Lantern
inside made it seem like the house was empty. Both of them felt curious but equally scared. They both shared a look which telegraphed that they thought of the same thing, without saying a word. They gave each other a nod and approached the house together. The wooden floors creaked as they stepped onto the front porch. The door was full of cobwebs and Matthew had to pull some away from the doorknob. He turned the knob and found that it was unlocked. The door creaked as it slowly opened. Before they could enter the house, something appeared in front of them and said “Hello”. They immediately ran
away from the house screaming! They both stopped when they were far enough from their house to catch their breath. Jessica felt her heart beat so fast, she thought it would leap out of her chest. Matthew looked at his little sister and asked her if she was okay. She nodded and told him that they needed to go home. He noticed something was missing and asked Jessica where Scooby was. Jessica gasped in horror when she realized that she had dropped Scooby back at the creepy old house. Both of them knew that they were going to have to go back there and get it. Continued on next Sunday Edition
FUN WITH POETRY
The best feeling I get By Uncle Roy I feel so nice when I eat Ice cream, cookies and fruit cake, Chocolate, candy and other sweets, As well as burgers, pizza and milk-shake. I also get very happy When I celebrate my birthday Go to the park, seawall and creek, And enjoy Christmas and other holidays. But the thing that makes me feel the best, And makes me proud indeed, Is when I try to help someone, Or give them something they need. I start by doing more work at home, Then try to make my family feel good; Next I am kinder to all my friends, And help my neighbours in any way I could.
From last Sunday Edition But before Grandpa could answer, Mom came to pick up the children. “Wow, what fantastic pumpkins. I love the
big one with the moon eyes. Who made that one?” “Grandpa…” they both said together. “He tricked us…!”
Sunday October 22, 2023
Kaieteur News
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TEEN TIME A Healthy Mind will form a Strong THE CHOICE IS YOURS Foundation for all your aspirations Here are some additional tips to remember when you determine to build your mental faculties: Focus on positivity. Try to develop a positive mentality in all you do. In all your efforts to accomplish what you need from day to day, always feel that you will be successful. When you do so, you enable your mind to develop all you want to achieve. In this effort, you will need to identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts, which do the opposite, in
At every time and in every place, of whatever people you belong, If you observe life with a clear honest eye, you cannot help but see – Life is cast in two clear moulds, and yours is the freedom to choose; Your choice will determine your fate for now, and all eternity.
hampering the effort you will make in this endeavour. Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now to keep your life on the path to success and happiness. When you try to clarify these as much as you can, then your chances of success become better. At the end of the set period, try to realise what you have accomplished of these goals, and what you will have to work on later. Remember that any failure in this effort is an opportunity to discover the
On one hand there is the idle side, with many pleasures that call to you, It is easy as sliding down a hill, but filled later with destruction and sorrow, The other side has its hardships, with discipline and sacrifices to endure, But always resulting in a bright future, full of promise and hope for tomorrow. It is for us to carve out the life we hope will be useful and good, So he who is preparing to mould his destiny must be sure to pass the test, And try to behave at all times to one and all, as well as move himself onward With care and forethought to choose the path that would lead to his best.
reasons for such, and to work harder to succeed. Practise gratitude. Remind yourself daily of the things you are grateful for. It would help to write them down at night, or replay them in your mind. You should also think
of the persons who have helped you in sone way, and feel grateful for their assistance. Stay connected. Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide the companionship and support that we all need to make life worthwhile.
Ensuring your mind is healthy will help to strengthen the foundation of your being.
Solutions to last week’s Killer Sudoku
Bridges Connect these islands with bridges until each island can be reached from any other island, and each island has as many outgoing bridges as its number. You may only connect islands vertically or
horizontally and bridges may not cross. There may be one or two bridges connecting pairs of islands, but no more than two. Each puzzle has a unique solution that can be found without making guesses.
GHOST MAZE
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The Benefits and Limits of Using Vaseline on Your Face
V
aseline is the name of a popular brand of petroleum jelly. It's a mixture of minerals and waxes that are easily spreadable. Vaseline has been used for more than 140 years as a healing balm and ointment for wounds, burns, and chafed skin. Petroleum is the main ingredient of Vaseline. You may be more familiar with other petroleum byproducts, such as kerosene and gasoline. Just like those products, Vaseline has a slick and filmy consistency. But unlike other forms of petroleum, Vaseline is safe to use on your skin and hands. It's even a favorite for some as a moisturizer. It's safe to use Vaseline as a moisturizer for your face, but there are some things you should know if you're doing this. Vaseline and your skin Vaseline works as an occlusiveTrusted Source ingredient. That means that, for the most part, it doesn't actually add moisture to your face. What Vaseline does is seal existing moisture into your skin. It also protects skin that's been injured or irritated by forming a seal or barrier where it's applied. With this barrier, petroleum jelly effectively reduces how much moisture is lost from the skin. According to one review of studies, petroleum jelly is superiorTrusted Source at this compared to lanolin, olive, and mineral oils. Vaseline keeps your skin from losing moisture, so certain blended petroleum jelly products may be more effective at actually moisturizing. Aquaphor, another petroleum jelly product, blends lanolin and ceresin to make the product moisturizing as well as occlusive. Benefits for your face Removes eye makeup Since Vaseline is petroleum-based, it dissolves almost any kind of makeup gently and simply. And unlike some makeup removers, Vaseline is safe to use around your eye area. It's especially good at removing waterproof mascara. Locks in moisture Vaseline locks in any moisture on your face without adding other ingredients that might irritate your skin. A layer of Vaseline applied before you sleep can help restore your face's natural level of moisture and softness. Heal minor cuts and scrapes Vaseline forms a protective layer that seals the area of your skin where you apply it. This protective barrier facilitates healing and keeps bacteria from invading a wound that's working to heal. Protects chapped lips Environmental factors like cold wind or hot sun can dry out your lips quickly. When Vaseline is applied to your lips, it protects the sensitive skin around your mouth. It's also free of flavors and perfumes, so most people don't need to worry about getting an allergic reaction from using it. Grooms and styles eyebrows You can use Vaseline on your face as a neat trick to style your eyebrows. Whether you prefer a high arch or a more natural, full look with your brows, you can apply a thin layer of Vaseline to smooth the hairs into place and make sure they stay put. Vaseline for chronic skin conditions *Rosacea * Psoriasis *Aging When researchers looked into the microbial activity of petroleum jelly, they found that the substance increases the regulation of peptides on your skin's surface. Peptides happen to be a popular ingredient in some of the more popular and proven beauty creams and firming products. Vaseline itself won't shrink your pores or treat wrinkles, but keeping your skin moisturized is an essential preventative measure to slow the signs of aging on your skin. Not for after-sun care Vaseline is not safe to use as an immediate measure to treat sunburn or sun damage on your face. Vaseline is oil-based, which means it can seal in heat and aggravate your symptoms further.Even though the Vaseline clearly states it can be used to treat “minor burns,” you should only apply Vaseline to burns that are already healing, and several hours after the injury occurred. Try another natural remedy, such as aloe, instead. https://healthline.com/health/vaseline-on-face#takeaway
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
Sunday October 22, 2023
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Sunday October 22, 2023
Sunday October 22, 2023
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Sunday October 22, 2023
Guinness spins off “Sounds of Greatness” ….creates opportunities for young DJs ….creates opportunities for young competition By Shervin Belgrave Beverage giant Guinness on We d n e s d a y l a u n c h e d i t s “Guinness Sounds of Greatness”, a competition designed to propel upcoming Disc Jockeys (DJ) into the spotlight. The launch was held at the Grill and Jerk Guinness Bar at Cummings Street and South Road, Georgetown and members of the media in attendance walked away with a number of Guinness prizes. The “Guinness Sounds of Greatness” competition first commenced in Jamaica and has been ongoing for 15 years around the Caribbean. However, this is the first time that event is being hosted in Guyana. Kaieteur News' reporter, Shervin Belgrave, captured the main prize of a Guinness Boom Box and a Guinness kit which included a “Hi-Fi” headphone, a Guinness-branded cap and Tshirt. Other media personnel walked away with Guinness kits. Guinness' brand manager, Andy Baptiste at the launch on Wednesday said, “Guinness Sounds of Greatness' is here to propel the next generation of DJs from within the communities.” Guinness will be heading into the various communities and administrative regions across the country, granting emerging DJs opportunities to showcase their talent and skills and the chance to win up to $1.5M in cash and prizes. Participating DJs, according to Baptiste, will each receive a stipend to assist with their preparation for the event.
Baptiste said that competition will last some nine weeks with a total of 19 sub-meets to be held at Guinness bars and events countrywide. The first sub-meet will kick-off on Saturday, October 28, 2023 in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six at the “town week” celebrations there. Guinness will select the best DJs from each sub-meet and bring them together during the second week of December at a venue still to be determined for a final show down. The top four finalists will share the prizes. The Champion of the nine-week-long event will also walk away with title of being a Guinness-sponsored DJ. Patrons attending the submeets will not be left emptyhanded as they will be granted opportunities to win prizes at each event. The special prize for patrons will be a Guinness Boom Box. Persons who purchase two Guinness six packs will be able to win two prizes, Baptiste said. He noted that “Guinness
Kaieteur News reporter, Shervin Belgrave, receiving his grand prize of a “Guinness Boom Box” at the 'Guinness Sounds of Greatness' launch.
Guinness Djs at the launch
Guinness Brand Manager, Andy Baptiste Sounds of Greatness” is not for experienced Guinness DJs but for the young and upcoming ones and advised the veterans to coach and mentor them for the competition. Explaining some of the criteria for the competition, one of the Guinness DJs, DJ Bigz (Richard Francios) said, “A large part of what we are doing is to see how they can move the crowd, crowd appeal.”Bigz said, “We are also looking for a number of genres; we don't want you come and play dancehall whole night… we want to see how you can come and create your set in such a way that it can move the crowd.” He
said other criteria will be clean juggling by the DJs. “For Guinness DJs, we don't play dirty music, either on air or at the party and we want to maintain that,” Bigz said. DJ Bigz has been a Guinness DJ for some 13 years; he has been spinning records for some two decades. To those aspiring to become the next Guinness DJ in Guyana, Bigz advised, “Focus on your craft and learn the skill set.”
Other media personnel with their prizes
He said that the meat and potatoes of “DJing” is knowing the next song to play to get your crowd “going.” “Scratching and all the other effects are like the seasoning you put on your food,” Bigz said, while adding that, “no one enjoys meal without meat and potatoes.” In the world of entertainment, meats and potatoes, according to Bigz, one must know what song to play next.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
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For his sterling contribution to the education sector and his community...
Retired educator Edward Jarvis is a 'Special Person' Edward Jarvis shares a moment with his friends during a trip.
Edward Jarvis poses during a trip in the hinterland. These days, Edward Jarvis would keep abreast with current affairs mainly through social media. On many occasions, he would analyse the state of the country's education system. Although retired, the former educator is still passionate about the education system to which he dedicated most of his life. His passion lies so deep that he would call up young teachers, education officials and professionals connected
to the sector with words of advice, words of encouragement and he would listen attentively to their ideas during the discussions. Jarvis told The Waterfalls that his career in the education system started in 1972 when he applied for and was offered a job as a school teacher at the Santa Rosa Primary School at Moruca, North West District. At that time, he said it was not the field of work he thought he was going to enter
Edward Jarvis is surrounded by his family members.
Edward Jarvis shares a moment with one of his grandchildren prior to his retirement.
since his parents were involved in forestry and mining. “At one point, I thought I was going to be a miner,” he said. He said the school system at Moruca was managed by the Roman Catholic Church and the head teacher at the time advised him that he should enter the profession, “since she saw it as a stepping stone for me.” Jarvis was in his midteenage years and after contemplating the idea, he applied for the job and started teaching after successfully obtaining the job. He then enrolled in the teacher's training college, what is today the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). In 1974, after successfully completing the training programme, he
returned to Santa Rosa and two years later, he moved to the Arakaka Primary School in the Matarkai sub-region of Region One where he spent a year. Moving to Georgetown In 1979, Jarvis moved to the city to teach at the Carmel Secondary School. He spent a number of years there before moving to the Graham's Hall Primary School on the East Coast of Demerara around 1994. He enrolled in the University of Guyana in 1997 and successfully read for a Bachelor's Degree in Education, graduating from the institution in 2001. He described his move to Georgetown as a major “culture shock” and he noted that moving to the city and teaching the children in a different environment were
two instances which he had to adapt to. “Teaching in the hinterland is quite different,” he said. Jarvis said in the hinterland, he would spend many multiple hours providing extra lessons for students to ensure that they perform well exams. “Sometimes we would give lessons until 5 p.m. after school, for free,” he said. In Georgetown, he said he had to adapt to the thought that nothing is free. “Lessons, fruits, even the basic necessities like water I had to adjust to paying for these,” he said of the wider culture of living in the city. “I grew up in the Waini River and when someone gives you a fish, they give you a fish, it's for free. In Georgetown, nobody gives you a fish and it's the same with everything else,” he said. In addition, Jarvis said he was also faced with a difference in the type of students he taught in the city when he first arrived. “In the hinterland, the students are more quiet and you don't have to do much to ensure they are disciplined,” he said. He said at one point while he taught at the Carmel Secondary School, he stayed home for a month. “The head master told me that I should not allow the tail to wag the dog,” he noted,
adding that it was an adjustment he had to face and take control of. Being a shoe maker In addition to adaption to the school environment, Jarvis said he had to also cater for his family's welfare and as a father of four, he would soon realize that the teaching profession could not sustain all their needs while in Georgetown. “One of the first things I had to do was to augment my earnings,” he said. Jarvis had relatives who were involved in the shoemaking business and he soon entered the trade. “That helped me quite a lot,” he said, and he noted that he primarily manufactured slippers. He said he used mainly rubber to make the footwear. “Bhaichandeen store imported the rubber so I would purchase it there to make the slippers,” he said. He said he plied his trade at the market. “At one point, I had a stall at the La Penitence Market,” he said. Transitioning from teaching profession In 2006, Jarvis joined the staff of the Ministry of Education as the hinterland coordinator and in 2008, he was tasked with overlooking all fast-track initiatives in the interior locations. During this time, he noted that an important aspect of his role (Continued on page 58)
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Sunday October 22, 2023 Reon Thomas is pictured among the teachers and students of Camille's Academy's 2023 graduating class.
Hinterland student among top CSEC performers at Camille’s Academy ...eyes career in medical field Hinterland students are often faced with unique challenges while achieving their academic goals. From having to trek miles to attend school to not having access to basic study materials or teachers that would guide them along the process. These were some of the difficulties faced by now Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) top performer, Reon
Thomas. Thomas recently copped the most Grade ones in several subject areas at the Camille's Academy Inc. Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD) location. He was awarded the school's best mathematics and science student, as well as the best athlete of the year. The school's valedictorian now aspires to become a doctor. Emerging successful at
the regional examinations was not an easy feat for Thomas. Given his challenges, a caring relative stepped up and changed his fate by funding his education. Thomas hails from a small village called Karaudanau located in the Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine. He explained that his mother is a teacher, and his father is a self-
employed farmer. “I have five siblings and I am the second child. The village that I come from does not have a secondary school. So, I moved away from my village at the age of 11 to live in a dormitory in a village called Aishalton, which had the closest secondary school.” The teen said that moving away from home was challenging since he was
unable to see his family for months at times. However, Thomas' dream of becoming a doctor fuelled his determination. “From a young age, I always wanted to become a doctor, since having doctors in my area is scarce. Most times people only have access to doctors through medical outreach,” he said. The absence of science courses at the Aishalton Secondary School served as another stumbling block to achieving his goal. “There was a science stream at the school, but it only catered for Integrated Science, Human and Social B i o l o g y, a n d P h y s i c s . Biology and Chemistry are yet to be introduced to the school. As the only secondary school in the Deep South, a variety of subjects is not taught, this includes Information Technology which I wanted to do,” the CSEC top performer explained. Thomas said without biology and chemistry along with financial difficulties that his parents were facing, his dream of becoming a doctor was fading. A visit from his uncle Gaulbert Sutherland who lives in Georgetown changed his fate for the better.“My uncle stepped in and offered to assist me to get the subjects required to achieve my dreams of being in the medical field. He enquired about my schooling and career plan. I told him my career plan and explained the challenges regarding the various science subjects not being offered at Aishalton Secondary.” “He encouraged me not to give up and indicated that he would sponsor me since I was interested in the medical field,” he said. Thomas explained that the family decided that it would be better if he continued his education along the Coastland. It was the middle of the school year and getting
admitted into a public school proved challenging, thus the family decided to apply to a private school. “These are all factors considered when deciding to pick a school. At that time Camille's Academy in Crane offered a variety of subjects including Biology and Information Technology.” “The school's location was also close to my new home on the West Coast and given that it is a private school, it meant that teachers would have a bit more time to focus on students and help them in whatever way possible. “I am thankful and owe my success to the staff of Camille Academy. Most importantly my uncles, and aunt; Gaulbert and Ron and, Gillian. My parents for supporting me from afar…” he added.Given his academic success, Thomas encourages h in ter lan d s tu d en ts to persevere despite their numerous challenges. “Stay focused, read as much as possible, practice mathematics, and look at YouTube videos for concepts you do not understand,” the teen said.Having completed school, Thomas said he is thankful for the opportunities he was given. “Coming to the Coast, exposed me to careers that I never know existed. As of now, I am teaching at Camille's Academy while I continue to figure out my career path. My goal is to go to university and apply for a scholarship to offset expenses since I cannot afford it at this time.”
Sunday October 22, 2023
Kaieteur News
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Chinese Manganese Company boasts of having - GM denies working gold best wash plant in the country after workers confront him
General Manager (GM) of the Chinese owned Guyana Manganese Inc. (GMI), Robert Shang, on Wednesday last during a meeting with employees, boasted that the company has the best wash plant in the country. GMI’s operation is based in Matthews Ridge, North West District (NWD), Region One and while speaking with workers there, Shang said, “Look at the wash plant… that is the best wash plant in the country.” The GM made the statement after workers asked him, “When we money raising?” He told them with a chuckle that it depends on how hard they work before adding that his company will do its best to take care of them. However, the workers were more interested in the comment he made about the wash plant. Kaieteur News understands that the wash plant is indeed sophisticated and can separate coarse manganese from fine ones. It is important to note that some of the employees were gold punters in some of the areas that GMI is now mining for manganese before being employed by GMI. Suspicious that the “best wash plant” in the country could be separating gold, one of the workers during the meeting asked, “Only manganese it passing or it passing other minerals too?” Shang responded, “Just the manganese.” The worker then continued “or yuh lying”. Probably fearful of what the GM might say next, they told their colleague, “Bai wam wid yuh? How it reach to duh man?” but Shang said “No, it’s ok; I give you the right to ask.” He provided an explanation to support his position that the plant is only processing manganese and not gold. Shang said that wash plants come in different
models and sizes for specific operations. “Sometime, you have to get the right size, the right model, the right capacity to suit your operation,” explained the GM who noted that there are different wash plants for bauxite, manganese and even stone. Another employee questioned Shang, “So you trying fuh tell me, you neva find a lil hard eye [a coarse speck of gold] in the thing [Wash plant] deh ?” Shang responded, “Trust me, your people in the wash plant, your people transport it for us, your people load the ships for us, if there was gold, I won’t be here, I would have gone to China and do the gold business rather than this one that should be better money than his one right.” The GM told the workers that the GMI “working gold” is just a rumour. “GGMC [Guyana Geology and Mines Commission] and the Customs (GRA)… they are all here. Even the lab people, they are there,” Shang assured workers in a bid to convince them that gold is not being mined. The workers replied, “We just asking”. Meanwhile, Shang accused Kaieteur News of creating the rumour before adding, “If we found any gold, I would be happy, I’d go and take care of the gold business in China.” Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall had recently made claims that gold sifting is taking place at company’s Matthews Ridge operations. “The so-called manganese plant sifting manganese and gold nonstop in Matthews Ridge and not a single Guyanese is allowed to work near the mills separating the gold from the manganese,” Lall had said on his show which is aired on Kaieteur Radio every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 19:20hrs and rebroadcast on other days.
Manganese Operation at Matthews Ridge, North West District.
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From page 14 which is about 100 feet away from where he sleeps. The worker said he heard the woman and her husband arguing, and then suddenly there was a crashing sound, after which Holder was heard screaming for help. The worker further reported that he immediately ran to the couple’s camp and saw the woman naked with several stab wounds about her body, including her face and arms. He reported too that her husband also had blood on his body. An injured Holder, the dredge owner stated collapsed to the ground. Police revealed that the matter was reported to the Mahdia Police Station. Detectives who visited the scene at about 04:45hrs yesterday, found a nude Holder lying motionless on her back with multiple stab wounds to her body, face and arms. Her body was then taken to the Mahdia District Hospital’s mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted. Her reputed husband, the police stated was contacted and told of the allegation leveled against him to which he responded “She accused me of f*#*king a Spanish girl.” The suspect was arrested and taken to the Mahdia Police Station. Police said the alleged murder weapon was recovered and lodged. An investigation is currently ongoing. Govt. Cancels Troy Resources Mineral Agreement Licence ...takes swift action to secure Karouni Mining Site The Government of Guyana last night announced that it has cancelled the mineral agreement and revoked the mining licence for Australian company, Troy Resources. Below is the full statement by the government. The Government of Guyana is committed to safeguarding the nation’s interests and ensuring that the potential benefits of the Karouni Mining Site continue to contribute to the economic growth and development of Guyana. In light of Troy Resources Guyana Inc.’s failure to remedy its default concerning several matters, inclusive of the outstanding royalties, rental fees, non-
Sunday October 22, 2023
Kaieteur News
compliance with the work programme, and matters relating to environmental management, the Government of Guyana (GoG) has taken necessary actions. The Karouni Mineral Agreement issued to Troy Resources Guyana Inc., Troy Resources Limited, and Pharsalus Gold Inc., and the Mining Licence are now both cancelled and terminated. Key facts about the cancellation of TRGI’s license and agreement are outlined below. *On October 16, 2014, the GoG entered into a Mineral Agreement with T R G I a n d o t h e r stakeholders, which centred on the development and operation of a mining project at the Karouni Property. *TRGI commenced operations with the first gold poured in November 2015. *After a few years of mining operations TRGI reportedly encountered “operational issues and required organisational restructuring.” *The company went into “care and maintenance” in early 2021 and despite commitments to resume its operations, TRGI failed to do so and even approached the government with proposals to liquidate its assets. This was rejected for several reasons including the fact that the payment of outstanding sums was not being addressed promptly under the proposal. However, the GoG remained engaged with a view to have mining restarted and outstanding debts settled. % TRGI owes the government above $2.6 billion for unpaid royalties. This substantial financial liability, coupled with other concerns, has led to the cancellation of the license. The Office of the Attorney General has taken the necessary steps to have these sums paid. % It is important to note that despite the Guyana Gold Board’s (GGB) disapproval and the suspension of TRGI’s exports due to outstanding royalties owed, the Ministry of Finance in 2019, under the former APNU+AFC administration took the decision to override the GGB export restrictions and thus TRGI was allowed to resume exports, hence the royalties owed to the GOG. % Furthermore, the GoG learnt that Troy Resources had reportedly entered into receivership and initiated the
process of liquidating its assets and holdings. % The lack of management and abandonment of the site by TRGI led to the raiding of the mining lands, larceny of items, destruction of key assets, and a series of other illegal activities. % A significant number of companies and subcontractors are reported to be owed millions of dollars for goods and services provided and were awaiting payment from TRGI. We have seen reports of workers who were not paid for extended periods, these matters are engaging the Ministry of Labour. % Cognisant of the above-mentioned information, the Government of Guyana has
ExxonMobil Guyana Head, Alistair Routledge cancelled and terminated the Mineral Agreement and Mining License. Further, the Government has taken possession of the mining site and all remaining materials. To date, the government has taken proactive measures to ensure the Karouni mining site remains viable and does not fall into ruin. The GGMC, Corp of Wardens, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are all involved in the monitoring and enforcement patrols at the Karouni site. WEDNESDAY ExxonM’s country head provides misguided views to avoid ring-fencing Guyana’s oil projects Guyana has been advised by a number of independent experts in the past to ringfence its oil projects to enjoy the early benefits of its sector and safeguard revenue for its people. However, President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge defended the lack
of a ring-fencing provision during a press conference at the company’s Duke Street, K i n g s t o n , G e o rg e t o w n office on Tuesday. A ring-fencing provision would simply allow each oil project to pay for itself and allow Guyana to benefit from a greater share of profits early on. In the absence of such a provision, the oil companies are allowed to use the revenue generated at one project to pay for others that are yet to commence production activities. In addressing the subject, the ExxonMobil Country Manager maintained that ring-fencing has been “misunderstood”. He explained that “Ringfencing fundamentally is where you take individual
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo projects which may be located right next to one another and you say all the cost and the revenue for that particular project are ringfenced into a set of accounting.” Routledge continued, “So you account for all the investment, you account for all the operating costs and then the revenue that offset those as one ring-fenced project and then a project right next door is completely separate.” Consequently, he pointed out that ring-fencing merely affects when costs are paid back rather than the amount of revenue that go to government. He said when the projects are ring-fenced, the costs would take longer to be repaid and revenue would be streamlined to the country earlier but would amount to the same if received later. Stranded resources Delving deeper into his explanation, the Exxon official said from his experience, ring-fenced projects can result in stranded resources. According to him, “The
potential downside of what we have seen from our experience is that in doing that [ring-fencing] what we can sometimes end up with is you strand resources because you tie a project and you say well there’s some resources outside of that ring-fence but on a standalone basis, they are no longer economic or they struggle to compete for investment.” He urged that the cash flow timing was critical to the profitability of oil projects from an investor’s point of view. The Country Manager told reporters that from his experience in most countries “what matters to the government and the people are really maximizing the development of the resource and maximizing the revenue optimally into the natural resource fund and operating without the ring-fencing is what will help do that.” He was keen to note that without a ring-fencing provision, the company would be able to deliver the maximum recovery of resource and the maximum revenue generation. “It doesn’t disadvantage the country, it just affects the timing of cash flows in fact I would say it really sets up for better development of the resource,” Routledge said. Just last week, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during an engagement with the press said the country could be left with nothing in the future should such a provision be implemented. While Jagdeo fears Guyana not being able to gain revenue in the future from the sector due to a ringfencing provision, experts in the industry have urged the nation to include such a provision to ensure it enjoys early returns from the sector. In three separate reports dated 2017, 2018 and 2019, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged Guyana to ring-fence its oil fence its projects. In one of the reports, the IMF stated: “This asymmetrical treatment of profit and cost oil will benefit the contractor at the expense of delaying government revenue.” Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), along with another international expert, Chatham House and the World Bank called on Guyana to include a ringfencing provision for each project. Director of Financial Analysis for the Institute for
Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Tom Sanzillo painted a more graphic picture in one his reports on Guyana. He said, “The lack of contract protections means that every time Guyana announces it has received more revenue it is actually being shortchanged…the country may never see the promised annual revenues in the billions of dollars.” This position has already been confirmed as last year, the Stabroek Block generated a whopping US$9.8 billion, but Guyana only received US$1.4 billion in profits and royalty, while Exxon took US$7.4 billion to recoup their investments across the Block. Exxon Head refutes VP Jagdeo’s claim on closure of US$214M audit Head of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge has confirmed that the controversial audit into his company’s US$1.7B expenses remains ongoing. The Country Manager ’s statement was in stark contrast to a previous a n n o u n c e m e n t b y Vi c e President, Bharrat Jagdeo that the audit was closed with US$214M in disputed costs. Kaieteur News tried to contact the Vice President several times yesterday about this anomaly. At press time, there was no response. Routledge provided this clarification during a press engagement at his company’s Duke Street, K i n g s t o n , G e o rg e t o w n office. There, the Country Manager sought to address what he perceived to be several misconceptions about the audit which has attracted scathing criticism in recent months. Kaieteur News had reported that British firmIHS Markit was hired in 2019 by the former APNU+AFC Government to conduct an audit into expenses incurred for the period 1999 to 2017. The company had produced a report in 2021 where it flagged over US$214M in questionable spending. The Ministry of Natural Resources, which was overseeing the audit process, was forced to conduct a probe after it was found that one of its officials, Senior Petroleum Coordinator, Gopnauth Bobby Gossai, engaged Exxon in the unauthorized reduction of (Continued on page 55)
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From page 55 not the doom of this country will be certain and swifter.” THURSDAY Govt. incapable of fulfilling roles in new oil contracts – Exxon says The Ministry of Natural Resources, in its current state, is not capable of fulfilling many of its new duties which are prescribed in the nation’s new Model Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) for deepwater and shallow water blocks, Head of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge has said. During a press engagement on Tuesday Routledge was asked by media operatives for his take on the new fiscal regime for oil blocks which includes a 10 percent royalty, profit sharing at 50 percent; corporation tax of 10 percent, and a property tax of 0.75 percent. Routledge said he has no issue with the government’s imposition of new fiscal terms for oil blocks. In fact, Routledge said it is expected that following the discovery of 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources in the Stabroek Block, that the basin is now more attractive and the government would seek to take advantage of this with better terms for future award of oil blocks. What Exxon does find difficulty with however, are the time periods governing the relinquishment of oil blocks. He reasoned that short timelines can make the effective hunt for oil prospects difficult. In fact, Routledge said the time periods are “unusually short” by industry standards. In the model PSA that will govern shallow water blocks, it states that the exploration period shall not exceed five years. Within the first three years of the licence, companies will have to conduct a work programme approved by government. Upon fulfilling those responsibilities, the company will have the option to renew its licence to complete the remaining two years of exploration. The consequence of this renewal is that the company would have to return 50 percent of the block to the State. In the model PSA for deepwater blocks, it states that an exploration licence will last for 10 years. After the first three years of working on the block, the oil
company would have completed the first phase of the licence and would have to renew it, should it wish to enter the second phase lasting for another three years. The consequence of that renewal is that the company would have to return 50 percent of the block to the State. Upon completing the second phase, if the company wishes
ExxonMobil Guyana Head, Alistair Routledge to advance to the third stage of the licence lasting for two years, it may do so only after relinquishing another 50 percent of the existing block. If it wishes to apply to use the remaining two years on the licence then it would have to relinquish another 50 percent of the block. Routledge questioned the reasonableness of these timeframes, alluding that it could be difficult for companies to execute contracts to acquire data on the respective blocks, process it and make decisions about the next phase which includes drilling. “So there are extremely short periods, and unusually short for our industry so we think that that is challenging,” the official said. The Country Manager said that his company has provided feedback on the PSA to government, indicating in no uncertain terms that, “we would not sign it as it was.” Apart from his company’s concerns about the stringent timelines companies will have to work with to explore the oil blocks, Routledge said there are concerns about the capability of the ministry in fulfilling its duties in a number of new areas. “I think there were others who commented that the minister has an awful lot of control in the new PSAs. There are a lot of approvals required under the new PSAs and quite honestly, to date, I don’t think the ministry is set up to process, review and exercise
those, even if they were the right authority to do that,” the Country Manager said. He added, “So the balance between the approvals required and the amount of oversight versus the expectation on the operator to go ahead and execute the work is in our mind is out of balance.” Routledge confirmed that his company has yet to hear a response from the government on whether its bid is acceptable or not. “And that process, as you have learnt from the government, is still underway,” the Country Manager added. At his last press conference, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo said the bids received for eight of the 14 oil blocks that featured in the country’s maiden auction are still being reviewed. Following that round of evaluation, the Natural Resources Ministry said the most responsive companies would be asked to make formal applications for the blocks. Those applications would then be gazetted. ExxonMobil Guyana Limited currently leads a consortium in the Stabroek Block offshore where five projects worth over US$40B have been sanctioned by the Guyanese Government. The company is currently going through a regulatory process to have a sixth project approved which would take the country’s output beyond 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2027. GRA Boss debunks misinformation from Exxon, says US$214M audit closed Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia has set the record straight that the audit into ExxonMobil’s US$1.7B audit remains closed with US$214M in disputed sums. Statia’s clarification comes on the heels of recent disclosures by Exxon Guyana’s Country Manager, Alistair Routledge that the audit remained ongoing. In fact, Routledge had said his company received a letter from GRA last week, indicating that the auditor, IHS Markit, was re-engaged in an effort review any further documentation that is available to substantiate the US$214M in queried sums. Routledge’s comments during a press engagement with reporters on Tuesday were also in stark contrast
with Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s announcement that the audit was closed. Kaieteur News even reminded the Country Manager of the latest position at the time by Dr. Jagdeo who serves as the chief policy maker for the sector but Routledge indicated that the letter from GRA indicates otherwise. GRA’s Commissioner General in a subsequent statement said the audit is closed. Statia said the letter he issued to Routledge seeking clarity to the said ‘ A u d i t R e p o r t Recommendation Final’ should in ‘no way or form’ be construed as a change in the authority’s position. This newspaper subsequently reached out to ExxonMobil to understand if Routledge would be retracting his statement and if he is willing to produce the letter received from GRA. Up to the time of submission and publication of this report, no response was received from the oil giant. Corentyne businessman killed during robbery …suspect arrested Police are investigating the death of a popular 59year-old Berbice businessman who was killed during a robbery at his home on Tuesday night. Dead is Akhbar Sain, whose lifeless body was discovered at his home at Williamsburg, Corentyne where he operates a supermarket in the bottom flat of the building. Reports are that around 02:30hrs on Wednesday a team of police officers responded to a report of alleged break-and-enter and l a r c e n y a t t h e m a n ’s business. When the police arrived at the business entity, they observed the grill to the southern side of the businessman’s home was pried open. The police found the elderly man lying motionless on the floor of the supermarket. Blood was visible on his face. The cashier area of the business was ransacked w h i l e S a i n ’s l i c e n s e d firearm- a pistol and a magazine with eight .32 rounds of ammunition- was seen close to his body. Several hours later, around 05:00hrs, while the police were processing the crime scene, the ranks found the suspect hiding in the top
Sunday October 22, 2023
flat of the businessman’s home. During a confrontation with the police, the man sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm. The man was questioned and he allegedly confessed to killing the elderly man by hitting him in his head with a piece of wood during a scuffle. He was arrested and taken to the Port Mourant Hospital to be examined by a doctor. News of Sain’s death sent shockwaves on the Corentyne as many recalled fond memories of the businessman. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing FRIDAY Audit Report exposes Exxon’s barefaced use of Stabroek Block revenues to cover expenses in Kaieteur and Canje blocks The second audit report on ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’s expenses has found that during the period 2018 to 2020, the oil giant engaged in a brazen use of revenues from oil-producing projects in the Stabroek Block to cover expenses related to two other blocks—Kaieteur and Canje. In the report—drafted by a local consortium Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. bolstered by the international support of SGS and Martindale Consultants— there was a meticulous breakdown of five instances where the Stabroek Block’s financial resources were used for Kaieteur –a block Exxon walked away from this year –as well as Canje. In the first instance, the report states that Exxon used Stabroek Block revenues to cover a permit fee for a Kaieteur Geotechnical and Geophysical Survey. When auditors made this discovery and roasted Exxon for such a flagrant violation of international best practices, Exxon agreed that it should not have occurred. As a result, auditors asked that the US$16,039 used to cover that survey be returned to the Stabroek Block cost bank. Auditors said this was done in October 2022. In the second instance, auditors found that Exxon included its cost recovery statement for the Stabroek Block, 100% of the costs associated
with an Emergency Response Study for oil spills from Guyana wells. Auditors said the Stabroek Block revenues should not have been used to cover 100 percent of this activity since the study looked at wells in the Kaieteur and Canje blocks. Auditors said Stabroek’s share should have been 50% of the cost or US$ 32,575 while Canje’s share should have been 25% or US$16,287.64 and Kaieteur’s share 25% or US$16,287. Exxon was therefore asked to return US$ 32,575 to the Stabroek Block’s account. In the third case, auditors said Exxon charged the Stabroek Block’s producing projects, 100 percent of the cost for various vehicles. Auditors said these vehicles were purchased in support of all the operator’s Guyana operations, not just Stabroek, hence the costs have to be allocated to all blocks. Auditors said they were verbally advised by Exxon that the 100 percent charge to Stabroek was proper because, paraphrasing, “the reason the contractor was in the country was because of Stabroek operations.” Auditors said they argued against such a perverse reasoning. They said while the Stabroek Block may be Exxon’s major development at this point since 11 billion barrels of oil resources have been unlocked, the oil giant still explored for oil in Kaieteur and Canje where additional exploration activities are planned. The auditors contended therefore that since the vehicles are also used to support activities related to the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks, Exxon must return US$404,285 to the Stabroek Block account. In the fourth case, the auditors said Exxon charged the account of producing Stabroek Block projects, 100 percent of the renovation costs for Exxon’s Duke Street office, including upgrades, furniture, and setup costs. Auditors reasoned that Exxon operates all of its Guyana operations out of the Duke Street office, so charging 100% of the more than US$6 million of renovation costs entirely to the Stabroek Block’s account “is patently inequitable.” Auditors further explained that basic accounting rules hold that capital costs for assets that (Continued on page 57)
Sunday October 22, 2023
From page 56 benefit multiple properties should be charged to the benefitting properties based on usage or other metric over time. “Under no circumstance should one property bear 100% of the capital costs simply because it was the first property developed, because it is larger, or because it is ‘more important’ than others,” auditors said as they insisted that the Stabroek Block account be reimbursed with
US$3,812,653. In the fifth case, auditors found that Exxon charged the account of producing Stabroek Block projects 100% of the costs from Environmental Resources Management, ERM Guyana, and RPS Group for various studies on the impact of oil and gas operations on fish, bird, and turtle migrations, habitats, and survival. Auditors specifically stated that Exxon should have applied a 75% cost allocation for the studies to
Kaieteur News
Stabroek and 12.5% each to Canje and Kaieteur. Auditors therefore urged Exxon to return US$1,391,902 to the Stabroek Block account. Overall, the five cases show that Exxon used US$5.6 million in Stabroek Block revenues to cover expenses that ought to have been applied to the books for the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks. The report with these damning findings is currently being reviewed by the relevant authorities.
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Sunday October 22, 2023
Kaieteur News
Retired educator Edward Jarvis...
WANTED Wanted: Experienced Puri Maker and Counter Person. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts. Call: 654-1361. Pump Attendant needed to work at Charity (night). Contact: 687-5814, 688-0417, 2235273/74. 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. Experienced Land dredge Workers. Serious enquiries only. Call: 684-1030. To buy black spandex fabric & Heavy duty surger. Call 672-5175 WANTED Office assistant-5 CSEC O’ Levels, Computer Literate , Prior experience an asset Agricola scaffmanguyana@gmail.com Wanted Scaffolders & Trainees Prior scaffold experience an asset Training will be provided Agricola scaffmanguyana@gmail.com
VACANCY
FOR SALE
East Bank Electrical is now hiring Electrical Engineer, Outside Sales Staff & Counter Sales Staff. Call: 604-6394, sales@eastbankelectrical.com
Farm produce for sale: plantain, lemon, cayenne and apple banana. Every Thursday from Pomeroon. Call: 688-0417, 223-5273/ 6005370.
Vacancy Exist For two Experienced Dispatcher At Confidential Cabs. Call: 2315784, 231-4001, 231-4000. 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.
Used 150 Yamaha 2 Stroke in Pomeroon. Call: 661-2828. 23 ft fiber glass speedboat with 115HP Yamaha engine. Call: 624-8694. 2 Wheel drive Toyota Hilux, 1st Owner. Call: 624-8694. 3 bedroom two storey property for sale in Tain Berbice. 25 Million Call: 648-9248 / Whatsapp 347-228-5754
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 Vacancy for Domestic/ Maid for morning and afternoon shifts. Call: 592-637-6700. EDUCATION
LAND FOR SALE 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.
Supercharge your child/ loved ones reading and writing skills using the highly effective hooked on phonics program. 7 years & older. Call: 650-8925.
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Wanted! Male & Female workers for packaging pasta and chowmein on the Back Road (Mandela Ave). Call: 611-7839.
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner) Contact#649-0956.
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.
18.6 acres of land along the friendship East Bank public road. Price $4.5 US. Contact:623-1615 4 House lot totaling 205 ft x 115 ft in Kese Village 6 Street Cummings street. Price $1.5 USD. Contact: 623-1615 Land 30x 112 ft located at Robb & Bourda Strreet. Price $1.5 USD Contact: 623-1615
SERVICES Wood working for neatly made spindles and mouldings at 196 third Street Craig E.B.D Telephone: 673-2779 / 6150940
SERVICES
Diesel Mechanic wanted. Contact: 688-0417/ 223-5273/ 687-5814
From page 51 was to implement communitybased feeding programme across the country as part of his tasks. The wider programme he overlooked ended in 2012, however the government decided to retain the school feeding programme. Jarvis said that he was then contracted in the post of hinterland coordinator for another decade and it was during this time that he gained much knowledge and understanding of the education system across the country. He said that since he was familiar with Region One, LEGAL NOTICE 1 his role was expanded to becoming familiar with all administrative regions of the country. Jarvis said that there is always the perception of a “gap in education” with a comparison drawn between the hinterland and the coastland. Education gap His role, which was supported by the United Nations
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Visa Application to Canada and U.S.A, graphics design, advertisements,USA passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 6267040. 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.
Children Fund (UNICEF), was one which focused on “closing that gap” and to advise the hinterland communities of the mandate of the Ministry of Education. “That was challenging,” he said of the mammoth task which lay ahead of him. He said that while there are similarities between the two environments, there were marked differences. In addition, he obtained overseas exposure of what occurs in the education system in other countries. “As a quick learner, it was helpful to obtain that type of experience,” he said. Jarvis said that when he considers the “perceived gap” in the education system, “I have a sense feeling as if I was a failure.” He explained however, that he recognised from his experience that closing “that gap” is beyond him. “It calls for political will,” he said, noting that a number of questions remain relevant today. “How will we train and ensure schools have teachers?” he asked. “How will we improve the system where we have the issue of poverty in the hinterland?” he noted. Jarvis said too that in the hinterland, there are some communities where English is not the first language and he noted that these are among the challenges which the Ministry of Education faces. Jarvis believes that the school-feeding programme is alleviating a major burden families in the hinterland face and he noted that this programme, where the students are given a hot meal at midday, as well as breakfast,
is paying dividends. “It is paying off especially in Region Nine,” the former educator said. He reiterated that improving the system and removing the “perceived gap” relies heavily on the policies of the education ministry. Life changing experience While the former educator reflects on his career, he recalled a life-changing experience in 1992 which he said impacted his appreciation for life. He said he hails from a family where diabetes is hereditary and in 1992, he woke up one day and realised his sight was waning. At the time he was at Moruca and he was brought to the city to check his eyes. He said one of his sons, who is now deceased, decided to spend time with him and he noted that six months after the initial blindness which he felt, he went completely blind. He received treatment and in June 1992, he was referred to the late eye specialist Dr. Alphonso at the Woodlands Hospital. He said he received treatment on credit since the $125,000 cost for the surgery was beyond him. The surgery was successful; he noted and he was able to see again in mid-June, 1992, in time for his birthday. “I was able to see again through my left eye and several years later, I regained my sight in my right eye,” he added. Jarvis said he has a holistic appreciation for life, noting that his love for the education system and developments within the system lie close to his heart.
Tony Auto Spares: a business... From page 34 factors of the business, folks there are preparing for much expansion in the near future, and this is to ensure that they are able to meet the needs of customers, all around Guyana. Acting Branch Manager, Jasper Ramcharran affirmed that team spirit, and great customer service are factors that allows them to execute, ‘cutting edge service, and customer relations’. “Tony Auto Spares strives relentlessly to always give to customers, ‘a cutting edge services. We always strive to be different, and to always be a notch higher where customer relations’ are concerned.” Ciana Harris, another employee explained how working with the company has changed her life. “I have been working at Tony’s for the past four months...I enjoy it here at Tony’s because I work in an area that interests me and inspires me to learn and I do believe my role plays an integral part on the company as a whole. I appreciate the fact that my managers appreciate
my efforts and encourage my development and I am respected as an employee and not treated merely as a number,” she said. She added “I work with supportive colleagues, who always know how to make me smile even on the dullest of days. Working at Tony’s, I see room for personal development as an individual. And I am so much better off as a person with great mentorship, which I have received from my boss, Mr. Tony Ramcharran”. Similarly, Leon Ragnauth was elated as he detailed how the company manages to deliver good service and, ‘shines bright like a diamond.’ “I have been here for quite a while, and I simply love it here. Working at Tony’s Auto Spares has allowed for much growth in me as a person. Every department and happy customers,” he said. The company was plans to play a major role in other upcoming observances, and will also be hosting a series of, ‘special events’, as they gear up for anniversary celebrations, in March 2024
Sunday October 22, 2023
Kaieteur News
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London’s ‘March For Palestine’ draws 100,000 demanding Gaza ceasefire
World leaders attend Cairo peace summit to ‘de-escalate’ Israel-Hamas war
(AL JAZEERA)Police in London have estimated 100,000 people took to the streets for the “National March for Palestine” demonstration to denounce Israel’s relentless bombing campaign and total blockade of Gaza. “We are all united to deliver the same message: we want the violence to end. We ’ r e c a l l i n g f o r a n immediate ceasefire and for necessary humanitarian supplies to be safely delivered to the people of Gaza,” Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said in a post on X. The violence will not end “until you address the root cause”, which he identified as Israel’s decades-long
(AL JAZEERA)Leaders and top officials from more than a dozen countries have gathered in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, for a conference to discuss ways to “de-escalate” the Israel-Hamas war amid growing fears of a wider Middle East conflict. Dubbed the Cairo Summit for Peace, representatives from countries including Jordan, France, Germany, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Qatar and South Africa are attending the one-day meeting on Saturday, together with United Nations and European Union officials. In his opening remarks, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi invited leaders to come to an agreement for a road map to end the “humanitarian catastrophe” in the Gaza Strip and revive a path to peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The plan’s goals included the delivery of aid to Gaza and agreeing to a ceasefire, followed by negotiations leading to a two-state solution, he said. “All civilian lives matter,” Jordan’s King Abdullah said, addressing the summit. “The relentless bombing campaign under way in Gaza as we speak is cruel and unconscionable on every level. It is collective punishment of a besieged and helpless people. It is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. It is a war crime.” “Anywhere else, attacking civilian infrastructure and deliberately starving an entire population of food, water, electricity and basic necessities would be condemned. Accountability would be enforced … but not in Gaza,” he added. ‘Israel not represented’ Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attended the summit and asked for humanitarian corridors to be opened. He also said Palestinians would not leave. “We will remain on our land.” The absence of any representative from the Israeli side, and any senior US official, has dampened expectations for what the summit can achieve. Al Jazeera’s diplomatic
Demonstrators hold flags and placards during the March for Palestine. [Henry Nicholls/AFP] military occupation. Chanting “Free Palestine”, holding banners and waving
Palestinian flags, the protesters moved through London before massing at Downing Street,
the official residence and office of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
editor James Bays said that while it is good for these countries to propose a road map out of this crisis, “Is Israel going to listen to that road map?” “Israel is not represented. It’s Israeli generals and the Israeli prime minister and the Israeli war cabinet who have the decisions on what to do militarily, and you see – as the speeches have been going on – fresh bombardment of Gaza [is taking place],” Bays noted. The summit takes place as Israel readies a ground assault on Gaza, after weeks of aerial attacks following the October 7 attack by Hamas that killed 1,400 people in Israel. More than 4,200 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s counteroffensive, amid a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Egypt called for the international conference last week to discuss the “developments and future of the Palestinian cause”. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said the meeting would seek an “international concurrence” on the need for de-escalation and humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the one access point not controlled by Israel, had been closed for nearly two w e e k s a m i d I s r a e l ’s bombardment of the Strip but opened on Saturday to allow only 20 aid trucks in. Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, is worried about a mass exodus of Palestinians into its territory. President el-Sisi said on Wednesday that Egyptians in their millions would oppose any forced displacement of Palestinians into Sinai, adding that any such move would turn the Egyptian peninsula into a base for attacks against Israel. Egypt’s position reflects Arab fears that Palestinians could again flee or be forced from their homes en masse, as they were during the war surrounding Israel’s creation in 1948. Arab countries have voiced anger at Israel’s u n p r e c e d e n t e d bombardment and siege of Gaza, home to 2.3 million people.
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Sunday October 22, 2023
Guyana receives US$380M in oil revenue for third quarter Guyana has received a total of US$379,710,479.44 in oil money during the third quarter of 2023. This is according to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) receipt published in the National Gazette on October 17, 2023. It detailed that during the period July 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023 Guyana received four payments of profit oil and one royalty payment. Government is mandated by the NRF Act to notify the public of deposits to the fund.
According to the Gazetted Notice, a profit oil payment was made on July 20, 2023 from the Liza Unity, Guyana’s second Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel that amounted to US$73,773,346.19. This was followed by three payments on August 7, 2023, August 23, 2023 and September 20, 2023 of US$81,786,204.95, US$84,436,660.87 and US$85,277,583.54, respectively. A royalty payment, related to the second quarter
production was also made to the account totaling US$54,436,683.89. The US$379,710,479.44 in oil revenue for the third quarter takes the total NRF funds for this year to just over US$1 billion so far. In the first quarter of 2023, the NRF received a total of US$219 million in profit oil and royalty. This was followed by a deposit of US$438,949,894.68 in the second quarter of this year. The GoG in its Mid-Year Report indicated that the country is expected to receive lower revenues from
the burgeoning oil and gas sector than anticipated earlier this year. This is as a result of declining oil prices on the global market triggered by a slide in demand for supplies. According to the Report, government is still poised to receive 17 lifts of profit oil from the production activities ongoing at the Liza One and Liza two projects in the Stabroek Block. It however indicated that the earnings for the commodity are expected to be less than previously anticipated. The Report explained, “With the price of crude oil declining amid demand-side concerns and financial market disruptions that threaten a global slowdown in economic
activity, the forecast for NRF (Natural Resource Fund) deposits has been marginally downgraded.” To this end, the Ministry of Finance said petroleum deposits for the year are now projected to total US$1,629.3 million, compared with US$1,631.7 million projected at the
beginning of the year. This means that the country will receive US$2.4 million less than anticipated or approximately GYD$480M. Government is now projected to earn US$1,410 million from the sale of Guyana’s share of profit oil, and another US$219.3 million in royalties.
Investment critical to unlocking agricultural potential - Min. Mustapha DPI - Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Friday outlined the importance of investing in the agriculture sector and the benefits that the economy will derive while speaking at the opening of the AgriInvestment Forum and Expo being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC). “This forum represents not just a meeting of minds but a profound commitment to the future of agriculture in the Caribbean…a future that hinges on the critical importance of investment. Investments in agriculture are investments in the very bedrock of our nations. They are the seed of growth [and] the fruit for innovation…and the key to unlocking the vast potential for the agriculture sector,” the minister told the large gathering. He added that the forum is aimed at fostering investments in the Caribbean’s agriculture sector that will intensify efforts to achieve Vision 25 by 2025. It is also a roll call to governments, investors, entrepreneurs and stakeholders to come together and pool resources for the growth and transformation of the sector. “The Government of Guyana is fully committed to this cause. We recognise that diversification is key to unlocking the true potential of the agriculture sector. “Since the last Agri-Investment Forum held in 2022, Guyana has made significant strides towards achieving the 25 by 2025
goal. We have witnessed investments sprout into flourishing agri-businesses, innovative projects and increased agricultural productivity,” Minister Mustapha stated. The minister noted the benefits that Guyana has seen in soya and corn production, shade house technology, expansion of the coconut industry, investment in the livestock industry, diversification in poultry and mutton production, and fisheries among other initiatives. “Investing in agri-business plays a pivotal role in food security in our region by modernising our agriculture practices, improving value chains and leveraging technology and innovation. We can bolster our capacity to produce, store and distribute food. “In doing so, we not only feed our people but also reduce our dependency on imports and enhance our resilience in the face of external shocks and create new opportunities for economic growth,” the agri minister emphasised. Minister Mustapha said opportunities for investment in Guyana’s agriculture sector are abundant and exist along the entire value chain. “We invite investors to explore these opportunities, become partners in our journey and reap the reward of contributing to the growth and sustainability of the agriculture sector,” the agriculture minister stated.
$59 million contract awarded to construct another mortuary at Mahdia The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) has awarded a $59 million contract to QA Civil Works for the construction of another mortuary facility at Mahdia, Region Eight. Four contractors initially submitted bids for the contract and QA Civil Works was awarded the $59, 948, 763 contract. When bids for the project were opened back in September, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development project was estimated to cost some $69,969,795. Speaking to Kaieteur News just recently about the new mortuary at Mahdia, the Region’s Regional Executive Officer (REO) Peter Ramotar said, “It is not like if we
have a problem at the mortuary but its more that we are adding capacity,” he mentioned. Kaieteur News understands that the new $59 million facility will be in the vicinity of the burial site. Ramotar mentioned that when persons go to the burial area, there is no proper place they have to put away the dead. According to the REO, over the years, the community attempted to establish a similar facility near the cemetery. “It is going to be a mortuary with some space for like a little chapel or mourning area,” the REO commented. The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the winning contractor are yet to sign the contract for the start of the project.
Sunday October 22, 2023
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Sunday October 22, 2023
Kaieteur News
Banks DIH/GT Beer 5/5 cricket tournament...
East Coast edition of 5-overs aside cricket tournament launched
B
anks DIH on Friday bowled off it’s East Coast edition of the GT Beer sponsored 5/5 Tapeball cricket tournament, with almost half a million in cash, prizes, trophies up for grabs. Saturday’s launch at the Enmore Community Center Ground saw GT Beer Brand Manager Dwayne Bristol outlined the tournament’s rules, direction and overall aim, to the respective players and a few players who were in attendance. Bristol outlined that the company which hasn’t been an avid sponsor of the sports sector in Guyana, believes that that tournament will target the basic community
grassroots demographic. The concept is to promote the sport on a 5 overs aside basis where averages community cricketers can field teams form their areas with 7 players per team representing their respective East Coast based areas. 1st place takes home $400k with cash prizes for 2nd and 3rd place along without individual prizes at stake. The competition currently has their Essequibo leg in progress with logistics according to Bristol, going as planned. The Banks DIH executive hinted at a national playoffs which is slated for 2024 ,with eventual county winners facing off for a $1 million
GT Beer Brand Manager, Dwayne Bristol, (centre) takes a photo op with players, captains and the tournament coordinator at the launch.
grand cash prize. Bristol further explained that the company,moreso the brand were taking into consideration the religious
Sunday October 22, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside. You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) With today's planetary energy, you'll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally be able to say what you really think about things. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you're unstoppable! You're a very hard worker by nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Scorpio. Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul. . SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days. Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you'll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Aquarius. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.
period and as such have structured their dates to accommodate players who will be observing such religious practices. Overall the aim is to establish a cricket presence in the community, with the GT Beer Brand driven towards giving back to the community. The company also identified giving back to the community which plays a huge role in development, which entails financial and social aspects, as the driving forces behind the competition. The tournament is also geared towards fan interaction with a number of giveaways in store for cricket fans in attendance. The format will be played under simple rules, 5 overs aside, with 7 players per team. The competition features 3 group rounds Team with highest will advance.
26 attend FIFA Rap/Futsal... From page 64 reflected, adding that “now we have seen the improvement (in the) numbers of referees, FIFA qualified referees as well.” Santos shared that the course, which will be done on the FIFA Referee Education and Development platform is “giving opportunities to you as national referees…to be in international competitions.” FIFA RED platform was introduced in December 2019 as a dynamic online platform designed to enhance the global learning experience for referees in football. Over the next few days, referees will undergo assessments in game knowledge and receive training on the interpretation and application of traditional football and futsal laws. Theory sessions will take place at GOA, while field and fitness sessions will be held at the Georgetown Football Club Ground. Certificates will be awarded on October 23.
Advancing teams will play in the Quarter and Semifinals. A 3rd place playoff
match is also on the cards, with the Final match set to be played under lights.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
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Guyanese athletes fall short on day four of Pan Am Games By Rawle Toney After the spectacular opening ceremony of the 19th Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, Guyanese athletes Raekwon Noel, Desmond Amsterdam, Priyanana Ramdhani, and Ceili Peterson took to the field with high hopes but fell just short of their desired outcomes. Amsterdam entered the boxing ring yesterday, competing in the Men’s 80kg category against Gabriel Buonarrigo. U n f o r t u n a t e l y, t h e Guyanese boxer was defeated 5-0 by his Argentine opponent. Reflecting on his performance, Amsterdam
for Guyana in Taekwondo and narrowly lost to Costa Rica’s Laura Sancho in the women’s 49kg Kyorugi, with a final score of 2-1. Peterson lost the first round 2-3 but made a strong comeback in the second, winning 13-12. However, Sancho gained the upper hand in the third round and secured her victory with a score of 6-4. “It was a pleasure representing Guyana,” Peterson said. “I did my best, the other athlete is a very experienced fighter, so she did a very good job. We’ll just have to go back to the drawing board and keep working on the
second place, while American James Plage (3:50.74) took the bronze. Following the race, Noel said he was happy with the execution of his race, calling his performance satisfactory. Noel will next compete in the 800m freestyle and 400m Individual Medley events. Olympian Aleka Persaud is the other Guyanese wimmer at the Pan Am Games and will enter the pool today in the women’s 100m butterfly. Persaud will also compete in the 50m and 100m freestyle races. In Badminton, Ramdhani was forced to retire hurt during the second set of her match against
Desmond Amsterdam (right) rocks Argentina’s Gabriel Buonarrigo during there Men’s 80kg bout at the Pan Am Game
expressed some disappointment but believed that the second and third rounds should have been scored in his favour. “But that’s how boxing goes; you win some, you lose some. It was a nice fight, I enjoyed it. It would’ve shown what we’ve worked on with the coach where we tried to change up things. But we’ll go back to the drawing board,” the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant said. Meanwhile, Peterson, who is based in Canada, made her international debut
things I did wrong, and hopefully, the next time, it will go my way.” In swimming, Noel finished 15th overall in the men’s 400m freestyle event, clocking a time of four minutes and 5.82 seconds in the B final. The gold medal in the men’s 400m freestyle was claimed by Guilherme Costa, who not only won the event but also broke the 2015 Pan Am record set by Canadian Ryan Cochrane (3:46.79). Alfonso Mestre of Venezuela (3:47.62) finished
Brazil’s Juliana Viana. Ramdhani had lost the first set with a score of 6-21 and was trailing 0-11 when she encountered a knee p r o b l e m a n d c o u l d n ’t conclude her match. Turning our focus to the upcoming events today, We i g h t l i f t e r s K r y s t o l Chanderban and Shammah Noel will be participating in the Women’s 59kg and Men’s 89kg categories, respectively, at the Gimnasio Chimkowe. In the realm of boxing, Joel Williamson is set to be the final Guyanese boxer to
step into the ring at the Pan Games, aiming to secure a spot in the quarter-finals alongside Keevin Allicock.
However, Williamson faces a challenging test as he squares off against the D o m i n i c a n R e p u b l i c ’s
Miguel De La Cruz in the Men’s 89kg bout at the Centro de Entrenamiento Olímpico.
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Sunday October 22, 2023
Inter-Guiana Games 2023 confirmed for November 17 - 19
The host nation of the 2023 edition of the InterGuiana Games (IGG), Suriname, has officially
confirmed November 17 – 19 as the dates for the highly anticipated event. This was done by the
Surinamese government, which resulted in the immediate confirmation of participation from Guyana
and French Guiana. The historic event, which was initially earmarked for October, was postponed for several weeks owing to a dearth of fiscal resources from the Surinamese administration. The above-mentioned situation, which was initially related by the country’s Director of Sport, Gordon Tjouw Ngie Touw, to his Guyanese and French Guiana counterparts, has now been remedied. Suriname previously staged the 2017 edition, which was the last iteration before the five-year hiatus. An inspection of the facilities in conjunction with an official meeting amongst the directors of sports of the participating nations will occur on Thursday in Paramaribo. The aforementioned forum is being conducted to concretize the game’s logistical apparatus. Meanwhile, the eight disciplines that will be contested are: chess, futsal, football, lawn tennis, swimming, basketball, volleyball, and athletics. The two disciplines that
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle have been removed from the initial list of 10 sports following a request from the hosts are table tennis and badminton. The staging of respective international competitions in the aforesaid disciplines during the same window is the primary reason for their removal from the competitive list. A meeting with the representatives of the associations and administrators of the competing sports will be conducted on Monday by the National Sports Commission. Guyana’s Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle, said, “The confirmation of this important platform is welcome news to all the participating nations, which
understand that its overall importance goes beyond the competitive realm, as it acts as a vital unifier amongst a historically and culturally linked people.” “The Government of Guyana is fully committed to maintaining this avenue given its developmental and social value, and that this is evident and unequivocal given the role played in its resuscitation after five years of dormancy,” he added. The IGG was first held in 1967 and is traditionally staged on an annual basis. However, the games were rekindled last year by the P e o p l e ’s P r o g r e s s i v e Party/Civic (PPP/C) government following a five-year hiatus, a period that encompassed the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 edition on local soil featured over 400 athletes and coaches. The IGG not only showcases the future young athletes of the three countries, but it also serves as a cultural and educational platform. The IGG helps forge unity, trust, and understanding among the peoples of the Guianas.
26 attend FIFA Rap/ Futsal Referee Course in Georgetown
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Referees Department has chosen twenty-six referees from various regions to take part in the FIFA Refereeing Assistance Programme (RAP) and Futsal Referee Instructors Course, which opened on Friday at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Plantation Lililendaal in Georgetown. The five-day training programme focuses on enhancing match officiating in both traditional and futsal football formats. The October 20 opening ceremony was attended by GFF President Wayne Forde, FIFA Referee Development Officer Javier Santos, FIFA referee instructors Rohan Thobourne, Dianne FerreiraJames and Shane Butler and Concacaf Referee Manager Dave Miekle. The diverse group included seven female referees selected from Berbice, Linden,
Georgetown, and Kamarang to attend the internationally recognised theoretical and practical training programme. RAP has been at the forefront of enhancing the quality of refereeing through education and assistance, uplifting both traditional football and futsal in the region since 2008. In his opening remarks, GFF President Forde expressed his satisfaction with the rise in female participants and urged the group to recognise the significant investment being made by FIFA and GFF in their development as game officials, and to give more than 100 percent. “The game demands a lot of us regardless of which level we operate in the game, and in that spirit we have to be always willing to give a little more than what the situation might call for. I think if we all undertake and make a commitment to do that, the future that we all desire for football, we will
all realise it with our collective effort,” Forde said. He added: I want to challenge each and everyone of you to acknowledge the huge investment that we continue to make and will be making in the future into your own development, and undertake to give some of that back to the sport. That’s an important part because football is still a work in progress in Guyana and for most of the region, and it requires the generosity and the benevolence of all of us to make it work at the level that we want to see it work.” F I FA R e f e r e e Development Officer Santos said he has seen progress since his initial training session in Guyana in 2019, and reminded participants that the training serves as a route for referees to achieve international recognition. “When I came here in 2019, many problems to organise the course,” Santos (Continued on page 62)
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 22, 2023
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CG United Super50 Cup 2023…
Cariah’s carnage helps Red Force sink Harpy Eagles by 114 runs Yannick Cariah smashed a fiery half-century and snared 5 wickets to i n s p i r e Tr i n i d a d a n d Tobago Red Force to a c o m m a n d i n g 11 4 r u n win over rivals Guyana Harpy Eagles, following last night’s showdown at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba. Batting first turned out good for the home team as they posted a 290-8 50 overs, thanks to the trifecta of halfcenturies from Kjorn Ottley (52), skipper Darren Bravo (51), and Ya n n i c k C a r i a h , w h o blasted 71 off 48 not out. Joshua Da Silva (27) and Jason Mohammed (26) were the two other main scorers
for Trinidad. Pacers Romario Shepherd (2-43) and Sherfane Rutherford (2-55) and captain Veerasammy Permaul (2-57) led Guyana’s bowling. The spin duo of Kevin Sinclair (1-43) and Gudakesh Motie (1-49), aided their slightly more successful teammates to help the Eagles keep the score under 300. The Harpy Eagles failed to chase their target and as a result was kept to 176 all out in 33.3 overs. Guyana’s batting never took off with all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford ending as the leading scorer for the Eagles with a brisk 30 off 28 .Spinner Yannick Cariah starred
with 5-34 while veteran off-spinner Sunil Narine chipped in with 2-18. The spinners got into action during their powerplay session, as Guyana o p e n e r s Ta g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul (19) and Chandrapaul Hemraj (21) , along with the middle-order vice-captain Tevin Imlach (26) and Shimron Hetmyer (24), managed starts but failed to convert their starts. Rutherford smacked 2 fours and 2 sixes in what seemed like a counterattack before he falling to Cariah. Sinclair had a gritty 20 and Quentin Sampson (13) but they all succumbed to the mixture of spin and pace, with Cariah leading the way, as the Red Force completed a solid win.
The Guyana Harpy Eagles are scheduled to play again on Monday, October 23. (Photo: CWI Media)
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Guyana’s Ceili Peterson (left) scores against Costa Rica’s Laura Sancho in the women’s 49kg Kyorugi. (Photo: GOA/Akeem Greene)
Yannic Cariah (left) backed up his unbeaten half century with a five-wicket haul (Photo: CWI Media)
CG United Super50 Cup 2023…
Guyanese athletes Cariah’s carnage fall short on day helps Red Force sink four of Pan Am Games Harpy Eagles by 114 runs
Participants of the workshop take a photo op with GFF President, Wayne Forde and FIFA Referee Development Officer, Javier Santos.
26 attend FIFA Rap/Futsal Referee Course in Georgetown Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.