Kaieteur News

Exxon begins work on 7th oil project and 6th not yet approved

The Environment ProtectionAgency(EPA)is still processing an application made by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) for the sixthprojectintheStabroek Block; however, the oil company has already commenced work for its seventhplannedproject.

This information is containedintheMinistryof Finance Mid-Year Report. In providing an update on production activities in the document, the government explained, “In June 2023, appraisal work commenced andisongoingtodefinethe seventh project in the StabroekBlock.”

Even as the company engages in activities to prepare for a seventh development, it is yet to receive the necessary regulatory approvals for its sixth deepwater project, Whiptail.

The Government of Guyana(GoG)hasnotbeen shy about its intent to ramp up production activities over the coming years though countries have been urged to scale back on oil andgasactivitiestocombat globalwarming.

According to the MidYear report, actions taken during the first six months of2023arelikelytofurther drive up production in the next few years “These include the Yellowtail One Guyana FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel) hull arriving in drydock in Singapore ahead of schedule in March 2023.” This triggered other activities such as works on the vessel and the installation of mooring structures and a riser balcony Theseactivitiesare ongoingandprojectedtobe completed in the fourth

quarterof2023.

Meanwhile, on the fifth project, Uaru, the government approved the Field Development Plan (FDP) and issued the Petroleum Production LicenceinApril2023.

When it comes to the sixth project, it was explained that the government participated in two pre-FDP engagements on Whiptail, in April 2023 andJune2023,respectively According to the report, “The project’s FDP submission to government forreviewisanticipatedfor October2023.”

Guyana currently has twoFPSOsproducingoilat

the Liza One and Two fields, operated by Exxon. The total production, approximately 400,000 barrels per day, often exceeds the safe operating limits outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessments(EIAs).

Inthemeantime,athird offshore project- Payara- is expected to start up before the end of 2023, while the fourthproject,Yellowtail,is likelytocomeonstreamthe following year The fifth projectisaimingforstartup by2026.

The government said it aims to produce a million barrels of oil per day by 2027.

Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

Feeling Proud: IMF lauds Guyana’s oil money transparency

Indeed, as a Guyanese citizen of our amazing country, soon to be made greaterthanitis,throughthe excellent administration and management of our oil resources,andpeoplebythe government of His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali, this IMF (International Monetary Fund) report recognizing Guyana’s Oil Money Transparency is pleasure to mymind,tomyheart,andto all Guyanese at large I cannot recall an economic period, in recent times, in which Guyana has ever enjoyed such strong financialsupportbytheIMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its concluding statements of its 2 0 2 3 A r t i c l e I V Consultations published in the Guyana Times of 14th September,2023stated:that the PPP/C Government has madeprogressstrengthening m a n a g e m e n t a n d transparencyintheoilsector Further, the International Financial Body praised the Government’s work on the Natural Resource Fund (NRF)Actthatwasamended in 2021. This act assisted in the transparency and accountability of the use of oilrevenues.Theactallowed for the appointment of the NRFBoardofDirectors,the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, and the Investment Committee. Committees which have all worked on ensuring transparency of the use of Guyana’soilrevenues.

The fact that Guyana transfers its oil revenues

Draconian changes to the law necessary for delinquent drivers

from the Natural Resource Fund to the budget and reportstheuseofthesefunds in its budget documents, making public all receipts, speaks highly of the accountability of this Government in the area of the oil and gas sector to the Guyanese citizens This process was highly praised bytheIMFvisitingteam.

I must highlight that Guyana has made huge progress implementing the recommendations from the 2019 Extractive Industries and Transparency Initiative (EITI)ReportsandStandard. Thiscalledforconsultations with stakeholders and m a k i n g f i n a n c i a l information on the oil and gas sector readily available to the general public. It was

heartening to learn that the 1986 Petroleum Exploration and Production Act was recently modernized, electronically updated, and received Parliamentary Approval in August of this year

Readers, this recently updatedActnowcallsforthe subject minister to consult withtheCabinetandengage with neighbouring states regarding petroleum reservoirs that extend into theirterritories.Theupdated Actfurthercallsforlicensees to apply for a geological storage license for carbon d i o x i d e f r o m t h e Government of Guyana before undertaking operations incidental to Carbondioxidestorage.In

(Continuedonpage06)

DEAREDITOR, Last Sunday evening, a lengthy list was created and posted on social media on the vehicle numbers, names of drivers, and their speeds that were above the legal limit.Ifthesaidlistisbiased, what does it hope to accomplish when the names ofgovernmentofficialswho literally fly through daily traffic would render anyone in their path incapable of avoidingacollision?

Where are the names of policemen and their vehicle numbers who turn on their sirens and recklessly speed way beyond the same legal limits during rush hour traffic just because they think they can? Where are the plate numbers of minibusesthatareownedby

the police officers who terrorizeordinaryroadusers every day with their speed andrecklessdriving?

In the home, parents set an example to children; in schools, the administrators and teachers set an example tochildren;andinacountry, it is expected that the lawmen and leaders set an example to the citizens

Unfortunately, in Guyana neither the lawmen nor leaders set an example. The example they set is akin to saying, “Do as I say and not asIdo”.

Whenthekeepersoflaw and order jump the traffic lights, weave frantically between traffic, and on almost all occasions not on officialbusiness,andsimply disregard the same law that

they want ordinary citizens to obey what example are they setting? Government officials,withblaringsirens, push civilians out of their way just because they are either late to take their children to school, to the airport,orjusttogethome.Is their time more valuable than the people they are supposed to serve and protect?

One of the main contributors to the increasing number of deaths on our roadways is driving under the influence of alcohol.Thesedriversunder the influence maniacally covert their vehicles into killing machines, and obviouslynotmuchisbeing doneaboutit.Driversfound

(Continuedonpage06)

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Noise nuisance at Bath Settlement disrupting peace

Mr Editor, This is my second letter to you to please put in print my concern. I am living at BathSettlement,WestCoast Berbice.Ihaveamother,age 85yearsoldanditisverysad toseethesleeplessnightsshe has to endure because of a fewindividualswhooperate some nightclubs at Bath Settlement in an area called PitchStreet.

The noise level emanating from these music setscanbeheardfrommiles away ThepeoplefromBath Settlementneedsomepeace.

They are a village of hardworkingGuyaneseandwhen they go to bed, they must have a good night’s rest to wakeupinthemorningfully invigorated to perform their day’s work, our school children need peace to complete their homework, a goodnight’sresttoreturnto school healthy and strong. I am asking the relevant authority to please take a positive step and stop this nuisance.

It is a great menace to society;itaffectsboththeyoung and old The noise decibel is

over90allthishappensafter11 pm Should this be allowed to continue, it can cause a public disasteroranimminentdanger to our people’s health Do we want to produce a nation of mendicants? I want the elected officials of Region 5 to visit this area, see for themselves, and take a positivesteptoeradicatethe scourge that affects the people of Bath. Then and onlythen,wecanhave‘One Guyana’ loving and beautiful.

Thankyou!

MohanPersaud

Draconianchangestothelawnecessary...

Frompage05 under this condition should have their licences permanently revoked and vehicles seized.

Bar owners found sellingalcoholto anyone whoisdrivingandbeingabovethelegallimit shouldhavetheirlicencessuspended. Editor, instead of publishing names, use

timeandefforttomakedrasticchanges. Setfinestosuchhighlevelsandmake draconian changes to the law that delinquent drivers will be less inclined to speed and drive under the influence of alcohol

Yourssincerely, Namewithheld

MinistryofEducationonrighttrack...

Frompage04 toolongwehavedone“bean counting” in measuring inputs into education – the numberofbreakfastsserved, number of books issued, grants given, amounts of money spent, number of teachers trained, number of new schools built by one government compared to other governments, etc

Counting inputs is one side of the equation. It’s time we focusontheothersideofthe equation-impact,outcomes, reculturing, change, and sustainableprogress.

Wemustaskthequestions–what’s new, different, and better about education design and student achievement given these inputs and investments we havemade?

We cannot be pouring moreandmoremoneyinto education and student achievement is not affected dramatically, and we continue business as usual It’s good to see the MOE fixing the teacher salaryproblems.

As the President holds meetings with teachers

and their Union to implement all Collective Bargaining agreements, going forward, we must continue to be concerned about teacher retention strategies, while keeping student needs as our main focus.

The Education System iscriticalinallourchange p r o c e s s e s i n a l l institutions, and it must not lag behind Education must be a pacesetter and leader as our national development requires it urgently We must run harder, longer, and faster in education!

Sincerely,

Dr JerryJailall EducationConsultant

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Lip service will not do!

Guyanese are demanding more from their Opposition.

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Mere calls for better management of the oil sector will not do.

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Actions must be taken by any strong leadership to show the people you mean business.

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Excuses for not having the financial resources and expertise to fight on our behalf are simply unacceptable. If ordinary Guyanese can do it then so can you!

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Lip service alone will not convince the Guyanese voters at such a critical turning point in our country’s history.

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We demand action for changes to this lopsided deal to better the lives of our people now!

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Jagdeo must be removed from managing oil sector- APNU

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is calling for Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo to be stripped of his responsibilities of managingGuyana'sburgeoningoil andgasindustry

In a statement to the media on Saturday, the joint Opposition parties explained that Guyanese across the country are alarmed by the recent development in the country'sfirstoilaudit.

It was reported that the audit conducted by British Consultant, IHS-Markit, of some US$1 6 billion in expenses incurred by the oil company, between the period 1999 and 2017, concluded that the statecouldcontestUS$214million ofthosecosts.

Subsequently, VP Jagdeo said thatthecostswerereducedtoUS$3 billionafterthecompanymanaged to submit documents that further

broughtdownthedisputedamount fromUS$11billion.

At his press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo explained that theUS$3billionbreakdownbythe Ministry of Natural Resources Petroleum Unit should not have occurred. He said this was done without the knowledge of the GuyanaRevenueAuthority(GRA), which was tasked with overseeing theprocess.

The Vice President said, “This matter should have been closed earlier.IthoughtGRAwasdealing withthismattertotallybecausethat iswhatwesaid…thatGRAshould deal with the issue of the audit. Theyshouldhaveafinalsayatthe technical level. I was reluctant to evenspeakaboutitbecauseIsaidit isbeinghandledtechnically.”

The official said he later discovered that GRA wrote the ministry and said twice that given

Body of labourer found floating at Dredge Creek

Thebodyofa42-year-oldlabourerwasfoundfloatingonFridayina canalatDredgeCreek,EssequiboCoast,RegionTwo.

PoliceidentifiedthedeadmanasWayneHendricks.

Hendricks'ssistertoldinvestigatorsthathelivedaloneandwasseen alivearound16:00hrsonSeptember12,2023.

Ataround10:00hrsonFriday,shesawapartiallydecomposedbody floating in the canal. Upon a closer look, she discovered that it was her brother's remains. Police were called in and removed his body from the water

Accordingtotheinvestigators,nomarksofviolencewereevidenton Hendricks'sbody Investigationsareongoing.

the passage of time, the audit shouldclosewithUS$214Masthe final amount of disputed costs but thishesaiddidnotoccur Jagdeo said the Natural Resources Ministry then engaged Exxon in a discussion after GRA recommendedclosingtheaudit. Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat in a later statement said that staff within his Petroleum Unit engaged in an “unauthorized” reduction of the questionable expenses. He added

thatmembersoftheunithavesince been instructed to cease such unethical engagements and to followtheleadoftheGRAonsuch audits.

In light of the foregoing, the APNU said, “The explanations offered by Minister of Natural ResourcesVickramBharratandVP BharratJagdeoatbestexposetheir ineptitude and dereliction and, at worse, point to probable criminality.”

The party reasoned that any

responsible leader would have, uponlearningoftheslashingofthe expenses, sought clarity on the matter Contrarily, the Opposition argued, “He [Jagdeo] informed the nationthatheacceptedthereportat facevalueandhadnoconcernsand sought no explanations. This is negligence and malfeasance of the highestorder.”

Thepartywaskeentonotethat suchnegligencecanleadtotheloss of billions of dollars of public funds.Incallingfortheremovalof the Vice President from managing the petroleum sector, the APNU said, “The nation has travelledthis road before with VP Jagdeo. The Skeldon Sugar factory modernization project, the Fibre Optics Cable project, and Su-gate tonameafewhavestarklyexposed his incapabilities. He is out of his depth The nation distrusts him...enoughisenough!”

nursesresign fromGPHCsinceJanuary2022

More

Since January last year, more than300nurseshaveresignedfrom the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC).

The country's primary medical institution has been hard hit by a high number of nurse resignations in recent years and according to well-placed sources at the GPHC, at the end of 2022, close to 215 nurses had resigned from the hospital.

By the end ofAugust this year, morethan100nursestenderedtheir resignations from the GPHC, anothersourcenoted.

Last month, online news entity News Source, reported that some 1200nursesshouldbemanningthe hospital since it is a 450-bed facility; however, the current staff roster is far below that figure grossly impacting the ratio of nurses manning the beds at the hospital.

The figures in the article were attributed to an interview the news site carried out with of Medical Services, Dr Navindranauth Rambarran.

Migration to greener pastures has been the central reason for the mass exodus of healthcare professionals as many nurses have been taking up attractive packages offeredbyhealthcareentitiesinthe United Kingdom and the United States where there are severe shortagesofnurses.

Several nurses who moved to the United Kingdom this year told this publication that their current salaries are double and triple the amount they were paid while

working here. In addition, the relocation packages offered by the foreign hiring firms also cater for the well-being of the nurses' families.

In July, President Irfaan Ali, while admitting that there is a shortage of nurses, said that Guyana is turning to Cuba to have nurses from that country join the workforcehere.

In addition, the President said the government is making decisive moves to train nurses as another measure to combat the situation.

“So we have to find the immediate measure,themediumtermandlong term.

Themediumandlongtermisto trainandretrainandtrainmorethan the capacity that you need but the immediate term for example for nurses is to have nurses come into the system from external sources,” thePresidentsaid.

He noted that the government has expanded its post-graduate training at the GPHC with 16 such programmesandtheadministration is looking to add more later this year

“We are developing a hybrid nursing programme to increase the trainingofnursesfromabout150to 200 per year to now enable us to train between 1000 to 1500 nurses peryear

This programme has already started and not only the training of nurses, we are also working on specialized areas for nurses,” he disclosed.

Days after the President's statement on the move to hire

nurses from Cuba, Shadow Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Roysdale Forde decriedthemove.

Forde noted that the government has failed to improve the working conditions of local healthcareprovidersbutisreadyto importnursestofilltheshortagein thesystem.

Forde noted that the approach by the government to address this extremelyworryingshortagecould only lead to a further diminished number of nurses causing a diminutionofthatimportantsector ofoursociety

InJulythisyear,severalnurses who were preparing to sit competency-based test (CBT) examinations which would enable them to work in the United Kingdom,toldthispublicationthat planswereafoottoblockthemfrom migrating after the local testing centrecloseditsdoors.

The examinations were only offered at the Global Technology testing centre on Camp Street through an arrangement with the Pearson Vue testing network and theNursingandMidwiferyCouncil (NMC)oftheUK.

However, several nurses complained that the centre informed them via email that the entity was no longer offering the examination.

Oneoftheaffectednursessaid she was informed by Global Technologythatthatinstitutionwas upgrading its systems to a higher standard as mandated by Pearson Vue.

than300

President Ali is wrong!

President IrfaanAli hasreportedlytold the Organization of American States that, “Accepting established borders has been the tradition in our hemisphere, (Western Hemisphere), a tradition that has shielded our nations from conflicts, paving the way for peace, c o o p e r a t i o n , a n d development.”

Nothingcouldbefurther fromthetruth.Almostevery countryinLatinAmericahas had,atonetimeortheother, border and territorial controversies. The majority oftheclaimsthatgaveriseto these controversies can be traced back to the colonial era.

President Irfaan Ali’s assertion that the Western Hemisphere has a tradition of accepting established borders is a simplistic view that disregards the border disputes in the region. The colonial legacy, ongoing disputes, and emerging challenges all point to a reality where established borders are far from universallyaccepted.

There is no tradition within the Western Hemisphereaboutaccepting borders between states When it comes to borders and territorial conflicts, the Western Hemisphere is no different from Europe, Africa,theMiddleEast,and A s i a A g a i n s t t h i s background, it is hard to understand where President Aligotthisideathatthereisa tradition of accepting established borders in the hemisphere. He has been

misadvisedyetagain. While the President may have sought to emphasize the importance of stability and peace in the region, this does not arrogate to him ownershipoffactstosupport hisargument. Thefollowing are some of the border and territorial controversies in thehemisphere: Argentina and Chile have a dispute over the Beagle Channel. Argentina and Paraguay also have a dispute over a section of their northeastern border Argentina also has a dispute with the United Kingdom overtheFalklands/Malvinas Islandswhichledtoawarin 1981.Belize, a member of CARICOM, has been the victim of a claim to its territory by Guatemala. Bolivia and Chile contest eachotherovertheuseofthe waters of the River Lanca. ThesameBolivia,whichisa landlockedstate,hasalways sought a passage of the Pacific. This has led to a dispute with Chile to which Peruhasenjoineditself.

Closer to home, Colombia and Venezuela have a disputed section of theirborder;Guyanafacesa claim to two-thirds of its territory by Venezuela Suriname has territorial controversies over the New River area, and also with FrenchGuiana.

The United States occupies a section of Guantanamo which belongs to Cuba. Ecuador and Peru have had a dispute over the province of Maynas In 1980, El Salvador and Honduras signed a treaty to

resolveafrontierdisputethat dates back to the 19th century Guyana and Venezuela are presently before the International Court of Justice to resolve their long-standing territorial controversy The aforementioned hardly paintsapictureofatradition in the Western Hemisphere of countries accepting traditional borders Why therefore Guyana’s President would choose to say this in front of the Organization of American Statesismind-boggling.

Border and territorial controversies in theWestern Hemisphere were creations of colonial disputes. Colonial powers, such as Spain,Portugal,Britain,and France, engaged in a landgrabbing race, leaving behindalegacyofterritorial disputes The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, for example, arbitrarily divided the newly discovered lands betweenSpainandPortugal, without regard for the Indigenous populations already inhabiting these territories This division alone sowed the seeds of numerous border disputes, someofwhichpersisttothis day

Latin America, in particular, is replete with examples of border disputes that belie President Ali’s assertion. For instance, the longstanding border dispute between Ecuador and Peru over theAmazon region is a stark reminder of historical grievances stemming from colonialtimes.The1942Rio Protocol may have

Dem boys seh...

Guyana’s edukayshun systems is sheer melody

Ay, Guyana’s edukayshun system, it’s like onebigsitcom.Iseveryday isonesituationtodenext.

De government boasting about how much schools dem building and how much money dem spending pun education

But a basic thing like adjustingdesalariesofdem teachers who were being paid below de salary scale, tekkin’ three and one half years.

It is like de authorities playin’ hide and seek with teacher salaries Dem teachers mus’ be watchin’ de calendar like it’s a

suspensemovie,waitin’fuh de plot twist in dem bank accounts. And den, dem finally decide fuh adjust dem underpaid teachers’ money Three and a half years inna power, and suddenly dem realize some teachers been livin’ off breadcrumbs? Like dey pullin’ a rabbit outta deh hat, sayin’, “Abracadabra, yuhgetpaid!”

But then we reading how dem parents get lock out of a school on de Corentyne Wha’ kinda madness dat be? Dem parents ain’t tryna sneak into a secret spy agency;

temporarily resolved the conflict,buttensionsflareup periodically, underscoring the fragility of such agreements.

Even in North America, which President Ali might consider a region of relative stability, border disputes havearisen.TheUS-Mexico border, for instance, e x e m p l i f i e d t h e complexities of border relations The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 andtheGadsdenPurchasein 1853 did establish certain

borders, but disputes over interpretation and enforcement have persisted.

Moreover, contemporary debates surrounding immigration and border security continue to complicatematters.

Rather than perpetuate the myth of a tradition of acceptance of established borders, it is essential for leaders, such as President Irfaan Ali, to place greater trust in diplomacy, and the rule of international law

chances of ensuring lasting peace, cooperation and development (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

demonlycarryingliklunch fuhdemchildren.

Is as if one person loss thembagandeverybodygat topaydepricefuhdat.Dem boyswatchingfuhseewhat gan happen What dem boysknowisdatyuhshould notpunishdechildrenwhen itcomestodemfood.

It’s high time dem govamentfolksstopplayin’ games and start takin’ dis edu-kayshun thing serious It’s time fuh a c t i o n , n o t m o r e punchlines. Dem boys seh, let’sgetreal‘boutfixin’dis mess.

TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

WHY THESE MYSTERIES, ACROBATICS with the US$214M AUDIT?

“But that should not have happened. I am told there was no great discussion Exxon only sent in some proposals but they shouldn't have even entertained that. So my position still stands, I will go with what GRA has. I told [GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey] Statia, you will deal with it directly and not the ministry any longer,” the Vice President said.

ThisiswhatIexpectfrom national leaders. Straight talk, plain talk, and hard talk when such are necessary. It shouldbecomforting,butitis not. Theproblemisthatthis is not a normal country with normal people. Just when I was about to believe that the Vice President delivered without fudging on the US$214 million flagged by IHS Markit relative to Exxon's expenses, new developments surface, and they are not of clarity, but what is dirty This US$214 million has been on a topsyturvyride:itwason,thenoff, andnowitisback:arbitration will determine Why arbitration if Exxon is a genuine partner in an ongoing relationship?

Second, why is the Natural

Resources Ministry now in this process? Third, what tricks occurred there?

Fourth, who there, bypassed the GRA and dealt directly withExxon? Whowerethey fronting for, and why this mystery of Exxon deal (secretly?)withthem?

In all this, VP Jagdeo sounds compact, but somethingsmells,despitehis talk of a proper discussion between Guyana (the GRA) and Exxon, and if stalemate results, then arbitration. What is missing here? Is Guyana being set up for a fall?

Iamstrugglingtogivethe VicePresidentsomesupport. But I discern this back and forth, this seesaw with the disputed US$214 million, which became US$11 million, then US$3 million, and overnight US$107 million, with the PPP Government accepting that last figure. What number will be drawn next from a dirty deck? Where does Exxon stand on this peculiar and suspicious 50:50 slash straight down the middle of the US$214 million in disputed bills? When business is not managed straight, then these

contraptions surface. It would please me to stand with the VP for what betters our poor and hopeful. But theremustbesomesubstance to grasp, and the footing is treacherous. Why all these twists and turns with this US$214million?

Today, and as difficult as it is, I suppress misgivings about the authenticity of the Hon.VicePresident. Though he can be slipperier than mercury,Idonotbelievethat he is saying this for public consumption,orthrowingthe GRA (Revenue Authority) underthebus. Frankly,some ministry official(s) got adventurous, but I can't see this happening, given the tightlockunderwhichtheVP has everyone. I can't see a ministry official risking crossingtheVPonsomething thisbig,thiswatched. Again, who is this rogue employee(s)workingforasa middleman? As said, there are too many mysteries and toomanysurprises.

Truth be told, the close relationship between Dr Jagdeo and Exxon is concerning, but I suspend judgement. Indeed, the former president can be harder to pin down than

nailing Jello on a swinging chandelier, but he exhibits curiosityonthisone,andIam carefully watching his efforts.

Though this entire audit ofExxon'sexpenseshasbeen bumpy, I ride on. Now the GRA is the sole pilot in the proceedings, and arbitration looksallbutinevitableunless Exxon accepts the US$107 million that came out of nowhere.

Arbitration would be a mixedbagforGuyana,witha foreign venue, and foreign reviewer of facts. Guyana's corner of this matter looks shakier than Exxon's since the odds are against us When Exxon sewed up this placewiththe2016contract, it really did a job on this country

ThesameVicePresident has been all fireworks about howmuchhewasgoingtodo to 'regularize' things with oil

when back in office

A p p a r e n t l y , h i s understanding of what regularize means differs vastlyfrommine.

Nonetheless, there is no joy in calling out national leadersonwhatIconcludeto be unhelpful, or flat-out detrimental, to the interests oftheGuyanesepeople. My fear is that this US$214 millionghostshiphasallthe markings of what will cost thiscountry.

I fear arbitration, if it comes to that, could set the precedent and standard by which Guyana loses on each occasion that these dubious bottlenecksthicken,andwith billions coming into play as expensesforotheroil-related projects. It is my position since those we have around thisoilareonlyconsortsand handmaidens of Exxon and Hess,RepsolandTullow,and Schlumberger and Baker

Hughes.

What Guyanese need more than anything else presently is a bright strain of national leaders at the dawn of this new era who are vibrantandvocal. Guyanese needleaderswhopossessthe wisdom required to manage an oil kingdom In Excellency Ali, VP Jagdeo, and OL Norton, I think that wecouldhavethem,asmuch as I have these grave uncertainties. This US$214 million audit amount stands outlikearedflag. Itisnotthe bestofendorsements.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the authoranddonotnecessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and itsaffiliates.)

Govt. still to gazette applications for new oil blocks despite legal requirement

Guyana's Petroleum ActivitiesAct mandates that the details of oil block licence applications be disclosed Notably, the government has not yet followedthisrequirement.

The bid deadline for Guyana's first offshore licensing round culminated on September 12, 2023. A subsequent press conference led by Guyana's Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, left unanswered questions.

Dr Jagdeo refrained from revealing specific details about which blocks each bidder expressed interest in. When asked, he stated,“Ithinkit'spremature now to reveal who bid for whatbeforetheevaluationis done,butwegaveyoualotof information You know which of the blocks have bids.”

Herevealedthat14offers weresubmittedfromsixkey bidders.The bidders include E x x o n M o b i l a n d TotalEnergies.Thebidswent to eight blocks, namely S3, S4,S5,S7,S8,S10,D1,and D2. The other six blocks werenotappliedforandwill staywiththegovernment.

Section 9 of the Petroleum Activities Act, recently ratified by Dr

J

ent, explicitly requires all applications for petroleumrelated licences to be made public in the Official Gazette. This provision, for transparency's sake, applies to the bid round, and would also extend to direct applications for oil blocks through non-competitive processes.

The provision states, “The Minister shall publish the details of an application foralicencebynoticeinthe Gazette.”

Dr Jagdeo is delaying this publication until after the evaluation and decisionmaking on the bids are completed This delay appearstobeinconflictwith thelawwhichmandatesthat once the decision to award a block has been made, the specifics of the granted or renewedlicence,inclusiveof the licence holder and the block coordinates, must be published in the Gazette. If the government does not gazette the application detailssoon,itwouldbeinan apparentbreachofthelawit freshly put in place. Further, ifthegovernmentwaitsuntil after the evaluations, the public would have to wait at least a month more before getting more information

aboutthebids.

The evaluation of the bids is expected to go from September 18 to October 6. This provision would allow for the public to stay informed about who is entrusted with operating their prized assets Postevaluation, negotiations will ensue, with the award announcements anticipated byNovember1.

According to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), the firms bidding for the Ministry of Natural Resources project are Total Energies EP Guyana B.V, Qatar Energy International E&P LLC, & Petronas E&P Overseas Ventures SDN BHD (Malaysia); Delcorp Inc –Guyana, Watad Energy, Arabian Drillers (Saudi Arabia); ExxonMobil GuyanaLimited,HESSNew Ventures Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited; Liberty Petroleum Corporation (USA) and Cybele Energy Limited (Ghana); Sispro Inc (Guyana); and lastly International Group InvestmentInc.(Guyana),in ajointventurewithMontego Energy SA(London).

Week-In-Review

“This performance is driven by

September 3- September17 lower year-on-year output from both producers amid weak world

SUNDAY market conditions, combined with marketing, demand and technical

Oil spill from 6th oil challenges,” the government project could devastate reported. It added that the sector is livelihoods of citizens in expected to perform better in the Regions 1 to 6 – Exxon Report second half of 2023; however, it is projected to contract by 3.2 percent

Based on oil spill modeling byyearend. conducted for ExxonMobil’s sixth

Suffering a similar decline was project, an unmitigated incident the gold mining sector, contracting could devastate the livelihoods of by 11.4 percent during the first half citizens in Regions One through oftheyear TheMinistryofFinance Six This is outlined in the explained that the reduction was Environmental Impact Assessment “duetolowerdeclarationsfromthe (EIA) for the company’s US$13B small- and medium-scale miners.” venturecalledWhiptail.

It reported that at the end of June,

ThedocumentnotesthatExxon gold declarations stood at 209,756 is expected to produce oil from the ounces, compared with 236,728 Whiptail, Pinktail, and Tilapia ounces during the same period last fields of the Stabroek Block.These year fields are approximately 1,500 to

Thelonelarge-scaleproduceris 2,200 meters deep. The oil is said to have increased declarations expected to be extracted from 33 to by 6.1 percent. The government 72 development wells (including projects the gold mining sector to production and water/gas injection nowgrowby5.3percentin2023. wells) It will also see the

On the agriculture, forestry and installation of a Floating fishing fronts, government boasted Production, Storage, and that the industry expanded by 7.6 Offloading (FPSO) vessel to percent during the first half of the process, store, and offload the year. The Ministry of Finance said recovered oil. Currently, the duringaresponsewouldreducethe Foreign Affairs, at the direction of Domestic Product (GDP) during thatthesugarindustryexpandedby FPSO’s basic design has an upper potential of shoreline oiling in the Government of Guyana, with the first half of 2023, with the non- 30.1 percent when compared with production limit of 263,000 barrels Guyana. In fact, the company said representatives of the respective oil sector also expanding by 12.3 the same period last year. It perday(bpd). thefiveto10-daytraveltimeforoil countries that could be potentially percent. explained that the Guyana Sugar

ForthepurposesoftheEIA,the would allow ample time for impacted by a large oil spill to be According to the Mid-Year Corporation (GuySuCo) produced document states that production of mobilization of spill response prepared for the unlikely event of a Report officially released by the 17,034 tonnes of sugar during the up to 300,000 bpd is considered to resources to further reduce the risk spill. Ministry of Finance on Saturday, period, compared with 13,089 assess potential impacts from the of oil actually reaching the Exxon’s subsidiary, Esso the growth in GDP was largely tonnes during the first half of 2022. project and cover potential shoreline. Exploration and Production drivenbythepetroleumsector The Government therefore projects that production optimization after Nonetheless,ifoilweretoreach Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is the report highlighted that the outlook a total of 60,858 tonnes of sugar facilitystart-up. the Guyana shoreline, Exxon said designated Operator of the for 2023 remains positive as an will be produced by year end,

In the event that there is an oil those resources most at risk would Stabroek Block under a Petroleum overallrealGDPgrowthfor2023is accounting for a 29 3 percent spill, the report notes that portions include protected areas (i.e., Shell Agreement signed by EEPGL and now forecasted at 28.2 percent, growththisyear ofthecoastlineinRegionsOneand Beach Protected Area), coastal its co-venturers, Hess Guyana with non-oil growth projected at In the rice industry, production Two couldpotentiallybeimpacted. habitats (especially mangroves and Exploration Limited and CNOOC 9.3percent. is estimated to have expanded by Exxon’smodelingalsoindicatesan marshes), and coastal wildlife Petroleum Guyana Limited, with According to the Report, the oil 3.2 percent. The Guyana Rice oil spill would not have a (especiallybirds),aswellascoastal theGovernmentofGuyana. and gas subsector almost doubled Development Board (GRDB) has reasonable likelihood of affecting communities and Indigenous T h e 2 0 1 6 P e t r o l e u m its performance in the first six reported production of 302,295 marine waters southeastward or Peoplesdependentonfishinginthe Agreement covers approximately months of 2023 when compared tonnesofriceequivalent,compared seawardoftheFPSO. ocean and other ecosystem 26,806 square kilometers and was with the same period last year It with290,780tonnesinthefirsthalf

“However, all six coastal services. executedtogetherwithaPetroleum was explained that the sector grew of last year The Mid-Year report regions and the entire extent of Exxon also noted that its oil Prospecting Licence for the byanestimated98.4percentduring indicatedthatthesectorisexpected Guyana’s marine territorial waters spill modeling indicates that Stabroek Block. Per the Petroleum the first half of the year The togrowby7.4percentbyyearend. were defined collectively as the transboundary impacts could Agreement, EEPGL previously Ministry of Finance reported, “At Meanwhile, fish production Indirect AOI (Area of Influence). potentially occur, assuming no obtained approval from the the end of June, total crude oil sufferedafurtherdeclineduringthe These areas are included due to the mitigation measures were Government of Guyana for five production stood at 68.7 million firsthalfof2023,contractingby8.7 potential for community members implemented.Themodelingresults development projects in the barrels, compared with 34 6 percent when compared with the from all coastal regions (in for these scenarios indicate there is Stabroek Block—the Liza Phase 1 million barrels in the same period same period last year The report particular fisherfolk and other the potential for an unmitigated oil Development Project, Liza Phase 2 oflastyear.” said the decline in production was marine users) to be directly or spill to reach Trinidad and Tobago, Development Project, Payara ItwentontonotethatGuyana’s as a result of reduced fishing indirectlyaffectedintheeventofan Venezuela, Grenada, Haiti, the Development Project, Yellowtail second Floating Production activities amid the growing unplanned event such as an oil northern South American coast, Development Project, and Uaru Storage and Offloading (FPSO) presence of sargassum in the spill…,”thereportstated. and the so-called “ABC Islands” DevelopmentProject. Vessel, the Liza Unity which country’s waters It was

It also notes that the minimum (Aruba,Bonaire,andCuraçao). Whiptail is the sixth EEPGL commenced production on compounded by a major operator time for an oil spill to reach the Exxon was keen to note that it development project proposed in February 11, 2022 ramped up to a not working for an extended period shoreline predicted by its model hasestablishedaresponseplanthat the eastern portion of the Stabroek daily production of about 227,000 in the beginning of the year, the wasfiveto10daysaftertherelease will enable the deployment of a Block. barrels per day With the third Ministrysaid. event for both Regions One and capping stack on well locations

FPSO,Payara,expectedtocomeon It however reported that shrimp

Twoinbothscenarios. within5.5days,assumingnodebris Oil sector drives 59.5% stream in the last quarter of this production expanded by 49 5 Exxonwaskeentonotethatthis removal. The company said its growth in GDPduring first half year, the sector is now expected to percenttoreach9,351tonnesinthe does not account for any oil spill modeling of the mitigated scenario of 2023- Mid-Year Report growby39.6percentthisyear firsthalfofthisyear response (e.g., aerial, vessel, or demonstrates that this, in ...gold, bauxite and fisheries On the other hand, production Meanwhile, the forestry sector subsea dispersant application; combination with other response sector decline, non-oil of bauxite reduced during the first recorded a 4.5 percent increase offshore containment and measures (e g , dispersant sector expands by 12.3% sixmonthsof2023by11.1percent. during the first six months of 2023. recovery; or source control application), would significantly Production fell from 343,922 The Ministry of Finance said at the operations). As such, the company reduce the extent of transboundary President Irfaan Ali yesterday tonnes in the first six months of end of June, 209,238 cubic metres saidanypreventivemeasurestaken impacts. In any case, Exxon said it revealedthatthecountryrecordeda 2022 to 277,356 tonnes during the oftimberproductswereproduced, to keep oil from reaching the coast will work through the Ministry of 59 5 percent growth in Gross sameperiodofthisyear (Continued on page 53)

USCongressofficialsdiscusseconomicinclusionwithPresidentAli

United States Democratic MinorityLeader,HakeemJefferies andothercongressofficialsraised the issue of “full economic participation and civic engagement” of Indo and AfroGuyanese during a meeting with PresidentIrfaanAliinWashington onThursday

TheUScongressmansaidina statement on Saturday that other leading congressional officials “with expertise in foreign affairs, finance,security,andothercritical issues to the Western Hemisphere and the Caribbean-American communityinBrooklynandacross the United States also participated” in the meeting with theGuyaneseleaderandhisteam ofgovernmentofficials.

Jefferies, the highest-ranking democrat in the US House of Representatives, said both parties discussed several “critical issues, including regional and energy security,theclimatecrisis,andthe importanceofaninclusivesociety in Guyana that involved full economic participation and civic engagement by GuyaneseAfricansandGuyanese-Indians.”

He said other issues including electoral reform, strengthening democratic institutions, and the need to bolster access to banking and financial services in the Caribbean region were discussed atthemeeting.PresidentAli’steam included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, Minister of Tourism;Industry,andCommerce, Oneidge Walrond; and Foreign Secretary,RobertPersaud

OnSaturday,Jefferiessaidinthe coming weeks, he along with a delegationofUSofficialswillmeet with leaders of the political opposition “to continue our dialogue about the opportunities and challenges confronting the Republic of Guyana and other nationswithintheAfricandiaspora intheWesternHemisphere”

In the past, Jefferies has made several comments about the issue ofracismandeconomicequalityin Guyana He said the US will continuetoencouragethePeople’s Progressive Party/Civic government and the opposition to work together to ensure that all Guyanese citizens, regardless of race or ethnicity, benefit from the economicgrowthunderwayinthe SouthAmericannation.

Meanwhile, Persaud noted on Saturday that the US Democratic leaderhasacceptedPresidentAli’s invitationtovisitGuyana

Thursday’s meeting came less than two weeks before a key diaspora conference which is slatedforSeptember27thand28th in Washington The Democratic Minority Leader is expected to address the event Organized by theCombinedGuyaneseDiaspora Organisations, the event will be held under the theme “Promoting inclusive governance, inclusive economic Growth, Equal Justice, Social Equity, and Sustainable Development for all Guyanese in theeraofoilandgas”

US Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies and a team of officials of the US Congress during a meeting with President IrfaanAli and other officials of the Government of Guyana in Washington on Thursday (Photo: Congressman Hakeem Jefferies Facebook page)

Offshore spills can bankrupt oil companies

The destruction caused by an oil spill can be so massive that petroleum companies can be financially bankrupted in paying out compensation for disruption to livelihoods and cleaninguptheslickwhichcantakeuptomonths.

HighlightingthisstarkrealitywastheProjectsManagerof ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Anthony Jackson during a public engagement on September 12, 2023, at Leonora,WestCoastDemerara(WCD).

The Projects Manager was at the time responding to a queryfromaconcernedGuyaneseduringtheconsultationfor the operator’s sixth project,Whiptail.The citizen, who only gavehisnameas‘Ghansham’,soughtanexplanationfromthe oilcompanyastowhatwouldbecomeofhiscountryshoulda spill occur offshore. He appealed for a response during the meetingsincehesaidtherewassimplynootherforumforhim toseekclarityonthesituation.Henotedthathisquestionhas been bothering him for some time since he is aware that the Court has yet to make a decision regarding the unlimited parentcompanyguaranteetoprotectthecountryfromhaving tofootsuchcosts.

JacksoninrespondingtothequeryexplainedthatEMGL hasprovidedaUS$2billionguaranteetotheEnvironmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)torespondtoaspillthatmayoccur in the Stabroek Block. This is in addition to the US$600 millioninsurancepolicyperoilspilleventthatisinplace.

He said, “We have as a company committed to being responsibleformitigatingtheimpactsofapotentialoilspill.I liketoexplaintofolksfirstwhenitcomestooilspills,ourfirst priority is to keep the fluids contained in the vessels, in the pipelines, in the container vessels that goes from the flow lines up to the FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloadingvessels)ontotankers-ourpriorityistokeepthose fluidswheretheyaresupposedtobe.”

Inunderliningtheimportanceofcontainingthecrudeoil, Jackson said, “We as a company, publicly traded, oil spills haveatendencytoalmostbankruptoilcompaniessowehave a very vested interest to make sure that we get all of our precautionary measures...but I do think that the important element outside of the precautionary and the financial guarantees that we provide, it’s important to understand a littlebitabouttheemergencyresponseactionsthatarepartof ourresponseplan.”

OILSPILLANDGUYANA’SECONOMY

EvenasEMGLhasadmittedthatanoilspillcanbankrupt multibillion-dollarpetroleumcompanies,thereisyettobea studyconductedonwhatsuchaneventcancostGuyana.This was confirmed by Exxon’s consultant, Environmental R e s o u r c e s M a n a g e m e n t ( E R M ) https://wwwkaieteurnewsonline com/2023/09/13/exxonmo bil-never-examined-cost-of-an-oil-spill-to-guyanacaribbean-nations-public-meeting-on-6th-project-hears/ ItwouldbepoignanttonotethatGuyana’seconomyruns

Continued on page 56

Map depicting the predicted transport of slick after 45 days from an unmitigated 177,157 barrels per day spill at the Stabroek Block (Source: EMGL CIA for 35 well drilling campaign)

- ExxonMobil Guyana Projects Manager

EMGLProjects Manager, Anthony Jackson

Exxon to submit field development plan for 6th oil project next month

Inthegovernment’s2023 Mid-Year Report, it was announced that the field development plan (FDP) for the Whiptail Project is set to be submitted this October

The US$13B project is ExxonMobil’s sixth proposeddevelopmentinthe StabroekBlock.

The government said it has actively engaged with ExxonMobil, having participated in two pre-FDP discussionsinAprilandJune These conversations seek to streamline the proposed developments and align them with the country’s policies. Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo recently h i g h l i g h t e d t h e government’s policy positions for the Whiptail Production Licence Notably, he said new policies will ensure ExxonMobil provides prompt data. Additionally, he said there will be greater emphasis on safety during offshore operations and the imperative use of cuttingedge technology to mitigate carbonemissions.

During the recent BarclaysCEOEnergy-Power Conference, the Chief Executive Officer of Hess Corporation, John Hess said the co-venturers expect approval of the project in early 2024. Front-end engineering and design (FEED) work has also commenced for the project and will inform the field developmentplan.

According to project documents, Whiptail will be capableofproducing250,000 barrelsofcrudeperday(bpd) The floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel will have an oil storage capacity of 2 million barrels. It will be

able to offload crude to a tanker every three to six days, once the project is producingoptimally Diving deeper into the Whiptail Project’s specifics, it is set to tap into three oil fields:Whiptail,Pinktail,and Tilapia The project’s ambitious scope targets between 33 and 72 wells in the Stabroek Block Oil production is optimistically projectedtokickoffbetween the last quarter of 2027 and the first half of 2028, promising a production life of at least 20 years. The project’s US$13B budget is a staggering US$13 billion andisExxonMobil’spriciest proposalyet.

Suchsizableinvestments, while indicative of

ExxonMobil’s confidence in the Whiptail Project, also meanasignificantamountof expensesneedtoberecouped before Guyana starts to see higher profits from these ventures. Current projects, Liza Phases One and Two, are already yielding almost 400,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) With another development called Payara that is set to commence productionbytheendofthis yearandYellowtailandUaru in the pipeline for 2025 and 2026, Guyana will be producing more than 1.2 million bpd by the time Whiptailstartsin2027.

There is also speculation about ExxonMobil’s seventh projectintheregion Reports indicate this will be in the Fangtootharea,giventhatitis undergoingactiveappraisal

ExxonMobil,theoperator of the Stabroek Block with a 45% stake, is collaborating on projects in the deepwater concessionwithHess,which holds a 30% stake, and CNOOCwitha25%share

EYEBROW HACKS THAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW

Source: Be Beautiful.com

Toothbrush as spoolie

Did you know that a about makeup–eye makeup, toothbrush can also double to be precise–is that up as a spoolie? If you don’t eyebrows are the makers and have a spoolie or your old the breakers of any look And mascara wand has product thanks to Instagram, it’s on it, choose a toothbrush to prettyclearthatthe90spencil do the job. Spray some hair thinbrowsarenevermakinga spray over it and it’ll give comeback–it’s all about the youafannedouteffect,same unruly and the unkempt But asaspoolie. for many of us who aren’t

If we know one thing

Concealer for sparse areas

Loose powder to blessed with naturally thick tackle dark pigments brows, we have to turn to a

Spoolie Magic

I t ’ s a l w a y s little shaping, brushing and recommended to use a shade

Concealer for sparse areas need to hold those brows in filling. lighter than your natural

Spoolie magic brow colour to fill the brow, hair in a few spots and sparse spray!Spraysomehairspray

Every eyebrowhasdense place, use your trusted hair

Remember that your which,incaseofmostIndian hairinafewspots Thesparse on your spoolie and it’ll do eyebrows are sisters and not girls would be a dark more product and the brows rubbing it over your brow areas are what you need to the job just fine. Remember twins–which basically brown–as they have black end up looking freakishly until the dark pigment fades. target while filling, without to use a little quantity as you means that they’re never hair However, sometimes dark and fake. Fix this by Thisisalife-savingeyebrow making them look unnatural don’t want your brow hair to goingtolookthesame.What our judgment goes wrong dippingyourspoolieinsome hack that we absolutely A great hack for this is to harden. you can do is intensify the and we end up using a lot loose powder and gently swearby! apply some cream concealer existing shape.An easy hack on the sparse areas and then to determine your shape is to use an eyebrow pencil/ brush the brow hair upwards pomade or shadow to fill in. using a spoolie or an old Thishelpstheproductstayfor mascara wand.This makes it longerandavoidsfallout. easier to fill them in! For a Hair spray as brow gel more natural look, you can For days when you run just brush them upwards and out of your brow gel and letthembe!

How often should you wash and change your towel?

BBC.com may not be infectious, but if they alone, the risk to and from others is

You might think your towels get into cuts and abrasions, it can reduced. look clean but the UK’s Dr Sally “cause infections and be serious”, And you’d be right - but Dr Bloomfield says “microbes are Dr Bloomfieldsays. Bloomfield advises even in that invisibleandcanbuildup” If you’re living with others, situation you shouldn’t “leave it

“Despite the fact they may look thenyoushouldbeextracareful. longerthanafortnight”. clean, they’ll have picked up

“Sometimes we will be Dr Cristina Psomadakis is a millions of germs over time and carrying organisms that may not consultant dermatologist for the could be a serious health hazard to cause us to be ill at that moment, National Health Service in the UK whoever you live with,” She says but if we pass them on to other and says she “would encourage adding “if you don’t wash your people, they can become ill,” says peopletocheckinwiththeirtowels towels regularly “ meaning at least Dr Bloomfield andtheirtowelwashingschedule”. once per week, the number of They can be passed on to other “If you’re someone that suffers organismsonthetowelsbuildsup”, peopleifyoushareatowel,butalso from facial or body acne or and when it comes to laundry time if you wash your stuff in the same inflammation of hair follicles, we “it’s very difficult to remove all of laundry load as other people’s want you to be washing your towel them”. items. frequently.”

That’s where things can get “So there’s good evidence She says poor home hygiene, problematic. infectionscanbespread.” includingwithtowels,canbea

Most organisms on our skin

Youmightthinkifyou’reliving (Continued on page 25)

How often should you wash and...

From page 23 you’re using a towel to wipe whether you need a separate different types of organisms contributing factor in sweat, it’s important to wash face and body towel – Dr that you don’t want developing skin conditions. itregularly Psomadakis definitely anywhere near your face,” “You’ve got to address those “You’re raising sweat, recommends keeping shesays. hygiene themes. Otherwise, shedding skin cells from the differenttowels. Dr Bloomfield accepts the thing is going to keep surface of your body and “Don’t forget that when there are environmental and beingaproblemforyou.” more bacteria on to the you’re using a body towel, cost concerns about using Atowel for the towel.” you’re towelling off places washing machines but says face and the gym She says if you don’t, it where the sun doesn’t shine, it’s better to wash regularly

If you’re keen on a will become more “heavily where you might have onalowtemperature,thanat workout, chances are you’ll contaminated” and then certain types of bacteria that high temperatures once in a have a towel to wipe the harder to decontaminate in are related to bowel while. sweatasyoufeeltheburn. thewash. movements. “Keep your microbes to Dr Bloomfield says if And if you’re wondering “You still might have yourself.”

Interesting Creatures... The Komondor Dog

Credits: Dog Time their abundant energy Due

The Komondor, despite totheirsizeandenergylevel, its mop-like appearance, has apartmentlivingisnotideal. a long and esteemed history Despite their imposing as a noble flock-guarding size and appearance, breed breed from Hungary These enthusiasts love Komondors dogs possess a strong for their gentle and patient protective instinct, making demeanor They can coexist them unwavering guardians harmoniously with children of their family and property and other pets in the family Their loyalty knows no Early socialization is crucial bounds,andtheywillreadily inshapingtheirbehaviorand put themselves in harm’s ensuring their well-rounded way to ensure the safety of development. theirlovedones.

Komondor History

The Komondor dog

Komondors are known The Komondor has a for their protective and long and storied history that independent nature They can be traced back to at least have a natural vigilance that the16thcentury,althoughits recognized the Komondor in require a considerable aggression towards other j o u r n e y O n g o i n g allows them to quickly origins predate that time. 1937, but it was not until amount of time to mature, dogs Due to these socialization should involve detect threats and alert their Hailing from Hungary, this after 1962 that the breed usually around three years, characteristics, combined exposing them to various owners. Although they may breed played a vital role as a gained more prominence but once they do, they with their large size, they are people, sights, sounds, and be reserved with strangers, guardian of livestock. It is outside of Hungary Despite develop a calm and devoted not well-suited for first-time experiences Regularly they form deep bonds with believed that the Komondor being recognized by the personality They are or timid owners. Early and inviting visitors over and their families and display shares ancestry with the AKC, the Komondor ranks intelligent, independent, and extensive socialization is including them in outings affectionanddevotion.

Russian Owtcharka, another low in popularity among the exhibit a strong protective crucial for Komondor and walks will further

Intelligence is another breed of sheepdog The various breeds and varieties. nature, always ready to puppies, starting from a contribute to their social prominent trait of the Komondor’s distinct While still serving as a defend their home and y o u n g a g e I t i s development. Komondor However, they advantage in its job was its dependable livestock family. Komondors are recommendedtoenrollthem Source of Information: canalsobestubbornattimes, white, corded coat, which guardian, the Komondor has naturally cautious around inapuppykindergartenclass (https://dogtime com/dognecessitating consistent and closely resembled the also gained recognition as a strangers and may display to begin their socialization breeds/komondor) patient training methods appearance of the sheep it companion dog in recent Their independent streak protected. This camouflage years. reflects their heritage as allowed the Komondor to Komondor Size working dogs entrusted with blend in with the flock, The Komondor male making decisions while catchingpredatorsoffguard. stands27.5inchestallandup guardinglivestock. However, like many other and weighs 100 or more

These dogs are active breeds, the Komondor faced pounds; a female is 25.5 tall and energetic, requiring the threat of extinction and weighs 80 or more regular exercise to keep during World War II. Efforts pounds. them physically and were made by enthusiasts to However,manydogscan mentally stimulated. They revive the breed’s numbers be smaller or larger than thrive in environments that after the war, but it remained average. provide ample space for rare and relatively unknown. Komondor Personality them to roam and burn off The American Kennel Club Komondor puppies

This week in History

American Abolitionist Harriet Tubman escaped

September17

On September 17, 1849, Harriet, Ben and Henry escaped their Maryland plantation. The brothers, however, changed their minds and went back. With the help of the Underground Railroad, Harriet persevered and traveled 90 miles north to Pennsylvania and freedom.

HarrietTubmanwasanescapedenslaved woman who became a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, leading enslaved people to freedom before the Civil War, all whilecarryingabountyonherhead.Butshe wasalsoanurse,aUnionspyandawomen’s suffrage supporter Tubman is one of the most recognized icons in American history andherlegacyhasinspiredcountlesspeople fromeveryraceandbackground.

Harriet Tubman was born around 1820 causing her to fall into a deep sleep at on a plantation in Dorchester County, random. She also started having vivid Maryland. Her parents, Harriet (“Rit”) dreams and hallucinations which she often Green and Benjamin Ross, named her claimed were religious visions (she was a AramintaRossandcalledher“Minty.” staunch Christian). Her infirmity made her Rit worked as a cook in the plantation’s unattractive to potential slave buyers and “big house,” and Benjamin was a timber renters.In1840,Harriet’sfatherwassetfree worker Araminta later changed her first and Harriet learned that Rit’s owner’s last nametoHarrietinhonourofhermother will had set Rit and her children, including

Harriethadeightbrothersandsisters,but Harriet,free.ButRit’snewownerrefusedto the realities of slavery eventually forced recognize the will and kept Rit, Harriet and manyofthemapart,despiteRit’sattemptsto therestofherchildreninbondage. keep the family together When Harriet was

Around 1844, Harriet married John five years old, she was rented out as a Tubman, a free Black man, and changed her nursemaidwhereshewaswhippedwhenthe last name from Ross to Tubman. The baby cried, leaving her with permanent marriage was not good, and the knowledge emotionalandphysicalscars. that two of her brothers Ben and

Around age seven, Harriet was rented Henry—were about to be sold provoked out to a planter to set muskrat traps and was Harriettoplananescape. laterrentedoutasafieldhand.Shelatersaid On September 17, 1849, Harriet, Ben she preferred physical plantation work to and Henry escaped their Maryland indoordomesticchores. plantation. The brothers, however, changed

AGood Deed Gone Bad

their minds and went back. With the help of

Harriet’s desire for justice became the Underground Railroad, Harriet apparent at age 12 when she spotted an persevered and traveled 90 miles north to overseer about to throw a heavy weight at a Pennsylvaniaandfreedom. fugitive Harriet stepped between the Tubman found work as a housekeeper in enslaved person and the overseer—the Philadelphia, but she wasn’t satisfied living weightstruckherhead. free on her own—she wanted freedom for

She later said about the incident, “The herlovedonesandfriends,too. weightbrokemyskull Theycarriedmeto Shesoonreturnedtothesouthtoleadher the house all bleeding and fainting. I had no niece and her niece’s children to bed, no place to lie down on at all, and they Philadelphia via the Underground Railroad. laid me on the seat of the loom, and I stayed At one point, she tried to bring her husband therealldayandthenext.” John north, but he’d remarried and chose to Harriet’s good deed left her with stay in Maryland with his new wife. (The headachesandnarcolepsytherestofherlife, Britannica)

Jamaica born Reggae Superstar Bob

On September 23 1980

Wikipedia - BobMarley, in full Robert Nesta Marley, (born February 6, 1945, Nine Miles, St Ann, Jamaica died May 11, 1981, Miami, Florida, U S ), Jamaican singersongwriterwhosethoughtful ongoing distillation of early ska, rock steady, and reggae musical forms blossomed in the1970sintoanelectrifying rock-influenced hybrid that made him an international superstar perform.

Reggae Superstar Bob Marley

ER the medical drama started airing on NBC

September 19

ER, American television medical drama that aired on NBC debuted on September 19, 1994. The show, created by best-selling Buscemi, James Woods, and Sally Field, novelistMichaelCrichtonandproducerJohn wereanotherstapleofER’ssuccess. Wells, was one of the highest-rated programs Inthemid-tolate1990stheserieswasthe ontelevision. top-rated show on American television, ER centred on the emergency room boasting upward of 30 million viewers and doctors, nurses, and staff of County General winning many Emmy Awards, though its Hospital, a fictional level-one trauma centre in Chicago

K n o w n f o r i t s intensity, the series examined the fierce challenges and lifeand-death decisions the staff faced on a daily basis in their busy metropolitan facility. Although medical emergencies regularly figured into the show’s main plot, the narrative was also driven by other following significantly declined in later tensions. Some of these, such as crowded seasons.After 15 seasons on air, ER ended in waiting rooms, staff shortages, and training 2009.

new doctors, related to the practice of ERprovidedabreakthroughforseveralof medicine, but other plot elements dealt with its cast members, most notably George the characters’ personal lives and Clooney, whose role as Dr Doug Ross in the relationships. The show was set almost first five seasons propelled him to fame. In entirely inside the hospital, with occasional addition, Julianna Margulies’s portrayal of scenestakingplaceelsewhere.Followingthe head nurse Carol Hathaway in the first six program’s debut, the cast saw a complete seasons made her a TV star Other actors turnover,withcharacterdeparturescausedby whose careers were boosted by stints on ER dramatic deaths (one was murdered by a included Eriq La Salle (1994–2001, 2002, patient) and emotional (and often sudden) 2009), Noah Wyle (1994–2006, 2009), resignations and terminations. High-profile Maura Tierney (1999–2009), and Goran gueststars,includingEwanMcGregor,Steve Visnjic(1999–2008). (The Britannica)

The cast of popular NBC sitcom Friends

Friends, the popular NBC Sitcom debuted

September 22 oftheshowtoNBC.

Wikipedia - Friends is an American After several script rewrites and television sitcom created by David Crane changes, including title changes to Six of and Marta Kauffman, which aired on NBC One and Friends Like Us, the series was from September 22, 1994, to May 6, 2004, finallynamedFriends.Filmingtookplaceat lasting ten seasonsWith an ensemble cast Warner Bros Studios in Burbank, starring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, California. The series was produced by Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions and and David Schwimmer, the show revolves WarnerBros.Television. around six friends in their 20s and 30s who Theshowrankedwithinthetoptenofthe live in Manhattan, New York City The final television season ratings; it ultimately original executive producers were Kevin S. reached the number-one spot in its eighth Bright,Kauffman,andCrane. season.

Despite his apparent ill- His final concert was in #TheWailers at the Stanley health, Marley continued to Pittsburgh on September Theatre.

Kauffman and Crane began developing The series finale aired on May 6, 2004, Friends under the working title Insomnia and was watched by around 52.5 million Cafe between November and December American viewers, making it the fifth-most1993.They presentedthe ideato Bright, and watchedseriesfinaleintelevisionhistory togethertheypitchedaseven-pagetreatment (Continued on page 35)

Marley performed at his last concert

American abolitionist: Harriet Tubman

Stars on the medical drama ER

Creating for Guyana Carnival, designer Jason Shurland’s mind wentonajourneyofwhatcouldhe create that represents Guyana but alsoappealstoyoungpeople.

As such, the designer created the costume line dubbed Blossom Bliss.

He said the costumes are basically a true representation of Guyanabeingatropicalparadise.

“Vibrant tones of different flowers, butterflies, and feathers helped to bring my vision to life while on the other hand, I love to

Designer Jason Shurland creates Blossom Bliss for Cricket Carnival

create whole-piece monokinis which give me the option to play arealittlemoreinstructuring.This also gives the young ladies a bit more coverage while keeping it sexy with the use of illusion mesh fabric,”Shurlandsaid.

Shurland’s Blossom Bliss designwillbefeaturedtheHeritage Band alongside West Siders entertainmentcomecarnivalday He noted that the band is comprisedof100revelerswhowill be decked in the brightly colours decorativepieces.

Prominent fashion designer , Jason Shurland

Models showcasing the Blossom Bliss costume design.

This week in History

Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan set sail from Spain to discover the Strait of Magellan in South America

September 20, 2023

On September 20, 1519, Portuguese navigator and explorer, Ferdinand Magellan set sail from Spain under the flags of both Portugal and Spain. From Spain he sailed aroundSouthAmerica,discoveringtheStrait ofMagellan,andacrossthePacific.

With five ships and 270 men, Magellan sailed to West Africa and then to Brazil, where he searched the SouthAmerican coast for a strait that would take him to the Pacific. He searched the Rio de la Plata, a large estuary south of Brazil, for a way through; failing, he continued south along the coast of Patagonia. At the end of March 1520, the expedition set up winter quarters at Port St. Julian. On Easter day at midnight, the Spanish captains mutinied against their Portuguesecaptain,butMagellancrushedthe revolt, executing one of the captains and leaving another ashore when his ship left St. joy. He was the first European explorer to JulianinAugust. reachthePacificOceanfromtheAtlantic.His

On October 21, he finally discovered the fleet accomplished the westward crossing of strait he had been seeking. The Strait of the ocean in 99 days, crossing waters so Magellan, as it became known, is located strangely calm that the ocean was named near the tip of South America, separating “Pacific,” from the Latin word pacificus, Tierra del Fuego and the continental meaning“tranquil.”Bytheend,themenwere mainland. Only three ships entered the out of food and chewed the leather parts of passage; one had been wrecked and another theirgeartokeepthemselvesalive.OnMarch deserted. It took 38 days to navigate the 6,1521,theexpeditionlandedattheislandof treacherous strait, and when ocean was Guam. (The Britannica) sighted at the other end Magellan wept with

Friends, the popular NBC Sitcom debuted

From page 29 foritseighthseason. and the most-watched television episode of The show ranked no. 21 on TV Guide’s the 2000sFriends received acclaim 50 GreatestTVShows ofAllTime and no. 5 throughoutitsrun,becomingoneofthemost on Empire magazine’s The 50 Greatest TV populartelevisionshowsofalltime. Shows of All Time. In 1997, the episode The series was nominated for 62 “The One with the Prom Video” was ranked Primetime Emmy Awards, winning the no. 100 on TV Guide’s 100 Greatest Outstanding Comedy Series award in 2002 EpisodesofAll-Time.

Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan

ELEVATING INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE THROUGH STANDARDS EDUCATION

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nsive courses for standards implementation is business potential with the For more information, Guyana’s burgeon business personnel; one on nolongeranoptionformany education and guidance contact the GNBS on Tel: economy, the importance Understanding the of our local businesses offered through our 219-0064-66 or visit our of adhering to industry

Requirements of the Implementing standards has standards-relatedservices. website: www.gnbsgy.org standards cannot be

G Y S 1 7 0 : 2 0 2 1 become a vital step for those stressedenough.Such S t a n d a r d f o r aiming for quality, adherence is pivotal Laboratories and the consistency, business for businesses other focused on the efficient, customer striving for success,

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Although these National Bureau ecific courses were Standards (GNBS) stands nded by participants prepared to educate from various companies, businesses throughout the GNBS can offer tailored of standards, GNBS has been country for conformance to training to a specific instrumental in aiding local, regional, and organization. These b u s i n e s s e s i n t h e international standards via exclusive trainings can be implementation of standards our expansive training and providedforeitherthewhole like the ISO 9001:2015 –technical assistance organization or for selected Quality Management System programmes. groupswithin.

Standard Numerous training

This applies to any of the sessions are scheduled and just markers; they are the GNBS featured courses and conductedtoassistbusinesses pillars on which modern interested businesses can to effectively implement and commerce is built They reach out to the Business maintain the requirements of guarantee that products and Development Department theseinternationalstandards. services meet available for these customized This September, in q u a l i t y a n d s a f e t y trainings. association with Delphi guidelines.

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Taylor Swift freaks out over ‘90s boy band NSYNC

Taylor Swift showed us that you can never be too famous a millennial to absolutely lose your mind overa‘90sboyband.

All five members of N S Y N C J u s t i n Timberlake, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick — reunited at the 2023 MTV VMAsonTuesdaytopresent the award for Best Pop Video.

“For the first time ever, back together in, like, a decade.Makesomenoisefor NSYNC,” emcee Nicki

Minajsaidassheintroduced the men onstage, according toaclipofthebroadcastthat

wasuploadedonTikTok.

Cheers erupted from across the venue, and as the

camera panned through the audience to capture their reactions—thereSwiftwas,

inallherdisbelief,havingan absolutefangirlmoment.

After the welcome, the group started to present the firstawardofthenight.

“Over 20 years ago, we werejustkidswhenwewon BestPopVideofor‘ByeBye Bye,’” Chasez said, per the video.“ItwasourfirstVMA anditmeanttheworldtous.”

“A lot has changed over thelasttwodecades,butone thing remains constant: a creative, boundary-pushing video that leaves a lasting mark for decades,” Bass added.

After introducing the nominees, Timberlake openedanenvelopetoreveal the winner: “And the VMA goes to the unstoppable Taylor Swift, ” he announced.

And with that, all of Swift’s fangirl dreams came true.

She took the stage to accept her award, giving eachNSYNCmemberahug, and even received a friendship bracelet from Bass,perthevideo.

“I’m not doing well pivoting from this to this,” Swift said during her acceptance speech, referring to her award and her questions regarding the NSYNCreunion.

“Like, I had your dolls. Like, are you doing something? What’s going to happennow?

They’re going to do something and I need to know what it is,” the “AntiHero”singersaid.“Youguys are pop personified and to receive this from your golden pop hands is, really, it’stoomuch.Thankyoufor thefriendshipbracelets.”

The NSYNC reunion comes10yearsafterthelast time all five members of the boy band performed together

In August 2013, the NSYNC members came together at the MTV VMAs to perform a medley of their songs in celebration of Timberlake winning the VideoVanguardAward.

Andifyoulookcloselyat the footage of NSYNC’s 2 0 1 3 M T V V M A performance, you can see Swift fangirling in the crowd,too.

Taylor Swift accepts the Best Pop award for “Anti-Hero” onstage during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTVa

Taylor Swift

Steve Harvey co-host’s apologizes for her negative comments on his wife Marjorie

Steve Harvey has responded to his co- “It was definitely not me trying to add to host Shirley Strawberry’s apology over her what you have going on right now,” she leaked phone calls with her estranged continued, referring to other misleading husband Ernesto, who has been incarcerated. headlines the couple recently faced from the Taking to their TV show, Shirley admitted media.“Iapologize,Imakenoexcuses.Isaid that she regretted saying bad things about the whatIsaidandthere’snodenyingitortaking comedian’swifeMarjorieHarvey itback.”

In the phone conversation between her Steve later responded to his co-host’s and Ernesto that leaked over the weekend, apology. “Let me say this to you, Shirley, we Shirley talked about Steve’s wife. She have known about this right after it happened insinuated that Steve is afraid of Lori but we can’t get in nobody’s marriage like Harvey’s mother. “If she was there, we ‘girl what are you doing? what are you probably wouldn’t have been all over the feeling?’but we didn’t want to talk about it,” house…You know he’s scared… I wasn’t hesaid. supposed to be in there but he brought us in,”

Onhowtheyusuallydealwiththiskindof she told Ernesto about visiting her boss’ rumors, Steve shared, “When something like house. this happens, our motto has always been to

Jeezy Files for divorce from Jeannie Mai Jenkins after two Years of Marriage

Jeezy and Jeannie Mai Jenkins are When Jenkins was a contestant on calling it quits. The rapper, 45, filed for “Dancing With The Stars” in 2020, she divorcefromTheRealhost,44,onThursday marked Disney night with a special dance inAtlanta, Georgia, according to documents dedicated to Jeezy, set to the song “Married obtained by people magazine. The couple Life”fromtheDisney-PixarmovieUp. were married for two-and-a-half years and Ahead of the performance, the Holey hadaprenuptialagreementinplace. Moley reporter said her “entire life took a Jeezy’sfilingsaystheformercouplesare turn” when she met Jeezy, and that Up was a “currently living in a bona fide state of specialmovieforthepair separation,” and that their marriage is “I played up for him while we were “irretrievably broken” with “no hope for dating.ThismovieishowIwouldlikeforus reconciliation.” to grow old together,” she said, adding, “I

The document also says that the rapper specifically chose this dance because J is the wants to share joint legal custody of the love of my life and honestly when we met, I pair’s daughter Jenkins and Jeezy (né Jay picturedthebeginningofthis…TheminuteI Jenkins) tied the knot in March 2021 at their met J, I couldn’t wait to grow old with him, home in Atlanta, and welcomed daughter happilyeverafter.”

MonacoinJanuary2022.

Jenkins opened up about married life to

The pair celebrated their two-year EntertainmentTonight in 2021, saying it felt anniversary in March with a surprise trip to “1,000percentdifferent”thandating,“inthe Vietnam that Jenkins organized for her greatestway.” husbandasa“long-awaitedadventure.” “Ilovedourdatinglifebecausewereally

“When Jeezy and I met, we bonded over spent such concentrated quality time getting the similarities and differences of our to know each other and making sure that we cultures,” she told PEOPLE at the time. were right for each other,” she said. “And “Now that we have a daughter, blending our now being married, it’s even more handled worlds, it gives even more meaning to with such delicacy and such thoughtfulness, explore Vietnam together as a multicultural because we’re in our 40s and we both grew family.” up in households that weren’t healthy

Jeezy had initially planned to pop the marriages. We have never seen what that question in Hoi An, Vietnam in April 2020, lookslike.” but was forced to change his plans after The star was also transparent about the COVIDcanceledthetrip. difficulties she faced in her first year of

“When Jeezy proposed to me, he motherhood, including her breastfeeding decorated his condo to look like Hoi An. It struggles and a scary bout with postpartum brought the memories of our engagement anxiety

fullcirclewhenwewerefinallyinHoiAnfor “That little person has completely the first time,” Jenkins said of their awakened me to seeing the world a whole anniversaryvacation. differentway,” she toldpeoplein December

the inside because were a inside circle were a

“He was happy to see us…he always never address blogs because we know who invites us over there and we don’t never we are and we know whose we are so we go because I don’t know, if she’s don’t address blogs. When this came out it there…you know,” Shirley added. “She’s, was a little bit different because it’s not um…nope...she looks at us as ‘the help’you gossip/rumorsoramaliciouslieitcamefrom know…itiswhatitis.”

Inthelatestepisodeof“TheSteveHarvey family.” Morning Show”, Shirley took the time to

But they apparently haven’t had time to address her remarks. “Steve, I’m going to talk about Shirley’s comments because start by saying that my estranged husband is Marjorie is currently preoccupied with her in jail. He’s been in jail for over a year, right grandmother duties. “So when it came out after the 4th of July of 2022, and recently Marjorie is on baby watch right now because some phone calls between he and I were we have another grandchild coming and the leakedlastyear,”shebegansaying. baby is due any minute so she’s just doing

She explained, “On those calls, you hear grandmotherdutiesandMarjoriedon’treally mesayingthatyouwerewindedgoingupthe getintoallthisrighthere,”the“FamilyFeud” stairs at your home and that Majorie looks at hostexplained. us as the help. Right here and now, I want to

“The devil is busy The devil doesn’t apologize to you and Majorie. As much as I comeforthosehegot,hesendsthosehehas,” wishIcould,Ican’ttakeitback.” hestressed.

ThecouplefirstmetonthesetofJenkins’ “And the crazy thing is, my daughter gives daytime talk show The Real, and quietly me so much confidence. I like myself more started dating in November 2018. They as a mom. I like myself more getting up and eventually took their romance public in taking care of somebody else and tending to August2019. her and watching her actually register things

“Webothwentthroughenoughinourlife that we’ve worked so hard to teach her I to connect on the understanding that love can’t believe, like, that’s such an should feel safe, honest, and pure,” Jenkins accomplishment.Ididn’trealizethat.” toldPEOPLEthatNovember.“Immediately, She added to PEOPLE in June that she that was a magnetic attraction. We are very and Jeezy (who is also dad to two children attractedtoeachother’spassionstoserve.So from previous relationships) shared a because we have a mutual joy of having “family first” mindset, and would often turn purpose, we’re going to find a way to do that to relatives to help care for their daughter as together.” theybalancedparenthoodwithbusycareers.

Hugh Jackman and wife announce 27-year marriage is over

Actor, best known for playing greatly appreciate your asked about how to have a longwolverine and Deborra-Lee understanding in respecting our lastingmarriage. Furness say they are pursuing privacyasourfamilynavigatesthis “I think honesty and intimacy ‘individualgrowth’ transitioninallofourlives.” andmakingtime[arethesecrettoa Hugh Jackman and his wife, Thestatementwassignedoffas long and happy marriage]. You Deborra-Lee Furness, have “DebandHughJackman”,withthe can’t just assume that things will announced they are ending their addendum: “This is the sole just tick along OK. You have to marriageafter27years. statementeitherofuswillmake.” maketime.”Inaninterviewin2017

The Australian actors married The couple had celebrated their topromoteTheGreatestShowman, in 1996 and have two children, 27th wedding anniversary inApril. he described Deborra-Lee as his Oscar,23,andAva,18. They met while co-starring as a “best friend” and main source of

In a statement to People prison psychologist and a brain- support in his career and personal magazine, the couple said: “We damaged convict in Australian life. Earlier this week, Jackman have been blessed to share almost televisionseriesCorrelliin1995. advocated the 85% rule as three decades together as husband Furness most recently played something that he tries to live by to and wife in a wonderful, loving Jill Bailey alongside Eric Bana in preventburnout. marriage Our journey now is the Australian thriller Force of In an interview with the shifting and we have decided to Nature: The Dry 2, from writer- American entrepreneur Tim separate to pursue our individual directorRobertConnolly Ferriss, the actor explained that growth. “Our family has been and Jackman is known for

always will be our highest priority Wolverine in the X-Men franchise

Weundertakethisnextchapterwith andhasalsostarredinTheGreatest

gratitude,

and kindness. We

playing professional sports players often screen. His stage roles include The years later, they adopted now 18-

workedat85percentofcapacityto MusicManonBroadway year-olddaughterAvaEliot.

focus on th

In 2000, the couple adopted

an interview with Smooth

love,

Showman and Les Miserables on optimisation. Oscar Maximilian, now 23. Five Radio in February, Jackman was

Hugh Jackman and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness

Guyanese Pepperpot

Jehan Powell recipe –Guyanese Pepperpot is a must have at Christmas in every Guyanese household. This hearty and aromatic stewhasbeenanintegralpart of Guyanese cuisine, representing the diverse influencesandtraditionsthat shape the country’s gastronomy As the national dish of Guyana, Guyanese Pepperpot embodies the techniques from Indigenous Amerindians who use cassareep as a way of preservingmeat.

Whatiscassareepand howisitmade?

Cassareep is made from cassavaroot,astaplecropin Guyanese cuisine The processstartsbypeelingand grating fresh bitter cassava roots, which are then placed in a matapi The grated cassava is squeezed to extract the liquid, which separates into two layers: a clearliquidontopandathick layerofstarchatthebottom. The clear liquid is carefully poured off and set aside for otheruses.Thecassavajuice is then cooked in a pot over medium heat, continuously stirred to prevent sticking andscorching.

Through a slow and gradual reduction process, the liquid transforms into a thick and dark syrup known as cassareep. This cooking processnotonlythickensthe liquid but also removes any toxins present in raw cassava, making cassareep safe for consumption. The resultingcassareepimpartsa distinctflavourandcolourto dishes like Guyanese Pepperpot,addingdepthand richnesstothecuisine.

Essential Ingredients of this traditional Guyanese dish

To create the distinct flavours of Guyanese Pepperpot, several key ingredientsarerequired.The foundation of this savory stew includes meat, such as

beef, pork, lamb, cow foot (betterknownascowheelin Guyana) or face, or even wild game meat such as labba. The star ingredient, cassareep a thick, molasses-like syrup derived fromcassavajuice—offersa slightly sweet and unique flavour The spice blend, featuring cinnamon, cloves, thyme, orange peel and wiri wiri peppers, adds a delightful kick that complements the rich flavours.

SlowCookingfor MaximumFlavour

The preparation of Guyanese Pepperpot requirestimeandpatience.It is often slow-cooked in a large pot or Dutch oven, allowing the flavours to meld together beautifully This slow simmering process tenderizes the meat, intensifies the flavours, and gives rise to the irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

The result is a hearty and robust stew that is sure to tantalizethetastebuds.

This is typically made a dayortwoaheadtowhenit’s intended to be served as the flavourdeepens,thelongerit sits.

Whattoservewiththis dish?

Guyanese Pepperpot is traditionally served on special occasions and holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s Day

Traditionally,itiseatenwith cassava bread but at holidays, it is essentially

served with homemade bread.

The deep, rich flavours of the stew and the tender meat accompanied with hearty homemade bread creates an exceptional dish. Thestickysauceclingstothe breadwhichistypicallysoft, butfirmenoughtowithstand the warm gravy On less formal occasions, it is enjoyed with rice or even roti.

HowtostorePepperpot?

What’suniqueaboutthis dish is that it requires no refrigeration.

Because it uses cassareep, it preserves the meat.

Simply bring to a boil daily, simmer for just a few minutes and this stew lasts for more than a week Additionally, as needed, more meat can be added to thebrothaswell. Justensure thatitisthoroughlycooked. Whether enjoyed during festive occasions or as a comforting meal on a chilly day, Guyanese Pepperpot never fails to satisfy and delight. So, grab a bowl of this flavorful dish, immerse

yourself in the cultural journey it represents, and experience the taste of Guyanafirsthand.

Instructions

* Trim excess fat off meatandsoakinvinegarfor about 15 to 30 minutes. Puree garlic, onion and thyme. Marinate fresh meat withmarinadeand1/3cupof cassareep.

* Meanwhile, in a pressure cooker, place pickled pork and salted beef andpressurefora20minutes or until tender Discard the waterandsetmeataside.

* Wash cow foot thoroughly by soaked in vinegar for about half an hour

Rinse. Place in pressure cooker and pressure for 20 minutes or until tender Discard water *If the cow heel isn’t soft after 20 minutes, continue to pressure in 5-minute intervals, checking for tenderness.

* In a stock pot, cook beef and pork in marinade until all liquid evaporates. Add the cow foot, pickled pork, salted beef, sugar and remaining cassereep with a stick of cinnamon, cloves, orange peel and enough watertocover Ifthestewis brown, add more cassareep toattainadeep,darkcolour

* Cook slowly until tender Add pepper and salt totaste.

This meal tastes better the next day, so it is best when made a day ahead. To serve this meal, warm and servewithbread.

TheThreeApples

The old apple tree stoodintheorchard withtheothertrees, and all summer long it had stretchedoutitsbrancheswide tocatchtherainandthesunto make its apples grow round andripe.Nowitwasfall,and on the old apple tree were three great apples as yellow as gold and larger than any other apples in the whole orchard The apple tree stretched and reached as far as it could, until the branch on which the threegoldapplesgrewhungovertheorchard wall. There were the three great apples, waitingforsomeonetopickthem,andasthe windblewthroughtheleavesoftheappletree itseemedtosing:

"Hereintheorchardareapplesthree,

Whousesonewellshallatreasuresee."

And one morning Gerald came down the lane that passed by the orchard wall. He looked longingly at the three gold apples, wishing,wishingthathemighthaveone.Just thenthewindsangitssongagainintheleaves of the apple tree and, plump, down to the ground, right at Gerald's feet, fell one of the threegoldapples.

He picked it up and turned it round and roundinhishands.Howsweetitsmelled,and how mellow and juicy it was! Gerald could think of nothing so good to do with such a beautifulripeappleastoeatit.Heputittohis mouthandtookagreatbiteofit,thenanother bite,andanother Soontherewasnothingleft oftheapplebutthecore,whichGeraldthrew away He smacked his lips and went on his way, but the wind in the apple trees sang, sorrowfully,afterhim:

"Hereintheorchardareapplestwo,

Butgoneisthetreasurethatfellforyou."

And after a while Hilda came down the lane thatpassed by the orchard wall. She lookedupatthetwobeautifulgoldapplesthat hungonthebranchoftheoldappletree,and she listened to the wind as it sang in the branchestoher:

"Hereintheorchardareapplestwo, Atreasuretheyholdforachildlikeyou."

Thenthewindblewharderand,plump,an applefellinthelanerightinfrontofHilda. Shepickeditupjoyfully

Shehadneverseensolargeandsogolden an apple. She held it carefully in her clasped handsandthoughtwhatapityitwouldbeto eatit,becausethenitwouldbegone.

"Iwillkeepthisgoldapplealways,"Hilda said, and she wrapped it up in the clean handkerchief that was in her pocket. Then Hildawenthome,andthereshelaidawayina drawer the gold apple that the old apple tree

FUNWITHPOETRY

by Uncle Roy

Craft Supplies Needed for Fall Hedgehog Craft

Beforeyougetstartedon this craft, make sure you havealltherightsupplies!

Fall Hedgehog Template

*Whitecardstock

*Washablepaint

*Paintbrush

*Scissors

*Pompoms

ha d given her, closing the drawer tightly The apple lay inside, in the dark,andallwrappedup,formanydays,until it spoiled. And when Hilda next went down thelaneandpasttheorchard,thewindinthe appletreesangtoher:

"Only one apple where once there were two, GoneisthetreasureIgavetoyou."

Last of all, Rudolph went down the lane one fine fall morning when the sun was shining warm and the wind was out. There, hangingovertheorchardwall,hesawjustone greatgoldapplethatseemedtohimthemost beautiful apple that he had ever seen.As he stood looking up at it, the wind in the apple treesangtohim,anditsaid:

"Roundandgoldontheappletree, Awonderfultreasure,hanging,see!"

Thenthewindblewharder,anddownfell thelastgoldappleofthethreeintoRudolph's waitinghands.

He held it a long time and looked at it as Gerald and Hilda had, thinking how good it wouldbetoeat,andhowprettyitwouldbeto lookatifheweretosaveit.

Then he decided not to do either of these things. He took his jack-knife out of his pocketandcutthegoldappleinhalf,straight across,andexactlyinthemiddlebetweenthe blossomandthestem.

Oh, the surprise that waited for Rudolph insidetheapple!Therewasastar,andineach point of the star lay a small black seed. Rudolph carefully took out all the seeds and climbedovertheorchardwall,holdingthem inhishand.

Theearthintheorchardwasstillsoft,for the frost had not yet come. Rudolph made holesintheearthandineachholehedropped an apple seed.Then he covered up the seeds and climbed back over the wall to eat his apple,andthengoonhisway

ButasRudolphwalkeddownthelane,the orchard wind followed him, singing to him fromeverytreeandbush,

"Aplantedseedisatreasurewon.

Theworkoftheappleisnowwelldone."

Doing my best homework

ThehomeworkIhavetodoeachday, Tomakemedowellatschool, Isometimesdidnottrymybest, Andmyfriendstookmeforafool.

ManytimesIusedthetime, InsteadofworkingasIshould, Toidle,playandwatchTV, AndsonotdoingaswellasIcould.

ButnowIhavemadeupmymind

Myhomeworkisdonebeforeanyother; Inevermisusethetimeforthis, Andmyworkatschoolissomuchbetter

*Glue stick or hot glue gun

*Sticker eyes or wiggly eyes

*Blackmarker

Directions for Leaf HedgehogCraft

STEP 1: Download and print fall leaf and a big hedgehog template. When printing the template you will need one template, plus 5–10 extra leaves to make one.

STEP 2: Paint the hedgehog and leaf templates. Invite your child to paint their template with washable paint. We chose orange, red, yellow, and brown for our leaves, and blackwashablepaintforthe hedgehog'sbody

STEP 3: Cut the templates.Whenthepaintis dry, invite your child to cut

outthehedgehogshapesand theleaves.

Admittedly, cutting out the leaves is quite timeconsuming for little ones amazing finem o t o r b u t t i m econsuming!

You may wish to consider stretching this projectintoseveralblocks.If you have or work with very little ones, think about pairing them with an older “buddy”toshouldersomeof thework!

Another alternative is to have kids paint blank sheets of white cardstock, then use aleafpaperpunchtocutout leaves. If you are making

this craft with a large group of kids, it may be easier to provide baskets of prepunched leaves. We used 25–30 small leaves per hedgehog. You may need more or less, depending on thesizeofthepaperpunch.

STEP 4: Glue the templates.Useagluestickor tackycraftgluetosecurethe paper leaves to the hedgehog'sbody

STEP 5: Draw the details.

Invite your child to decorate the hedgehog's face. We used pompoms for thehedgehog'snose,butkids could also use buttons or papercircles.

Stars battle

Place stars on the puzzle grid in such a waythat2starscannotadjacenttoeach other (horizotally, vertically or

diagnonally).

Alsoeachrow,columnandblockshould containonlyasinglestar

Follow these pointers to make the best of your Studies

Avoiddistractions

Distractionscancomein manyforms. Wecansimply allow some activity or personthatispresenttograb our attention away from what we are doing, and as a result our efficiency suffers.

We can also let the memory of some occasion that we experienced some time beforetocloudourmindand affect our work adversely

Then there are the times when we actually take time offtodosomethingthatfeels good to be doing, but does notcontributetoourwork.

Inthesameway,there are many distractions that we allow to interfere in our work that take away our attention from our real occupation, and so we are constantly under-achieving in what is necessary for our success. Aswesaidbefore, this is becoming more and more prevalent among our young people, some of whom have just started in some career, and who lose

out big because of this time andenergy-wastinghabit.

R e m e m b e r t h a t distraction, like multitasking,isoneofthegreatest thieves of time and energy, and always prevents you fromtheresultyoudesirein anyactivity Ifyoufindyour attention straying, make an effort to avoid the distraction, and you will always be in control of the resultyouexpect. Getupearly

There are so many

benefits to derive from this onepractice. Apartfromthe fact that we can do so much more with the 24 hours of our day when we rise early, we can reap many benefits. Exposing ourselves to the refreshing morning air allows our body to adapt readily to the daytime conditions,andhelpstokeep us healthy, as well as invigorate us for our daily

work. On the other hand, when we rise with the sun already up, our body suffers fromtheharshconditionswe suddenly face and this can haveadverseeffects.

Youwillalsofindthat you are more able to plan your day effectively when thedaystretchesbeforeyou, rather than when you are pressedtogetyourselfready fortheday'sactivities.

Youwillbeabletofind more time for any physical e x e r c i s e , m e n t a l conditioning, and any spiritualpractice,sothatyou start every day in the right frameofmind.

As we said before, any positive effort you make towards improving our studieswillenableyoutodo yourbestatyourstudies.

We will be continuing nextweekwiththesetips,so pleasetakethetimetocheck theseout.

Early to Bed

byUncleRoy

Bridging islands

Connect these islands with bridgesuntileach island can be reached from any other island, and each island has as many outgoing bridges asitsnumber

You may only connect islands vertically or horizontally and bridges maynotcross.

Theremaybeoneortwo bridges connecting pairs of islands, but no more thantwo.

Eachpuzzlehasaunique solution that can be found without making guesses.

Weallknowofwhattheysay:

“Earlytobed,earlytorise”, Butmanychildrenusuallygetuplate, Anddonotheedthiswiseadvice.

Risingafterthesunisup

Isnotgoodforyoureyesandbody; Thebrightlightandheatthatyoumeet Canmakeyousufferterribly

Butwhenyougetupintheearlymorning, Theairissofreshandsweet, Yourwholebodyfeelssogreat, Andyourmindisclearandneat.

Sotrythisoutandyouwillfind Yourlifebecomessomuchbetter; Youwillbeabletodosomuchmore, Andeverythingwillbecomemucheasier

Solutions to last week’s

Getting rid of idle habits will enable you to make the most of the resources you use towards success in your studies.

Footcare

Goodfootcaredoesn'tneedtobetoolaboured,andcan include:

keepingthemcleananddry–especiallybetweenyourtoes checkingthemregularlyforcutsorsores,redness,swelling orbruising.Gettoknowyourfeetwellandknowwhat's normalapplyingmoisturiserifyourskinisdrytopreventit fromcrackingandimproveitstexture

filingdryorhardskinusingafootfileorpumicestone

Howoften?

Youshouldcheck,andcarefor,yourfeetregularly–includingcuttingandfilingyourtoenailsifneeded.Schedulea regulartime,10minutes,onceaweekissufficient.

Ifyouhaveimpairedcirculationordiabetes(mediumor highrisk),it'srecommendedthatyoucheckyourfeetevery day

Footproblems

Ifyouexperienceanyproblemswithyourfeet–suchas cutsorsoresorfluid/bloodleakingfromanyarea–speakto yourGPoraHealthandCareProfessionsCouncilregistered podiatristforadviceaboutwhattodo.

Footscreeningforpeoplewithdiabetes

Peoplewithdiabetesareatriskofdevelopingnumbnessin thefeet,whichpreventsthemfromsensingwheretheirfootis onthefloor

Ifyouhavediabetes,youshouldhaveyourfeetscreenedas partofyourannualdiabetesreviewtolookfor,andmonitor, anychanges.

Youcanlearnmoreaboutdiabetesandfootcarethrough DiabetesUK.

Footwear

Aswellascaringforyourfeet,youshouldpaysome attentiontoyourfootwearasthiscanalsoaffectyourwalking andbalance.

Shoes

Agoodshoeshouldsupportandprotectyourfootand allownaturalmovementduringwalking.Poorlyfittingshoes cancausefootproblems–suchascorns,calluses,bunionsand ingrowntoenails.

Whenreplacingyourshoes,lookfor:

anuppermadeofleatherorbreathablenaturalorsynthetic materialswithseam-freelinings

adeepandroomytoe-boxatthefrontoftheshoeto preventpressureonthetoesandjointsonthesideofthefoot

acushionedandflexiblelightrubbersolewithgoodgrip

aheelnomorethan3centimetres(oneandahalfinches) highandbroadenoughtoprovidestability

laces,bucklesorVelcrostrapfasteningsthatholdtheshoe comfortablyandsecurelyonthefoot.Avoidsliponshoes

Andavoid:

shoesthataretoobigorsmall,orwithsquashedbacks smoothleatherorplasticsoles,andthickrubbersolesthat extendoverthetoe

laceupshoesthatareuntiedorwithoutlaces highheeledorbacklessshoes

Insoles

Ifyouwearinsolesorsplintsthathaven'tbeencheckedina while,speaktothepodiatristorthehospitaldepartmentwhere yougotthemfromtocheckthatthey'restillrightforyou.

Socksandtights

Socksshouldcontainahighproportionofnaturalmaterials –suchascottonorwool–asthisallowssweattoevaporate fromtheskin.Asarule,wearwoolinwinterforwarmthand cottontokeepyoucoolduringthesummer

Whendressing,makesureyoursocksandtightsaren'ttoo tight,orpulleduptoohighthattheycutintotheskinorrestrict thecirculation.Youshouldalsoavoidwalkingonslippery surfaces–suchaspolishedfloorsortiles–insocksortights.

Fans Call Shakira “Unreal” After Seeing Behind-the-Scene Footage of Her VMA Performance

Shakiraisoneofthebestatcreatingepicmusicalmoments, and her recent performance at the 2023 Video MusicAwards (VMAs)wasnoexception

FansofthesingermayknowthatShakirareceivedtheVideo VanguardAwardattheceremony Aspartofheracceptance,she sang a medley of her most famous hits Of course, fans went absolutely wild for her performance, but it’s the behind-thescenesvideothat’sbeensharedonTikTokthathasgoneviral

Fromshowingoffsketchesoftheoutfitsheeventuallywore onstage to rehearsing the choreography for the show, Shakira showedherfanbaseexactlywhatittakestomakethemagic

Continued on page 56

Singer: Shakira at the 2023 VMAs

SZA’s Manager Pulled Her 2023 VMAs Performance over ‘Disrespectful’ Artist of the Year Snub

Terrence “Punch” Henderson, SZA’s longtime manager, explained why SZA, one of the ceremony’s most-nominated artists,didnotperformatTuesday’s

awardsshow. When Ashanti and French Montana presented best R&B at Tuesdaynight’sMTVVideoMusic Awards, the category’s winner,

SZA,wasnotpresenttopickupher MoonPersonfor“Shirt”—butshe didn’t just skip the show for no reason,hermanagerrevealed.

SZA entered the Sept. 12

ceremony as one of the night’s most-nominated artists, with eight nods total, including video of the year(“KillBill”),bestartdirection (“Shirt”) and album of the year

(SOS). Despite being one of the mostomnipresentartistsofthepast year,however,SZA’snamewasleft offthelistofnomineesforartistof theyear

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published Friday (Sept 15), Terrence “Punch” Henderson, SZA’s longtime manager, said, “Obviously,shehadoneofthebest years, if not the best year, of any artist at this point. I don’t see why she wouldn’t be nominated for artistoftheyear Itjustreallydidn’t make any sense to me It’s disrespectful.”

SZA released SOS in December,andhercriticallylauded sophomore studio album has dominated 2023. The record has been present in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 nearly every week this year, spending 10 nonconsecutiveweeksatNo.1and ranking at No. 2 on Luminate’s 2023 Midyear Music Report. “Kill Bill,” the record’s breakout hit, topped the all-genre Billboard Hot 100andspentmonthsinthechart’s top 10. On Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs,“KillBill”broketherecord for most weeks spent at No. 1 (21 weeks).

SOS also yielded the Hot 100 top 10 singles “Nobody Gets Me” (No. 10) and “Snooze” (No. 7), whichreachedthetop10inits35th week on the chart. Prior to the album’s release, two other singles hitthetop10:“GoodDays”(No.9) and“IHateU”(No.7).TheVMAwinning “Shirt” peaked at No. 11 and topped both the Rhythmic and R&B/Hip-HopAirplaycharts.

During a call about a potential SZA performance at the show, Punch says MTV “couldn’t give a clear answer as to why she wasn’t [nominatedforartistoftheyear].It wasjust,‘Well,she’snominatedfor all these other [awards].’” The nomineesforartistoftheyearatthe 2023 MTV Video Music Awards were Beyoncé, Karol G, Shakira, DojaCat,NickiMinajandeventual winnerTaylorSwift.

Thenearlyfour-hour-long2023 VMAs ceremony featured an overwhelming amount of performances,noneofwhich

Continued on page 56

Brithn ey P hardoman

Thisweek’s beautyisthecharming BrithneyPhardoman.Brithney isproudlyIndigenous;ofAkawaio descent.This17-year-oldbeauty’s dreamistobecomeacertifiedand successfulchef.Brithneyhopestotravelthe worlddoingwhatsheloves,cookingand bringingtheGuyanesecuisinetootherpartsof theworldandbringingfoodsfromdifferent culturestoGuyana. Brithney’sotherinterestsare clothingandfashion,sports,travelingand modeling. TheBarticaRegionSevennative alsolovesplayingcricket,learningnewcraft skills,andlisteningtomusic. HerfavouritequoteisfromJoelBrown,he says“Believeinyourself,pushyour limits,experiencelife,conqueryour goalsandbehappy.”

Boy, 9, allegedly set alight by parents

...needs to be medevaced overseas urgently - SHEA

A 9-year-old boy suffered third degree burns about his body earlier this monthafterhewassetalight allegedly by his mother and stepfather

According to the humanitarian organisation, Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA), the child whose name was given as NeilJ.,sustained“deepthird degree burns across 30% of his tiny body in an alleged caseofchildabuse.”

Reports are that the child’smotherandstepfather were detained by police in connectionwiththeincident.

According to SHEA, on September 9, the child was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and he was immediately admitted to the BurnCareunitwherehewas intubated and stabilized by staffthere.

SHEA stated on its Facebookpagethatnotonly did Neil sustain acute burns but his entire body is covered with various bruises and injuries which are in various stages on healing “His head was sliced, and his ear slit,” the

Humanitarianorganisation‘SavingHandsEmergencyAid (SHEA)saidNeilJisinneedofurgentmedicalattention

organisationsaid.

While doctors are providing outstanding care to the lad, SHEA said that the boy must be airlifted to the United States for emergency surgery and management

Theorganisationsaiditis urgently working to coordinatehistransfertothe US, adding that he must be

transported by air ambulance.

A GoFundme account has been set up to assist the child-gofundme.com/f/helpsave-neil. Persons who wish to assist the lad can also makedonationsviaMMGto the number 650-8658 or via VENMO @SheaCharityGY a n d Z e l l e –shea@sheacharity.org.

Regional Food Festival continues today on Main St.

Decorative lights hanging from tree branches above provide a welcoming ambience for patrons on Main Street, Georgetown as Guyana host its second annualRegionalFoodFestival.

Live entertainment and a wide variety of drinks and cocktails are also available for those who prefer to take a sip on something cold with friends or family

Thefestivalisaspartofthecalendar ofeventsforthelargestpartyinsport-the CaribbeanPremiereLeague(CPL).

The CPL tournament has come to Guyana for the final leg of the 2023 seriesandsohasCricketCarnival,aside attraction that showcases different aspectsoftheRegionalculture.

Since there is no denying that the Caribbeanisknownforsomeofthemost tantalizing dishes in the world, the Regional Food Festival offers tourists and locals alike a taste of that glorious West Indian cuisine and culture which can all be found in one place—- Main Street,Georgetown.

The festival kicked off on Friday evening as part of the exciting events scheduledtobehostedbyGuyana. Fromhotsevencurry,tofingerlicking bar-be-queandfreshlymadepizzaonthe avenue, there is something for everyone! Besidesthemouthwateringdishes,patron canenjoyanelectrifyingatmosphere,full ofSOCAandReggaevibes

Foodies have a final opportunity to take advantage of this experience today from12:00hrsbeforethecurtainsdrawat 22:00hrs.

Scenes from the opening night of the Regional Food Festival

ByAllyiahAllicock

Lookingtogetyourselfsomeauthentic Indigenous products this Heritage Month, why not check out Abrams AuthenticProducts,aone-stopshopwhereyou can purchase high-quality, organic and indigenousitems.

This small business is owned by Naressa Abrams, a 28-year-old Medical Technologist hailing from Waramuri Village, Moruca, and RegionOne.

In a recent exclusive interview with this magazine,Abramssaidwhathadinspiredherto start this business was the lack of access to authenticIndigenousproductsinGeorgetown.

“LivinginGeorgetown,Irealizethataccess to high quality authentic Indigenous products can be a challenge, often leaving persons who are interested in these products with limited options.Recognizingthisinspiredmetostartmy entrepreneurialjourney,”shesaid.

The young woman added that being a medical technologist by profession, she has alwaysbeeninterestedinentrepreneurship.She embarked on this mission since it allows her to fulfill a goal where she can help preserve and promote her rich cultural heritage through her products.

AbramsAuthentic Products (AAP) she said wasestablishedinJuly,2022.Shestatedthatitis abranddedicatedtoprovidingcustomerswitha diverse selection of high-quality authentic Indigenous products deeply rooted in local traditions “From cassava cassareep to crabwood oil, and handicrafts, each item is a testament to our commitment to preserving

‘Abrams Authentic Products’

FORHIGH-QUALITY INDIGENOUS PRODUCTS

Indigenous cultures and supporting Indigenous communities,”sheexplained.

The young woman related that unlike other brands around, each purchase made at AAP becomes a meaningful contribution and celebration of culture through any of their products.

“We work closely with Indigenous communities who are our main suppliers, and guardians of ancestral knowledge, to develop thefinestqualityproducts,”sheshared.

Havingbeeninbusinessforjustoverayear, Abramsdisclosedthatthesupportbasehasbeen very exceptional. She noted that going into the business arena, she was not too sure of what to expect“butIamgratefulforthesupportIreceive thusfar.”

She noted that the journey to where she is nowhashadithurdles.Sheelaboratedthatbeing the only full-time employee can be so challenging, having to manage every aspect of the business, from sales to marketing to inventoryandmore. “Sometimes,Iwouldfeel so burnt out; however, I manage these challenges by having a resilient mindset,” she added.

Moving forward with her business, the young businesswoman said the long-term goal really is for her business to become a leading provider of high quality, organic and authentic IndigenousproductsinGuyana.

As Abrams continue to impact others through her business, she is of the belief that youngentrepreneursareimportanttooursociety and that they can inspire others to pursue their

dreamsandambition.

“I believe young entrepreneurs can inspire othersandserveasrolemodels,formeIhopeto inspire other young Indigenous women, to pursuetheirown entrepreneurialambitionsand demonstratethatageisnotabarriertosuccess,” shementioned.

Theyoungwomansuggestedthattosupport others like her, more can be done in society to create mentorship programmes that pair experienced entrepreneurs or business leaders with small business owners to offerguidance,advice,andsupport.

Alsoshesaiditwouldbeaplus for the authorities to open an avenue where easier access tofundingthroughgrants, loans, or microfinance programmes can be provided.

“This can help small businesses coverstartupcosts, e x p a n d operations, or weather financial challenges,” she expressed.

For persons i n t e r e s t e d i n contacting AAP, you can find them on Facebook, Instagram @aauthentic products or contacton(592)678-9755.

“I believe young entrepreneurs can inspire others and serve as role models,for me,I hope to inspire other young Indigenous women,to pursue their own entrepreneurial ambitions and demonstrate that age is not a barrier to success.”

Young Entrepreneur, NaressaAbrams

Some of the Indigenous products can you purchase from ‘AbramsAuthentic Products.

From page 12 on the global market can be disbursements amounted to increase to $650 billion compared with 203,220 dangerous for newcomer to U S $ 9 9 9 m i l l i o n , Guyana’s previous debt cubicmetresduringthesame the sector, Guyana, representing a 290 1 % ceilings were last increased periodlastyear Thesectoris especially as oil major, increase when compared in by the Government back forecasted to grow by four ExxonMobil continue to withthefirsthalfof2022. inJanuary2021. percentbyyearend. pump billions of US-dollars

It was stated, “This year- According to the

Notably,theconstruction to develop the resources on-year expansion reflects Ministry of Finance, given sector recorded a growth of discovered in the Stabroek higher disbursements from Guyana’seconomicoutlook, 44.1 percent during the first block The country can bilateral and multilateral these revisions to the half of 2023, while the easily find itself unable to creditors, which also totaled externalanddomesticpublic manufacturing sector repay the investments or US$99.9 million in the first debt ceilings are consistent expanded by 17.7 percent, enjoy profits from the half of 2023, up from with the country’s long-term b o a s t i n g i m p r o v e d industry should this trend US$25.6 million in the first debtsustainability performances in all extend. halfof2022.” Notably, fuelled by a subcategories. Despite the shift to

To this end, it was noted ramping up of oil production renewables and the that the relatively high level and the resurgence of the MONDAY consequent oil price of disbursements in the first non-oil economy, Guyana volatility, the government half of 2023 was mainly due registered real GDP growth Govt. now hasbeenrampingupnotonly to substantial inflows under of 62.3 percent in 2022, predicting lower exploration activities but loans for new projects making it the fastestrevenues from oil sector production as well to avoid Government commenced at growing economy in the strandedresources. the end of 2022 and the world. As such, it was noted

The government of First-half performance beginningof2023. that this appreciable growth Guyana (GoG) is now During the period

Notably, for the first half performance and the expecting lower revenues January to June 2023, of this year, external country’s robust economic from the burgeoning oil and Guyana received eight lifts disbursements were drawn outlook underpin Guyana’s gas sector than anticipated of profit oil from the two downforprojectssuchasthe sustainable absorption of the earlierthisyear Floating Production Storage East Coast Demerara Road new debt In sum, the

This is as a result of and Offloading vessels Project Phase 2, Guyana Government said it is declining oil prices on the (FPSOs) in operation. Three explained that the sector To this end, Government Pediatric and Maternal committed to harnessing global market triggered by a lifts were received from the grew by an estimated 98.4 said this was mainly Hospital, and the Regional Guyana’s debt-carrying slide in demand for supplies. Liza Destiny and five from percent during the first half attributed to a positive net HospitalsProject. capacity to accelerate its

According to the Ministry of theLizaUnityasprojected. of the year The Ministry of flow from both the external At the end of June 2023, developmentagenda. Finance Mid-Year Report, As stated earlier, Guyana Finance reported, “At the a n d d o m e s t i c d e b t domestic debt totaled officially released to the isexpectedtoreceive17lifts end of June, total crude oil portfolios. US$2,285.8 million, up TUESDAY public on Saturday, of profit oil, from the production stood at 68.7 In the recently published 9.7% from the end-2022 government is still poised to expected 136 lifts in the million barrels, compared report it was stated, “As a position. This increase was Pres.Ali admits receive 17 lifts of profit oil StabroekBlockthisyear. with 34.6 million barrels in result of Government’s driven by a 21.7 % Guyana has a bad Exxon from the production In the meantime, the thesameperiodoflastyear. continued effort to ensure expansion in the stock of deal, but refuses to activitiesongoingattheLiza government’s Mid-Year It went on to note that that financing needs are met treasury bills to US$1,336.6 renegotiate – BBC reports One and Liza two projects in Report indicated that during Guyana’s second FPSO, the at the lowest possible cost million, reflecting the theStabroekBlock. the first half of the year L i z a U n i t y w h i c h withaprudentdegreeofrisk, issuance of new fiscal Guyana’s President It however indicated that “Government earned commenced production on Guyana’s public debt instruments in the first half Irfaan Ali during an the earnings for the US$705 2 million as February 11, 2022 ramped remains sustainable with a of2023. interview with British commodity are expected to revenue from its share of up to a daily production of moderate risk of debt Total PPG debt service Broadcasting Corporation be less than previously profit oil from two lifts that about 227,000 barrels per distress.” payments amounted to (BBC) Senior Journalist anticipated The Report occurred in the final quarter day With the third FPSO, According to the US$92.3 million in the first Gideon Long reiterated his explained,“Withthepriceof of 2022, and seven of the Payara, expected to come on Ministry of Finance, halfof2023.Thiswasdriven administration’s position to crude oil declining amid eightliftsthatoccurredinthe stream in the last quarter of external debt grew by 3.8% by growth in both domestic not renegotiate the lopsided demand-side concerns and firstsixmonthsoftheyear.” this year, the sector is now from US$1,571.9 million at and external debt service Exxon deal, but admitted financial market disruptions It added, “Government expected to grow by 39.6 the end of last year, to payments. that the contract is one that that threaten a global also earned US$110 8 percentthisyear US$1,631.1 million at end- A comparison of the two benefits the oil major more slowdown in economic millioninroyaltiesrelatedto June 2023 The ministry half-year positions, thanthiscountry activity,theforecastforNRF 2022Q4(fourthquarter)and US$3.9B debt attributed the increase to domestic debt service On Monday, BBC (Natural Resource Fund) 2023 Q1 (first quarter) hangs over Guyana p o s i t i v e n e t f l o w s payments grew by 224.4%, published the interview depositshasbeenmarginally productionandsales.” …7.2% increase (disbursements less while the growth in external Long had with PresidentAli. downgraded.”

In July, the country within 6 months principal repayments) from debt service payments was The Head-of-State was

To this end, the Ministry received US$73.8 million as bilateral creditors such as about16.6%.Theincreasein asked about Guyana’s oil of Finance said petroleum a profit oil payment for the Within six months, Eximbank of China, China domestic debt service and gas resources and the deposits for the year are now Government lift executed in Guyana’s debt has increased CAMC Engineering Co , payments resulted from the way forward for the country p r o j e c t e d t o t o t a l June The cumulative to US$3.9 Billion, which Ltd., and United Kingdom commencement of the After Ali highlighted that US$1,629 3 million, balance of the NRF, represents a 7.2% increase ExportFinance.

redemption of the Bank of Guyana has about 11 billion compared with US$1,631.7 inclusive of interest income comparedtotheendof2022. Further, it was disclosed Guyana debentures, which barrels of proven oil million projected at the of US$35.6 million, at the The Ministry of Finance that at the end of June, were issued in 2021 mainly reserves,thejournalistasked beginning of the year This end of June, 2023 was on Saturday published the multilateral creditors held to secure the Consolidated him his thoughts on Guyana means that the country will US$1,723 5 million, after Mid-YearReport,inwhichit 67.8 percent of the external Fund overdraft at the end of havingabaddeal. receive US$2.4 million less two withdrawals of US$200 was highlighted that at the PG debt portfolio, with 2020. Long’s question to than anticipated or million each in February and end of June 2023, Guyana’s bilateral creditors holding On August 3, the PresidentAliwas:“thosebig approximatelyGYD$480M. Maythisyear total stock of public and 30.3 percent. The remaining N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y oil deposits that we started Government is now Notably, the GoG publicly guaranteed debt 1.9 percent was held by approved an increase to the by talking about, those were projected to earn US$1,410 reported that the oil and gas amounted to US$3,916 9 private creditors. External country’s domestic public discovered before you came million from the sale of subsector grew by an million, with total public PPG debt is projected to and external debt ceilings by to power and some critics Guyana’s share of profit oil, estimated 98.4 percent in the debt accounting for increase by 31 6 percent some US$3 Billion, which have said that the previous and another US$219 3 firsthalfoftheyear US$3,914 5 million, and from its mid-2023 position allows the country to borrow government when they million in royalties The The Mid-Year Report total publicly guaranteed to US$2, 146.0 million at moreloans. signed those contracts with NRF closing balance at the explainedthattheoilandgas d e b t f o r t h e end-2023, on account of Guyana’s domestic Exxon and its partners, they end of the year has been sub-sector almost doubled remainingUS$2.4million. expected positive net flows public debt ceiling was were too generous, they revised to approximately its performance in the first When compared to the from both multilateral and increased to $750 billion, up didn’t get a good deal for US$2 billion by the Ministry six months of 2023 when endof2022,whendebtstood bilateralcreditors. from $500 billion, and a new Guyana. They gave away ofFinance. compared with the same at US$3,654.9 million, a In the first half of the external borrowing ceiling Guyana’soilrichestoo

Theplummetingoilprice period last year It was 7.2% increase was recorded. y

From page 53

will begin in the second because it’s not part of the cheaply How true is that?” quarter of 2024 and, if EIA. We haven’t done an

In response President Ali discoveries are made, well economic model of what the said, “Well, I would say test(s) may be performed. maximum economic impact definitely, we did not have The conclusion of the would be. What we focus on thebestofdeals,Exxonhave proposed drilling campaign with the unplanned events agooddealsignedbythelast is expected during the first chapter is identifying what government ” Ali then quarterof2025. theriskofthosescenariosare highlighted that sanctity of K a i e t e u r N e w s so we can put the right contract is “very important” understands that the project measures in place to manage to his Government, adding, will generate benefits for the that risk and so that really “and we can’t go back on citizens of Guyana through comes down to the oil spill that.” To this end, Long revenue sharing with the responseplan.” asked, “So there will be no Government of Guyana, a I n a d d i t i o n , s h e renegotiating of the positive but minor increase explained that if a spill were contract?” in employment, and select to occur offshore Guyana,

“We cannot go back and project purchasing from ExxonMobil would engage renegotiate,” President Ali Guyanesebusinesses. in a claims process where, if responded. He went on to appropriate, citizens could state that while the

WEDNESDAY make claims for economic Government of Guyana is compensation or support to unable to renegotiate the Exxon never examined rebuildtheirlivelihoods. deal, they have embarked on cost of oil spill to Guyana, TheERMSpecialistsaid, several initiatives to reap Caribbean nations - “Ultimately we hope that more benefits for the public meeting those events do not happen country hears on 6th project andmostoftheeffortgoesin

“Whatwehavedoneisto to making sure that they ensure that, there are

Four months after the don’t happen and that’s signed the deal in 2016 with t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l to provide the factual and changes we have already

President of Exxon Mobil where (or) how the content Exxon. The deal Trotman ProtectionAgency(EPA)for technical basis required for outlined a number of Corporation (XOM), Darren oftheEIAisbased.” signed,waivesalltaxesfrom a 12-well programme it theEPAtomakeaninformed changesinfutureProduction

Woodsurgedshareholdersof Following up on the the oil companies, gives hopestoexecuteintheCanje decision on EMGL’s Sharing Agreements the fortune 500 company to response provided to the Guyana a 2% royalty on its Block, one of the nation’s a p p l i c a t i o n f o r completely different. All of vote against a petition question, Kaieteur News rich resources, and agrees to three largest deepwater environmental authorisation this is geared to improved calling for a thorough study asked the consultant if such theoilcompaniesrecovering concessions. considering the potential accountability, to ensure on the economic impacts of an assessment was ever 75% of investments before I n t h e d o c u m e n t cumulative impacts

there is greater transparency

and to ensure the country

anoilspillfromtheStabroek conducted in prior EIAs or theremaining25%isshared, prepared by Exxon’s associated with the Project.

Block, the company’s separately to underline the with Guyana receiving consultants, Environmental Aftersubmissionandreview itself benefits greater from consultant; Environmental cost associated with a spill 12.5%. The arrangement, Resources Management, of this CIA, the EPA will oil and gas resources,” Resources Management that can occur at any of the withthelackofring-fencing, JASCO Applied Sciences, decide whether and under PresidentAliadded. (ERM) has revealed that no deepwater projects. To this sees Guyana paying for and RPS Group, it was noted what conditions to grant American oil giant, such assessment was ever end, Sundby explained that projects that are yet to that the application was filed EMGL an environmental ExxonMobil is the operator conducted Woods had ERM has never undertaken commence production by Exxon on behalf of itself authorizationfortheProject. of the lucrative Stabroek called on the shareholders of such a task, since evaluating activities. Each month bills and co-venturers JHI K a i e t e u r N e w s Block, with its partners,

the company to vote against the cost of a spill is not from future producing Associates, Inc , Mid- understands that the exact Hess Corporation and the proposal since he ideallypartofanEIA. developments are added to Atlantic Oil & Gas, Inc., and locations of the potential 12 CNOOC. Exxon and its co- believestherewereadequate She explained, “In the thelistofexpensestobecost TotalE&PGuyanaB.V wells comprising the project ventures made its first studies already done to unplanned chapter for recoveredbyExxon. EMGL had filed an have not been finalized discovery in the block back determine impacts to the Whiptail and the other

A few months ago, a p p l i c a t i o n f o r While some wells could be in 2015 and by December Region. projects we do go through

Trotman in his book titled, E n v i r o n m e n t a l drilled for exploration 2019 moved into production

However, on Tuesday, the same components, the

‘From Destiny to Prosperity’ Authorisation with the EPA purposes, Exxon said it is phase. ERM’s Socioeconomic socio-economic resources offered support to the back in December 2021 alsopossiblethatsomewells

The oil companies Resources / Stakeholder that we went through for the government to renegotiate Based on an initial may be drilled as appraisal already sanctioned five US- Engagement Specialist, planned activities then we the lopsided Stabroek Block a s s e s s m e n t o f t h e wells. Therefore, priorities multi-billion projects in the Anna Sundby, during a think about what would be deal the country has with an application, the EPA and schedules are subject to Stabroek Block with an public consultation hosted at the impacts in the event of E x x o n M o b i l - l e d determined, pursuant to change following any investment of over US$50 the Leonora Technical something like an oil spill or consortium. Section 11(2) of the potential exploration well Billion that they will recover Institute, West Coast another event so if you go to Trotman’s offer was Environmental Protection results. fromGuyana’soilresources.

Demerara, it was revealed the EIA in the unplanned refused by Vice President Act that the project by itself The CIAalso considered

They are currently pumping that no such financial study events chapter it does (VP)BharratJagdeo,andthe will not significantly affect the impact of an oil spill. It about 400,000 barrels oil per waseverdoneinGuyana. discuss impacts on coastal calls by citizens for the deal the environment and, noted in this regard, that an day with hopes to reach one Yesterday’s meeting was agriculture, impacts on to be renegotiated have therefore,doesnotrequirean unmitigatedspillcouldreach million bpd by 2029. Exxon hosted as part of the fishinginthenearshorearea, fallen on deaf ears as Environmental Impact the shoreline in Region One is preparing to sanction its application process for a impacts on coastal President Ali as well as VP Assessment(EIA). and the most northern sixth oil project in the Permit applied for by communities that kind of Jagdeo is adamant that they However, the EPA ruled shoreline of Region Two. StabroekBlock. ExxonMobil Guyana thing but again that’s, the will not renegotiate the deal that the potential exists for The report also notes that an

Meanwhile, there have Limited (EMGL) for the intentofthatisreallytodrive because of ‘sanctity of the project combined with oil spill could hit three other been many calls by civil s i x t h d e e p w a t e r the mitigation and drive contract’. similar activities being geographicregions:Trinidad society for the People’s development,Whiptail. those risk management carried out in the project and Tobago and the northern Progressive Party/ Civic EMGL, ERM and measures rather than to Exxon submits location to result in South American coast of (PPP/C) administration to representatives from the do...an economic model is a impact study for 12 significant cumulative Venezuela; the southern bring ExxonMobil Guyana Environmental Protection bigundertaking.” wells in Canje Block environmental impacts. On Lesser Antilles (i e , back to the table to carve out Agency (EPA) were part of The Specialist added, - says oil spill could this premise, the regulator Grenada, St. Vincent and the a better or more even deal the meeting During the “There is a lot that goes into hit Regions One and demanded that Exxon Grenadines, St. Lucia, and which will garner more question-and-answer that, that’s not part of any of Two as well as produceaCIAthatconsiders U.S. Virgin Islands); and the benefitsforthecountry segment, Kaieteur News the EIAs that we have done Trinidad and Venezuela activities such as continued southwestern Greater

Former Minister of asked the consultant team in Guyana and it’s honestly development and production Antilles (i.e., Puerto Rico, Natural Resources, Raphael what the likely devastation notpartof,it’snotastandard ExxonMobil Guyana worksintheStabroekBlock, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Trotman, who served under of an oil spill at the sixth part of an EIA that I’ve ever Limited (EMGL) has before an environmental andJamaica). the APNU + AFC Coalition projectcouldcost. s e e n a n y w h e r e ” submitted a Cumulative authorizationcanbegranted. Pending approval, it is government between 2015 Sundby in response Meanwhile,ERM’sSenior ImpactAssessment (CIA) to ThepurposeoftheCIAis anticipated that the project and 2020, was the one who explained, “I can’t say (Continued on page 55)

Map showing the Canje Block offshore Guyana

exp

se, omit were once beyond reach, he said. staged by the Opposition Members Presidentmadetheassertionduring Project Manager and Technical proprietary or privileged However, he also emphasized the of Parliament, who were a presentation on the Low Carbon Support, Jason Willey noted that information, and clarify the extent inherent responsibility that comes clamouring for the then proposed DevelopmentStrategy2030during while the Consultancy firm did not oftheCompany’scleanupresponse with this newfound wealth – the Bill to be sent to the Special Select the recent National Toshaos undertakeaneconomicvaluation,it commitments given the potential responsibility of ensuring greater Committee for consultations to be Council (NTC) 2023 conference attempted to quantify the probable for severe impact on Caribbean transparency and accountability in conducted before the key whichwasheldattheArthurChung risks associated with a spill on economies. itsmanagement. legislation was made into law Conference Center (ACCC) at various locations across the The petition by Mercy “To do this, though, we have to Other members of civil society had Liliendaal. country Investment Services Inc. was later ensure that there is greater also echoed this call but the On August 30, this publication

In the absence of such a study, defeated as majority of the oil transparency and accountability in administration ignored these views reported that after advocating that the country is completely in the giant’s Shareholders voted against the management of the resources,” and rushed to pass the Bill. Despite money from the oil and gas sector dark regarding the likely economic theproposal. President Ali said. To this end, he the public debate, President Ali, cannot be used as cash handouts devastation to Guyana and its stated that using the resources as had, mere hours after the raucous and that the oil revenues would Caribbeanneighboursshouldanoil Using oil resources handouts is popular in the short session, formally assented to the focus on infrastructural spilloccurintheStabroekBlock. as handouts is detrimental - term,howeverinthelongterm;itis Bill, thereby bringing it into law— development, Vice President

Notably, this document could PresidentAli tells BBC detrimentaltothecountryandisnot with the final step being its Jagdeo told indigenous leaders at be used as a tool to aid in the ...says it’s not the the route his administration will publicationintheOfficialGazette. theconferencethattheoilmoneyis preparation for such an event. It route Guyana will take take.

Meanwhile, President Ali benefiting them and their would also inform other necessary

He also mentioned that the during the recent BBC interview communities through the ‘Because steps such as adequate insurance During an interview with the government has taken measures to stated that Guyana is looking at the We Care’ cash grant and other andotherprotectivemeasures. British Broadcasting Corporation ensure greater accountability and experiences of several oil and gas governmentinitiatives.

The revelation that such a key (BBC) recently, President Irfaan transparency of the country’s oil countries He noted that his During a ‘question and answer’ assessment is yet to be conducted Ali underscored Guyana’s resources. “First of all, we have set administration will develop a segment which followed Jagdeo’s comes months after President and commitment to avoid using its oil up the Natural Resources Fund, model that is applicable to Guyana. presentation, a resident of Jawalla Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of wealth as handouts as he alluded to which is governed separately and “With the type of publicity that the Village, Region Seven, raised a XOM, Darren Woods told the detrimental consequences such apartfromtheexecutive.Secondly, country is getting, there are great concern on behalf of one of his shareholders of the company to vote against the need for such an assessment since it was a waste of timeandmoney

Woods during Exxon Mobil’s Annual Shareholder Meeting in May this year said, “Given the comprehensive materials that are publicly available on our website, including our preparedness plan and the EIAs (Environmental ImpactAssessments) related to our Guyana operations, creating an additional report as requested by this proposal would place an unnecessary administrative burden on ExxonMobil, be wasteful of the Company’stimeandresources,and therefore is not in the best interests of shareholders. For the reasons stated above, the Board recommends a vote against this proposal.”

Mercy Investment Services Inc., a Shareholder in the company submitted a proposal seeking support for a thorough assessment to be conducted of the likely an approach can have on the we have set in the law a condition expectations from the people villagers who had asked how impactstotheCaribbeanislands. nation’sfuture. that if the Minister of Finance does themselves. We have to ensure that indigenous people are benefiting

In their petition for an

OnMonday,theBBCpublished not declare the revenue that has the expectation is aligned with from the oil money “People say ‘Additional Report on Worst-case Senior Journalist, Gideon Long’s been paid into the fund within a reality because we are now Guyanese are not benefiting Spill and Response Plans’ Mercy interview with the Head of State. stipulated time from receiving that producing 400,000 barrels of oil more...soletmeaddressacoupleof InvestmentServices,Inc,pointedly

During the comprehensive revenue, he can face up to 10 years perday,andthatwillincreaseto1.2 categories,” the Vice President noted that “ExxonMobil operates interview, President Ali discussed in prison; that is in the law All the million barrels,” the president said. responded. He said that the oil one of the largest oil plays various facets of Guyana’s oil and resources that are used from the To this end, he explained that with money is being used for the discovered in the past decade, gas resources and he also outlined fund to be invested in the country the increase in oil production, there $40,000 per child ‘Because We offshore of the South American the nation’s forward-looking have to pass through the will be a significant difference in Care’ cash grant, the $13,000 countryGuyana.” strategies. parliamentary system and get revenuesforthecountry increase for pensioners who now

The shareholders, in the

When pressed on the crucial parliamentary approval,” the He continued, “We have these receive $33,000 monthly, funds petition seen by Kaieteur News, issues of accountability, Presidentsaid.

greatexpectations,sothemodelwe allocated to part-time government argued that Caribbean countries transparency, and the notorious Kaieteur News has reported on want to develop is one that is workers, and increased wages for rely on tourism and fishing “resourcecurse,”PresidentAliwas the Natural Resources Fund Act carefully crafted, meeting our public servants like teachers, industries to support their unequivocal in acknowledging the (NRF Act) which the People’s development needs, but also taking policemen,soldiers,andothers. economies, yet ExxonMobil’s pitfalls that have befallen other oil- Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) into consideration the best EIAscharacterizes“residualriskto producingnations.Hemadeitclear Government passed in the National practicesofcountriesoutthere.” THURSDAY employment as minor and assumes that Guyana is determined to learn Assembly in December 2021. The PresidentAli’sstanceontheuse thatalargeoilspillisunlikely.” from these past mistakes and that legislation gives the government ofGuyana’soilrevenuecontradicts Guyanese protest for change of

To this end, Mercy Investment

the country is striving to chart a total control over how the oil recent comments made by Vice ExxonMobil’s contract at CPL Services requested that the differentcourse. money is to be spent, instead of President Bharrat Jagdeo Two Companyissuesareportevaluating He articulated how revenue enactinganindependentPetroleum weeks ago, Jagdeo indicated that Red Thread Women on the economic, human, and generated from the oil and gas Commission. oil money was benefiting Wednesday join other Guyanese environmental impacts of a worstsector could be a game-changer for The key legislation was indigenous communities and the citizens in protest against the case oil spill from its operations Guyana.Itofferstheopportunityto hurriedly passed in the National people of Guyana through cash lopsidedExxonMobilcontractat offshore of Guyana. It noted that accomplish ambitious projects that Assembly amid an in-house protest handout initiatives The Vice (Continued on page 58) the report should be prepared at

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From page 14 on a mere fraction of what ExxonMobil Corporation is worth. This only serves to highlight the catastrophic financial impacts the country can face. Notably, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) in its most recent quarterly report of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) stated that up to June 16, 2023, inflows to oil account- since production first commenced in December 2019- are only US$2,677,861,216.

The meager revenue earned from the sector is reflective of the lopsided Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana inked with ExxonMobil and its partnersHess and CNOOC. The arrangement allows for 75 percent of the monthly earnings to be deducted by the CoVenturers to recoup their investments. The remaining 25 percent is then split between Guyana and Exxon, with the country receiving 12.5 percent and an additional two percent

royalty. According to the 2022 Annual Report submitted by EMGL, the Stabroek Block generated a gross revenue of US$9.8 billion, however, the company deducted a whopping US$7.4 billion towards the recovery of its investment for petroleum-related activities. Meanwhile, Guyana barely received US$1.4 billion in revenue.

Without a parent company guarantee, Guyana could be left responsible for footing the cleanup and compensation costs associated with an oil spill that can reach as many as 12 Caribbean islands, according to studies conducted by Exxon. Modeling predicts that an unmitigated oil spill can reach Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Martinique, and Barbados as well as the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica.

The cost would be depen-

dent on the volume of the spill but a major disaster according to specialists can expose US$140 billion of economic activity in the Caribbean to risk.

https://

www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2023/05/28/countries-withinpathway-of-potential-oilspill-from-guyana-haveus140b-of-economic-activity-at-risk/

With only approximately US$2.7 billion earned to date from the two oil projects in operation, the question would therefore be ‘where would Guyana find the additional financial resources from’ to respond to such a disaster.

This has been troubling the minds of Guyanese who have resorted to the streets in demand of an unlimited parent company guarantee from Exxon that would cover damages caused above the US$2.6 billion financial assurance presently in place.

SZA’s Manager Pulled Her 2023 VMAs...

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From page 48 included SZA — despite the initial efforts to have her grace the show’s stage. During one of those negotiations, “because there were people on [the call] about logistics for the show who didn’t have anything to do with [the nominations],” Punch said, “they ended up saying, ‘OK, well we could do another call.’” Nonetheless, MTV “didn’t want to discuss artist of the year, which to me was really a slap in the face,” he remarked.

“Why wouldn’t she be nominated for artist of the year? Even with the other artists that were nominated for artist of the year, some of them were even off-cycle. They didn’t have an album out. I mean, no disrespect to them

or anybody else; everybody’s great and all of that, but still, you can’t discredit what SOS has done and is currently doing,” Punch added.

Ultimately, MTV’s failure to provide an explanation for the snub and reach a resolution spurred Punch to pull SZA’s performance. “I figured, why go perform and do this if she’s not going to be respected to the highest level? So it was my call to actually pull out of the performance,” he explained. However, the Top Dawg Entertainment president noted that SZA is “a very sweet person and she’s not for all of the nonsense and the politics and the back-and-forth and all of that. So, our feelings might be a little different.

Despite the VMAs kerfuffle, SZA is currently powering through the final leg of her SOS headlining arena tour. According to Billboard Boxscore, the tour has grossed $34.5 million and sold 238,000 tickets. On Friday (Sept. 15), the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter released two singles: a Justin Bieber-assisted acoustic reboot of “Snooze” and a highly anticipated Drake collaboration titled “Slime You Out.”

Last week (Sept. 8), SZA announced a deluxe edition of SOS titled LANA at a surprise event at New York’s Brooklyn Navy Yard. The expanded version of her tripleplatinum album will arrive “this fall.”

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From page 47 happen. “One thing about us is we love watching an icon likeShakira work on her craft!,” read the official caption on MTV’s page.

This content is imported from Tiktok.

You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

And fans loved watching it too! “She’s just unreal — I

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“It was super bowl 2020 again,” a different follower exclaimed, referencing her halftime show performance alongside Jennifer Lopez.

While people can’t help but be enamored by her, Shakira is equally grateful for the support they give her.

As she made MTV history for being the first South

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From page 5 addition, under the present updated Act, Members of Parliament and their families are prohibited from acquiring or holding any legal; equitable, or beneficial interest in a petroleum licence.

Guyana was also complimented by the IMF for developing and implementing

its new Power Sharing Agreement (PSA) which will be used as a guideline now for the auctioning of the 14 new oil and gas blocks. These are all new administrative measures by the present Government to allow for a level playing field for all stakeholders. Which prevents conflict of interests, increasing the Government’s

share of oil profits and ultimately for the development of the oil and gas industry.

These international regulatory financial managerial steps auger well for Guyana to keep striding safely into the new millennium as an unmatched ‘oil and gas giant’.

Sincerely,

Haji Dr. Roshan Khan

North East La Penitence Health Centre earmarked for extension

TheMinistryofHealthis seeking a contractor to extend the North East La Penitence Health Centre in Georgetown at an estimated costof$20million.Thiswas

revealed at the recent opening of bids at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) Five contractors have submitted

Below are the companies and their bids:

MinistryofHealth ModificationofroofingatCentral SuppliesUnit,KingstonBond.

bidsfortheproject.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health is also seeking a contractor to modify the roof of the Central Supplies Unit,

KingstonBond,Georgetown and clear a section of the National Psychiatric HospitalatNewAmsterdam. Theworksarepeggedat$65 million.

Plane crash in Brazil’s Amazon state leaves 14 dead

14 people on board the plane were killed after the aircraft crashed in Brazil's Amazon

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Frompage11

power and getting more items to makeourschoolalittlebitmorechildfriendly.”

Teacher of Meten-Meer-Zorg Primary,ShivanieJairamstatedthatthe grant will help many children in her classroom.

Meanwhile, a teacher of Den Amstel Nursery, Tabitha Jagbir highlighted that the initiative is extremely amazing, “at least the

children from the school will be benefitting from this initiative. They will be more comfortable and everythingwillgoinasmoothflow.”

Another teacher of Meten-MeerZorg Primary, Dave Singh, and his colleagues were overjoyed with the provisionofthegrant.

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Reuters-Aplanecrashin Brazil’s northern Amazon state on Saturday has left 14 dead, the state’s governor said.

The accident took place in the Barcelos province, some 400 km (248 miles) from the state capital, Manaus.

“Ideeplyregretthedeath ofthe12passengersandtwo crew members who were victims of the plane crash in Barcelos on Saturday,” said Wilson Lima, Governor of Amazonas state on X, formerly known as Twitter “Our teams have been working from the outset to provide the necessary support. My sympathy and

prayers go out to their familiesandfriends.”

The Manaus Aerotaxi airline issued a statement confirming that there had been an accident and that it was investigating but offering no details about deathsorinjuries.

“Wecountonrespectfor theprivacyofthoseinvolved atthisdifficulttimeandwill be available to provide all necessary information and updates as the investigation progresses,” the statement said.

Some Brazilian media outlets reported that U.S. citizens were among those killed.Reuterswasunableto confirmthosereports.

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| Photo: X/@choquei

From page 55

Resources’ Petroleum Unit, the opening game of the adding that it was Guyana leg of the Caribbean disappointingandshouldnot PremierLeague(CPL)being haveoccurred. heldattheNationalStadium, D u r i n g a p r e s s Providence East Bank conference at Freedom Demerara. House, Kaieteur News

One of the protestors, sought clarity on the matter Ray Daggers said, “The after the questionable costs leaders refuse to change the saw a significant reduction. presentandthefuture”.

The US$214M figure was

According to Daggers, first flagged by British apart from their demands for Consultancy Group, IHS a change of the contract, he Markit following its audit of and the other protestors are US$1.6B in expenses by also educating the masses of Exxon from 1999 to 2017 in how they are being “robbed” the Stabroek Block. GRA, by a bad contract He which is tasked with believes that as more and ensuring the nation’s more persons become interests are protected on educated, they too will join Impact Assessments (EIAs), has been producing oil at the potential increases beyond Rampedupproduction these matters, subsequently them in protest for change ExxonMobil Guyana two FPSO’s in operation, thoserates.”

TheLizaDestinywasthe gave its no-objection to the that will cause ExxonMobil Limited (EMGL) is hoping Liza Destiny and Liza Unity I n a s u b s e q u e n t country’sfirstFPSOandwas sum. Despite doing so those to “Kneel” and renegotiate to continue this trend at its above the production figures interview with Kaieteur designed to safely produce costs were subsequently theStabroekBlockdealwith sixth oil project in the outlinedintheEIAs.Jackson News, Jackson was 120,000 barrels per day reducedtoUS$11Mandthen Guyana. StabroekBlock,Whiptail. told the gathering, “we have reminded that ExxonMobil (bpd), however the GoG in US$3M without GRA’s K a i e t e u r N e w s ’ This was revealed by engaged in optimization of Guyana has been producing its Mid-Year Report on the knowledge. Publisher, Glenn Lall said EMGL Projects Manager, both the Unity and the oil beyond the safety limits performanceoftheeconomy In response to this that while Guyanese chant Anthony Jackson during a Destiny FPSOs so they are outlined in the EIAs. To this saidthatproductionhasbeen newspaper’s queries, Jagdeo “this year is we year” in public consultation hosted at both producing at a higher end, he clarified that the rampedupto153,000bpd. said the breakdown of the support of Guyana Amazon the Leonora Technical (rate) than what was the company has been engaging Meanwhile, on the sum should not have Warriors to win this year’s Institute, West Coast initial Field Development with the government to second FPSO, Liza Unity, occurred in the first place CPL championship, the Demerara on Tuesday Plan base assumption of the approve production beyond which was designed a n d e x p r e s s e d team’s main sponsor, Jackson was at the time window of what has been theEIAestimates. a c c o r d i n g t o i t s disappointment that the ExxonMobilisalsochanting responding to a query from a g r e e d w i t h t h e “With Liza Phase One Environmental Impact ministry even engaged too as it fills up its bank this newspaper when he government.” and Liza PhaseTwo we have Assessment (EIA), to Exxoninthisregard. account with Guyana’s oil explained that Exxon has He went on to explain, been engaging with the produce up to 220,000 The Vice President said, wealth “What are we developed a process with the “As part of the process, once government on each step of barrels per day, production “This matter should have getting? Nothing,” Mr Lall Government of Guyana we start a facility, is to do ‘hey we see capacity to go has been pushed to about beenclosedearlier Ithought said as he pointed to the (GoG) that allows it to optimizationandthereistwo beyond what was the 226,500bpd. GRA was dealing with this ExxonMobil billboards that produce above the number ways that that’s optimized.” original funding basis or the Plansarealreadyinplace matter totally because that is decoratedthestadium.Other outlined in the respective The Projects Manager noted investment decision basis to further increase the daily what we said… that GRA protesterschanted:“theoilis impactstudies. that when production like we have a, there’s an production at the two should deal with the issue of we own; we want our fair Notably, an EIA is a c o m m e n c e s a n d investmentdecisionbasiswe FPSOs. theaudit.Theyshouldhavea share,” as they held banners technical study done by a hydrocarbons are initially will put into our funding

Similarly, the third final say at the technical and placards with strong specialistgroupthatassesses introduced to the facility, it documentsandthatwillgoto project, Payara which is level. I was reluctant to even messagesforchange. likely impacts from the does not start at its full the government as well and expected to start up in the speak about it because I said

One banner read: “we development, based on capacity. Instead, he said the then we will have technical fourth quarter of this year, it is being handled demand full compliance specifics of the project- in company would commence limitsthatwetalkaboutabit Exxon has said that it plans technically.” with the rule of law,” while this case, the number of oil production in a phased moreintheFDPorintheEIA to produce about 230,000

The official said he later anotherread:“Ourfuturehas barrels to be produced per manner “so there is an and if we start to approach bpd by the end of 2024 at the discovered that GRA wrote been handed to a slave day. It therefore means that optimization of when the those limits, we will go to p r o j e c t a l o n e . the ministry and said twice master-ExxonMobil and we the impacts of the project facility will reach plateau government and say hey we https://www kaieteurnewso that given the passage of can’tbreathe.Wedemandon weredeterminedbythedaily from the planned startup have the ability to go nline com/2023/08/09/daily time, the audit should close the sixth oil project: Ring estimated production rate. wellsinthefacility.” further,” Jackson said, -production-at-3rd-project- with US$214M as the final fencing, taxes, more This would help the When it comes to the adding:“Wehavesomething to-be-increased/ amount of disputed costs. royalties,Cappingofinterest consultant to estimate the sixth project, he said, or a process that has been Butthishesaiddidnotoccur rates, unlimited parent volume of waste to be “ t h e r e ’s a s e c o n d established between us and FRIDAY Jagdeo said the Natural company guarantee, Hiring discharged, the expected optimization which I would thegovernment.” Resources Ministry then of top experts to review FDP pollutants such as Green say is testing if the facility is This process, according US$214M in questionable engaged Exxon in a (Field Development Plans), HouseGas(GHG)emissions workingoptimallyorifthere to the Projects Manager, Exxon bills stand discussion after GRA and for them to release the a n d p e r h a p s m o r e is capacity to go beyond, say affords the company an and not US$3M recommended closing the findings”. As the thousands importantly, the level of the 250,000 barrels per day opportunity to share its breakdown by audit. of fans trickled into the devastation that can result that we talked about a s s e s s m e n t s w i t h Ministry - Claim “Butthatshouldnothave stadium to watch the game, from a spill. These variables today...we will study the government on its ability to will be settled via happened. I am told there some supported the are then considered by process facilities across the increase production rates arbitration – VPJagdeo was no great discussion movement and told the Guyana’s Environmental FPSOs and understand if, Notably, government is then Exxon only sent in some protesters to “Keep up the Protection Agency (EPA) within safe limits of the empowered to decide Vice President, Dr proposals but they shouldn’t goodwork.” that will ultimately decide machinery that underpins whetherthecompanyshould Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday have even entertained that. whether the project should each process, if they can proceed with the breach to c o n f i r m e d t h a t t h e So my position still stands, I Exxon’s sixth project bepermitted. handle additional fluids and the EIA or whether the government unequivocally willgowithwhatGRAhas.I to continue dangerous Given that the EIAforms if they can handle additional company should stick to the supports the Guyana told [GRA Commissioner trend of exceeding EIA the foundation for the fluids, as long as it’s within approved production rates. Revenue Authority’s (GRA) General,Godfrey]Statiayou production estimates approval of a Permit, the production rates that we Jackson said, “I’m not fully identification of US$214M will deal with it directly and stakeholders have been agreed in the Field aware if we have seen a in questionable expenses not the ministry any longer,” Already producing oil at arguing the need for this key Development Plans, we can contradiction of what the racked up by ExxonMobil theVicePresidentsaid. two Floating Production document to be respected go up to those limits and if basis for the FDP or the EIA fortheStabroekBlock. He added, “I am very Storage and Offloading and for production figures we are to see the potential to and if there was a need to go He also rejected the disappointed because we (FPSO) vessels above the outlinedtobemaintained. go beyond pre-established back to those processes; subsequent breakdown of said all along, we must be safety limits outlined in the ExxonMobil however limits then they will go back can’t say yes or no the sum to US$3M by the guidedbythetechnical projects’ Environmental admitted that the company to the government to request personallyonthat.” Ministry of Natural (Continued on page 59)

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia

From page 58 clearly that there is a people ” The Vice disagreement on the costs President said clearly that and now the next step is there is a disagreement on arbitration. the costs and now the next

The audit of US$1.7B in stepisarbitration. Exxon’sexpensesfortheoil-

The audit of US$1.7B in rich Stabroek Block has Exxon’sexpensesfortheoil- taken more than three years rich Stabroek Block has to be completed. IHS was taken more than three years hired back in 2019 by the t o b e c o m p l e t e d . former David Granger Governmenthasassuredthat administration to do the once the exercise is finished, exercise. The auditor’s a report would be made leaked report states that “the public. Government of Guyana has reasonable grounds to

Eight oil blocks dispute US$214.4 million attracted 14 offers from plus associated overhead oil companies – VPJagdeo adjustmentsofthecosts...”

Further, the report states

In light of several that the disputed costs fall external factors at play, as into three main categories, well as the new robust the first being “Defined regime that has been Costs for Removal” which established for the oil sector, amount to US$34.4 million. Vice President, Dr Bharrat The report states that these Jagdeo said he considers the costs have either been

was held after the signingbonuses,Jagdeosaid US$3M.Hesaidmembersof such engagements and response for Guyana’s included in error, are not modernization of the theinterestforeightofthe14 the unit have since been deliberations.” maiden oil blocks auction a aligned with provisions in legislative and regulatory blocks on offer was instructed to cease such Minister Bharrat “tremendous success.” The the Stabroek Block framework. The chief policy commendable. unethical engagements and categorically stated that Vice President lauded the Production Sharing maker for Guyana’s oil He said the next stage is to follow the lead of the GRA is “the competent fact that six bidders Agreement,arenotrelatedto sector was pleased with the for authorities to review the Guyana Revenue Authority authoritytoleadallauditsfor submitted 14 offers for eight petroleum operations, or are fact that authorities kept its bids received, following (GRA)onsuchaudits. expenses incurred by of the blocks. This is more considered to fall outside of promise to not conclude the which, more details would In a statement to the ExxonMobil Guyana than half of the 14 industrybestpractice. bid round without new be released Jagdeo also media, the official recalled Limited and other oil concessions that were up for The next category is model Production Sharing anticipates that awards will that the US$214M was companies.” grabs.

“Inadequate Supporting Agreements (PSAs) in place be made before the year’s initially flagged in an audit Minister Bharrat’s The companies that Documentation” which to govern deepwater and end. conducted by IHS Markit. statement on the matter submittedbidsinclude:Total totalsUS$179.8million.The shallow water blocks. He The Vice President The British company had followed comments by the Energies EP Guyana B.V, British auditing team said also lauded the passage of shared that one of the key examined ExxonMobil’s Vice President, Dr Bharrat Qatar Energy International these costs suffer from a the Petroleum Activities lessons government has US$1 7B in expenses Jagdeo during a press E&P LLC, & Petronas E&P transparency issue as the Law taken from this maiden incurred in the Stabroek conference on Thursday Overseas Ventures SDN cost basis, nature and With a more robust auction, is that resources for Block for the period 1999 to afternoon Dr Jagdeo BHD (Malaysia); Delcorp justification of these costs regime in place, Jagdeo said investment in this particular 2017. The company said the e x p r e s s e d g r a v e Inc–Guyana,WatadEnergy, couldnotbeestablishedwith one needs to appreciate the sector do not come by easily Guyana Government has disappointment in what had Arabian Drillers (Saudia the furnished documentation global context within which He said it is a reminder that reasonable grounds to occurred and emphatically Arabia); Exxon Mobil even after several rounds of the new system was Guyana is competing with challenge Exxon on stated that the government GuyanaLimited,HESSNew documentation requests implemented He said, other countries that have US$214M in questionable will stand by the GRA’s noVentures Exploration from the Audit Team

“Globally, we have a move great prospects as well and expenses That sum was objection. Limited, and CNOOC Although these costs may be nowtonetzerowithallofits they are prepared to have subsequently endorsed by The Vice President said, Petroleum Guyana Limited; valid, the auditing team said attendant consequences, the thoseinvestmentsgotothem the Guyana Revenue “I thought GRAwas dealing L i b e r t y P e t r o l e u m government has the right to key one being the de- b y l o w e r i n g t h e Authority (GRA) which is with this matter totally Corporation (USA) and , the transparency of how carbonization of many government’stake. charged with overseeing the because that is what we Cybele Energy Limited thesecostsrelatetoStabroek activities from the oil Bethatasitmay,theVice country’s interest in these said… that GRAshould deal (Ghana); Sispro Inc PetroleumOperations. majors.Infact,manyofthem President remained matters. with the issue of the audit. (Guyana); and lastly The final category have been selling off of their confident, believing that the GRA had also via They should have a final say International Group pertains to costs for which assetsinexplorationinmany government’s strategic correspondence, informed at the technical level. I was InvestmentInc.(Guyana),in ministerial approval is parts of the world. Then v i s i o n f o r t h e o i l the ministry that the audit reluctanttoevenspeakabout joint venture with Montego required. This is to the tune there is the inability to raise sector—bolstered by robust should proceed to finality it because I said it is being Energy SA(London). of US$270,000. The report financing for activities e n v i r o n m e n t a l with the US$214M figure as handledtechnically.”

The Vice President did states that these costs have related to the fossil fuel s a f e g u a r d s w i l l the final sum of disputed The official said he not state which companies b e e n i d e n t i f i e d a s industry.” undoubtedly secure its costs with Exxon. Minister understands there was no madebidsforcertainblocks. predominantly related to He also noted that while leadingpositionintheglobal Bharrat said his staff great discussion between the Be that as it may, the official research and development most countries have detailed arena. subsequently engaged ministry’s staff and Exxon. said, “We are very pleased and require ministerial seismic studies and would Exxon in discussions, where Be that as it may, he said, with the offers that we had approval before they can be undertake to do that exercise SATURDAY the costs were later reduced “They shouldn’t have even from the bid round (which consideredcostrecoverable. in hopes of attracting more to US$11M and then to entertained that So my closed September 12, 2023). Auditors also flagged a companies, Guyana did not. Govt. blames Ministry US$3M. That information position still stands, I will go The blocks that we did not total of US$28.8 million Another critical factor he Staff for reducing Exxon’s was then fed to Minister with what GRA has. I told receive bids for are D3, S1, which was incurred prior to said is that several countries questionable bills from Bharrat and Vice President, [GRA Commissioner S2, S6, S9, and S11. So that date of January 10, 2015 were also hosting their bid US$214M to US$3M Dr BharratJagdeoasthough General, Godfrey] Statia, meanssomeoftheblocksare when Hess Corporation and rounds for oil blocks too, it emanated from GRA you will deal with it directly very competitive. A number

CNOOC Petroleum Guyana thereby making the Minister of Natural MinisterBharratsaidhelater and not the ministry any of people are questioning Limited even became e n v i r o n m e n t m o r e Resources, Vickram Bharrat learnt that this was not the longer,” the Vice President whether this was a partners in the Stabroek competitive. said yesterday that staff case. said. successful bid round or not blockalongsideExxon. With those external within his Petroleum Unit The Minister said that He added, “I am very but we are pleased with how

Following GRA’s no- factors in play, along with e n g a g e d i n a n upon learning of what staff disappointed because we theroundhasgone.” objection to the US$214M the fact that Guyana has a “unauthorized” reduction of within his Petroleum Unit saidallalongthatwemustbe

He said the government figure, authorities are more stringent fiscal regime ExxonMobil Guyana had done, “corrective action guided by the technical issatisfiedwiththeoutcome, expected to proceed to that demands the payment of Limited’s questionable was taken immediately and people…” especially since the auction finalizingthereport. a 10 percent royalty and expenses from US$214M to staff was instructed to cease The Vice President said

Premier League: Man City defeat West Ham to stay top of table

(BBC Sport) - Second-half goals from Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland helped Manchester City come from behind to beat in-form West Ham and continue their winning start to the Premier League season.

James Ward-Prowse’s diving header gave the Hammers the lead against the run of play, but Doku’s first City goal restored parity 43 seconds after the interval.

Silva then collected Julian Alvarez’s looping ball over the top of the West Ham defence before calmly prodding past the onrushing Alphonse Areola.

Haaland, who had squandered several earlier opportunities, completed the scoring at London Stadium with a trademark finish.

“All game we were fantastic, even when we were losing at half-time against an incredible side,” City manager Pep Guardiola told BBC Sport. “We were efficient and patient in the second half.

“It was a big win after the international break. The team showed good spirit to survive.”

City maintain their twopoint lead over Tottenham and Liverpool at the top of the table, while West Ham drop to sixth thanks to their first defeat of the campaign.

Klopp praises Liverpool win

Jurgen Klopp bemoaned a sluggish first-half display from Liverpool against Wolves but praised the resilience of his side as they fought back from a goal down

to win for the third time in five Premier League matches.

Wolves dominated the first half and deservedly opened the scoring when Hwang Hee-chan fired home at the far post after some excellent wing play by Pedro Neto.

The Reds were much improved after the break and drew level when Cody Gakpo converted Mohamed Salah’s fizzing cross-shot.

Andy Robertson then marked his 200th Premier League appearance by putting the Reds ahead for the first time on 85 minutes, before substitute Harvey Elliott’s shot deflected off Hugo Bueno for an own goal to seal the victory in stoppage time.

The win moves Klopp’s

Sunday September 17, 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.

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.

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.

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.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

side up to second in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Manchester City.

“It was like we had just met in the car park before the game with the organisation in the first half,” Klopp told TNT Sports. “The good is that it was so bad we couldn’t play that bad in the second half.

“We changed the system

and one player and we had a bit more natural speed up front. We controlled the game better.

“We have a good squad,

no doubt about it. We had a super strong bench today. But even with quality you can play badly, that’s what we did in the first half.”

Cody Gakpo (left) has scored in three successive matches after netting twice for the Netherlands on international duty. (Getty Images)

Singapore Grand Prix: Carlos Sainz on pole position as angry Verstappen qualifies 11th

(BBC Sport) - Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz edged out George Russell’s Mercedes for pole position as Max Verstappen qualified 11th at theSingaporeGrandPrix.

Verstappen swore over the team radio as he struggled with his unexpectedly uncompetitive RedBull,whichthreatensto end his record-breaking run of wins. Sainz beat Russell by 0.072 seconds, while the Englishman was just 0.007secs ahead of Charles Leclerc’sFerrari.

McLaren’sLandoNorris was fourth, ahead of Mercedes’LewisHamilton.

Sainz, whose pole was his second in a row after

starting from the front in Italy, said: “We have a very goodcarincertaintracksand certain conditions and like onelap,and[on]thissortof [track with] short exits and quick changes in direction, our car seems to be very goodthisweekend.

“Like in Monza, we know our weakness is alwaystheracepaceandwe always pay a price. But everyone has been doing a greatjoboverthelastcouple of weekends to understand the package and understand the car and I think we are definitely making a bit of progress ” Haas driver Kevin Magnussen beat Fernando Alonso’s Aston

Martin to sixth place, with Esteban Ocon’s Alpine, Magnussen’s team-mate Nico Hulkenberg andAlpha Tauri’s Liam Lawson completing the top 10. The first session of qualifying was stopped fractionally early after Lance Stroll crashed his Aston Martin heavilyatthefinalcorner

The Canadian, who had been 0.8secs slower than team-mate Alonso on his firstrunandwasindangerof beingeliminated,hadaslide out of the final chicane and thenlostgripinthemiddleof the fast right-hander that endsthelap.Stroll’scarslid on to the kerb and spun into the barriers, tearing a wheel

off the car and badly damagingit.Hewastakento themedicalcentreforchecks butsoonreleaseduninjured.

VerstappenandRedBull have been struggling all weekend but few expected them to fail to make the grid’stop10.

All year, the car’s strength has been its gentle tyre wear in races, but this has meant its advantage has been reduced in qualifying, becauseitstrugglestogetthe tyres into the right temperature window In Singapore, Verstappen and team-mate Sergio Perez have both complained of a lack of rear grip, and in qualifying the runaway championship leader looked uncompetitive throughout His fastest lap in the second session only put him 10th fastest, leaving him vulnerabletobeingknocked out, and in the end the car that displaced him was one from the sister team Alpha Tauri driven by rookie Lawson.

The New Zealander’s

team-mate Yuki Tsunoda was also on course to beat Verstappen’s time, but he abortedhislapandendedup 15th, saying he had locked up into Turn 14. Verstappen also faced three separate stewards’ investigations for alleged offences during the session: one for impeding Tsunoda;oneforstoppingin thepitlaneandimpedingthe cars behind him; and the final one for being part of a gaggle of cars driving unnecessarily slowly towards the end of a preparationlap.

Verstappensubsequently received two reprimandsonefortheTsunodaincident and one for stopping in the pit lane - but faced no sanction over the third matter

Thereisnochangetohis gridposition.

Team-mate Sergio Perez spun at the start of his final lapandqualified12th.

Diamond League: Coleman upstages Lyles to cop men’s 100m crown …James win 4th 400m title

( S p o r t s M a x )American Christian Coleman followed up h i s 9 8 3 - s e c o n d clocking in Xiamen with a similar performance at the Prefontaine Classic to claim the men’s 100m Diamond League crown inEugeneonSaturday

I t w a s a l w a y s e x p e c t e d t o b e a breathtaking dash and despite Ackeem Blake’s

it did in China, again equalled the world lead of 9 83s, which was first set by Noah Lyles in August Lyles the World Champion, closed fast for second in 9 85s, while

wasthirdwitha similar time of 9 85s

22, in his first real competitive season got out well but fadedinto fourthin9.87s.

The first session of qualifying was stopped fractionally early after Lance Stroll crashed hisAston Martin heavily at the final corner. (Getty Images)

Christian Coleman celebrates after crossing the line ahead of Noah Lyles in the men's 100m in Eugene on Saturday. Kirani James

Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana…

Several youngsters are the latest to benefit

Several young cricketers, ages 9 to 13 of Just Try Cricket Club, Upper Corentyne, recently benefited from a gear bag filled with batting pads, batting and wicketkeeper pads, cricket shoes and a helmet, compliments of Sheik Mohamed, Owner of Start Sports Trophies and Awards, Enmore, East Coast,Demerara.Theaimof the newly formed cricket clubistokeeptheyouthsoff thestreetsandconstructively occupied, while trying to create an opportunity for them The kids were delighted for the gear while this initiative is happy to be partoftheirdevelopment.

Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far: $370,000 in cash, thirteen colored cricket uniforms, two trophies, seventeen pairs of cricket boots, thirty-one pairs of batting pads, thirty-two cricket bats, twenty-nine pairs of batting gloves, twenty-three thigh pads, threepairsofwicketkeeping pads, five Arm guards, two boxes, ten cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets and one softball cricket bat. In addition to the above,

$600,000 worth of gear was donatedbySheikMohamed, f o r m e r N a t i o n a l wicketkeeper/batsman All cash collected is being used to purchase gear requested andnotavailableatthetime.

To date, sixty-seven young players from all three counties of Guyana have

The youngsters proudly display their newly acquired gear

while RHCCCC received three boxes of balls, fifteen whitecricketshirts,onepair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket keeping gloves and a set of stumps a n d b a i l s O t h e r beneficiaries are The Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem and youthcoach,TravisPersaud, softball teams in the Upper Corentyne area, No 65 Young Titans and Just Try CC.

Cricket-related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the countryandclubleadersalso assist in identifying talent. Progressive and wellmanagedcricketclubswitha youth program will also benefit.

benefited from three junior gearbags,twotrophies,four arm guards, twenty-seven bats, two boxes, five helmets, twenty-three pairs ofcricketshoes,fifteenpairs of batting pads, two thigh pads,onebatrubber,twentyfour pairs of batting gloves and two pairs of wicket-

keeping gloves. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon areabenefitedfromtwoused bats.Pomeroon,Leguanand Wa k e n a m C r i c k e t CommitteesandCottonTree Die Hard also received one boxofredcricketballseach, Cold Fusion Cricket Club thirteen color uniforms

We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish PandayofPandPInsurance Brokers, Sean Devers, TrevisSimon,ÅrïêlJ.Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor,

Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League…

Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh,RomashMunna,Ravi Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru and Dennis Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra SadeoandRameshSunichof Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies, Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Chin Singh,DeneshChandrapaul, Davo Naraine of UK, Dr Cecil Beharry, Raj Mathura, Raj Bharrat, Latch Mohabir and family, Suresh Dhanai, Vishal Nagamootoo, Moses Nagamootoo, Regal Sports Store, Omkar Singh, Parmanand Dhaniram, Denanauti Singh, Krishna Rengensamy, Ishwar Singh and Ricky Deonarain of 4R Bearings We thank the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture Distribution will continue.

Anyone interested in contributingcancontactAnil Beharry at 623-6875 or Kishan Das at +1-718-6640896.

Tallawahs keep play-off hopes alive

(CPL) - Jamaica Tallawahs earned a vital 59 run victory over the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to ensure they remained in contention for the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Playoff stage next week.

The Tallawahs won the toss and chose to bat first, despite losing early wickets tothespinofAshmeadNedd and George Linde, a 62 run seventh wicket partnership between Shamar Springer and FabianAllen hauled the side to a formidable 178/7 after20overs.

Despiteavaliant65from Yannic Cariah, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots were bowled

out for 119, Mohammad Amir taking 4 wickets in a brilliant spell and ensuring the Tallawahs won by 59 runs.

T h e J a m a i c a n franchise were restricted in the PowerPlay by the bowling of Sheldon Cottrell and Ashmead Nedd, with the latter taking the wickets of Brandon King and Kirk McKenzie to leave the Tallahwahs reeling at 312 at the end of the powerplay When spinner George Linde took two wickets in successive d e l i v e r i e s i n t h e following over, the Ta l l a w a h s f o u n d

themselves in crisis at 344

However Raymon Reifer,ShamarSpringerand Fabian Allen would all contribute with runs for the remainder of the innings, as theTallawahsscored72runs from the final 5 overs to reach178/7.

The Patriots fell behind the over rate and were given a red card for the final over, with Cariah leavingthefield.

The Patriots lost their experienced openers Evin Lewis and Andre Fletcher in the PowerPlay, while big hitters Will Smeed and Sherfane Rutherford would lose their wickets shortly

a f t e r w a r d s , w i t h Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim bowling superbly Yannic Cariah would score 65 off just 40 balls, his highestscoreinT20cricket, butitwastobeinvainasthe Patriotswerebowledoutfor 119, ending their CPL campaignwitha59runloss.

Jamaica Tallawahs return to CPL action tomorrow morning where they will be taking on the SaintLuciaKings

Match details: Jamaica Tallawahs 178/7 (Springer 38, Allen 33; Nedd 2/25, Linde 2/33) beat St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 119 (Cariah 65, Smeed 13; Amir 4/19, Wasim3/25)by59runs

Shamar Springer (right) and FabianAllen boosted Jamaica’s innings with a sturdy partnership. (Getty Images)

RepublicBankCaribbeanPremierLeague2023… Hope, Tahir help Warriors topple TKR by 6 wickets

Shai Hope stroked

his 4th halfcenturythisseason as the Guyana Amazon Warriors toppled arch rivals Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) by 6 wickets, following last night’s soldout house who witnessed a preview of this week’s upcomingbattle.

Thevisitorsposted176-8 from their 20 overs in a match where they opted to rest 6 of their big guns, KeacyCartysteppedupwith a classy 83 required only 43 balls and was littered with 7 foursand4sixes.

Opener Mark Deyal set the tone with 8 fours in his cracking37off20whileexWarrior Chadwick Walton rounded off the top-scorers listwithagritty25.

Guyana Amazon

Warriors Captain, legspinner Imran Tahir was single-handedly swung the

momentum back in his team’sfavor,snaring3-12as three of his men claimed a wicketeach.

Warriors replied strongly, almost strolling to 177-4 in 18.2 overs, as they prepare for the playoffs thanked to the form of opener Saim Ayub who punched37off25(5x4,2x4) and Odean Smith (44) promoteduptheorderaftera disastrous bowling outing, added56.

But it was the touch and classofHopewhocontinued hisfinebattingform,scoring abrisk54notoutoff37with 3sixesandapairoffours,an innings which steered the Warriorshome.

Taking first strike, TKR did well to fight their way backtoagoodtotalthanksto Carty, who ensured his team’s innings revolved aroundhim.

Deyal’sflyingstartatthe

coupledwithandWaltonand Carty’s 3rd wicket 50-run partnership, gave their team a huge turnaround after a brilliant run-out courtesy of Junior Sinclair, which accounted for the dismissal of the dangerous Martin Guptill(1).

Carty punished the bad balls as he raced to a halfcenturyoff35balls,asTKR reachedtheir100inthe13th over, despite playing a recoverygame.

Carty looked set for a hundred, especially after takingalikingtoSmithwho again was the Warriors momentum-breaker, bowling3oversfor50runs.

Butsuperbspellfromthe Captain Tahir which saw a cluster of wickets falling, including the big wicket of Carty; significantly pulled things back to helpWarriors finish the innings in rousing fashion.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Captain, Imran Tahir, led with the ball with a spell of 3 – 12. (Getty Images)

Shamar Springer propelled TKR to an impressive first innings score with a score of 83. (Getty Images)

Jamaica Tallawahs celebrate during the second half of their showdown with St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots. (Getty Images)

GuyanaAmazon Warriors celebrate the wicket of TKR’s Martin Guptil. (Getty