Kaieteur News

GRA has authority to release Exxon’s audit reports – Jagdeo

Vice President (VP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo made it clear onThursdaythattheGuyana RevenueAuthority (GRA) is theonlyagencyauthorizedto release any of the audit reports on ExxonMobil's StabroekBlockexpenses.

HesaidGRAcandosoif itpleases.

During an engagement with members of the local media fraternity at Freedom House,Jagdeowasalsokeen tonotethatGRA,andnotthe Ministry of Natural Resources, is the sole authority with responsibility forpronouncingontechnical informationcapturedinthose reports.

He made the foregoing comments in response to queries from Kaieteur News on the status of an audit into ExxonMobil's expenses totalling US$7.3B for the period2018to2020.

Thatauditwasconducted by VHE Consulting, a registered partnership betweenRamdihal&Haynes Inc, Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & ConsultancyInc.

The local consortium, hired back in May last year, received support from International firms SGS andMartindaleConsultants.

Speaking on the status of the audit report, the Vice President said it is now with GRA for a review of the

findings.

He further noted that the taxagencyalreadysubmitted its recommendation to the Natural Resources Ministry on August 8, 2023 to close the inaugural audit into ExxonMobil's expenses totalling US$1 7B Those costs were incurred from 1999to2017.

The audit of those expenses was done by IHS M a r k i t , a B r i t i s h Consultancy group which flagged US$214M in questionable expenses by Exxon.

As to the official disclosure of those documents, Jagdeo said, “If GRA wants to release the IHS Markit report, we don't have a problem; if GRA wants to release the other report (on the audit of US$7.3B) that is fine with me…buttheymustmakethat call on anything to do with audits.”Going forward, VP Jagdeo stressed the government's commitment towards building local capacity for the audit of ExxonMobil'sexpenses.

Jagdeoexplained,“…We madeitclearthatwewantto build capacity on these matters…Wewerehopingto get feedback from a policy standpoint on the quality of the audit (for US$7 3B) because we brought in local people for the first time for

thatpurpose.”

He added, “I am looking policywiseforareportonthe quality of the audit and whether bringing in local people allows us to do an audittoindustrystandardsor it compromises the process because there has been a lot of push back from another

sectionofsocietysayingthat localscan'thandlethis…”

While he awaits the referenced feedback, the Vice President said the governmentisalsolookingto the next phase of auditing ExxonMobil's expenses incurredfortheperiod20202022 This will include

scrutiny of expenses relating to the US$9B Payara project in the Stabroek Block, set to

comeonstreamlaterthisyear and produce 220,000 barrels ofoilperday

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210

This is the regard ExxonMobil has for Guyanese

If any Guyanese entertained ideas that they featured highly in the considerations of the movers and shakers at ExxonMobil, they had better come to their senses quickly The chiefs at ExxonMobil are so disrespectful and dismissive of Guyanese that they have not even spent the time, effort, and money to get the clearest picture of what could be the impact of a bad oil spill at the company’s offshoreGuyanaoperations.

In more ways than one, we believe that what the companyissayingtoitselfiswhywastetimeandmoneyon nonwhitepeople. Whygototheeffortforpeoplewhoare poor and backward? Why do anything when Guyanese leaders have all but sworn allegiance to the commands of ExxonMobil,andcompletelydeliveredtheircountrytothis predatoryUScompany

There is a shocking casualness about how ExxonMobil approaches such things as full safety studies for its Guyana operations, with related financial impacts on Guyana A spokesperson for the group that has conducted several Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for ExxonMobil had this to say at a recent public consultation on the sixth oil project:“Ican’tsaybecauseit’snotpartoftheEIA Wehaven’t done an economic model of what the maximum economic impactwouldbe Whatwefocusonwiththeunplannedevents chapterisidentifyingwhattheriskofthosescenariosaresowe canputtherightmeasuresinplacetomanagethatriskandsothat reallycomesdowntotheoilspillresponseplan”

AsummaryinplainEnglishofwhatthatissayingisthis:the scopeoftheEIAdidnotextendtowhatamassiveoilspillwould costinconcreteterms Inaddition,thepartabout“unplanned events” confirms what ExxonMobil is comfortable doing offshore,whichistopushandpushtheriskenvelopepastthe recommendedpoints Ofcourse,animmenseoilspillisusually a sudden (“unplanned event”) rupture or blowout that has incalculable consequences for the host nation, where oil operationsaregoingon. Further,“identifyingwhattheriskof those scenarios are” is another giveaway because it is ExxonMobilthatgetstodecidehowmuchweightorprobability ofoccurrenceitisgoingtoplaceonaparticularoilspillsetof circumstances. Iftheprobabilityofsuchanoilspillisheldas low to very low (almost nonexistent) in ExxonMobil’s calculations,thenitsmodelsareonlyasgoodaswhatisput intothem. Inotherwords,ifgarbagenumbersareputinto theriskmodel,thenitisgarbagethatcomesoutastheresult.

This is how ExxonMobil is playing with Guyana’s pristine environment, the current livelihoods of the Guyanese people, and the future prosperity of more than Guyanafromitswealth. ThisishowExxonMobilalsolightly takes the possible negatives from a major oil spill that could inflict unprecedented damage on the economies of many of Guyana’s neighbours Because regional economies are so dependent on tourism, meaning their waters and beaches, a comprehensive,insightful,andcrediblestudywouldhavemade sense,andmanifestedgreatrespectforGuyanaanditsregional neighbors WeatthispublicationdonotthinkthatExxonMobil wouldhavebeensoreckless,orsothoughtless,toattemptthe sameinEurope,oranyplaceelsewherethepopulationwasless colouredandmoreheavilywhite

On a separate note, the EIAspokesperson at the public consultationnotedthatshouldtherebeaspillthatGuyanese could submit claim to be made whole. This would cover lossofcompensation,orassistancetoinjuredcitizenssothat theycangetbacktowheretheywerebeforeanysuchspill. Nothingwasmentionedaboutwhatrecoursecitizenswould haveforhealtheffects,orthattheclaimsprocesscouldbea nightmare for those who are at a loss about what struck them, and what to do. The catastrophic Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska is a case in point. It took years for many Alaskans to be compensated, while ExxonMobil strung them along. When we contemplate all these things, ExxonMobil more and more comes over as a less trustworthypartner,andoneallforitsowninterests.

Why these gimmicks, the President’s job is not pageantry?

DEAREDITOR, Thereisnotadaythathas gone by without seeing the PPP/C abusing State’s resources This terrible behaviour is supported and led by no one other than the chiefcitizen.

The helicopter that belongstotheStateisnotthe

President’s personal property The President continues to traverse short distances, accessible by roads to functions It is obviousthatthisisdoneasa PR gimmick to somehow ‘big up” the President’s image. For trips to Linden and Berbice, the average

man uses car or bus, the Presidentusedtheplaneona recent occasion, again was thatnecessary?

Last weekend, the First Lady hosted a fundraiser party attended mostly by contractors, and here again the helicopter was there, for what purpose? To ride

aroundforphotos?Tobigup the event? What was the purpose? These are unnecessary gimmicks that should stop. The President needs to understand he has one job and this doesn’t includepageantry Regards, R.Tim

Problem upon problem with GTT

DEAREDITOR,

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology is meant to enhance our lives and provide efficient solutions,GTTappearstobe lagging far behind. I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with another in the long list of experiences I have had with GTT’s customer service, someofwhichIhaveshared through your newspaper in the past My internet service, (account number supplied), was disconnected duetonon-payment,whichI completely understand as it wasmyoversight.However, theissuesthatfollowedwere highly frustrating and unacceptable.

On September 19, I contacted GTT via their WhatsAppcustomersupport platform and spoke with an agent to inquire about the

process to have my service reconnected The agent informedmethatIneededto settle the outstanding balance, which I did the following day I then contacted GTT via WhatsApp at about 5:29 pm on September 20 to provide proof of payment since payment was done through an authorized agent (Sure Pay)andwasinformedthatit would take 24 hours for the payment to be updated in their system and I would have to wait until after the payment is updated before myserviceisrestoredasthis was their policy I then ventedmydispleasureatthis and requested to have this escalated to the level of a supervisor I was then informed that a supervisor will reach out to me. I informed the agent that contact can only be made

with me through WhatsApp either by chat or messaging.

At the time of writing this, I’m yet to hear from the supervisor

At6:19PM,Ireceivedan email from GTTconfirming the updated payment status; however,myinternetservice remained disconnected I tried contacting their WhatsAppcustomersupport number at 6:26pm, but they had already closed for the day Thissituationisentirely unreasonable in this age of advancedtechnology

I believe that the reconnection of internet services should be an automatic process once the payment has been successfully submitted, especially if it is done through GTT’s official WhatsApp platform Frustration escalated further when I contacted GTT on

September 21st, only to be told by one of their agents that my account had some unexplainedrestrictions.

I was informed that my issuewouldbeforwardedto another department, and my service would hopefully be reconnectedbytheendofthe day

This delay is very i n c o n v e n i e n t a n d unacceptable. It’s now 4:00 pm and my service is yet to bereconnected IurgeGTTtoreviewand improveitscustomerservice and technical processes to e n s u r e t h a t s u c h inconveniences and delays are minimized, if not eliminated. I trust that GTT will take this complaint seriouslyandworktorectify theissuesIhavefaced.

Yourstruly,

ChristopherHouston DissatisfiedCustomer

Recommendations for improving school grant programme

DEAREDITOR, CRG recently reviewed the positives of the school grant programme as expressed by some of the recipients. This is a great initiative being undertaken by the government and we congratulate them on helping to make the professional lives of the teachers much easier There is, however, an opportunity for improvement A consolidated list of the products and services

procured by each school shouldbecollectedandused by the government to centralize the procurement process for the products and servicesneeded. This will allow for greater buying power that will result in lower prices and cost savings for the Government Having multiple prequalified and certified suppliers will ensure that the purchasing p r o c e s s r e m a i n s competitive, and the quality

of the services and products meet a minimum required highstandard.

Itwillalsoallowteachers to spend their time more productivelyonwhattheydo best, which is teaching and preparing for classroom lessonsinsteadofrunningto the store to get items that should already be available at the school or spending time negotiating a janitorial contract.

Keeping 10% of the schoolgrantonhandaspetty

cash at the schools based on theannualinflationadjusted amounts will allow teachers to still be able to a c c o m m o d a t e a n y emergencies that may arise during the academic year It is CRG’s hope that the government will move in this direction for the next academicyear

Bestregards, Mr

JamilChanglee Chairman

The Cooperative RepublicansofGuyana

Put out that burning dumpsite in NewAmsterdam, alert residents

DEAREDITOR,

The dumpsite fire burningforseveraldaysnow in New Amsterdam is reminiscent of a similar situation which occurred on many occasions, several yearsago,attheoldgarbage

dumpsite in Georgetown. Theseveraleruptionscaused serious environmental problems, chief among which were the discomfort suffered by residents living nearby Better disposal and management of collected

garbage ought to be given priority consideration in ordertoavoidarepeatofthe situation.

Precautionarymeasures, it is hoped, have been made known to residents, especiallythosewithbabies,

children, the elderly, and particularlythosewithhealth conditions.

Afireburningforseveral days suggests it might be chemicalinnature.

Yoursfaithfully, ShamshunMohamed

APublic ServiceAct/law is urgently required for an independent public service

DEAREDITOR

, The Commission of Inquiry(COI)intothePublic Service,headedbyProfessor HaroldLutchman,submitted its report to then President David Granger in May 20. The report was circulated to Members of the National Assembly for debate and consideration.

Itwasreportedthatthere was no debate following disagreement between the GovernmentandOpposition on referring the report to a Select Committee of the NationalAssembly

Many of the 89 COI r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s support the creation of a p r o f e s s i o n a l a n d politically neutral Public Service, to provide efficient and effective service to the national community.

T h e N a t i o n a l Assembly and the Public Service Ministry should carefullyconsidertheCOI r e p o r t a n d i t s recommendations and let the public know of their disposition

The Lutchman COI notes that Guyana’s Constitution provides for an independent Public Service Commission on employment matters for the Public Service

However, there is no Public Service Law governing how the Public Service Ministry should function under such in which the governing principlesarestipulated.

The basic principles would be embodied in a Public Service Act along w i t h a p p r o p r i a t e regulations and defines the functions of a Public Service Ministry as the lead Ministry responsible for public management and administration Such an Act defines the status and duties of th e

Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, with powers, duties and responsibilities for the effective organisation of the departmentalandministerial machinery of Government, and human resource management outside the constitutional duties of the PublicServiceCommission. The report also specifically recommended “that the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry be the convenor of the Permanent Secretaries’ Committee to discuss and

implement ways and means of improving efficiency and economy.”APublic Service Act is generally regarded as a fundamental requirement, as reflected in the revised New Zealand State Service Act1988,whichoutlinesthe purposeofsuchanactas“to promote and uphold a state sector system which is imbued with the spirit of service to the community; operates in the collective interests of Government, maintains appropriate standards of integrity and conduct; maintains political neutrality; is supported by effective workforce and personnel arrangements;

meets good-employer arrangements;isdrivenbya culture of excellence and efficiency; and fosters a cultureofstewardship”.

A Public Service Act is a common feature for effective publicmanagementandpublic administration in Caricom countries Suchlegislationcan befoundinthelawsofTrinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica,andBelizealongwith PublicServiceActsofCanada, andSouthAfrica

Canada’s Public Service EmploymentActprovidesfora “PublicServicethatisbasedon meritandnon-partisanship,and in which these values are independentlysafeguarded”by its independent Public Service Commission, which has exclusive authority on Public Serviceappointments”

ProfessorLutchman’sCOI intothePublicServiceofMay 11, 2016, in its first recommendation, (number 1) stronglysupportstheenactment ofaPublicServiceLawwhich

provides for professional and effective public management by the Public Service Commission,havingregardto itsconstitutionalfunctions,and by a Public Service Ministry Lawthatshouldbeenacted.

Such a law establishes the Public Service Ministry, definesthefunctionsofsuch a Ministry, identifies the Permanent Secretary as the head of the Public Service andasChairofaCommittee of all Permanent Secretaries toadvisetheGovernmenton public management matters for the improvement and efficiency of the Public Service, among other relevant provisions, and “to insulate the Public Service from irregular political influencesandotherexternal pressures” (Drawing from Barbados and examples of Caricom countries and Guyana’s PSC Circular No. 46 of 1966, and other internationalexamples).

T h e p u b l i c administration system, in line with the Constitution, Article 115 and other laws, mandates that where any Minister has been charged with the responsibility for any department of Government, the Minister shall exercise general direction and control over thatdepartment.

Such direction and control are of a general and policy nature While the Minister is primarily concerned with the determination of policy, the PermanentSecretaryandthe technical and other staff under the Permanent Secretary are required to

faithfully implement the policy decisions of the Governmentofthedayinan impartial and professional manner

The Permanent Secretary assists the Minister in the formulation of policies; prepares papers for Cabinet; and is also the accounting officer who manages, and is accountablefor,thefundsvoted by National Assembly for the ministerialdepartments;andis answerable to the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly for public expenditure These duties and responsibilities have not changedsincethePSCCircular No 46 of1966, embodying an extractfromaspeechfromthen Prime Minister L F S Burnham, and circulated to public officers in November 1966,notingthatthePermanent Secretary is the accounting officer and stating that: “ …A Ministershouldnevertherefore give instructions for expenditure to be incurred on any project without prior consultation with his Permanent Secretary to ascertainthatappropriatefunds areavailable ”

Also, in a letter dated 5 M a y 1 9 8 9 t o Permanent Secretaries, f o r m e r P r e s i d e n t Desmond Hoyte stated t h a t u n d e r t h e Constitution, Permanent Secretaries have the responsibility to manage their Ministries; to advise their Ministers; to

help the Ministers in the formulation of policies; and theeffectivemanagementof the resources of personnel, finance, stores, plant, machinery, equipment, vehicles,andbuildings.

The letter further warns that: “ No Minister has the authority to direct a Permanent Secretarytoignorethelaw or to breach regulations and directives governing the administration of finances, the use of Government property, etc

Indeed, no Minister has the power to direct a Permanent Secretary to commit any other act that is unlawful or otherwise irregular ” Hoyte’s letter alsoreiteratesthataPermanent Secretary is expected and is requiredtoactstrictlywithin thescopeoflawandrelevant regulations and other rules governing the management of finances and other resources. Hoyte’s letter further admonishes

Permanent Secretaries to bear in mind that the Public Service exists to serve the people promptly and in an efficientmanner,andtotreat all with courtesy and consideration. Permanent Secretaries are to ensure the Public Service always delivers quality service to the citizens and the public.

The Permanent Secretary and the Minister’s principal technicalstaffareconcerned with providing advice and

assistance in policy determination and formulation. Thiscallsfora cordial working relationship among the Permanent Secretary, technical staff, and the Minister and the permanent staff of an impartialPublicServiceina spirit of mutual respect and confidence.

In keeping with the forgoing principles and with the supporting testimonies of many witnesses, the Lutchman COI Report into the Public Service of 11 May 2016 affirmstheseprinciplesfora capable, professional, and efficient Public Service as outlined in PSC Circular No.46of1966,andHoyte’s letter on 5 May 1989 as sound, valid and relevant for the contemporary situation in the Public Service in Guyana. These principles are strongly recommended to be incorporated into Public Service Lawand related regulations(Rec.#1). The Government and the National Assembly are again requested to give serious consideration or pronounceotherwise

The public is invited to joininthisdiscussiononthe proposals for the creation of a professional, depoliticised, and independent PublicServicebyLawinthe nationalinterest.

Yourssincerely, JoshuaJohn

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ExxonMobil and accuracy of data

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Exxon claims "very few” of its costs, if any, in an audit is rejected.

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This clever criminal, known around the world for submitting false data expects Guyanese to believe this tale.

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We at this newspaper know different and believe that the questionable costs flagged by the British auditor of the US$1.7B bills could be much greater.

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Finally, rather than tooting its own horn and boasting of its "integrity and quality of accounting activities" ExxonMobil should accept the audit findings and give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, especially since it is already bagging the hog of resources from our oil wealth.

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Probe of breakdown on US$214M costs an insult to intelligence of Guyanese

The Opposition on Friday said it is opposed to the investigation ordered by President Irfaan Ali of the breakdown of the US$214 million in questionable costs toUS$3million.

The discrepancies were flagged in an audit report conducted by British Consultancy firm, IHS Markit. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) the authorized agency to

monitor the process had signaled its no-objection to the US$214 million figure; however,itwasreportedthat staff at the Ministry of Natural Resources Petroleum Unit engaged the oil company in an

“unauthorized” breakdown ofthesum.

With a full investigation tobelaunchedintowhattook place,thepoliticalgroupina statement to the media said, “IrfaanAli'sdecisiontoorder

aninvestigationtodetermine who authorized personnel at the Ministry of Natural Resources to directly negotiate with ExxonMobil isaninsulttotheintelligence of Guyanese from all walks oflife.”

The Opposition believes anyinvestigationwouldbea wasteofresourcessince“the evidence and verdict are alreadystarklyobvious”.Itis adamant that there were no “negotiations” with Exxon

- Opposition

on the breakdown of costs but rather “a submissive giveaway of the country's revenue”.

Thegrouparguedthatthe breakdown of these costs submittedbytheoilcompany could never have occurred without the knowledge of both the Head of State and

Vice President. In fact, the Opposition utilized the opportunity to emphasize its discomfort with Jagdeo managing the petroleum sector

“This audit scandal (audit-gate) blatantly exposes what we in the Oppositionhavebeensaying all along: Jagdeo is not only incompetent, but his incompetence is too costly politically, economically, and financially to the nation forhimtowieldthepowerhis partyallowshimto.Doesthe nation have to wait for another US$200M to be squandered for him to be fired? Does the nation have towaitforanotherdisplayof arrogance and executive lawlessness?”

It added, “No bogus probe into audit-gate will distract from these realities and imperatives. No bogus probewillfoolanyone.”

On Friday, Kaieteur News reported that the Ministry of Natural Resourcesissettoconducta thorough investigation into its Petroleum Unit regarding the mishandling of the audit into ExxonMobil's US$1.7B bills for the period 1999 to 2017.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo made this disclosure Thursdaywhileengagingthe media at Freedom House, Georgetown.

He said that the investigationaimstoidentify the individuals who engaged in an unauthorised reduction of questionable spending by Exxon.

Jagdeo said the ministry will provide a report to Cabinet for review and the appropriate action would be taken thereafter The official also declined to disclose priortothecompletionofthis probe, the names of the personsthatengagedExxon. “I would want to await the full report from the ministry to Cabinet and the ministry wouldhavetodisclosethatto thepublictoo,”hesaid. The Vice President said too that he agrees an investigation must take place, as was called for by Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram and Opposition Parliamentarian, DavidPatterson.Thecallfor a thorough probe was made after the Vice President revealed last week that the ministry's unit engaged Exxon on reducing questionable spending first flagged by British Consultancy Group, IHS Markitandlaterendorsedby the Guyana Revenue Authority(GRA).

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

Mental health remains a problem

Thereareagreatnumber of suspected mentally ill persons walking around the streets of the country There areagreatmanyotherswho are not mentally ill but simplydestitutebutwhoare treatedas“mad”people.

Mental illness is a diseaselikeanyotherillness. Itafflictsthemindinsteadof the body but because the mind controls bodily functions and actions, an illness of the mind can have degenerative effects on the physical ability and constitution of mentally-ill patients.

There are treatments for mentally ill patients, but theseareoftenextendedand costly Assuch,therehasnot been any significant attempt at addressing mental illness as a serious public health concern. Perhaps because there are more mentally ill persons off the streets than on the streets, it is assumed that the problem is under control.Anotherreasonmay be the difficulty in identifying from among the destitute just who are mentallyillandjustwhoare only simply deprived and mimickingmadnessjustasa survivalmechanism.

If it is tough off the streets,imaginehowtougher it is on the streets for those who have to exist day-today, hand- to- mouth, without permanent shelter and often having to do relievethemselvesinpublic.

Assuch,thereisneedfor aplantoaddressthegrowing numbersofdestituteandthe

mentally ill persons on our streets. We should not wait until a major international event is held before taking stepstoshelftheseproblems temporarily

During 2007, the government in the haste to present a good face for the hosting of Cricket World Cupundertookalast-minute effort to bus many destitute individualsintoshelters.The public was assured that this would have been a continuouseffort.

Today there are just as much, if not more destitute persons on our streets than there were in 2007, questioning just how effective and sustained has been the campaign to get dwellers off the streets and into a more comfortable environmentwheretheywill be less exposed to risk, can begivenregularmealsanda placetosleepandeventually reintegrated with their familiesandfriends.

Then a few years ago, there was campaign to remove persons off the streets. It was even reported that some of the persons removed were placed in the mentalhospitalinBerbice.

Unfortunately, one of those individuals escaped from that institution and drownedinoneoftherivers in the area This raised concerns not just about the institutionalizing of persons butalsoaboutthesecurityat thesaidinstitution.

Ithadlongbeenreported inGuyanathatthesecurityat the mental hospital in the

past had left much to be desired since in the past persons from that institution could have been seen regularly and unsupervised wanderingallaroundatown in the area. Now we are learning that the mental hospitalwillbeclosed.

A number of questions therefore emerge. What are the procedures that are used to determining admission to a mental institution? And have persons been forcibly institutionalized in mental asylums in Guyana? There has so far been no evidence that any illegal actions have taken place as regards the institutionalizing of mentally ill persons within Guyana.Butattheminimum no person should be admittedtoamentalhomeor institutionwithoutamedical referral from a competent professional Since a mentallyillpersoncannotbe expected to make a rational decision to be admitted, the laws of most countries usually provide for that persontobeinstitutionalized upontherecommendationof medical professionals. The situation is obviously compounded since a person cannot be assumed to be mentally ill, taken off the streets, seen by a doctor and then referred to a mental institution. If the person is taken to a hospital or clinic andisthenseenbyadoctor, thenthepersoncanlawfully beinstitutionalized.

Butwhotakestheperson to the hospital or clinic? If someone is forcibly taken

DEM BOYS SEH DBS

Hold yuh breath and your bags when at de stadium

De Caribbean Premier League is in town. Cricket fever is infecting the population faster dan de COVID did spread through Europe.

De National Stadium, ourhallowedground forall things cricket, has become the epicenter of excitement and bewilderment alike

But like everything else in Guyana, nothing does run smoothly First, we had problems with the toilets. Yuh would have thought that after years of hosting international cricket, de authorities would have mastered the art of toilet maintenance.Butitappears as of the loos are in a permanent state of rebellion, as if they’ve

signedupfortheirveryown T20tournament.It’salmost as if they’ve decided to bowl us over with their unsavorysurprises.Onecan only hope that by now, someonehassummonedthe plumbing gods to flush awaythisissueonceandfor all. But it gets worse.After de last ball is bowled, the authorities have decided to confound us all. Instead of allowing us to exit through the large, welcoming gate, they are forcing thousands of spectators to pass through what can only be described as a needle-like passage leading to a minusculegate.

It’s as if they’ve taken inspiration from Alice’s adventures in Wonderland,

awaytobeseenbyadoctor, canthatpersonbesaidtobe unlawfullyabducted.

If Guyana is to address the high incidence of destitute persons on its streets, it cannot do so without examining the laws andregulationspertainingto theinstitutionalizationofthe mentally ill. And for the simple reason that amongst the hundreds of destitute on our streets, there are many mentally- ill persons and howthesepersonsaregoing to be treated is another problem. Then there is the financial concern In a country in which there is competition for health

resources,itisnevergoingto be easy for governments to convince the public that more should be spent on the mentally ill. In fact, if the average citizen knew just howmuchmoneyisrequired tobespenttotreatamentally ill person back to good health, they would gasp at the sums and many perhaps would argue against such expenditure. This is always unfortunate because mental illnessisnotincurable;most mental conditions are treatable and in fact, if treated early, allow the patient to return to a normal existence.

Mentalillnessisalsolike

any other illness and just as howgreatsumsaregoingto bespentthisyearondialysis, then perhaps some attention shouldbepaidtothecauseof thementallyill.

(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.)

hoping we can all shrink ourselves down to fit throughthiseyeofaneedle. Dis is dangerous not only can persons be crushed but thereisalsothefearofbeing pick-pocketedoryourpurse beingrustled.

De squeeze through the smallgatebecomesanervewracking dance, where your health, wallet and dignity might just be stolen simultaneously It’s a game of cat and mouse, but the mice are wearing cricket jerseys.

While cricket may be the sport of gentlemen, it appears that de authorities have decided to treat us as less than gentlemen and ladies.

TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

President Ali shining hour

Someone was kind enough to share the tape of Guyana's President Irfaan Ali, on British TV The counsel was to focus on the latter end of the recording, which I followed. It was a rare treat, what I would call Excellency Ali's shining hour He glowed with maturity, great self-control under provocative circumstances, and manifested what he is capable of, as he comes into his own I salute the President, and this is even more freely given, considering the subject that wasbeingdiscussed.

Guyana's President Ali spoke calmly and resolutely about the burning issues that must be fleshed out relative to the call for reparations overtheodiousinstitutionof s l a v e r y H e d i d

magnificently, and the President is given all the commendations that can be mustered. Itisdeserving. A young leader in full command of himself, a youngermanshowingthathe couldmakethegrade. Ishall return to that in a moment, but first some more pressing business embedded in this so-called interview, which turned out to be a racist hatchet effort cum revealing diatribe.Aheadofstateisdue a certain special space, dignity Thisisevenwhenhe orshecomportsselfinaless thanstellarfashion.Isaythis unequivocally: President IrfaanAliwasimpeccableon thatTVprogramme,anoasis of serenity during what turned out to be a bombardmentfromonelying in ambush, and who did pounce and made a total

spectacle of himself. Now, consideringwhataPresident orPrimeMinisterisdue,our own President should not, should never, have been subjecttotheinsultingordeal thathewasforcedtoweather I have never seen, read, or heard the kind of sharp and condescending approach, complete with disdainful attitude and related verbal actions,directedtoanywhite leaderofanyState. NotJohn F Kennedy, despite his known proclivities that demeaned his family and more. Not Boris Yeltsin, despite his human weaknesses for certain liquids that disgraced his country

Not even Richard Nixon (or Donald Trump), in spite of their extraordinary forays into criminal territory But President Irfaan Ali of

Guyana had to endure his trialbywhatIinterprettobe ill-concealedracistfire.

President Ali is a coloured (non-white) leader of a near totally nonwhite country

Thisistherespecthegets, the disrespect that is heaped upon him before a watching nation,awatchingcontinent, nowawatchingandrecoiling world.

I recoil in horror and anger PresidentAli did not insult or assault anyone, not even their sensitivities What he did was make clear where he stood for reparationsthathavetobefor one of the greatest evils, hands down the greatest crime, committed by man against man; the white man against the Black man; and then refined and perpetrated in other lesser forms against

other kinds of nonwhite men and women. For standing tall for reparations, a white man tried to being Guyana's President down low

Hefailed. Nowhisfolly, thismediafelony,byhisown h a n d s m e a r s h i s professionalism, makes a mockeryofhisstanding,and revealstotheworldwhatlies beneath the smooth smiles and creamy words. It was not a strawberry and scones moment.

Withoutpaintingawhole race with one broad brush, I alert all of my fellow G u y a n e s e - P P P fundamentalists, PNC diehards, middle-of-the road citizens,radicalthinkers,and others-pleaseunderstandthat all who may claim to be genuine partners are not reallytruefriends.

Orbrotherspersonifying equitableness behind the polite veils, be they individual or corporate. I point to present day exploitersinthiscountry,and lay this on the table before all: what is being done here wouldnotbedoneinawhite ruledcountry

Intheclearestterms:the oil contract is a racist deed; corporateoilpracticesarethe epitome of racist impulses and racist objectives, with moneyandprofitstheofficial coverstoryandbalms.Thus, I stand immovably and unflinchingly

In refocusing on President Ali's managing of himself, and handling of a troubling situation, I ask myself how much more this

young leader could achieve, if he is allowed the freest expansion of his wings. My position has this sparkle: when President Ali can take thehighergroundagainsthis white inquisitor, and hold that ground, then he can do the exact same at home in Guyana I assert this, notwithstandingtheintrigues and intricacies of internal party politics, and the manipulations and machinations of others high inhiscircle.

I now take the liberty of speaking directly to President Ali, Guyana's President,myPresident:take control, make tough decisions, lead this society out of the dark and deadly swamp into which it has tumbledheadlongbecauseof theactionsthatemanatefrom anotherhead.

Guyana should be rising morally and ethically (like you did in Great Britain), in thistimeofstatisticalplenty. Itisdecayingspiritually

Itrotsfromthehead,and though it is not the official head of state, the stain spreads and touches the Office of the President, and thepersonsittingatthehelm there. Excellency Ali: take thiscountryinhand. Takeit outofthehandsofothers.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaperanditsaffiliates.)

Govt. cautious of using oil revenue to support budget

- Jagdeo

…as Mid-Year Report predicts lower earnings

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has assured that the Government of Guyana (GoG)iscautiousofutilizing the revenue stream from its nascent oil and gas sector to fund the country's national budget, amid falling global market prices for the resource.

During a party press conference at the People's Progressive Party Civic's (PPP/C's) head office on Robb Street, Georgetown on Thursday, the General Secretary, a former Finance

Ministerexplainedthatwhile Kaieteur News reported the anticipated decline in expected revenue, it is important to note that this is normal.

InitsMondayeditionlast week, this publication reported that petroleum depositsfortheyeararenow projectedtototalUS$1,629.3 million, compared with US$1,631 7 million projectedatthebeginningof the year.This means that the country will receive US$2.4 million less than anticipated o r a p p r o x i m a t e l y

GYD$480M.

To this end, Jagdeo said, “It's nothing, it's just the prices will come and go up likethat.

If prices globally fall, now they are on the rise again,sothenumbersweput intheBudget,ifwesellnow, because of growing oil prices, the figure will be higher than before, but notwithstanding what I just mentioned,wehadcautioned this-evenourselves.”

TheformerHeadofState noted that he has on numerous occasions

addressed the need for Guyanatobecautiousofthe dreaded Dutch disease, overheating of the economy and being cautious of the yearstocomebynotcrafting the budget based on revenue thatmaydeclineduetolower oil prices, climate change and net zero measures steppingin.

According to the Ministry of Finance MidYear Report, government is now projected to earn US$1,410 million from the sale of Guyana's share of profit oil, and another US$219.3 million in royalties. The Natural Resource Fund (NRF) or the oil account's closing balance attheendoftheyearhasbeen revised to approximately US$2billionbytheMinistry ofFinance.

Kaieteur News had reported in an earlier article thattheplummetingoilprice on the global market can be dangerous for newcomer to the sector, Guyana,

especially as oil major, ExxonMobil continue to pump billions of US-dollars to develop the resources discovered in the Stabroek block.Thecountrycaneasily finditselfunabletorepaythe investments or enjoy profits fromtheindustryshouldthis trendextend.

Despite the shift to renewables and the consequent oil price volatility, the government hasbeenrampingupnotonly exploration activities but production as well to avoid strandedresources.

Presently, oil is being produced from two active projects, the Liza One and Liza Two in the Stabroek Block, operated by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) The company is expected to start up its third development, Payarabeforetheendofthis year EMGLhassincereceived regulatory approval for five deepwaterprojectsintheoil rich acreage, with a sixth application pending and preparation ongoing for a seventh.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Man found dead at Grove, EBD

Police are investigating the death of a manwhosedecomposingbodywasfoundin his home on Wednesday at Downer Street, Grove,EastBankDemerara(EBD).

The man was identified as 52-year-old Michael Benjamin. His family told police that they last saw him alive on Friday, September 15 when they interacted with him.Heseemedwellatthetime.

On Wednesday, neighbours began smellingastenchinthearea.Theyfollowed the scent and discovered that it was

emanating from Benjamin's home. The neighbours reportedly checked the house aftertheyhadnotseenBenjaminfordays.

Benjamin's decomposing body was found on the floor by his neigbours when they opened his front door The police was immediatelycalledin.

Ranks said no marks of violence were found on his body However, they are awaitinganautopsytodeterminehiscause ofdeath.

Investigationsareongoing.

Downer Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara

Pres. Ali advocates for balanced approach to renewable energy transition

President Irfaan Ali hasemphasisedthe importance of a balanced approach towards the challenges and opportunitiesintransitioning towards a renewable energyfocusedworld.

He was at the time speaking recently at the Clinton Global Initiative's 2023 meeting where he highlighted key issues that are often overlooked in the discourse on renewable energy

President Ali began by acknowledging that while there is no shortage of innovative ideas and advancing technologies in the renewable energy sector, the primary challenge remains financing He

stressed that realizing the ambitious goal of a renewable energy-powered world requires substantial investments. This funding is needed for research, development, and the deployment of new technologies on a global scale.PresidentAli'sremarks underscored the urgency of finding creative financial solutions to bridge the gap between aspirations and implementation.

The Complex Issue of a JustTransition

Oneofthemorecomplex issues that President Ali addressed is the concept of a "just transition." He argued that achieving a just transition to renewable energy is as crucial as securingfinancing.President Aliexpressedconcernsabout the tendency to exclude stakeholders, including petroleum producers, from theconversation.

He emphasized the need for a balanced and inclusive approach that considers the livelihoodsofthosecurrently dependent on the fossil fuel industry

The Role of Petroleum Producers

PresidentAliemphasized the importance of including petroleum producers in the transition to renewable energy He pointed out that these entities possess valuable expertise, infrastructure, and resources that can be leveraged to support renewable energy

development. However, he also endorsed a carbon tax and the removal of subsidies on petroleum producers as a means of incentivizing a greenerapproach.

Accelerating Transition inGuyanaandtheRegion

When asked about Guyana'sgoalofbecominga completely renewable energy economy, President Aliunderlinedtheneedfora broaderregionalperspective. He highlighted that the prosperity of one nation should lead to the prosperity oftheentireregion.President Ali stated that Guyana aspires to become a net exporter of renewable energy, thus contributing significantly to the region's energyneeds.

President Ali also drew attention to the shift in the global conversation from achievingnet-zeroemissions to stopping petroleum production He cautioned against diverting focus from thecomprehensivetransition to net-zero emissions and

underscored the importance ofeliminatingenergysources fromcoal.

ACallforCollaboration

President Ali's remarks emphasized the need for collaboration, balance, and inclusivity in addressing the challengesoftransitioningto renewable energy His perspectiveshedslightonthe nuanced and multifaceted nature of this global endeavour

A s l e a d e r s a n d stakeholdersacrosstheworld grapple with these issues, President Ali's call for a balanced approach and constructivedialogueoffersa pathforwardinthetransition towards a more sustainable energyfuture.

The global community continuestoworktogetherto navigate the complex landscape of renewable energy adoption, and President Ali's insights p r o v i d e v a l u a b l e considerations in the pursuit ofacleaner,moresustainable world.

President Irfaan Ali at the Clinton Global Initiative's 2023 meeting

‘We have acted in good faith on Govt.'s audit of US$1.7B expenses’–ExxonMobil

With the Guyana Governmentannouncingthat an investigation will be l a u n c h e d i n t o t h e mishandling of an audit into ExxonMobil's expenses in the Stabroek Block, the company broke its silence in the matter yesterday, assuring that it has always actedingoodfaith.

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said yesterday that a probe is forthcoming to understand who within the Petroleum UnitoftheNaturalResources Ministry deviated from advice to close the audit of Exxon's expenses with US$214M in questionable expenses The US$214M figurewasflaggedbyBritish company, IHS Markit

followingitsauditofExxon's US$1 7B in expenses incurred from 1999 to 2017 intheStabroekBlock.

The Guyana Revenue Authority which is tasked with being government's advisor on these matters had issuedanoticetotheministry onAugust8,2023endorsing thefigureflaggedbyIHSand recommendedthatthematter be closed. Jagdeo said a probe, on the instruction of President, Dr Irfaan Ali, is necessary to understand why ministry officials deviated from GRA's advice and engaged Exxon in reducing thedisputedsumtoUS$3M.

Exxon for the first time issuedastatementyesterday, clarifying that it is not unusual for an audit to find

very few issues with its spending. The oil company said,“Auditinganoilandgas

joint venture operator's expenses is a standard process by co-venturers and

governments to ensure only

s are charged It's normal for auditors to highlight focus areasbysharingadraftreport that is later addressed with additionaldocumentation.”

The company added, “Our experience is that typically, very few, if any, costs are ultimately rejected, reflecting the integrity and quality of our accounting activities.”

Exxon further noted that the government has audit rights to its expenses as guaranteed under Article 23 andAnnexCoftheStabroek Petroleum Agreement Exxon said, “We have acted ingoodfaithandco-operated with the government and their consultants appointed

forthecostrecoveryauditof the1999-2017years.”

It added, “We have supplied responses and documents to the issues raisedinthedraftauditreport preparedfortheGovernment by their consultant. We now awaitaformalresponsefrom the Government, after which we will enter into further dialogueasnecessary.”

Notably,ExxonMobildid not name the ministry officials it engaged on the reduction of the costs from US$214MtoUS$3M. Government has since said the Natural Resources Ministry will be writing to theExxontoconfirmthatthe audithasbeenclosedandthe US$214M in disputed costs stand.

‘Investors now rushing Guyana’ - Pres. Ali tells New Yorkgathering

Investors have shown growinginterestinGuyanain recent years due to its significant oil discoveries and untapped potential Foreign companies, particularlyintheoilandgas sector, have made major investmentsinthecountry

On Wednesday, during a Diaspora engagement with Guyanese in Queens, New York, President Irfaan Ali highlighted the development andtransformationalprojects his administration has embarkedon.

During his address, PresidentAlisaidthatseveral yearsago,Guyanahadahard time finding investors, but withthecountry'soilandgas finds catapulting the economy investors are now flockingGuyana.

He said, “Today as I speak to you, years ago we had the unfortunate situation wheneverwewenttopresent Guyana to investors, we had tofirstspendanhourtryingto tell them where Guyana is located and another 10, 15 minutes to ensure that they

don't confuse Guyana with Ghana.”

Tothisend,PresidentAli stated that now, Guyana is being pursued by investors fromallaroundtheworld.

“Guyana is pursued by every single sophisticated investor every single day.To dateourinvestmentportfolio andourcapitalisfromevery segment of the globe, whether its U.K (United Kingdom), China, the U.S. Exim Bank, the Saudi Investment Fund, Qatar Investment Fund, the India

Exim Bank, the Abu Dhabi InvestmentFund,theyareall inGuyanawantingtobepart of transformation of our country,” the Head-of-State said.

Notwithstanding, the investment coming Guyana way,Aliunderscoredthathis administration has set themselves important targets intheinternationalmarket.

Ali reiterated his administrationpositiontonot borrow loans at invariable rates.Recently,Aliaddressed the Inter-American Dialogue think tank in Washington, DC, highlighting his government'scommitmentto responsible borrowing practices.

President Ali made it clearthatthecountrywillnot borrow loans at a high interest rate, noting that all borrowing of loans by Guyana should be based arounda4%interestmargin.

During the discussion, President Ali emphasized that the country would not entertain loans with highinterestrates.

President Ali stated that his administration has set internal policies to guide the borrowing of loans. He said, “We are not prepared to borrow invariable rates Many people would say that you're crazy because in this existingmarketeverythingis invariable rates but we have made it a point that any borrowing must be a fixed rate, of less than a very low percent.Lessthan4%inmost cases and we have been able

toachievethisinthisexisting market.”

Moreover, Guyana's Ministry of Finance recently reported that the country's debt recently saw a notable increase. According to the ministry, within six months, thecountry'sdebthassurged to US$3.9 billion, marking a 7.2% increase compared to theendof2022.

ExxonMobilGuyanaand its partners in the lucrative Stabroek Block are some of the key players in Guyana's emerging oil industry, with substantial investments in offshore exploration and production Additionally, other industries such as mining and infrastructure development have also a t t r a c t e d f o r e i g n investments.

This interest in Guyana's natural resources and emerging market has led to increased attention from investors seeking to capitalize on the country's economicgrowthprospects.

President Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge

Venezuela to seek citizens' opinion on absurd Essequibo claim

…AsGuyanastandsfirmonsovereignrighttoconductoilblocksauction

Ve n e z u e l a ' s

N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y approved a Consultative Referendum on Thursday which paves the way for people to decide on the country's spurious claims over Guyana's Essequibo region.

According to BNN Newsroom, the decision to hold a referendum is a strategic one, aiming to bolster Venezuela's position on the international stage. It also seeks to involve and enlighten its populace about the ongoing territorial controversywithGuyana.

It should be noted however that the result of such a referendum does not alter the status quo of ownership over the Essequibo territory which rightfullybelongstoGuyana. Guyanese authorities have since called on the

InternationalCourtofJustice (ICJ) to address Venezuela's erroneousclaimswhichhave heightenedinrecentdays.

Just recently, the Venezuelan government issuedastatementsayingthat it strongly rejects Guyana's ongoing bid round for 14 oil blocks, eight of which have attracted bids from six groupsofoilcompanies.The Venezuelan administration said the move by Guyana is illegal.

The missive added, “The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates that any illicit and arbitrary concession that Guyana grants,hasgrantedorintends to grant in the areas in question is unacceptable and violates its sovereign rights, and warns that these actions do not generate any type of rights for third parties to participateinthisprocess.”

Guyana's Head of State,

Mahaicony man killed in hit-and-run

Police are in search of a car driver who reportedly struck and killed a Mahaicony man on Friday and failed to render any assistance The driver reportedly fled the scene afterhittingtheman.

Dead is 25-year-old AdzelInniss.

Inniss, a truck driver of Burmer Housing Scheme, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was killed afterhewasstruckbyablack ToyotaFielderWagon.

The accident reportedly occurred at 04:30h while he

Dr Irfaan Ali categorically stated however that his administration is entitled to p u r s u e e c o n o m i c development within the nation's maritime borders.

The President said, “The Government of Guyana reserves the right to pursue economic development activitiesinanyportionofits sovereignoranyappurtenant maritime territories Any unilateral attempt by Venezuela to restrict the exercise by Guyana of its

sovereignty and sovereign rights will be wholly in consistent with the Geneva Agreement and the rule of internationallaw.”

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo also stated yesterday that Guyana will not back down from exploiting its resources whicharewithinitsmaritime borders. He also noted that the bidders have not expressed any concern regarding Venezuela's latest tactic.

The official said, “We have not heard from any of the bidders that they're concerned about the statement and it's not surprising that Venezuela wouldissuesuchastatement. Theyhavedonesoalmostfor every major event when we have tried to utilize the economic resources of our country both on land and in our Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ).”

The Vice President was also keen to remind that

Venezuela's aggression has beenmetwiththeappropriate response of rejection from the Guyana Government as wellasfromtheOrganization of American States (OAS) andotherkeystakeholders.

The chief policymaker for the oil sector confirmed that Guyanese authorities will press on with the licensinground,addingthere willbenobakingdownsince the 14 blocks on auction are allwithinthecountry'sEEZ.

wassteppingoutofatruckhe had just parked at Colidgen, ECD in the vicinity of the ChicoRamosGasStation.

PolicesaidthatInnisshad steppedintothepathofacar that was heading in an easterndirection.

Thecarcontinueddriving and public-spirited citizens assistedingettingInnisstoa city Hospital where he was pronounceddead.

Investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, Inniss' deathhasresultedincallsfor justicebyhisfamilyonsocial media.

Man burns mom's house for G$2000

APortKaituma,RegionOne

man on Thursday set his mother'shouseonfireafter sherefusedtogivehimGYD$2000.

The suspect identified only as “ChineeMan”iscurrentlyhospitalized with minor burns after he was reportedly caught in the fire which he

set.

TheincidentoccurredatFitzburg,” Port Kaituma, Region One at around 13:00hrs.

Kaieteur News understands that Chinee Man” asked his mother for GYD$2000andsherefusedtogivehim themoney

He reportedly began quarrelling with her before entering the house and setting it on fire. The suspect was trapped in the burning house causing personsnearbytorushtohisrescue.

Effortsweremadetosavethehouse frombeingcompletelydestroyed.

Investigationsareongoing.

Dead: Inniss

Police at the scene

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

Petroleum Commission could have made Exxon's US$214M audit fiasco worse-VPJagdeo

ByKianaWilburg Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

11 students awarded GYSBI scholarships to pursue technical studies

Eleven students drawn from eightregionsacrossGuyanaarethe newrecipientsoftheGuyanaShore Base Inc (GYSBI) Technical scholarship,whichwaslaunchedin Julyofthisyear

The students are Venola Allen from Warapoka Village, Region One, and Nesa Griffith of St. Deny's Mission, Region Two, who will be pursuing a Diploma in Computer Science and a Diploma in Data Operations respectively at theEssequiboTechnicalInstitute.

Also included are Daniel Jacobs, Samara Ganesh, Compton Gomes, Jadan Whyte, and Shania DeGroot,whowillallbepursuing studies at the Government Technical Institute in the areas of Building and Civil Engineering, Land Surveying and Electrical Engineering, while Kerryann Johnson from Wisroc, Linden, Region Ten will be pursuing a Diploma in Welding and FabricationattheLindenTechnical Institute.

Vick Darbarrie of Village, Region Three who studying at the Leon Technical Institute an Jacinth Wilson from P e r s e v e r a n c e , Mahaicony a student of the Mahaicony Technical Institute both won scholarships to pursue welding while Matthew

Seepersaud from Nigg Settlement, Region Six will be undertaking a Diploma in Electrica Engineering at the N Amsterdam Techn Institute.

Three of the 11 scholars

childrenofGYSBIStaffmembers, appliedandmetthecriteria. In a simple ceremony held recently to hand over the first tranche of financial support, Executive Director of GYSBI,RobinMuneshwer extended congratulations totheawardees,whowere chosen out of a total of 300 applicants. He noted that GYSBI, as a Guyanese company, believes in investing in localcitizenssotheycanbe equipped to be part of the newGuyana.

“Wetalkaboutinvestingin future or investing in our andthatiswhatwearedoing today Youareourinvestment.

Guyana is becoming the place to be. It is the f a s t e s t g r o w i n g economy in the world and you guys are coming in at the righ time.At the ages that you currently, you the ones to see growfromwhatisessentially a third world poor country to a countrythatwillbe,hopefully,with high standards.You will be part of that growth and you will witness the transformation of this country

That is an incredible opportunity foryou,”Muneshwersaid.

The Executive Director added thatthecompanydoesnotfocuson justprovidingajobbutratherwants to ensure that careers are created and nurtured within the working environment As such, he encouragedtheawardeestoseethe opportunity provided to them in thatlight.

“I want to tell you that at GYSBI, we do not start jobs, we start careers.That is what you will bedoinghere,startingyourcareer You are going to these Institutes, buttheseInstituteswillnotbeable to teach you everything The discipline that you place on your work, your attitude, the pride that yougetoutofyourwork,thereisno dollar figure to that. That must comefromwithin.Themoneywill followyou,don'tworryaboutthat. It's what you translate your talent into that will count. That is your intrinsicabilitythatnotrainingcan do,”heurged.

Rabin Chandarpal, GYSBI's Deputy General Manager in expressing similar sentiments noted that as Guyana continues to rise and opportunities are being created, avenues must exist for Guyanese, especially the young citizens,tobenefit.Thisisthefirst step,henoted,inensuringthatthis (Continunedonpage20)

From left to right: GYSBI's General Manager, Robert Albiez, Public Relations Manager, Gomatie Gangadin, Public Relations Assistant, Christina Benjamin, Executive Director, Robin Muneshwer, Operations Manager, Kevin Black and Deputy General Manager, Rabin Chandarpal with the scholarship awardees and their parents.

The 11 GYSBI 2023 Scholarship Awardees, who were drawn from eight regions across Guyana.

Kerryann Johnson of Wisroc, Linden, Region Ten, who will be pursuing Welding at the Linden Technical Institute.

Paramakatoi (Region Eight) Scholarship Awardee, Compton Gomes.

Response team was adequate, effective and 'did well' given circumstances

Aspublichearingsofthe Presidential Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the tragedy at the Mahdia dormitorygetunderway,the Commission was informed that the response team organisedonthenightofthe tragedy did its best during thedifficultsituation.

Providing his testimony on Friday, the Head of General Surgery at the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Shilindra Rajkumar recounted his overall assessment of the medical team that was deployed to deal with the tragic experience on the night in question.

“I think they were overwhelmed. It was a lot more than they were accustomed to, more than theywerepreparedfor ButI must say that, with them being limited in their numbersandtheirresources, theydidaprettygoodjobin dealingwiththesituation.It wasadifficultsituation,butI thinktheydidwell.Theydid thebesttheycouldwithwhat theyhad,”hesaid.

When asked whether a larger assembly of medical reinforcements would have reduced the mortality rate, Dr Rajkumar said despite being overwhelmed by the m a g n i t u d e o f t h e circumstances, the response

– Mahdia COI hears

team was adequate and effective.

“To be honest, the personswhodied,diedinthe fire More medical personnel could not have helped here, and of the patients who made it to the hospital, they all made it home save for one person who died. So, in total, if we weretogobacktonumbers, therewereabout15patients who needed hospital care, andtherewere50studentsin total who actually were reviewed, and of that number, only one person died That person was intubatedandbroughtouton the first flight. So, I think thatalotofeffortwasmade to provide much-needed help, ” Dr Rajkumar explained.

He believes that more medicalhelpwouldnothave reduced the mortality rate, but help to ease the burden onpersonsthere.

“The staff were overwhelmed; they were askedtoworkinshifts.They worked 24 hours without sleep, and that is where additional help would have benefitted. But to say that it would have saved more lives? I think that, with that onelifewewouldhavelost, there was nothing more we could have done,” he underscored.

A l s o p r o v i d i n g

testimony during the morning session was the Director of Operations at Roraima Airways, Captain Learie Barclay, who noted that he received a call just after midnight to lend his assistance in performing nightmedevacs.

Highlighting the complicatednessofthistask, especially given the limited visibility, he recalled that a rudimentary portable lighting system was implemented to make it easier for pilots to identify therunway

On May 21, the country was plunged into a state of mourning as a deadly fire ripped through the girls' dormitory of the Mahdia Secondary School, claiming the lives of twenty children who hailed from various Amerindiancommunities.

The response saw a convergence of medical personnel, government officials, members of the joint services, and aviation personnel working assiduously to provide assistance.

The Commission of Inquiry into the events surroundingthistragedywas established inAugust and is headed by Major General (Ret'd) Joseph Singh as Chairman, along with Dr Kim Kyte-Thomas, and DerrickJohn.(DPI)

(From left) Commissioner Mr. Derrick John, Chairman, Major General (retired) Joseph Singh, and Commissioner Dr. Joycelin Kim Kyte-Thomas at the opening of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) DPI photo

Norton to lead Opposition delegation to U.S. for talks on oil wealth

Aubrey Norton is expectedtoleadadelegation of Members of Parliament (MPs) from his side of the politica

Washington D C, United Sates (U.S.) for talks with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, on how all Guyanese can benefit from thecountry'soilwealth.

Inabriefstatementtothe media on Friday, the Opposition said the meeting with Jeffries is expected to take place on September 27, 2023.Itadded,“Themeeting with House Speaker Jeffries and his team is expected to focus on the opportunities and challenges confronting Guyanaandonhowpolitical stakeholders in the country can work together to ensure

that all Guyanese citizens, regardless of race or ethnicity, benefit from the country'soilwealth.” Accompanying the

Opposition Leader will be elected representatives, including General Secretary of the People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Dawn Hastings, PNC/R Executive Members and Shadow Local Government Minister, Ganesh Mahipaul; Shadow Attorney General, Roysdale Forde; Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amanza Walton-Desir, MP Nima Flue Bess; Chairman of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Party and MP, Catherine Hughes, Shadow Minister of Public Works, David Patterson; AFC MP, Deonarine Ramsaroop and Leader of Guyana Action

Party(GAP),VincentHenry

Only on September 14, the U S Democratic Minority Leader, Hakeem Jefferies and other congress officials raised the issue of “full economic participation and civic engagement” of Indo and Afro-Guyanese during a meeting with President Irfaan Ali in Washington

The U.S. Congressman said in a statement on Saturday that other leading congressionalofficials“with expertise in foreign affairs, finance, security, and other criticalissuestotheWestern Hemisphere and the Caribbean-American community in Brooklyn and acrosstheUnitedStatesalso participated” in the meeting with the Guyanese leader and his team of government

officials.

Jefferies, the highestrankingdemocratintheU.S. House of Representatives, said both parties discussed several “critical issues, including regional and energy security, the climate crisis,andtheimportanceof an inclusive society in Guyana that involved full economic participation and civic engagement by Guyanese-Africans and Guyanese-Indians.”

He said other issues including electoral reform, strengthening democratic institutions and the need to bolsteraccesstobankingand financial services in the Caribbean region were discussedatthemeeting.

President Ali's team includedMinisterofForeign Affairs, Hugh Todd,

Minister of Tourism; Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; and Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud.

In the past, Jefferies has made several comments abouttheissueofracismand economic equality in Guyana.

He said the U.S. will

continue to encourage the People'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 economic growth underway in the South American nation.

11 students awarded...

From page18 is made possible. The onus, therefore,isontheawardees to make full use of the opportunities that are being presented,hesaid.

“Education in an investment you make in yourselves You will be supported by us with financial support of course, but also through this internship programme, you are also going to learn what we pride ourselves on at the shore base –our work ethics, values,discipline.Whileyou are a part of our team, keep reaching out to us because we want to mentor you and help to prepare you for the opportunities that are available in Guyana. Do not waste this opportunity, grab it with both hands, be curious,behardworkingand the future will be yours. Guyana is going places so don't be watchers or bystanders, be part of it, be beneficiaries of it and your future will be bright,” Chandarpaladvised.

Meanwhile, General Manager of GYSBI, Robert Albiezinbriefremarksnoted thatheisextremelyproudof the initiative and being able toseeitmaterializefromjust athought.

“Irememberthiswasjust an idea that we had a couple years ago and thanks to the hard work of our team, we havebeenabletopullthisoff today This is something we areabsolutelyproudtodo,to start this initiative and my hope is that this becomes a great thing that will long outlast my time at GYSBI andeventherestofthegroup here,”heshared.

KevinBlack,whoserves as the Operations Manager, notedthatoverthefiveyears he has been at the company, there has been tremendous growth and development, w h i c h h a v e b e e n complemented by large investments in the young members of staff. He urged the awardees to take full advantageoftheopportunity they have been provided as there are vast possibilities that exist for them at the shorebase.

Compton Gomes who hails from Paramakatoi, RegionEight,sharedthatasa

student from a rural Indigenous community with p o o r a n d l i m i t e d infrastructure, he was motivatedtopursueBuilding and Civil Engineering at the Georgetown Technical Institute so that he can becomequalifiedtoadvance not only himself, but return to serve his community as well.

“It is my wish to give backtomycommunityinthe planning, designing and constructionofprojectssuch as much needed roads but regardless of what projects I findmyselfworkingoninthe future,itwouldgivemegreat pleasure to contribute to nationaldevelopmentatsuch a crucial time in Guyana's history My parents, like most in my rural village, are of limited means and could notaffordmystudiessoIsee this scholarship as a big relief,”hesaid.

Kerryann Johnson, who is a young female student in the Welding Programme at the Linden Technical Institute, was visibly elated as she noted that, “the morningIwascalledandtold that I was selected as a recipient, I was and still am overwhelmed with joy I am so pleased and will forever be grateful for this opportunity given by GYSBI.

I am very passionate about becoming one of Guyana's best female welders and GYSBI has given me the chance to gain more knowledge and experience to be the best withinthisfield.”

The GYSBI Technical Scholarshipinitiative,which was launched for the first time this year, will cover expenses such as travel, uniforms, study materials, r e g i s t r a t i o n , a n d examination fees for all awardees.

The programme is also designed to offer internships to successful applicants during their semester breaks sothattheycangainvaluable hands-on training and knowledge transfer At the endoftheirstudies,theycan also benefit from the opportunity to be fully employed within the company

WANTED VACANCY

Wanted: Experienced Puri Maker and Counter Person. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts. Call: 654-1361.

Mechanic, Welder & Tm

Driver for Interior location, canter Driver & Porter for Georgetown. Contact: 2235273-4/ 621-5907.

Small family/ couple to live and work on farm at Long Creek, Linden. Call: 231-4831.

Able-bodied Male or Handy boy needed. Call: 661-1000.

One male and female ablebodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 2261497, 658-8559.

One Hauler Driver needed, starting salary $12K. Call: 6117088 for more information.

Wanted! Male & Female workers for packaging pasta and chowmein on the Back Road (Mandela Ave). Call: 611-7839.

Looking for a reliable live-in aide for an elderly woman. Call: 686-8051.

East Bank Electrical is now hiring Electrical Engineer, Outside Sales Staff & Counter Sales Staff. Call: 604-6394, sales@eastbankelectrical.com

Live-in Housekeeper needed to cook, clean and do laundry in Virgina, USA. Free room & boarding offered. Call: 845-325-8241.

1 Salesman & Labourer, Cxc Subjects, experience in writing bills, stocktaking and cashing. Apply at Keyfood Mc. Doom Village.

Cleaner, Farm Workers, Excavator & Bobcat Operators, Welder and fabricator required. Call: 621-6969, 6157784/ 716-8509.

Mechanic for diesel & gasoline engines, Labourers and Maintenance Workers required. Call: 621-6969, 6157784, 716-8509.

1 Housekeeper, 2 Cooks and 1 Admin Clerk needed. Call: 223-0771.

Live-in Domestic/ Maid needed. Must know to cook. Call: 686-2201.

Female needed to work in the Interior, ages 18 years and older. Call: 699-8486.

VACANCY

Experienced Housekeeper/ Babysitter needed. Ages 2545 years. Must be great with kids and can cook. Call: 6183892.

Mani-Pedicurist, Lash & Nail Technicians needed. Call: 643-5855.

One Maid needed to work 4 days weekly. Call: 624-8591. Start a career in the hotel industry! One General Worker needed at Guesthouse in Land Of Canan. Call: 6680306.

One experienced Sales girl to work in Boutique Located in Georgetown. Call: 698-7252.

Vacancy for 2 experienced Hairdresser needed in Grove, EBD. Call: 652-5800.

Male and female Factory Worker and Office Clerk needed. For more information Call: 226-2621.

LEGAL NOTICE 1

Petition No. FD- 1325 Between (CLARKE) MICHELLE ANN nee JOSEPH

Petitioner -V-(CLARKE) GODFREY ANTHONY Respondent

TO: GODFREYANTHONY CLARKE

Address Unknown

TAKE NOTICE that on the 28th day of August, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by MICHELLEANN CLARKE nee JOSEPH, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE

LEGAL NOTICE

and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry closed.

Dated the 8th day of September, 2023

the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 27th day of November, 2023 at 10:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious via Zoom Meeting ID: 642 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf in the High Court at Georgetown.

LEGAL NOTICE 2

VEHICLES FOR SALE

One CRV Honda, $3.3M negotiable and 1 Toyota Allion, $3.350 M, fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage . Contact: 649-0956.

1 new Kia Sportage Jeep. 2020 year model, fully loaded, low mileage and immaculate condition. Call: 618-3575/ 691-7123.

Experienced able-bodied Canter Driver and Yard man needed, flexible hours. Call: 614-1819.

Male needed to work in the Interior, 18 years and older. Call: 674-9999.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, ages 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.

One male Cleaner needed to work in Eccles. Call: 615-9132.

Maid needed to cook and clean at East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

Newly built 2 bedrooms apartment located in Farm, EBD. Amenities included, $110,000 monthly. Call: 6678684.

Shop for rent at Stewartville opposite secondary schoool. Contact: 649-2179.

NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 1st day of September, 2023, the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS a daily newspaper printed, published of general and circulation in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend available at the Registry), Answer and/ or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 50 (fifty) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-175IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY

DIVISION

Petition No. FD-175

Between:LATOYA DENISA

ROBERTS Nee PRESCOD Applicant/Petitioner -andSCVEN AUGUSTUS ROBERTS Respondent

TO: SCVEN AUGUSTUS Address unknown

TAKE NOTICE that on the 17th day of January, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by LATOYA DENISA

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3: 0pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on Public holiday and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 13th day of September, 2023.

SERVICES

Visa Application to Canada and U.S.A, graphics design, advertisements,USA

passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 6267040.

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.

Free firearms safety course for all female license firearm holder at Liberty ranges Inc. Call: 223-0771.

Carpenters, Labourers, Masons & Skilled men needed, wages $7,000-$10,000 per day & Labourer 5-6K per day. Call: 650-1394, 692-7110.

Sales & Delivery Clerks, Warehouse Manager & Forklift Operator needed. Apply@ Lens 136 Sheriff Street. Call: 227-2486/ 2271511, Email: lensgy @outlook.com

Cashier, supermarket Helper needed. Apply in person with written application at Nirva Superstore Sheriff & Craig Street. Call: 227-5771.

EDUCATION

Gold and silver jewellery course, male and female ages 15-30 years old. For more info WhatsApp: 7163170.

TAKE NOTICE the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Thursday the 23rd of November, 2023 at 9:30 am before the Incoming Family Court Judge in High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to defend answer and/ or cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry oft e Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays

ROBERTS Nee PRESCOD, the Applicant/ Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 6th of September, 2023, the Applicant/Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published of general and circulation in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide.AND

FURTHER TAKE NOTICE

that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND

FURTHER TAKE NOTICE

that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of

LEGAL NOTICE 3

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1766

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION

Application No. FD-812

Between:JOY ANN ALLISON HARRY Applicant/ Petitioner

-v-

(1) LATOYA DENISA ROBEERTS nee PRESCOD

(2) SCVEN AUGUSTUS ROBERTS Respondents

TO: SCVEN AUGUSTUS ROBERTS

Address unknown

TAKE NOTICE that on the 27th day of January, 2023 an application Relating to Children was filed against you by JOY ANN ALLISON HARRY, the Applicant/ Petitioner in the

LEGAL NOTICE 3

Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE

that as part of an Order made on the 6th of September, 2023, the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published of general and circulation in and around the Republic of Guyana.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents. AND

FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file a Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Reply to Application relating to Child in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the Application is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 27th day of November, 2023 at 10:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf in the High Court at Georgetown.

IN DEFAULT of your filing a Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/or Reply to Application relating to Child the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3: 0pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on Public holiday and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 13th day of September, 2023.

LEGAL NOTICE 4

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1224

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION

PETITION NO. FD-1224

BETWEEN:

(SEENAMAN) JULIE ANN

nee JOSEPH Petitioner/ Applicant -and(SEENAMAN) BASIL SUKHAI Respondent

TO: BASIL SUKHAI SEENAMAN

Formerly of Lot 104 Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 4th day of August, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by JULIE

ANN SEENAMAN nee

JOSEPH the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 28th day of August, 2023 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published of general and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the Worldwide Web.-AND

FURTHER TAKE NOTICE

that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND

FURTHER TAKE NOTICE

that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 30th day of October, 2023 at 9:15 am before an Incoming family Court Judge in the High Court at Georgetown. IN

Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara].

The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 4th day of September, 2023.

LEGAL NOTICE 5

the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the of the Petition together with related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and or/Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 50 (fifty) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 21st day of November, 2023 at 9:45 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln via zoom Meeting ID: 817 2463 7445 Password: Court 12 in the High Court at Georgetown.

ELROY KENNEDY RAYMOND McPHERSON Respondent

TO: ELROY KENNEDY RAYMOND McPHERSON

Formerly of Lot 84 Corney Street, Annadale, East Coast Demerara.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 4th day of July, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by ROXANNE ELIZABETH McPHERSON nee

NICHOLAS the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER

TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 24th day of July, 2023 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the worldwide web. AND

LEGAL NOTICE

on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 30th day of August, 2023.

LEGAL NOTICE 7

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1194 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION

Petition No. FD-1194

LEGAL NOTICE 5

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1337

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION

Petition No. FD-1337

Between LALL (DENESHWAR)

Petitioner/ Applicant -andLALL (MANDALSA DEVI) nee SINGH Respondent

TO: MANDALSA DEVI LALL nee SINGH

Last known Address 701 Harvest Ct, Shakopee, Minnesota 55379-8263 United States of America.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 31st day of August, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by DENESHWAR LALL the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER

TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 5th day of September, 2023, the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in one (1) consecutive Saturday issues of a daily newspaper printed, published of general and circulation in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web. AND

FURTHER TAKE NOTICE

that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at

IN DEFAULT of your filing acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/ or cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate including granting the Divorce.The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 13th day of September, 2023.

FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND

Between:(ISAACS) SHELLY nee ADAMS Petitioner -v(ISACCS) JOSEPH ALEXANDER Respondent

TO: JOSEPH ALEXANDER ISAACS Address Unknown.

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-965 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-965

Between:ROXANNE ELIZABETH McPHERSON nee NICHOLAS Petitioner -v-

FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 25th day of October ,2023 at 9:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln via Zoom Meeting ID: 817 2463 7445 and Password: Court12. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except

TAKE NOTICE that on the 2nd day of August, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by SHELLY ISAACS nee ADAMS the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 28th day of August, 2023 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the worldwide web. AND

FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND

FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family

US says Haiti security mission could deploy ‘in months’, urges support

Secretary of State Antony Blinken says US ready to provide

Aljazeera- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said a Kenya-led, international security mission to Haiti could deploy “in months”, urging the United Nations Security Council to authorise the deployment as soon as possible.

Speaking on Friday morning at a start of a UN meeting in New York on the situation in Haiti, Blinken said the United States would supply “robust financial and logistical assistance” to the proposed mission. “We urge the international community to pledge additional personnel, as well as equipment, logistics, training and funding. We cannot be successful without these contributions,” the top US diplomat said.

“And we strongly urge the Security Council to pass a resolution to authorise this mission … The United States is working with Ecuador to put forward a text,” Blinken added. “With our support, this mission can deploy within months, and we really

LEGAL NOTICE 7

Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty- five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 30th day of October ,2023 at 9:30 am before an incoming Court Judge in the High Court at Georgetown IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara].

The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 4th day of September, 2023.

have no time to lose.”

Haiti has seen a surge in gang violence over the past several years, particularly after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which created a power vacuum. Haitian migrants in Dominican Republic report harassment

Gangs control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and armed confrontations have disrupted access to health care and other services, according to the UN and rights observers. Haitians face a barrage of attacks, including kidnappings for ransom and sexual violence, and thousands have been displaced from their homes.

In October of last year, Haiti’s de facto leader, Prime Minister Ariel Henry, called on the international community to help set up a “specialised armed force” to quell the violence.

The request for an international mission to Haiti enjoyed the backing of the US and the UN, but a deployment has been stalled for months

because no country had agreed to lead such a mission to the country.

Several rights activists also have raised questions around the prospect of foreign intervention, saying past missions have brought more harm than good, and called on countries to ensure adequate safeguards are in place.

However, in July, Kenya said it was prepared to lead a “multinational force” in Haiti – provided the mission gets a mandate from the UN Security Council – to help train and assist the Haitian police to “restore normalcy”.

On Friday, Blinken welcomed “the Kenyan government’s willingness to serve as the lead nation in this mission”.

He said the deployment would have three key aims: “Providing operational support to the Haitian National Police to combat the gangs; ensuring static security of key installations and thoroughfares, and strengthening the Haitian National Police for the long-term.”

Blinken also said President Joe Biden’s administration would work with the US Congress to provide $100m to support the mission, and the US Department of Defense was ready to provide “planning assistance, intelligence support, airlift, communications and medical support”.

But he acknowledged that a mission would not serve as a substitute for addressing a political deadlock in Haiti.

Government institutions

in the Caribbean nation are largely non-functioning, and Henry – the Haitian prime minister – has delayed elections due to the violence.

“Improved security must be accompanied by real progress to resolve the political crisis,” Blinken said.

In an open letter addressed to Blinken and Biden on Friday, a group of HaitianAmerican elected lawmakers and officials from across the US said they “strongly op-

pose” to the prospect of foreign intervention in Haiti.

“Any military intervention supporting Haiti’s corrupt, repressive, unelected regime will likely exacerbate its current political crisis to a catastrophic one,” they wrote (PDF).

“It will further entrench the regime, deepening Haiti’s political crisis while generating significant civilian casualties and migration pressure.”

Bob Menendez steps down as US Senate foreign relations chairman after indictment

BBC- A veteran US senator has temporarily stepped down as head of the chamber’s powerful foreign relations committee as he battles bribery charges.

Justice department prosecutors allege Robert Menendez and his wife accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars worth in bribes to aid Egypt’s government.

The couple have denied the charges.

But the New Jersey Democrat is now facing calls to resign, including from New Jersey’s Democratic Governor Phil Murphy.

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said on Friday that Mr Menendez had decided to step down as chairman of the influential committee “until the matter has been resolved”.

The New York Democrat said his embattled colleague was “a dedicated public servant and is always fighting hard for the people of New Jersey”.

US Senator allegedly bribed with ‘a lot of gold’

It is not the first time Mr Menendez, 69, who has served in Congress since 2006, has had to step down from the coveted post on the foreign relations committee.

He also stepped down in 2015 after being indicted in New Jersey on charges that he accepted bribes from a Florida eye doctor. That case ended in a mistrial after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

Maryland Democrat Ben Cardin, who took over as the committee’s leading Democrat at the time, is expected to again temporarily ascend to fill the vacancy.

Mr Menendez and his spouse, Nadine Arslanian, are accused of accepting bribes of cash, gold, payments toward a home mortgage and a luxury vehicle from three New Jersey businessmen.

According to the 39-page indictment unsealed on Friday, Mr Menendez’s leadership position and power as a senator enabled such influence-peddling.

The pair each face three criminal counts: conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion under colour of official right.

In a statement from her lawyers, Mrs Menendez denied any wrongdoing and said she would defend herself in court.

Mr Menendez also denied the allegations, portraying

them as politically motivated.

“For years, forces behind the scenes have repeatedly attempted to silence my voice and dig my political grave,” he said in a lengthy statement.

“Since this investigation was leaked nearly a year ago, there has been an active smear campaign of anonymous sources and innuendos to create an air of impropriety where none exists.”

“I am confident that this matter will be successfully resolved once all of the facts are presented and my fellow New Jerseyans will see this for what it is,” he added.

Federal agents found cash inside jackets bearing Senator Menendez’s name,

according to the indictment. But a wave of top Democrats, including at least four members of Congress from New Jersey, called for the lawmaker to resign.

In a statement, Governor Murphy said the allegations were “so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state”.

“Therefore, I am calling for his immediate resignation,” he wrote.

Under New Jersey law, if Mr Menendez resigns from the Senate, the governor would appoint a temporary replacement to serve out the rest of his term.

But any delay between

resignation and temporary appointment could pose headaches for Democrats in a Senate they control by a one-seat margin.

In a defiant second statement on Friday, Mr Menendez vowed: “I am not going anywhere.”

His indictment comes after a years-long justice department investigation.

In the summer of 2022, federal agents executed search warrants at Mr Menendez’s home and found evidence of the bribery agreements, in cluding over $480,000 (£391,000) in cash, much of which was “stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets and a safe”, prosecutors allege.

Agents said they also found a Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicle paid for by Mr Uribe parked in the garage, as well as $100,000 of gold bars in the home, pictures of which were included in the indictment.

As a result of the charges, Mr Menendez and his wife have been asked to forfeit several assets, including their New Jersey home.

The BBC has reached out to businesses owned by Mr Hana and Mr Daibes for comment.

‘financial and logistical’ aid to proposed Haiti deployment.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken says US ready to provide ‘financial and logistical’ aid to proposed Haiti deployment.

Yadav and Gill hit half-centuries to help India to 6-wicket win over Australia in first ODI

MOHALI, India (AP) — Suryakumar Yadav returned to form with 50 runs off 49 balls as India beat Australia by five wickets in the first ODI yesterday.

Yadav scored his third ODI half-century and put on 80 runs off 85 balls with skipper Lokesh Rahul to rescue India from a precarious 185-4. That was after Shubman Gill smacked 74 off 63 balls as India finished with 281-5 and won with eight balls to spare.

Mohammed Shami’s 5-51 had helped bundle out Aus-

tralia for 276 runs.

It was only India’s second ODI win against Australia at Mohali, the first coming in 1996.

Chasing 277, Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad provided a scintillating start for India as both openers hit aggressive half-centuries and put on 142 runs off 130 balls for the first wicket.

Gill, who will open for India at the World Cup, hit six fours and two sixes to race to 50 off 37 balls. Overall, he scored 74 off 63 balls.

Gaikwad, who will lead an Indian T20 side to the 2023 Asian Games later this month, scored 71 off 77 balls. He was out lbw to Adam Zampa (257) in the 22nd over.

Fit-again Shreyas Iyer squandered a good opportunity to get some game time, as he was run out for three runs after a mix-up with Gill. Zampa struck for a second time and bowled Gill to reduce India to 151-3.

Rahul and Ishan Kishan (18) put on 34 runs, before the latter was caught behind off

Saturday September 23, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Get-togethers with friends or meetings with a small group, if possible, should prove informative and enlightening today, Aries, although some of it may be a bit perplexing.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Today things could be rather hectic at work, Taurus. You'll probably be very busy and happy with whatever results you produce. You could tire yourself out,

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Some new information about an interesting field could have you browsing the web and looking through books to learn more, Gemini. This could involve law, philosophy,

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Today you might learn about new and creative ways to increase your income, Cancer, possibly involving technology in some way. So much new information could come your way.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Social events could put you in touch with interesting people in intriguing professions, Leo. You might get involved in some fascinating conversations that provide you with a lot of useful information.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

A friend or colleague could recommend some books that you want to read right away, Virgo. Be sure you take breaks and rest your eyes from time to time to avoid eyestrain and headaches today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Today your mind will be quick, insightful, and inspired, Libra. Your creative impulses should go a thousand miles an hour and ideas should pop in and out of your head like crazy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

If visitors are able to pop in and out during the day, Scorpio, you'll be in the right frame of mind to enjoy their company. Expect interesting news and stimulating conversation.

. SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Don't be surprised if your inbox fills with email or your phone rings off the hook, Sagittarius. Friends, relatives, and colleagues could have great news and useful information.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It

Inspiration is the word for today, Capricorn. Your creative talent should blossom and motivate you to work on wonderful ideas. This could involve music, painting, decorating,

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

Today your physical and mental energy should be operating at a very high level, Aquarius. You probably won't spend much time inside if you can avoid it. Expect get-togethers

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Your intuition is likely to be very keen today, Pisces. Accurate psychic insights could come to you thick and fast. Your imagination is also strong, and you might come up with ideas to enrich your home,

Pat Cummins.

Rahul and Yadav then went into rescue mode. The latter played uncharacteristically without risk as he struck five fours and a six to reach 50 off 48 balls.

Yadav was out caught just before the finish line. Rahul stayed unbeaten on 58 off 63 balls and the stand-in skipper made sure his side took the lead in this threematch series.

Earlier, David Warner’s 52 runs propelled the Australian innings before Shami hit back with regular wickets to leave the visitors with an under-par score. Shami struck early to remove Mitchell Marsh for four runs. Warner then added 94 runs for the second wicket with Steve Smith (41).

Warner was dropped off Shardul Thakur on 14 and went on to score 52 off 53 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Smith hit three fours and a six.

Ravindra Jadeja got the breakthrough as Warner was out caught in the 19th over. Three overs later, Shami castled Smith with a fine inswinger as Australia was down to 112-3.

Thereafter, Australia kept losing wickets and was not able to stitch together a big partnership. Josh Inglis scored 45, while Marnus Labuschagne scored 39 runs.

India’s fielding wasn’t at its best on the day, but Ruturaj Gaikwad and Suryakumar Yadav did combine to run out Cameron Green for 31 runs.

Shami then returned to negate any lower order contributions. He bowled Marcus Stoinis, who had scored 29 off 21 balls including five fours.

It was only the third instance of an Indian pacer picking five wickets against Australia in ODIs after Kapil Dev (1983) and Ajit Agarkar (2004). It was also the first time an Indian pacer got five wickets in a home ODI since 2007.

“Despite the heat, I wanted to bowl four or five overs with the new ball,” Shami said. “I enjoyed the wickets and especially when I got them with outswing. The team has been playing well and we are looking to build momentum towards the World Cup.”

The second ODI will be played in Indore on Sunday.

Scores: India 281 for 5 (Gill 74, Gaikwad 71, Zampa 2-57) beat Australia 276 (Warner 52, Inglis 45, Shami 5-51) by five wickets.

India’s Ruturaj Gaikwad, left, and his batting partner Shubman Gill run between the wickets to score during the first one day international match between Australia and India in Mohali, India, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/ Altaf Qadri)

to play on Sunday in Barbados

Lady Jags coach seeking redemption against Dominica …Guyana

ByRawleToney

Omar Khan, the Head Coach of Lady Jags, has expressed his determination that the team will make a strong comeback when they face Dominica in Barbados tomorrow, from 4:00 pm, at the Wildey Astroturf during theConcacafWomen’sGold CupQualifiers.

The Guyanese women facedadisappointingstartin GroupAagainstAntiguaand Barbuda, suffering a 2-1 defeat to the Benna Girls in Coach Khan’s first match in chargeoftheLadyJags.

Reflecting on the team’s performance in the match against Antigua, Khan commented, “Going back to theAntiguamatch,Ithinkwe started well, with a lot of energy and possession, c r e a t i n g a l o t o f opportunities to open the score. But due to our own mistake in the build-up, we came down 1-0 after the break.” Sixteen-year-old forward Gabrielle De Suza from Antigua and Barbuda capitalisedontheLadyJags’ defensive mistakes, scoring both goals in the match on eachsideofthehalf.

“Wetriedtorepairitand go for the equaliser, but, yeah, before we knew it, we were 2-0 behind…We try to playallornothingforthe2-

2. I think we did a good job scoringafantasticgoalinthe 86 minutes, but the referee was, for an unclear reason, called back by the assistant and we don’t know we couldn’t see it back in the highlights why we’re not awarded a goal,” Khan stated.

Brianne Desa, a midfielder from Simcoe County Rovers FC, converted a penalty after a LadyJagsplayerwasfouled inthe18-yardbox.

Unfortunately, Otesha Charles’header,whichcould have equalised the score, wasdisallowed.

Despite their efforts, Guyana couldn’t salvage a point, and the Benna Girls securedthreecrucialpoints.

Khan mentioned that

Saudi Crown prince says he does not care about‘sportswashing’ claims

upon reviewing the team’s performance against the Benna Girls, they are now better prepared to make necessary adjustments for the upcoming match against Dominica.

“Ithinkweknowwhatto do, we know what to work on, we can analyse the match,wesee.Wehavetodo better in possession, and we havetodobetterinfinishing our opportunities, but it’s a youngteam,wehavetowork hard, and we have to train a lot.AndhopeSundayagainst Dominica, we can show themwhatwegot,”theLady JagsCoachhighlighted.

Following tomorrow’s game against Dominica, the Lady Jags will travel to Suriname for a match on October25.

Suriname, with an opening 4-0 win over Dominica, currently leads the group, putting them in a favourable position to advance.

Guyana is scheduled to hosttheirnexthomegameon October 29. However, there is uncertainty surrounding thelocationofthematchdue to recent actions taken by ConcacafagainsttheGuyana Football Federation (GFF) concerning the state of the National Track and Field Centre’sfootballfield.

Arabian Crown Prince MohammedbinSalmansaid he does not care about a l l e g a t i o n s o f “sportswashing” against the kingdom and that he will continue funding sport if it adds to the country’s gross domesticproduct(GDP).

The allegation of “sportswashing” is levelled at countries perceived to be using sport to improve their tarnishedimageabroad.

“If sportswashing (is) goingtoincreasemyGDPby 1%, then we’ll continue doing sportswashing,” the crownprincetoldFoxNews.

Saudi Arabia has made massive investments in soccer, golf Formula One, boxing and tennis in recent years through its Public Wealth Fund, which is chairedbythecrownprince, the kingdom’s de facto ruler since 2015. Critics accuse the country of using its sovereign wealth fund to engage in “sportswashing” inthefaceofheavycriticism of Saudi Arabia’s human rightsrecord.

Saudi Arabia denies accusations of human rights

abusesandsaysitprotectsits national security through its laws.

When asked specifically a b o u t t h e t e r m “sportswashing”, the crown prince said: “I don’t care. I have 1% GDP growth from sports and I’m aiming for another 1 5% Call it whatever you want - we’re goingtogetthatother1.5%.”

PIFownsan80%stakein Premier League club Newcastle United and funded LIV Golf, which recruited high-profile players from the PGA Tour andEurope’sDPWorldTour

before announcing an agreement to merge and f o r m o n e u n i f i e d commercialentity

It also took a majority ownership stake in four of the country’s top soccer clubsinJunebeforeteamsin the Saudi Pro League spent nearly $1 billion in the transfer window which closedonSept.7.

Saudi Arabia has been hosting a Formula One Grand Prix since 2021 and has also held boxing world title fights. It will stage a professionaltenniseventfor thefirsttimethisyear

Russia faces new sanctions for non-compliance, says WADA

(Reuters) - The Russian

Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) will face more sanctions for failing to address non-compliance issues, the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) saidyesterday

Following executive committee meetings in Shanghai,WADAsaiditalso found the Pan American Sport Organisation (Panam Sports)andtheSouthAfrica and Bermuda Anti-Doping Agenciesinnon-compliance withtheWADAcode.

The impact of new sanctions on RUSADA is likely to be limited as many have already been put in place by world sporting bodies because of Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine, which Moscow calls a “specialmilitaryoperation”.

Among the punishments recommended by WADA’s Compliance Review Committee (CRC), Russia’s flag will not be flown at the Olympic Games, world championship, continental and regional competitions

conditions are met. WADA saidthatthesewouldbefresh consequenceswithsanctions previously agreed to by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in December 2020 having elapsed after two years.

RUSADA was deemed non-compliant due to nonconformities relating to nationallegislationthatwere identified during a virtual auditinSeptember2022.

concerns.

South Africa could be under a particularly tight deadline when it comes to theRugbyWorldCup.

Should South Africa not address the non-compliance issues before the 21-day appeal window closes they would be unable to fly their flag should they reach the quarter-finalsandbeyond.

t

Both South Africa and Bermuda’s non-compliance is due to a failure to appropriately implement the WADACodeintotheirlegal systems. The two countries will have 21 days to dispute or resolve non-compliance

If non-compliance is confirmed, the main impact on the Pan Am Games, which are set for Santiago from Oct. 20 to Nov 5, would be that there will be supervision of the entire t e s t i n g p r o g r a m implemented by Panam Sportsattheirexpense.

Omar Khan - Lady Jags Head Coach

Azamwhirlwindhalf-centuryhelpsAmazonWarriorsstormtoSunday’sfinal storm half-centur

- Tallawahs lose by 81 runs

Azam Khan clobbered a belligerent half-century which set up a crushing victory for the Guyana Amazon Warriors who stormedintoSunday’sfinal, followingtheirdecimation

of the former defending champs, the Jamaica

Tallawahs,lastnight.

J a m a i c a w e r e steamrolled for 101 in 15 overs, after the Warriors racked up 182-6 due to the

incredible power-hitting exhibition from Khan, who clobbered5foursbutblasted 4hugesixesonhiswayto54 off27.

CPL leading run-scorer, Shai Hope (40) hit 4

Buxton FC mount exciting comeback victory over BV Boys – in latest ECDFA Senior League fixtures

Inathrillingmatchup

Between Buxton United FC against BV Triumph FC, it was the Buxtonians, Cleavon

B a r n w e l l a n d G

M o o n s a m m y, w h o orchestrated a late secondhalf comeback to secure a well-deserved victory over BV Boys in the recent East Coast Demerara Football Association (ECDFA) League clash, held on Wednesday at the Buxton CommunityCentreground.

Buxton and Dynamics

FC were the most recent teams to notch wins in the ECDFA Men’s Senior Football League. Dynamics FC secured their victory through a walkover, while Buxton FC overcame BV Triumphwitha2-1triumph, courtesy of goals from Barnwell and Moonsammy inthe63rdand88thminutes, respectively

BV Boys initially took the lead just two minutes into the first half, but the Buxtonians managed to level the playing field after conceding an early goal. Their resolute defense and aggressive attacking style allowed them to minimize BV’sscoringopportunities.

At the close of the first half,thescorelinestoodat0-

1 in favour of BV with a solitary goal coming from the boot of BV striker, DequanFerguson(2’).Inthe second half, the Buxtonians took matters into their own hands, shutting down any scoring chances for their opponents and mounting a sensational comeback

within the final 30 minutes of the game, eventually winning the contest 2-1 at home.

Meanwhile, the ECDFA wishtoadvisethat,matches scheduledforyesterday,into the weekend are currently postponedduetounforeseen circumstances.

boundariesandsadlymissed another fifty while Shimron Hetmyer (31), second leading run-getter Saim Ayub (20), played crucial knocks despite not carrying on. Tallawahs quartet of fast-bowlers, Shemar Springer (2-40) and Nicholson Gordon (2-27), MohammedAmir(1-28)and RaymonReifer(1-35)toiled but made inroads. With a recordofdefending180with success, the Warriors razed the Tallawahs batting order, leavingImadWasim43*off 33 (5x4 1x6), as the only player to effectively come outtheblocks.

Wasim had the privilege of watching most of his teammatesperish,following

the deadly burst from their opening pacers Dwaine

Pretorius (2-21) and

Romario Shepherd (1-15), who kept the wickets

coming. ‘Captain

Incredible’ Imran Tahir snapped up another 3-Fer, claimingthestingyfigureof 3-7whileawicketeachfrom Gudakesh Motie and Odean Smith helped the Warriors complete a tremendous win, more importantly securing a spotinSunday’sfinal.

Azam powered his team to a huge score after a slowish start Kevlon Anderson(4)hitaboundary but was the first to go, followed by one of the tournament’s leading runscorers,SaimAyub(20).

Hope kept his cool, picking his shots as he almost notched up another half-century, but mistimed a delivery from Gordon and was caught in the deep, by Haleswhomadeamendsfor acatchheputdownearlier Hetmyer was scratchy duringhisinningsbutfound theropestwiceandmanaged to muscle a six but was undone by the left-arm seamer Reifer Khan then switched gears, mauling the likesofhiscountrymanAmir and company The wicketkeeper-batsman sped tohisfiftyoff25ballswith4 sixes and as many fours underhisbelt;asheprovided the impetus needed to take Guyanapast180-mark.

Buxton FC goalscorers, Cleavon Barnwell and G. Moonsammy

Even movie character ‘Captain Jack Sparrow’was among the fans who came to give the Warriors a hand. (CPL via Getty Images)

The Warriors celebrate a wicket during their win over the Tallawahs last night at Providence. (CPL via Getty Images)

Kares Crossfit October Showdown... Uniting Athletes from Guyana and beyond for a spectacular competition

Kares Crossfit is

thrilled to announce the Kares Crossfit October Showdown, scheduled to takeplaceonOctober15that the prestigious Aquatic Centre and National Park. Thiseventpromisestobean exhilarating showcase of fitness, strength, and

determination, featuring athletes from Guyana and across the region, all vying for a chance to claim over 4 million dollars in cash and prizes.

The Kares Crossfit October Showdown will feature multiple exciting competitions:

• Individual Scaled

CrossfitCompetition:Watch as athletes push their limits in this challenging test of endurance, strength, and agility

• Team Competition: Teams will unite in their quest for victory, demonstrating exceptional teamworkandathleticism.

• S t r o n g m a n

Competition: Prepare to be amazed as competitors take on incredible feats of strength in this thrilling contest.

But that’s not all!

Spectatorsareinforatreat with crowd participation events, wheretheycanjoin in the excitement and win fantastic prizes generously

providedbyoursponsors. We would like to extend our heartfelt g r a t i t u d e t o o u r generous sponsors, whose support makes this event possible:

Assuria Insurance, Ansa McAl,Digicel,FarmSupply, GuyTrac, Builders Lumber Yard,Yellow Mines, Fitness

Express, Lotus Hardware, Ministry of Culture, Youth, andSport,Mix90.1FMand Babe Cave The Kares C r o s s f i t O c t o b e r S h o w d o w n i s anticipated to be a day filled with thrilling competition, community spirit, and incredible prizes.

Athletes who competed at the April edition.

Top performers from the April edition.

GBA’s five-member team heads to Cuba for three-week Training camp

As the PanAm Boxing championship countdown approaches, five of the nation’s top fighters are set to leave Guyana on Saturday, September 23rd, boundforCuba.There,they will undergo an intensive three-week training programme in preparation for their upcoming participation in the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, next month fromOctober26-31.

The team, consisting of Keevin Allicock, Desmond Amsterdam, Alesha Jackman, Emmanuel Pompey, and Joel Williamson, is embarking

on their journey to Havana, Cuba, today. They will immerse themselves in a much-neededtrainingcamp, guided by Cuban Coach FranciscoRoldan. This information was shared by Steve Ninvalle, President of the Guyana Boxing Association, during a press conference held on Monday at the Mirage building, located on Albert and Third Street in Alberttown.

“We’re scheduled to sendfiveboxersouttoCuba onSaturdayforathree-week training stint in preparation for the Pan Am Games,” Ninvallesaid.

World Cup win

CNN - Ahead of the Spanish national soccer team’s first match since winningtheWomen’sWorld Cup last month and the fallout from ex-soccer boss Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss on La Roja player Jennifer Hermoso, star players Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes spoke out on “systemic discrimination” within the country’s federation.

“ We h a v e b e e n demanding to be listened to foralongatimebecausewe were detecting, or already knew, that over many decades,toomany,therewas systematic discrimination against the women’s team,” two-time Ballon d’Or FémininwinnerPutellastold reporters on Thursday, accordingtoReuters.

Earlier this week, a disputebetweentheSpanish women’s soccer team and the Royal Spanish Football Federation(RFEF)appeared to have reached a breakthrough after the two parties, along with the government’s High Council of Sport (CSD), came to a seriesofagreements.

Having previously refused to represent the national team, 21 of the 23 playersselectedinthesquad for the upcoming matches agreedtoplayandtraveledto Sweden.

“They [the negotiators] toldusthatamongthethings they agreed to were to not sanction us, and then we

Kenyan police recover unlicensed firearm from home of banned New Zealand runner

thingschange.”

The changes within RFEF announced this week include: advancements on gender pay and equal pay; f o r m i n g a M i x e d C o m m i s s i o n w i t h representatives for the players, RFEF and the government’s High Council ofSport(CSD);andachange inbrandingwhenitcomesto the women’s and men’s national teams, referring to both simply as the “Spanish NationalFootballTeam.”

NAIROBI, (Reuters) -

Kenyan police have recovered an unlicensed AK-47 rifle and more than 20roundsofammunitionat the home of banned New Zealand runner Zane Robertson, who was detainedonWednesdayon suspicionofsexualassault.

investigations, security sourcessaid.

madethedecisiontostay,not because we’re exactly comfortable – all the things that happened a month ago, how they called us up to the squad – but we have stayed because we think it’s what we have to do so that the agreements go forward and for this to go forward,” said Paredes.

“Not only for ourselves, but I think we also have a responsibilityfortheUnder23 team. If we weren’t here, very probably they would havecalledthemandit’slike passingonabombtopeople who have maybe less experience and it could get even more complicated,”

addedtheBarcelonaFemení defender

Earlier this month, former Spain coach Jorge Vilda was sacked from his roleandwasreplacedbyhis deputy, Montse Tomé – the firstfemalecoachtooccupy the position. Putellas said that the players never asked for any coach to be

dismissed “All we have done when we have been captainsistransmitconcerns or concepts where the team was not feeling completely comfortable,”sheadded.

Tomé said on Thursday that she doesn’t sense the playersarenotstandingwith her “As you know I have been in this position a short time,” Tomé told reporters.

“I am confident I am confident in the job, I want this to be resolved, that is howitis,andwearekeento work.That’swhatweare.”

Spain faces Sweden away in theUEFAWomen’s Nations League in GothenburgonFriday.

“Theonlythingwewant istoplaysoccerindignified conditions where we are respected and right now, or until now, it hasn’t been totally possible and after what happened in the final, totally impossible, ” defenderParedesadded.

“So that is why we are trying and demanding that

RFEF also dismissed Secretary General Andreu Camps from his role which he held since Rubiales first ascended to the presidency inMay2018.

Two players, Barcelona FemenístarsMapiLeónand Patricia Guijarro, asked to leave the squad earlier this week, saying that their situation is “different than for the rest of our colleagues.”

While Spain is getting readytotakeonSweden,the presiding judge in the Rubiales investigation on potential charges of sexual assault and coercion, Francisco de Jorge, has calledonthreeofHermoso’s teammates to testify in the investigation, in addition to twodefenseexpertswhowill look to support Rubiales’ case.

Rubiales himself testified on September 15 and, according to Spanish prosecutors, denied all charges.

In March this year the middle and long-distance runner, who competed at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, was banned for eight years for doping and interfering with the testing process.

Robertson, who was arrestedathishomeinIten, western Kenya, will be held for five days to give detectivestimetoconclude

“Zane Robertson was arrested on Wednesday over allegations of sexual assault,”saidTomMakori, Keiyo sub-county police commandant “We recovered an unlicensed firearm and 23 rounds of ammunition.”

The alleged assault tookplaceduringapartyat Robertson’s home on Tuesdaynight,localmedia reported.

The 33-year-old, who moved to Kenya as a teenager to train in longdistance running, won a bronze medal in the 5,000 metres at the 2014 CommonwealthGames.

Keevin Allicock, Emmanuel Pompey, Desmond Amsterdam along with Coach Fransico Roldan during a recent training session at Andrew ‘Six Head’Lewis Boxing gym.

Spanish soccer players speak out on ‘systemic discrimination’ ahead of first match since Women’s

Paredes celebrates with her Women’s World Cup winners’medal after Spain’s victory against England. (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Yunes cops 2nd at Barbados Open

On Sunday, September 17, 2023, the curtains came downontheBarbadosOpen Golf Tournament at the Barbados Golf Club in Barbados The likes of Miguel Yunes, Pope Emmanuel London, Shanella London, and EurekaGiddingsrepresented the Lusignan Golf Club at the tournament. In the end, Yunes was the standout player as he finished 2nd in the1stFlightwithanetscore of214.

“The competition was incredible and very well organized.Isawpeoplefrom many different nationalities, including Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Turkey, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, the USA, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.Thisdiversitymade it a great competition. I feel very proud of my secondplace finish in the tournament, especially since it was in the 1st flight category(handicaps6to14). My results were proof of all

the hard work. I have to thank my family for their unconditional support Nevertheless, I will work harder to get first place next year as I believe I can achieveit,”Yunesasserted.

Yunesalsowentontosay that he was very proud to represent Guyana in the tournamentbecauselivingin Guyana has given him a different perspective on life. According to Yunes, the course was a 72-par course withdifficultiesthattheteam was not accustomed to in Guyana.

For instance, there were hills going up and down, deepsandtrapslocatedinthe middle of the fairway and aroundthegreens,aswellas very long and wide greens with varying speeds and shapes, making it challenging However, he sharedthatheisproudofhis achievement having played forthefirsttimeinBarbados.

Yunes further shared, “My first time to play in Barbados is a big

achievementaswindandpin locations are key to score good. Special thanks to my coach, Roy Harry, for his supportandcoachingfroma distancethistime.Hehelped me analyze the course and prepare my mindset for the 3-daycompetition.

Speakingonbehalfofthe LGCwasClubCaptainPope Emmanuel London, who congratulated Yunes for his hardwork.Henotedthatthe experience at the Barbados Open was interesting, London relayed that the greenswerehumungousand extremelydifficulttoread.

“WecongratulateMiguel on his achievement He worked very hard.” Miguel was ahead of us because he had seen courses in Mexico that were similar to the competitions,givinghimthe advantage. “But it was a good experience, and we have learned a lot,” London shared.

The results of the Guyanese in the tournament wereasfollows:

T&T and Barbados are frontrunners to host the tournament final

theSuperEightsandfinal.It isalsolearnedthattheBrian Lara stadium (Tarouba, Trinidad) was the frontrunner to host the final along with Kensington Oval in Barbados. At this stage, the three venues in the USA would only host the groupphasematches.

commercial and economic growthopportunities.”

ESPNcricinfo - Antigua.

Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago will be the seven venues in the Caribbean that will co-host the 2024 men’s T20 World Cupinadditiontothreecities in the USA shortlisted by ICCearlierthisweek. Thebiennialtournament,

which will be played between June 4-30, and being co-hosted by West Indies and the USAwill see 20teamsplayingatotalof55 matches across the 10 venues. In addition to three cities in the US - Dallas, Florida and New Yorkseven countries in the Caribbean would be hosting the World Cup, which ICC

chief executive Geoff Allardice said in a media release, on Friday, makes it the“biggest”T20WorldCup “ever.”

While the media release did not list which of the venues would host the knockout matches, ESPNcricnfo has learned that Guyana, Barbados and T&T were primed to stage

How were the venues chosen? The final list of venuesintheCaribbeanwas determined by the ICC in coordination with Cricket WestIndiesbasedonthebids from local governments

This May, the CWI sought bids to host the 2024 World Cup, which it advertised as the “Carnival of Cricket.”

Johnny Grave, CWI’s CEO, hadpointedoutthenthatthe T20 World Cup would help the local governments in the Caribbean along with CWI and ICC to “unlock new

It is understood that all the popular cricketing destinations across the Caribbean bid, barring three countries: Jamaica, Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis Consequently, these three venues will not host any WorldCupmatches.

It is understood that of the 55 matches, about 39 or 40 would be played in Caribbeanandtheremaining -15or16-willtakeplaceat thethreevenuesintheUSA.

The 2024 event will be thethirdtimeamen’sWorld CupwillbeheldintheWest Indies, and the first in 14 years. The Caribbean previously hosted the 2007 ODIWorldCupandthe2010 WorldT20.OnFriday,Grave

“overwhelming responses and enthusiasm” of several countries “for hosting what will be the most significant sporting event held in our regionforageneration.”

The2024T20WorldCup will be the first of eight men’s global events in the ICC’snextcommercialcycle from 2024-31, which was finalisedin2021.Theformat will also be different to the last two editions, where the first round was followed by Super12s.

This time around, the 20 teams will be divided into four groups of five each for the first round, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the Super 8s. The Super 8 teams will be split into two groups of four apiece, with the top two in each group reaching the semi-finals.

2nd Miguel Yunes (1st FlightNet214)

19th Pope Emmanuel

The World Cup returns to the Caribbean for the first time in 14 years. (Getty Images)

Shanella London, Pope Emmanuel London, Eureka Giddings also represented the LGC at the Barbados Open.

COURTSOpticalPeeWeeU-11SchoolsFootballTournament...

All teams to feature on 10th edition’s opening day

Edition Ten of the Petra Organisation-administered

COURTS Optical Pee Wee

Under-11 Schools Football Tournament kicks off today at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue

The Unicomersponsored event is expected to get underway with a ceremonial march past from 10:00 hrs then the action commences with the first twomatchesofthedaybeing simultaneouslycontested.

Today’s card boasts a total of 16 matches, which meansalltheprimaryschool teams are expected to be on show.At 10:30 hrs, the first pairofbattleshaveSoesdyke pitted against Kabakaburi and Redeemer versus Tapakuma. Following that, the next pair of matches beginat11:20hrsasSt.John The Baptiste’s team meet AnnandalewhilePotarolock hornswithSt.Ambrose.

Ten minutes after noon (12:10h), One Mile and Rosignolarefixedtotakeon FE Pollard and Winfer Gardens, while at 13:00 hrs, AllSaintsandBelladrumgo head-to-head with St.

Gabriel’s and Tucville, respectively

Theotherhalfofthecard commences at 13:50 hrs as St Aloysius and North Georgetown collide with Collaco and Westfield, respectively Fifty minutes later, matches 11 and 12 unfoldbetweenLeonoraand St.Stephen’s(Pitch#1)and West Ruimveldt and Sophia (Pitch#2).

At 15:30 hrs, Ann’s Grove tangles with Friendship while Marian Academy tackles Smith’s Memorial.

The day’s final two matches will feature the defending champion, Enterprise, and the 2022 runner-up, St. Pius, as they take on Plaisance and Dem Amstel, respectively, at 16:20hrs.

These 32 teams are dividedintoeightgroups(AH) for the round-robin stage of the tournament, after which the top two teams from each Group advances totheRound-of-16knockout phase. There, eight more teamwillfindtheexitasthe top eight teams battle for

supremacy

Thetournament’swinner w i l l c a r t o f f t h e Championship trophy, gold medals and uniforms, the second-place side will leave with a trophy, silver medals and balls while the thirdplace finisher will collect a trophy, bronze medals and balls. There will also be the usualindividualprizesupfor grabs.

This event is in collaboration with the Ministry of

Flashback! Referee Keith Roberts enjoys some of the footwork displayed by participants of the 2022 Courts Pee Wee U-11 Tournament at the MoE Ground.

with support from Sterling Products Limited and MVP Sports.

Argentina’s Julian Montoya in action. (REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier)

Argentinaclaimedtheirfirst win in this year’s Rugby World Cup as they beat Samoa 19-10 to stay on course for a quarter-final spot in a tight Pool D yesterday

EmilianoBoffelliscored the only try and kicked 11 points, Nicolas Sanchez adding a late penalty, to reward the Pumas’ domination at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard after their initial defeat by England.

adding to Christian Leali’ifano’s

penalty, but it wastoolittle,toolate. England lead Pool

D

four points ahead of Samoa and third-placed Japan with Argentina in fourth place

games,

Education and

Football Federation

SAINT ETIENNE, France, (Reuters) -

on four points

Argentina solid enough to beat Samoa in World Cup Pool D

Dwaine Pretorius gives a send off during his man of the match performance. (CPLvia Getty Images)