Kaieteur News

Govt. distracting citizens with oil blocks

auction instead of demanding 20 % royalty, taxes from Exxon

Former Presidential Advisor on Petroleum, Dr Jan Mangal recently impressed upon the need for the Guyana Government to be laserfocused on rectifying the unfair provisions in the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) governing the ExxonMobil-led StabroekBlock.Inthatconcession alone, Exxon has made over 33 significant discoveries, unlocking over 11 billion barrels of oil resources.Todate,theoilgianthas received regulatory approvals for five projects which will produce over3billionbarrelsofoilwiththe lion's share going to Exxon and its partners.

Over the last seven years, industry experts have urged authorities to change some of the lopsided provisions of the contract which include a mere two percent royalty and a tax free ride. Dr Mangal in his latest critique, said getting a fair deal for the exploitation of those resources oughttobethegovernment'sfocus instead of distracting the citizenry withthehostingofanauctionfor11 shallow water concessions and threedeepwaterblocks.

While a transparent auction is thebestwayforcountriestobenefit from their natural resources, Dr Mangal posited that the recent auction in Guyana was not necessary Instingingcommentary published on September 29, 2023 by weekly publication, Latin American Advisor, Dr Mangal said,“TherecentauctioninGuyana wasnotnecessarybecauseGuyana doesnotneedtofindmoreoil.”

He said a small country like Guyana with less than a million people can be transformed with a fair share of the revenue from 500 million to 1 billion barrels of oil from the Stabroek Block over 25 years of production. “There is no need for 11 billion barrels to be burned and further exacerbate the climate crisis,” the energy consultantsaid.

Furthertothis,Dr Mangalsaid, “Why are politicians not focused ongettingafairdealforthecountry by negotiating a fair share of the revenue from the Stabroek Block? The royalty should be increased fromtwopercentto10-20percent, and the oil companies should pay tax.”

Dr Mangal also questioned

why Guyana's politicians have not created independent authorities to manageresourceexploitationinthe interestsofthecountry,asopposed to the current situation, which favors the foreign oil companies. He also remarked, “…Why are politicians not focused on finally transforming Guyana into being well-governed and equitable, and reverse their track record of 50 y e a r s o f m e d i o c r i t y, mismanagementandcorruption?”

Dr Mangal added, “Most politicians in Guyana, on all sides, are driven by self-interest and power, and are quite happy to take orders from foreign players, instead of doing their job of representing the people of Guyana.”

Guyana's first oil blocks auction was launched last year December by President, Dr Irfaan Ali. Following the close of bid submissions on September 12, 2023, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office revealed that six companies submitted offers for Guyana's inaugural auction for 14 offshore oil blocks. According to the NPTAB, the firms bidding for

the Ministry of Natural Resources project are: Total Energies EP Guyana B.V, Qatar Energy International E&PLLC,&PetronasE&P Overseas Ventures SDN BHD (Malaysia); Delcorp Inc–Guyana,WatadEnergy, Arabian Drillers (Saudi Arabia); Exxon Mobil Guyana Limited, HESS New Ven Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited; Liberty Petroleum Corporation (USA)and,CybeleEnergyLimited (Ghana);SisproInc.(Guyana),and lastly International Group Investment Inc. (Guyana), in joint venture with Montego Energy SA (London).

Prior to the auction being held, government was keen on having the Petroleum Activities Law in place and it has finalized the new Model Production Sharing Agreementsthatwillgovernfuture awards of deepwater and shallow waterconcessions. Kaieteur News previously reported that 11 of the oilblocksonauctionarelocatedin theshallowareaandthreeareinthe deepwater zone They range between1000squarekilometresto

3000 square kilometres with the majority of them being close to 2000 square kilometres Government has not yet disclosed thedetailsofthebidssubmittedbut pledged to do so after careful evaluationofthosedocuments. Winnersofthenewblockswill be expected to pay a 10 percent royalty and a 10 percent corporate tax. The cost recovery will be capped at 65 percent in a given year, while profits will be shared 50/50 between the parties. For shallow water blocks, companies have to pay a minimum of US$10 millionwhileaminimumofUS$20 million is set for deep water concessions.

International Energy Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal

Exxon Barred From Trucking Oil from California Offshore Platform

(Bloomberg) -- Exxon MobilCorp.won'tbeableto revive oil platforms off the California coast by relying on trucks to ship crude to refineriesonshore.

T h r e e o f f s h o r e platforms, known as Exxon Mobil's Santa Ynez Unit, have been shut down since 2015 when a pipeline ruptured and created the worst coastal oil spill in the statein25years.

Exxon Mobil figures it'll probably take five more yearstorepairorreplacethe pipeline The company estimates it spends tens of millionofdollarstomaintain the facilities and pays $1 million annually in taxes whileSYUisshutdown.

US District Judge, Dolly M. Gee in Los Angeles on Wednesday denied Exxon Mobil'srequesttooverturna

Kaieteur Block exit by Exxon, Hess must be in keeping with Guyana's laws and regulations - Ministry

Center for Biological Diversitysaidinastatement.

“Thecostsofoilspillsaretoo hightorisk,andthisdecision isawell-deservedwinforthe community, ocean life and ecosystems.”

Theoilcompanyclaimed the board was improperly using the Exxon Mobil project as a referendum on offshore production. Board Chair Joan Hartmann cited the current climate crisis for her decision to vote against theplan.

Exxon Mobil proposed sending almost 25,000 tanker trucks a year on coastal Highway 101 and StateRoute166foraslongas seven years, or until the pipeline is repaired or replaced.

The Government of Guyana has clearly stated that the proposed exit by ExxonMobil and Hess Corporation from the Kaieteur Block must be consistent with the country's legal framework.

ExxonMobil, which operates the Kaieteur Block with a 35% stake, and Hess, holding a 20% stake, have recently expressed to the government, their intent to divest their interests in thisoffshoreoilasset.

The move would leave Ratio Guyana Limited and Cataleya Energy Limited as the principal stakeholders. But the Government of Guyana has emphasized the importance of due diligenceandadherencetothelaw

TheMinistryofNaturalResources, inastatementonThursday,underlined that while it acknowledges the decisionsbytheoilgiants,anyprocess concerning a transition in the ownership of the Kaieteur Block must be in alignment with the recently enactedPetroleumActivitiesAct2023.

prospectinglicense,setstheparameters for such transitions The recent Petroleum Activities Act has modernised Guyana's oil and gas regulatory framework. This is the second such transfer of interests under thenewframework,afterTullow'sexit fromtheOrinduikBlock.

The Ministry noted that once a formal application for the exit is received, it will be critically evaluated in accordance with the relevant legislation and regulatory tools Notably, Ratio and Cataleya had held the Kaieteur Block before stakes were farmedouttoExxonandHess.

own statement, it is anticipated that more details will emerge during its 2023 third quarter earnings call. In the meantime, Ratio Energy, a partner in theKaieteurBlock,hastakenproactive stepsbynotifyingthemarketoftheexit intentions of both ExxonMobil and Hess Anticipated to take up operatorshipoftheBlock,Ratioisnow laser-focused on bringing in new qualified, well-capitalised companies to help explore and develop the offshoreasset.

3-2 decision by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors to reject the oil company's trucking plan in 2022. The judge said while ExxonMobilhaseveryright to operate its offshore oil platforms, it doesn't have a righttotruckthecrude.

“The Board's decision in this case does not permanently implicate Exxon'svestedrighttouseits SYUfacilities,butonlyhalts its proposed 'restart' which itselfwasatemporaryfixtoa bigger problem: the lack of viable pipeline transport,” Gee wrote “That is a problem not caused by the Board'sdecision.”

Exxon Mobil didn't immediately respond to a requestforcomment.

“It's time for Exxon to accept that the community won't support drilling and transporting oil in their backyard,” Liz Jones of the

The judge found there is “substantial evidence” to support the board's decision to deny the project because ofthesafetyissuesthetrucks would create along Route 166.

The judge also rejected ExxonMobil'sclaimthatthe county supervisors' opposition to oil production caused them to act improperly

“It is undeniable that there are comments in the record — both by the public and some planning commission members and county supervisors — that reflect a desire to end oil production in Santa Barbara County altogether,” Gee wrote. “But their expression of these concerns does not mean they acted contrary to law.”

ThecaseisExxonMobil Corp v Santa Barbara C o u n t y B o a r d o f Supervisors, 2:22-cv-03225, U.S. District Court, Central DistrictofCalifornia.

This legislation, along with its regulationsandtheKaieteurPetroleum Agreement and its associated

Before the announcements of the planned exits by Exxon and Hess, suspicion was raised when ExxonMobil submitted a cumulative impact assessment (CIA) to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), covering only the Canje Block, despite initially seeking approval for drilling in both the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks.Thisomissionwasthefirsthint of ExxonMobil's possible reduced interestintheKaieteurBlock.

While Hess has yet to release its

For potential stakeholders eyeing the Kaieteur Block, the message from theGovernmentofGuyanaisclear:the sanctity of its laws and regulations remainsparamount.Thecomingweeks are likely to see a flurry of activity as Ratio and Cataleya streamline their prized list of oil companies courting themforastakeintheKaieteurBlock.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil and Hess are poised to take up stakes in at least onemoreblockoffshoreGuyana,asthe Stabroek Block consortium, inclusive of CNOOC, have thrown their collective hat in the ring of Guyana's offshorelicensinground.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Learning loss

Teachersaremissingindrovesfromtheclassroom,and the children are left on their own. The Ministry of Educationhasexpressedconcernsaboutlearninglossonthe partoftheyoungones. Itisafairposition,onewithobvious merits,butthereissimilarcertaintythatteacherscurrently engaged in a sickout would have their own position as a counter:howaboutsomefairnesstousfortheeffortthatis put in? Whether the minister or a teacher is speaking and highlightingtheirownpriorities,thereisacompellingcase thatcouldbemadeforeitherside.

Therecanbenoquestionthatthechildreninthepublic schoolsimpactedfeelingtheeffectsofteachersabsentfrom theirinstitutionsoflearning. When80%oftheteachersin theRegionSixarea(Corentyne)absentedthemselvesfrom duty,thereisnowaythattheimpactisnegligible,orthatitis just another day at school. When four out of five teachers are on a sickout, then the reality is that instructing and learninginthoseschoolscometoavirtualstandstill,andthe childrenarelefthanging. OntheEastBankDemerara,the situationwassomewhatbetterinthat40%ofteachercalled insick,butitisstillnotacceptable. Learninglossstaresin thefaceandthelongerthatthissituationpersists,thedeeper thelearningloss.

Some learning loss (es) that came about through the grim COVID-19 period is still to be recovered, and this is problem for a country with a neat cohort of spectacular young highfliers, and a heavy contingent of unheard-of students who do not do as well. The poor performance in mathematicsisoneareathatstandsout,andcallsforurgent attention. InacountrywiththekindofwealththatGuyana has,andonethatneedstobemoreinvolvedinitsballooning activities, there can never be enough engineers, geophysicists, and others in fields that require significant mathematical aptitude. By any standards, this has to be a cause for concern. From the standpoint of teachers, their concerns have been given the royal runaround. The government(MinistryofEducation)insiststhatithasbeen openandengaging,buttherepresentativesofteachershave gonetheotherwayandstatedthatthegovernmenthasbeen heavy-handed, and acts unilaterally Also, teachers could claim that they have been patient with their issues held in suspension for an extended period. They are issues with considerableteeth:betterpay,gratuityenhancements,duty freeconcessions,andhinterlandbenefitsandgrants,withall featuring prominently in the list of 13 critical areas presented by teachers’ representatives to the government. Thesickoutisbelievedtobethespurtogetthegovernment to move with energy and seriousness to get these issues addressedandbeoverwith,withoutmoredelay

In the present situation, the government cannot cry poverty, as there is considerable oil money flowing in and outofGuyana’sNaturalResourceFund. Teachersbelieve that what they are asking and fighting for is more than reasonable, given the massive sums that are spent on infrastructure, but so little being centered on people, who give so much day in and day out, and under all kinds of conditions. Ourpositionatthispapershouldbefamiliarto all as it has been broadcast countless times: Guyana must renegotiate the horrendous 2016 ExxonMobil oil contract, sothatthereismoretogivetotheGuyanesepeople. This involvesourthousandsofteachers,plusothersindifferent occupationsacrossthisoilrichcountry

Presently,theslateof13proposalspresentedbyteachers issittingonthePresident’sdesk. Forhispart,PresidentAli has indicated that he will be dealing with teachers’issues about pay and benefits on his return from the UN. He has beenveryclear:“therewillbetheadjustmentforteachers.”

Thoughunclearatthispointastothespecificsmostlikely beingworkedout,thePresident’swordsgivehopethatthis sickout situation will be quickly over The children who shouldbeabsorbingtheirlessonsarecaughtinthiscrossfire. There must be a meeting of the minds to close this out quickly

Indians pulled up their socks, African Guyanese should also

DEAREDITOR,

As an old PNC member, oneofthethingsIwasmost grateful for during the Burnham era, was the relative absence of major and recurring crimes. For any society to thrive and be successful there has to be respect for the law, and the willingnesstoabidebyit.

This week there was a meeting in Washington allegedly organized by

someone who is wanted by lawenforcement,foraseries of serious crimes. To the surprise and shock of many, numerous members of the Opposition were seen in the company of this wanted person Repeatedly, he appeared to be the leader of their discussions and meetings. Surely,thissends the wrong message to the citizensofourcountry Does itnot?

Listeningtoandviewing thelivestreamingpodcast,I heard many grievances and complaints ad nauseam

What I rarely heard were solutions. Forthosewhoare old enough to remember, I respectfully submit that the Indian people were faced with many more hardships

under the Burnham

administration, than

Africans are facing under this Indian led government.

The Indian people rarely complained.

They pulled their boots up, tightened their belts and went to work and applied themselves. Today, their performancesareamongthe best in Guyana, Suriname, the United States and elsewhere.

Yes,thereisalotwecan learnfromeachother

Respectfully, HerbertAllen

PNC/APNU/AFC went to Washington DC without any data, any evidence

DEAREDITOR,

The much-touted CGID/PNC/AFC/WPA socalled conference in Washington DC to discuss discrimination with US lawmakers has fallen flat on itsface.

Guyana woke up this morningtothenewsthatthe PNC/AFC delegation was embarrassed that they did have any data to provide when asked for it by the Americans A somber Roysdale Forde (Shadow Attorney General,Attorneyat-Law) confirmed that, “today, we were requested again to provide data of discrimination and marginalisation by representatives” (Demerara Waves,9/28/2023).Notethe wordagain. Thetruthisthe PNC-AFC and their cohort of electoral bandits and development deniers have always been pressed for this information. Yet, they went empty handed, sobbing, pleading for understanding, begging for an opportunity to raise some other issues other than what they went for, namely, to talk about discrimination. Forde and Norton begged for another opportunity,sometimeinthe future, to find some evidence. The excuse they offered was pathetic at best. Said Forde “the Opposition w a s f a c e d w i t h a “diabolical” situation in which government has refused to consult on the establishment of the constitutionalHumanRights Commission which is empowered to conduct studies, formulate reports, investigate and assess instance of marginalisation and inequalities” (Ibid) Balderdash, plain and simple. There is the Ethnic Relations Commission in

place, and Norton, Forde, and Desir could have gone there for information Parenthetically, I should remind readers that I have regularly urged Nigel Hughes and others to take casesofdiscriminationtothe ERC They never have, becausethereisnocase.

I worked in Washington DC for twenty-five years, andsoIknowathingortwo abouttheplace.WhileDCis full of political theatrics, when they get down to business, they do not work with hearsay. They work with evidence. Letters in KaieteurNewsandStabroek News do not constitute evidence. Neither do the fancyeditorialsconcoctedin the interests and idioms of the MMC and TUS (as per Freddie Kissoon) The racialized nonsense regularly deposited by the likes of Dr Henry Jeffries, Lincoln Lewis, Hamilton Green, and, inter alia, the Hon Annette Ferguson (MP), met its demise on the doorstepsofdemocracy

The PNC andAFC have disgracedaspacewhereepic struggles for racial equality and equity have occurred. They went there to exploit the powerful historical presence and memory of giants like W.E.B. DuBois, MarcusGarvey,CLRJames, Malcom X, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks,A. Phillip Randolph, Jesse Jackson, and John Lewis The PNC/AFC/WPA Axis thought they would exploit the powerful historical surroundings as a backdrop to make exaggerated claims of discrimination How diabolical!

Forde’s admission of having no data was backed up by the ubiquitous but illequipped Amanza Walton

Desir Heresheisinherown words – “The provision of empirical data: When we speak, one of the challenges thatyouhaveisthattheysay, ‘where is the information?” (Ibid). You read that right!

The Shadow Foreign Minister admits that they were pressed with this most predictable question –“where is the information”?

Theyhadnonetooffer AndhowabouttheChief Executive Officer of the International Decade for People of African Descent A s s e m b l y - G u y a n a (IDPADA-G), Olive Sampson-Cannings? Well, her admission of illpreparedness is even more revealing She is quoted saying “When the United States articulates its policy on Guyana, they speak to inclusion.Inclusionhastobe

measured.Weneedtocollect thedatathatspeakstowhere arethegaps…Thecollection of data is important in order for us to make the case” (Ibid). Let me say to Ms. Sampson-Cannings that she has it right. You must have data. You cannot meet with Congressional leaders with theexpectationthattheywill believe you based on appearanceandancestry

The PNC/AFC trip to Washington DC to air grievancesisanunmitigated disaster. To tell the truth, I feelsorryforNorton,Forde, Desir, and their gang. Shameful behavior in Guyanaisbad.Buttobeput to shame in the leading capitalintheworld,mustbe humiliating.

Sincerely,

Dr Randolph (Randy) Persaud

Theconstructionsector mustbeoverseen inabettermanner

DEAREDITOR, CRG extends our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the construction sector The construction sector must adopt the first world safety standardsavailable.

Itisinourbestinterestto ensure that all companies in the sector are trained and certified to work from heights using lifelines and fall protection harnesses The building inspectors shouldberequiredtoreview site preparations before a l l o w i n g w o r k t o commence, and all permits should be linked to the required safety measures that have to be in place

beforeworkbegins. I t i s a l s o t h e responsibility of the person hiring the construction company to ensure that all permits have been approved priortoworkbeginning.

Our certified inspectors arethosewhowillhelpusall savethelivesofconstruction workers.Goingforward,the involvement of the building inspectors should be embraced.

We cannot afford to risk the lives of our fellow G u y a n e s e d u e t o expediency

Withconcern,

Mr.JamilChanglee, Chairman

RepublicansofGuyana

EducationMinisterspellsoutClassroomGrantforTeachers

DEAREDITOR,

I write in response to a lettercontainedinyourletter columns of the 27th September 2023 titled ‘The Classroom Grant for Teachers.’

In short, the anonymous letter writer contradicts themself and complains about not having “rules” while at the same time contendingthattherulesare cumbersome and are not being followed or are being misinterpretedbytheirHead of school. He/she objects to accountability processes calling them “man-made bureaucratic procedures ” The letter is riddled with ignorance of our fiscal system, political hostility andinnuendoandIwillleave ituptoyourreaderstodecide whethertheletterwriterwas genuineorthrowingawordy tantrum, political or otherwise.

Forallwhoseekgenuine clarityIofferthefollowing:

For years now the Ministry of Education has received complaints from teachers and parents alike that enough independence had not been given in the identification of needs of a classroom and procurement of products or services that would meet those needs resulting in (a) their classroom not being prepared and and/or appropriately and adequately maintained over the school year and (b) that

the teachers themselves would have to expend their own salaries to change that reality

Similarly, parents have complained that they were being taxed daily to provide bleach, toilet paper, crayons and pay for test papers on listssolongandsoexpensive that they found educating theirchildrenunaffordable.

Indeed, social media sites are replete with such complaints.

The Government of Guyana through the Local Government Ministry or central Ministry of Education, provided in the respective budgets, over the years, amongst other things, forthepurchaseofjanitorial, office and field supplies. Therearespecificitemsthat canbepurchasedunderthese lines if the spenders are not to engage in financial impropriety and/or the criminal offence of misappropriation.

T h e r e w a s n o standardizationofhowthese monies were spent over the years with different regions doing different things. For example, Georgetown schools would be given a grant value, where they would visit shops, secure an invoice, return said invoice totheEducationDepartment whereachequewouldbecut andpaidtotherelevantstore. Other regions bought the goods they thought the schools needed and

Interest charged should be a case of double dipping

DEAREDITOR, I am interested in seeing broad headings of items which are claimed for expenses.

In particular, I would like to know whether interest paid by the oil companies for money borrowed to pay for the expenses is an item for expensesclaimed.

Normally, if someone hasspenthisownmoneyin an investment, he would expect a reasonable return ontheinvestment.

informed schools when to come and pick those up, whichtheydid,andyetother Regions asked schools what they needed and bought someofthatanddeliveredor haditpickedup.

After evaluation, all the above-mentioned processes were either cumbersome or longand/orfailedtomeetthe needsoftheschoolsandtheir pupil or student occupants and the teachers of our system.

For instance, buying in bulk would (a) invoke the public bidding process because of the large sums being expended, which inevitably led to goods reaching schools very late and which because the least expensiveitemisboughtled to poor quality (play dough that couldn’t mold or roll or chalk that wouldn’t write on the blackboard rendering themuseless).

Additionally, buying in bulk failed to meet individual needs (e.g. 20 sheetsofcardboardisbought everytermforthesameclass anddelivereddutifullywhen what was needed in a particular classroom in the third term is not cardboard which said class had excess of but a staple machine to staple the students’ test papersetc.)

If he borrowsmoneyto invest, he cannot claim both interestpaidontheborrowed money as well as a reasonable rate of return, because this would be doublecounting.

From his reasonable rate of return, he will be able to pay interest on the money borrowed to invest and will be left with a residue which will be his net return (profit)

Sincerely, Dr.

NatKhublall

InAugust of this year at therequestoftheMinistryof Education, the Government caused money to be appropriated to the Ministry ofEducationbytheNational Assembly for the purchase of janitorial, office and field supplies, by schools across the country We announced that each school would be given a value per child. On the Coastland, per term, it would be $4,000 per child

and in the Hinterland, it would be $5,500 per child because of the higher costs therein and having regard to our aim for equity It was announced at each distribution that the school would have to retain a percentage and the teachers wouldbegivenapercentage of the said money For janitorial, because schools have common areas the school (Head-teacher) would retain 80% of the janitorial sum and the teacherseachreceive20%. However, for office and field grants that would be reversed with teachers having access to 80% of the sum. The reason for the percentage allocation is obvious. Schools have more space to clean that are common than a teacher has foraclassroomandteachers havemoreneedfortheoffice and field supplies than the school’s admin office Whereaschoolhaslessthan 56 children, the school would get the value of moneyasthoughtheyhad56 children.Again,thereasonis obvious. Regardless of how smallaschoolistheywould stillhavetoprovideforeach class even if the class sizes aresmaller Lists of what could possibly comprise the various lines were provided with a clear directive that items may emerge that are not on the list and that once clearance was had that the purchase of those wouldn’t cause audit queries, they could be bought. Under janitorial, for instance, one can buy bleach and soap, disinfectant and brooms Under office, paper and staples, cardboard and crayons and under field,

raincoats and umbrellas etc.

To give an example of somethingbeingneededthat didn’tmakethelist,theHead of a Practical Instruction Centre asked if cement and stone can be bought under officesuppliesandwhilethat wouldn’t have made the Ministry’s list, for his students that amounts to office supplies So, the answer was “yes, in an appropriate quantity ” Further, The Ministry never indicated and would never indicate specific vendors or businessentitiesfromwhich a teacher or school may purchaseitems.

We were clear that items that improve the asset stock of the Ministry and are categorized at capital in nature cannot be bought as those would amount to misappropriation Capital investmentcostsalloverthe world are separated from current operational expenditure for the primary purpose of understanding howprogramsandinitiatives are funded where capital investmentsareoftenoneoff in nature while recurrent coststendtobeneededonan annualbasis.Thisisstandard infiscalpublicspaces.

We were also clear that thesumsdistributedmustbe fully accounted for

Receipts,thatarevisibleand authentic of purchases would be required and MUST be submitted as this program will be fully audited. Indeed, on each distributionaswehavedone with the Because We Care CashGrant(whichhasnever received any audit query relating to dishonesty or fraud) from the packing of the envelopes to the transportation and

distribution of same, the entire process was live auditedwiththeofficeofthe Auditor General being fully present.

We recognized and indicated that for Secondary schools the sums per child would be useless if given to each class (as the class teacher may be a Social Studies teacher who has no clue what the Chemistry teacherneedsinthelaborthe Music teacher needs in her studio) and recommended instead that schools have committees which determined how this money wouldbestservethestudent body We encourage the full involvement of the PTAs, Boards and Village Council whereappropriate.

We asked schools to desistfromaskingparentsto provideanyjanitorial,office or field supply as we are absolutely sure this sum is enough for one term per schoolforthoseitems.

We already know, from feedback that in some primary schools Heads have given teachers their individual sums while in some schools the teachers have chosen to have the moneytreatedasabulksum where groups of teachers would purchase different items that would then serve each classroom. We have deliberatelyallowedschools autonomy on how to run their program within the confines of remaining accountable and not breaching our financial or criminallaws.

We have since received feedback that teachers are deeply grateful and pleased with this grant but that they wouldlikemorelatitudein

(Continuedonpage06)

DEAREDITOR

, I listened with great astonishment as PNCR and AFC ‘s opposition MPs launched a scathing attack on the PPPC government at their Burke-sponsored Washington Conference on September 27, 2023. To an audiencethatcomprisedone ethnic group it was like preachingtotheflock.

Nothing is wrong with criticisms but when those attacks are based on fabrication and distorted information and spewed out with reckless abandon, it raises serious questions about credibility One constructive comment was madebyAmandaDesirwho said that the opposition and

the government are one in the defence of Guyana’s territorialintegrity

L e a d e r o f t h e Opposition, Mr Aubrey Norton spoke about their p e o p l e - c e n t e r e d developmentplan(butdidn’t have a copy to show the audience), and repeated an old mantra, “growth is not development.” only a blind personcouldnotseethevast development taking place in Guyana

He blasted the PPPC for destroying democracy in Guyana Cathy Hughes joined himinthistirade Theyquickly pointedoutthattheactionbythe Immigration Department to stop Mr David Patterson, MP fromleavingthecountrywasa

sign of the PPPC’s authoritarian rule They didn’t tell the audience t h a t t h e C h i e f

Immigration Officer blamed the snafu on a computer errorandthatthey later corrected it Why would the PPPC not want Mr Patterson to attend the Washington Conference? This ispoliticalgrandstanding

Cathy Hughes quoted from News Room which shesaidisaPPPCmedium

This is false She also complained about the NRF fund which had $(US) 1 7 billion at end of June 2023 and asserted that most of this money wasgoingtofund big contracts, while many children cannot read and

EducationMinisterspells...

Frompage05 purchasing in their classrooms in service to theirchildren.Forexample,teachersholdthe view that they can use the money wisely to have enough left over to buy fans or whiteboards or water dispensers. Some of these items unfortunately are categorized as capital items and cannot be purchased this year

Wehavesincebegundiscussionswiththe Ministry of Finance about this grant being offeredasasubventiontoschoolsratherthan under the Line Items of Janitorial, Field and Officesupplies.This,webelievewouldoffer morelatitudetoteacherswhichinturnwould offer a better service to our children even as we intend firmly to stay accountable. We havebeenassuredbytheMinistryofFinance thattherequestisbeingstudiedtoprovidea sensible solution that marries the Government’sintentiontoservethenation’s children and their teachers and the Government’sdesiretostayaccountable.

Editor, I truly hope this helped to clarify for all, including your anonymous letter writer,theprogramanditsintendedbenefits. Iamawarethatthisisanewserviceandmay sufferfromsometeethingissuesasfarasroll out in individual schools go. Wherever we askmorethan12,000teacherstoenjoyanew service, there are likely to be differences (somegood,somebad)inhowour1000head teachersrollthisoutintheirschools.Itismy hope that this service would become such a habitinayear’stimethatteacherswillforget whatitwasliketostruggleforbasictoolsof trade.Inthemeanwhile,weremainavailable to clarify for anyone who needs clarity any aspectofthisprogram.

The Schools’ Grant Program is a good facilitythatrespondstotherepeatedrequests of teachers and parents in our Guyana.And weareveryhappytorollitout.

Sincerely,

PriyaManickchand

TheHonourableMinisterofEducation

write, and many go hungry This is gross exaggeration

She laments that the 22 members that they had in their version of the NRF (Act 12 of 2019) to overlook the NRF m o n i t o r i n g a n d compliance income was replaced by 5 members closely connected with t h e P P P C T h i s informationiswrong The comparative body in the PPPC legislation (Act 19, 2021) has 9 members Under the PPPC’s Act, the 5 members are for the Board of Directors who are responsible for managing the NRF Were thesefalsehoodsdesignedto excite the audience’s sensibilities?

If there was any doubt aboutthis,Burketooktothe podium and accused Jagdeo government of killing 1,400 Black men Already Stabroek News had done an analysisofthe420casesand disputed these allegations. And I have done a content analysisandfoundthat118of the 420 of the people listed wereIndo-Guyanese.

Most of those who were killed were linked to gang warfare, shootouts with the police, rampages by Fineman and his gang, and known criminals wanted by the police. What about the attempt to overthrow the PPPC government, the storming of the President’s Office, and the East Coast insurrection?

Burke played to his true

form. He used incendiary rhetoric to stir the emotions of the audience

He asserted that Jagdeo must pay for the murders committed under his Presidency

He subtly suggests street action as one remedy “We cannot trust the police, so we have to take action.” Whataction?

When the PNC/R led government was in power 2015-2020, why didn’t they carry out an inquiry intothosemurdersbutjust decided instead to inquiry into the Lindo Creek murders? They knew that theevidencewasnotthere.

Also, that would have raised a pandora box about the killings of Father Darke, Dr Walter Rodney, Vincent Teekah, and the attempted assassination of Dr Josh Ramsammy, among others. It has always been the PNC that was linked to violence, arson (slow fiah, mo fiah), and destruction of property, nottomentiontheX13plan.

The biggest travesty perpetrated upon the audienceinWashingtonwas theclaimbyMr Nortonthat the PPPC government is destroying democracy in Guyana. How much more outlandish could one become? All the western diplomatic missions are aware of their (PNCR) attempt to stage a daring electoral heist in 2020. All the international Observer Missions including the Carter Center, have condemned the PNCR’s

democratic behavior and severalofthemhadtheirUS visas suspended for this purpose. How do they have the gall to preach and pontificate on the altar of democracy?

InDecember2018,they lost a No Confidence motion in Parliament Instead of stepping down from power after 3 months, they hung onto power until August 2, 2020 on the absurdity that 34 is a majority of 65 Another blatant abuse of the constitution and a f r o n t a l a t t a c k o n democracy was when PNCR leader Mr David Granger unilaterally appointed (the late) Judge James Patterson as GECOMChaironOctober 19, 2017, contrary to the c o n s t i t u t i o n M r Granger’s decision was overturned by the CaribbeanCourtofJustice and Justice Patterson had to demit office in June 2019 The history of PNCR is a sad tale of electoral rigging (19681982), dictatorship, economic collapse, and hopelessness.

If their purpose is to get the US to interfere into the internal affairs of Guyana, that would not happen. The US Embassy has all the factual information which they conveyed to the State Department.Theyareaware that the PNCR is a democracybuster.

Yourstruly, Dr.TaraSingh

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cat to watch milk’

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Last w announced t Resour int reduce ExxonMobil's questionable US$214M expenses to US$3M.

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To put people from the Ministry of Natural Resources, or to have the ministry's employees, near to any probe of the US$214M audit fiasco is an insult to the intelligence of the Guyanese people.

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In this instance, we support the position of the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey Norton. This foolishness by the PPPC Government has been tried before, and it is time that it comes to a halt. We have seen the Guyana Police Force and other institutions going through the motions of investigating themselves when wrongdoings are alleged.

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When those come into being, they are not only exercises that are doomed to failure and endless second-guessing, but they also make a mockery of Guyanese. The PPPC Government really ought to think deeply and heavily before it engages in these charades about probes that fool no one. Clearly, some type of trickery occurred, so why add what comes across as more trickery to an already worm-infested situation?

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‘Putting

Guyana likely to hand Exxon 6 oil project by year end - Central Bank reports

Ex x o n M o b i l Guyana Limited (EMGL) is likely to receive its Environmental Permit to commence oil production at its sixth planned deepwater project, Whiptailbeforeyearend.

This is according to the Bank of Guyana (BoG) second quarter Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Report.

The document in its 'Local Updates' chapter said that while the developer's fifth project, Uaru received the green light from the Government of Guyana (GoG) in April, 2023, the sixthprojectisalsoexpected to be approved before year end.

Inthegovernment's2023 Mid-Year Report, it was announced that the field development plan (FDP) for the Whiptail Project is set to be submitted this October The project is pegged at US$13B.

The government said it has actively engaged with

ExxonMobil, having participated in two pre-FDP discussionsinAprilandJune. These conversations seek to streamline the proposed developmentsandalignthem withthecountry'spolicies.

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo recently highlightedthegovernment's policy positions for the Whiptail Production Licence. Notably, he said new policies will ensure ExxonMobil provides promptdata.

Additionally, he said there will be greater emphasis on safety during offshore operations and the imperative use of cuttingedge technology to mitigate carbonemissions.

During the recent Barclays CEO EnergyPowerConference,theChief Executive Officer of Hess Corporation, John Hess said the co-venturers expect approval of the project in early 2024 Front-end engineering and design (FEED) work has also

commenced for the project and will inform the field developmentplan.

The Stabroek Block is estimated to contain approximately 11 billion oil equivalent barrels and is operated by ExxonMobil GuyanaLimited.

Exxon holds a 45% interest in the block, Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30% interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds the remaining 25%.

Government had previously made its intent clear to fast track petroleum activitiesalsovowingtotake measures necessary to facilitatesame.

It was the chief policy maker for the industry, VP JagdeowhosaidinAprilthis year that such an approach would include the timely awardofproductionlicences as well as encouraging investment in the sector Given the pace at which discoveriesarebeingmadein the Stabroek Block, and the overallspeedofdevelopment

activities, Jagdeo said it is critical that the government adopts a complementary approach to ensure local and foreignbusinessesarenotleft withstrandedinvestments.

The Vice President said, “All that we are doing is to s u s t a i n t h e level/(momentum) and we will do so aggressively and unashamedly to sustain high levels of activity for a minimumof15years.

That means licencing new FPSOs (Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading vessels), consistently encouraging investment, going out, as we have done, to an auction in a mannerthatcouldpotentially have a minimum of five different investors in the basin.”

Guyana is already producing an average 400,000barrelsofoilperday in the Stabroek Block from its two operational projects, theLizaOneandLizaTwo.

The Liza Phase 1 development began productioninlate2019while productionfromLizaPhase2

began in February 2022. A third project, Payara, is expected to start up before yearend.

Projectapprovals

Since it assumed office, thePPP/Cadministrationhas granted approval for ExxonMobil's third, fourth and fifth oil projects. Payara received the blessings of the government in September 2020; this was followed by the approval ofYellowtail in April,2022.

Subsequently, the Uaru project got a green light in April 2023. Presently, the operator's application for the sixth project- Whiptail- is pendingapproval.

It must be noted that should this project be approved before year end, it wouldmarkthefirsttimethe company received two project authorizations in the sameyear

It is projected that by 2027, six to seven projects will be in operation and that by the end of the decade, Guyana's oil production will increase to more than one millionbarrelsperday

Women shot while parting fight between school girls

Twowomenwereshoton Thursday while parting a fight between two school girls at Freeman Street, East Ruimveldt,Georgetown.

Police identified the shooter as Kennard Jabar Police said that the shooting tookplacearound18:45hrs.

Investigations revealed that there was a fight between two 16-year-old schoolgirls and the two women intervened and tried tode-escalatethebrawl.

Based on eyewitness accounts, the suspect who was at the scene, drew a handgun from his waist and fired several shots in the direction of the two women,

policestated.

They each sustained a single gunshot to their right andlefthand,respectively

The police could not identify the school girls and it was noted that both girls ran away from the scene

followingtheshooting. The victims were immediately taken to a city hospital by persons at the scene.Theyweretreatedand havesincebeendischarged.

Investigations are ongoing.

It is time to review the Value Added Tax

The introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) causedasignificantuptickin the cost of living, evident through rising prices. Many attributed these price hikes directly to the VAT, leading sometomistakenlyconclude that the tax was solely responsiblefortheincreases.

This misconception regarding the VAT’s impact on price inflation was exacerbated by the fact that, around the same time as the VAT’s introduction, the acquisition costs of several imported goods, such as milkandwheat,experienced noticeable increases In reality, these price hikes were driven by elevated import costs, but in the eyes of the public, the primary culprit appeared to be the Value-AddedTax.

At this juncture, it is prudent to re-evaluate how the tax affects Guyanese consumers and discern who truly benefits from it, as the general public perceives VATasaburdensometax.

Undoubtedly, the government has enjoyed a surplus of funds thanks to

VAT It is unlikely that the tax will be reduced, even though its returns have exceeded expectations. The governmentisgearingupfor a spending spree in the c o m i n g y e a r a n d , consequently,requiresevery centcollected.Thus,thereis resistancetoanyVATreview atthistime.

The negative image associatedwiththetaxisless aboutitsrateandmoreabout how businesses have

implemented it The business community has beentheprimarybeneficiary ofVAT,capitalizingonweak taxadministrationstructures and incentives to underreportorskimoffsome of the taxes collected from consumers.Inreality,VATis not an expense for businesses When an importer pays VAT on imports,itdoesn’tconstitute acostsincetheimportercan later claim a credit for the VAT paid. Therefore, the importer is not obliged to passonthefullVATamount to consumers, as it doesn’t represent an expense. The importer will reconcile the

import VAT when filing returns, along with the VAT paid by consumers, including import VAT and the VAT on their markup. However, many businesses have resorted to creative accounting practices for tax purposes. They struggled, andperhapsstillstruggle,to adapt their accounting to a tax that is no longer an expense for them. Consequently, they simply added the VAT to their prices, leading to skyrocketingprices.

The government’s objective in reviewing VAT should be to determine whetherbusinessescontinue totreatVATasanexpense.A straightforward consumer survey could shed light on this matter The call for a VAT review should not solely revolve around reducingtheVATrate.While there have been requests to lower VAT due to high collection rates, simply reducing the rate may not necessarily translate into more disposable income for c o n s u m e r s M a n y businesses may persist in

DEM BOYS SEH

Too much holidays!

Nuff people were disappointedwhentheydid not get a holiday after the Guyana Amazon Warriors wontheCaribbeanPremier League (CPL). After all, when Six-head Lewis did win de world title, a national holiday was declared.

Some persons even leff de Stadium believing that de next day was a holiday Demdiddeterminetoenjoy themselves. But if dem bin know that de next day would not have been a holiday, dem would have been more restrained Because de next morning, nuff of dem could not

surface. Butnuffofdem people fail to realize that we already gat too much holidays. Is like holidays mekfuhwe.Defirstdayof the year is a holiday. Republic Day is a national holiday and so too is Independence Day. Nobody don’t know which is Guyana’s National Day: IndependenceofRepublic Each of the major religions have their own holidays. Christians have Christmas, Good Friday and Easter Monday ; Muslims have Youman NabiandEdandtheHindus havePhagwahandDiwali

And if a holiday fall on a Sunday de next day becomes a holiday So is like we mek things fuh please de holidays rather thanfuhpleasepeople.

Guyana has so many holidays that it’s a wonder anyonemanagestogetany work done. But who needs productivity when you can have endless celebrations? Perhaps it’s time for Guyana to introduce a “National Work Day” to balance things out. Until then, let’s just enjoy the holiday-induced nap that seems to be the national pastime.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf

treating VAT as an expense, even if the rate is reduced. ReducingVATwouldsimply result in lower taxes, not necessarily addressing tax avoidance For both businessesandconsumers,it is crucial to have a clear understanding of how VAT shouldbetreated.

ImportVATisnotacost for businesses, whereas it is anexpenseforconsumers.

Certain prominent businesses in Guyana grasp this concept, and authorities shouldcollaboratewiththem to prevent consumer exploitationbyensuringthat pricesdonotincreasedueto VAT Ultimately, it is the

responsibilityofthebusiness community to comprehend how VAT functions and to ensurethatpricesdonotrise becauseofVAT Regrettably, many businesses in Guyana

engage in creative accounting and attempt to evade their fair share of taxes.Someevenreportedly advise consumers that they can obtain products without payingVATiftheydeclinea bill.

Under the current administration, a VAT reviewappearsunlikely The administrationisreluctantto undertake tax reforms, and given its alignment with the propertied class, it is

improbable that any measures will be taken to disrupt their prosperity just two years the next general elections (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.)

GHK LALL

Cost of living pain all over

Thanks,butnothanks,for Chapter 42 of SN's cost-oflivingseries. Isaythanksfor the ongoing revelations of how many parts of Guyana live,reallystruggletogetby I am troubled in having to sharetheshrugof'nothanks' because it reminds me of when I struggled to make ends meet and cope, both here and in the early apple days.

In East La Penitence and Northeast La Penitence, toughandgrittycommunities forsure,therewasaconstant refrain before SN's camera and microphone: the cost of living is “affecting” and coping in a challenge Affecting is not in a positive or helpful direction; and I

think that when citizens say thattheycan'tcope,wellthat speaks for itself. Did somebody, hosts of people, notsaythatGuyanesearethe richest people in the world? Sincetheyhaveitright,then where is this country going wrong with so many representing microcosms of therealGuyanainclustersof citizens, and communities acrossthiscountry? Whatis the government and leadershipnotdoingthatthey should? Why should Guyanese be laboring with cost of living crises in this time of abundance? Why, when Guyana features glitteringlyatthetopinevery number and statistic that speakstotheglobal? Weare

astonishingly rich, yet agonizingly pauperized in somerespects.

Cost-of-livingdotsareso many across the face of this rich land that anguished Guyanese could be easily mistaken for having some peculiarskindisease. Idon't know how President Ali could make his pretty speeches, while this is the caseinGuyana. Idon'thave a clue how a former President, now an omnipotent crude oil presence, could generate paroxysms of hostility at the fewwhosay'tingnahregula in Guyana' when all these citizensarehurting. Leaders claim to be the smartest people anywhere, but there

arethesedrovesofGuyanese cryingoutabouthowhardthe times are. Is Guyana really the next Dubai, or the new Haiti in waiting for the masses? Towers and highrises versus tortured citizens onthelowendoftheladder

When8outof10citizens from the two La Penitence communities touched by SN could say the 'cost-of-living isaffectingme'orthe'costof livinghasbeenaffectingme' these are not bloodless bots on a computer screen or cryptic cyphers on a spreadsheet. They are real people with real pain, and living with the real savaging irony of being hailed as the richest people anywhere on earth. It should be 9 out of 10, and not 8, because one citizen took the curious position that the cost-ofliving is not affecting him, but 'still the money can't do forfooditems….' WhatdoI (or anyone) say to that slight mystery, other than cost-ofliving traumas in Guyana have introduced different degrees of hallucination and illogicinthiscountry

I read the captions daily of hundreds of millions for this, and billions for a few choice items favored by ruling politicians. It doesn't matter,forthatoldsyndrome isatwork. ItiscalledOPM, which means other people's

money. More pointedly, when I do another rapid counting exercise, there dawnstherealization(again) of how much is spent on infrastructure on the ground, but so little on the infrastructure of the people who travel on them or use theminsomemanneratsome time.

Amidallthebrightnessof big projects, there are the litters of Guyanese affected and not being able to cope withthemostbasicofhuman needs: how to feed themselves.

Clean, compassionate leadershipcouldhelptoease the pains of the people. But Guyaneseheardawiseleader cautioning about inflation. Somehow, there isn't the same level of interest and concern about what the massiveconstructionbingeis doingtoprices.

Try finding a quality carpenter, and if found, then try finding the money to pay that citizen. It should be noted that I bypassed the price of materials, which aloneinterminablydelaysthe need for a carpenter or other workers.

Remember the focus, mine, is not about building towers and other targets that absorblotsoftaxpayers'cash (and what goes along with thatcashcarnival),butabout

building the means for Guyanesestrugglingtocope. I take the position from now that, at the rate that negatively impacted Guyanese are going, there will have to be agitations for reparations from oil traders Exxon, given what local political-tribal chiefs are doingtocitizens.

Maybe I am made of differentstufffromPresident Ali,butIwouldnotshowmy face,definitelyhangmyhead in shame, the next time a multimillion-dollar infrastructure is heralded Whatgoodisalltheoil,when the condition of Guyanese boils down to that of Midas staring at the handwork that was now his daughter, his new, lovely, golden statue? We have statuesque infrastructure monuments, and then there is the human testimony of financial travails,andtheturbulenceof an empty, or half-filled stomach.

(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.)

Transparency in oil sector under threat

Norton tells IMF team in Washington

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton on Tuesday told representativesoftheInternational Monetary Fund (IMF) that transparency and accountability in Guyana'soilsectorisunderthreat.

Norton is presently in the United States with a delegation of OppositionMembersofParliament (MPs) who travelled for a meeting to Washington D.C, for talks with Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries.

In a statement to the media yesterday, the Opposition said NortonandhisEconomicAdvisor, ElsonLow,metwiththeIMFteam on September 26, 2023. Leading theIMFdelegationwasEconomist and Guyana Mission Head, Alina Carare who was accompanied by Reshma Mahabir and Diego Calderon also of the financial institution.

The Opposition said Shadow Minister of Natural Resources and Alliance For Change (AFC) member, David Patterson was scheduledtobepartofthemeeting butwasunabletoattendafterbeing unlawfullypreventedfromleaving Guyana.

During the meeting, it was noted that Norton raised a number of issues, including the notable threat to transparency in the

management of the nascent petroleum industry According to thestatement,NortontoldtheIMF thatgoodgovernanceisvitalforthe economic development of the country Tothisend,hecommitted toworkingwiththeIMFtoimprove the quality of governance in Guyana when elected to office. Norton said this was in contrast the current governmen “insistence on secrecy and lack accountability”.

He told the IMF, “That the oil and gas sector must be governed with these principles of transparency and accountability to ensure Guyanese receive what they are rightfully due, and this obligation is currently in question given the serious concerns about accountability raised in Guyana's first cost-oil audit.”

Hewasreferringtothefact an audit of the US$1.6 billion in costs racked up by ExxonMobil during the period 1999 to 2017, found that US$214 million were questionable sums. Though this was pointedly highlighted by the British auditor, IHS-Markit, it was revealed that the sum was reduced to US$3 million, with government blaming staff at the Ministry of

Natural Resources Petroleum Unit for engaging in “unauthorized” activities.

Nortonalsopointedoutthatthe government'sreluctancetopublish surveys such as the Guyana Labor ForceSurveyandNationalCensus

prevents a n accurate assessment of the economic conditions in Guyana. The persistent high cost of living was also discussed. According to the Opposition, the IMF team expresseddeepinterestandsought clarificationsonafewissues.

ThepartysaidNortonalsotook

theopportunitytooutline his party's peoplecentered national developmentvision.

He emphasized, “Human capital development just as important as tructure development and nextCoalitiongovernmentwill ensure Guyanese benefit from world-class social programs and education and training opportunities; that his party sees the need for a comprehensive and structured social safety net based oninternationalbestpracticeaimed at eliminating poverty and economic insecurity, and at

ensuring a good quality of life for allcitizens.”

TheOppositionrecommittedto swiftpovertyeradication,basedon a guaranteed livable income for households, and a nationwide economic diversification strategy Norton handed over a brief to the IMF that provided more details on hisparty'sanalysisandsolutions.

According to the Opposition, “The meeting was productive and provided the opportunity for the Opposition to present a different vision for Guyana's development, in sharp contrast to the PPP's u n p l a n n e d , w a s t e f u l , discriminatoryandcorruptefforts.”

AgricultureMinisterdebunksOpposition claimsoverrefurbishedRoseHallEstate

Minister of Agriculture, Z u l f i k a r

Mustapha has debunked claims by the Opposition that the refurbished Rose HallEstatehasnotbeenable to produce any sugar OppositionShadowMinister of Agriculture, Vinceroy Jordan released a statement on Wednesday challenging the Agriculture Minister to make public the production amount and cost of the refurbished Rose Hall Estate. He said there was no productionattheestate.

Describing the claim by Jordanas“wildandfoolish,” Mustapha revealed that “Rose Hall Sugar Factory has already produced 100,000 metric tonnes of sugar,” within weeks of returningtooperation.

Mustapha noted however, there were some issues that prevented the

factory from continuing production “There was someissuestheretodaybutif you check with Guysuco they should be able to tell you that they would be up andrunningsoon,”hesaid.

Jordan, a Member of Parliament (MP) for the combined A Partnership for NationalUnity/AllianceFor Change (APNU/AFC) said

in the statement that while Mustapha had previously expressed optimism that the Rose Hall Estate would return to production with an estimated output of some 60,000 metric tons of sugar bytheendofthefinalcropin 2023, the factory has not reportedanyproduction.

While challenging the minister to release the

production reports, Jordan pointed some of the issues

plaguing the nowrehabilitatedRoseHallsugar factory According to the Opposition MP, mechanical failures are many across the factory in addition to the boilers losing steam very often. Jordan claims that there have been many stoppagesingrinding,tothe

point where there is now a

complete temporary

shutdown He noted that, “There are major leakages

on steam pipes and

Centrifugal baskets

Hundredsofthousandsifnot millions have already been spent on chips and feeder wood for the boiler and the juice is not crystalizing hence, grains are not

forming. The factory is presently overheating at variouspoints.”

“Also, the workforce is under tremendous pressure stemming from an inexperienced workforce and shortages of technical andfieldworkers.

I challenge the Minister of Agriculture and Guysuco to make full public disclosure of sugar production and operation coststhusfarattheRoseHall Sugar Factory”Added to this, Jordan noted that while the entity continues to fail, the government plugged over $30 billion in subventionfromthenational treasuryfromthetimeittook office in August 2020 to 2022 into the industry He said there is yet to be a final number in addition to over $5 billion which has been plugged into the industry thusfarfortheyear2023.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

Opposition Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Vinceroy Jordan

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton

The houses engulfed in Flames

Child escapes as fire destroys two houses in Eccles, EBD

Achild narrowly escaped death on Friday after a twostorey apartment building caught afirearound11:00hrsonFridayat Sunflower Street, Eccles, East

Bank Demerara leaving several personshomeless.

Thefirealsospreadtoanearby building,guttingitintheprocess.

Kaieteur News learnt that the childliveswithhissiblingsandhis

mother,whoisaschoolteacher,on the bottom flat of the apartment wherethefirestarted.

Afamilyoffourlivedonthetop floor While the teacher was at work,thechildwashomealone.

While it is unclear what transpired, eyewitnesses recalled seeing the child running out of the buildingjustastheflamesstartedto spread.

Firefightersweresummonedto

the scene and managed to extinguishtheblaze. By then both buildings were gutted.

Investigations into the incident areongoing.

GPL records highest ever consumer electricity demand

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is urging the p u b l i c t o a d o p t “conscientious electricity conservation practices” as the power company has reached its highest ever electricity generation and demand in the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System(DBIS).

Thepowercompanysaid inastatementonFridaythat it has recorded a peak demand of 182 megawatts

(MW) for the year thus far, higher than the 154 MW r e c o r d e d f o r t h e corresponding period last year

“Thisnotableincreasein electricity generation and consumption can be attributedtotheincreasingly high temperatures over the past few months and the growth in the housing and commercial sectors,” GPL said.

Temperature rise has led

…urges public to conserve electricity

to heightened use of air conditionunitsandfans,the company said “In some instances,ACunitsandfans are left on in homes and businesses that are unoccupied, resulting in unnecessary energy wastage,”GPLnoted.

The company said the ongoing situation is not unique to Guyana as countriesgloballyarefacing similar energy challenges. Trinidad and Tobago

recorded its highest ever electricity consumption last month,GPLsaid.

To cushion the situation, thepowercompanyisurging the public to conserve electricity by unplugging appliances and other electrical devices when not in use. The company urged large scale consumers such a s f a c t o r i e s a n d manufacturers to “manage their production schedules efficiently to conserve

electricity.”

In recent weeks, consumers in Georgetown and other parts of the Coastland have experienced prolonged periods of power outages,someofwhichhave lasted as long as four hours. Insomecases,homesremain in darkness for lengthy periods beyond the time whichGPLforecastsareturn ofpower

Outside the DBIS, the town of Bartica in Region Seven, has been hit by prolong hours of power outages in recent days. GPL noted on its Facebook page on Friday that the current demand in the township

exceeds the company's available power generation from the single-operating engine and the fuel farm at theminingtown.

The company said its teamsisworkingtoexpedite the require engine repairs at the township within the shortesttimepossible.

Inadditiontothepeakin demand, communities along the coastland have also experienced blackouts as a result of accidents in which electricalpolescollapsed.In addition, accidents by private companies carrying out electrical works have resulted in network damages.

Tupac Shakur:

Man arrested in connection with rapper's murder in 1996

(BBC)-LasVegaspolice have reportedly arrested a man in connection with the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur nearly three decades ago.

The hip-hop legend was shot four times in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas in 1996. The identity of his killerisstillamystery.

On Friday morning Las Vegas police arrested a man over his death, according to sourcesspeakingtoAPnews agency Shakur was only 25 whenhedied.

Hediedon13September 1996, a week after he was shot four times in his car whilewaitingataredlight.

Inaseparatereport,ABC News cited a senior law officialconfirmingasuspect had been arrested in

connection with the murder of Shakur and that charges would be announced on Fridayafternoon.

The development comes afterLasVegaspoliceinJuly searched an alleged gang member'shomeforevidence overShakur'sdeath.

The death of the rapper, oneofthemostacclaimedin hip-hop,hasinspiredseveral documentaries Shakur, whose stage name was stylisedas2Pac,releasedhis debutalbumin1991.

He sold more than 75 million records worldwide, enjoying chart success with hits including California Love, All Eyez On Me and Changes. In June this year the rapper received a posthumous star on the HollywoodWalkofFame.

T upac Shakur

WANTED VACANCY

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

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.

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

Pump Attendant needed to work at Charity (night). Contact: 687-5814, 688-0417, 2235273/74.

Diesel Mechanic wanted. Call: 688-0417/ 223-5273/74.

Cook needed to work at Xenon Hotel, Charity. Contact: 687-5814, 688-0417, 2235273/74.

Supervisor needed to work at Gaulin Supermarket, Charity. Call: 687-5814, 688-0417, 223-5273/74.

Handyman, Manager, Waitress, Bartenders and Cleaner to work at Sport bar. Call: 223-5273/74, 667-1056.

One Hauler Driver needed, starting salary $12K. Call: 611-7088 for more info. Small family/ couple to live and work on farm at Long Creek, Linden. Call: 231-4831.

Wanted: Skilled Masons, Carpenters $10,000 per day and Labourers $6,000 per day. Call: 602-9469, 660-6385 or 625-7642.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

LEGAL NOTICE 2

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

Kurtzious via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf in the High Court at Georgetown.

SERVICES

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.

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

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

TO: SCVEN AUGUSTUS ROBERTS Address unknown

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 1

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD175-

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 3

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

Wanted: Labourers to work on Cash Crop Farm, $50005500 per day. Call: 695-6139, 679-7552.

Secretary/ Office Assistant for Engineering Construction Company. Must have secretarial & accounting experience, Salary negotiable. Call: 632-1982/ 673-4122. Looking for a reliable live-in aide for an elderly woman. Call: 686-8051.

Wanted Experienced Gardener to work full time or part-time. Call: 225-3557.

FOR SALE

Farm produce for sale: plantain, lemon, cayenne and apple banana. Every Thursday from Pomeroon. Call: 688-0417, 223-5273/ 6005370.

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

Excavator, Crane & Loader Operator, Dump Truck Driver, road-roller Driver and Welder required. Call: 675-1127/ 600-4073.

Vacancy Exist For two Experienced Dispatcher At Confidential Cabs. Call: 2315784, 231-4001, 231-4000.

IN 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

Fully furnished 2 bedrooms apartment in Albert Street, Alberttown. Preferably students, no smoking and no pets allowed. Call 231-5695/ 611-9134.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 17th day of January, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by LATOYA DENISA ROBERTS Nee PRESCOD, the Applicant/ Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown. AND FURTHER TAKE

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.

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 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

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 (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 9:15 am before an Incoming family 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.

DIVISION Petition No. FD-965

Between:ROXANNE ELIZABETH McPHERSON nee NICHOLAS Petitioner

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

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 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

LEGAL NOTICE 4

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 30th day of August, 2023.

Rotary Club of Georgetown to host blood drive at State House

The Rotary Club of Georgetown (RCG) will host a blood drive today between 9:00hrs-15:00hrs at the Baridi Benab, State House on Main Street. In a release, the RCG noted that participation in the blood drive is easy. Participants must walk with a valid form of ID, he/she will complete a brief health screening exercise and donate blood and help save lives.

LEGAL NOTICE 5

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

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

TO: JOSEPH ALEXANDER ISAACS

Address Unknown.

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

President of the RCG, Attorney-at-law, Devindra Kissoon, in a message to participants, said that “Your donation will make a real difference in the lives of individuals in our community who depend on blood transfusions for their health and wellbeing.” “We are excited to host this blood drive at the State House and encourage everyone to join us in this lifesaving effort,” he said.

Meanwhile, in its release, the RCG said it has a long history of serving the community. “We are thrilled to part-

LEGAL NOTICE 5

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 (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.

ner with the State House to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Blood donation is a simple yet incredibly powerful way to give back and support our local hospitals and healthcare systems,” the club said in the re-

lease. For this initiative, the RCG has partnered with Rotaract Club of University of Guyana.

In addition to the drive, the club said blood pressure and blood sugar testing will be available.

Countries of the Americas agree to strengthen human resources for health to achieve resilient health systems

Washington D.C. 26 September 2023 (PAHO) –Health authorities of the Region of the Americas agreed today to a series of actions to strengthen human resources for health so that they can contribute to the development of resilient health systems and the recovery of public health gains that were eroded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Policy On The Health Workforce 2030: Strengthening Human Resources for Health to Achieve Resilient Health Systems, highlights the severe impact the COVID19 pandemic had on the availability, distribution, and quality of health personnel, as well as the high degree of instability in working conditions, the lack of psychosocial support and the repercussions on the mental health and wellbeing of health personnel.

The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted a chronic shortfall and poor distribution of human resources for health in the Americas, as well

as the lack of investment in their training, and professional development. Throughout the first two years of the pandemic, health care workers also reported problems with their mental health and well-being, as well as social stigma, violence and the lack of support networks. They also reported high rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and psychological malaise.

“Healthcare workers were a key element of pandemic response and remain critical to the ongoing social and economic recovery in our Region,” Dr. Benjamin Puerta, Unit Chief, Human Resources of Health of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), said.

“The new policy outlines a series of actions to increase the number of health care workers available to our health systems and to provide them with the training and working conditions they need to thrive.” The Policy on the

(Continued on page 18)

Guyanese Critic a part of company which receives $865M pump station contract

A company affiliated with Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as “Guyanese Critic,” was awarded a $865 Million contracttoconstructapump station at Belle Vue, West BankDemerara(WBD).

The owner of Tepui Group Inc , Winston Martindale related to this publication that the contract was awarded through the tendering process at the National Procurement Tender Administration (NPTAB).

The company was among 26 vying for the contract. However, in the end, Tepui Group Inc. was the successful bidder with a bid of $865,543,500 Notably, the engineer’s estimateforthecontractwas $779,198,584.

The procuring entity of the contract is the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority(NDIA). Thestate entity is undertaking critical drainage work since Regions Three and Four are pronetoflooding,whichcan result in livelihoods being affected.

In January, during the presentation of this year’s budget, it was revealed that thegovernmentwillinvesta sum of $19.7 billion to upgrade the drainage and irrigationsystemsacrossthe country

Belowarethecompanies that had submitted their proposals to NPTAB for the construction of the pump stationatBelleVue.

US offers $5m reward for insight into Ecuador election assassination

(AL JAZEERA) - The UnitedStateshasannounced a reward of up to $5m for information into the killing of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.

“Multiple assassins attacked Mr Villavicencio, the Movimiento Construye party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, as he left a Quito campaign event on August 9,”SecretaryofStateAntony Blinken explained in a statementonThursday

The assassination sent shockwaves through Ecuador, which was, at the time, 11 days away from holdingitsgeneralelections.

Blinken’s statement comesinthelead-uptoarunoffelectiononOctober15to determine Ecuador’s next president.

“The United States will continue to support the peopleofEcuadorandwork tobringtojusticeindividuals who seek to undermine democratic processes through violent crime,” Blinken said. Villavicencio, a former journalist, joined theraceasananti-corruption candidate after years as a prominent critic of former President Rafael Correa and his allies. But at the conclusion of his August 9 campaign rally, he was shot in the head as he entered his car One suspect was also killed, as security at the eventreturnedfire.

Six further suspects, all from Colombia, remain in the custody of the Ecuadorian National Police. They are believed to be part of an organised crime unit, according to Blinken’s statement.

In recent years, Ecuador

has been in the grip of escalating violence, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic significantly weakened the country’seconomy

Experts say gangs have taken advantage of the economic insecurity to expand their reach into Ecuador, a country positioned on the Pacific coast between major cocaine-producing regions inColombiaandPeru.

Asaresult,thenumberof homicides has skyrocketed, increasing by 500 percent between 2016 and 2022, according to the Reuters news agency That puts Ecuador among the countries with the highest rates of murder in Latin America — a stark contrast to Ecuador’s previous reputation as a country with relativelylowviolence.

The country has also recently endured political upheaval as President GuillermoLassobecamethe first president to invoke “muertecruzada”or“mutual

death”, a power set forth in theconstitution.

“Mutual death” allows a president to dissolve Ecuador’s National Assembly — if he or she agreestoholdnewelections for both the legislature and thepresidency

Lassoannounced“mutual death” in the face of impeachmentproceedingsthis past May He will not be seekingreelection

Instead,theracehascome down to left-leaning Correa protegee Luisa Gonzalez and former National Assembly member Daniel Noboa, a businessman and son of a wealthy banana industry leader. Security and political violence have been central campaign issues as the final two candidates court voters beforetheOctober15vote.

Lasso, meanwhile, announcedinAugustthathe had sought the assistance of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to help Ecuadorian police investigate Villavicencio’s death.

‘All I saw were dead bodies’: Grief and anger after Pakistan bomb blasts

(ALJAZEERA) - On a cold Friday evening, dozens of people huddled outside Quetta Civil Hospital, their bodies heavingwithsobs.

Just hours earlier, a suicide bomb blast had ripped through a religious gathering in Mastung, killing at least 52 people and wounding dozens of others.

“All I saw were dead bodiesandinjuredafterthe blast”, said Barakat Ali, a young man standing helplessly outside the hospital’s trauma centre

where many of the wounded people had been rushed. His clothes were soakedinblood.

“Icannotforgetthehue and cry of the injured battling for their lives on the spot”, Ali told Al Jazeera, tears flowing downhisface.

‘Maximumdamage’

Authorities say the attacker detonated himself in the middle of a crowd that had gathered near a mosque to take part in a procession celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

“The suicide bomber blew himself up inside the procession to cause maximum damage”, a senior security official, who requested anonymity since they were not authorised to speak to the media,toldAlJazeera.

Shortly after the explosion in Balochistan province, in southwestern Pakistan, another bombing wascarriedoutatamosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, in the country’s northwest. At least five people were killed in the secondattack.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the FBI is collaborating with Ecuadorian police to probe the murder of Fernando Villavicencio [File: Blair Gable/Pool via Reuters]

Murder of Venezuelan woman, suspect remanded

Thirty-five-year-old Jairo

Medina Hernandes, a Venezuelan national, was on Fridaychargedandremanded to prison for the murder of a 28-year-old female who also hails from the Bolivarian Republic.

The woman, Estephnie Garcia, was found dead last Friday at Mosapai Backdam, Wenamu River, Region Seven.

The accused appeared at theBarticaMagistrate'sCourt beforeMagistrateDelonBess, where the charge was read to him. Hernandes was charged with the offence of murder, contrary to common law He was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was remandedtoprison.

According to the police, Garcia husband left their home for Venezuela on Thursday at about 17:00hrs. The following day, the couple's three children left home at about 07:30hrs for school.

Reports are that when the children returned home from school at about 16:30 hrs on Friday, they discovered their mother lying motionlessly on the floor with blood around herneck.Analarmwasraised

Man who drove with cop on car bonnet, slapped with multiple charges

Thirty-six-year-old Prince SinclairofLot50,Stanleytown,New Amsterdam, Berbice, the driver of motor car PLL 4242 who hit down ConstableDanielFredricksanddrove awaywiththecoponhiscar'sbonnet, on Friday made his first court appearance.

Sinclair, who appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh at the New Amsterdam Magistrate Court, pleadednotguiltytoseveralcharges.

They include four counts of Dangerous Driving, Prohibition of Tinted Glass, Conduct of Driver, Maintenance of Motor Vehicle, Stopping within 30 feet of a corner, Wanton Driving, Disorderly Behaviour and Failure to stop when directedbyPoliceinuniform.

and neighbours subsequently reported the matter to the ranks at the Kaikan Police Station.

Police in a statement said that the woman was found lyingonherbackonthefloor of the one-bedroom house with a red T-shirt pulled just above her breast Her underwear was removed and her private parts were exposed. Upon examination by the police, two small puncture wounds were seen onherneck.

Thematteristoberecalled onDecember19,2023.

Sinclair was placed on $145,000 bail, and was required to lodge his passportwiththecourt.Thetrialinthe matters is slated to commence on Friday27thOctober,2023.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) hadreportedthatSinclairwasarrested on Wednesday on Main Street, New Amsterdamfollowingtheincident.

Sinclair is accused of, among other things, driving into, injuring, andusingaseriesofexpletivesagainst Police Constable Daniel Fredricks, who is stationed at Central Police Station'sTrafficDepartment.

Accordingtothepolice,enquires disclosed that Constable Fredricks was on patrol duty with force motorcycle CL 2610 along Main

The .32 Taurus pistol T and seventeen .32 live rounds that was found on the pensioner.

Man, 71, tells cops illegal firearm is for my protection

Seventy-two-year-old George Aubrey of Suddie Public Road, Essequibo Coast was on Thursday arrestedbypoliceranksafter he was found with an unlicensed firearm and ammoinhispossession.

According to police, while on patrol duties on Thursday, police received certain information and p r o c e e d e d t o Onderneeming/Sand Pit on the Essequibo Coast, where Archerwascontacted.

The ranks reportedly requested to conduct a search on Archer and found

inthewaistofhispants,one.32 Taurus pistol containing one magazineandseventeen.32live rounds. When questioned by ranks as to whether he was the holder of a firearm license, he replied“no.”

Archer was then told of the offence committed and cautioned. He then told the policeranks,“Officer,thegunis me own and me gat it to protect me self.” He was then arrested andescortedtotheSuddiePolice Station along with the firearm andtheammunition.

Thepensioneriscurrentlyin custodyassistingthepolicewith theongoinginvestigation.

Street, New Amsterdam when he observed Sinclair's motorcar which was parked within 30ft of Shoelane StreetandMainStreet,obstructingthe freeflowoftraffic.

As such, Constable Fredricks contacted Sinclair, who was behind the wheels of the car and told him of theoffencecommitted.

According to the police, Sinclair got angry and used a series of expletives at the cop.The driver then entered his car, drove it towards the police rank, and collided with the officer's right foot Constable Fredricksfellontothecarbonnet,and the driver continued to drive along Main Street and then onto Republic Road.

The police constable on the car bonnet

Charged, Prince Sinclair

Man remanded to prison: JairoMedinaHernandes

The Masters football fraternity under the name Guyana Football Association of Masters (GUYFAM ) held an over 55s one day festival last Sunday at the GFC ground where the Linden Master triumphed over the two other competing teams.

On a sunny Youman Nabi holiday host team, RastafarEye Patriarchs lost their 2 matches 0-1 and 0-4 to Club 45 and Linden Masters respectively, while the Championship decider ended in a 2-all stalemate.

The 40-minute a match

Linden Masters triumph

Festival was reduced to a triangular competition after Pele Masters failed to muster a team. In the decisive encounter Christopher King gave Club 45 the early opening lead with a blaster after breaking through the defence. The Mining Town Masters replied almost immediately through Gavin Greenidge before Gregory Griffith hit a powerful right footer from at the top of the box to give Linden the advantage after 15 minutes of pulsating action.

Led by former National midfielder Terrence ‘Old Head’

Lewis who was here, there and everywhere, Club 45 launched attack after attack before King again broke free to level the score again just before the half.

The match, which was upped to a sixty minute affair, produced a 2nd half of near misses and solid defending at both ends and the scoreline was not changed when the final whistle was blown. Linden with a +4 goal difference were crowned Champions over Club 45 who ended with a +1 goal difference.

Saturday September 30, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

A number of deliveries, service people, emails, or phone calls might keep you jumping today, Aries, right when you're in the mood for a quiet day. It may take all your effort to keep your cool.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

A close friend might pass along some seemingly harmless but nonetheless untrue gossip, Taurus. Don't accept anything you hear today until you check the facts for yourself.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

You don't normally tend toward frugality, Gemini, but today you could go overboard with your spending. Frustration from all sides makes you want to release it all at once by acquiring new possessions.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Some failures that you may have experienced over the past few days could have you beating yourself up today, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Today you might be able to tune in to the thoughts and feelings of others, Leo, but you aren't likely to know exactly how to handle the situation. Should you say something or just tailor your own behavior.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Group activities are probably very much on your agenda today, Virgo. You could attend an online meeting or lecture and later participate in a group chat with a bunch of friends.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Captain of the Linden Masters, Garfield ‘Snooker Shepherd captured the Best Defender and MVP trophies as well as the top goal-scorer trophy which he jointly shared with Christopher King for their 2 goals apiece. ‘Old Head’ Lewis was named the Tournament’s Best Midfielder while Linden’s Steve Retemiah was awarded the Best Goalkeeper trophy and team mate Steve Hector won the oldest player trophy at 66 years old.

Too much pressure on the job could have you feeling like chucking it all and going somewhere by yourself. You might be tempted to go on a spending spree or overindulge in food or drink.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Inner conflict regarding spiritual matters might have you questioning your and others' beliefs. You might doubt just about everything, Scorpio, and you could be tempted into angry debates over different concepts.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Although your financial situation appears to be on the upswing, you still might be feeling pessimistic and indifferent about money and life in general. You might want to soothe your discontent.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

A minor and rather silly quarrel with a friend or romantic partner could have you down in the dumps. This is an overreaction, Capricorn. You might need to get away for a while before you can make sense.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Pressures on the job may be mounting. You might feel so disgruntled that you want to chuck it all and run away. Foreign countries and distant states may suddenly seem far.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Demands made by friends, children, or the special person in your life might have you feeling like you're moving in a dozen different directions at once.

A number of individuals contributed the trophies that were contested for, including Snoops Jewellery of Linden and Golden Smile of the Capital City. Three former hockey players also made contributions towards the staging of the festival: Ivor Thompson, Dexter Wyles and Dr. Claude Gooding and former Western Tiger, Shawn Thompson.

Champions of over 55s football festival Linden Masters.

WorldClassic&EquippedMasters PowerliftingChampionships...

Guyanese duo of Nadina Taharally and Roger Rogers to debut

The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) is set to continue itshecticyearofcompetition when the Federation attends i t s t h i r d W o r l d Championship for this year, whichisbeingconsideredan unprecedentedfeat.

InJune,CarlosPettersonGriffith attended the World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships in Malta whilst in August-September, theduoofRomeoHunterand Dominic Tyrell represented the Golden Arrowhead at theWorld Classic & Equipped Sub-Junior & Junior Powerlifting Championships which took placeinRomania.

These athletes are now passing the baton to Nadina Taharally and Roger Rogers who on debut, would be aiming to build on the successfulmedalhaulsoftheir colleagues in both Malta and Romania.Taharallywouldbe contestingtheMasters176kg Class of the World Masters Wo m e n ’s C l a s s i c Championshipswhile Rogers would be aiming for glory in theMaster11120kgcategory ofthe World Masters Men’s Classic Championships, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongoliafrom October8-15.

Both athletes have been hardattrainingoverthepast year and have expressed confidence that they’ll do their utmost to maintain the

richtraditionofpowerlifting for Guyana. Taharally commenced her career in powerliftingin2015andever since has been a force to reckon with locally and regionally.Twoyearsintoher career, she made the cut to represent Guyana at the Regional level and did so on two occasions at the North American Powerlifting Championships in Orlando, Florida,onceinUruguay,and once in Mexico Having missedoutoncompetingatthe Commonwealth Games in NewZealandlastyeardueto visa issues, Taharally, former bodybuilding, and Miss Best Legs winner as well as CrossFit competitor who placed 3rd at the inaugural eventheldinGuyanain2015, says that this year will be a defining year in her short but verysuccessfulcareer Rogers, like Taharally has enjoyed a short but successfulcareerinthesport todate.Hisfirstcompetitive lift on the platform was in 2019, his performance was so good that he made the nationalshortlistfor2020. With sports across the board, locally and internationally being curtailed due to COVID-19, R o g e r s w o u l d b e competitiveagainin2021at the NAPF/Pan American championships in 2021, Orlando where he made his internationaldebut,chalking upPanAmsquatanddeadlift

records in the process. He missed the Commonwealth Championships last year in New Zealand due to the late issuingofthevisa.

That would not be a deterrentthistimearoundas both athletes have already obtainedthenecessaryvisas and are scheduled to wing out of Guyana on Monday nightforMongolia.

GAPLF President FranklinWilsonhasextended bestwishestobothathleteson behalfofhisExecutiveandthe powerlifting fraternity in Guyana ”We have been followingyourprogressonthe platformandwehavenodoubt that you will continue to do yourselvesandGuyanaproud on the world stage Your commitment to putting in the hard work, we are sure will bring the desired rewards whenyouhittheplatform,and wewishyouthebest.”

Wilson also noted that theyearhasbeenveryhectic for his new executive as Guyana has already competed at three overseas c o m p e t i t i o n s a n d hasmedaledateach.

”We have also been able to run off our statutory competitions locally, the Intermediate and Masters as well as Raw Nationals and we will pull the curtains down on what will be the mosthecticyearforthesport to date in a calendar year, with Senior Nationals on December10.”

Sri Lanka’s Gunathilaka cleared of sexual assault charge in Australia

SYDNEY, (Reuters)Sri Lankan international cricket player Danushka Gunathilaka was found not guilty of sexually assaulting awomaninSydneylastyear whenhewasinAustraliafor the Twenty20 World Cup tournament, a court documentshowedThursday Australian police in November charged

Gunathilaka with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent of a 29year-old woman. It said the alleged assault occurred after the two had communicatedforanumber ofdaysoveradatingapp.

The 32-year-old, who wassuspendedbySriLanka

Cricket immediately after his arrest, had three of the four sexual assault charges hefaceddroppedinMay He was only charged for “stealthing”, the nonconsensual removal of a condomduringsex.

Judge Sarah Huggett saidtheevidenceestablished therewasnoopportunityfor Gunathilaka to remove the condom because “that i n t e r c o u r s e w a s continuous”.

Prosecutors said

Gunathilaka deliberately made incorrect statements during the police interview but the judge disagreed saying his answers were likely due to “confusion,

fatigue, a language barrier andpossiblymemory”.

“The accused answered everyquestionaskedofhim in the interview, and I formed the distinct impressionhewasdoinghis best to be truthful and assist the police,” Judge Huggett said. Gunathilaka had to surrender his passport during the trial but is free now to return to Sri Lanka, mediareported.

“I think the judge’s verdict says everything. I just want to thank people who helped me during this sad time, and the last 11 months has been really hard for me,” Gunathilaka told reportersoutsidethecourt.

Courts Optical Pee Wee U11 Tournament...

Round two unravels today at MoE Ground

St John the Baptise’s scorers in their win on the opening day were (L-R) Isaiah Daniels, Kareme Welcome and Kriston Chandler

Day two of the Courts Pee Wee U n d e r - 1 1

S c h o o l s F o o t b a l l Tournament is scheduled to take place today at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue, with another 16 matches.

T h e U n i c o m e rsponsoredevent,whichisin its tenth edition, and being administered by the Petra Organisation, will see the actionkickoffat10:30hrs.

The first two matches that will be contested simultaneously will see St. John The Baptiste’s team take one Kabakaburi while LeonorabattleTapakuma.

At 11:20hrs, Potaro oppose Sophia while St Aloysius collide with Annandale as Rosignol tackle Dem Amstel and All SaintsgoupagainstSmith’s Memorialat12:10hrs.

At 13:00hrs, One Mile and Soesdyke face off with

Friendship and Tuschen, respectively. After that Belladrum and St Pius thrash it out with Westfield and Winfer Gardens, respectively,at13:50hrs.

In matches 26 and 27, EnterprisewillmeetCollaco and Ann’s Grove battle F.E Pollardat14:40hrs.

The penultimate pair of matchesforthedaybeginsat 15:10hrsandwillseeMarian

Academy versus St

Gabriel’s and North GeorgetownversusTucville.

The day wraps up with the final pair of battles which kick off 16:20hrs and features Redeemer versus St Stephen’s and West Ruimveldt versus St Ambrose

This tournament is sanctioned by the Guyana Football Federation with support from the MoE, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Sterling

ProductsLimitedandMVP Sports

Devi Maharaj ton leads West Indies to hard fought victory over Hong Kong as they head to semifinals of 2023 MCW Over 40s Cricket Global Cup

KARACHI: PakistanWest Indies, Australia and United States of America (USA) stormed into the semifinals of the inaugural MCW Over40 Cricket Global Cup 2023 whose league matches concluded hereonThursday

In the seventh and final round of league matches, Pakistan hammered United Arab Emirates (UAE) by eight wickets at National Bank Stadium, West Indies edged out Hong Kong by fivewicketsatKarachiwhile USA whipped Canada by eight wickets at NBPSports Complex.

Pakistan, by winning all seven matches, topped the table with 14 points while USA and West Indies finished second and third with 11 and 10 points respectively with 5 victories each.

T h e h o m e s i d e dominated the proceedings againstUAEfromtheoutset. Afterjustafewoversofpace bowling, the spinners were pressed into service, and they did a fantastic job. The trio of Abdul Qadir (4-24), Kashif Siddique (2-16) and Haris Ayaz (2-24) bamboozled the UAE batsmen.

UAE, batting first after winning the toss, struggled to come to terms with the home spinners although the pitch looked good for scoring freely Failing to

Devindra Maharaj celebrates his ton.

nursingsomeniggles. Hong Kong, choosing to bat first, started disastrously as both their openers perished cheaply They, however, were rescued by the pair of Rahul Sambhus (63 off 73 balls) and Ankur Vasishta (60 off 69 balls) who added 108 for third wicket.

Skipper Farooq Saeed (38off37balls)andIftikhar Ahmed(27off49balls)also contributed their bit to take thetotalpast250.

P&P Insurance Brokers throws its support behind the Georgetown Cricket Softball League

build any partnership of note, they succumbed to 80 all out in 29.1 overs with VijayMehra(15off38balls) beingtheirtopscorer

Asexpected,thetargetof 81 in 45 overs proved a modestoneforPakistanwho got off to a flying start through the opening pair of Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala and Abdul Razzaq. They raised 50 of the innings in only the fifth over Skipper Razzaq was dismissed after making 21 off 15 balls but Junaid returned unbeaten on 36 off 34 as the winning boundary came in the 11th over Off-spinner Narayan Krishnan claimed both the wickets to fall in Pakistan’s innings.

WestIndiescameupwith another powerful display to tame Hong Kong after a hard-fought battle. Opener Devindra Maharaj, declared Man of the Match, scored a

brilliant century as they reached a challenging target of 252 in the final over with only three deliveries remaining. He was batting on100off107balls(8@4s & 1 @6) when he retired with the score on 194 in the 35thover AlongsideHemraj Garbarran, they featured in the highest opening partnership of the season 60 in 81 balls. He then shared 79-run second wicket stand with Javed Bacchus (45 off 43 balls).There was a slight wobble by theWindies after when they lost their skipper, Mahendra Nagamootoo at 218for4butafine36off35 balls by Sanjiv Gooljar and 21* from Dary Balgobin ensured that they got home safely Earlier, West Indies had rested their captain, Narsingh Deonarine; Vice Captain, Shazan Babwah and number 3 batter, Devon Clements who were all

Skipper Muhammad Farrukh continued to showcase his brilliant allroundskillsforUSAasthey whipped Canada by eight wickets Electing to bat, Canadawasroutedfor97all out in 33 overs after being provided a solid 47-run opening partnership in 10 oversbyAyazAli(32off71 balls) and Nasir Shaikh (24 off 28 balls). The innings was derailed by the spin trio of Ajay Sharma (4-9), Farrukh (3-21) and Saqib Hameed(2-5).

Farrukh, extending his awesomeform,followedhis bowling heroics by scoring an unbeaten 52 off 45 balls withhelpof10boundariesto take his team to a comfortable victory in only the 17th over He was adjudgedManoftheMatch. Nasir claimed a couple of wickets on successive deliveries which only delayedtheinevitable.

Once Again P&P Insurance has t h r o w n i t s support to the Georgetown CricketSoftballLeague.

This is P&P’s 5th year coming onboard as a sponsor Executive Director Mr VikashPandaypresentedthe chequetoarepresentativeof theLeague.

Mr Panday in brief comments said he notes that this year the tournament is much bigger, attracting teamsbothfromGuyanaand theDiaspora.

Mr Panday also wished the league and all teams much success in the tournament.

P&PInsurancehasbeen, for a long time, fulfilling its C o r p o r a t e S o c i a l Responsibility; sponsoring all types of sporting events.

Mr.Pandayhaspledgedthat P&P will continue to fulfill this as he deems it very important that this is achieved. He has asked that fellow members of the Private Sector follow suit and come onboard in activitiessuchasthis.

Executive Director Mr. Vikash Panday hands over the cheque to a representative of the League.

Archery Guyana sends Team to participate in the Caribbean Development Championships

President of Archery Guyana, Mrs Vidushi

Persaud-McKinnon at their recent Press Briefing and Teamsend-offindicatedthat it gave her great pleasure to congratulate the participants ontheirdecisiontotaketheir Archery shooting a step further In this regard, the formal announcement was made as to the following persons will be travelling to participate in the Caribbean

D e v e l o p m e n t

Championship Games to be held in Trinidad & Tobago from September 29 to October 1, 2023 at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet,Tobago.

TheSquadis:

R o b e r t S i n g h

Umasankar Madray

JeewanramPersaud

S a e e d K a r i m

N a r e s h S u k h u

RoshiniBoodhoo

B i b i S a l i m

S a m i r a D u n c a n

Victoria Kum Karin Toppin

Julie Ann Williams

TheresaDeoroop

Natalyia Pollard

A l i m R a s h e e d

CourtleeRodrigues

Richard Dookie

T e e m a h a l l L a l l

Kamla Singh Nicholas Hing

R a m a n e K u m

NaudiaMaraj

ShrikanataDeoroop

T h e a b o v e L i s t comprises 17Athletes and 5 Officials. Team shirts were sponsored by Guyana Beverages Inc , Archery Guyana’s loyal corporate sponsor They have stepped up once again to assist with the kind sponsorship of shirts for the team’s participation. The Board of DirectorsofArcheryGuyana conveyedprofoundgratitude totheirmember,Mr Samuel Arjoonandthemanagement ofGuyanaBeverageInc.for their continued support for the development ofArchery in Guyana Delivering remarksonbehalfofGuyana Beverages Inc was the Marketing Manager, Mr

Colin Higgins who opined what a privilege it was to engage and collaborate with Archery Guyana on events like this. Oasis water was taking the opportunity to

developtalentinthesport.

Team Leader was announced as Mr. Nicholas Hing. Mrs. PersaudMcKinnon took the opportunity to congratulate

FormerPresidentofArchery Guyana, Mr. Mohamed Gamal Khan and Guyana’s sole Continental Judge as at today’s date for his service andrepresentingGuyana.

The Board of Directors wisheseachandeveryoneof the participants all the very best. Bring back home the medalsTeamGuyana!

GFF-NAMILCO U-17 league kicks off October 7

After a round-robin phase, the best teams from each group will advance to the championship round, competing for the prestigious title of national champions. GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph thanked Namilco for their continued support of youth footballandemphasisedthat the collaboration has contributed to the development of young players, citing Omari Glasgow as a shining example.

Glasgow who was a beneficiary of this competition,playingfromas early as 14 years old, and now he is the star of our Senior Men’s National Team. And that opportunity was afforded through this partnership with Namilco,” Josephsaid.

He noted that the tournamentcontinuestobea fantasticplatformforGFFto scouttalentedplayersforthe juniornationalteams.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the National Milling Company (NAMILCO) Thunderbolt

Flour Power Under17

League is back for another season of thrilling football from the country’s future malestars.

Theleaguewillberolled out through the GFF Academy Training Centres, andwillkickoffonSaturday, October 7 at the National

ntre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

At Wednesday’s simple launchceremony,whichwas h e l d a t N a m i l c o headquarters on the East Bank Demerara, the company’s Marketing

Supervisor Alicia Anderson reiterated their commitment to supporting grassroots football, and encouraged personstoshowtheirsupport byattendingthegames.

“Wehavecomeonboard again to support football for the Under-17 tournament which spreads across the length and breadth of

Guyana.Wewantpersonsto render support to the grassroots players which is importantforthegrowthand development We would have seen this ripple effect happening in other sports across Guyana as well,” she said.

Anderson added: “When you support grassroots football that bit of motivation, the support that the players get playing in front of a crowd and to hear the shouts “run and pass the ball, or goal” it gives them

that extra boost that they need to work on their performance and build their motivation to perform even better Namilco has always been a part of that through our thunderbolt brand and we will continue to support football.”

This year’s league will feature teams in Group AGeorgetown, East Coast, East Bank, the National Under-15 and Berbice; and Group B - Upper Demerara, Essequibo,Bartica,andWest Demerara.

Glasgow, who started playing in the Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 League at the age of 14, is now a star player on Guyana’s Senior Men’s NationalTeam.

“The GFF is very grateful to Namilco for partnering again for another year of under-17 football.

When the President Wayne Forde administration took office Namilco was one of the first partners that came on board with a multiyear agreement. We’ve seen how this partnership has contributed towards the development of our players. The standouts person for us wouldbeOmari

“Our national under-17 boysaregoingtobeinvolved in international competition in 2024, and this is an opportunityforthemtostake aclaimtobepartofthat23man squad that is going to represent Guyana at that competition.

We want to ensure that we deliver a really good tournament so that all of the objectives of both the GFF and Namilco are met at the conclusion.”

GFF through strong corporate partnerships continues to organise exceptional tournaments for young players across the country The Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 League concludes on November18.

Namilco and GFF officials at the presentation of the sponsorship cheque for the tournament.

Guyana Beverages Inc.’s Marketing Manager Mr. Colin Higgings handing over shirt to President of Archery Guyana, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud

Taharally and Roger Rogers to debut

Flashback!Adeadlift of 170kg (374.7lb) is a new national record and PB for Nadina Taharally in 2021. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Flashback! Debutant Roger Rogers powering his way to a new PanAmerican Classic M 11 Squat record and PB with a 251kg (553.36lb) effort on his 3rd attempt in 2021. (Franklin Wilson photo)