Kaieteur News

Portion of Exxon's Canje Block will be relinquished this year

...ConditionsforKaieteurBlockbeingreviewed -VPJagdeo

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo confirmed with Kaieteur News on Thursday evening that a portion of the ExxonMobil operated Canje Block is i n d e e d d u e t o b e relinquished,addingthatthis willbedonethisyearends.

The chief policy maker fortheoilindustryaddressed the said issue at a press conferenceheldattheOffice ofthePresidentonThursday There,thisnewspapersought an update on when portions of the Kaieteur and Canje blockswouldberelinquished since according to their agreements,thisshouldhave occurredsincelastyear

For the Kaieteur Block, the agreement in place with an ExxonMobil-led consortium states that 25 percent should have been relinquished in 2019 and another 20 percent given up in 2022. The total portion to be relinquished would be equivalent to approximately 5414 km2 Back in 2019, Exxonanditspartnerswhich included Total S A, Mid AtlanticOilandGas,andJHI

AssociatesInc.wererequired to give up 20 percent of the Canje block which at that timespanned6100km2.This relinquishment was in keeping with its agreement signed in March 2015 with Guyaneseauthorities.Exxon had relinquished 1,220km2,

therebyreducingtheblockto 4880km2.

The agreement for the Canje block states that after that relinquishment, and a renewal of its licence, another 20 percent would have to be returned to the State after three years. That

20% would amount to 976km2. With respect to the Canje Block, the Vice Presidenttoldthisnewspaper that a portion is indeed due for relinquishment and that willbedonethisyear

AsfortheKaieteurblock, Jagdeosaidindeedtherewas

no relinquishment of any portion of this concession. He recalled that a side letter agreementwas in place back in2017whichstatesthatonly 40percentoftheblockcould have been explored by Exxon. The official said this was in place due to past aggressionsbyVenezuela.

Expounding further, Jagdeo recalled the troubles faced by Anadarko which was the operator of the Roraima Block that is

contiguous to Venezuela's border He noted that the company faced difficulties when one of its vessels was seized by Venezuelan authorities. Given that the Kaieteur Block is also contiguoustotheVenezuelan border he said a number of issues have to be carefully examined.

“…I don't want to say more about it We will probably give more details but those are the facts and I will have to review it,” the officialsaid.

In the oil and gas sector, “relinquishment” refers to theprocesswhereacompany returnsaportionofanareait was allowed to explore or produce oil and gas. That process is also governed by specific timelines Relinquishment, according toseveralpiecesofliterature, isalsoconsideredcriticalfor governments as they can auction those returned portions to other oil companies, thereby c h a n n e l i n g m o r e opportunitiesforrevenuesto theState.

U.S. committed to Guyana's development

Afterservingalmostfiveyears, astheUnitedStatesAmbassadorto Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch on Thursday hosted her final press conference in Guyana. The press briefing for the outgoing Ambassador was held at the Herdmanston Lodge, located in Queenstown,Georgetown.

“First,Iwanttothankallofyou -themembersofthemediacorpsforyourwonderfulcooperationand excellent partnership over the years. You serve a crucial and important function in any strong democracy, and you are absolutely essential to Guyana's sustainable and transparent growth in the coming years,” Lynch said in her openingremarks.

U S Ambassador Lynch presentedhercredentialsonMarch 13,2019,toformerPresidentDavid Granger Ambassador Lynch was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on January 2 and was sworn in on January11,2019.

The Ambassador highlighted someofthecriticaleffortstheU.S. and Guyana have collaborated on duringhertenurehere.

She said, “With the goal of shared prosperity, security, and

governance, we have achieved notable success with partners in government,theprivatesector,and civilsociety Wehaveworkedhard to tell Guyana's story of transformation and attract U.S. investors, not the least of which is the historic gas-to-energy partnership that will drastically lower the cost of electricity for Guyanese citizens We have supported and will continue to support the preservation of Guyana's biodiversity and I hope there are more deals like the landmark US$750 million carbon creditdealwiththeU.S.Company, theHessCorporation.”

Importantly, the Ambassador said that in partnership with the Guyanese people, the U.S. tripled their bilateral trade over the past fouryears.Itwasstatedtoothatthe U.S. Embassy contributed to that success by hosting multiple large trade missions, which Lynch said will continue to happen on the commercial front so that U.S. businesspeople can build

meaningfulpartnershipswithlocal companies, educational institutions, and government ministries.“U.S.companiesalways bring high standards and responsible business practices to their work, further promoting shared prosperity,” the outgoing Ambassadorsaid.

Moreover, she said, “The UnitedStatesGovernmentremains committedtoGuyana'ssecurityand territorial integrity The U S Embassy has proudly helped train hundreds of security professionals and government experts, on everything from how to perform professional financial audits, to

providing tools to combat trafficking in persons and improve communitypolicing.Theexcellent collaboration and continued partnership between the United States and the Guyanese law enforcement community has helped improve the capacity of Guyana'spoliceanddefenseforces andoverallsecuritysector.”

Notably, Ambassador Lynch underscored that positive change takes continued efforts, noting that theU.S.governmentisproudtobe apartnerwhoisheretostay

“We will continue to partner withGuyanainthecriticalareasof governance, economic development, and security and we will also continue to invest in Guyana's growing and vital civil society,”sheadded.

In closing the outgoing Ambassador said, “It has been an honor and a privilege for me to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Guyana at this historic time of transformation here, and I look forward to watching Guyana continuetodevelopandgrowinthe coming years with the United Statesremainingakeypartner.”

–AmbassadorLynch

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Outgoing Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch and President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

Guyana must not be held permanently captive to a fear of Exxon

Want

amidst wealth –the tragedy of Indigenous Peoples

Each year, Guyana’s indigenous leaders embark on a pilgrimage to the city for the National Toshaos Council Conference (NTCC). A week of activities, eloquent speeches, sumptuous dinners, and cultural extravaganzas add spectacle to the arrival of the leaders of the country’s indigenouscommunities.

However, beneath the veneer of the conference and its side attractions, the indigenous communities, despite residing in the resource-rich hinterland, face deep-seated challenges that have goneunaddressedforfartoolong WhilethenewSecretariatforthe Councilandthecomingtogetherofindigenousleadersarestepsin therightdirection,itishightimetorevamptheseconferencesinto platforms that can bring resolution to the systemic problems plaguing indigenous communities It is a painful irony that indigenous communities, living amidst the natural wealth of Guyana’shinterlands,bearthebruntofthecountry’shighestand most extreme rates of poverty Hinterland resources are being exploited without adequate rewards flowing to indigenous communities Mining activities have ravaged the environment, leavingscarsthatarenotonlyvisibleonthelandbutalsointhe communities Indigenouspeoplesfacetheharshconsequencesof soildegradation,deforestation,andpollutedwatersources,which severelyimpacttheirwayoflife Mining,despiteitspromiseof economicadvancement,hasunleashedaslewofsocialproblems uponthesecommunities Thesurgeinalcoholabuse,prostitution, and sexual abuse has eroded social relations, while the mass migration of young people to the gold fields due to a lack of economic opportunities threatens the continuity of these communities

Indigenous communities witness the plunder of their forests by timber companies, who often depart without offering adequate compensation or sustainable alternatives Themoreresourcesareextracted,thepoorer the indigenous communities Such exploitation only exacerbates the vulnerability of indigenous communities, astheseforestsareintertwinedwiththeirculturalheritage, sustenance, and spiritual practices The Mahdia tragedy resulted in the loss of 20 innocent lives, mostly children This tragedy, a stark reminder of the dangers facing indigenous communities, has been strangely relegated to the periphery of public discourse The collective memory seemstohaveforgottenthepainthefamiliesofthevictims endured The lack of information, thus far, as to when publichearingsfortheCommissionofInquirywillbeheld, andthelimitedmentionoftheincidentattheConferenceis disheartening This incident underscores the need for an overhaul of the conference’s purpose – from political maneuveringtogenuinetransformation Tragedieslikethe Mahdia incident should not be forgotten The conference should serve as a platform to address such incidents openly, ensure justice for the victims, and prevent future occurrences through systemic changes The current trajectory of the National Toshaos Council Conference is notyieldingthedesiredoutcomes It’shightimeforashift in focus from handouts to substantive efforts to uplift indigenouscommunitiesandextricatethemfromthegripsof poverty and despondency This transformation must be aimed at resolving problems that 1have plagued these communitiesforgenerations.Ratherthanforcingtheyouth tomigrateintogoldfields,thereshouldbeinitiativesaimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities within indigenous communities. This could include support for agricultural ventures, ecotourism, and skill development programs that empower individuals to thrive in their own villages.

To combat the environmental degradation caused by mining and logging, a commitment to environmental stewardship is vital. The conference should promote discussions on sustainable resource management, reforestation efforts, and responsible mining practices, ensuring the delicate balance between development and preservation. Addressing the social issues that plague indigenous communities requires a comprehensive

DEAREDITOR, Finance Minister Manmohan Singh told the Lok Sabha, “India could not be held permanently captive to a fear of East India Company”, by which he meantthatitwastimetostop using old fears of the colonial powers (1984)

Local columnist GHK Lall writes: “Sometimes, I wonder if I still have a country,anymore”.

Ithinkofthequotesfrom Manmohan Singh and GHK Lallascuestoask,IsGuyana beingheldcaptivetoafearof E x x o n ? A n d , b a d consequencestofollow-ifit weretoaskforrenegotiation of a lopsided oil contract? And, what might those consequences be – Oil Drillingstopped,oustingthe PPPgovernment?

And, if the government believesandinternalizesthat fear, is that the reason it chooses to defend the contract (even after first

condemning it) and to literally now suck up to E x x o n ? G o G h a s surrendered its sovereignty to Exxon. Jake Tran asks: Where does GoG end and where does Exxon begin? It appears GoG and Exxon haveseamlesslymergedinto eachother Perfectharmony [Exxon has already announced its next jamboree for next February at the Marriott Whatistheobjective of this annual jamboree?]

Exxon’s Billboard in Guyana announces Guyana gets 52% “profit” Itisreally145barrels outofevery100

Anoilcontractthatrunsfor 30 years is a different type of contractfromonetopurchase land,houseoreventobuyand sell food crops Performance ofoneiscompletedwithin12 months; the other runs for 30 years One provides for renegotiation; the other does not Should a 2% royalty, for example,continuefor30years for the Stabroek Block (11

billion barrels reserve)? If a government in a Sovereign countrychoosestodefendthat contract,ratherthanarticulate reasons for its renegotiationthen Guyanese citizens can reasonably and justifiably conclude that Guyana is now held captive in an unholy alliancewithExxon

Columnists like GHK Lall and psychologists who specialize in power relationships should go to work explaining this unholy alliance between GoG and Exxon. Is this just a power imbalancething?

Has Exxon gone further to exploit the weaknesses of the State: racially divided polity, weak laws, and a vulnerable government subject to enormous fears of losing power if it were to choose to demand renegotiation? Can Guyana afford to forego $35 billion onRoyaltyalonetoExxon’s shareholders - because of GoG’s stubborn refusal to

renegotiate for a fair royalty rate? [11 bb times 4.25% times average price $75 = $35 billion. Guyana’s 2% royalty vs Suriname’s 6.25%].

Darsh Khusial (see Oggn org) has done calculations to show Guyana loses/foregoes over $100 billionon11bbofoil Howard University economist, Kenrick Hunte has also done calculationsshowingthatafter 4-years of extraction operations, Guyana’s share of barrels has not risen above 145/100 barrels The reason forthisistheabsenceof“Ring Fencing” of project costs (comminglingofcosts)

The citizens of Guyana together with their government must work to free themselves from a captive relationship with Exxon.

https://wwwyoutube co m/watch?v=WXv4HyVXV Dk

MikePersaud

Management Fiasco at GPL

DEAREDITOR, The mission of the GuyanaPowerandLightInc is to “provide reliable, affordable and quality energy services to all its customers.”

Giventherecentfrequent power outages, almost on a daily basis, and a management crisis the company is facing, many are questioning whether the companyisequippedtocarry out its vision as stipulated on the company’s website as “a world class utility service provider”

The company is currently devoid of leadership and rudderless given the absence of achief executiveofficer(CEO)and deputy chief executive officer(DCEO-technical).

The incumbent CEO hasn’t worked at GPL for more than a year due to illness and it is alleged that he is still receiving a full compensation package in excess of GUY$6m per

month (US$30,000). While illness is something that is unforeseen and respected, it would be prudent that the officeholderstepsdownand allowforatransitionofnew leadership in the interest of the company to carry out its mandate.

It would be a noticeable blunder to have an ailing officeholderholdingontothe reins while the ship is wandering aimlessly and sinking

The plot thickens as the Deputy CEO (Technical) and personal friend of the President was recently relieved of duty for allegedly pulling a gun on his driver As with public office holders, higher standards of decorum and morality are expected, but this seems to consistently evade this leadership in government and associate institutions Notwithstanding, the deficit of these officeholders and negligent attitudes towards the

approach.Theconferenceshouldfosteropendialoguesabout alcohol abuse, sexual exploitation, and other social challenges.TheNationalToshaosCouncilConferenceholds immense potential to reshape the trajectory of Guyana’s indigenouscommunities.Nolongershouldtheconferencebe amerespectacleofpoliticalenticements,butratheraconduit fortransformation.

ThefutureofGuyana’sindigenouspeoplesdependsona collectivecommitmenttochange–achangethatstartswitha fresh perspective on the purpose of the National Toshaos Council Conference, beginning with the removal of the shadow of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs over conferenceproceedings.

effective governance of the company, the temporary replacements have been far fromdesirable

Inorderforthecompany to deliver effectively, it has to address the void in leadership. Critically, the company’s Development and Expansion Plan, which governs the strategic direction over the next 5 years, makes limited reference regarding the 300MW natural gas power plant scheduled to be operational by 2024 First, this schedule is very unrealistic given the lead times required for the necessary equipment to arrive in Guyana

According to the original equipment manufacturers (OEM), there is a 2-year required lead time In essence, all the equipment would not be in Guyana until early 2025, at best, and would still have to undergo construction, testing,andcommissioning

Thatputstheproduction dateinearly2026atbest

Wenowhavetositback andobservethenonsensical excuses the government will invent to appease the population given that is the major selling point for the 2025 election The DevelopmentandExpansion Plan is key to understanding the company’s strategic direction, power utilization, customer care-about, and how policies c

implemented to curb waste and loss reduction due to theft (more to come on this issue)

Inconclusion,weallhave heard of tragic customer experiences and complaints, slothful billing inquiries, unforeseen disconnections, unhurried reconnections, and a non-intuitive new service applicationprocess.

It is unimaginable that given the oil and gas boom and the gas-to-shore project, Guyana continues deficient for an extended period oftimeinthissector This deficient institution can alleviate the public fears of its current state and offer a roadmap for its future of power generation in the world’s fastest-growing economy

Sadly, we can only be assured of the ceremonious ribbon cutting by the prime minister in charge of this sector Ifasurveyweretobe done today, most Guyanese people would not have wonderfulthingstosayabout the Guyana Power and Light company, and by extension, the prime minister and the current state of affairs of the governmentasitrelatestothis issue This should serve as a starting point for the new leadershipofthecompanyto build confidence in a substandard institution they wouldbeinheriting.

YoursSincerely,

Collin Haynes, MPH, MBA

AFrameworkforImprovingRoadSafety

DEAREDITOR

, I expect that worried citizens are relieved and hopeful to read that the President has issued a call for “a collective partnership to curb reckless use of the roads”. Especially in the wake of last weekend’s horrific accidents and fatalities.

A framework for GoG policymakers to lower roadway risks and consequenceswillneedtobe underpinned by three essentialelements:

1.Reliableaccidentdata

2 A w h o l e o f government & society collaboration

3. Combining 1. & 2. to underpin and formulate a holisticstrategy

Unfortunately, none of these elements have been sufficiently demonstrated in previous attempts at improving road safety. These will have to be encouragedandmentoredby senior policymakers and otherstakeholders.

Gooddataiscriticalfora thorough understanding of risk factors. Risk factors

should include both contributory road hazard conditionsanderrantdriving behaviors.

Everything that

contributes to the vulnerabilities of roadway users Datacollectionand

analysis should be continuous Tools should

include geospatial mapping to pinpoint highr i s k p o i n t s a n d communities

It should also include sociological data, including various demographics, to identify and classify high-risk perpetrators, victims, and cultural and societal contributors

A sociologist should serve on the data management and analysis

team, and in policy development, to guide

i n p u t s o n h u m a n behaviors, interactions, and other social and locationinfluences.

Inclusive partnership withtherightstakeholders is especially critical today for solving societal problems While the GPF

can be the accountable agency, it should not initially be the lead agency

To date, the GPF has not shown sufficient understanding of how to leverage the private sector and broader civil society for innovative ways to transform and improve their operations, and their propensity and capacity to deliverimprovedresults.

It is not a reflection of anymemberoftheForce’s leadership

It is just that the Guyana Police Force (and most public agencies), is not imbued with the culture and structure for collaborativeapproaches

Holistic strategies that are formulated on evidence-based data and t h e a p p r o p r i a t e collaborative platforms are critical for success. The right blend of using broader society for i d e n t i f y i n g t h e contributing risk factors, developing strategies, and i m p l e m e n t a t i o n

Transformation of the

Guyana’sSoleProprietor

F o r c e ( a n d m o s t government agencies), and the broader security sector reform, must include new service provisioning modelsthatareboth“insideout”and“outside-in”driven.

Perhaps the serious and seemingly intractable road safety issue, just one of society’s evolving challenges, can be acknowledgedassurpassing the capacity of the public sector to address and solve. The President has publicly directed the Force to find solutions.

Hopefully, his policymakingteamcanenvisionan opportunitythatgovernment agenciescansteerandshape the development of public–privateplatformsina way that enables businesses and NGOs to pursue their own interests, whilst t r a n s f o r m i n g business–NGO-government interactions and more generally serving collective interestsandpublicvalue.

YoursTruly, Col.BrianChin Magua Risk Consulting Inc.

DEAREDITOR, Guyanese must be given credit; they fully know what’shappeninginGuyana. IfyouaskanyGuyanesewhy they have problems, they will say it’s government corruption, incompetence, and mismanagement, they canevencallnamesandgive instances where government failuresarehappening,butif youaskGuyaneseiftheywill stand against their political parties for betterment, immediately a wall appears betweenyouandthem.

Guyanesearecaughtina paradox, they want their rightfulshareoftheirwealth but don’t want to protest againsttheirpoliticalparties, howcantheyattainthis,only god can answer This reason makes it why the politicians use Guyanese for their own personalbenefits,ratherthan servingtheGuyanesepeople astheysworetodo.

Glenn Lall doesn’t need toeducateGuyana’spolitical leaders, as they fully know whatisrightforGuyana,just read their manifesto and listen to their campaign speeches, they sound like

King Midas who can turn anything to gold with a touch.

The VP (Vice President) is now Guyana’s sole proprietor, he handles all of Guyana’s financial businesses in every sector andtellsGuyanesehecannot disclose oil and mining contracts, as they are protected by proprietary laws. This is utter nonsense from the VP Proprietary laws protect individuals and companies, who are the first to invent or make original publications,soaccordingto the VP’s proprietary arguments, the foreign companies operating in Guyanaaretheoneswhoput theoilintheocean,thegold, bauxite, manganese, diamondsandotherminerals under the ground and also planted the trees for the timber

Focusing on full coverage liability insurance from the parent company ExxonMobil,foroilspillsin Guyana,theVPcontinuesto propagate nonsense that EEPGLwillcompensate

(Continuedonpage06)

Guyana should explore all available tools to ensure free, fair elections

Outgoing United S t a t e s Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch on Thursday during a press briefing underscored that Guyana should explore all options to ensure free and fairelections.

During the press engagement, the U S Ambassadorwasaskedwhat Guyanacandotoensurethe upcoming2025electionsare notarepeatofwhatoccurred duringthe2020Generaland RegionalElections.

To this, the U.S official said, “I think there was a numberofimportantlessons learnedatthe2020elections and I think the most importanttakeawayformeis that all political parties all have the same goal, from whatIgatheredtheyallwant Guyana to succeed, they wantthepeopleofGuyanato haveopportunities,accessto increase opportunities, access to jobs all health care…”

She added that going forward, it is important for the political parties in Guyanatoconverseandtalk

aboutmutualagreements.

“Of course, they are political parties so they won’t agree to everything, butIthinkitisimportantfor them to converse,” Lynch added.

Speaking on the country’s electoral system, she highlighted that the recent local government elections were free and fair However, she noted that t h e r e a r e a l w a y s

recommendations to improve the country’s electoralsystem.

“The electoral process is critical to a strong democracy, so I would advisethepeopleofGuyana, the Government, and all parties to look at those recommendations very closely, look at the recommendations that were made after the 2020 elections to see what stands out, what things can be worked on now,” the U.S Ambassadorsaid.

Tothisend,shesaidthat waiting until the last minute to make changes to ensure a smooth electoral process would not be the right route to take. Lynch noted that some recommendations that weremadewouldtakesome time to implement, so it’s bettertogetaheadnow

AccordingtoLynch,one takeaway from the 2020 Elections for the U S Embassyisthatsomepolling stations did not have facilities to accommodate persons with disabilities.As such,sherecommendedthat Guyana should ensure there

–OutgoingU.S.Ambassador

is infrastructure to support everyone Moreover, the U.S. official shared that she understandsthattheGuyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is currently working on a report on Elections, which will c o n t a i n s e v e r a l recommendations to improvethesystem.

Opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) had made several calls for the use of

biometrics for elections declaringthatthetechnology should be part of GECOM’s effortstowardupgradingand improving the electoral process. When asked about her thoughts on biometrics, the Ambassador said, “My understanding is that Guyana is exploring biometrics and I think many nations now are exploring biometrics, that’s one additional tool that can be used to ensure that elections

are fair I don’t know what thefinaldecisionwillbebut I think it is important to explorealltoolsthatGuyana has access to, again in order to ensure that elections continuetobefree.”

In August 2020, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) announced that they will be conductingacomprehensive investigation into the criminal conduct of the formerGECOMofficials

(Continuedonpage16)

Guyana’sSoleProprietor...

Frompage5

Guyana since this shell company does not have the assets to cover Guyana for oilspills.

Guyanese you all better wake up and take action for this insurance, this country remains unprotected as Exxon over drills, over pumps,overdump,andover flare, this parent company guarantees full coverage insurance will force Exxon to operate safer benefitting allGuyanese.

The VP also lied about Trinidad not being affected by oil spills. Dr Vincent Adams on a podcast said he wroteletterstoBarbadosPM Mia Mortley and other Caricomheadstospeakout, butbothhavenotresponded

tohimandarestayingsilent.

Guyana’s neighbors are also staying silent on this insurance coverage, including Brazil’s President LulaDaSilvawhoissaidto be environment friendly, even as a large oil spill can reach the beaches of Rio De Janeiro.

Why the silence from all? If there is an oil spill, Guyana will not have the money to compensate the neighboring countries, so they will lay claim and take Guyana without sending a single soldier or firing a singleshot.

Guyanese it’s now you versus the world on this insurance protection, even against your own MPs, you have to stand up and

remember oil spill damages will not differentiate between PNC-Afro areas and PPP-Indo areas nor Amerindian areas, everyone is going to get affected, divisiveness is the last thing Guyanese need at this time, and remember you can still support your respective politicalparties. We keep asking, which sensible, knowledgeable, and caring leaders would toleratethis?

Guyana is the only country in the world where the EPA, the environmental regulator is fighting in court fortheoilcompaniesagainst their own country’s people. This is unprecedented in humanhistory R.David.

Outgoing U.S. Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch

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Thepublicneeds answers,Mr.Statia!

Isn't the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) concerned that it is hemorrhaging auditors at such a critical time in Guyana's history, when the country is supposed to be monitoring and verifying the billions of dollars in costs being submitted by oil companies for cost recovery?

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It is a grave embarrassment, and the head of the agency, Godfrey Statia, should take heed of this message, if he doesn't already.

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The GRA needs to meet with the press - PRONTO - to update the public on what is going on with the training of our auditors, and why the Government of Guyana can't yet figure out a way to keep them.

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GRA boss must address nation on auditing capacity

Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia will be solely responsible for addressing the current human resource shortage at the agency's Petroleum Unit, as the government will not be intervening.

This was related by Vice President (VP) Bharrat JagdeoonThursdayduringa press conference hosted at theOfficeofthePresidentin Georgetown.

In his opening statement, the VP explained that he discussed the shortage of workers in the GRA's Petroleum Unit with Statia lastweek.

“So I said to him, you need to deal with this matter yourself because the impression is created that

somehow you need these peopleandthegovernmentis not supportive and I have confirmed that you have never basically raised this matter with the Minister of Finance nor the President directly at the policy level,” Jagdeoexplained.

He said that the GRA boss informed him that the vacant spots were advertised locally and internationally, however, the remuneration soughtbytheskilledauditors was“veryhigh”.Jagdeosaid he informed Statia that this should be discussed if it hampers the work of the agency According to Jagdeo, “Heisgoingtodealwiththis matter and the reason I want him at the technical level to deal with matters surrounding audit is that I made it clear that as

- Jagdeo

politicians we want to stay away from any issue dealing withaudits.”

The Vice President explained that while the government is concerned aboutthelengthytimelineto complete oil audits, it is focused on ensuring that there is adherence to the LocalContentprovisions.He however made it clear that the government will not be steppingin.

“We don't want to give directions in relation to audits which is an entirely technical matter because it would seem if we intervene, it would seem we are favouring one party or another and this is not how auditsaredoneandsothatis why he (Statia) should deal with it purely from a technicalperspectiveandour positionremainsthesame.”

On July 31, 2023, during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting, Statia informed the Parliamentary Committee that the Petroleum Unit, tasked with conducting audits of oil companies, was lacking half of the staff required for the job. He pointed out that the agency has 31 on roll while 65 persons are required for the job.

Statia explained, “We do nothavethefullcomplement of staff. We are working assiduously to get the full complement of staff We have even pulled some staff from other Ministries, but as we know we have a paucity ofskillsinGuyana.Wehave even increased pay for persons in that capacity for themnottoleavebutwhatwe have seen is that as we train

staffwelosestaff.”

He noted that the trained workersarebeingluredwith higher salaries from the oil companies and their contractors In fact, five persons trained within the past year alone have been stolenbytheoilcompanies.

Presently, two audits of the Stabroek Block oil and gas activities are outstanding. The first audit was awarded in 2019 for a review of ExxonMobil's

US$1 6 billion expenses between 1999 and 2017 Meanwhile, another audit that was signed in 2022 for the oil company's US$7.3 billion expenditure, racked upbetween2018and2020is yettobefinalized.

Jagdeo previously explained that while the auditorshavewrappedupthe review, the iterative process betweentheGRAandtheoil company has been stalling thecompletion.

Siblingsnabbedwith gunandammunition

Two siblings, ages 24 and 27 respectively, were on Thursday arrested after police ranks found a gun and nine bulletsunderneaththeirmattress.

Accordingtopolice,apartyofpoliceranksfromRegion Three, acting on information, conducted a search between 06:00 hrs and 7:00 hrs, at an apartment at Lot 116 MetenMeer-Zorg,WestCoastDemerara(WCD).

Thesearchwasdoneinthepresenceoftheoccupants. Police found a suspected 9mm pistol, marked 'JANINE 9MM'withnoserialnumber,underneaththemattress,along withthebullets.

Thesiblingsweretoldoftheoffencecommittedandwere arrested.ThesiblingswerethentakentotheLeonoraPolice Stationwheretheyareassistingwithinvestigations.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

The PNCR is stuck in the past

The President has said that he is just a phone call away He has pointed out how he offered a humble hand across the political aisle and it was rejected.As such,herightlycontendsthat the onus is not on him to reachout.

The refusal of the leader of the PNCR to accept a handshake from the President of Guyana might appear to be a display of political grandstanding, playingtothewiderpolitical gallery However, in the context of the PNCR’s history and recent actions, this refusal takes on a much deeper significance. It’s not merelyamomentofpolitical theater;it’sareflectionofthe failure of the leadership of thePNCRtoevolvefromits sordid past, embrace a

democratic future, and engageinthekindofpolitics that the 21st-century demands.

ThePNCRhasalongand sordid past marked by the promotion of political violence and even election rigging It avoided widespread international condemnation and sanctions,between1968and 1985, because of the then ColdWar Whowouldhave believed that the PNCR would have resorted to a return to its dark past in 2020?

Butthisisexactlywhatit didwhenitsoughttobenefit from an attempt to shamelessly rig the March 2020electionsandtodenya young man his deserved moment of glory This déjà vu moment called into

Dem boys seh...

question the PNCR’s commitment to modern democratic values The refusal to acknowledge its electoraldefeat–narrowasit was - demonstrates a failure to adapt to post-1989 democratic politics. While thePNCRmanagedtoreturn to power through legitimate means in 2015, its subsequentactionshavecast doubts on its willingness to uphold democratic principles.Thisreluctanceto accept defeat not only undermines its credibility but also reveals a stubborn attachment to an outdated playbook In a political climate where slim majorities have become the norm since 2011, the PNCR’sconductin2020can only be described as a selfinflicted wound By

A new avian menace is on de loose

Guyana gat a new wonder ItiscalleddeCussBird. It is an avian menace. Itdoesshowitheadeverso often and its head is now becoming as sharp and shinyasitsbeak.

De Cuss-Bird cannot staystillfortoolong.When it fliess off its hook, it does leave a trail of filth in its wake. But de Cuss-Bird does spew not just its droppings but expletives andtantrums.

Dis Cuss-Bird is a foul fowl.Itisafeatheredtyrant who perches upon the fragile branches of civil discourse, ready to unleash

its payload upon anyone who dares to not pay attention to it. It craves attentionandwantstobein the limelight so much so that it behaves foul just to gaindelimelight.Witheach flap of its irritable wings, the Cuss-Bird showers its target with a downpour of vitriol, proving that its vocabulary is as limited as its intelligence and tact. Critics fell the brunt of the Cuss-Birds storm They now find themselves drenched in a storm of obscenitiesthatleavesthem scrambling for cover It seems that the Cuss-Bird’s

o n l y m e t h o d o f communicationistoblowa fuse, throw tantrums, and abuse anyone who dares to crossitspath.

ButthisCuss-Birdisno mererandomsquawker;itis a calculated instigator, adept at diverting attention fromwhatitanditsflockare doing.Itliketomakealoud noisetodistractpeoplefrom what it is doing. As the Cuss-Bird continues to defecate verbal sewage, it will take more an umbrella toprotecttheonlookerfrom its discharge. So when near it,runforcover!

TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

attempting to claim victory in an election that was clearly not in its favor, the partytarnisheditsreputation and weakened its own position The irony is palpable – a party that once re-enteredthepoliticalstage through free and fair e l e c t i o n s i s n o w jeopardizing its own future by rejecting the very democratic principles that facilitateditsresurgence.

Nowithastakenahostile and unnecessary posture towards the President Refusingtoextendthathand represents more than just a moment of personal pride; it’s a missed opportunity for dialogue, compromise, and productive cooperation –that can lead to the path of political redemption The refusaltoengageinthisbasic act of respect sends a clear message: the PNCR is not willing to participate in the democratic give-and-take that sustains a healthy politicalecosystem.

The heart of the matter lies in the PNCR’s apparent contempt for democratic principles The party’s refusaltoaccepttheelection

results and its subsequent attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the process reflects a deep-seated aversion to democratic norms In a time when citizens across the globe are demanding transparency, accountability, and respect for the sanctity of elections, the PNCR’s actions stand in stark contrast to the ideals that underpin modern democraticsocieties.

The refusal to shake hands is not just an act of protest,asthePNCRwantsit toappear Itisemblematicof a larger failure to change

course The PNCR’s

leadership had an opportunity to demonstrate growth, maturity, and a commitment to democratic

values by gracefully

accepting defeat and engaging constructively withtheelectedgovernment. Instead, it chose to cling to, discredited narratives, outdated tactics, and questionable behavior that harkenbacktoadarkereraof politics It is doubtful whether the PNCR can ever regain credibility The one manwhorestoredcredibility

tothepartyhasbeenpushed outoftheleadershipandsent intopoliticalretirement.

SolongasthePNCRhas within its leadership persons who continue to peddle the narrative that it was cheated out of an election victory, embracingdemocraticvalues will be difficult Aparty that doesnotembracesuchvalues has no place in competitive politics, no place in the National Assembly, and no futureinmodern-daypolitics

The handshake that never happened is a stark reminder thattruedemocraticprogress requiresawillingnesstoleave behindthebaggageofthepast andstrideconfidentlyintothe future Unfortunately, the PNCRisstuckinthepast

(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

Fear stalks Guyana

It is revealing how waves of Guyanese willingly submit themselves to be hostages to the whims of a heartless government. Itsayssomuch about how so many citizens consent to the cruel games thatonemanplayswiththem, how he toys with them, and the many ways in which he makes a joke of their existence. Though spoken of,andwrittenabout,before, itisnevergoodenoughtorest onone'slaurelsandsaytoself thatthejobisdone. Thejob can never be done when so manycitizensliveinfear.

Therearethosewhohave been made to fear their own shadows. Many fear their neighbors, and those with power in their communities. Then, there are others who sense a dread, that deep fear, of what could become of not only themselves but of what could befall those who are part of their extended circle of relationships. The fear is for the goons in the PPP Government, but mostly the

fear is stoked by the mere consideration of the vileness thathas been known to burst out from one man, and the hells that have bedeviled Guyaneseafterwards.

G u y a n e s e , b o t h supporters of the PPP and outsiders know what it is to fearthemaliceofthoseatthe top of the pyramid of the party power structure, and their specially selected agents. These guys in Guyana are a chip off of the old Gestapo block that once reignedsupremeinGermany.

Speakawordoutofturn, andtheyareonthewaywith vengeanceintheirstone-cold souls. Takeapositionthatis out of kilter with the party and its leadership thinking, and the roof caves in on heads: they know better but didn't live up to their side of the bargain There is amazementthatallthosewho said that they were about democracy and stood as guardians of it have abandoned that lofty post. Others find it incredible that

many of those who made much noise on paper, and through clever uses of any available communication channel, have gone underground, lost their previousbarks,andnowlack what could pass as a respectablebite.

Thesumandsubstanceof all this is that Guyanese are afraid Wounded and weakenedbyfear Paralyzed by fear, and crippled into inaction by its close cousin, which goes by the name of intimidation. A man or a woman loyal to the PPP knowsthescore:keepmouth shutandthoughtstoself,and a place in the party and government's program is assured. Daretodevelopany strain of independence, or that rank stupidity called conscience, and only regrets follow Whatstartsoutasan individual problem could quickly mushroom into a widespread personal crisis. For, the PPP and its top people are so clever and so wickedly constructive that

the hammer of termination and being cast out swings in the widest arc possible and bludgeons left, right, and center with the intention of mowing down all who have any relationship to the offender who belatedly found that he or she had conscience, standards, and regardforright.

Thepublicservant,behe clerk or typist, could find themselves out of a job, or a contract,ortherunningfora houselot,orascholarship. It ishowwell-sewnthePPPnet is,andhowextensiveitsfearinducingreach.

But that is only the beginning, for what has becomepartandparcelofthe PPP Government's standard operating procedures is to kick out the sons and daughters, cousins and nephews, and who knows whoelse,thatisrelatedtothe firstoffenderdidn'tknowhis place,andmindhismanners.

In other words, shut up. Sitting down and shutting up is as good a guarantee that could be had of staying on favorabletermswiththeright people, and staying in place. Making oneself small is the passport to sticking around and being allowed to stay around.

The PPP is so low that it would, and has, used those little part-time jobs that pay $40,000amonthasthesword waved over the heads of vulnerable and needy Guyanese to bring them to theirknees. Beingabighero with a big mouth is the quickestwaytogetabigkick out of the workplace door Weargreen,andnoteventhe drainswillbegiventoclean. Attend a rally of the enemy andbereadytocrawlonyour belly

This is Guyana's democracy in action in the

shadows and the trenches. This is the ugly machinery thatthePPPregimehasputin place, and what keeps the previously agitated in place. Fearnotonlystalksthisland of plenty and seas of lush patrimony Fear has seeped into everything and almost everyone. Fearsaturatesthe air; fear of vile political leadership reprisals is what shrouds many and makes a dummy and putty of them. This is the PPP's version of democracy, accountability, and political integrity They are all founded on fear, as wieldedbyone.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author They do not purport to reflect the opinionsorviewsofKaieteur News.

Company laying pipeline for Gas-to-Energy project requests EOIs for

wide range of supply and services

Subsea 7, the c o m p a n y responsibleforthe pipeline laying in the Wales Gas-to-Energy project 7, is inviting businesses to express their interest in providing a number of potential services related to theproject.

In a recently published ExpressionofInterest(EOI), thecompanynotedthatthese opportunities encompass a range of supply and service categories.

These include personal protectiveequipment(PPE); welding, fitting, and steel fabrication, including plate cutting; rigging inspection; the supply of welding gases like argon and mixed welding gases (75/25 argon and CO2 blend); containers suchashalfheights,reefers, 20ft closed and open top containers, 40ft closed and open top containers, and sludge tanks; rigging items like wire rope and soft slings; as well as concrete mats and load cells

Additionally, general consumables like office supplies, spray paint, duct tape,andsmalltoolsarepart oftherequirements.

For the pipe-related aspects, the project seeks

pipe stacking equipment, pipe lifting rigging, pipe cleaning and gauging tools, andpipecuttingtools.

Subsea 7 has been a prominent player in subsea engineering, construction, and services within the offshore energy industry since its inception in 2002.

With its headquarters in London and registration in Luxembourg, the company has established a strong reputation for its collaborative approach, extensive industry experience, and innovative enablingproductsthatcover theentireenergylifecycle.

I n a n e x c i t i n g collaboration, Subsea 7, in partnership with Royal Van Oord, has secured a substantialcontractforpipel a y i n g f r o m E s s o Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the local affiliate of ExxonMobil. This contract isinconnectionwiththeGas to Energy project, a significantundertakingsetto redefine the energy landscape in Guyana. The focal point of the Gas to Energy project revolves around the installation of approximately 190 kilometersofpipeline,atask

scheduled for completion in 2024. The project will see the construction and operation of a pipeline from the Liza Phase 1 and Liza Phase 2 floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels to an onshore natural gas liquids processingplant.

The project also entails theconstructionofa225km 12” pipeline to transport the guaranteed minimum of 50 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd)ofnaturalgasfrom offshore Guyana to the Wales Development Authority

Geotechnical and geophysical works for both offshore and onshore operations are already advancing with portions already completed

Construction of the pipeline startedinthethirdquarterof 2022 and will be completed bythefourthquarterof2024.

This project's successful executionreliesonatop-tier fleet, and Subsea 7 said it pridesitselfonoperatingone of the industry's most advanced and youthful fleets, fully equipped to facilitatetheinstallationand deployment of their transformative enabling products.

Jagdeo dodges release of ExxonMobil's US-multibillion expenses in Stabroek Block

Despiteboastingthatthe People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has managed to fulfill 90 percent of its manifesto promises since assuming office, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo continues to evade the basic tenets of transparency when it comes to the management ofGuyana'smultibillion-US dollarpetroleumsector

Through the provisions of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Exxon is allowed to deduct 75 percent of the monthly r e v e n u e t o c o v e r development costs. The remaining25percentisthen split as profits between the government and the partners.

In 2022, Guyana's Stabroek Block generated a whopping US$9.8 billion, however, Exxon deducted US$7 4 billion, leaving GuyanawithamereUS$1.4 billion inclusive of profits and royalty during the period.

At his weekly press conferenceheldattheOffice of the President, the chief petroleumpolicymakerwas asked if he believes the

citizens deserve to see what theoil,beingproducedatthe Stabroek Block, is paying for This is premised on the fact that Guyana's oil is being used to finance ExxonMobil's activities relative to the oil-rich Stabroek Block but remains hiddenfromthepublic.

In its 2020 elections

Manifesto, the PPP/C promised, “To ensure that our oil resource is managed responsibly, the PPP/C w i l l e n s u r e t h a t e x p e n d i t u r e s a r e transparently determined and go through the parliamentaryprocess.”

Notably,thegovernment while in Opposition assured that the sector would be prudently managed in a transparent manner; upon assuming office in 2020 h o w e v e r t h e n e w administration has taken a different approach In several instances, the administration has demonstrated its intent to manage the sector in the dark.

For instance, when it comestotheexpensesbeing incurred by Exxon, the

government is reluctant to make the documents public. Previously, Jagdeo told reportersthatKaieteurNews would misinterpret the expenses and 'nitpick'. He howeverindicatedthatthisis something that would be explored to keep the nation informed on the costs being recovered by the oil company operating in the S t a b r o e k B l o c k https://wwwkaieteurnewso nline com/2023/03/05/vpjagdeo-not-keen-onreleasing-exxons-costrecovery-statements-orforecast-of-expenses/

The VP was therefore

Securityguardfoundmurdered atLusignanGolfClub

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

asked on Thursday for an updateinthisregardwhenhe told this publication that he would not be dealing with the issue again. In fact, he requested that the reporter moveontoanotherquestion. His response on the subject of Exxon's expenses came shortly after the VP opened his media engagement by boasting of the PPP's achievements sincetakingofficein2020.

H e s a i d , “ T h e government of Guyana, the PPP Civic government has been engaged with fulfilling itsManifestopromisestothe people of this country We have demonstrated that we have achieved about 90 percent, in fact over 90 percent of all that we have

promised.”

P r e v i o u s l y, t h e Opposition raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency in the management of Guyana's blossomingsector

In an interview with Kaieteur News last month, Economic Advisor to the LeaderoftheOppositionand Spokesperson on Oil and Gas matters, Elson Low outlinedthatdespitemaking aplethoraofpromisestothe Guyanese population for better management of the petroleum industry, the governmenthasfailedtoact intheinterestofitspeople.

According to Low, “The government's refusal to release cost oil audits or to committoatimelinefortheir completion and release also violates their manifesto promisessincetheysaidthey would hold oil companies accountable and verify expenditures.”

Additionally, he noted, “Thereisalackofspecificity as to what exactly oil revenuesarebeingspenton, which also violates their c o m m i t m e n t t o transparency.”

He was referring to the circumstances under which revenuefromtheoilandgas sectorisbeingtransferredto

the public purse without a clear outline of what “national development priorities” are being funded throughthatsource.

While still arguing the lack of transparency in the management of the sector, Low highlighted that the newly approved Petroleum Activities Bill reserves the right for the government to engageindirectnegotiations for the nation's oil blocks despitethePPPpromisingto “ensure that blocks are competitively tendered/ auctioned.”

Low explained, “Our position is that no direct negotiations should be done without first approaching Parliament for approval of thetermsofthenegotiation.”

He went on to point out thatthenewlegislationvests the Minister with excessive powers, even though its manifesto says the regulatory framework must be “independent of politicians.”

TheOppositiontherefore concluded that the oil sector isdrowninginsecrecyunder the People's Progressive P a r t y ( P P P ) – l e d government, it continues to conduct the affairs of the industry behind closed doors.

Jawalla residents complain of having to fund police to investigate crime

DeputyToshao of JawallaVillage

Dalchand Dhanai's body was found lying face down at the Lusignan Gulf Club on Thursday.

Police are investigating the death of 57year-old Dalchand Dhanai whose lifeless body was found at the Lusignan Gulf Club, EastCoastDemerara(ECD).

Dhanai, of Lot 69 Lusignan Pasture, ECD,wasasecurityguard.

Police in a statement said that at about 06:20h on Thursday, someone called the Vigilance Police Station to report a dead body at the Golf Club Ranks, upon receiving the information visited the

location and found Dhanai lying face down in the upper flat of the building in what appeared to be dried blood with injuries to hishead.

Reports are that the man's hands were alsoboundwithshoelaces.

PolicesaidthatchecksweredonetoGulf Club's building and it was discovered that the building was broken into. Two grasscutting machines and two cases of Banks beerweremissingfromthebuilding.

in Region Seven, Terry Richmond on Wednesday told government officials that his community is tired of using their own money to transport theGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)toinvestigate crimestakingplaceintheirarea.

Richmond was at the time voicing his challenges on day three of the National Toshaos' Council (NTC) Conference which is ongoing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre(ACCC).

Richmond told representatives of the Ministry of HomeAffairs that, “Jawalla has been struggling in mining the police… to transport them wherever they want, whenever it have any crime happening in thoseareas.”

TheDeputyToshaosharedthatwhenthe community sends for the police, most times theyaretoldtheyhavenotransportationand requestthevillagetoprovidethemwithfuel. “What happen to our government, they [police]aretheworkersofthegovernmentso I recommend that the ministry of these officers provide them with fuel so that they can do their work because we have been struggling and spending our own money to take them to the spot as to where the crimes have transpired in these areas,” Richmond expressed.

When contacted by this publication, Richmond said that the government promised to address the issue today, the last dayoftheconference.

Deputy Toshao of Jawalla Village, Terry Richmond

White Water Creek to get $25M agro-processing facility

DPI - Some 250 households in White Water Creek and surrounding villages in Region One will b e n e f i t f r o m t h e commissioning of a spanking new $25 million agro-processingfacility.

Minister of Agriculture, ZulfikarMustaphamadethe a n n o u n c e m e n t o n Wednesday, day three of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference 2023, at the Arthur Chung ConferenceCentre(ACCC), Liliendaal.

The government's push for Guyanese to grow and produce what they consume daily prompted the establishment of the food processingfacility

W h e n i t i s operationalised,farmerswill be able to advance their operations to a more commercialised valueadded production and achieve sustainable economic growth through agro-processing.

This will ensure that products, including cassava bread, farine, and cassareep will have easier access to markets “That is why in

hinterland communities now, we are building an agro-processing facility I am happy to report that in White Water I will commission one very s h o r t l y O n e w a s commissioned recently in the Deep South. St. Ignatius has one. We will do another one in Region Nine and Mabaruma will have one,” MinisterMustaphastated.

Agro-processing

He explained that agroprocessing increases household income and creates new potential for export revenue by adding value to basic agricultural produce.“Wewantyoutonot only produce primary

products,butwewantyouto addvaluetoyourproducts,” the agriculture minister stressed.

Over 12 agro-processing facilities have been established in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Nine,andTen.

Over 2,500 farmers, a g r o - p r o c e s s o r s , wholesalers and retailers now have access to certified agro-processing facilities in theirregions.

Crabwood Creek and Orealla communities in Region Six will also benefit from the construction of processingfacilities.

With the commissioning of a $14 million agro-

processing facility earlier this month, over 200 Karaudarnau Village, Region Nine farmers now have the opportunity to add valuetotheirproduce.

Meanwhile, a $37 million state-of-the-art food processing factory commissioned at Fort

Wellington in West Coast Berbice is benefitting about 700 persons from both RegionsFiveandSix.

InNovember2022,a$15 million agro-processing factory was opened in St. Ignatius, Region Nine for farmers to process their peanutsandcashewnuts.

Due to the large expenditures made in these sectors, the export revenue from agriculture-processed goods brought in $897 millionforthenation,witha 61 per cent rise in export volume from 1,071 metric tonnes in 2021 to 1,724 metrictonnesin2022.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

The Agro-processing facility

Attendees at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference 2023 held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal

Systems to strengthen security architecture a key part of Govt.’s vision – President Ali –

As several new GDF officers commissioned

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DPI - For Guyana’s security sector to be strengthened, systems and institutions that are “second to none “must be

President Dr Irfaan Ali posed for a photo with the newly-commissioned Officers of the Guyana Defence Force’s Standard Officers Course # 54 built into the architecture.

This was the statement made by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, as he addressed the commissioning parade of the Standard Officers’ Course No 54 at Guyana Defence Force (GDF) headquarters, Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands.

is to establish training programmes that are second to none…programmes that are relevant to Guyana and the regional needs,” the president posited.

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These systems, the president said, include rigorous training programmes that will see officers of the armed forces performing their duties at an optimal level.

As the GDF continues to expand, President Ali emphasised the need for the continued training of officers, as older officers proceed on retirement.

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“Part of our vision in the Guyana Defence Force and in our security architecture is to build systems and institutions that will be attractive to our regional and international partners. Part of our strategy

“The ongoing replenishment of commissioned officers is essential to fill the void left by retirements and departures. The mantle of leadership must remain steady,” he explained.

President Ali congratulated the graduates, reminding them of the important responsibility that has been laid

“I join in extending my sincere congratulations to those who will step off this parade ground as newly minted Officers… this parade signifies the culmination of a period of intense preparation that you’ve undergone, but it also signals your readiness to confront new challenges and embrace new possibilities in new horizons,” he said.

In this year’s budget alone, more than $20 billion was budgeted directly to the GDF for the continued upskilling of its officers, as well as other major capital projects such as the procurement of modernised equipment.

Canada issues US travel advisory warning LGBTQ+ community about laws that may affect them

AP — Canada this week updated its travel advisory to the U.S., warning members of the LGBTQ+ community that some American states have enacted laws that may affect them.

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The country’s Global Affairs department did not specify which states, but is advising travelers to check the local laws for their destination before traveling.

“Since the beginning of 2023, certain states in the U.S. have passed laws banning drag shows and restricting the transgender community from access to gender-affirming care and from participation in sporting events,” Global Affairs spokesman Jérémie Bérubé said Thursday in an

“Outside Canada, laws and customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics can be very different from those in Canada,” the statement added. “As a result, Canadians could face certain barriers and risks when they travel outside Canada.”

Bérubé said no Canadians in the U.S. have complained to Global Affairs of how they were treated or kept from expressing their opinions about LGBTQ+ issues.

The Human Rights Campaign — the largest U.S.based organization devoted to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and

queer Americans — in June declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S.

The NAACP in May issued a travel advisory for Florida warning potential tourists about recent laws and policies championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, including bills that ban gender-affirming care for minors, target drag shows, restrict discussion of personal pronouns in schools and force people to use certain bathrooms.

In Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders this year signed a law prohibiting transgender people at public schools from using the restroom that matches their gender identity. Similar laws

(Continued on page 17)

Guyana should exploreall available tools...

From page 06 and others, in relation to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and the events that followed.

Following the probe, several GECOM officials were arrested and placed before the court to face electoral fraud charges. Those cases

are still before the Court.

Also, the European Union earlier this year deployed an Election Follow-up Mission (EU EFM) to Guyana to assess progress towards electoral reform. The EU Election Observation Mission in 2020 offered 26 recommendations to stakeholders, addressing

diverse aspects of elections, including the legal framework, election administration, the campaign and campaign finance, the media and social media, and electoral dispute resolution. In May 2023, it was revealed that two of the 26 recommendations were fully implemented.

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Bids open for repair of 14 community roads in Reg. 3

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development will soon roll out its community road programmeinRegionThree. Thiswasrecentlyrevealedat the opening of bids for the rehabilitation of 14

community roads in the region. No engineer’s estimate for the works was provided bytheNationalProcurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) on its website but the entity noted

Below are the companies and their bids:

MinistryofLocalGovernmentandRegionalDevelopment CommunityRoadsProgramRegion#3Lots1-7.

Canada issues US travel advisory warning...

that the works have been dividedinto14lots. Just recently, this publicationreportedthatthe ministry intends to roll out similar works in Regions Two, Four, and Five and those works were estimated

to cost $1,064,084,694 It was reported that in this year’s budget, some $38.5 billion was allocated to construct, rehabilitate, and maintain community roads, particularly in underserved areasacrossthecountry

CommunityRoadsProgramRegion#3Lots8-14.

FILE - The Canadian and U.S. flags are displayed on lamp posts in the downtown area, March 22, 2023, near Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario. On Tuesday, Aug. 29, Canada updated its travel advisory to the U.S., warning members of the LGBTQ+ community that some American states have enacted laws that may affect them.

(Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

From page16 have been enacted in states suchasAlabama,Oklahoma andTennessee.

Asked about the travel advisory change this week, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said travel advisories issued byGlobalAffairsCanadaare based on advice from professionals in the departmentwhosejobitisto monitor for particular dangers.

“Every Canadian government needs to put at the center of everything we do the interests — and the safety — of every single Canadian and every single group of Canadians,” Freelandsaid.

She did not say whether her government had discussedthematterwithits U.S.counterpart.

“It sounds like virtuesignalingbyGlobalAffairs,” said Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor emeritusattheUniversityof Toronto.

“In no U.S. state, to my knowledge, has any government charged or discriminated against an LGBTQ+ traveler because of their sexual identity or orientation. This all strains the credibility of the department,”headded.

Helen Kennedy, the

executive director of Egale Canada, an LGBTQ+ rights group in Toronto, commended the Canadian government for putting out theadvisory

“There are 500 antiLGBTQpiecesoflegislation making their way through various state legislatures at themoment,”Kennedysaid. “It’snotagoodimageonthe U.S.”

Kennedy also said Canada needs to take a serious look at how safe LGBTQ+communitiesare in Canada as similar policies have been recently enacted in the p r o v i n c e s o f Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, which now require parental consent when children under 16 years want to use different namesorpronounsatschool.

A U S Statement Department spokesperson said the United States is committed to promoting tolerance, inclusion, justice and dignity while helping to advance the equality and human rights ofLGBTQ+persons

“Weallmustcontinueto do this work with our likeminded partners not only in theUnitedStates,notonlyin Canada, but throughout the world,” the spokesperson saidinanemail

APAcondemnseffortstobesmirch

ChineseLandingVillageCouncilatNTC

The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) has expressed concerns over accusations leveled against the organization during the hosting of the National Toshaos Council's (NTC)Conference.

The Association, in a statement on Thursday, condemned the accusationslabelingitanattemptto besmirch the character and intentions of the Chinese Landing VillageCouncil.

“It is clear that there are some who do not wish to see any improvement in the situation of the peopleofChineseLandingandwill do anything for this status quo to remain,”theAPAsaidintherelease.

Asanindigenouspeoples'rightsbasedorganization,theAPAsaiditis and has always been an important advocate in the advancement and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples in Guyana, and for the protection of their lands and territories.

Theorganisationsaidithasalways stayedtruetotheseobjectivesandhas consistently been providing technical and other support to indigenous communities, a matter that is made public from time to time when such supportisprovided.

“Ithascometoournoticethatitis being said that theAPAis responsible for a smear campaign against Toshao of Chinese Landing Orin Fernandes, something that came to light at the current Toshaos Conference where leaders across the country are meeting,” the Association said in a statement.

Further, the APA said someone provided envelopes for distribution containing a flyer intended to cast aspersions on the intentions of the

ChineseLandingVillageCouncil.

“Those envelopes were marked with the names of Toshaos in the MorucaSub-Regionandweregivento the respective Toshaos. Even Toshao Fernandes of Chinese Landing receivedone.

The Chair of the NTC has since claimed he is unaware of the origins andthedistributionofthepackages ”

TheAssociationexpressedconcern too that a gathering such as the NTC conference can be used to make the APA a scapegoat and to sew mistrust among the indigenous leaders

The APA therefore called on the NTC to ensure the safety and security oftheleadersattendingtheconference.

According to the rights group, the untruths being spread can only be

consideredasverymaliciousagainst the good reputation of the organisation.

“The organisation will never be involved in a campaign that maliciously targets our indigenous communities and leaders,” the APA said in the statement adding that it wishes to remind the public that the organisation has been supporting ChineseLandingfordecades.

“The issues faced by the communityasaresultoftheissuance of mining permits on their titled lands and the invasion by outside miners have been consistently highlightedinthepress.Recently,we sawtheInter-AmericanCommission on Human Rights (IACHR) issuing precautionary measures in favour of thecommunity

Those precautionary measures calledontheGovernmentofGuyana totakethenecessarystepstoprotect the rights of Chinese Landing residents, among other,” the APA outlined

Meanwhile, the Associated reiterated that it is supportive of the people of Chinese Landing in their position that the government should revoketheminingpermitofMr Wayne Vieira and order the removal of all outside miners and equipment from theirlands.

“Wesupportthestatementmadeby ToshaoOrinFernandesattheopening of the NTC Conference on Monday, August28,”theAPAsaidwhilecalling for the attacks on the organisation to stop.

“We are not the problem. We will notsitidlybyandallowourreputation tobetarnishedorblametobeplacedat ourfeetwhenallwehavedoneistobe supportive of the communities,” the rightsgrouppointedout.

Bartica Businessman remanded for murder

Raymond Rupnarine, the Bartica Businessmanaccusedofhammeringa customer to death was on Thursday chargedandremandedforthemurder

The 35-year-old is accused of bludgeoning 40-year-old Mark Braithwaite of Four Miles Housing Scheme, Bartica, Region Seven to death.

Rupnarine appeared at the Bartica Magistrates' Court before Magistrate ChristelLambertwherethechargewas readtohim.

Hewasnotrequiredtopleadtothe indictable offence and was remanded untilSeptember29,2023.

Braithwaite was bludgeoned to death around 19:45hrs on last Wednesday at a Blast Gaming Center outlet located on Second Avenue, Bartica According to police, the businessman'sfatherownsthegaming center and left him in charge of business for the night. Braithwaite, a regularcustomer,wasplayingatoneof the slot machines when he allegedly spilled alcohol on one of the

Duo busted with marijuana at Itaballi Landing

kilograms of cannabis that was found in the vehicle

Two men were on Wednesday nabbed with approximately 3.1 kilograms ofcannabisinavanatItaballi Landing, Lower Mazaruni River,RegionSeven.

Accordingtopolice,ranks were on mobile patrol at Itaballi Landing when they intercepted a motor vehicle, withthreemaleoccupants.

The occupants were identified as 63-year-old Lindon Rudder, a miner of McDoom, East Bank Demerara(EBD),43-year-old Dodstin Clarke of Middle Street, McDoom, EBD, and 63-year-old Albert Griffith, a seamanalsoofMiddleStreet, McDoom,EBD.

Police said that ranks conducted a search on the vehicle in the presence of the occupants, and discovered a bag containing five bulky parcels. Each parcel had a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

Clarke and Rudder both accepted ownership of the suspected narcotics and were immediately arrested and escorted to the Bartica Police Station.

Uponarrivalatthestation, the narcotics were weighed and it amounted to 3 1 kilograms The suspects remain in custody, pending charges.

countertops.

The suspect allegedly scolded Braithwaite and an argument ensued. Braithwaite allegedly armed himself with several beer bottles and began pelting the businessman before walkingoutoftheshop.

Inretaliation,thesuspectallegedly armed himself with a hammer and brutally attacked Braithwaite, lashing

himseveraltimestohisheadandface.

Braithwaite fell to the ground and remained motionless. He was picked up and taken to the Bartica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

An autopsy revealed that Braithwaite died from multiple blunt traumas to the head and that his skull wascrushed.

The 3.1

Remandedformurder, Raymond Rupnarine

Hammeredtodeath, Mark Braithwaite

APA President: Laura George

Pork knocker remanded for 2022 stabbing death

Apork knocker was on Wednesday charged andremandedtoprison for the murder of Kerwayne LindafordDuguid,whichoccurred at De Kindren, West Coast Demerara (WCD), on June 26, 2022.

According to police, Christian Carew called 'Chris Carew' of Lot 60 De Kinderen, WCD, was arrested on Tuesday, and made his first court appearance on Wednesday at the Leonora Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Zamilla Ally- Seepaul toanswertothemurdercharge.

Carewwasnotrequiredtoplea to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison, until October 30,2023,forreports.

Thirty-four-year-old, Lindsford Kenwayne Duguid, was allegedly killed by three

Venezuelan nationals during a brawl.According to the police, the incident occurred between 03:00hrs and 03:45h. It was stated thatatabout22:00hrsonSaturday, June 25, 2022, Duguid visited the location and asked for 22-year-old Jessica Ortiz, a femaleVenezuelan nationalwholivesinDeKinderen.

However,thewomanwasnotat the house and the landlord informed him that she was not there.

The report further stated that around 03:30hrs, the landlord said thatheheardloudscreams.Hetold thepolicethatwhenhechecked,he noticed Duguid pulling the 22year-old woman by her hair, while

The area where Duguid's body was found

anotherVenezuelanwomanheldon tohiswaistfromtheback.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat thelandlordthenrushedtothearea where he witnessed Duguid and twowomenfightinginadrain.One of the women was reportedly armedwithaknifewhichsheused to stab Duguid to his leg, while a male Venezuelan was holding Duguidaroundhisneck.

According to the police report, themanthenarmedhimselfwitha cutlass and dealt Duguid several chopsabouthisbody

Thesuspectsthenusedaropeto tie Duguid's legs. They left him in thedrain.

When the police arrived on the scene,Duguid'sbodywasremoved fromthedrain.

The police reported that chop wounds were seen on the left and

right fingers, and hand, four stab wounds to his chest, three stab wounds to his right leg, and multiple chops to his head, and a rope was tied around his legs and neck.

Moreover, one brown-handle knife was found on the parapet somedistancefromwherethebody wasfound.

A search of the drain by the police ranks unearthed a Samsung cell phone and a pair of female runningboots.

Checksweremadeforthemale suspect at his residence in De Kindren but he was not located. However, while searching the location, the police recovered a cutlass near a plastic barrel along with a pair of long pants and one shirt with mud. One of the female suspectswasbeenarrested.

CCTV footage helps police nab suspects

in supermarket robbery

The release of still images captured from camera footage by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Tuesday,followingtherobberyofa supermarket at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) has resulted in the Force capturing the alleged mastermind and another suspect.

Policearrestedthetwosuspects identifiedasRyanGoodluck,a29year-old Vendor and Jamal Seymour, a 25-year-old Mason on Wednesdaynight.Theyarebothof SussexStreet,Georgetown.

“The Police acted on information/feedbackreceivedasa result of the suspect's photos (CCTV screen grabs) that were postedonthePoliceFacebookpage (gpf gy) yesterday,” the Police Forcesaidinastatement.

Police said that one of the suspects arrested is the suspected mastermind, and the other is believed to be one of the bandits who robbed the cashier with the gun.

Investigators searched their homes and found the pants, boots, and hat worn by a suspect seen on camera robbing a cashier at the Supermarket.

The men will be charged soon, Police said as ranks continue the huntfortheothertwobandits.

On Tuesday, four gunmen invaded a Chinese Supermarket at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and robbed two Chinese cashiersofcashandphonecards.

Police said that the four suspects arrived in front of the building on two Honda XR motorcycles – one red and one black.

Twoofthesuspectsranintothe building and held both cashiers at gunpoint.Footageshowedthatone ofthegunmenposedasacustomer requestingapackofcigarettesfrom thecashier.

As the woman placed the cigarettes on the counter, the man pulled out a gun from his pants waistand“stickherup”.

The two suspects arrested for allegedly robbing a Chinese Supermarket at Lusignan

The cashier tried to save some ofthemoneywhilethebanditmade his way behind the counter by throwing them into a garbage bag, buthewastooquick. Shehadtodropthebagandput

herhandsupasthebanditgrabbed cashandphonecardsfromthecash register and shoved them in his pantspocketandcrotch.

While he was robbing that cashier, his accomplice was

robbing the other one. The remaining bandits were on the lookout. The suspects then ran back to their motorcycles and rode away in a southern direction along theEastCoastHighway.

Deceased: Kerwayne Lindaford Duguid

Remanded: Christian Carew

Richardson backs up world 100m gold in Zurich

ZURICH, (Reuters) -

Newly crowned world champion Sha’Carri Richardson stormed to victory in the women’s 100 metres at the Weltklasse Diamond League meeting yesterday.

The American, who captured her first world 100m title in Budapest last week in a sizzling 10.65 seconds, pulled away from the field over the final 30 metres in Zurich to cross in 10.88.

Natasha Morrison clocked 11.00 to finish second and her fellow Jamaican Elaine Thompson-Herah also ran 11.00 in third.

Kyron McMaster of the British Virgin Islands handed Norwegian world record holder Karsten Warholm his first 400 hurdles loss this season, taking victory in 47.27 to

edge the weary-looking world champion Norwegian who crossed in 47.30.

Yulimar Rojas of Venezu-

ela won the women’s triple jump and, unlike the world championships where she barely squeaked into the fi-

Friday September 01, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

This is a good time to get more serious about your art, Aries. You were probably born with talent, but perhaps you don't treat it with as much respect as someone endowed with only a fraction of your natural ability.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Don't assume that the person you're trying to reach is getting your messages, Taurus. Perhaps you've been waiting for a reply.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

You feel reprimanded because of the way you reacted to a situation that came out differently than you'd hoped. Trust that you acted in the best, calmest.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Something unusual could put a smile on your face today, Cancer. Look for beauty and love in the simplest things. If you can't see it, then work on adjusting your attitude.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

It's time to step up to the plate and take responsibility for the things you want to have happen, Leo. It's one thing to talk about great visions and dreams.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

The warm, loving feeling that you've been happily nurturing is calling for a bit of practicality in order to make your romantic life work out the way you want it to. Remember that less is more.

Hunter ‘Golden’ in the Squat...

From page 26 complimented by Dominic Tyrrell’s deadlift silver attained in the 74kg Junior category on Wednesday.

With the lead in the squat, Hunter was eyeing even more glory for Guyana and himself but was unable to get any of his bench presses at 162.5kg, which meant that he was not going to be able to get a Total.

compete against the best in the world.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

You might feel a bit reserved when it comes to issues of love and romance, Libra. Other people might consider this rather strange when they see that suddenly your courageous forward motion comes to a dramatic halt.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Things are apt to remain quite orderly for you, Scorpio. Even though your heart may want to soar into the clouds, you'll find that there's a stable side to the equation that's working.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

The engagements in your social calendar are likely stacking up to the point of absurdity, Sagittarius. Make sure you schedule some time for yourself somewhere in there.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Just because your heart is feeling extra generous now doesn't mean that you need to send flowers to everyone you know, Capricorn. On a day like this you should channel all your incredible love.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You may be confused by your heart, Aquarius. It may be extremely frustrating when you can't keep a tight rein on your emotions.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Your mind gives you a great deal of security, Pisces, which allows you to explore other worlds. You have your satellite outpost operating smoothly,

nal before securing victory with her final attempt, the Olympic champion and world record holder leapt 15.15 metres to win by almost half a metre.

He was allowed to continue lifting and did the deadlift was the scores were counted, however, his Coach and Father Oudit Seenarain, and himself along with Manager/Coach Franklin Brisport agreed that the experience gained by continuing to lift would be invaluable in years to come as Hunter has two more years a as Sub-Junior. The world will surely be looking out for him.

He went into the competition ranked 9th in the world in the 83kg class and made his presence felt despite not being able to land a total.

Commenting after the presentation ceremony, young Hunter said that he was first and foremost grateful to God for allowing him the health and strength to be able to

”This is something that I have always dreamt about and it has become a reality, I don’t think it has really sunk in as yet. The journey has been good for me but it did not actually work out the way I would have loved, as was unable to get any of my bench presses. However, I have made my country and myself proud by winning the squat gold here in Romania and proving to the world that I am the best.”

Hunter was high in praise for his dad, Oudit, the mentorship, and guidance he has given him over the years.

”My dad must be afforded lots of praise for shaping me into a world-class athlete and to him I am very grateful along with my family. I would like to also thank the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation, Minister of Sport Charles Ramson Jr., Director of Sport, Mr. Steve Ninvalle, and the Guyana Olympic Association for all the support they have given to me and the team here in Romania. I will be back again and make up for this, trust me and believe in me as you have done now.a

Sha’Carri Richardson of the U.S celebrates winning the women’s 100m final. (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse)

Sponsors step up to support Massy WCPL

CPL - The Caribbean Premier League (CPL), organisersofboththeMen’s and Women’s CPL, today thanked the Partners of the Republic Bank Men’s CPL Partners who are also supporting the Women’s event for the second season oftheWCPL.

Republic Bank, El Dorado Rum, Visa and Angostura have come onboard as Partners of Massy WCPL, joining Title SponsorMassy Massy Stores, Massy Auto and Shell Lubricants continue as partners of the

league and airline major Virgin Atlantic has helped ensure the tournament’s players have been able to findtheirwaytoBarbadosin style.

Jamie Stewart, CPL Commercial Director said, “We’d like to thank our existingMen’sCPLPartners who are also supporting these great female athletes and the cause of promoting women’s sport in the Caribbean. We saw some fantastic outcomes from last year’s event, which outperformed as a lifechanging accelerator and

showcase for Caribbean female cricket talent. The eventreliesonthesupportof our valued partners, and we appreciate the current CPL partner family stepping up andsupportingtheprovision of opportunities for female athletes.”

Karen Tom Yew, GeneralManagerMarketing & Communications, Republic Bank, Title Sponsors of the Men’s CPL, said: “The Republic Bank group has always been committed to supporting gender equality across the Caribbean In June, 80 womenentrepreneursstarted

trainingasthesecondcohort of our EBB programme and weseetheWomen’sCPLasa natural progression of our supportforallwomeninthe region”

Mr Komal Samaroo, Chairman of Demerara

Distillers Ltd, said:

“

Demerara Distillers Limitedispleasedtopartner with the Caribbean Premier League in support of the Women’sCaribbeanPremier League This tournament provides women with an opportunity to display their talent, passion and commitment for a sport that unites the Caribbean. We applaud the effort to

showcasethebestofregional women’scrickettalenttothe world and were delighted to seemanyoftheplayersfrom lastyear’seventreceivelifechanging contracts worldwide We see the WCPL as a catalyst for inspiring women and girls and breaking down barriers for women in sports. We wanttowishtheteamsallthe verybestandlookforwardto anexcitingtournament.”

Waldemar Cordero, MarketingLeaderforVisain the Caribbean, said:

“According to a survey conducted by Wakefield Research for Visa 89% womenagreethatsportscan

develop skills vital to future professionalsuccess.Weare seeing a positive rising tide in support for women’s sports beyond the playing field; our commitment to continue creating more equitable and inclusive opportunities for women is morepowerfulthanever.”

AngosturaLtdExecutive Manager, Sophie CharlesBarber, said: “Historically women’s sports have received less attention and investment compared to men’s sports and this partnershipallowsustolevel theplayingfield.Supporting Massy Women’s CPL is a keyopportunityforus.”

Exciting climax anticipated in Rupununi as Q-finals set

The real battle for Championship football honours in Region Nine will commence tomorrow (Saturday 2nd September) at three different venues. The 2023 Senior Men’s League (SML) and Senior Women’s League (SAL) of the Rupununi FA have reached the climatic knockoutstageandbasedonthefollowing in the earlier Sub-district Group competitionslargecrowdsareexpected.

Fromanationalrecordof29Maleand 24 Female teams, eight in each division have survived to challenge for the title whenthehomeandawaytieskickoff.

At Annai where a double-header has been fixed and slated to start at 6pm, PaiwomakFCladiesmeetStrikersFCand tofollowat8pmitwillbethemalesofboth teamstotaketothepitch.

Elsewhere, at 6:30pm Tabatinga FC Men confront Titans United at Aishalton and at 7pm it will be Guyana Gold Rush Saints against Potarinau Sky Kings in the

ladiescategoryatSt.Ignatius.

The return legs are scheduled for September16th.

The rest of the match-ups in the last eightaresetforSeptember9th:AtCulvert City, Gladiators clash with Kanuku Warriorsintheladiescategoryat6pmand at8pmintheMen’sdivisiontheGladiators dobattlewithJaguarsFC.

At Karasabai the action will start at 2pm when Surama FC face 7K United in the Women’s division and at 3:30pm ChallengersFCcomeupagainsttheirmale counterparts of 7 K United. Return legs willbeplayedonSeptember23rd.

TheRupununiFAistheonlyRegional Association (RA) to stage both Male and Female Senior Leagues and like the other eight RAs received substantial funding from the Guyana Football Federation through the Federation’s initiative and designed Members-Financial Assistance Programme(M-FAP).

Republic Bank, El Dorado Rum, Visa and Angostura have come onboard as Partners of Massy WCPL, joining Title Sponsor Massy

Japan take pole position in Basketball World Cup’s Olympic race

AFP-Japantookagiant step towards Olympic qualification at the

Basketball World Cup yesterday, while South Sudan and Egypt also gave themselves a chance of a ParisGamesberth.

Half of the World Cup’s 32 teams have already been eliminated from title contention, but seven Olympic places are still up forgrabsatthetournament.

The highest-placed finishers from each ofAsia, Africa and Oceania will all qualify for Paris, along with thetoptwoteamsfromboth EuropeandtheAmericas.

World Cup co-hosts Japan were the only one of

thesixAsianteamstotakea win into the classification roundandtheyendedtheday with two after roaring back to beat Venezuela 86-77 in Okinawa.

Japan were trailing by nine points heading into the fourth quarter and head coach Tom Hovasse said “it took guts” for them to keep going.

“Great win for Japan basketball,”hesaid.

“We’re still learning and getting better but these are the games that it takes to continueonthisprocessand continue getting better and better

“

These type of experiences are fantastic for

alloftheseguys.”

Makoto Hiejima led Japan in scoring with 23 points, followed by Yuta Watanabeon21.

Japan also used a late comebacktobeatFinlandin the first round and Hovasse said the home crowd had played a big part in his team’ssuccess.

“The fans were just amazing,”hesaid.

“Without them, I don’t think we win either one of these games. Their support wasincredible.”

Japan will seal their place at the Paris Games if theybeatCapeVerdeintheir final game on Saturday, but China and Lebanon will be

Devine stunning century not enough in thriller as Amazon Warriors lose opener

CPL - Barbados Royals

kicked off the 2023 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) with a thrilling final over chase at Kensington Oval, Barbados.

Afterwinningthetossand opting to bat, the Amazon Warriors produced a recordbreakinginningsontheirroute to 166/2 from their 20 overs Sophie Devine became the second New Zealander in as many days to hit a CPL century, following on from Martin Guptill’s knock with 103 not out from 64 balls, bringing up the landmark scoreonthefinaldeliveryof the innings with a six over long-off. Facing a difficult task, the Royals appeared to lackpoweruntilLauraHarris tookthe15thoverfor24toput thegameinthebalance With 43 still required from five overs,ErinBurnsandChinelle Henry saw the hosts home withtwoballstospare

With Devine leading the way a day before her 35th birthday, the Warriors kept wickets in hand throughout their innings while maintainingastrongrunrate as they ended an explosive PowerPlay50/0.

Royals captain Haley Matthews used 12 overs of spin consecutively in the innings in attempt to slow

Sophie Devine hit a century but on the losing end for the Warriors. (CPL)

waitingtopounceiftheyslip up.Bothteamsclaimedtheir firstwinsofthetournament, ChinabeatingAngola83-76

and Lebanon beating Cote d’Ivoire 94-84. - ‘Release the dragon’ - China, where basketball is a national

obsession, had been under intense pressure after losing their three first-round games.

the visitors through the middle overs, before the AmazonWarriorsblasted62 from the final five overs to break the WCPL record for highesttotal.

Amanda-Jade Wellington should have had Devine out for41intheninthoverwhena false shot brought a straightforward chance for Afy Williams at short cover whichwasdropped,whilethe scorewasstillwicketless

TheRoyalswerefacingan uphillbattlechasing167inthe early stages; Matthews’ dismissalfor23wasasetback afterasteadypowerplayatarun-a-ball GabyLewisplayed a superb 360-degree knock which brought hope for the

Royals which was backed up byHarris’spectacular30from just12balls. ShabnimIsmail produced a brilliant 19th over, conceding just three runs but with just nine runs to win from the final over, SuzieBatescouldn’tstopan in-form Erin Burns from closingoutthechase

Barbados Royals are in action again tomorrow as they face defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders Scores: Barbados Royals 169/4 (Lewis 47, Harris 30; Ismail 1/18, Devine 1/20) beat Guyana Amazon Warriors 166/2 (Devine 103*, Bates 23; Wellington 1/28, Joseph 1/38).

Japan’s Yuta Watanabe bagged 21 points against Venezuela. (Yuichi YAMAZAKI)

IPFWorldSub-JuniorandJuniorPowerliftingChampionships Hunter ‘Golden’ in the Squat but fails to land a total; sums up experience as superb

Guyana closed off its participation at the 2023 edition of the World Men’s Juniors and Sub-Juniors

Classic Championships in Cluj Napoca, Romania with a gold medal in the squat attained by 16-year-old Romeo Hunter contesting the83kgclass.

Battling youths from 16 othernationsatthismarquee event, Hunter, the holder of 18 National records in the Open and Under-18 (SubJunior) Divisions proved that he was a world-class athlete by out-squatting his rivals.

His 265 0kg (584lbs) squat proved to be unchartered territory for his rivalsandhedulyearnedthe gold medal on the world stage, on debut, a huge achievementforhimselfand Guyana. Italy’s Di Fabrizio

DiFelicetookthesilverwith 257.5kg while the bronze went to Thomas Scanlon (252.5kg)ofNewZealand. His first attempt was

255.0kg (562lbs) which was good,hissecondattemptwas the 265.0kg gold medal lift whichwasinitiallypassed21bytheofficiatingReferees only to be overturned by the Jury

However, on his third

GOA rewards Commonwealth Youth Games medallist

ByRawleToney The Guyana Olympic

Association (GOA) yesterday recognised and honoured the exceptional achievements of the country’s medallists at the r e c e n t l y h e l d Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago. Held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Tianna SpringerwonGuyana’sfirstever gold medal at the championships in the women’s 400m. She then returnedtoplaytheanchor’s role in the record-breaking Mixed4x400mrelayteam.

Springer bagged $500,000forheroutstanding performances

attempt, Hunter made it count and cemented his name as the strongest SubJunior squatter in the world, proudly representing the ‘Golden Arrowhead’ Hunter’sgoldis

(Continuedonpage23)

Malachi Austin received $350,000forhissilvermedal performance in the men’s 400m finals, and also being part of the winning relay team. McPherson finished third in the women’s 400m andcollected$200,000.

JavonRobertsdidn’tfind thepodiuminthe1500mand 800m events but received $100,000 for his role in the relays. Coaches Mark Scott and Julian Edmonds both received $50,000. Guyana’s

time of three minutes, 2207s (3:2207),whichbecameanew CommonwealthYouth Games record,iscurrentlythesecondfastest U20 4x400m Mixed Relay time in the world this year Guyana’stimesitsbehind the USA (3:1807), who won t h e P a n A m U 2 0 Championships 4x400m mixed relay in Puerto Rico PresidentoftheGOA,Godfrey Munroe, told the gathering of athletes,parentsandofficialsof the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), that

“Rewarding athletes is a key pillar of athlete development”

Munroetoldtheathletesthat the executive committee of the GOA felt it was imperative to reward their outstanding effort, adding, “You have inspired a nation and a generation, your feat was groundbreaking and I urgeyoutostayhumbleand disciplined. The sky is the limit.”

Guyana was represented in the disciplines of swimming and athletics at the seventh edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games,whichwasfirstheld in2000.

Monedderlust FC take command of Berbice FA’s SML

Monedderlust

FC produced a n o t h e r perfect performance to take charge in the 8-team Senior Men’s League (SML) of the Berbice FA when 5th round action continued at the RosignolCommunityCenter ground.

Thehometeamprovedto be no match for the visitors of number Five village who humbled the hosts 3-0. On target for their 5th win from as many games were: Dawit Watts(9'),TyronDelph(51') and Kevin Cotty (60')

Monedderlust now sit at the top of the points table on 15 points while Rosignol who lost for the first time in 6 gamesremainon13pointsin 2ndplace.

Intheotherfixturewhich was a New Amsterdam derby,CougarsFCprevailed over NA United 2-1 thanks to a 2-goal blitz within 60 seconds. After a scoreless first period Cougars’ Kwesi Mickel broke the deadlock tenminutesintothe2ndhalf and almost immediately Keron George doubled the lead Leonardo Adams

reduced the advantage for Unitedinthe66thminute.It wasthe3rdwinforCougars who remain in 4th position with 9 points, while it was the 4th loss for United who have played a game more andremainon6pointsin6th position.

TheBerbiceFA’sSMLis amongnineRAsplaying2nd tier football in the country with funding from the G u y a n a F o o t b a l l Federation’s designed vision- Members-Financial Assistance Programme (MFAP).

Tianna Springer receives her reward of $500,000 for her outstanding performances from AAG president, Amanda Hermonstine.

Romeo Hunter proudly displays the Golden Arrowhead

Former Golden Jags’ captain Matthew Briggs retires at age 32

English-born Guyanese professional footballer

Matthew Anthony Briggs has recently announced his r e t i r e m e n t f r o m international football at age 32. Known for his fierce style of play as a left-back, Briggshadbeenaprominent figure for Horsham and had previously held the position of captain for the Guyana nationalfootballteam.

Briggs, born 6th March 1991 in Wandsworth, London England, began his career with Fulham, where he progressed through the club’sacademyfromtheage of ten. He made his firstteam debut in May 2007, becoming the youngest playertoplayinthePremier League, aged 16 years and 68daysold.

During his tenure at Fulham, he accumulated 13 league showings across an eight-year span, amassing a total of 30 appearances acrossvariouscompetitions. Throughout his progression, he engaged in loan periods withseveralFootballLeague clubs, including Leyton Orient, Peterborough United, Bristol City, Watford,andothers.

Eligibletorepresentboth EnglandandGuyana,Briggs has represented England at

under-16, under-17, under19, under-20 and under-21 levels, and has represented Guyana at full international level He was initially summoned to join the Guyana national team in March 2015, ahead of friendly matches against Saint Lucia and Grenada. Subsequently, on March 29, 2015, he achieved his full international debut, contributing to the Golden Jaguars’ 2-0 victory over Grenada.

Following a four-year hiatus from the national team, Briggs reunited with the Guyana squad for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Notably, on November 15,2019,henotchedhisfirst international goal by converting from six yards, capitalizing on an indirect freekickdeliveredbyKadell

D a n i e l d u r i n g a

CONCACAF Nations Leaguefixture.

During his international career, he made 15 international appearances for the Golden Jaguars. However, despite his accomplishments, he believesthetimehascometo conclude his playing career andretirefromthesport.The announcement came following a social media

post on Tuesday, stating, “Thetimehascomeformeto hang up my boots It’s something that has been in the back of my mind for some time now I’ve struggled with a certain injury for many years now and is one that can’t get better.”

Heexplained,“Iwastold a couple years ago when I wasplayinginDenmarkthat I should think about retiring but I wasn’t ready to stop playing yet, so I came back to England and continued to play non league and have continued to do that for a coupleofyears.”

“Unfortunately, the time has come now where my body is telling me to stop playing.Althoughit’sahard onehavingtostopplayingat 32, it’s a choice I’ve taken time to make, and I’m at peace with I’m lucky enough to say I’ve played at the highest level and captained my country at seniorlevel.

I’ve had one hell of a career I’ve had many highs and many lows, and I’ve learnedalotfromthem,and it’sshapedmeintowhoIam and what I do today Now, I am able to put my full focus into my job at Fulham FC and mentoring the next generationoffuturestarsand a n y a v e n u e s a n d opportunities that come my way,”Briggsconcluded.

Former Golden Jaguars Captain Matthew Briggs.

Flashback! Matthew Briggs (in front) leading his charges during a Golden Jaguar warm-up-session.

GOA

Officials from the GOA and AAG, along with rewarded athletes and coaches.

The golden smile! Guyana’s Romeo Hunter (middle), Italy’s Di Felice Fabrizio, and New Zealand’s Thomas Scanlon after receiving their squat medals.

Sophie Devine hit a century but on the losing end for the Warriors. (CPL)