Kaieteur News

Govt. to shut down Berbice psychiatric facility to shelter patients in half way houses

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has announcedthatPsychiatricHospital,Berbice would be closed eventually and provision madetoaccommodatementally-illpatientsat newalternativefacilities.

“Over time, the current facilities that we have in New Amsterdam, we’ll be closing those facilities,” Dr Anthony told the opening of a Neonatal conference over the weekend. In his address, the minister pointed outthatthenewMentalHealthProtectionand Promotion law caters for those modern services and specifically states that persons with mental illnesses should not be segregatedfromsociety

According to Article 16(1) of the law, a person with illness shall have the right to live would treat and discharge them when they in, be part of, and not be segregated from the recover from serious episodes. “The new community Further, it states that a person way of treating psychiatric patients is when with mental illness shall “not continue to they have an acute episode, you treat and remain in a mental health facility merely whenthatepisodeisover,youcangohome,” because the person does not have a family or he said. He said the new New Amsterdam is not accepted by his or her family or is Hospital would include 120 beds for acutely homeless.” ill psychiatric patients. Adding that the

As such, Dr Anthony said the public government would provide a half-way home health sector would no longer be keeping “for those patients who don’t have anywhere psychiatric patients for extended periods but togo.”

Quarry workers drowned

- autopsy

The Guyana Police

F o r c e o n

Thursday said an

autopsy revealed that the two quarry workers, Vijai Lallmoni and Solendra Bhookmohan found floating in the Essequibo River, Region Seven died from “drowning compounded by blunttrauma”tothehead.

Questions were raised of foul play after it was noted that the men also sustained blunt trauma (hits to the head) but police responded,

“Based on investigations police that the men left on around 19:45hrs on Monday that are still ongoing, the Monday afternoon to and reported them missing. indication is that they died purchase supplies for the Their floating bodies were fromdrowning”. Quarry’s kitchen. Sometime foundhourslater

The remains of Lallmoni later, Rozana received word and Bhookmohan were that the boat was drifting in fished out of the Essequibo theriver

River on Tuesday around She immediately went to 11:00hrs. The men had an area in the river called disappeared on Monday Sachrilla Bay and found the after leaving the St. Mary’s boat adrift, with the engine quarry mine for Bartica in a idling and no sign of her speedboat powered by 40HP husbandandhisco-worker outboardengine. After calls to their Lallmoni’s wife, Rozana cellular phones went Lallmoni is a cook at the unanswered, Rozana visited quarry and she had told the Bartica Police Station

Exxon eyes 6th oil project approval in early 2024

- Hess Boss tells Energy Conference

Th e s i x t h begin in early 2026 massive oil following the completion p r o j e c t of engineering and will

earmarked for take approximately two the Stabroek Block could years. Development well receive regulatory drilling may also occur approval in early 2024 duringthisperiod. says Hess Corporation’s Notably, the sixth Chief Executive Officer project is expected to (CEO),JohnHess. utilize that oil will be

The leader of the produced from the American oil exploration Whiptail, Pinktail, and company made this Tilapia fields of the disclosure during his StabroekBlock.Theseoil virtual presentation at fields are approximately Barclays CEO Energy- 1,500 to 2,200 meters Power Conference on deep. Exxon expects to Thursday Though he did drill approximately 33 to not divulge any other 72 development wells additional information (including production a b o u t t h e s i x t h report prepared by EEPGL’s and water/gas injection development named consultants states that wells wells) to support the project. Whiptail,Hessdidnoteinhis would be temporarily It also anticipates that the presentation that it forms plugged and re-entered for FPSOtobeusedwillhavean part of the world class cue of completion operations upper production limit of oil projects to come on during the primary drilling 263,000 barrels per day stream in Guyana’s Stabroek campaign for the project. (bpd). Block. Drilling could extend as late EEPGL had obtained

E x x o n M o b i l ’ s as 2031 depending on the a p p r o v a l f r o m t h e subsidiary, Esso Exploration totalnumberofwellsdrilled. Government of Guyana for and Production Guyana Based on the results of five development projects in Limited (EEPGL) is the initial feasibility and the Stabroek Block the designated Operator of the conceptual design studies, Liza Phase 1 Development Stabroek Block alongside its EEPGLsaid in its report that Project, Liza Phase 2 co-venturers, Hess Guyana preliminary Front-End Development Project, Exploration Limited and Engineering and Design for Payara Development CNOOC Petroleum Guyana the Project is currently P r o j e c t , Ye l l o w t a i l Limited. underway to be followed by Development Project, and

In the Environmental detailed engineering In Uaru Development Project. Impact Assessment (EIA) support of this activity, Collectively, these five for Whiptail, it notes that the various baseline data projects are worth over planned drilling campaign collection studies have been US$41B. According to the could potentially begin in undertaken at the project terms of the petroleum 2024 for the purposes of site. agreement signed between accelerated subsurface data EEPGL also said a the oil companies and collectionandoptimaluseof preliminary schedule Guyana, all investments will drillshiptime. anticipates that FPSO and berecoveredusingGuyana’s

The potential scope for SURF fabrication and oil. Notably, the Liza Phase 2024 drilling could include installation for a Floating One and Liza Phase Two top-hole sections of up to Production Storage and Projects are already in eight wells, but likely no Offloading (FPSO) vessel operation, producing some completions in the reservoir and Subsea, Umbilicals, 400,000 barrels of oil per interval(s). In this case, the Risers, and Flowlines will day

Hess Corporation’s CEO, John Hess

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony

Dead: Vijai Lallmoni and Solendra Bhookmohan

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Exxon owns this country

With each startling new development out of the oil sector, there is greater confirmation for Guyanese of how ExxonMobil more than runs this country What emerges with each new revelation is that ExxonMobil owns this country Like any powerful property owner, ExxonMobil decideswhatitwilldo,whenitwilldoit,andwhoshouldbe told. The Government of Guyana does not exist in this scenario, and if does, then from President Ali to Vice President Jagdeo are content to play fifth and sixth wheel to ExxonMobil’s commander’s coach. The news concerning the relinquishment of a significant part of the Kaieteur oil block stands as a blinding example of how much ExxonMobil is in charge here, and how feeble the PPP/C GovernmentisintheAmericancompany’sschemes.

ApartofthehugeKaieteurBlockhadtobehandedback to Guyana over a year ago. ExxonMobil decidedto hold on to 45% of the block that by law had to be relinquished. It is not clear what role PresidentAli andVice President Jagdeo, ifany,inthisExxonMobildevelopment;oreveniftheywere consulted at all about the 45% that the company had to give back,butwhichithasnotdonesofar TheGuyanesepeople who are the actual owners (Ali and Jagdeo doesn’t own anything) of the Kaieteur Block were kept in the dark, with the PPPC Government not having the decency and integrity to say something. Indeed, this is the glittering transparency of which President Ali boasts so shallowly, only for developments like these to fly right back in his face, and makehimlooklessthanpresidential.

Whatisgoingonhereisthis:thepeoplewithtopdrawer smarts at ExxonMobil study at length their Guyana treasure house, and are awed by the sheer magnitude of what they have in hand via the ugly, monstrously unfair 2016 oil contract. For example, this Kaieteur Block has an area of13,500 square kilometers, which is bigger than either JamaicaorTrinidad. Inthatblockalone,itcouldbesaidthat ExxonMobil owns and controls two countries, and with billionsofbarrelsofoilequivalentsestimated.

From all appearances, with special emphasis on the extraordinary tight-lipped nature of the PPP/C Government ofoverayearandcounting,itisobviousthatExxonMobil’s power is so unchallengeablethatittreatsour top peoplelike either yo-yos or children. In the former, they are bounced around at the whim of Exxon. In the second, it is as if they are told to sit and stay quiet (be seen and not heard) by the people at ExxonMobil, and they do. Here is Guyana, a sovereign nation, and it is one without eyesight or teeth. In the hands of ExxonMobil, Guyana’s sovereignty is nonexistent, which prompts them to walk all over this sold-out nation,andit’snowprostratePPP/CGovernment.

With an estimated 2 billion plus barrels of oil in the block, it transforms into a prize possession of ExxonMobil, with the high probability of significant discoveries in the blockwaitingtobetapped. ThisexplainswhyExxonMobil holds tightly to 45% should have been relinquished. For here we are emptyhanded, and with a government and leadership empty of the self-respect to come forward and makeup some excuse as to why 45% of Kaieteur Block remains in ExxonMobil’s hands. Vice President Jagdeo is usuallythunderousatthosewhopressforanswersonthings like these. Yet he has retreated into monastic silence on the Kaieteur Block and the 45% of it that should be back with Guyana.Hemaybeseekingdivineguidance.

What conclusion is a reasonable citizen left to form when matters settle to this baffling state? It could only be that ExxonMobil has Guyana’s leaders under its thumb, jumping to its every wish or there was a memory lapse in informing Guyanese about this one-year-old nonrelinquishment. Givenwheremattersstandwiththis45%of theKaieteurBlock,noGuyaneseofconscienceshouldneed awordofevidencemoreastowhoisrunningthiscountry It is not the PPP/C Government or, who owns it, and that does notlookliketheGuyanesepeople.

Survey shows teenage boys justifying hitting their female partners for going out without informing them

DEAREDITOR, assume that the majority of the MHSSS 24-hr hotline boys, FBOs, sex workers, UNICEF’s Guyana theseyoungmenwouldhave l e v e l s , S p o t l i g h t LGBTIQ+ etc. (d) specially Multiple Indicator Cluster spent years in schools where programme, the heroic trained facilitators and Survey 2019-2020 revealed HFLE subjects are taught. I efforts of many NGOs and behaviour change animators alarming findings about a n d o t h e r s h a v e other State programmes, working from grass root attitudes of young and older recommended repeatedly levelsofGBVdonotseemto leveltoCEOandBoardlevel men and women ages 15-49 that ongoing assessments of be decreasing and will not (e) a robust monitoring and to intimate partner domestic the efficacy of this decrease until gender evaluation system which violence. programme towards negative and stereotypical tracked all aspects of

The survey found that changing gender beliefs, beliefs, attitudes and programming, (f) best young men between the ages norms, behaviours and behavioursarechanged. practices for strict of 15-17 were in the highest attitudes which fuel Guyana has an excellent a c c o u n t a b i l i t y f o r percentage bracket for incidences of gender-based example of a successful funding(g) frequent and justifying hitting their violence occurring in b e h a v i o u r c h a n g e ongoing training, (h) diverse partners if their female Guyana be done These programme; this was the b e h a v i o u r c h a n g e partner goes out without finding also reveal a G u y a n a H I V / A I D S communication products informing them, neglects the systemic failure to stem the Reduction and Prevention etc., and (h) professionally children, refuses sex, burns growing levels and spread of project (GHARP) which trained expert management food, has another partner, the gender-based violence reduced rate of HIV andamorerobustabsenceof staysoutlate,refusestocook (GBV)epidemicinGuyana. infections remarkably What cronyism, special privileges or clean or denies access to Guyana has one of the were some of the key areas and access based on political hercellphone. highest levels of gender- (a) adequate funding? (b) loyalty or perceived political These findings beg the based violence in the world NGO/Civil Society at the loyalty of individuals and q u e s t i o n a b o u t t h e where more than 1 out of centre of programming and groups which is such a usefulness and relevance of every 2 women in Guyana activities,(c)a countrywide feature in the political and the Health & Family Life is/will be subjected to some public education programme racializedGuyanaoftoday. E d u c a t i o n ( H F L E ) form of GBV during their with targeted programmes Behaviour change does programme modules in lifetime I am sure the for schoolchildren, health not happen by itself, it is a schools in Guyana for the majority of readers would centres, public and private processasbeliefs,attitudes past10-12yearsasonehasto agree with me that in spite of sector businesses, men and (Continued on page 5)

VP Jagdeo has taken over the leadership of Guyana from President Ali

DEAREDITOR, There is no question that President Ali, PM Phillips, cash grants and the sharing Since sworn in as Ramotar allowed the honcho and the cabinet. PM Phillips of chickens to mostly PPP president of the Cooperative and de facto president to cast is the first Vice President on supporters and not to the Republic of Guyana three him aside and it seems that paper or in theory only He is other races The modus years ago, President President Ali is making the not allowed to formulate any operandi of the honcho and Mohammed Irfaan Ali has same mistake. The truth is policies but must do what is de facto president is to been trying to bring the two both Ramotar and Ali were told to him by the honcho victimize and marginalize majorraces-EastIndiansand handpicked by Jagdeo to be anddefactopresident. the other major group blacks together so that the PPP presidential It is known that most because they are not everyone could live in peace candidates because he knew ministersandeventhePrime supportersofthePPP. andharmonyandrespectone he could control them. He Minister are fearful to attend The public should know another. didnotwantAnilNandlallto Cabinet meetings, because that during the tenure of the

His ‘One Guyana’ plan be the PPP presidential they have been constantly honcho and de facto which is not a new concept candidate because he knew berated and told what to do president, Guyana’s GDP and did not originate from that he could not dominate by the honcho and de facto slipped from 7.3 percent to him or the PPP speaks of his Nandlall who unlike president. As a result, many less than 3 percent, CLICO efforts to maintain peace and Ramotar and Ali is a very feltthatGuyanahasemerged collapsed, and NIS became stability in the country strong character Several into a dictatorship like b a n k r u p t T h e P P P However, the honcho and de senior members of the party Putin’s Russia, Castro’s governmentspentUS$230M facto president who is in his knew that Nandlall would Cuba, Xi Jinping’s China, of the taxpayer’s money to fifth term as president is not not have allowed the honcho and Hitler’s Germany, build the white elephant only stifling his efforts but is and de facto president to amongmanyothers.Manyin Skeldonsugarfactory,which undermining his progress. dominate his presidency like the public are of the opinion has never produced a pound We are therefore calling on what he did to Ramotar and that the first three years of of sugar Not to mention the our duly elected president to isnowdoingtoPresidentAli. Ali’s government is worse blatant misuse of public take control of his Both are very weak and have than the previous 23 years of funds to build Berbice presidency and the country poor management and PPP rule because of the Bridge and the Marriott fromthehonchoanddefacto governanceskills. vindictive and spiteful Hotel. Finally, we are urging president and govern it as if The honcho and de facto actions of the honcho and de all Guyanese to take another he is the real and not a president has taken over the facto who has marginalized look at the SU’s interview mickey mouse president. If leadershipofthecountryand Blacksacrossthecountry As with Vice News reporter Alidoesnotasserthimselfas the government from a case in point, in the last Isobel Yeung, which is very the real president but allow P r e s i d e n t A l i H i s three years, 98 percent of all shameful, distasteful and for the honcho and de facto dominance can be felt government contracts have him to use an honorary president to be his boss, then everywhere including the been awarded to relatives, Doctorate in front of his he will suffer the same holding of weekly press friends,andsupportersofthe nameisdishonestbecausehe consequences as President conferences in the guise of PPP,mostlyEastIndiansand did not study for it and he is Ramotar in 2011 with a the General Secretary of the only two percent to blacks. the only person I know who minority government and PPP and he continues to This is true of the PPP isdoingso. then losing his presidency in dictate government policies government use of the Regards, 2015. without much input from taxpayers’ money to offer Aubrey Reteymer

Guyana is on a promising trajectory towards a more prosperous and equitable future for all of its citizens

DEAREDITOR, growthintraditionalsectors. government’s commitment u n e m p l o y m e n t like agriculture, services, toward achieving a more The recent report Admittedly, the booming toaddressingunemployment Programmes like the Board and construction are equitableworkforce. published by the Inter- oil and gas sector has played through a multifaceted of Industrial Training (BIT) indicative of the positive Guyana’s remarkable American Development a pivotal role in driving approach and initiatives like and the provision of over impacttheseinvestmentsare progress in reducing Bank (IDB) sheds light on economic development in the part-time jobs program 20,000 scholarships for having on employment unemployment rates is a the impressive progress that Guyana The report have been instrumental in Guyanese have effectively o p p o r t u n i t i e s T h e testament to the PPP/C Guyana has made in highlights this sector as one helping individuals generate enhanced the skillsets of the government’s dedication to government’s dedication to reducing unemployment oftheprimarydriversbehind income and contribute to the population, making them g e n d e r e q u a l i t y i n economic growth and ratessince2021. thedeclineinunemployment overall reduction in more employable and employment is another workforce development

This positive trend is rates. With the arrival of the unemployment. contributing to lower commendable aspect of its With a thriving oil and gas undoubtedly a testament to third floating, production, M o r e o v e r , t h e unemploymentrates. strategy Effortstobridgethe sector, diversified resources, the diligent efforts of the storage, and offloading government has set a clear Furthermore, Guyana’s employment gap between a n d c o m p r e h e n s i v e People’s Progressive Party (FPSO) vessel, Guyana’s targetofcreating50,000jobs commitment to diversifying men and women through initiatives in place, Guyana Civic (PPP/C) government Gross Domestic Product by 2025, demonstrating its itsresourcesandinvestingin initiatives like public sector is on a promising trajectory to upskill and train the (GDP) is projected to grow dedication to this cause. In non-oil and sustainable scholarships, training toward a more prosperous workforce and protect significantly, further fueling addition to these efforts, the sectors, such as agriculture, programs, and increased and equitable future for all Guyanese businesses job creation and economic government’s focus on skills has resulted in substantial participation of women in citizens. throughtheoilandgassector prosperity for all Guyanese. development is a crucial economic growth The various sectors of the Yours truly, while stimulating economic It’s also worth noting the a s p e c t o f r e d u c i n g growth rates of key sectors economy are vital steps Alvin Hamilton

Survey shows teenage boys justifying...

From page 4 appropriate gender training political affiliation and been on thisTask Force for a and behaviours are in schools must be a priority status. few meetings representing influenced by a whole range together with an ongoing And where is Guyana’s anNGO,Icanconfidentially of sources including family, countrywide public National Task Force for say that ministerial friends,peers,culture,media education programme. Lip Prevention of Sexual representation did not including social media, service, nice slogans and Violence (NTFPSV), which advance the working or education, religion and even speeches and the absence of was also tasked to address outcomes of this Task Force politics. The good thing is a m u l t i - GBV, made up of ministerial inanysubstantialway that negative gender norms, stakeholder/multisectoral, representatives with a token Yours truly, beliefs, behaviours comprehensive, evidence number of NGOs. Having Danuta Radzik including toxic masculinity based, relevant, achievable, can change, they are not time bound, resourced and fixed but are societal. sustainable policies and Without recognition of the programmes to address centrality of understanding violence against women gender and how gender (VAW) and other forms of influences and perpetuates GBV is needed - not a piece gender inequality, reducing meal, uncoordinated under and eliminating the root resourced approach with a causes of gender- based newflavoreveryfewmonths violence will not be or a justice system where the achieved Ensuring rule of law is experienced comprehensive and age- differently depending on

People’s Progressive Party/Civic, Bridging the Divide

DEAREDITOR, be competitive in the region competency Also, via Indigenous peoples educational biases and gaps thatisveryobviousandquite Back in January 2023, a andtheworld.” education, organizations are constitute about 15 percent will be far removed from rapid. whopping sum of $94 4 So, it is quite refreshing better equipped to address of the world’s poor Guyana. I guess in time, Let me close off by billion was budgeted to to learn that some 1215 and dismantle systemic Staggering indeed! So, what progression to higher levels pointingouttothosewhoare improve access as well as to tablets were given to barriers that exist for we have confronting us? of education will become bent on being negative and enhance the quality of Guyana’s Indigenous Indigenous peoples. So, I Hugeandmanyinequalities. quite easy for just about critical that the PPP/C education for Guyanese this communities, to access cannot help but commend For one, these peoples everyone, since the GOAL Government’s holistic year The word from the various Guyana Online our Government for taking worldwide face the lack of facilitates all regions with agenda is on the move. It is Minister of Finance, Dr Academy of Learning education to the first peoples access to quality education equalease. all about improving the lives Ashni Singh, was “Our (GOAL) programmes ofourcountry in a most blatant manner In That is why, with the of the country’s hinterland Government is committed to Making it even better, some I remind Guyanese that many countries, Indigenous tablets, bridging the digital population This means fulfilling our Manifesto 100 villages received $1M Indigenous peoples account peoples encounter more divide by building out the maintaining and adding to promise of increasing access each to develop community forabout370millionpeople, barriers to the completion of Information Technology investments in the areas of toeducationforall,acrossall grounds. living across over 90 primary school and are less (IT)infrastructurewithinthe “… transport infrastructure levels, delivered at world Let me emphasize that it countries. likely to obtain a diploma, hinterland community is a such as roads and bridges, class standards, and isthrougheducation,thatwe And although they certificate or degree than the greatmove. investments to fulfil the increasing the quality of achieve awareness, and represent only five percent non-Indigenous are. If my This will ensure, if all hinterland electrification Guyana’s human capital to cultural understanding and of the world’s population, prediction is on track, soon goes well, that persons will (including the purchase of have access to all facilities 3 0 , 0 0 0 s t a n d a l o n e by the last quarter of 2024. household solar units), and This seems quite achievable investments to increase too, as the goal of President access to hinterland water Dr IrfaanAli, is that persons wells and water supply from the hinterland systems.” maximise on the training The road to equity and provided and therefore, parity may be long and ultimately, they will be able uphill,butithasstarted,andI to participate meaningfully foreseeitscompletion. in the transformation of the Yours truly, country, a transformation HB Singh

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Jagdeo Press

‘cuss-ference’

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VicePresident,BharratJagdeoisamiserable, lonelyanduneasyman.

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Just look at him yesterday at his so-called pressconferenceandyoufeelsorryfortheman. He runs out of things to brief the press about and that is because there is nothing positive about his management of the economy and the oilsector.

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So he turns on his critics, calling them the vilest names.The briefing these days have been reduced to a ‘cuss-ference’. Most of the senior journalists have stopped attending and it is now an occasion for State media operatives to star with their planted, leading questions. It would dotheerstwhileformerpresidentwell,ifheuses the event to address serious matters of the State andnotindulgeingutterpolitics.

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Duochargedforallegedly murderingParikaman

Two labourers were on Thursday remanded to prison after they were charged with the murder of Ravi Ramrattan, who was found dead on September 2 atParika,RegionThree.

th6 oil project must be ringfenced with more royalty for citizens

Remanded, Khemraj Persaud

Remanded, Ganguly Rambarran

Making their first court appearance at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court were Khemraj Persaud called ‘Kato’, 20 of Parika Facade, East Bank Essequibo, and Ganguly Rambarran, 24 of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara They were arraigned before Magistrate Ramrattan’s body was found body A post mortem ZamillaAlly-Seepaul. in the vicinity of Lotus Mall examination had revealed

Theduowasnotrequired at Parika. Police further said that the man died of multiple to plead to the charge which that the body was seen lying incisewounds. alleges that between on its back and clothed in a

Information reaching September 1 and 2, they pair of long black pants, a investigators had revealed murdered 47-year-old black jersey, and a reddish that the man had resided in Ramrattan also called bath towel wrapped around an abandoned bus located in ‘Socks’. The accused were it. the vicinity of Courts ‘turn’, remanded and will make When examined, the Parika (next to Fresh Sports another appearance on body was seen with chop Bar), and is a known October19forreport. wounds. A bed sheet with alcoholic. He was last seen

The police had reported what appeared to be blood alive on September 1 at that on September 2, was also found next to the about17:00hrsbyhisfriend.

The main political Whiptail, Pinktail, and opposition party, the TilapiafieldsoftheStabroek People’s National Congress Block. Reform (PNC/R) is calling T h e s e f i e l d s a r e on government to utilise the approximately 1,500 to application presently 2,200metersdeep. pending for Exxon’s sixth The project will see the offshore project in the development of multiStabroek Block to bring million barrels of oil additional benefits to resources by drilling Guyanese. approximately 33 to 72

In an exclusive interview d e v e l o p m e n t w e l l s with this newspaper, (including production and spokesperson on oil and gas water/gas injection wells). It andEconomicAdvisortothe will also see the installation Leader of the Opposition, of a Floating Production, Elson Low said that Storage, and Offloading governmentnowhasanother (FPSO) vessel to process, q u e s t i o n w h y t h e opportunity to improve the store, and offload the government is more inclined livesofGuyanese.Heargued recovered oil. Currently, the t o a p p r o v e n e w thattheadministrationhasso FPSO’s basic design has an developments rather than far demonstrated that it is upper production limit of engage the Stabroek Block more interested in approving 263,000 barrels per day companies to represent their more projects than ensuring (bpd). interests.

the sector is well-managed Given the vast resources

In fact, the party said the and serves the interests of to be extracted from the cavalier approach to Guyanese. project, the Opposition is approving more oil projects

The Opposition however calling on the government to without further benefits to said that there must be a take a stand for the citizens the people of Guyana would focusonbuildingcapacityto of Guyana in approving add to the long list of actions monitor, evaluate and audit Exxon’s new development. that demonstrate the PPP is as the country continues to Low said, “The government unpatriotic. expandtheindustry. continues to operate as if it

The Opposition’s call for

When it comes to the doesn’t understand that government to use the approval of the sixth project, Guyana is positioned to be a opportunity to bring more Low told this publication major oil producer We benefits to Guyanese from that the administration should be hiring World-class the sixth project comes on should pursue higher royalty experts to review each the heels of a dismissive and ring-fencing to begin development and help us response from Vice with. He explained that the manage the overall President Bharrat Jagdeo 10 percent royalty other oil industry.” when asked about what companies will be subjected He added, “Further, as additional fiscal benefits to, in the new Production we have previously stated, citizens can look forward to SharingAgreements(PSAs), within the first 50 days in from the new development should also be applied to office, we will sit down with that is currently pending Exxon for the new the companies with an in approval. development In addition, interest in the Stabroek

During his August 31, theOppositionhaspointedto Block to discuss how 2023 press conference the need for government to Guyanese can benefit more. hosted at Office of the introduce a ring-fencing World class experts will of President, Georgetown, the provision to safeguard the course be involved in that VP refused to provide a revenue generated in that process. Nothing prevents response to the specific field. the government from hiring query from Kaieteur News

The sixth project, experts and having that He would only say, “Asked Whiptail is the largest oil conversationnow,especially and answered a hundred project yet. It is pegged at a as it prepares to approve this times before, 100 times whopping US$12.9 billion latestdevelopment.” before. I am not gonna go and seeks to develop the The party underscored throughthisagain.” resources discovered in the that Guyanese must begin to

Economic Advisor to the Opposition Leader, Elson Low

The Oil and Gas Training College in Berbice

Thedecisiontoconstruct an oil and gas training collegeinBerbicehasraised several concerns about its necessity and expenditure. While the initiative might seem like a step in the right direction, the feasibility and benefits of this project appearquestionable.

One of the most glaring issues with the decision to build an oil and gas training college in Berbice is the geographical disconnect between the location of the college and the region’s job market. The bulk of oil and gas-relatedfacilitiesand job o p p o r t u n i t i e s a r e concentrated in Demerara. This stark reality raises the question of whether investing in a training facilityinBerbiceisthemost efficientuseofresources.

One argument, which is heard, but not grounded in facts is that the college will help generate jobs in

Berbice. This is far-fetched because while the college may generate a corps of trained personnel, there are no plans to establish oil and gas industries in Berbice. While there might be some initial employment opportunities during the constructionphase,thelongterm job prospects for Berbice residents within the oil and gas industry remain questionable. It is highly unlikely that major oil and gascompanieswillestablish operations in Berbice, making it challenging for graduates of the college to secure employment within theregion.

At present, we have thousands of teenagers who have graduated from secondary school, many withpassesinfiveandmore subjects at the CSEC, but there are no jobs for these school-leavers Many of themwillhavetomigrateto

the city or overseas just in order to find employment. Therearepreciouslittlejobs availableforthesesecondary school graduates. It is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions that has been takingplacefordecadesnow in Berbice and is mainly responsible for the region’s underdevelopment Even someofthelargerbusinesses inBerbicehavebeguntocut back on employment. The college is expected to cost the government a fortune. But why build a college when you have existing industrial-training facilities that are more than sufficient to provide for oil and gasrelated- training for prospective students of the institution?Whyspendmore than one billion dollars to provide the same level and qualityoftrainingwhichcan be provided by existing facilities.Andwherewillthe additionalstudentsbefound

Measures being rolled out to prevent malaria infection – Min. Anthony

Amid numerous cases of dengue fever here, Minister of Health Dr FrankAnthony has assured that measures are being undertaken to prevent the infection of other vector-bornediseasessuchasMalaria.

Dr Anthony made the disclosure while speaking with media operatives on the sidelines of an event held at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown on Wednesday, the DepartmentofPublicInformationreported.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Malaria is a seriousinfectionandsometimesfataldisease causedbyaparasitethatcommonlyinfectsa certain type of mosquito that feeds on humans. People who are infected with this disease are typically sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness

“Generally, where we see malaria cases, it’s more in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine…we haven’t noted any kind of drastic increase because we have been distributing

bed nets and things like that to those communities,”theministerexplained.

Inadditiontothedistributionofbednets, a continuous training programme is being rolledouttotacklemalariainremotemining communitiesinGuyana.Miners,theminister explained,areidentifiedtoreceivetrainingto conduct malaria-rapid tests, so that they can beabletodetectcasesinaminingcamp.“We also give them medication and train them how to dispense the medication. And so, if you get diagnosed with let’s say vivax malaria, then there are these types of medication and on the envelope itself, it has how you should use the meds, morning, afternoon,andsoforth,”headded.

Meanwhile, with the constant fogging exercises being conducted by the ministry’s Vector Control Services, there has been a substantial decline in the mosquito population which corresponds with the declineindenguecaseslocally

Dem boys seh...

Whoknowdedifferenceraiseyuhhands!

Whendemreporterleff toattenddeThursdaypress conferences, dem does be confused.Demdon’tknow whether dem attending a party event or a governmentevent.Deonly signal does be where the presserisbeinghosted.

But even if it hosted at FreeDumb House, it don’t mean that government issueswillnotbeincluded. There is little difference dese days between a party press conference and a government press conference Different location,samescript!

DeVeePeedoesswitch rolesseamlesslyfromparty General Secretary to Chief

PR specialist of the government. One moment, he’s the GS of the ruling party, and the next, he’s p r o n o u n c i n g authoritatively on governmentdecisions.

But hold on, what happened to those weekly press briefings that used to be hosted by the Cabinet Secretary? It’s almost as if they vanished into thin air And what about all those press officers scattered throughoutthegovernment bureaucracy? They government lured many of demawayfromtheprivate media. It’s a mystery why they aren’t being better utilized.

topopulatethecollege.

Amorerationalapproach toaddressingtheneedforoil and gas training in Berbice would have been to make better use of existing facilities within the region. Berbice already boasts educational institutions, such as the Government Technical Institute and the Port Mourant Industrial Training School both of which could have been upgraded and tailored to meet the specific needs of theoilandgassector.

By investing in the expansion and enhancement oftheseexistinginstitutions, the government could have provided a more practical solution for the training needs of Berbice residents. This approach would not only have saved significant financial resources but also ensured that the training facilities were strategically located to cater to the actual job market.But like with the new hospital which is being builtatNewAmsterdamand No 74 Villages, the governmentbelievesthatby spending more on such infrastructure, it is actually creating jobs But what happens when the constructionends?Towhere will the labour used on constructionbedeployed?

Constructing a new college is an expensive

endeavour The funds allocatedforbuildingtheoil and gas training college in Berbice could have been channeled towards more pressingneedsintheregion.

Berbice faces numerous challenges, foremost of which is providing jobs for the hundreds of schoolleavers each year We have ministers in the government who if they were living in Berbice would have struggled to find a job in keeping with their qualifications and ambitions.Furthermore, the ongoingoperationalcostsof thenewcollegewillplacean additional burden on the Treasury

This includes expenses for staffing, maintenance, and utilities. These ongoing costs could be substantial, particularly if the college struggles to attract a sufficient number of students to cover its operational expenses

Instead of constructing a new oil and gas training college in Berbice, a more effective approach would have been to establish partnerships with existing institutions in Demerara These partnerships could have facilitated the training of Berbiceresidentswithout the need for extensive infrastructureinvestments.

M o r e o v e r , t h e

government could have encouraged oil and gas companies operating in Demerara to establish satellite training centers or scholarship programmes for Berbice residents This would have provided direct access to the job market while avoiding the unnecessarycostsassociated withbuildinganewcollege. ButBerbicewillhaveanew billion-dollar oil and gas college.

The government will have a grand opening ceremony where speakers will extol the college as an investmentinBerbice.Inthe meantime, hundreds of school-leaverswillbeasking aboutjobs.

They will join the long listofpersonsinthecountry waitingontheirpaperstobe processed for greener pastures in the USA and Canada.

(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.)

The cost of this whole media extravaganza must be pretty expensive. There aresupposedtobemultiple unitsandpersonneldealing with public and press relations. Dem reporters claimdeOhPeegatapress outfit that is more than 20 strong, including support staff.Wecanonlyhopethat one day, clarity will reign, and we’ll know whether we’re at a party or government event. Until then, let the show go on, and let the confusion continue to reign supreme in the world of PPP/C or government press conferences.

TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

COST OF LIVING VERSUS LIVING LARGE

Wherever SN’s cost-of-living and they can’t manage (poverty). consuming of cuirass or catfish up Againstthisbackdrop,thereis team visits and speaks with those Simplyput,theystruggletocopeon there in the economic highlands of one leader who is the picture of residents who consent to go on a daily basis. For each person that Guyana. Up there is an abundance serene indifference, and with camera and by name, it is the same spoke openly and sincerely about ofchopsandcognac,whilecost-of- speeches to match. My thought is story It is the brutalizing story of their personal conditions, there has living pummeled Guyanese below that which leader could be so Guyanese suffering, struggling, to be many others trying to figure scratch for cassava and conga negligent, so disconnected, that he exist, then focus on the first word and sinking from their efforts to out how to dealwith theirsituation. pump, if they can access either In is comfortable floating around a and then what the last word (the scrape out what is charitably called The beginning and end of this many respects, this is more than a country which has Guyanese verb)involves. a human existence in the richest bottomless cost-of-living story is tale of two societies, it is of the rich citizens living in places called Butthereisgoodnews,acaring countryintheworld. that there are too many locals man and the poor beggar, Lazarus. PlasticCityandSkullCityandS**t government has helpful plans to

Because the pain and anguish clustered along the base of Guyanese famishing in cost-of- and Shy City? In the event that ease the ‘hard salt and rice’season. are so widespread, I remove the Guyana’s economic pyramid livinghellknowswhichoneare. anyone is grappling with the four- Relief is on the way There is the restraints.Idragpoliticiansintothe These wretched ones could be In this cost-of-living plagued letterwordbeginningwiththeletter Powerball provision coming up heat of the cost-of-living furnace living just above the levels of the rich man-poor man society, there is ‘s’andendingwith‘t’,hereissome with the grand total of $7,000 more and dress down the whole sorry people of Haiti and Niger And another staggering reality guidance: think former US for the elderly on the way in the bunchofthem.

Guyana is the fastest, the biggest, registering. The poor Guyanese at President Donald Trump and how nexttwoyears.

There are too many political fat the‘baddest’… the bottom can’t catch a break (any he described some countries, And, to add a little sugar to the cats around, and they draw the In contrast to Toshaos (and li’l hustle), while there are no ends includingHaiti,likelyGuyanaalso. children’s tea, there is the unheardpurse strings too stingily Cost-of- others), there is another group of of opportunity for the philistines Relative to those three local of sum of $10,000 more, also in the livingiskillingordinaryGuyanese; Guyanese: the elected and selected with conspicuous paunches. It is makeshift places identified, their next two years from a caring c r i p p l i n g w o u l d b e a n perched at the other end of the the imbalance and injustice of horror story is much more pungent government. Just to be on the safe understatement. This is the stark economic pyramid. It is the high, poverty that whiplashes Guyanese than cost-of-living travails, side, and in case some got carried backdrop of SN’s 39th episode in fine, rich, and sweet point of the existence. although there is plenty of that away, those thousands are in good itscost-of-livingcoverage,withthe economic peak in oil Guyana. There can be argument, there devastatingreality oleGuyanadollars. Thegoodnews Indigenous coming under the Many have the look of someone canbedebate,buttheeconomicsof Theirs is about the cost of is that the dollar is going up. The spotlight. Totheircredit,Guyana’s who has overeaten, or well fed to this country boils down to this: the scrambling to stay alive in the bad stuff is that the cost-of-living First Citizens faced the cameras the point of bloat. No hunger, no haves, the have more, and the still richest damn country in the world. just did the inexplicable It and spoke from their hearts: it is an pain,nopressuresofdailyliving,at want to have more battalions, who By any means possible. By any promisestogetworse,andwill. uphill battle to make ends meet. those high altitudes, where the congregate on one side. On the hole or any squirrely spot where (The views expressed in this Not a single person interviewed financial winds are energizing and otherside,therearethoseGuyanese they can burrow, including article are those of the author and spoke of living comfortably The refreshing. It is where there is masses forced to scrape around for graveyards (Skull City). If any do not necessarily reflect the Toshaos can’t buy basic food items excess: free food and living off the thescrapsthattheycanaccumulate, Guyanese wants to workout how opinions and beliefs of this (prices);theycan’tfarm(flooding), fat of the land. There is no iftheyarelucky the people of S**t and Shy City newspaper and its affiliates.)

IMF, World Bank to step up cooperation on climate, debt, digital transition

WA S H I N G T O N , challenges facing the global Georgieva and World Bank meetings of the new Bank( R e u t e r s ) – T h e economy – from increasing PresidentAjay Banga said in Fund Climate Advisory InternationalMonetaryFund climate disasters to slowing thejointstatement. Group every two months to andWorldBanktodayissued growth and geopolitical

The IMF and World consider climate-related a rare joint statement fragmentation – by working Bank were established in developments on key pledging to step up their together 1944 at a meeting in Bretton projects, including loans cooperation to address “The Bretton Woods Woods,NewHampshire. through the IMF’s new climate change, debt institutions, with their Banga is scheduled to R e s i l i e n c e a n d v u l n e r a b i l i t i e s a n d universal membership and attend his first G20 summit Sustainability Trust, which countries’digitaltransitions. specialistexpertise,arewell- after starting as the World provides middle-income

The statement, released placed to make a critical Bank’s new president in countries with financing on ahead of a G20 leaders contribution to help June, with a mandate to climate resilience and summit in India this week, countries tackle these expand the lender’s transitionprojects. said the two institutions can challenges,” IMF Managing resources to help tackle The two institutions also help address mounting Director Kristalina climate change, pandemics, said they will incorporate fragility and other global climate considerations into crises alongside its their work on debt traditional anti-poverty sustainability for lowmission. incomecountries.

U.S. President Joe Biden

The IMF and World at the G20 summit intends to Bank have worked closely focus heavily on reforming on debt sustainability issues, the World Bank and other both pushing for improved multilateral development restructuring frameworks lenders to scale up their They launched a sovereign lending for climate and debt roundtable last year to wouldalsodeepensupportto increase the effectiveness of infrastructure. The U.S. sees standardize restructuring creditors and debtors revenue collection and the institution as an concepts and speed up debt e n g a g e d i n d e b t expenditure systems and important counterbalance to treatments. restructurings. reap the benefits of new China’soverseaslending. “We will enhance our On the digital transition, digital technologies while The joint IMF-World joint work to help prevent the two institutions said they mitigating the risks,” Bank statement said the two further build-up of debt would collaborate to help Georgieva and Banga said. i n s t i t u t i o n s w o u l d vulnerabilities, assisting countries to connect their That will include improving collaborate on climate countries to strengthen debt citizens to online services cross-border payment changeona“morestructured m a n a g e m e n t a n d and reduce barriers to digital systems while ensuring that and institutionalized transparency and public inclusion. such innovations spur footing This includes finances,” Georgieva and “Wewillstepupourjoint growth, poverty reduction formalizing regular Banga said, adding that they work to help countries andjobcreation,theyadded.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva (right) and World Bank President Ajay Banga

RedThreadupsanteagainstlopsidedExxoncontract

...as protesters call for ring-fencing, full liability coverage

Local women’s rights Members and supporters group Red Thread is of Red Thread assembled continuing to actively outside the Office of the protest against the lack of PresidentatVlissingenRoad ring-fencing provision on Wednesday calling for within the oil contract and better terms and conditions for full liability coverage to o f G u y a n a ’s 2 0 1 6 beprovidedtoGuyanainthe Production Sharing eventofanoilspill. Agreement with oil major, The group has been ExxonMobil. publicly registering their Halima Khan a member concerns about the ofRedThreadsaidthegroup deficiencies of the oil sector is committed to continuing through peaceful picketing the protest action every first actiononamonthlybasis.

Wednesday of the month until they are satisfied that the Government of Guyana has listened and adequately addressed the injustices being perpetuated in the PetroleumIndustry

“We are out here for things like the full liability coverage that the main oil operator Exxon refuses to offer Guyana in the event of anoilspill.Wearecallingon the government to address this problem before we have a spill and then we are left with heavy burden of cleaning up and we don’t picket because of the effect Office of President held have the resources to do so,” the decision taken by the placards with slogans shesaid. government has on reading: “Show us the Khan noted that there are G u y a n e s e w o m e n Insurance Documents! many questions about the oil particularly those at the Exxon putting we in danger! and gas sector that the grassroots,”shesaid. EPA putting we in danger! governmentneedstoanswer Some of women who Andwhowillpaytheclean “So we will continue to stood in the sun outside the (Continued on page 17)

Scenes from the Red Thread Women’s protest against lack of ring-fencing, liability coverage for oil spills.

Repsol will not be able to recover US$500M costs if Govt. grants new licence for Kanuku Block - Jagdeo

Vice President, Bharrat exploration costs are JagdeoonThursdayclarified mandatory for the country, that Spanish oil exploration however, a company can company, Repsol will not be only move to recover those able to recover the US$500 expenses if it moves to the million in exploration costs next stage- production. For expended to date, should it instance, he pointed out that receive a new licence for the ExxonMobil, the majority Kanukublock. stakeholder in the Stabroek

The company’s previous Block, was allowed to licence came to an end in recoup its exploration costs May this year That licence since it moved from an allowedRepsoltoexploreon exploration licence to the block for 10 years. It has production activities since reapplied for a new “There was continuity They licence. moved from, in the 2016

Thegovernmentsaiditis licence that was there, they yet to decide if that will be got a production licence in granted directly or if the 2016sotheyweremovingto He went on to point out company would have to production...ifyoumovetoa this therefore means that participate in a public production license then you Repsolwillnotbeabletobill auctioninthefuture. can claim because that’s Guyana for the US$500

Map showing the location of the Kanuku Block offshore Guyana

During his weekly press when you have earnings; million it expended prior to conference at Freedom then you can claim the cost the expiration of its license. House, the Vice President for exploration as part of the Consequently,henoted,“the explained, “I said no such cost bank... if there is no new licence (if granted) decision has been made at production then you can’t Block is the State’s property Party (PPP) administration. Cretaceous oil play from the would be under the new this point in time (to renew come to the country,” he andshouldCabinetdecideto Its past exploration wells ExxonMobil-operated regimeandshouldtheymove the licence) and I gave the elaborated. work with the company to havenotyieldedcommercial Stabroek block into the to production under a new variablesthatwillbeusedby Jagdeo was keen to note issue a new licence, then the discoveries to date. It was Kanukulicence. licence, only exploration the decision makers on both that offshore oil exploration companywouldbesubjected reported that the Beebei well The Kanuku Block costs in the current period, sides in favour of a new was not a risk-free activity, to the new terms outlined in drilled in 2022 held high measures 1,937 square under the new licence will be licence or working directly since as with the Kanuku the model Production hopes of uncovering 200 kilometers. Kaieteur News considered as part of the cost with them or not giving a Block, Repsol has lost its SharingAgreements(PSAs). m i l l i o n b a r r e l s o f previously reported that bank.” licence for the block and US$500millioninvestment. Thiswouldincludeasigning recoverable oil equivalent. Repsol Exploración Guyana Jagdeosaidthatthereisa retaining that block and then Inthemeantime,theVice bonus,aswellasa10percent However, the findings were istheoperatoroftheKanuku common misconception that puttingitouttoauction.” President said the Kanuku tax and 10 percent royalty water-bearing rather than Block, with a 37.5 percent amongothers. oil-bearing, marking a stake while the UK-based Repsol commenced significantsetback. Tullow Guyana holds a 37.5 exploration activities in the Yet, the non-commercial percent stake and Total E&P KanukuBlockin2013under Carapa-1 in 2020 indicates Guyana owns the remaining the People’s Progressive thepotentialextensionofthe 25percentinterest.

President holds talks with Bank of America officials

President Irfaan Ali and his delegation met with officials of Bank of America on Thursday

TheBankofAmericarepresentativesare afternoon met with representatives from the in Guyana on an exploratory mission and Bank of America at his Office on Shiv havealsometwiththeprivatesector ChanderpaulDrive. US Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday

The visiting delegation included the Adrienne Galanek and its Commercial and Managing Director, Global Energy Economic Officer Thomas Seeger were also Corporate Banking, Donald Ward apartofthevisitingdelegation.PresidentAli Rickertsen; Managing Director, Head of was joined by the Senior Minister within the Global Export Agency Finance, Patrick Office of the President with responsibility William Gang and Director, Regional for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh and the Corporate Banking, DiegoArmandoTorres- Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Luna,theOfficeofthePresidentsaid. Bharrat.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Austrian company gets contract to build US$161 million New Amsterdam Hospital

Having been contracted Paediatric and Maternal another health facility, this Kaieteur News on Thursday that was chosen for the outtotheusualpublictender last year for the construction H o s p i t a l , VA M E D time in New Amsterdam, was Minister of Health, Dr construction of the New Minister Anthony related of the $31 9 billion Engineering out ofAustria is RegionSix. FrankAnthonywhosaidthat AmsterdamHospital.” that the Government of ( E U R $ 1 4 9 m i l l i o n ) again chosen to build Confirming this with “VAMED is the company This project did not go Guyana had an agreement w i t h t h e A u s t r i a n Government which took place couple years back, and it is through that agreement, VAMED was contracted for the job “We have an agreement with the Austrian Government and through that agreement, one of the projects is to have the New Amsterdam Hospital built,” hementioned.

Over the weekend at a conference, the minister had stated that just recently they hadcompletedthesigningof contract for the construction of the New Amsterdam Kaieteur News later learnt that the contract is worth US$161million.

At the conference, the Health Minister had shared that “This [hospital] would be at the same level like the paediatric one we are developing and this would have approximately 220 beds, with five operating theatersandacardiacsuiteas well.” It would also have a section for psychiatric patients, and another section where health workers, doctors and nurses would be trained.

Thenewfacilitywillalso be equipped with services and equipment that the current facility cannot provide This publication w a s i n f o r m e d t h a t construction of this new facility is expected to start in amonth’stime.

It was reported that VAMED is also constructing the child and maternal hospital which would be located at Goedverwagting, EastCoastDemerara.Thisis said to be a 256-bed hospital and is slated to be completed in2025.

Back in February, the Minister had stated in the National Assembly, that the Austrian Government and the Government of Guyana signed an agreement in 2018 for the development of a number of health facilities here. “One of the facilities that was earmarked was the GeorgetownPublic

(Continued on page 16)

Govt. submits report on alleged abuse of Amerindians to Human Rights body - Jagdeo

The government has

residentsareunabletoaccess submitted its findings on the to key hunting grounds and allegations of abuse of pork-knockingforgold.This Amerindians at Chinese hasplungedtheircommunity Landing, Barama River, into an economic crisis with Region One, to the Inter- many being unable to send American Commission on their children to school, feed Human Rights (IACHR), themselves and provide for Vice President, Bharrat the basic needs of their Jagdeo told reporters at a family. Many of the press conference on residents were in tears as

Thursday theyrelatedtheirsufferingto

“ I have spoken to thefact-findingteamand Minister Gail Teixeira,

(Continued on page 16) (Minister of Parliamentary Affairs) and the report has been completed and it has been sent to the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights”, The VP said. Jagdeo did not reveal representatives and to report thecontentsofthereportand on the actions taken to findings but promised that investigate the events that they will be made public as led to the adaptation of this soonaspossible. precautionarymeasure, so as

The Government had to prevent such events from sent in a “fact finding team” reoccurring. to Chinese Landing on However, the factAugust 6 last, following the finding team had made it issuance of Resolution clear during their visit to the 41/2023 by IACHR Its community that its sole purpose was to investigate purpose was only to claimsofhumanrightsabuse implement the third against Indigenous people measure That is to that live there, by large-scale investigate claims of human miners, specifically Mr rights abuse. As part of its M.V, the legal holder of investigation,theteamledby mining licences for their thegovernment’sMemberof titledlands. Parliament, Alistair Charlie,

According to the took blood, urine, and hair Commission, the Carib samples from some 46 community which has households in the village to approximately 210 residents testformercurypoisoning. is currently at serious risk of It is believed that the suffering irreparable harm to miners have polluted the their human rights by miners waterways and this has and even some members of severely affected the health the Guyana Police Force. of residents. Toshao Orin

Details of those risks were Fernandes has already tested outlined in a petition to the positive for mercury international body which poisoning, according to the was filed by the Chinese IACHR Resolution LandingVillageCouncil,the Statements were also taken Amerindian Peoples from villagers regarding the Association of Guyana alleged collusion between (APA), and the Forest policeranksandtheminers’; PeoplesProgramme. threats to their lives and

The IACHR had also terrorizing of them for the r e q u e s t e d t h a t t h e disputed lands Water government implement a samples were also taken to number measures to protect test for possible mercury the Indigenous people from contamination. harm.Thoserequestsare;for It should be noted that the government to take the while Government is necessary measures to focusing more on the claims protect the rights to life and of pollution and harassment, personal integrity of the the Chinese Landing members of the Indigenous residents had made it clear Carib Community of that they want Mr M.V Chinese Landing with a mining licences for their cultural, gender-based, and titledlandstoberevoked. age-appropriate perspective According to them, the t o p r e v e n t t h r e a t s , titled lands is one of their harassment,andotheractsof main sources of income and violence against them, to giving it away to large-scale consult and agree upon the miners is like taking their measures to be adopted with daily bread Since the the people of Chinese alleged illegal takeover of L a n d i n g a n d t h e i r their lands by the miners, the

Two Indigenous boys searching for fish in water, possibly contaminated with mercury

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

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Labourers for wood concession and Chainsaw Operators needed. Call: 626-0936.

several BIT training programmes

One hundred ninetytwo residents of Region Six are currently undergoing several technical and vocational skill training programmes being offered by the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

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

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

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

One Nail Technician and Hair Dresser needed. Call: 693-1817.

Soup House is looking for Kitchen Assistant in Town, 11am-4am. Call: 663-9560.

Some 85 persons are being trained in the heavy-duty equipment operation training programme at the New Amsterdam Training Institute (NATI). Another 107 persons are being trained in various skill areas including welding and fabrication, electrical installation, motor vehicle re-

VEHICLES FOR SALE

Nissan Pathfinder in good condition. Call: 644-6551, 661-3608.

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pairs, air conditioning and refrigeration repairs at the GuySuCo Training Centre. While conducting visits to ongoing training programmes at several regional training centres earlier this week, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton urged the participants to take advantage of the training opportunities. “You will have here shore base, expansion of wharf, and those kinds of things are going to happen here. Sometimes, people ask, ‘How do I fit into all this oil and gas they are talking about?’ Right now, what you are training to do will allow you to fit in,” the minister noted. These courses are tailored to meet the geographi-

cal needs of the regions to build the human resource capacity while addressing the deficiencies that exist in the labour force.

Minister Hamilton stated, “Nobody is left out or will be left out. We have done programmes over the three years in every region…We will continue to do this in conjunction with our sister agencies.”

The training programmes include a community development component that enables participants to showcase and use their communitybuilding abilities. The ministry has added two components to the heavy-duty equipment operation training curriculum this year, to meet

the needs of communities and he explained. Between 2022 and 2023, BIT has trained 1,675 persons in Region Six with regions where specific activities are being enabled such as agriculture. The tractor and forklift operation programmes are among those introduced. “So, now when a person comes into the programme, it gives them a wider scope to participate in different sectors based on the training.” Only last Monday, the ministry partnered with the Ministry of Finance’s Basic Needs Trust Fund to launch the heavy-duty equipment operation training course, where over 240 persons are being trained. (DPI)

Austrian company gets contract to build...

From page 14 Hospital.

When we came into government, we reviewed the agreement and we decided at the time, we wanted to build a maternal and child health hospital…and we amended that agreement,” Dr. Anthony said.

“In terms of the financing, we

are using the UK banks to finance this hospital and it is a very, very concessional rate and therefore through this arrangement of this MOU, we have been able to do this quite successfully,” he had explained when questioned about the child and maternal hospital. According to its website,

VAMED is a global provider for hospitals and other facilities in the healthcare sector. The VAMED portfolio ranges from project development; planning and turnkey construction, via maintenance, technical, commercial and infrastructure services; to the total facility management of healthcare facilities.

Govt. submits report on alleged abuse...

From page 15 demanded the return of their lands.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

One Female Bartender to work at Iteballi Landing. Call: 684-3039 for details

Vacancy for Domestic/ Maid for morning and afternoon shifts. Call: 592-6376700.

FOR RENT

2 bedroom apartment at 207 Middle Road, La Penitence. Call: 636-2507.

Living and Business Quarter for rent at James Street. For more information Call: 674- 0614.

While the team’s report is yet to be made public, VP Jagdeo said at previous press conferences that his government is not addressing the cries of the Indigenous people for the return of their livelihood, only the complaints of harassment and pollution.

At a more recent press con-

ference on August 31, the VP went a step further to say that his government has already solved the problem at Chinese Landing.

According to him, solving the problem is not allowing anyone to mine including the Indigenous people who accustomed to panning and pork-knocking for a few pennyweights of gold to sustain themselves. “It seems as

though now what the Toshao (Orin Fernandes) is saying allow only us to mine but shut down the others but that is not what they argued.

Because mining wherever it is done could be causing the pollution so that is where we are now, we have cured the breach that went before the commission”, Jagdeo had said.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton speaking to trainees at GuySuCo Training Centre, Corentyne, Berbice

RedThreadupsanteagainstlopsidedExxon...

Frompage12 costifthereisadisaster?We are the owners of these resources; we are not beggars!”

Other protestors used their placard to raise concerns about the lack of ring- fencing provisions in the contract and lack of transparency in the oil sector

“We are calling for a release of insurance and otherpertinentdocumentsin regard to the oil sector,” a protestorpointedout.

Meanwhile, Wintress White an executive member of Red Thread explained that the group initially started protestingtocallout the government over its failure to secure proper liability coverage from Exxon to cover Guyana in theeventanoilspillbutover time their concerns grew to include other aspects of the contract.

White said: “We believe that this provision is importantbecauseifthereis an accident offshore

Guyana,wecannotcleanup a major oil spill; we don’t havethemoneyortheskills todoso.Wedon’twantwhat happened in the Gulf of Mexicotohappentous.

Eversince,thosepublicspirited citizens took the mattertocourtandthejudge handed down that ruling against the oil company, we have been following this issue…”

White stressed too that theUS$2Bofferedbytheoil major cannot adequately coverthecleanupcostinthe event of any major oil spill.

“Wehavebeencallingonthe government to act in the interest of Guyana and stop siding with the oil company by joining with them to appeal a decision in favour of the country and its citizens”sheadded.

The woman lamented thatthegovernment’sappeal totherulingthatExxonmust provide a guarantee has left Guyanaatrisk.“Wecometo protest to let the wider society know that the government is selling us

out!”Sheasserted.

Additionally, the women’s rights activist b e l i e v e s t h a t t h e Governmentshouldmoveto getafairerdealforGuyana.

“From what I understand is that Guyana not getting anything from the majority oftheoilprojects;itissucha bad deal that Guyana is paying for everything…for the children of the oil contractors, employees and affiliates to attend the best private school while Guyaneseparentsstruggleto sendtheirchildrentoschool, theyarelivingthebestlives and dining in the best restaurants while many citizensof our country can’t afford their three square meals.”

She lamented too that absence of checks and balanceswithinthesector “As it stands, we don’t even know exactly how muchoilExxonistakingout of Guyana because our Government is failing to monitor those operations,” shesaid.a

Courtscelebrating30yearsinGuyana

- announces big deals for customers on home items

Retail and home

store giant

Courts, a brand of the Unicomer Group will this month kick off celebrations marking thirty years of doing business in Guyana Customers are being promised super deals onallhomeitems.

Opened in 1993, Courts has become the staple brand in affordable home furnishing, a press release from Public Relations agency, Perception Inc. on behalfofthecompanystated. According to the press

release, the month’s festivities focus on celebratingitscustomersand employees for 30 years of support. During the month, customers will experience supersavingsanddealsonall things “Home” at the “CourtsHomeEvent.”

At Courts, September is also the month in which the selection of the winner of “ O p e r a t i o n H o m e Transformation”thenational homemakeovercompetition willoccur

This competition has received over 150 entries

from across the country and the team at Courts is currently in the evaluation stagestoselectawinner The winner will receive a room transformation by Courts worth an impressive $750,000ormore.

Theluckypersonwillbe chosen next week, and the transformation will be revealed at the “Customer

Appreciation Event” scheduled for September 22nd at the Courts Mega Store on Main Street. The day-long event will be litteredwiththeusualprizes, surprises and fantastic deals forcustomersthatshopatthe Mega Store or any Courts branchonthatday

Courts Guyana, through its parent company, the Unicomer Group, has achieved tremendous successintheretailbusiness andistheleadingproviderof furniture and appliances in mostofthemarketsinwhich they operate. Sub-Regional Managing Director of Guyana and the Dutch Caribbean, Mr. Vincent Gordon shared, “the Courts brand has long been a

household name in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Itisintrinsicallylinkedtonot only the provision of highqualityproducts,butitisalso laudedforitscommitmentto the communities in which the stores operate In Guyana,wecontinuetobuild on this pledge as we pride ourselves in being a good corporatecitizen.Thiscanbe seen in our investment in numerous projects in the areas of sports, education, culture, and heritage Additionally, our annual events like the Courts ChristmasLightUp,whichis just around the corner, and our Courts Optical Brighter View programme are but a fraction of the programmes we support that enhance the lives of our customers and staffalike.”

For the last 30 years, Courts has been associated w i t h q u a l i t y a n d affordability and the company has pledged to continue to bring quality products at an affordable price, and always guarantee the quality through after salesserviceandsupport.

Residents petitions GRA to shut down bar at Eccles

Residents of Avenue

Three, Eccles, East Bank

Demerara have signed a petition addressed to Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) calling for the shutdownofabaroperating in the residential area of theircommunity

According the document seen, the residents stated that the bar islocatedonSarwanStreet.

“This is a residential area and we can’t have a quiet evening with our family anymore,” the residents statedintheirpetition.Apart from the noise nuisance, residents have complained that the bar’s operation is causingtrafficcongestionin the community and is putting their safety at risk.

“Personal safety is at high risk, sometimes we wake to what sounds like gunshots during nightly argumentssome ending in fights,” added the residents. They claimed too that patrons at the bar would urinate on theirfences.

Garnett St. man nabbed with illegal firearm

The 32 Pistol, and .32 ammunition that were found

A 50-year-old vendor of GarnettStreetwasbustedon Wednesday with an illegal .32 Pistol, with a magazine containing five live rounds of.32ammunition.

Policeidentifiedtheman as Lawrence Pollard and according to ranks, he was arrested around 17:00hrs Acting on information received, ranks went to Lot 211 Garnett Street Kitty,

where contact was made withthesuspect,policesaid. A search was conducted on Pollard and a suspected .32 Pistol, with a magazine containing five live rounds of 32 ammunition was foundinhispantspocket. The man alleged that he found the firearm in a drain sometime back. Ranks then asked him if he was a licensed firearm holder and

heresponded“no”. Lawrencewastoldofthe offencescommitted,arrested and escorted to Kitty Police Station, where the firearm and ammunition were marked,sealedandlodgedto be taken to the ballistics section for examination. He wasplacedincustodyandis slatedtobecharged.

Biker who jumped traffic light dies after crashing into car

AmanonearlyThursday morningdiedwhenhefailed to stop his motorcycle at a trafficlightandcollidedwith acar

Dead is Britton Loyden

Alexander, 30, of Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara. According to police at about 01:10hrs motorcar-PNN7200,driven by Aboayomi Hart- a 39year-old, of Herstelling East

Bank Demerara, and motorcycle #CJ 4079 collidedattheintersectionof North Road and Camp Street,Georgetownresulting inthedeathofAlexander Investigations revealed that the motorcyclist was proceedingwestalongNorth Roadatafastrateandonthe

The unidentifiable male motorcycle

approachoftheintersection, a traffic light was flashing red in his direction but he failed to stop and collided

with the left front portion of thecar

As a result of the collision, the man was flung some distance, ending up near a concrete fence on the westernpavement,wherehe sustainedinjuriestohishead andbody

Hewasthenpickedupby a Police Patrol in an unconscious condition and transported to the

Georgetown Public Hospital’s Emergency Unit, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medicalattention.

T h e b o d y i s a t

Georgetown Public Hospital’sMortuary Thecar driveriscurrentlyincustody, assistingwithinvestigation.

Courts staff reviewing entries for “Operation Home Transformation” as they get ready to pick a winner.

Lawrence Pollard

Ashot of the signed petition made to GRA

Vehicle Passes for CPL Games in Guyana go on sale today

Georgetown, Guyana –Cricket enthusiasts and fans of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) are in for a treat as vehicle passes for the highly anticipated CPL games in Guyana are set to go on sale from today September 8, 2023.

This year’s CPL promises an electrifying display of cricketing talent and entertainment in Guyana, and the sale of vehicle passes adds to the convenience and excitement for attendees for the six league matches as well as

Cougars win again

the Playoffs and Final.

The CPL games, scheduled to take place at the iconic National Stadium, Providence in Guyana, have always been a major highlight on the cricketing calendar.

This year’s edition promises to be bigger and better than ever before with an impressive lineup of star players and thrilling matches on the schedule that are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Key Details:

Event: Caribbean Pre-

mier League (CPL) Games in Guyana

Date of Vehicle Pass

Sale: September 8, 2023

Price: $1500(External), $2000 (Internal)

Venue: Providence Stadium, Georgetown, Guyana

Friday September 08, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Don't try to fit into a mold you simply don't belong in, Aries. You may have gone through a major transformation lately in which you went from being a square peg to a round peg.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

There may be subtle messages in people's words today that you need to attend to, Taurus. Other people could be trying to send you hints in order to push your buttons.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Don't keep playing along with the games if you no longer want to repeat the same drama, Gemini. By placing yourself in a victim role, you're opening yourself up to manipulation and control by others.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Today is excellent for you, Cancer. You should be encouraged to take action in any artistic realm. Cook a scrumptious dinner and share it with a loved one.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Go weed the garden, Leo. If you don't have a garden, start one. It's important for you to get into the Earth today, so roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

There's great opportunity for romance today, Virgo. Love the people you're with, but don't smother them. The more you loosen your grip on a situation, the more you will gain control of it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

The active and receptive natures of your being are coming together, Libra. There's a balance between these two aspects. You're able to attract the prosperity and love.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Today is a fantastic day for you. Your sensual, caring nature will be appreciated, Scorpio. Whether you actively pursue it or sit back and relax, you will receive the love and good fortune you desire.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Being married to someone for many years takes work, Sagittarius. No one said it was going to be easy. Hollywood promotes a fantasyland that can make your life look drab and boring by comparison.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It

Today is a great day to make your big move, Capricorn. If there's something in the love and romance department that you feel you need to act on, this is the day to do it. It's now or never.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Take your focus off you and concentrate on someone else for a day, Aquarius. This doesn't mean focusing so the person will stop and pay attention to you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

It might take an extra few minutes to get out of bed today, Pisces, but it will be worth it when you do. You will find that the more honest you've been with people, the more payoffs.

With the purchase of a vehicle pass, attendees can drive directly to their designated parking areas, ensuring a hassle-free experience from the moment they arrive.

This added convenience aligns with the organizers’ commitment to enhancing the overall fan experience and making the event accessible to cricket lovers from all walks of life.

Mr. Kirk Douglas, Events Manager, expressed his excitement about the upcoming CPL games and the sale of vehicle passes:

“We are thrilled to bring back the excitement of live cricket to Guyana.

Vehicle passes provide fans with a new and convenient way to enjoy the matches.

We have worked hard to create an unforgettable experience for everyone, and we can’t wait to see the stadium come alive with the energy of the fans.”

Meanwhile, a limited amount of tickets for the Guyana Amazon Warriors home games in the league stage will also be on sale.

The vehicle passes and tickets will be avail able at the ticketing office located at 233-234 Camp Street, Georgetown. Cricket enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their passes early to guarantee their spot at the CPL games.

Don’t miss out on the excitement and thrill of the Caribbean Premier League in Guyana.

Get your vehicle pass and be part of cricket history!

Eleven successfully complete...

From page 22 interactive and engaging, with the group demonstrating enthusiasm and dedication to their training.

Under GFF President Forde’s leadership the Federation has implemented a robust referee training programme to expand the pool of field officials as part of the blueprint to grow the game in Guyana.

The closing stages of the first round of matches in the Berbice FA’s Senior Men’s League (SML) continued at the Rosignol Community Center ground last Wednesday night with a solitary game.

A 31st minute strike from Carlos Ramos was the decisive factor in Cougars FC registering its 4th win in 6 games.

It was the 4th loss for Hopetown Rangers who were kept in 5th place on 6 points from 6 games as well. The 3 points earned pushed Cougars into 3rd position on 12 points.

Action in the 8-team 2round competition will move

to Paradise Community Center ground on Sunday where a double-header has been fixed.

The opening game at 3pm will feature 2nd placed Rosignol United against Hopetown Rangers and at 5 pm, cup holders and host Paradise Invaders will attempt to stop the perfect run of leaders Monedderlust, winners of all six of their matches played so far. Invaders are in 4th position on 10 points after 6 games.

The Berbice FA’s SML is mainly funded by the Guyana Football Federation through its Members-Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP).

Eleven successfully complete GFF

Referee Introductory Course in Linden

E l e v e n v i b r a n t individuals with a passion for football have successfully completed the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) three-day Referee Introductory Course which was held from September 1 inLinden,Region10(Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The objective of the theoretical and practical training was to equip participants with a c o m p r e h e n s i v e understandingofthelawsof thegameandvariousaspects of refereeing, including fitness, mental stability, and personal development Instructors were FIFA referee Shavin Green, NatashaLewis,andAbdulla Hamid.

GFF President Wayne Forde extended his congratulations to Joshua Lucas,GrantleyMounter, Dwayne McKinnon, Shemar Savory, Drucilla Rice, Deino Williams, RonellNewton,Jehu Howard, Ebo McNeil, Shervinton Fraser, and Jeremiah Cummings for successfully completing the course and taking the first step towards becoming certifiedreferees.

“For the GFF, the development of highly skilled and knowledgeable referees is of utmost importance as we strive to enhance the growth and professionalism of football inGuyana,”

GFF President Forde stated “The successful completion of the Referee Introductory Course is a testamenttotheFederation’s unwavering commitment to raising the standard of officiatinginthecountry.”

Throughout the three days,thesessionswere (Continuedonpage21)

The new referees being taken through their paces.

1966 LAW the winners of Strikers Sports Club All Female Domino Summer Special 2023

The curtains came down on Thursday last as Strikers Sports Club held its 15th edition of its annual All Female Domino tourney at its clubhouse which commenced on Saturday August26thwithafunday

This initiative was birthed four years ago by ‘Three the Hard Way’citing the inequality women have to endure when competing against their male

counterpartsindominoes.

After three rounds of fierce competition, 1966 LAW emerged the victors with a massive 90 games whileC-PointandGirlswere deadlocked on 69 games apiece with C-Point placing secondbyamassingmore6’s theGirls.

The winners were the recipients of $250,000, one winning trophy and nine medals sponsored by ENet,

Patterson Associates and Raphael’s Trading Enterprise, while the 1st runners-up copped $125,000,onesecondplaced trophy and nine medals exclusively sponsored by GraceKennedy

The2ndrunners-upwere awarded $75,000, one trophy and 9 medals complimentsofVSHUnited (Guyana) Inc. The 4th place went to Big Girls who r e c e i v e d $ 4 0 , 0 0 0 compliments of HJ94.1 and one trophy compliments of Luminous Consultancy & Electrical Services and Austin’s Imports and Auto Sales.

The MVP was Rhona Rohomanof1966LAWwith the maximum 18 games and she was the recipient of one complete stove with fittings compliments of MASSY, one fully activated phone compliments of ENet and one hamper compliments of Ansa McAL while hampers were also awarded to the MVP of the last four of the tourneywhocamefromJune Watts of C-Point with 16 games, Barbara Lee of Girls with15 games and Yonette Marks of Big Girls with 17 games.

Lovern Spencer of Big Boss Girls was the recipient

Pooran perfection lights up Queen’s Park Oval

CPL - Trinbago Knight Ridersearnedavaluablewin as they defeated Barbados Royals by 42 runs in the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Barbados Royals won the toss and chose to field first, however Nicholas Pooran would score a fantastic century as the Knight Riders posted a sizeable total of 208/6 after 20overs.

The Royals were unable to chase down that total despite a valiant 70 from Kyle Mayers, as the spin bowling of Waqar Salamkheil and Akeal Hosein played a crucial role in restricting the Royals to 166/7after20overs.

Opener Mark Deyal went early in the Knight

Riders innings to a superb RoelofvanderMerwecatch on the boundary, however NicholasPooranandMartin Guptillwouldrebuildwitha steady partnership of 56 before Guptill lost his wicket, and two balls later, for the second evening in a row, captain Kieron Pollard wasrunout.

At 106-4 the Knight Riders were in a precarious position, however, Pooran and Andre Russell would createfireworksinfrontofa packed home crowd, launching sixes and combining for an 82 run partnership off just 36 balls.

Pooranwouldgoontoscore a brilliant century, his second at the CPL, as the Knight Riders ended on 208/6after20overs.

suffered a major setback earlyintheirchaseasAkeal Hosein would grab the wicket of Rahkeem Cornwall in the third over Despite a disciplined bowling performance from the Knight Riders led by Akeal Hosein and Waqar Salamkheil, Kyle Mayers wouldcontinuetoscoreruns and eventually reached his halfcentury.

Mayers was dismissed for 70 from an Ali Khan delivery, and after that the run rate would prove to be too much for the Royals, as they finished on 166/7, losingthecontestby42runs.

T h e w i n m e a n s Trinbago Knight Riders now have 9 points as they looktoqualifyfortheplayofflegofthe2023Republic BankCPL

Handing over the winning Trophy and cash prizes to the captain Tandica Adams of 1966 LAW is organizer Roderick Harry while surrounded by her jubilant charges in the 2023 Strikers Sports Club All Female Domino Tourney

of one fully activated phone also compliments of ENet for sharing the first love of thecompetition.

Organiser Roderick Harry,inhisclosingremarks extended his heartfelt appreciation and support to all participants, sponsors, well wishers and all those who contributed otherwise in making its event a

resounding success, noted that success comes with the inputfromsponsorswhosaw theneedtogivetheirsupport astheorganizersaimtoplace women on top of sport beginning with dominoes. Aspromisedfromlastyear’s event, the prizes increased and that was due to more sponsorsheedingthecall.

Heartfelt appreciation

was also given to Star Rentals, Triple M Investments, Ryan Rambalak, Big Boss Transportation Services, Dynasty Sports Club, Next LevelSportsClubwhomade this event a resounding success.

The next event is its annual All Female Domino ChristmasBonanza.

Second place C-Point accept their prize.

Govt earmarks on $10M upgrade for Ogle Cricket Ground

Minister Ramson meets with residents of Ogle ECD.

I

n a significant boost f o r s p o r t s infrastructure, the Ogle Cricket Club Ground, EastCoastDemeraraissetto undergo a $10 million infrastructuralupgrade.

thecricketgroundtocaterto a wide range of sporting activities.

One of the primary objectives is to rectify the existing ground condition, whichcurrentlyconsistsofa mixture of cement and stones, making it unsuitable forsports.

“I’m going to earmark another $10 million here. Thestone,ifyourunandyou fall on that, you would be bruised all over, you can’t play cricket…you have to get clean mud here,” MinisterRamsonsaid.

The allocated funds will play a pivotal role in a comprehensive rejuvenation project aimed at enhancing

Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., unveiled the excitingdevelopmentduring his visit to the ground Tuesdayevening.Minister Ramson noted that machines will be deployed to the ground to level the outfield, while workwillalsobedoneonthe parkinglotandfence.

“I think our attention now has to go to the ground and the fence,” the minister added.

Currently, work is being doneonthegroundatBetter HopealongtheEastCoastof Demerara.Thesamepersons and machinery will be used

todotheworkatOgle.

Since taking office in

A u g u s t 2 0 2 0 , t h e government has injected billions of dollars into the sports sector, with several sporting facilities already upgraded.

These enhancements collectively aim to create modern, well-equipped sporting facilities that will benefit both athletes and spectators alike, further elevating the sports landscapelocally (DPI)

ACMA participates in the 1st Professor Dragon Cup Martial Arts tourney

The Academy of Contemporary Martial Arts (ACMA) participated in the 1st Professor Dragon Cup, which was held at the National Gymnasium on Sunday 3rd September, 2023.

The competition had localteamsaswellasforeign competitors.

The competition was in thefollowingareas:-

1.TraditionalKata

3.

4.

5.

6.TeamSparring

7.SelfDefence

T h e A C M A w a s victorious in the following events:-

FreestyleKataGrandmaster Andre Murray1stplace

Master Dellon Hyman

1stplace

JosiahPersaud1stplace

JaydenLaulys1stplace

DeSean Verwayne 1st place

Angelina DeLong 1st place

Dellon Hyman Jr 1st place

Kevin McLennan 1st

place Nicholas Prince 2nd place

SameerBaksh3rdplace

TraditionalKataKevin McLennan 1st place

SameerBaksh1stplace

Angelina DeLong 1st place

SparringSameerBaksh1stplace

However, due to circumstances beyond the teamcontrol,theteamhadto leave the arena early and by such was unable to compete in the following events:Sparring, Self Defence, Team Kata and Team Sparring.

TheAcademywouldlike to thank the Promoter for having us, the Parents and Guardians who are the backbone of our Academy, for their dedication, our athletesfortheirhighlevelof maturity,andourInstructors, Grand Master Murray and MasterHyman.

ACMA youngest Athlete, Kevin McLennan displaying his 1st place awards in Freestyle Kata and Traditional Kata.

VermontGeorge. Hall, Meten-Meer-Zorg 5pm-9pm Tuesdays and Thursdays and Cotton Field S econdary S chool Essequibo 9am-2pm Or via phone:- 669-8237/6663416/6578509.

2.FreestyleKata

WeaponKata

TeamKata

Sparring

Minister Ramson and Residents walk around the ground.

RepublicBankGCBU23Super50tournament…Nationalsemi-finals

Jaikaran, Beaton crush Albion by 6 wickets as DCC triumph

Asolid fifty from Brandon Jaikaran coupledwith4wickets from Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) skipper Nkosi Beaton, helped their side romp to a commanding 6-wicket over Albion, yesterday at Bourda Ground.

Albion found it difficult to get bytheduoofBeatonandMootoo, whokeptthemto128in44.1overs aftersomeexceptionalbowling.

TheDCCskipperclaimed4-20 while Mootoo grabbed 3-20, leavingjustDamienCecil(37),Ari Kadir (20) and Naeem Khan (16) with the top scoring honours for Albion.

In-form spinner Indarjeet

Nanan(1-17),KareemWhitney(116) and Ricardo Percival (1-17), were the other wicket-takers for DCC.

DCC easily chased the belowpar total down, finishing on 130-4 inside 32 overs. Wicket-keeper Jaikaran was the man of the hour, hitting just two fours in his gritty top knock of 52 not out from 89 balls.

Nanan (23), Jaden Campbell (20)and10runseachfromShemar Yearwood and Johnathan Van Lange, was more than enough to take DCC over the line, with wicketsandoverstospare.

Cecil returned with the leather tostarforAlbion,endingwith2-32 fromhisallotted10overs.

Brandon Jaikaran scored a match winning half-century for DCC.

DCC U23 Captain Nkosi Beaton accepts his trophy from GCB Operations Manager Anthony D’Andarde.