Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil to increase production at Liza One and Two - Govt. reveals

…as country still awaits full protection

The Government of Guyana (GoG) has revealed that ExxonMobil Guyana Limited will be further increasing daily production at the two Floating

Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, LizaDestinyandLizaUnity.

TheLizaDestinywasthe country'sfirstFPSOandwas designed to safely produce 120,000 barrels per day (bpd),howevertheGoGinits Mid-Year Report on the performance of the economy saidthatproductionhasbeen rampedupto153,000bpd.

It explained, “On the production front, the sector experienced a rapid expansion in output from bothproducingFPSOs,when compared with the first half of last year, with ramped up outputamidoptimisationand maintenancescopes.

Aspreviouslymentioned, the Liza Destiny FPSO produced at almost 153,000 barrels per day (bpd), on average, in the first half of 2023, compared with approximately 109,348 bpd lastyear.”

The government was keentonotethattheplatform recently underwent “additional optimization” works with plans in place to furtherrampupproduction.

Meanwhile, on the second FPSO, Liza Unity, which was designed a c c o r d i n g t o i t s

against oil spills

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), to produce up to 220,000 barrels per day, production has been pushed beyond the vessel'snameplatecapacity

The Mid-Year Report stated, “As it relates to the LizaUnityFPSO,production of crude oil averaged 226,500 bpd in the first half of this year, compared with 105,948 bpd from February 11toJune30,2022.”

Government indicated that the platform was subjectedtothefirstphaseof optimization works and is expected to produce at a whopping 35,000 bpd beyond its original design capacity According to the Mid-Year Report, Exxon is expected to further ramp up daily production at the Liza Two project to 255,000 bpd inthesecondhalfoftheyear

In unveiling plans to further boost oil production at the Stabroek Block, the administration pointed out that the third FPSO, Prosperitywhichwilloperate thePayaraprojectisexpected tostartupinthefourthquarter of this year Prosperity arrived in Guyana back in April2023.

P r e s e n t l y , commissioning activity is ongoing. Once operational, the three projects will produce a combined daily output of more than 560,000 bpd.

TheProsperityFPSOwas

designedtosafelyproduceup to 220,000 bpd according to the EIA submitted by ExxonMobil. Even though the project is yet to commence,thedeveloperhas already announced its intent to produce above the design capacity

Vice President and Production Manager, Mike Ryan during Episode 29 of 'Access ExxonMobil Guyana' shared, “Once we have achieved that critical milestone of background flare then we will increase production,upintherangeof over 200,000, 220-230,000 barrels a day, so that will be

towards the end of the year into2024.”

The ramping up of petroleum production would spark further worry among local stakeholders who have been protesting against the lack of a signed guarantee from the parent company of ExxonMobil Guyana, to assume liability in the event ofalargespillintheStabroek Block.

Presently, Guyana only hasaUS$600millionoilspill insurance package per event that is provided by a company wholly owned by ExxonMobil. Two citizens hadtakentheEnvironmental

Construction workerremanded formurderof Parika woman

r Randolph Reece was on Monday charged with the murder of a woman whose burnt remains were found a week ago at a house at Parika, EastBankEssequibo(EBE).

Reece made his first court appearance at the Leonora Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Zamilla AlliSeepaul where the charge was read to him. He was not required to plead and wasremandedtoprison.Thematterwas adjourned to November 13, 2023, for reports.

This publication reported that on September5,2023,thecharredremains of 29-year-old, Shannen ObermullerMohamed of Parika, EBE, were discovered around 22:10hrs at the constructionsiteofherhomeinParika. Anautopsywhichwasconductedon

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Protection Agency (EPA) to Court for failing to enforce the requirements of a Permit granted to the developer, requiringanunlimitedparent company guarantee to prevent Guyana from being burdened with cleanup and compensation costs associated with a large spill abovetheinsurancepolicy.

The parent company guarantee in this case is especially important since thelarge-scaleoilproduction activities can impact several of Guyana's Caribbean

n e i g h b o u r s O n e international expert has estimated that US$40 billion of economic activity in the Region is at risk. Notably, Guyana has been merely earning just over US$1B annually from the Stabroek Blockactivities.

HighCourtJudge,Justice Sandil Kissoon had ordered Exxon to supply the signed unlimited parent company guaranteehoweverhisruling has been appealed. The matterisstillongoingbefore theCourtofAppeal.

Table showing the FPSO Destiny design capacity for the Liza One Project (Source: ExxonMobil Guyana Limited EIA)

Dead: Shannen Obermuller-Mohamed Man charged and remanded to prison: Randolph Reece

Table showing the design rates for the Liza Unity FPSO operating the Liza Two project (Source: ExxonMobil Guyana Limited EIA)

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

Sixth oil project consultations

ExxonMobil, with sweet assistance from the Government of Guyana, is all hustle and muscle with the sixthoilproject. ItisnotasifExxonMobilhasascarcityof Guyaneseprojectstoworkwith,yetitisbarrelingahead,to lock-inthesixthoilproject. Thefocustodayisonthismust have, seemingly life and death, sixth oil project, with conspicuous company announcements about upcoming publicconsultations.

With a glance at the history of ExxonMobil’s public consultationsforotheroilprojects,theissueiswhetherGuyana has ever had what could be accurately termed public consultationsinthefullnessofwhatsuchmeans Ourpositionis madeclearrightnow:Guyanesehavenotbeenprivilegedtothe kindofpublicconsultationsfromExxonMobilthatdoesjustice to either the peoples of this oil rich country, or to what such representsontheaverage Consideringwhathasgoneonbefore, Guyanese have been on the receiving end of not public consultations,butpublicevasions,whichisputtingagenerous polish on matters Candidly, the public consultations that ExxonMobil has put on to date have been really more about publiclimitation,evenpublicdistortions

Whatisdamningisthattheseorchestrationsandmanipulationsof ExxonMobil under the flag of public consultations have been executed with the full backing of the Government of Guyana Guyanesehavebeenshortchangedagainandagain,keptinthedark, andthengivenasmoothpatonthehead,withtheunspokenadviceof ‘gohomeandleavethesethingsalone’ SomeGuyanese,however, willhavenothingtodowithsuchcorporatebalms Itiswhyearlier public consultations by ExxonMobil have come in for scathing criticisms from local observers, with positions such as ‘joke’or ‘farce’or ‘smokescreen’ expressed openly The impression that sparksdeepwithinmanyGuyaneseisthattheyarebeingtakenfor granted,andlookeduponasadumb,ignorant,andbackwardpeople, so give them anything for public consultations, then mark the completedbox Naturally,thishasnotgonedownwelllocally, which the PPP/C Government labours strenuously to overcome. It is why the name ExxonMobil has taken on pariah status, as Guyanese become more informed on how they have been cheated by a crippling contract, and on a continualbasisviatheserichoilprojectsfromwhichtheyget aninsultingpittance.

Thisisnotagoodbackground,norahelpfulenvironment,for public consultations on this sixth oil project to make an appearance Guyanesewishtobetakenasseriouspeopleandas genuinelyequalpartners,andnotassomesecond-ratecitizens thatcanbepushedaround Thepublicconsultationsmustbereal andin-depth,andExxonMobilmustdemonstratethatitisopen toauthenticexchangesandnotthecontemptuousshamsthat ithasrolledoutinthepast. ExxonMobilmustbemorethan polite and accommodating, the people in ExxonMobil’s public consultations for this sixth oil project must come clean.ThepeoplefromExxonMobilmustnotplaythatoldtrick nowperfectedbytheVicePresidentoftakingupthebulkofthe time (running out the clock), and then rushing through the questions and concerns of Guyanese in the limited time left ExxonMobilanditsGuyaneseguidesmustalsonottrythatother favourite about certain probing inquiries being ‘outside of scope’ Thereisnosuchthing Guyanesehaveplentyatstakein thesepublicconsultationsandtheyhavelearnedhardlessons It isimperativethatExxonMobilsendpeoplewithmultipleskills sets, and that all come prepared for extended sessions of aggressivequestioningandtoughdiscussions.

OneachoccasionthatGuyanesehaveattendedthesepublic consultations (comedy shows), they have been cooperative, whiletheyarebeingswindledbyasickcontract,andtheneach newproject Thisfoolishnesshastostopnow:Guyanesehaveto drawalineonExxonMobil’sface:thisishowitisgoingtobe It mustmakecrystalclearthatboththeGovernmentanditsleaders havelostthestandingandtrustthattheyonceheld Guyanese muststirintoangerattherobberiesheapedontheirheads They must speak boldly, squeeze answers from these public consultationsforthesixthproject.

The impasse will continue

DEAREDITOR

From where I sit and stand, it is clear; the top judicial substantive appointments imbrogolio willcontinue. Theprevious holders of the positions,

nominees of the then administration, were not appointed substantively and demitted office in acting capacities.

The situation it is perceived, will not change

anytimesoonforthecurrent holders of the positions. It was wrong then It continuestobewrong. Is there the genuine will tochangetheongoingstatus quo or only when our

respective nominees are in the spotlight it becomes a talkingpoint? FromwhereI stand, the impasse will continueindefinitely

Sincerely ShamshunMohamed

UpholdingDemocracyand ConstitutionalAdherenceinthePNCR

DEAREDITOR

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has long prided itself on its commitment to democratic values and adherence to its constitution.

However, a critical issue hasemergedwithintheparty – the potential extension of Aubrey Norton’s term by eight months (as mentioned byhimatapressconference) beyond its constitutionally appointed end date of December20,2023.

This missive argues that such an extension must not beallowed,asitrepresentsa blatant breach of the party’s constitution and threatens to erode the core principles of P N C R d e m o c r a c y Moreover, it calls upon the Central Executive Committee (CEC) to avoid complicity in this illegal act and emphasizes the importance of holding the biennial congress at the constitutionally mandated time.

ThePNCR’sconstitution serves as the bedrock upon whichtheparty’sdemocratic principlesarebuilt.

Within this document, the timing and frequency of the biennial delegates’ congress are clearly outlined.

Any attempt, without meritorious reasons such as itistheyearofRegionaland General Elections or a pandemic is with us, to extend Aubrey Norton’s t e r m b e y o n d t h e constitutional limit represents a dangerous precedent, undermining the rule of law within the party By disregarding the constitution, the PNCR would compromise its very foundation,castingdoubton the party’s commitment to democraticprinciples.

Thefrivolousreasonfor an August congress is weak because in December, schoolsarealsoclosed.

A fundamental pillar of democracy is the adherence to established processes and timelines Extending a leader’s term without following the constitutional

disregardsdemocraticnorms but also disenfranchises party members who expect the congress to be held as scheduled.

This deviation from democraticprincipleswould be a disservice to the very ideals the PNCR claims to uphold.

It is incumbent upon the party to demonstrate unwavering respect for the democratic process Violating the party’s constitution makes one believe that violating the country’sconstitutionwould also be practised and this shouldbefrownedupon.

In 2001, when the distinguished Hugh Desmond Hoyte was democratically elected as leader and entrusted with a two-year mandate that would have culminated in 2003

H o w e v e r , t h e untimely demise of Mr Hoyte in December 2002 n e c e s s i t a t e d t h e c o n v e n i n g o f a n extraordinary delegates’ congress in February 2003 Subsequently, the biennial delegates’ congresses of 2005, 2007, and 2009 transpired as essential instances in the party’s democratic timeline

Notably, in 2009, the dynamic Robert Herman Orlando Corbin assumed the mantle of leadership, and within the ambit of his designated two-year t e n u r e , h e conscientiously abstained from pursuing the role of Presidential Candidate in the 2011 Regional and GeneralElections

This pivotal decision catalyzed the conduct of primaries, resulting in the emergence of Mr David G r a n g e r a s t h e Presidential Candidate in F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1

Considering that the electoral schedule in N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1 e n c o m p a s s e d t h e Regional and General Elections, the ensuing biennial delegat

appropriately convened in 2012.

In succeeding years, the party diligently convened congresses in 2014, 2016, and 2018, resolutely following the established biennialpattern.

While the anticipated 2020 congress encountered postponement due to the conjunction of the Regional andGeneralElectionsinthat same year, subsequently exacerbated by the global COVID-19pandemic,itwas ultimately convened in 2021, during which Mr Aubrey Norton was elected Partyleader Importantly,his tenure in office is set to concludeinDecember2023, preciselyinaccordancewith the stipulations of the party constitution.

T h e P N C R ’ s democracy is built upon a system of checks and balances,withtheregularity of the biennial congress serving as a crucial safeguard.

Allowing an extension of Aubrey Norton’s term would weaken these safeguards, concentrating power within the leadership a n d d i m i n i s h i n g accountability Such an act would send a dangerous message that the party’s leadership can manipulate the rules to suit their interests, undermining the democraticfoundationofthe PNCR.

The responsibility to uphold the party’s constitution and democratic values falls squarely on the Central Executive Committee(CEC).TheCEC mustnotbecomplicitinany attempt to extend Aubrey N o r t o n ’ s t e r m unconstitutionally Instead, they should serve as guardians of democratic principles, ensuring that the party’sdemocraticprocesses arefollowedtotheletterand respecting the constitution and the rights of party members.

Adhering to the constitutional schedule for the congress is not just a matter of procedure; it ensuresafairandtransparent

transition of leadership

Attempting to extend Aubrey Norton’s term could lead to internal strife, divisions, and conflicts, potentially fracturing the party

Preserving party unity and cohesion should be a paramountobjective.

This can be best achieved by respecting the party’s constitution and adhering to the democratic traditions that have defined thePNCRforyears.

In conclusion, any attempt to extend Aubrey Norton’s term beyond the constitutionally appointed time represents a serious threat to the principles of democracy and the integrity ofthePNCR.

The party’s leadership mustprioritizeupholdingthe constitution and ensuring that the biennial congress is held at the specified intervals

To do otherwise would not only be illegal but also detrimental to the party’s reputation, the trust of its members, and the broader democratic ideals that the P N C R h a s l o n g championed Upholding democracy and constitutional adherence should be nonnegotiable in the PNCR’s commitment to its principles

Shurwayne Holder, Elizabeth Williams-Niles, VinceroyJordon,GaryBest, Christopher Jones, Jermaine Figuiera, Edward Collins, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Hazel Pyle-Lewis, Kirk Fraser, Samuel Sandy, Amanza Walton-Desir, Ganesh Mahipaul, Coretta M c D o n a l d , T r o y G a r r a w a y , R i a z Roopnaraine and Winston Felix should show real leadership and act within the best interest of the membership of the PNCR b y f o l l o w i n g t h e constitution of that great party

Sincerelyyours

NormanBrowne Social and Political Activist

ManagementFiascoatGPLContinues We must not fear the wrath of the trio using the state’s power and authority to silence us for expressing dissent

DEAREDITOR, Italian painter, draughtsman, sculptor, engineer, theorist and architect Leonardo Davinci once said “The greatest deceptionmensufferisfrom their own opinions ” Deception seems to be the answer the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has in response to an article published by yours truly on Friday, September 1st2023titled“Management FiascoatGPL.”

The article’s insidious response by the company begs more questions than it attempts to address In essence,itissimpletontoits failures to manage a US$200million company Remarkably, the board of directors and Prime Minister, in the capacity of ChiefRibbonCutter(CRC), isactingthroughtheunlearnt Corporate Communications Officer and playing Russian roulette with answers that the people of Guyana are seeking to understand. The corequestioniswhoisatthe helm of management at Guyana Power and Light, since the current Chief ExecutiveOfficer(CEO)has beenonanextendedmedical leave for more than a year andanamicableexplanation for the constant power f a i l u r e s ? T h e Communications Officer’s response that vehicular accidents and contractor equipment(excavators)have beenthereasonsforthedaily power outages in the Demerara Berbice

Interconnected system (DBIS)ispathetic.

In the 21st century, the BoardofDirectorsandCRC Prime Minister are telling the Guyanese public that a drunk driver or a careless excavator operator is responsible for bringing down the total grid of a nation?Iftheunintendedand benign actions of these individuals can produce catastrophic failure of the grid, then the nation should be very uneasy regarding sinister actors with dreadful intentions. This means that there isn’t appropriate grid security and protection Typically, these types of electrical faults should be isolated or confined to a limited area where the fault exists and not permeate the grid manifesting in a total system failure plunging the entire nation into total darkness Isolation and protection are how these types of faults are treated throughout the world. The absenceofthisabilitysimply means no isolation of these faultandGPLisoperatingin the stone ages of electrical grids. This pitiful response demonstrates the company’s inability and leaves much to bedesiredaboutwhetherthe company has effective management or is it on rudderlessautopilot.

Ms. Pindar would do well to make some qualifying remarks to address how long the CEO Mr. Dindyal has been on medical leave and how long thecompanyplanstooperate

with this status, since it has been more than a year without leadership and refrainfromproducingthese asinine responses Additionally, she needs to q u a l i f y t h e C E O compensationpackagewhile he’s on medical leave, if it was misquoted in my previous article On one hand,theresponsestatedthat the salary was misquoted, and on the other hand, it stated the CEO is not receivingasalaryfromGPL. Thereseemstobeadegreeof cognitive dissonance, which is causing confusion on the company’spartastowhether theCEOisgettingasalaryor not. If he is not getting a salaryfromGPL,thenwhois presently paying the CEO and how many individuals are being paid from that account?Shedidwelltonote that in the absence of the CEO and Deputy CEO Technical, there has been contingency plans that have been “endorsed and executed by the company’s Executive Management.” It would have done the company well to state what are these contingency plans and address whether these plans include an acting DCEO Technical that has questionablequalifications.

Inkeepingwiththe

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DEAREDITOR

In this trillion-dollar economy, the national patrimony of the country is beingusedbysomepolitical leaders in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) as their personal property A few have decided they will distribute this patrimony

between and among themselves and cohorts These leaders have formed alliances with some in the business community, who they call ‘partners,’ and together they are making decisions about the m a n a g e m e n t a n d distribution of the nation’s resources, which to a very large extent ignore the p e o p l e a n d t h e i r representatives.

Presiding over the undemocratic management of the state is President Irfaan Ali, Vice President BharratJagdeoandAttorney General and Minister of LegalAffairsAnil Nandlall. The PPP trio, in their promotion of exclusion and singularly commandeering the nation’s resources, is attempting to justify excluding the constitutional O p p o s i t i o n f r o m engagementtodiscussissues p e r t a i n i n g t o t h e

management of the state, as an act to get power through the backdoor This notion must be rejected by every right-thinkingGuyanese.

Based on GECOM’s declaration, half the electorate voted for the Opposition and no society can operate in peace and harmony when any group is ignored, and worse yet for such a sizable section

Ignoring the representatives of people and workers is a known trait of Jagdeo’s management,atraitthatnow characterisestheAliregime, who many have come to believe is not his own man. Workers remember only too well when Jagdeo sought to hoodwink bauxite workers of Kwakwani, Everton and Linden He visited the bauxite communities and told the workers he would nottreatwiththetradeunion andtogethisattention,they must form committees When some workers followed his dictate, he

failedtodeliver

We the people must break out from our complacency or resignation tothegrowinginjusticesand understandtheresourcesthe trio and others are using to discriminate against us belong to all. It is time we stop thinking and believing we must beg, crawl and/or grovelforwhatisjustlyours. Wecannotcontinuetoallow ourselves to be treated as subjects.

We must no longer accept or fear the wrath of the trio using the state’s power and authority to silence us for expressing dissent, alternative views, demanding what’s justly ours, have elected representativesspeakonour behalf,andparticipateinthis trillion-dollar economy not by crumbs but in equal measures. In the fight for justiceandfairplay,wehave tobeourbrothersandsisters’ keepers.Irecallwhenthe

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ManagementFiascoatGPLContinues...

Frompage5 government’s nepotistic mantra of awarding jobs to “friends and family,” the company recently appointed Mr Kesh N a n d l a l l a s t h e Executive Team Leader, which is a dubious title to say the least, and directed all members of executive team that were serving in an acting capacity to revert back to their substantive positions prior to the CEO going on medicalleave.

Sincetherewasnopublic announcement to the appointment of Mr Nandlall, the company needs to come clean with his appointment and clarify the strategy to the tax-payingpublic

This is also a tragedy to Mr Renford Homer, who has served as the acting CEO for more than five years, first when Mr Colin Welch vacated the position, followed by Mr Albert Gordon, and most recentlyMr BharatDindyal onmedicalleave.

In summary, my initial

position in the primary article also alluded to the improbability of the Gas to Energy (GTE) project achieving its targeted goal of commissioning the 300MW power generation planbyDecember 2024

The public welcomes the news that of the planned upgrades to the grid to the tune of US$175million, but that was not the inquiring question.

This was simply a means to obfuscate the issue

So, I will raise the issue once again, when will the 300MW power generation plant be productionready?

However, since the company chooses to raise the issue of US$175M in upgrades, I think the p u b l i c s h o u l d b e reminded the company spent US$133M in upgrades to the grid between 2011 and 2015 and we still have drunk drivers or careless excavator operators plunging the country

into total darkness

Perhaps we need to h a v e a p u b l i c accountability as to how the US$133M was spent and what the taxpayers actually got for it

Seems like another white-elephant project as in the case of the G u y S u C o S u g a r Factory where the taxpayers are burdened with US$200M in debt until the year 2033, a n d m a n y o t h e r projects with a similar faith

It is not fair for this c o m p a n y t o k e e p deceiving and insulting the intelligence of the Guyanese people Simply put, Guyana needs a transformative change that will bring to bear an ideological realignment of our economics, political and social values and not a continuation of these nonsensical actionsandresponses

Regards

Collin Haynes MPH MBA

Frompage5

PPPattackedthetradeunion, many in society, including politicians, remained silent. When they engaged in extrajudicial killings some thought it did not concern them and stayed silent.

Thentherewastheshooting of unarmed nurses in 1999; the continuous mistreatment of workers of the Bauxite C o m p a n y G u y a n a Incorporation (BCGI); the July 2012 shooting of protestors in Linden and someremainsilent. Silence has emboldened the Jagdeo/Ai regime beyond measures, causing me to reflect on what we should never forget, as said by PastorMartinNiemöller:

First, they came for the C o m m u n i s t s

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a C o m m u n i s t

Then they came for the S o c i a l i s t s And I did not speak out BecauseIwasnotaSocialist Thentheycameforthetrade u n i o n i s t s And I did not speak out Because I was not a trade u n i o n i s t ThentheycamefortheJews And I did not speak out Because I was not a Jew Then they came for me And there was no one left Tospeakoutforme! The PPP must not be allowed to continue to deny any individual, group or organisation meaningful participation in society

consistent with the Guyana Constitution and timehonouredprinciples.

The level of crassness, contempt and lawlessness thatembodiesthisregimefor the electorate and representative democracy wemustreject.

This is state terrorism wherethreemenhaveturned the apparatus of the state against the people and their representatives.

Terrorismisnotonlythe people against the state but when the state turns on the people causing them to live in fear, fear to even express an alternative view lest they receiveaknockontheirdoor and be whisked away in the dead of night, never to be seenagainalive.

The world and Guyana know this situation only toowell

The draconian Cyber CrimeAct is being used to intimidate and drive fear intopeople

Which part of the democratic world workers cannot exercise the right to protest as seen with the present struggle by sugar workers who are now placedbeforethecourt?

Wearebearingwitness to an intensification of stateterrorism

This cancer, if not excised, will spread, seeking to eat away at the t r a d e u n i o n s , cooperatives, and other c i v i c s o c i e t y organisations

We must reject the

regime’s conduct which undermines at least five fundamental areas of good governance, which are: respect for the right t o f r e e d o m o f association; freedom of assemble; protection from discrimination on the grounds of race, political association, etc ; representative democracy; a n d i n c l u s i o n a r y d e m o c r a c y i n t h e m a n a g e m e n t a n d d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g processes of the state on matters that impact i n d i v i d u a l s a n d organisations’ well-being These are adumbrated in the Constitution at articles 147, 146, 149, 9 and 13 respectively

The PPP is pushing the Opposition and society to the point where persons will have no other alternativebuttorenounce the Government as a legal entity and move to have extra parliamentary activities against its atrocities

When the people demonstrate that they have hadenough,CARICOMand the international community shouldnotbesurprisedatthe environment that they have helped to create with their silence, poor assessment of the situation, decisionmaking, and support of a lawless regime. People, like rubber bands, also have stretchedlimitations.

Regards

LincolnLewis

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Exxoncontract

It has been called barefaced and lopsided…

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It has been called twisted and one-sided…

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The PPP in Opposition called the contract a curse!

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The PPP in Govt. now curses those who call it a curse!

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Whose side is the PPP Govt. on?

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Whose chamber is VP Jagdeo in?

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Exxon submits impact study for 12 wells in Canje Block ...saysoilspillcouldhitRegionsOneand

Two as well as Trinidad and Venezuela

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has submittedaCumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a 12-well programme it hopes to execute in the Canje Block, one of the nation's three largestdeepwaterconcessions.

In the document prepared by E x x o n ' s c o n s u l t a n t s , Environmental Resources Management, JASCO Applied Sciences, and RPS Group, it was notedthattheapplicationwasfiled byExxononbehalfofitselfandcoventurers JHI Associates, Inc , Mid-Atlantic Oil & Gas, Inc., and TotalE&PGuyanaB.V

EMGLhadfiledanapplication for Environmental Authorisation with the EPA back in December 2021 Based on an initial assessment of the application, the EPA determined, pursuant to Section11(2)oftheEnvironmental Protection Act that the project by itself will not significantly affect the environment and, therefore, doesnotrequireanEnvironmental ImpactAssessment(EIA).

However,theEPAruledthatthe potential exists for the project combined with similar activities being carried out in the project location to result in significant cumulative environmental

impacts.

On this premise, the regulator demanded that Exxon produce a CIA that considers activities such as continued development and production works in the Stabroek Block, before an environmental authorizationcanbegranted.

The purpose of the CIA is to provide the factual and technical basisrequiredfortheEPAtomake an informed decision on EMGL's application for environmental authorisation considering the potential cumulative impacts associatedwiththeProject.

Aftersubmissionandreviewof this CIA, the EPA will decide whetherandunderwhatconditions to grant EMGL an environmental authorizationfortheProject.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat the exact locations of the potential 12 wells comprising the project have not been finalized. While some wells could be drilled for explorationpurposes,Exxonsaidit is also possible that some wells may be drilled as appraisal wells. Therefore,prioritiesandschedules aresubjecttochangefollowingany potentialexplorationwellresults.

The CIA also considered the impactofanoilspill.

It noted in this regard, that an unmitigated spill could reach the shoreline in Region One and the

most northern shoreline of Region Two. The report also notes that an oil spill could hit three other geographic regions: Trinidad and Tobago and the northern South American coast of Venezuela; the southern Lesser Antilles (i e , Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, and U.S.

southwesternGreaterAntilles(i.e., Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti,andJamaica).

Pending approval, it is anticipated that the project will begininthesecondquarterof2024 and, if discoveries are made, well test(s)maybeperformed.

Theconclusionoftheproposed drilling campaign is expected

duringthefirstquarterof2025. KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat the project will generate benefits for the citizens of Guyana through revenue sharing with the Government of Guyana, a positive but minor increase in employment, and select project purchasing from Guyanese businesses.

Guyana's economy growing rapidly with unparalleled oil sector expansion

Fo l l o w i n g i t s consultations with Guyanese authorities on the nation's economic wellbeing, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)hasconcludedthatGuyana's economy will continue to grow very rapidly, supported by government'smodernizationplans, including unparalleled oil sector expansion.

The IMF made the foregoing statement, among others, after its team held discussions during August 28 – September 11 for the 2023 Article IV Consultation Notably, the Article IV Mission is heldannuallybetweentheIMFand its members It involves the collection of economic and financial information, and discusses same with country officials.TheIMFsaiditsteammet with Vice-President, Bharrat

Jagdeo; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance,GailTeixeira;Central Bank, Governor Dr. Gobind Ganga; other senior officials, as well as representatives from the private sector, banks, labour unions,andotherstakeholders.

The IMF in its concluding mission statement said Guyana recorded real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2022 at 62.3 percent. It said this was the highest in the world, adding that realGDPisexpectedtocontinueto grow extremely fast in 2023 to 38 percent.

The IMF also noted that oil production is ramping up with the comingonstreamofathirdoilfield dubbedPayara,laterthisyear

The financial institution said growth in Guyana's non-oil sector

issupportedbytheimplementation of a fast-paced public investment programme focused on providing transportation, housing, and flood management infrastructure, and raising human capital. It further noted that spillovers from oil and constructionaresupportinggrowth

intheservicesandsuppliessectors, while agriculture, mining and quarryingarealsoperformingwell.

The IMF also highlighted the authorities' commitment to fiscal discipline, saying that it is welcomed and allows for a balanced growth path. It however

recommended that over the medium-term, government adopts a comprehensive medium-term fiscalframework(MTFF),together withfurthermodernizingthepublic investmentmanagementandpublic financial management (PIM and PFM) frameworks The IMF explained that the MTFF would containaclearmedium-termfiscal anchor, a transition path, and an operational target. IMF Staff also recommend periodic expenditure reviews to ensure macroeconomic stability and preserve competitivenessbysettingthepace of public investment to take into account absorption and institutionalcapacityconstraintsof theeconomy

The IMF also commended authorities' progress to strengthen themanagementofoilwealthand (Continuedonpage16)

Map showing the Canje Block offshore Guyana

...Outlook for medium-term growth “better than ever before”- IMF

Consultations are not negotiations

The President has announced that when he returns from planned overseas engagements, he willengagewithteacherson consultations It was clarified that the teachers’ unionisnotbeingprecluded from being part of the consultations. There is no harm in consulting teachers andalsoininvolvingunions inthisprocess.Butitmustbe structuredanditmustalsobe made very clear that these consultations are no substitutefornegotiations.

The education of the country’s children is too important to leave this issue to chance Failure to distinguish between consultations and negotiations can lead to tragic consequences for public education. Education is the cornerstone of any nation’s progress, and its significance cannot be overstated. For a country to thrive, it must invest in its educational system, ensuring that it remains relevant In this pursuit, consultations with teachers playapivotalroleinshaping educational policies H o w e v e r , r e c e n t developments in the field of education have raised concerns about ad hoc decision-making and the need for negotiated benefits forteachers.

Consultations with teachers offer a direct channel for the government togainvaluableinsightsinto thethoughtsanddemandsof thosewhoareattheforefront of education Teachers’ experiences, perspectives,

and expertise are invaluable resourcesthatcaninformthe development of enlightened educational policies. These consultations can serve as a b r i d g e b e t w e e n policymakersandeducators, fostering a deeper understanding of the challengesandopportunities withintheeducationsystem.

The Ministry of Education has formulated a NationalEducationStrategy Onehopesthatthiswasdone after due consultation with teachers and that the task of developing the strategy was not left to technocrats who are divorced from the dayto-day running of classrooms Educational strategies should also guide interventions However, recentdevelopmentssuggest that ad hoc decision-making may be seeping into the education sector Decisions s u c h a s p r o p o s e d interventions to arrest the poor performance of students in Mathematics, allowing cross-streaming andnotmakingitmandatory for Form 5 students to rewrite subjects passed in Form 4 at the CSEC examinations, may hardly evoke controversy But if these plans are part of a disjointed policymaking, then it does not augur well for the future of the education sector Such fragmented measures can undermine the stability and coherence of the education system, potentially hindering students’ overall development.

It therefore needs to be asked: why were these

Dem boys seh...

decisions taken prior to the planned consultations? Woulditnothavebeenmuch better to have consultations withteachersandtheirunion prior to announcing these plans? Does this not make a mockery of the planned consultations?

Whileconsultationswith individual teachers are essential, it is equally important to recognize the roleoftheteachers’unionin advocating for their members.The union plays a crucial role in ensuring that teachers receive fair and equitable treatment, including negotiating benefits and working conditionsonbehalfoftheir members Thus, it is essential to maintain a clear distinction balance between consultations with teachers and negotiations with unions The government should make it clear that consultations with teachers arenotintendedtoreplaceor supersede the rights of the teachers’union to engage in collective bargaining Negotiationswithunionsare a fundamental aspect of ensuring that teachers are fairly compensated for their hard work, and their voices are heard in matters concerning their profession. Disregarding collective bargaining can lead to frustration among teachers and hinder educational deliverables.

Bypassing negotiations withteachers’unionsisareal possibility The PPP/C g o v e r n m e n t h a s demonstrated time and time again its unwillingness to

The laws of probability are not on de side of de traffic ranks

De p o l i c e

s u d d e n l y

b e c o m i n g militant in ensuring safety on the roads. De popo can be seen all over, pulling overvehiclesandchecking dem documents and tints. But when dem major road accidents happening is when de police nah deh pon de road in their usual numbers.

De police cannot solve de road safety problem.

Deh gat too much corruption among traffic ranks.Depopo aresodeep inthemuckofbriberyand kickbacks that they can’t evenseetheroadanymore. You can’t expect someone with one hand in your

pockettohavetheotheron the steering wheel, can you?

And then there’s science, that pesky little thing that tells us how the world works. Science is against the police, my friends. No matter how many fancy gadgets and speedgunstheyhave,they can’t change the laws of physics. More roads plus more cars equals more accidents.Allodderthings beingequalthatisalawof science.

De government seems tothinkthatbuildingmore roads will solve the problem. Sure, the roads might get wider and smoother, but they can’t

engage in collective bargaining with the union representingpublicservants. This approach has not been applied to teachers. It mustnotdosonowsincethis can lead to tensions and disputes,ultimatelyaffecting the quality of education and the morale of educators It is crucial to avoid the slippery slope of unilateral decisions, especially by a ruling party whose governments have a history of showing little regard for collective bargaining In the quest to reform and improve the education system,

consultations with teachers are invaluable for gaining insights into the field’s

c h a l l e n g e s a n d opportunities.However,itis

equally important to recognize the role of the

teachers’ union in advocating for its members’ rights and negotiating fair benefits The government should distinguish between

consultations and negotiations to ensure that educational policies are well-informed, fair, and sustainable. In doing so, we canworktowardsastronger, more effective education

system that benefits both teachers and students, ultimately contributing to the nation’s progress. (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.)

keep up with the neverending swarm of vehicles multiplyingtoads.

Thelawsofprobability, folks, they’re like Mother Nature’swayofgivingusa reality check. With more cars on the road, accidents are as inevitable as morning traffic jams during peak hours during theschoolterm.

So if de government can’t grasp this simple logic, then no amount of policepresencewillleadto reducedroadaccidentsand roadfatalities.Thesolution is to ensure that as more vehicles use our roads that all others things do not remainthesame.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

GHK LALL

INSTEADOFDOGSOFWAR,DREGSOFSOCIETY

Before proceeding, I tip my hat to Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP., for announcing the withdrawal of that law firm bid for a $9.6 million public contract. It is the wise and

honourable thing to do, sir. Well done. Now to today's focus.

I always wondered why Vice President Jagdeo do almost everything. Now I knowwhy Itisbecauseheis

surrounded by pretentious geniuses, when the best they will ever be is intellectually dishonest, depravedly dishonourable. I did them a favourbyelevatingtodogsof war status, only for it to be

confirmed that the lowest dregsofsocietyarethePPP's supportingcast.

One comrade, a mental tot among men, gave them a useless toy, and it was Old Year's Nite in September Peel back the layers, and what quickly becomes obvious is that child soldiers are used for dirty work These guys do love dirt and thegutter,don'tthey? Inthis country, they own the gutter, the whole length. A man minute in intellect who thinks highly of himself, thosearethemostdangerous kind. They were a dime a dozen where I came from, with 12 cents change left. A housebuiltonfoundationsof frailty is inevitably going to be a casualty of its own notoriety

I keep telling these guys, there is nothing to take the place of truth, nothing to trump it. Stop wriggling, w i g g l i n g M o s t unbecoming,Isay

These fellows in the PPP are so dissociated from what is honest and principled that any fishing expedition will do. They are firing away, releasing in deliriums of ecstasytheirpent-uphatreds. Man, it is the high of a general elections victory Dancingforjoytheyare,not realizing the pathetic figures theycut,butnotcaringofthe spectacle they make of themselves because they really do believe that they finally have something to celebrate. Not even Exxon announcinga5billionbarrel of oil discovery would generate such gyrations in thePPP Theyhavenothing, butitdoesn'tmatter,forthey will take it and make it into something Anything to remove the stiletto in their eye, and the pain in their

necks. Yes, I can

t a l k a b o u t

unethical and unprincipledpeoplein the PPPbecause they are there.

I see their snakelike shadows coming out from RobbStreetandOfficeofthe President and Office of the Prime Minister, and other offices of evil in this darkened State. Citizens havecometothatconclusion, notI.

Itishuntingseasonanda feeding frenzy in the secret societythathaslongbeenthe hallmark of the PPP. As the song says (Charley Pride), “Whensnakescrawlatnight” whichismostfitting. Ihave neverinmylifeseensomany snakes in suits. Like the old saying goes put a snake in a suit and it is still a snake. There they are shaking a mailed fist at one who has laid them low, and who has this assurance for them all: the day is still young; it be long. Callit,stirringupants' nest.Mybrothersinsuitswill do anything for a dollar, the dirtier, the better A man snapsafinger,andtherethey are taking off like mindless lostsouls.

I knew there was anger, and pent-up hatred in the PPP But never would have thoughtthatitwasthismuch. Look at these superstars and self-appointed sleuths who fabricate circumstances and lubricate narratives to suit their master's caprices. The nastier, slimier, dirtier, the better They have proved nothing, have exposed nothing, have delivered nothing that can stand anywhere. Unsurprising is that the whole pack of them weighed together stand for nothing, represent nothing. IfthisisthebestthatGuyana

and the PPP have to take us nd intothe22 century,thenthis country is toast. If these are the patriots that are arrayed against Exxon, it is no wonder that Mistah Routledgeridesallofthemas if they are docile beasts. Theyareinnumeroussenses of the word. This is a sorry state for a rich society It is sorrier still when this is all that the best and brightest amounts to: deceiving M a n u f a c t u r i n g Premeditating the sinister Preplanning the criminal And all to stick it to one solitary citizen standing in theirway

T h e y m a y f o o l themselves,andsomeothers, thattheyareontosomething. They have nothing. Look at me:avagabond,butfreeasa bird,andfeelingsorryforthe whole bunch of these ethical midgets, these unprincipled pipsqueaks. Hereisalinefor them to ponder: when it the lasttimemanyinthePPPhad anything to do with truth? Straighttruth? Simpletruth? Ordinary, everyday truth? Thewholetruth? Fromtruth comes honour and decency and self-respect. Note mine isintact,strongerthanbefore, withallthisattentionnow If anyone thinks that they are dealingwiththevanquished: 'deh lie.' They really don't know of what they speak, or whomtheyhavebeforethem.

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

Construction commences on hospitality institute -Tourism Minister

Constructionofthehospitalityinstitute at Port Mourant, Corentyne, has commenced and will cater to the training needs of the growing tourism and hospitalitysectorinGuyana.

This was disclosed by Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) Minister Walrond noted that the facility will be better than waspreviouslyconceptualised.

“Thehospitalityinstitute,I'mhappyto announce is well on its way We had to repurpose the project to conceptualise what we want for a hospitality institute whichissomethingthatisstateoftheart,

something that is fit for purpose. We see our tourism sector growing and booming and the project as previously conceptualised did not envisionthat.So,wehadtoenlargethefacility, and more sort of state-of-the-art kitchens for peopletobetrained,”MinisterWalrondstated.

“Thatwasapprovedafewweeksagobythe CDB which is our funder for the project, the hospitality institute so it started construction, construction for the hospitality institute has been started,” the tourism minister added. The hospitalityinstitutehaslongbeenonthecardsas Guyana's tourism sector expands Several internationally branded hotels are currently underconstructioninGuyanaandwillcomeon streamsoon,addingtotheroomcapacityasthe

(Continuedonpage16)

Pres. Ali admits Guyana has a bad Exxon deal, but refuses to renegotiate

Guyana'sPresident Irfaan Ali during aninterviewwith British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Senior Journalist Gideon Long reiteratedhisadministration's positiontonotrenegotiatethe lopsided Exxon deal, but admitted that the contract is onethatbenefitstheoilmajor morethanthiscountry

On Monday, BBC publishedtheinterviewLong had with President Ali. The Head-of-State was asked about Guyana's oil and gas resources and the way forwardforthecountry After Ali highlighted that Guyana hasabout11billionbarrelsof proven oil reserves, the journalist asked him his thoughtsonGuyanahavinga baddeal.

Long's question to PresidentAliwas:“thosebig oildepositsthatwestartedby talking about, those were discovered before you came to power and some critics have said that the previous government when they signed those contracts with Exxon and its partners, they were too generous, they didn't get a good deal for Guyana. They gave away Guyana's oil riches too cheaply Howtrueisthat?”

In response PresidentAli said, “Well, I would say

definitely, we did not have thebestofdeals,Exxonhave agooddealsignedbythelast government ” Ali then highlighted that sanctity of contract is “very important” to his Government, adding, “and we can't go back on that.” To this end, Long asked, “So there will be no renegotiating of the contract?”

“We cannot go back and renegotiate,” President Ali responded. He went on to state that while the Government of Guyana is unable to renegotiate the deal, they have embarked on several initiatives to reap morebenefitsforthecountry

“Whatwehavedoneisto ensurethat,therearechanges we have already outlined a number of changes in future

Production Sharing Agreements completely different.Allofthisisgeared to improved accountability, to ensure there is greater transparency and to ensure the country itself benefits greater from oil and gas resources,” President Ali added.

American oil giant, ExxonMobil is the operator of the lucrative Stabroek Block,withitspartners,Hess Corporation and CNOOC. Exxon and its co-ventures madeitsfirstdiscoveryinthe block back in 2015 and by December 2019 moved into productionphase.

The oil companies already sanctioned five USmulti-billion projects in the Stabroek Block with an investment of over US$50 Billionthattheywillrecover from Guyana's oil resources. They are currently pumping about400,000barrelsoilper day with hopes to reach one millionbpdby2029. Exxon is preparing to sanction its sixth oil project in the StabroekBlock.

Meanwhile, there have been many calls by civil society for the People's Progressive Party/ Civic

(PPP/C) administration to bring ExxonMobil Guyana backtothetabletocarveout a better or more even deal which will garner more benefitsforthecountry

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who served under the APNU + AFC Coalition government between 2015 and 2020, was the one who signed the deal in 2016 with Exxon. The deal Trotman signed,waivesalltaxesfrom the oil companies, gives Guyana a 2% royalty on its

-BBCreports

rich resources, and agrees to theoilcompaniesrecovering 75% of investments before theremaining25%isshared, with Guyana receiving 12.5%.

The arrangement, with thelackofring-fencing,sees Guyana paying for projects that are yet to commence production activities. Each month bills from future producing developments are added to the list of expenses to be cost recovered by Exxon.

A few months ago,

Trotman in his book titled, 'From Destiny to Prosperity' offered support to the government to renegotiate the lopsided Stabroek Block deal the country has with an ExxonMobil-ledconsortium.

Trotman's offer was refused by Vice President (VP)BharratJagdeo,andthe calls by citizens for the deal toberenegotiatedhavefallen on deaf ears as PresidentAli as well as VP Jagdeo is adamant that they will not renegotiate the deal because of'sanctityofcontract'.

Dutch company applies for fuel bunkering licence to support Gas-to-Energy Project

Dutchmaritimecompany, Van Oord Offshore B.V has a p p r o a c h e d t h e Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)foralicenceto store,transportanddistribute fuelviatwovessels.Notably, such bunkering services would be to support offshore pipelineinstallationactivities for the Gas-to-Energy Project.

The two vessels, Atlantic Liberty and Knockout P, would be used to take fuel to

Van Oord's construction fleet thatisworkingontheproject. The company reminded that the Gas-to-Energy venture is being done by the Guyana Government in partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited.

The project entails the installation of a 12 inch pipeline which would connect to the existing FloatingProduction,Storage, and Offloading Vessels (FPSOs) called “Liza

Destiny”and“LizaUnity.” The gas from those two ships would then be transported to shore via the pipeline system Exxon would be required to transport approximately 50 million standard cubic feet perday(MSCFD)ofrichgas to an onshore Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant and power plant. Government is handling the construction of theonshorefacilitieswhile

(Continuedonpage18)

Knockout

Atlantic Liberty (former Bourbon Liberty 156)

(Aaron Davidson/Getty Images)

President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali

FAO Food Price Index declines in August

...says strong supply conditions push international commodity quotations lower except for rice and sugar

Rome – International food commodity prices declined in August, led by staples other than rice and sugar, the Food and

Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reportedtoday

The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly

changes in the international prices of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 121.4pointsinAugust,down 2.1 percent from July and as

muchas24percentbelowits March2022peak.

The FAO Vegetable Oil PriceIndexdecreasedby3.1 percent in August, partly

reversing a sharp 12 1 percentupwardmoveinJuly

Worldpricesofsunfloweroil declined by nearly 8 percent during the month amid

weakening global import demand and abundant offers from major exporters.World quotations for soy oil dropped owing to improving soybean crop conditions in theUnitedStatesofAmerica, while those for palm oil fell moderately amid seasonally rising outputs in leading producing countries in SoutheastAsia.

The FAO Cereal Price Indexdeclinedby0.7percent from July International wheat prices fell by 3 8 percent in August amid higherseasonalavailabilities from several leading e x p o r t e r s , w h i l e international coarse grain prices fell by 3.4 percent amid ample global supplies of maize from a record harvest in Brazil and the imminentstartoftheharvest intheUSA.

Instarkcontrast,theFAO All Rice Price Index rose by 9.8percentfromJulytoreach a 15-year nominal high, reflectingtradedisruptionsin the aftermath of a ban on Indica white rice exports by India,theworld'slargestrice exporter Uncertainty about the ban's duration and concerns over export restrictions caused supplychain actors to hold-on to stocks,re-negotiatecontracts or stop making price offers, therebylimitingmosttradeto small volumes and previouslyconcludedsales.

The FAO Dairy Price Indexdeclinedby4.0percent from July, led by international quotations for whole milk powder, in abundant supply from Oceania. International butter and cheese prices also dropped, due in part to lackluster market activities associated with the summer holidaysinEurope.TheFAO Meat Price Index dipped by 3 0 percent World ovine prices fell the most, underpinned by a surge in export availabilities mainly from Australia and weaker demand from China. Robust supplies also nudged downwardsthepricesofpig, poultryandbovinemeats.

The FAO Sugar Price Index rose by 1.3 percent from July, averaging in August as much as 34.1 percenthigherthanitsvaluea year ago. The increase was mainly triggered by heightenedconcernsoverthe impact of the El Niño phenomenon on sugarcane crops, along with belowaverage rains in August and persistent dry weather conditions in Thailand. The large crop currently being harvestedinBrazillimited

(Continunedonpage16)

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

Labourers for wood concession and Chainsaw Operators needed. Call: 6260936.

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Guyana’s economy growing...

FAO Food Price Index...

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From page 8 its fiscal transparency. In this regard, it recalled that the Natural Resource Fund, amended in 2021, enhanced transparency and accountability of the use of oil revenues. In 2022, it also noted that the governance of the NRF was strengthened with the appointment of three critical bodies: the NRF Board of Directors, the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, and the Investment Committee.

Further, the IMF observed that the year 2022 was the first year when oil revenues were transferred from the NRF to the budget. The use of the funds is reported in the budget documents, and all receipts are published. That process continued with the 2023 budget.

At the same time, the IMF said the authorities made progress in reforming the regulatory framework for the oil sector. In this regard, it noted that the 1986 Petroleum Exploration and Production Act was modernized and approved by parliament in August 2023. The new Act enhances the regulation of exploration and production of oil, and further paves the way for developing the oil and gas industry. The IMF also took note of the fact that new model Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) have been designed to govern deepwater and shallow water blocks. These documents will be used following the auction of 14 new oil and gas blocks in November and will increase

the government share of oil profits.

Overall, the IMF said, “The outlook for mediumterm growth is better than ever before. Oil production will continue to expand rapidly as three new approved fields will come on stream between 2024-27 and a sixth field is expected to come on stream in the first half of 2028. Sustained real non-oil GDP growth of 5.5 percent is projected, as the government continues its ambitious plans to address developmental needs.”

The IMF was keen to note that Guyana’s favourable medium-term growth prospects are accompanied by upside and downside risks.

On the upside, it said further oil discoveries would continue to improve growth prospects.

On the downside, it warned that construction growth and strong public investment may support higher than expected short-term nonoil growth but could also lead to inflationary pressures, overheating of the economy, and the crowding out of credit to the private sector. It cautioned as well that adverse climate shocks, and volatile or lower than projected commodity prices, may also negatively impact the economy.

From page 14 the upward pressure on international sugar quotations, as did lower ethanol prices and the weakening of the Brazilian Real.

Global cereal production forecast to match past record

FAO also released a new Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, which forecasts that world cereal production in 2023 will increase by 0.9 percent from the previous year to reach 2 815 million tonnes, on par with the record output realized in 2021. While global wheat production is set to decline by 2.6 percent from 2022, coarse grains total output is forecast to rise by 2.7 percent, with maize production seen reaching a new record of 1 215 million tonnes, buoyed by strong yields in Brazil and Ukraine. Despite a slight downward revision since July, world rice output in 2023/24 is still seen recovering by 1.1 percent from the previous season. World cereal utilization in the season ahead is forecast at 2 807 million tonnes, 0.8 percent above the 2022/23 level.

World cereal stocks at the close of 2023/24 marketing seasons are predicted to stand at 878 million tonnes, a 2.2-percent annual increase, pointing to a world stocks-touse ratio for cereals of 30.5 percent, which FAO deems an

“overall comfortable global supply level from a historical perspective.”

World rice stocks are forecast to reach an all-time high of 198.1 million tonnes, driven up by India which together with China are estimated to hold nearly three quarters of this volume, like in previous seasons. Aggregate rice reserves held by the rest of countries are seen ending the year with a second successive contraction to a fouryear low pegged at of 51.4 million tonnes.

FAO lowered its forecast for world trade in cereals in 2023/24 to 466 million tonnes, a 1.7 percent drop from the previous marketing season. Traded volumes of wheat and maize are all predicted to decline, due to a mix of reasons, including falling exports by Ukraine due to trade disruptions associated with the ongoing war. FAO has also lowered its forecast for world trade in rice from the July figure considering the steppedup export restrictions by India. Although the duration of these restrictions and their extent of application are uncertain, if protracted and if El Niño induces production constraints in other Asian exporters, they could keep the predicted recovery in 2024 trade in rice modest, FAO said.

Construction worker remanded...

From page 3

the burnt body revealed that the individual died from a ‘blunt force trauma ‘to the head. The pathologist also opined that the woman was killed and her body was then set alight.

saw a fire and the contractor who Mohamed had hired to build her house was seen hurriedly leaving the scene. The woman’s relatives noted that the man walked to the end of the yard and disappeared in the darkness.

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Relatives told police that Mohamed went to the construction site around 09:00hrs on Tuesday but failed to return home. Calls to her mobile phone went unanswered and relatives became worried.

They began inquiring about her whereabouts but no one knew where she was. At around 22:00hrs that evening, family members decided to visit the construction site in search of her. When they arrived, they reportedly

According to the police, family members used several buckets of water from a nearby stand pipe and extinguished the fire. “After this, they observed what appeared to be a human skull among the debris”, police stated. They immediately notified police and investigators were sent to the scene.

When ranks arrived, they removed a burnt skull and torso from among the debris. Crime scene investigators

also found a sledge hammer and crowbar next to the charred remains. An investigation was launched immediately and police learnt that the contractor might have murdered Mohammed just moments after she arrived at the construction site on Tuesday morning.

A neighbour had reportedly seen him burning wood and other materials in the yard around 10:00hrs that day. A video which subsequently surfaced depicted a man adding wood and other debris to a fire at the construction site. The contractor is said to be well-known to Mohamed and her relatives and reportedly does “quality work” for them.

Construction commences on hospitality institute...

From page 10 Government of Guyana seeks to add more rooms to the current stock.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

687-5814.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, announced in December 2020, that the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) had approved a US$1M loan for the development of

the Tourism and Hospitality Institute in Guyana, this equates to GYD$2.3B. The building was initially intended to be constructed at Providence, East Bank Demerara, but this was changed to Port Mourant, Berbice.

In the meantime, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has established its own facility to train persons

in areas such as tour guides and other specified needs of the industry.

Guyana also has an agreement with Barbados which will see thousands of persons being trained.

“They have approved to start with 30 to train the trainers and those trainers will come to Guyana and train our people here,” Minister Walrond noted.

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Deliberate distraction to host public meetings for Exxon’s 6th project during cricket

– Civil Society Members

The decision by Esso

Exploration and

Production Guyana

Limited (EEPGL) –

ExxonMobil Guyana- the operator of the Stabroek Block to host public meetings on its sixth deepwater project on the same days of the cricket tournament is being played in Guyana appears to be all part of a strategy to deliberately distract Guyanese from the allimportant exercise This is theviewofsomecivilsociety members including former Head of the Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)Dr Vincent Adams Dr Adams said that it is only normal practice for any reputable agency to host a proper consultation; they must engage their stakeholders during a time when they would see maximum participation “To host a consultation exercise on the daywhencricketinGuyanais being played is a deliberate move not to get most people

to show up It shows there is no genuine effort for transparency and reluctance by the oil company to truly engage stakeholders,” he saidDr Adams continued:

“cricket is a big part of our culture in Guyana and when you have big cricket tournaments like this, most people’s focus is not on anything else other than on thosegames soIagreewith anyone who says it is totally egregious and deliberate for them to do that”President of Transparency International

Guyana Inc (TIGI), Frederick Collins shared a similar perspective. Collins posited that while the decision ExxonMobil Guyana to host its public meeting for the sixth deepwater project offshore Guyana during the cricket games may all be part of a strategy to deliberately distract citizens, it is the responsibility of Guyanese to turn out in their numbers and show interest in the project that will affect them forgenerationstocome.The

Man wanted by police for attempting to kill girlfriend

DelonMcLeaniswanted by the police in relation to the alleged attempted murder committed on Tamara Roberts, the mother ofhischild.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mclean, a resident of Lot 468 East Ruimveldt Back Circle, Georgetown to contact them on 225-6940, 225-8196, 2267476, 225-2317, 227-1149 or thenearestpolicestation.

According to the Police Force, the incident involving McLeanandRobertsoccurred on September 2 In an interview with Big Smith News Watch following the incident, 25-year-old Roberts relatedthatonthenightofthe incident, she was sleeping whenthesuspectcamehome andaskedherforherphone. She said that after the suspect retrieved her cellphone from her pillow, he asked her to open it. The young woman shared that she had asked him why he wanted the phone to open, but he kept asking her to unlock the phone. After not getting his way, she said he left and went outside Shortlyafter,Robertsrelated that the man returned to the room and continued to demand that she opens the phone.

The injured woman said

she told him that there was nothing inside the phone for him, but he kept asking.

Roberts further related that shethengotupfromthebed and“IsaidIamnotopening no phone.” She related that

when she got up from the bed,shesawthesuspectwith abottleinhishand According toher,shethoughtitwasrum he had in the bottle since he normally keeps rum in the bottle After asking one last time for the phone to unlock and she refused to do so, Roberts reported that the suspectlitacigaretteandthrew theliquidfromthebottleonto her.

“He open the bottle and threw the gas on me, when I smell,itwasgasandIguessit was the flame from the cigarette that he had light before it started to catch afire onme,andIrunandstartedto fightupwithmyhandsinmy face,”sheexplained.

After being lit on fire, Robertsdetailedthatshethen attempted to run towards the bathroomandwhiledoingso, thesuspectranbehindherand threw a bucket of water onto her After this, she recalled runningoutofthehouseand yelledforhelp.

Accordingtothewoman, she is a very family-oriented womanandisnotinanycase unfaithfultotheman

She added that a few months back, he had lashed hertoherhead,towhichshe had made a police report aboutit

In images of Roberts after the incident, she sufferedburnsandinjuriesto herface,neckandhands.

transparency advocate said thatheisnotsurprisedatthis move since it is not unusual for oil companies to show reluctance to give citizens insightintotheirplansforthe petroleumsector “Therehas always been a reluctance to consult from the inception, justlookattheshortspaceof time they are giving citizens to examine 3000 plus pages of technical data for this project.”“Itisclearthatthey don’t want to consult anyone. They are just doing thistolookgoodandtosayat the end of the day, we consulted you. So if you prioritisethecricketoverthe meeting, they will say it’s your loss because we made anefforttoconsultyou.You are the one who failed to showup,”theTIGIPresident said as he called on citizens to use every opportunity to ensure they get a clear understandingofwhattheoil operators plan to do with t h e i r v a l u e d assets.Meanwhile, overseas-

based Guyanese Dr Jerry Jailall said while he cannot determine that the decision to host the meeting during cricket was deliberate, he believes the planners of these meetings should be cognizant ofwhatelseishappeningsoas to allow for maximum participation Dr Jailall underscoredtheimportanceof scheduling these meetings at times and places convenient formaximumparticipationby the public, civil society representatives, media, and others“The public hearings fortheoilprojectsaremeantto satisfy due process requirements as public comment,questions,andinput are essential to the public involvementprocess,”hesaid More importantly, Dr Jailall saidmoderatorscannotrefuse to take questions from the media or to frustrate those asking questions and probing into details ExxonMobil Guyana is set to host a consultation on its sixth deepwater project today at the Leonora Technical Institute, West Coast Demerara The project, Whiptail is Exxon’s largest developmenttodate,pegged at US$12 9 billion The company is expected to engage the public on the 3636 paged Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) it s u b m i t t e d t o t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) only 22 days prior The document contains technical data such as the standards that would

be employed in the development of the project, the estimated amount of discharges that can cause pollution, likely impacts to humansandtheenvironment aswellasoutlinesmitigative measures among others.The regulator issued a public notice on August 20, 2023, informingthatthedocument was available for public scrutiny and comments as r e q u i r e d b y t h e Environmental Protection Act. This process allows stakeholders to better understand the development and share concerns relative toitsoperations.

Following the release of the EIA, ExxonMobil announced that it will commenceaseriesofpublic consultations on September 12,2023.However,concerns have been raised by the publicregardingthestrategic move by the operator to c o m m e n c e p u b l i c consultations on the project amid the Cricket Carnival seasoninGuyana.

The country will be hosting a series of games duringtheperiodExxonwill be conducting meetings on the sixth project. In fact, the local games commence on Wednesday,September13at the National Stadium in Providence, East Bank Demerara(RegionFour),the same day the oil giant will meetwithstakeholdersatthe UmanaYana in Georgetown ontheplanneddevelopment.

Venezuelan arrested for discharging firearm

Police ranks on

Sunday arrested Isaac Lopez, a 29-year-old of Public Road, West Coast Demerara(WCD),afterhe admitted to discharging a firearm in the air, near a groupofpeople.

According to the police, at about 14:00hrs on the day in question, a 29-year-old woman of Parika Access Road, East Bank Essequibo, reported to police ranks at Parika that around 03:30hrs that day,whilststandingonthe roadinfrontofherhome,a ‘Spanish’ man discharged four rounds in the air causingherandherfamily torunaway

I n v e s t

police ranks on the Parika AccessRoadandwastold of the allegations against him He admitted to dischargingseveralrounds intheair

Police then escorted him to his home on the Leonora Public Road, WCD where a search was conducted in his bedroom and a firearm without ammunitionwasfoundon topofanairconditionunit. The firearm was shown to him,andhewastoldofthe allegation. He reportedly said, “Yeah, that is the gun.”

g

n s revealed that the man told thewomanthatherbrother had stolen US$3000 from h i

s subsequentlycontactedby

Lopez was arrested immediately and escorted to the police station along with the firearm The weapon was then examined; however, it borenoserialnumber The firearmwaslodgedandhe was placed into custody pendingcharges.

Tamara Roberts before and after the incident with the father of her son. (Photo credit, Big Smith News)

Wanted, Delon McLean

Gun found in Lopez premises

Man arrested: Isaac Lopez

Dr. Jerry Jailall

President of TIGI, Frederick Collins

Former Head of the EPADr. Vincent Adams

A-list schools must allow 'cross-streaming' …ManickchandannouncesasnewBishops'Highannexcommissioned

All A-List high schools must allow cross-streaming of subjects offered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), Minister of E d u c a t i o n , P r i y a Manickchand announced on Monday

Manickchand made the announcement during the commissioningceremonyof the newly built 'Maureen Massiah Wing' at The Bishops'HighSchool.

During brief remarks at the event, the Education Minister said that crossstreaming will allow students to write subjects in multiple streams at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations offeredbyCXC.

She said that the education authorities will also work to ensure that School Based Assessments (SBAs) are completed in a manner that will allow students to reap greater benefits from the practical exposure.

The new annex at Bishops's High, which was built at a cost of $95.4M, is outfitted with eight new

classroomsandalaboratory

The new wing was named afterMrs.Massiah,aretired former, long-serving headmistresswhoservedthe institution from 1987 to 2002.

While speaking on the school's expansion, the Education Minister said that theideabehindtheprojectis to ensure more students b e n e f i t f r o m t h e opportunities and quality of education offered by the institution.

A similar approach is being undertaken at four other national schools including Queen's College, St. Stanislaus College, St. Rose's High School and St. Joseph's High School, Manickchand said, adding that the expansion will accommodate more students.

The Education Minister said that the vision is to provide a space where children could meet and learn more about each other and take away better experiencesfromtheschool.

She said the ministry is focused on schools producing children who can

develop the country and respond to the immediate, intermediate and long-term plans She added that producing rounded students is a priority for the Ministry of Education. “Our plan, whichwe'reworkingonisto have every student exiting high school exposed to and be relatively proficient in playing one musical instrument, a foreign language,oneTVETsubject andhavingastrongsenseof volunteerism,”sherelated.

Shulinab Village gets $7M doctor's quarter

Amedicaldoctorwillnowbeproperly accommodated in theAmerindian Village of Shulinab, Region Nine to provide residentswithbetterhealthcareservicesas a new $7M doctor's quarter was commissioned in the area over the weekend.

The new facility was built in the compound of the Shulinab Health Centre and was commissioned by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. During brief

connectivity,”hestated.

Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer, Dr Cerdel McWatt while delivering brief remarks, related that the 2024 budget proposals cater for the development of a seven-quarter staff complex along with the construction of a Cottage Hospital for the ShulinabVillage.Also over the weekend, the Minister also recommissionedtheMeriwauVillageHealthPost and a newly constructed sanitary block. With a totalof$9Mbeingspentontheoverallupgrades delivery

Principal of Bishops' High, Mrs Shandrina Welcome –Lee, while providing a background to the new wing, said that the decision to name the new wing in honour of Mrs. Massiah was arrived at through consultation by old studentsandstakeholders. She said it is aimed at honouring Massiah, one of the most influential and long-serving principals of The Bishops' High School. “During her time, she was

instrumental in steadying andrestoringthestandardof education being delivered at the institution This feat came naturally to her as she understood the illustrious history of the school. She espoused discipline and instilled that to students and staff alike,” Welcome-Lee noted.

Kaieteur News reported last year July that the Ministry of Education had signed a $95.4M contract with contractor Mohabir

Construction to build the facility; the contracting firm was given an 11-month timeline to complete the project.

Atthecontractsigning,it was stated that the project forms part of the Education Ministry's efforts to ensure students receive an education in a safe and comfortable environment Contractors were also reminded to ensure quality work within the stipulated timeframeattheevent.

Stephen Campbell, t h e f i r s t A m e r i n d i a n Parliamentarian, was remembered Sunday as part of activities to observe the Amerindian Heritage Day 2023.

This activity was held at the Umana Yana in his honour, featuring a play by students of the Hinterland Scholarship Programme, titled:StephenCampbell-An UntoldLoveStory Campbell was elected to the Legislative Council of BritishGuianaonSeptember 10th 1957 “This event serves as a tribute to his outstanding contributions, highlighting his dedication to empowering Indigenous communities across Guyanaandadvocatingfor their rights,” said Member

ofParliamentAlisterCharlie asheaddressedthegathering onSundayevening.

He noted that Stephen Campbell's life was a t e s t a m e n t t o t h e transformative power of resilience dedication and a compassionate heart. “An untold love story of Stephen Campbell explores the life of the relatively unknown man, Stephen Campbell, who made a significant impact, through his unwavering commitment to his belief anddeterminationtobring about positive change Campbellstoodasabeacon of hope known for his integrity and resilience

Through his tireless efforts, he not only transformed his own life

but also influenced

countless others,” MP Charliestated.

Thecastoftheplay

Charlie noted that apart from his professional life, Campbell was also a person who prioritised his family andwasalovingfamilyman who prioritized quality time with his loved ones. “As we remember Stephen Campbelltoday,letus also reflect on the profound lessons he leaves behind; his life reminds us that curiosity dedication and kindness can shape the world in powerful ways,” hestated. LatePresidentDr Cheddi Jagan established September as Amerindian Heritage Month in 1995, it serves as a reminder of the work of Stephen Campbell andhisaccenttoParliament. (DPI)

First

Amerindian MP, Stephen Campbell remembered

Students performing at the event

The new doctor's quarter at Shulinab, Region Nine.

The newly constructed $95.4 million 'Mrs. Maureen Massiah Wing' which was commissioned at The Bishop's High School on Monday

112,000 tonnes of hot, greasy water to be discharged daily from th Exxon's 6 project- EIA

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) submitted by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited for the sixth planned deep-water project,Whiptailhasindicatedthat a massive 112,393 tonnes of hot, greasy water will be discharged overboard daily during production activities.

The sixth development is pending approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Exxonintendstocommence oilproductionattheprojectasearly as 2027, producing up to 263,000 barrelsperday(bpd).

Notably, bpd has been the standard unit utilised by Exxon in its EIAs to measure the estimated volume of planned discharges. In fact,itsConsultant,Environmental Resources Management (ERM) used this simple unit in a recent study it conducted for the fourth StabroekBlockproject,Yellowtail; however,ERMintheWhiptailEIA displayed the scheduled toxic discharges in the unit m3 (cubic

meters).

According to the study, about 278,228 m3 of cooling water per day will be dumped overboard along with 39,747 m3 per day of produced water that contains oil, grease and other chemicals Another 287 m3 per day of oily bilge water is expected to be dumped overboard taking the total daily estimated hot oily discharges to 318,262 m3 daily When converted, this measures 112,393 tonnes.

It is unclear why Exxon's consultant modified the standard bpd measurement, however, the company pointed out in the study that the likely pollutants from the produced water and other possible toxic discharges will be treated as required to meet international standards.

Guyana has been switching gears from exploration to production activities in record breakingtime.Initsbidtorampup production activities however, stakeholders fear that the country

may not be implementing the necessary measures to safeguard the environment, thereby risking the livelihoods of fishermen and others.

Kaieteur News hadreachedout to the Executive Director of the EPA, Kemraj Pasram on Friday upon taking note of the volume of highlytoxicwastetobedischarged daily This newspaper specifically asked the Head of the regulatory agencytoindicatethemechanisms inplacetoverifythatthedischarges are being treated to the required standards prior to being dumped into Guyana's waters This is particularly important given that organisms in the sea can be impacted however, there has been no response to date from the ExecutiveDirector

commence a series of public consultations today at the Leonora Technical Institute, West Coast Demerarafrom10:00hrstoeducate thepubliconitsprojectandlistento concerns. Stakeholders will also have an opportunity to raise questions regarding the project's impacts. The public meetings will rununtilSeptember22,2023.

Notably, one session will be facilitated in Regions Three and Four, the two most populated regions in the country On September 13, 2023, Exxon will engageresidentsofRegionFourat the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetownfrom17:00hrs.

Two meetings are also scheduled for Region One, one in Region Two, two in Region Five andoneinRegionSix.

Sixthproject

ExxonMobil's sixth and largest oil project seeks to produce oil at the Whiptail, Pinktail and Tilapia fields. According to the Project Summary,Whiptailislocatedinthe south eastern portion of the Stabroek Block, approximately 183km from Georgetown. Current plansincludedrillingviadrillships to produce oil from approximately 40 – 65 production and injection wells. The company hopes to start up the sixth development by the fourth quarter of 2027 or first quarter of 2028. It has an expected fieldlifeofatleast20years.

Only on Sunday this publication reported that an unmitigated oil spill could devastatethelivelihoodsofcitizens in Regions One through Six, as outlined in the EIA submitted by Exxon.

James Krakowsky carts off top honours in intense scrabble encounter

In what was viewed as an intense and fiercely competitive tournament, veteran scrabble player, James Krakowsky, shrugged aside consecutive defeats to Moen Gafoor at two preceding tournaments to finally take the helm on the podium when the nation’s top scrabble players convened for a senior championship at Flava’s, Charlotte Street Georgetown, last Saturday afternoon.

Krakowsky amassed a flawless 6 points and a positive spread of 586, while Gafoor was relegated to the second-place slot with 4 points and a positive spread of 709. Curtis Liverpool con-

tinued his climb among the elite players when he replicated the feat of being among the top finishers. He managed to compile a similar number of points as Gafoor but with a slightly lower spread of 634 to seal off the podium positions.

Krakowsky took care of Jonathan Subrian by a commanding spread of 182 in the first sitting and by lunch had registered victories over Kamta Ramnarine (170) and Gafoor (8). He continued his dominance in the post-lunch session at the expense of Winslow Jacobs (340), Colin Chichester (113), and Leon Belony (78). Gafoor defeated

Liverpool (112), Ovid Williams (214), Colin Chichester (122), and Winslow Jacobs (208) but conceded his 3rd and 4th sitting games to Leon Belony (42) and Krakowsky (8).

Meanwhile, Belony managed to stay in the limelight after clinching the trophy for compiling the most bingos (16). Wayne Cave received a special prize for scoring the most points outside of a bingo (86), Christine Basil finished with 3 points and a positive spread of 313 and was awarded a trophy for the Best Emerging Player. Marshal Karamchand was awarded US$20 donated by

Tuesday September 12, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Share your skills today, Aries. You will find that as you engage in the role of teacher, you learn more than if you just hold onto your knowledge without sharing it.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Don't underestimate the power of other people today, Taurus. They may seem flighty and scatterbrained on the outside, but underneath you will find that they have a great deal of wisdom to share.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Remember that there's a benevolent force out there that loves you, Gemini. No matter what, there's always a shoulder to cry on, even if it isn't a tangible one. Even in your darkest moments.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Don't hesitate to say the obvious today, Cancer, even if it sounds corny. Many times people hesitate to say what they really feel because they think it's obvious to everyone.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Look to older figures for advice today, Leo. Seek counsel with a parent or grandparent on issues you feel strongly about. Relationships with older people are likely to go especially well.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Consider composing a bit of poetry today, Virgo. Use this as an exercise to condense your ocean of emotions into a very few words.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Just because your emotions are reserved or somber today doesn't mean you shouldn't share them with others, Libra. Work through difficulties.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

You may need to jump to many different people and situations today, Scorpio, yet something is holding you back. Listen to this inner voice that's asking you to be conservative at this time.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

ou feel like you have a stone strapped to your back, Sagittarius. The farther you walk with this load, the slower you go, and the more hunched over you will be by the time you reach your destination.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It

Feel free to break ties with certain people now, Capricorn. You may be overextending your emotional bank account by investing too much of yourself in others' lives.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Less is more should be your motto for today, Aquarius. The more you cut back in certain areas of your life, the more room you open up to bring in new and exciting things.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You may be asked to slow down today, Pisces. Whether this comes in the form of a speeding ticket or a scrape on the knee when you trip.

the Amerindian community, for spelling the word ‘Nations’ while Cave won a special necklace donated by Nelisha Johnson for his feat of registering the most points outside a bingo.

Michael Benjamin also registered 3 points but failed to be among the podium finishers by dint of a lower spread. He was awarded a special trophy for his high level of consistency.

The organizers have announced that the next tournament is scheduled for Sep-

Kwakwani Secondary...

From page 27 they fall short. And when they receive a scholarship that’s when we get the issues of them fulfilling their dreams because in the international scene if you can’t tie athletics and academics your dreams would fall short. Central Government is also touting and giving lots of support to through the Ministry of Education as well as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports because we want to by 2030 Guyana could produce teams that could go and represent Guyana and we need to move away from you having to go overseas and then come back and represent Guyana. Let us start harnessing our efforts here.”

Coordinator Ms. Dawn McCammon Barker said, “The venture is a collaborative effort between the DOE Region 10, Linden Mayor and Town Council, Brusches Basketball Foundation and the Kings Basketball Club. The tournament is being played from Friday September 8 to Friday October 6, 2023 and will be played at the Retrieve, Amelia’s Ward and New Silvercity Hard Courts.

The schools identified are Christianburg Wismar Secondary, Wisburg Secondary, New Silvercity Secondary, Harmony Secondary, Linden Technical Institute, Linden Foundation Secondary, Marcia Craig Educational Institute, Kwakwani Secondary and Mackenzie High School.”

tember 23 and urged the players to continue practicing in order to improve on their re-

spective games. Approximately 12 players had competed for top honours.

DCC thump Everest by 7

wickets in GCA T20 Cup final

Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) inflicted a 7-wicket defeat on Everest thanks to some top batting which piloted them to the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) T20 1st Division title, following Sunday’s battle.

The Queenstown Club recently hoisted the Guyana Cricket Board Republic Bank U23 50-Over title after beating North Essequibo in the final, now adding the T20 title to their lot after former Guyana youth batsman Raymond Perez struck a brisk, matchwinning half-century.

Batting first Everest finished on 161-5 after skipper Akshaya Persaud hammered some 8 sixes in his 79 off 40, while Richie Looknauth supported with 40. DCC

pacers Carlton Jacques (2-31) and Dexter George (2-24) did the damage.

In reply, DCC sped to 1623 inside 17 overs winning comprehensively by 7 wickets, thanks to Perez who’s fifty came under 30 balls, Guyana Harpy Eagles batsman Tevin Imlach anchored the chase with 45 not out and opener Sachin Singh 36 (4x4 2x6).

Guyana fast-bowler Clinton Pestano, who had back-to-back wickets at one point, grabbed 2-22 as Everest suffered a tough loss against a confident in-form Cricket Club. For their efforts, the champs walked away with the winning trophy along with GYD $200,000 and medals while runners-up, Everest pocketed GYD $150,000.

scrabble latest - Krakowsky (3rd L standing), surrounded by other achievers just after closing off sessions. Others enjoying the moment are (L-R) Liverpool, Marshal Karamchan, Benjamin (sitting) Belon,y Cave and Elisa.

Stella Maris Primary School crowned champs of ExxonMobil inaugural Future Warriors cricket tournament

Stella Maris Primary School pummeled F.E Pollard Primary School by 10 wickets as they were crowned champions of the inaugural Future Warriors Tapeball tournament sponsoredbyExxonMobil.

Captain Tafari Softleigh piloted Stella Maris to their crushing win at the Guyana Defence Force Ground this past Sunday Stella Maris easily chased 47 in 3 overs led by Brandon Frank, 28 (2x4s; 3x6s) from 10 balls, whiletheskipperchippedin with 19 (1×4; 2x6s) from 8 balls.

Softleigh finished the tournament with 135 runs fromfiveinnings,withatop score of 63, while Christian Seenauth of FE Pollard finished the tourney as the mostsuccessfulbowlerwith sevenwickets.

F.E Pollard reached the

final after they defeated St. Pius in the virtual knockout matchbythreeruns.Thetop three teams were decided aftermatchesonSaturdayat theEverestCricketClub.

Ten schools participated in the inaugural tournament, and according to the Managing Director of FL Sport, John Ramsingh, the tournament was fascinating and created a platform for talentdevelopment

ExxonMobil Guyana Community Relations Advisor,RyanHoppie,hailed the organizers for a well-run tournament and charged the participants to keep playing the sport and find a balance betweenacademicsandsport Both teams will now meet, greet and play the Guyana Amazon Warriors and even playanoveltymatchagainst the Warriors at the Marriott Hotel,Kingston,tonight.

Knight Riders ensure qualifier 1 spot

CPL-TrinbagoKnightRidersensured a top-two finish and place in the 2023 RepublicBank CaribbeanPremierLeague (CPL) Qualifier with a seven wicket victoryovertheSaintLuciaKings.

Thehometeamwonthetossandchose tofieldfirst,butitwastheirformerplayer ColinMunrowhowasthestaroftheSaint Lucia Kings innings, scoring an unbeaten 72 runs to take the side to 167/3 after 20 overs.

TheKnightRiderschasewasheadlined byasuperbhalfcenturyfromMarkDeyal, alongside support from wicket-keeper Lorcan Tucker andAndre Russell, to take the side to a seven wicket victory in their finalgamethisseasoninfrontoftheirhome crowd.

SaintLuciaKingslostpowerfulopener Johnson Charles in the PowerPlay, as fast bowler Jayden Seales celebrated with a wicketonhisbirthday,buttheKingswould rebuild as Colin Munro and Roston Chase patiently scored runs in their 76 run partnership,whichcameoff58balls.

Chase was dismissed off a Waqar Salamkheildeliveryandthatwasfollowed shortly afterwards with the big wicket of

captain Sikandar Raza, who fell to Sunil Narine. AlatecameofromSeanWilliams, whosmashed34runsoff17ballswouldsee the Saint Lucia Kings score 58 runs in the last5overstofinishon167/3.

Trinbago Knight Riders had an early scare as opener Martin Guptill was given out LBW from just the third ball of the innings,butthedecisionwasoverturnedon review Guptilleventuallylosthiswicketinthe fourth over, and when Nicholas Pooran, leading run scorer for the franchise this season,losthiswicketinthefinalballofthe powerplay to an Alzarri Joseph delivery, theKnightRiderslookedintroubleat45-2. However, opener Mark Deyal would compose a brilliant half century, reaching 57beforebeingcaughtontheboundaryby Peter Hatzoglou. Lorcan Tucker would provide invaluable support with 38 runs, before a flurry of boundaries from Andre Russell would ensure theTrinbago Knight Riderswouldwin.

CPL action now moves on to the final leg in Guyana, with the Guyana Amazon Warriors taking on the Jamaica Tallawahs tomorrowevening.

Shemar Britton advances into the round of 32 – ITTF PanAm C/ship

In a heart-pounding displayofdeterminationand skill, Guyana’s Shemar Brittonclawedhiswayback from the brink of defeat to secure a sensational victory in his round of 64 singles match at the International Table Tennis Federation’s P a n A m e r i c a n Championships held in Havana,CubaonSunday Britton faced a formidable opponent in Peru’sJeissonMartinez,and in the early stages of the match, the odds seemed stacked against him. The southpaw Britton found himselftrailing0-3,justone game away from being eliminated from the tournament However, he exhibited remarkable courageandtacticalprowess to mount a remarkable comeback.

With the crowd on the edge of their seats, Britton fought tenaciously, taking controlofthematch.Hewon the next four sets in succession, with scores of 11-8, 13-11, 11-6, and 11-6, ultimately securing a stunning seven-set victory This incredible turnaround has catapulted Britton into the round of 32, where he is settofaceJishanLiangofthe

United States of America, who had a bye in the previousround.

While Shemar Britton’s performance stole the spotlight, Guyana’s top female player, Chelsea Edghill,alsotooktothetable in her round of 64 match. Edghill faced a tough challenge from Gabriela Suarez of El Salvador. Although she started stronglybywinningthefirst two games 11-8, 11-8, she couldn’t maintain her momentum.Shelostthenext two games 8-11, 8-11, won the fifth game 11-7, but ultimatelylosttheremaining two games 5-11, 5-11,

resultinginaclose-fought34defeat.

Meanwhile in the Mixed Doubles event, Edghill and Britton joined forces to c o m p e t e a g a i n s t Guatemala’s Hector Gatica andMabelynEnriquezinthe round of 32. They delivered a solid performance, winningwithscoresof8-11, 11-5, 11-7, and 11-6

However, their journey in the competition came to an abruptendintheroundof16 when they faced Brazil’s Vitor Ishy and Bruna Takahashi.Despitetheirbest efforts, they succumbed to a 0-3 defeat, with scores of 211,11-13,and8-11.

Stella Maris celebrate with trophy after winning the ExxonMobil Guyana sponsored schools event.

Shemar Britton

Peter Lewis Construction & Asphalt Plant Services Big Man Cricket2 round 7...

Round robin matches almost now concluded

- Powered by Blue Waters as the official water for BMC cricket

Big Man Cricket2@ O40s T25 tournament

continued Saturday with 3 matches at Farm and Enmore Only 2 matches remain to conclude the round robin stage of this exciting tournament Fourteamsfrom the East zone have already qualifiedfortheplayoffs-Jai HindJaguars,EnterpriseStar Sports, GT Royals and LegendRangers The4teams fromtheWestZonethathave qualified are: Essequibo Masters, Everest Masters, West bank Warriors and Regal.

R O U N D 7 -

SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER

9th,2023

At the Enmore groundMatch 1-Everest Masters

earned a walkover from IndependenceSC.

At the Farm groundM a t c h 2 - R e g a l overpowered Canal # 1 Scorpions by 8 wickets

Taking first strike, the Scorpions flattered to deceiveandwerebowledout for 74 in 172 overs There were 2 wickets apiece for Ravin Singh, Fraser and Patrick Rooplall Regal knockedofftherequiredruns in 7 overs with Man of the match Andrew Lyght top scoringwith29.

At the Farm groundM a t c h 3 : B M C - 1 champions, West Bank Warriors decimated East Bank Titans to power their way into the playoffs in the

Coco Gauff receives praise from Serena Williams and Roger Federer after winning US Open

2nd match of the double header Batting first, the Warriors posted a formidable267for5offtheir allotted 25 overs. All of the Warriorsbatsmenhadstarts.

AnthonyIfilltopscoredwith 67, S. Ramgobin 42, D. Persaud 41, C. Ramcharran 28andR.Tashier28.Inreply the Titans were bundled out for 126 with only Rohan Sarjoo with 43 and K. De Jonge 28 offering any resistancetoincisivebowling by the Warriors Man of the Match Safraz Baksh ripped through the top & middle orderoftheEastBankTitans with 5 for 21. Abid Haniff had2for33.

Points standing as of September11th,2023.

Blavity News - Coco Gauffisgettinglovefromthe biggest names in the world after winning the US Open on Sunday 2-6 6-3 6-2 against Aryna Sabalenka Tennis legend Serena Williamsisamongthosewho congratulatedthe19-year-old for her big accomplishment

“

Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!! A m a z i n g ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! @cocogauff,” Williams wroteonherInstagramStory, posting a photo of the young star Gauff paid tribute to SerenaandVenusWilliamsas shecelebratedherUS Open title,Tennis365reported

“Crazy. They’re the reasonwhyIhavethistrophy today,” she said. “To be honest, they’ve allowed me to believe in this dream. Growingup,therewasn’ttoo many just Black tennis playersdominatingthesport. It was literally at that time when I was younger, it was just them that I can remember.”

Manymoreiconspraised Gauffonherbigday Tennis legend Roger Federer said G a u f f ’ s w i n w a s inspirational.

“Been watching you and following you for years. It’s great to see so much hard work and passion being rewarded.Youshinebrighter than ever,” Federer wrote as he posted a side-by-side photo of Gauff lifting the U S Open trophy and anotherpicofhimselfposing withthestarmanyyearsago.

Michelle Obama also

Beacons inject Rivers View 1-0

Beacons FC maintained their unbeaten record last Saturday night at the Bartica Community Centre ground when they squeezed out a hard fought victory against CupholdersRiversViewFC.

In an eleventh round match up of the Bartica FA’s Senior Men’s League, Beacons proved their hunger for the League title despitetherelentlessattacksontheirdefense. The game, played before a sizeable crowd, was intense throughout and needed just a solitarygoal.ThedecisivestrikebyShaquille Hopkinson broke the deadlock 9 minutes from full time and was the 9th win from 11 gamesforBeaconswhonowstretchtheirlead at the top on 29 points. It was the 3rd defeat for RiversView who stay in 3rd place on 24 pointsafter11gamesaswell.

The other match of the double-header

resulted in victory for Wolves United who dismissedAgatash United 3-0. Riley Tracey opened the scoring in the 14th minute and SteveRahamanaddedabracewithstrikesin the33rdand39thminutes.Wolveswiththeir 4th win progressed to 14 points from 10 gamesandholdonto5thplacewhileAgatash stayatthebottomofthetableonapointafter 10games.

Twomorematchesinthe11throundwere slated for last night (Monday 11th) with Lazio opposing Mil Ballers at 7pm and Potaro Strikers confronting Agatash United at9pm.

TheGuyanaFootballFederationthrough its Members-Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP) is providing the main fundingforthestagingofthe2-roundSMLof theBarticaFA.

went to social media to congratulatethechamp

“So proud of you, @CocoGauff! Your hard work and grit was on display throughout this tournament This is your moment!” the former First Ladytweeted

TODAY Show anchor

Hoda Kotb posted a video she recorded at the U S Open as Gauff wrapped up thetitle Prominentattorney Ben Crump encouraged Gauff to cherish the unforgettable moment “19year-old Coco Gauff has WON her first Grand Slam titleatthe@USOpen!”Crump tweeted “She is now the youngestAmericantowinthe championship since Serena Williamsin1999!Thisisyour moment cherish it!

Congrats @cocogauff ”

Bernice King reminded the world that Gauff is a champion on and off the

court “Wow What a champion(insomanyways)! C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s , # C o c o G a u f f ! #USOpen2023,” the social justice champion wrote Gauff is the 14th American womantowintheUS Open, Tennis 365 reported. The youngstarsaidsheishonored to be on a list of championships that includes Black icons, including the Williams sisters, Sloane Stephens and Naomi Osaka.“It’sanhonortobein that stat With Althea Gibson, Serena, Venus, NaomiandSloane,”shesaid. “Theypavedthewayforme to be here I remember Sloane winning this trophy in 2017. I had lost in the finalsoftheJuniorUSOpen and it was an inspiring momentformetoseeherwin because I grew up watching her and I’ve known Sloane sinceIwas10yearsold.”

Potaro Strikers stay in contention with 8th win

After ten rounds of matches the top three teams intheSeniorMen’sLeague of the Bartica FA are each separatedbyapoint.

In Friday night’s action at the Bartica Community Centre ground, Potaro Strikers registered their 8th win in an effortless performance to put away AKGalaxy5-1.

The team’s leading scorer Daniel Gardener converted his 2nd treble to inspire the victory with strikesinthe13th,39thand 41 minutes Shamar Stephen added one in the 66th minute and 4 minutes

later Derron Baksh made it five Samuel Mentore’s strike in the 46th minute was the only moment of celebrationforGalaxy

The 3 points elevated Strikers to 25 points and 2ndplaceinthepointstable while Galaxy’s 5th defeat left them in 6th position on 11 points Unbeaten

Beaconsleadthetableon26 points and cup holders

Rivers View are 3rd on 24 points.

The other fixture of the double-header resulted in a 2-2 tie between Lazio and Agatash United. A Javon Harris double (1' and 22') gave Lazio an early lead

cancelled within a minute. Dishon Stephen pulled one back after 32 minutes and immediately after Travis Hercules produced the equaliser

Lazio are kept in 7th place on 9 points from 10 matcheswhiletheonepoint forAgatashwastheir2ndas they hold up the table on 2 pointsafter9outings.

TheBarticaFA’sSenior Men’s League is mainly sponsored by funding from the Guyana Football Federation through its Members-Financial AssistanceProgramme(MFAF).

Coco Gauff received praise from Serena Williams and Roger Federer after winning US Open. (Frey/TPN via Getty Images)

GBA seeking to stage three-week training camp in Cuba for Pan Am bound boxers

Initsquesttoprovidethebestpossible preparation for its pugilists at the impendingPanAmericanGames,the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is exploring the possibility of staging a threeweek training camp in global powerhouse Cuba.

GBAPresidentSteveNinvalleinformed, “The GBA’s objective is to qualify for the Olympics, and we have endeavored ourselves to provide the ideal setting and environment for the preparatory period to giveourfightersthebestchanceofachieving such an intention. This is our goal, and as such,aplanispresentlybeingformulatedto ascertain how feasible and possible it is to conductsuchatrainingcampinCuba.”

He further said, “From a practical perspective, qualifying at this juncture will remove the need to prepare simply for another qualifier, which will occur in 2024, and it will also provide the opportunity to preparesolelyfortheOlympics.Onceagain, thishighlightsthesoberintentoftheGBAto develop the sport through international competitionsandtrainingcamps,thelatterof which is also a form of international exposure.”

If the proposal is realized, the team, which will be supervised by resident Cuban trainer Francisco Roldan, is scheduled to departtheshoresnextweek.

ThePanAmGames,whichwillbestaged in Santiago, Chile, from October 20th to November 5th, serve as a qualifier for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France. Boxing is slatedtobestagedfromOctober21st–27that theLaReinaCommunitySportsCenter,with the two respective divisional finalists securingautomaticberths.

The GBA five-member fight squad, which is one of the largest in recent participation in the competition, comprises Desmond Amsterdam [79 KG], Keevin

Slingerz FC romp to another commanding win – WDFA Senior League

Allicock [57 KG], Emmanuel Pompey [92 KG],JoelWilliamson[63.5KG],andAlesha Jackman[66KG].TheTechnicalDirectorof the GBA, Terrence Poole, will oversee the technical staff, which also comprises Cuban coachRoldan.

Guyana’s previous participation in this prestigious event occurred at the 2019 edition Allicock was boxing’s solitary representative in Lima, Peru. Clive Atwell securedGuyana’slastmedalinthediscipline of boxing at the 2007 edition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He won bronze in the 54-kg segment.

Priortotheaforementioned,Guyanawon two bronze medals in the 1991 Games in Havana, Cuba, via Poole [81 KG] and StephanRose[51KG].

Overall, Guyana has won one silver and seven bronze medals in the history of the event, which started in 1951. This is second only to Jamaica in the English-speaking Caribbean, which has captured a total of 11 accolades.

In the latest action of the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Men’s Senior League, Slingerz FC continued their dominant run, remaining unbeaten as they clashed with #1 All Stars FC at the Tuschen Community Centre ground onSunday

TheformidableTuschenbasedsquadshowcasedtheir relentless prowess by convincingly thrashing #1 All Stars with a resounding 5-0 victory in the opening game of an exhilarating double-header, while Wales FC secured a narrow 1-0 triumphoverUitvlugtFC.

On Sunday, Slingerz FC once again asserted their authority in the league, thanks to a remarkable performance by Deon Alfred, who orchestrated a

brillianthat-trick.

Alfred’s clinical finishing found the back of thenetinthe65th,81st,and 88th minutes, leaving the oppositionreeling.

He received admirable support from Rondell Peters and Jamal Codrington, who eachcontributedagoalinthe 15th and 28th minutes, respectively, further solidifying their team’s commandingvictory

Intheotherfixtureofthe day, Wales FC eked out a hard-fought victory over Uitvlugt FC, narrowly winning by a solitary goal. However, controversy arose asUitvlugtFCcontestedthe identity of the goal scorer, alleging that the player in question was not listed but hadplayedunderanalias.

Meanwhile, shifting the attention to Saturday’s

action, Crane Rover FC delivered a sensational comeback performance againstUprisingFC. After conceding two early goals, courtesy of strikes from Julian Anthony (30')andNicoliFortune(35') for the Uprising side, Crane Rover FC mounted a remarkableresurgenceinthe second half. The hero of the day was Kwesi Henry, who netted a stunning hat-trick, propelling the Rovers to a thrilling3-2victory In the other fixtures, Belle West FC faced a formidable challenge against Eagles FC, ultimately succumbing to a 5-1 defeat The Eagles’ goal scorers included David Chisholm (38'), Nathan Lyvan (68'), Shakeel King (33'), and KevinDuke(18')

Germany beat Serbia for first gold medal at FIBA Basketball World Cup

Rookie Wire - Dennis Schroder produced a gamehigh 28 points and Franz Wagneradded19pointsand seven rebounds to lead Germany to its first gold medal in the FIBA BasketballWorldCup.

Schroder helped seal the 83-77victoryoverSerbiaon Sunday with a clutch layup to put Germany up by four pointswith21secondsleftto play

He finished the contest byshooting9-of-17fromthe field, including 2-of-6 from 3-point range, in 34 minutes He was named Most Valuable Player of the

tournament, averaging 19.1 points, 6.1 assists and 1.4 steals to lead Germany to a perfect8-0record.

His153totalpointswere the third-most scored by a German player in the World Cup, trailing only Dirk Nowitzki.

Aleksa Avramovic led Serbia with 21 points, Bogdan Bogdanovic had 17 points and Filip Petrusev added 10 points off the bench.

The group claimed its second silver medal in the FIBABasketballWorldCup anditsfirstsince2014.

Germany clinched it’s

first-ever berth in the semifinalsoftheWorldCup after defeating Latvia on Wednesday

The group returned on Friday and beat the United States for the first time in sevenmatchupsatthesenior international level to set up itsgoldmedalopportunity

The team, along with Serbia, previously claimed one of two berths from the Europeanregioninthe2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

After winning the gold medal on Sunday, the group projects to be one of the favoritesinthecompetition.

German players celebrate after its first gold medal in the FIBABasketball World Cup.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

Slingerz FC goal scorers Deon Alfred, Jamal Codington and Rondell Peters.

Linden Mayor’s Cup Schools U-21 Basketball tournament... Kwakwani Secondary and Mackenzie High start on winning note

- Two more matches set for tomorrow at New Silvercity Hard Court

Therewereopeningwins for tournament favourites Kwakwani and Mackenzie

HighasthefirsteverLinden Mayor’s Cup Schools

Under-21 basketball championship began last Friday at the Retrieve Hard CourtinLinden.

In the first game of the tournament Kwakwani sent out warnings to opponents with a 50-3 thrashing of Wisburg Secondary behind Osaiah Conway netted 16 pointsasteammatesRashane Sampson and Arron Vanlewin each scored 10 points. Kwakwani were ahead at lemon break 22-3 and held their opponents scoreless in the final half of play

Mackenzie High staved off a late challenge from New Silvercity Secondary winning 26-20 after a 12-9 firsthalfadvantage.

Vladimir DaSilva and RayhanBakkerscoredseven

points apiece as Jamaine McCalmont supported with four The best player for the losing New Silvercity SecondaryunitwasRasheed Hinds who had a game high 17points.

Two more games will be o k a y e d t o m o r r o w

(Wednesday) at another venue,SilvercityHardCourt where from 2.30pm Marcia Craig Educational Institute

face Christianburg Wismar Secondary (Multi) and at 4.00pm Wisburg Secondary tackle Linden Technical Institute.

Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon on the occasion of this initiative offered: “We (the Mayor and Town Council) are very encouraged to partner with these organisations, Department of Education,

United States –based Lindeners James Brusche andGaryStephens,toensure that this tournament is not only going to happen but to have that sort of impression thatisindelibleonouryoung peoplethatallowsnotonlyin termsofsports development but total development that they can also allow for as much as sports to be part of what they do. It is distinctly

linkedtotheiracademicsand how they are going to be developasanindividual.”

Mayor Solomon added, “It is important to note that all schools, not only secondary schools but also the technical institution and privateschoolarepartofthis competition All senior players within our region willbegiventheopportunity to play in this competition

thatisoneofthefeaturesthat we asked the organizers include….Those were some of the conditions that we distinctly highlighted To incorporateasmuchschools, we incorporate as much constituencies, we see how best we can move the tournament around to different facilities and I am very encouraged and impressed that they have taken up those sorts of suggestionsandadvice.”

Education official Samuel Griffith in his remarks noted: “We advise the organisers to include a clause that speaks to players understanding that their athleticsorsportsskillsmust tie in with their academic skills, because ever-so often weseeacasewherewehave young talented Lindeners whocanplaywell,butwhen it comes to representing themselvesintheacademics

(Continuedonpage23)

From left Coordinator Ms. Dawn McCammon Barker, Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon and Education Official Samuel Griffith.

DCC thump Everest by 7 wickets in GCA T20 Cup final

Sports

Knight Riders ensure qualifier 1 spot

Coco Gauff receives praise from Serena Williams and Roger Federer after winning US Open

Germany beat Serbia for first gold medal at FIBA Basketball World Cup

GBA seeking to stage three-week training camp in Cuba for Pan Am bound boxers

DCC stormed to yet another title this.

Mark Deyal scored a half-century to lead the Knight Riders home. (CPL)