Kaieteur News

FewGuyaneseturnouttoExxon’s publicmeetinginGeorgetown

Ahandful of for the project at a specific Guyanese on date with the EPA, the We d n e s d a y company was required to

afternoon turned complete the consultations out to the second public by a particular date to m e e t i n g h o s t e d b y concludetheprocessasearly ExxonMobil Guyana aspossible. Limited (EMGL) on the

Jackson explained, “We sixth planned development, work the timing of the Whiptail. disclosure sessions

The meeting clashed collaboratively with the with the highly anticipated Government of Guyana via inaugural home game for the the EPA. The schedule that GuyanaAmazon Warriors at was proposed was based on the National Stadium as the h a v i n g t h e p u b l i c 2023 Caribbean Premier consultations around the 30League (CPL). Yesterday’s day mark of the 60-day meeting commenced at review period. This reflects 17:00hrs at the Umana Yana the intention of not engaging in Kingston Georgetown too early such that the public with not more than three can’t sufficiently review the dozen Guyanese As the document, nor too late such stakeholder engagement that the EPA is unable to k i c k e d o f f w i t h a consider the public presentation from the comments.” Environmental Protection

persons showed up for the stakeholder engagement hosted by EMGL at the Umana Yana on Wednesday

The 60-day-comment Agency(EPA),thegathering period he was referring to, is slowlybegantogrow r e q u i r e d b y t h e

The presentation by the Environmental Protection regulator was followed by Act. It allows the public to the Project Description as review the technical plans of presentedbyEMGLProjects the company and share their Manager, Anothony Jackon. specific concerns or

The consultant hired by comments. These will be Exxon, Environmental considered in the final Resources Management decisionregardingtheaward (ERM) to conduct the study ofaPermitfortheproject. then made a presentation on Exxonwillcontinuewith the methodology and shared its stakeholder engagement key expected impacts from session, ExxonMobil’s tonight for this Whiptail Last evening’s public consultations during the on the planned project today theproject. Projects Manager expressed disclosure. No matter the engagement was the lone Cricket Carnival season to and Friday in Region One.

FormerMinister,Simona gratitude to the handful of number of actual attendees, session scheduled for p r e v e n t m a x i m u m

The consultations will Broomes, former Mayor of citizens who attended the unless it is the whole feedback from Region Four, participation Jackson on recommence in Region Two Georgetown, Hamilton meeting In an invited citizenry, I would wish to even though it is well known Tuesday however during the on September 20, 2023.This Greene and former Member comment, he told this havemoreindividualsattend as the most populated opening of public meeting will be followed by two of Parliament, Michael newspaper that he was as it’s important for the demographic area in the on the Whiptail project at sessions in Region Five on Carrington were among the grateful for the turnout. “I public to have their voices country Citizens had Leonora, West Coast September 21, 2023 and the notable participants at the am grateful for the citizens heard in this process,” he a c c u s e d E M G L o f Demerara explained that final meeting on September engagement. During the and media that did show up said. deliberately scheduling the having filed the application 22inRegionSix.

Three witnesses to take stand Friday at Mahdia Dorm tragedy COI

On Friday, the Presidential theNationalToshaosCouncil(NTC)Derrick conduct a familiarisation visit to Mahdia in Commission tasked with John are the other members of the Region Eight.This visit aimed to provide the investigating the events Commission. members with a deeper understanding of the

surrounding the tragic fire at the “Witnesses will be sworn in and give physical layout of the area and an analysis of Mahdia female dormitory which claimed the their evidence under oath,” Shaddick added. the social and economic circumstances lives of 20 children, will commence hearings Attorney-at-law Keoma Griffith will be surroundingthedevastatingfire. withthreewitnessestestifying. leading the presentation of evidence before Speakingonthevisit,Shaddickdisclosed

On Wednesday afternoon, during a press theCommission. that the Commission visit the site as well as briefing Secretary of the Commission of A significant aspect of the inquiry is the introducedthemselvestotheresidents. Inquiry (CoI), Javed Shaddick provided protectionoftherightsofminorswhowillbe

Accordingtoreports,thedevastatingfire, insight into the proceedings. While the CoI called to testify As Shaddick emphasised, which engulfed the female dormitory of the willnotbelive-streamed,itwillbeconducted interviews with minors will be conducted in- Mahdia Secondary School on May 21, 2023, inthepresenceofthemedia. camera, ensuring their privacy and well- reportedly began in the lavatory area of the

Shaddick also revealed that the hearings being. building. are expected to span approximately one Shaddick outlined the categories of Tragically, it claimed the lives of 19 girls month, after which a comprehensive report witnesses, include: responders such as fire and a 5-year-old boy Notably, a 15-year-old will be compiled and presented, shedding service and police personnel, pilots, doctors girl is currently facing 20 murder charges in and ensure that such a heart-wrenching event light on the findings. Last month, President from Georgetown and Mahdia, as well as connectionwiththefire. never occurs again The President Irfaan Ali appointed Major General (Ret’d) individuals present on the ground when the PresidentAlihasemphasisedthattheCoI underscored the intention to conduct a Joseph Singh, as Chairman of the tragicfireoccurred. represents a crucial step toward balanced, impartial, and thorough Commission, while Attorney-at-Law, In a previous media briefing, Shaddick understanding,healing,andlearningfromthe examinationofthefireanditsrelatedissues. JoycelinKimKyte-ThomasandChairmanof had announced that the Commission would tragedy Itsaimistoimprovesafetymeasures

Secretary of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), Javed Shaddick (DPI Photo)

Few

CompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Opposition goes to ExxonMobil

“The meeting was specifically focused on first of all to get an understanding as to where ExxonMobil is at this stage of production. I think they felt that as a government in waiting, they need to update us which they did.” Leader of the Opposition, Mr Aubrey Norton is making his presence felt, and in a very cordial manner Any kind of political oppositioninthiscountryatthistimeisbetterthannone.

But Mr Norton was not done, “In terms of our position, we have outlined some elements to them of our position. We have also indicated to them that our interest lies in ensuring the Guyanese people obtain as much as is possible from the oil and gas sector and that while we see the importance of investment in Guyana, we also see it as important for the Guyanese people to benefit.” Taken together, this is certainly several steps up the ladder for the Opposition PNCR, anditsenigmaticleader Wesayenigmaticbecause he is first missing in action, and now here he is in full-bore, double-barreledaction.

“As much as possible from the oil and gas sector” for Guyanese is a strange new sound coming out of the Opposition, but we are encouraged, and all Guyana should be, as it watches cautiously This is music to our ears, and this clear and no quibbling message from Mr Norton to ExxonMobil is greeted with positively What could be behind this long-awaited development from the main opposition quarters? How is it and why is it that the Leader of the Opposition is now speaking quietly but meaningfully totheAmericanoilgiant?

Onefactorthatcouldbeatworkhereisthatthestruggles and sufferings of Guyanese in the richest country in the world are so conspicuous. No one can deny, and none can pretend, that there are many in Guyana, and across all segmentsofthepopulation,whoarebarelymanagingtoget bydaily Themainunderlyingfactor,though,hastobefrom insidethePNCROpposition,wherethereisrecognitionthat the pressures on the group’s supporters have been intense and enduring. The supporters of the Opposition are feeling left out, and are falling behind, in the great oil game that is goingoninGuyana. Withoutadoubt,Mr Norton’searshad to have been bent in every direction, and in every place that he has visited in this country, as to the depths of the anxieties,aswellasthelevelofanguish,thatisbeingfeltby hisownpeople.

Though not new, there is the sense that this is what has prompted the Opposition Leader to shake off the rust and faceoff with the people at ExxonMobil, while laying his cards on the table. As he said to his ExxonMobil audience, “ we also see it as important for the Guyanese people to benefit.” This has to be the driving force behind Mr Norton’s (or any other national leader) exchange(s) with ExxonMobil. The Guyanese people are not benefiting enough, not by any stretch of the imagination, nor by any standard or any strand that is connectedto reality For sure, the massive oil wealth is there, but it is as if it belongs to someotherpeople,otherthanGuyaneseoutsideofthePPPC Governmentinsidersandcabals.

It is clear that Mr Norton struck the proper balance: there is the appropriate regard, and welcome, for investments. But there is also that missing link, which has dogged the discovery of oil from the first day It is that Guyanese are not benefiting enough, and this has gone on for too long. At the back of the heads of the people from ExxonMobil spending time with Mr Norton is the awareness that he is the leading spokesperson for almost half of Guyana’s electorate. Moreover, this significant section of Guyana’s population is angry and impatient, and itwouldbeinterestingtoobservewhereallofthisleads.

The dynamics have shifted ever so slightly, with some messages shared (or sent). Guyanese want more, need more,andtheymustgetmore. Thisiswhatwehear,anditis agood,solidsound.

Help needed in Libya

DEAREDITOR, earthquake which struck Turkey and governments in the east and west of the On the heels of the devastating Syria with thousands of dead, missing country Conditions in both countries Morocco earthquake, comes another andmisplaced. are harsh, brutal, and severe. All and North Africa disaster, with the tsunami Our country has extended a helping any help and assistance we can give like flooding unleashed by Storm handtoMorocco,itmustdothesameto shouldbebegiven. DanielinLibya. Libya despite the country’s political Truly yours,

This is reminiscent of the instability, with two factions running Shamshun Mohamed

Naming of buildings: how about Dr. Doobay and Clarence Trotz?

DEAREDITOR, However, surely there private practice or indeed residence was located) on R e c e n t l y , t h e aremanyotherswhodeserve overseas.Indeedifthisisnot Camp Road be named after Government has named a to have buildings or already done, it would be a t h e e n e r g e t i c a n d building after the late Dr institutions named after travesty if the Honourable indefatigable Clarence I Roger Luncheon, ostensibly them I would like to Minister of Health did not Trotz former Lecturer in for his service to the country recommend that some have this done in short order Physics and Headmaster of asHPSandprobablyalsofor appropriate Ministry of I do not know if Dr Doobay the school who has taken the his medical work and today I Health building, probably at has ever received a national time and effort to chronicle read that a building at The the GPH, be named after award,maybehedidnotcare the history of this great Bishop’s High School has esteemed physician and but I think a posthumous institution in his fourbeen named after a former specialist in Internal national award of at a volume series titled A Headmistress, Maureen Medicine the late Dr minimum, the CCH would History of Queen’s College Massiah. In the latter case, I Professor Ramsundar beinorder ofGuyana1940-2010. assume the Ministry of Doobayforthesterlingwork Secondly, I wish to I look forward to some Education had to give he did at the PHG giving suggestthatthenewbuilding prompt action from the approval after asking for about 50 years of his life in near the entrance of Queen’s authorities. recommendations from the public service. He could College (land on which Yours sincerely, school. have earned lots more in former Headmaster’s Christopher Persaud

Don’t let Jagdeo fool citizens: only the well-placed are benefitting

DEAREDITOR, aware of the exact date profits have increased on today, that investment is

Once again, theVPholds Guyana started selling its average 67% also On worth $166,557.94 US, an a press conference and tries share of oil. At the close of average an increase of $5.5 increase of $66,557.94 US. to hoodwink the Guyanese trading today ExxonMobil MillionUS. An average a public servant people that everybody is shares were trading at H i g h n e t w o r t h inGuyanaminimumwagein benefiting from oil. Well, $117.49US. individual investors that 2019 was $4,200 US, today allow me to share with the Ifyouwereaninvestorin invested, say $1 Million US its $4,500 US, an increase of citizens of Guyana some ExxonMobil (XOM), in in December 2019, would $300US. thoughts I had on who is particular an institutional have acquired 14,176 35 So, who exactly is really benefiting from investor, who incidentally Today, that investment benefiting? Certainly, not Guyana’soil. are the largest shareholders would be worth $1 66 the average Guyanese, but Editor, Guyana starting in ExxonMobil, and let’s say Million US, an increase of ExxonMobil Investors and exporting oil in December youinvested$10MillionUS $ 6 6 5 , 0 0 0 U S I n the businesses, well placed 2019. in Exxon, you will have at comparison, their equivalent professionals’ and the

A t t h a t t i m e , $70 54 US, exactly inGuyana;politicians,heads politicians.

ExxonMobil, the parent 141,763.54shares. of government agencies and Do not let that know-itcompany of Exxon Guyana Today, those shares well-placed professionals all pseudo economist fool shares were trading at a would be worth $16 7 have seen their salaries you. My father was so right December high of $70.54 MillionUS,aROIof67%,or increased, on average by when he said, “he who US. an increase of $6.7 Million $60,000US. knows not that he knows not

Please note that I chose US. In just four years. Co- An average investor that isafool”.

Racism is killing Guyana

DEAREDITOR, by cutting the tree down. The trees of racism

Systemic racism is the unfair advantage must be demolished in Guyana before of some based on biased policies and Guyana can become truly unified.Affinity to practices, written and unwritten. Guyana has these racial roots have to be severed. You seen its share of systemic racism. Its history cannot see the beauty and potential of the uglyandhurtful. nationforallthetrees.

Each party that ruled felt it was their duty When I was a little boy in Guyana, I to guard the gates of El Dorado, preventing learned a riddle, “Christmas comes once a others from entering. I read a profound year and every man should have his share”. I statement in one of the opinion letters stating later learned it meant “generosity and that Guyana will continue to remain divided goodwill”. The riddle went on to state that with or without oil if the racial issues are not “Poor Master Willey laid languished in jail”. dealtwith. A unified Guyana is when everyone,

A tree is known by its fruit. The roots of regardless of race and culture and ethnicity, racism run deep in Guyana. Its roots have can sit at the proverbial table as an equal infectedthesoilofGuyanaandovertheyears including the “Master Willey’s” of society, affected the health of the nation Its andenjoyahealthyservingofgenerosityand decomposing smell has left a bad odor in the goodwill. air

The way you stop roots from growing is

Where was Pres. Ali and VP Jagdeo?

DEAREDITOR, the out of sync or ‘own way’dress of another

It was embarrassing to see the reception couple of ministers left the impression that given to His Highness the Amir Sheikh they were above all others in attendance. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, His Even the Prime Minister was in sync with the Highness is the Monarch and the Head-of- largerteam. StateofaCountry.Heisalsotheguarantorof Nottoolongago,thetwonotablemissing their constitution. What was more important attendeeshadtoberemindedthattheytoohad than receiving His Highness? Where was the tofollowtherulesoftheimposedCOVID-19 President of Guyana? The impression given curfew. was that the President and his boss, the This occurred when photos of them general secretary of the PPP/C, had sent fishing during the imposed COVID-19 everyone else of lower rank to receive a curfewwereseenonFacebook. reigningMonarch. We must remember and remind others

Sincerely,

Daniel Singh

PPP Govt. using taxpayers’ dollars at GuySuCo for political gain

DEAREDITOR, injections have produced sustainabledevelopmentand

President Ali’s recent Has the sugar industry seen the well-being of those press conference shed light a n y s i g n i f i c a n t involved. on his claims that the PPP- improvements as a result of Misuse of Taxpayers’ led government has invested these investments? It is Money: billions of dollars into crucial to evaluate the Using taxpayers’ money GuySuCo, the sugar e f f e c t i v e n e s s a n d solely to sustain support industry However, it raises management of these funds bases is not only unjust but the pertinent question of in order to determine if they also wasteful The funds what GuySuCo is actually are being utilized optimally allocated to GuySuCo doing for the sugar industry tobenefittheindustryandits should be used effectively to It appears that the PPP-led workers. ensure the growth and government is simply using Ï % N e g l e c t o f sustainabilityoftheindustry taxpayers’ money to sustain GuySuCo’sImportance: This requires adopting their support base instead of President Ali’s actions strategies for modernization, working towards the t o w a r d s G u y S u C o diversification, and betterment of GuySuCo demonstratealackofrespect i n t e r n a t i o n a l President Ali’s actions for the sugar industry and its competitiveness By towards GuySuCo’s workers. The sugar industry neglecting the true needs of operations are disconcerting has a rich history and has the sugar industry and using and fail to acknowledge the been a vital pillar of our funds primarily for political significance of the sugar country’s economy for g a i n , t h e P P P - l e d industry generations It not only government undermines the Ï % Q u e s t i o n a b l e contributes to our national trust of taxpayers who AllocationofFunds: GDP but also provides expect their money to be

While it is commendable employment opportunities, utilizedwisely that the government has especially in rural regions. Respecting the invested billions of dollars Therefore, it is essential that Sugar Industry: into GuySuCo, one must the government treats The sugar industry, question what tangible GuySuCo with the respect it includingGuySuCo,should outcomes these financial deserves, focusing on (Continued on page 6)

Theschoolchildrenwerethereinuniform, thatnooneisabovetherules,norisanyoneto and the ministers were also there in uniform snub other leaders of a country. Maybe there attire, with two notable exceptions. The was a life-threatening emergency that Minister of Finance and the Minister of prevented their attendance at the reception. Education seem to be operating as though But if not, their presence would have been they can make their own rules and leave the more in line with our nation’s high standards toeing of the line to their ‘junior’ peers. The of hospitality We must remember the ministers in uniform attire looked very importanceofourguests. professional and organized. They conveyed It was very disappointing to see what confidence in Guyana as a place for foreign appearedtobethesnubofaMonarch’sarrival investment. into our beautiful country We must try to

These ministers, the GDF and the school make amends for this during theAmir’s visit. children were the highlight for Guyana at the The lesson of the need for the Marriott Hotel receptionforHisHighnessattheairport.You hasnotbeenforgotten. allmadeGuyanesefeelproud.Theteamwork Sincerely, amongstthe‘junior’peerswasevident. Mr Jamil Changlee

The lack of attendance of a significant Chairman couple of members of the government, and The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

from the GRA

DEAREDITOR, required by all individuals to obtain a TIN in order to Kindly publish this in applying for a Taxpayer gift a property to her your letter column, with the IdentificationNumber biological daughter Below aim of a response or at ProofofAddress please find the remarks Item minimum the emergence of FormofIdentification(at 3bythelawyer’/assistant pellucidity I am intervening least1) (Continued on page 6) a s t h e m a n d a t e d Passport representativeofaGuyanese NationalID familyresidentinCanada.

Driver’sLicence

In Guyana a TIN Marriage Certificate (if (Taxpayer Identification MaritalStatusisMarried) Number) is essential when Deed Poll (in cases of doing business with the namechanges)

GRA Regarding the Case in question pertains required documents when to a Guyanese, resident applyingforthesaidTIN,the overseas for the past five GRA’s website states as decades+ who finds herself follow: entangled in a legal

Below is a list of the imbroglio with a lawyer in supporting documents Guyana, as she endeavours

There should be no such trouble to obtain a TIN

Jagdeo goes to friendly media for soft questions to attack Guyanese

DEAREDITOR, that, Guyana is now ground yet he picks lice aspects of likewise, Guyanese who are benefit of Guyanese, he is for the government is now Revisiting some of the zero, where unprecedented the oil contract to blame the employers of these MPs going on his friendly media, half-hearted from their addresses made by President returns on their investments APNU, but he didn’t say the s h o u l d a l s o g e t who ask him “comfortable” staunch defenders as all Ali,liketheoneattheCenter are guaranteed, while part whereAPNU had a plan representations from their questions and giving him a Guyanese are starting to Strategic & International Guyanese get nothing and to have people on the oil MPs whenever they request. forum to attack people who realizethefacts. Studies (CSIS), with US their struggle to survive is ships monitoring Exxon’s Kudos must be given to the can see through his Clement Rohee, another Ambassador Sarah Lynch getting tougher for them operations. AndAPNU also Amerindian who asked the deceptions, and saying he is one who stayed silent as the and Hess’s Corp’s John Hess daily The president is now had an EPA that would have VPdirectlyforhisoilmoney, following industry standards country’s wealth was being present, the speakers shoutingforrepatriationsfor made sure Exxon comply and the woman at Bartica for managing the oil sector, sold out, has now resurfaced showered praises on slavery and indentureship withfullcoverinsuranceand asking President Ali about heshouldsaywhichindustry saying how the PPP is still President Ali as if he was a that happened centuries ago, flaring regulations, all of the oil blocks along with the standards he follows better than the PNC as if demigod, like his Guyanese but saying nothing about the which the VP quashed. The credible reporters who Inflation has hit many hungry people now care supporters including doctors currentslaveryinGuyana. VP also said those who ask continue to ask MPs countrieshardafterCOVID- about this. Guyanese are who speak of him as a Whether President Ali is him critical questions about questionsaboutGuyana’soil 19, and Guyana has more startingtorealizethefactsof messiah. aware, blurting out that oil and resource wealth have operations. than the wealth to offset this Guyana’ wealth, but what

The president actually Guyana’s oil and resources agendas. The VP should Guyana’s citizens and if the MPs do the right action will they take? believesJohnHessandother are worth thousands of know the agenda of reporters must remind the things,buttheyarenotdoing Guyanese have taken none foreigners are praising him billions of US$, has made Guyanese is to get their VP, that he has NOT dealt so. so far for their oil and personally, and not the fact every Guyanese locally and rightful share of their God- w i t h o i l c o n t r a c t Local Guyanese now resourceswealth. they are using him to exploit abroad realize, they are given wealth, so Guyanese renegotiations, ring-fencing, who even live in big houses The moment of truth is Guyana. The president then, worth a minimum of 1 have a right to their agenda. full cover insurance, interest are now cutting back on now facing Guyanese with, like a circus performer, millionUS$each,plusmuch The VP should know he and rate cap, taxation, auditing electricity to save. Guyanese the full cover insurance case performs for those who paid more, and also undermining other MPs are employees of E x x o n ’s e x p e n s e s , in the diaspora, most of in court, the oil blocks for admission by saying how his own VP Jagdeo who Guyanese who are the true decommissioningfunds,and whom are low-income relinquishment, and the Guyana’s oil and resources continues to tell Guyanese, owners of Guyana’s wealth oil blocks relinquishment to earners, are also feeling the coming 6th oil project, if all are worth thousands of there are only paltry cash and employers of all MPs, Guyanese liking So, all squeeze of inflation in the these go in favor of billions of US$, and Guyana grants for them from and thus their employees concerned Guyanese, foreign countries they live, ExxonMobil, and Guyanese is open to “foreign Guyana’s thousands of (MPs), have an obligation to continue asking MPs these andsendinglessmoneyback gets nothing, yet choose to investors” , and the billions of US$ Dollars of providetheiremployerswith c r i t i c a l q u e s t i o n s . home,makingthestruggleto stay silent, then Guyanese government will facilitate wealth. all relevant information Remember constant banging live harder for Guyanese would have chosen to forego “foreign investors” in The VP at his deceiving wheneverrequired,period. of sounds brought down the everywhere. theirwealthandchoosetobe Guyana, by granting them, sessions called press Guyanese must be aware WallsofJerichointheBible, Now thanks to the become second class t a x - f r e e , d u t y - f r e e conferences tells Guyanese that countries where the and will also bring down the president’s loud mouth citizens, slaving, stealing, concessions and some kind he has already dealt with oil citizens understand they are walls of treachery these saying Guyana’s oil and starving and resorting to of compliance with contract renegotiations, the employers of their MPs, corrupted MPs have resources are worth ‘scampishness’ to survive in t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d ring-fencing, full cover and hold their MPs to protecting them, since thousands of billions of US their own oil and resourceenvironmentalregulations. insurance, interest rate cap, account as employers nowadays MPs cannot hide dollars, Guyanese are rich country, and I sincerely The president sounds taxation, auditing Exxon’s should, have the highest anymoreduetosocialmedia. realizing what they are wish Glenn Lall all the best like someone who just got expenses, decommissioning standardoflivingandarethe Instead of The VP missing out on. Die-hard in continuing fighting for robbed, and praising the funds, and oil blocks happiest people in the world gathering a team of experts, PPP supporters are now them. robbersfortheirefficiencyin relinquishment, yet since their present somewhoevenarewillingto asking questions about oil Yours truly, perpetratingtherobbery,and Guyanesecanseenoproofof comfortable life and their work “pro-bono” for the and gold, even the support R. David also telling them he has this. future one are protected. much more valuables for The VP also says if he Whenever Exxon and the them to rob This has releases information on the other foreign exploiters ask emboldened the “foreign oilsector,peoplewillnitpick for representations from investors” to boast openly information to attack him, Guyana’s MPs, they get it,

There should be no such trouble...

From page 5 international borders. What explanation will regarding the delay due to inability to get the be proffered to the inquiring authorities in actualhardcopyofthepassport. theeventthepassportisintercepted?

There is too much alcohol consumption among Indigenous people

DEAREDITOR, alcoholconsumptionforpleasurebyourmen

Item 3. The TIN Section at GRA requires

Compoundingmyaweisthefactthatamatter

Not to mention the fact that the name of your original - hardcopy of your the involved country is GUYANA, where to Passport or ID when submitting the this day and present time all flights entering application for TINs. We are not in the US and Canada are flagged, and extra receipt of the said Original Passport or Immigration officers along with canine ID just a copy which is not representatives are put on duty acceptable.

It is my sincere hope that both the lawyer so simple as the obtaining of a TIN, could and/or his paralegal assistant are quite aware serveastheanathemathatisseeminglydoing that a passport remains the property of the someGuyaneseaninjustice. issuing country, and not the individual. GodSaveGuyana. Additionally, certain restrictions apply

Yours truly, regarding transmission of passports across Name Withheld

PPP Govt. using taxpayers’ dollars at...

From page 5 and the sugar industry are disappointing and be treated as a valuable asset rather than a reflect a lack of respect. The misuse of mere means for political advantage. It is taxpayers’ money for political gains instead imperative that the government, led by of investing in the industry’s development is President Ali, recognizes the importance of simply unacceptable. It is time for the this industry and works towards its government to focus on the true needs of improvement with transparency and GuySuCo, working towards the betterment accountability. of the sugar industry as a whole. The sugar

The welfare of the sugar industry and its industry deserves the respect and attention workers should be at the forefront of their requiredtosecureitslong-termsustainability agenda, ensuring sustainable growth and fair andnotuseforthePPPpoliticalpound. treatment.

Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, C.O.A

Conclusion: Former Mayor PresidentAli’sactionstowardsGuySuCo City of Georgetown

I begin my letter not wishing all my canbeseeninalllevelsofsociety:inthecity, Guyanese Indigenous brethren a happy ruralandinteriorcommunities.Asocialissue heritage month, because I don’t like what I where no one seems to perceive it as a amseeing. problem.

There is too much alcohol consumption Everyoneincludingthesellersatdrinking and vulgar behaviours etc., of our people. places see no problem once they are making September is Amerindian Heritage Month, moneyfromsellingalcohol.

but I am afraid the celebration activities are They would see a man most times who is not showcasing a positive lifestyle of ours. father of children already drunk, and if he We Indigenous are more than drunkards and requests to purchase more, they will sell him vulgar people, there being too much and turn a blind eye to his financial needs to exaggerated fun and drinking spoiling our feedhisfamily,orifhegoestoabusehiswife heritagecelebrations,hencetheneedtostrike andchildrenathome. abalance.

A sad reality which makes one ponder,

These sorts of behaviours show that all is whoismybrother’skeeperinacontemporary not well with some Indigenous men in alcoholspreesociety?

Guyana. Many are suffering from excessive

For those Indigenous men and women use of alcohol or to put it in a stronger term, suffering from exaggerated alcohol alcohol abuse. It is a cause for concern that consumption, perhaps one significant gift triggers problems, such as domestic abuse other sober Guyanese can offer them as sign and other illnesses in families and of care, is to form community groups communities. comprise of families, women’s groups, and

I am not saying that alcohol consumption churches where these can set up programs of is bad but abusing the use of it has alcoholic anonymous to address the issue of consequences on health, economic and Indigenous men who are in dire relief from family related matters at homes. As such, this monster that manifest itself strongly thereisneedtoexercisethehumanwisdomof especially during heritage month, and which common sense and self-control when reaps havoc in people’s lives and affect drinkingandbecourageoustosaytofriendsI families.

amOk,Ihadenough.

Yours sincerely,

This worrying reality of exaggerated R. Jacobs

Exxon’s 6th project to continue dangerous trend of exceeding EIA production estimates

Already producing oil at barrels to be produced per

The Projects Manager noted we are to see the potential to two Floating Production day It therefore means that that when production go beyond pre-established Storage and Offloading the impacts of the project c o m m e n c e s a n d limits then they will go back (FPSO) vessels above the weredeterminedbythedaily hydrocarbons are initially to the government to request safety limits outlined in the estimated production rate. introduced to the facility, it potential increases beyond projects’ Environmental This would help the does not start at its full thoserates.” Impact Assessments (EIAs), consultant to estimate the capacity Instead he said the I n a s u b s e q u e n t ExxonMobil Guyana volume of waste to be company would commence interview with Kaieteur Limited (EMGL) is hoping discharged, the expected oil production in a phased N e w s , Jackson was to continue this trend at its pollutants such as Green manner “so there is an reminded that ExxonMobil sixth oil project in the HouseGas(GHG)emissions optimization of when the Guyana has been producing StabroekBlock,Whiptail. a n d p e r h a p s m o r e facility will reach plateau oil beyond the safety limits

This was revealed by importantly, the level of from the planned startup outlined in the EIAs. To this EMGL Projects Manager, devastation that can result wellsinthefacility.” end, he clarified that the Anthony Jackson during a from a spill. These variables When it comes to the company has been engaging public consultation hosted at are then considered by sixth project, he said, with the government to the Leonora Technical Guyana’s Environmental “ t h e r e ’s a s e c o n d approve production beyond Institute, West Coast Protection Agency (EPA) optimization which I would theEIAestimates. Demerara on Tuesday. that will ultimately decide say is testing if the facility is “With Liza Phase One Jackson was at the time whether the project should workingoptimallyorifthere and Liza PhaseTwo we have responding to a query from bepermitted. is capacity to go beyond, say been engaging with the this newspaper when he Given that the EIAforms the 250,000 barrels per day government on each step of explained that Exxon has the foundation for the that we talked about ‘hey we see capacity to go developed a process with the approval of a Permit, today...we will study the beyond what was the Government of Guyana stakeholders have been process facilities across the original funding basis or the (GoG) that allows it to arguing the need for this key FPSOs and understand if, investment decision basis produce above the number document to be respected within safe limits of the like we have a, there’s an outlined in the respective and for production figures machinery that underpins investmentdecisionbasiswe impactstudies. outlinedtobemaintained. each process, if they can will put into our funding told the gathering, “we have window of what has been Notably, an EIA is a ExxonMobil however handle additional fluids and documentsandthatwillgoto engaged in optimization of a g r e e d w i t h t h e technical study done by a admitted that the company if they can handle additional the government as well and both the Unity and the government.” specialistgroupthatassesses has been producing oil at the fluids, as long as it’s within then we will have technical Destiny FPSOs so they are He went on to explain, likely impacts from the two FPSO’s in operation, the production rates that we limitsthatwetalkaboutabit both producing at a higher “As part of the process, once development, based on Liza Destiny and Liza Unity agreed in the Field moreintheFDPorintheEIA (rate) than what was the we start a facility, is to do specifics of the project- in above the production figures Development Plans, we can andifwestarttoapproach initial Field Development optimizationandthereistwo this case, the number of outlinedintheEIAs.Jackson go up to those limits and if (Continued on page 8) Plan base assumption of the ways that that’s optimized.”

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited Projects Manager, Anthony Jackson

Guyana is in deep ‘shaving cream’

Guyana,anationblessed with abundant natural resourcesincludingoil,gold, timber, and bauxite. Since 1989 with the advent of the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP), it has been pursuing a resource extraction model that promised significant r e v e n u e s a n d j o b opportunities, However, despitedecadesofattracting foreign investments, the country has failed to reap commensuratebenefits.

Guyana’s current resource extraction model, characterized by lopsided agreements, limited local content, environmental degradation, and fiscal vulnerability, exposes the nation to foreign plunder with minimal returns for its people.Onlythroughamore equitable and sustainable approach can Guyana break free from the cycle of resource exploitation and realize its full economic potential.

One of the most glaring examples of the flawed resource extraction model is the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed between ExxonMobil, Hess, CNOOC, and the Guyanese government Critics, includingGlennLallandthe now ruling PPP/C, have rightly pointed out that the PSA is lopsided, heavily favoring the foreign companies Under the current terms, the lion’s

share of earnings flows to

nal corporations, leaving

Guyanawithcrumbs.

Thisskeweddistribution of wealth is worsened by contract provisions that allow the oil companies to recover costs before profitsharing begins. As a result, despiteGuyanabeinganoilproducingnationforthepast fouryearsandnowbragging about being fastest growing economy in the world, its citizens see little benefit as the majority of revenues are siphoned off by the oil companies.

The current resource extraction model places insufficient emphasis on local content and job creation. And this is despite the passage of local content legislation. In any event, local content is limited only to the oil and gas sector and not to all other extractive sectors as was promised. Local content legislation cametoolate-afterthespoils of the industry had already been appropriated by large foreigncompanies.

The reason for the low employmentopportunitiesin the oil and gas sector is because Guyana lacks the skillstoworkdirectlyonthe oil rigs. In any event, there are far too many foreign workersemployedbytheoil companies,relegatinglocals to low-level jobs. foreign companies often bring in theirownskilledworkforce,

Dem boys seh...

limiting the positive impact onGuyaneseemployment.

The resource extraction model in Guyana also raises serious environmental concerns Insufficient regulation and oversight have allowed foreign companiestoexploitnatural resources with little regard for the long-term ecological c o n s e q u e n c e s

Deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction are all too common in areas where extractive operations take place.Now,thereisaraceto rush-through consultations oftheEnvironmentalImpact Assessments being undertaken for new field developmentplans.

The current extractive resource model prioritizes short-term economic gains over the preservation of Guyana’suniqueecosystems and biodiversity Guyana does not have a written depletion policy, a grave oversight or act of negligence.

The “resource curse” phenomenon, where countries rich in natural resourcesoftenstrugglewith economic instability and corruption,isarealthreatto Guyana under its current resource extraction model. The heavy reliance on revenue from extractive industries makes the economy vulnerable to global commodity price fluctuations. This volatility

After the game is done and dusted...

Whenthecricketseason comesaround,it’snotjusta sport; it’s a way of life. As the anticipation builds, everything else seems to come to a halt Work meetings turn into cricket debates, and even the mango trees seem to pause in their fruit-bearing just to listen in on the fervent discussions of who will emerge victorious. It’s a timewhentimeitselftakesa backseat, and the entire nationcollectivelyholdsits breath.

Inthedaysleadingupto the big match, the ticket frenzy takes over You’d think tickets were made of gold the way people scramble for them. Some are lucky and secure their seatswellinadvance,while others prefer to live on the edge, waiting until the very last minute You’ll find grown men and women pleading,cajoling,andeven resorting to emotional

blackmailtogettheirhands on those precious pieces of cardboard.

And when the day finally arrives, it’s like the wholecountryhasputonits cricket colours, depending on which team you are supporting.

From the bustling streetsofGeorgetowntothe remotevillages,everyoneis dressed in their team colours, ready to support their favourite players. The atmosphere is electric, and the excitement is palpable. It’s more than just a game; it’sanationalspectacle.

As the matches unfolds big men and women, typically busy with their important lives, become amateur commentators, passionately debating each ball’s trajectory, every run scored, and every wicket taken You’d think they were selectors themselves, thewaytheyscrutinizeeach player’sperformance.

can lead to fiscal crises and underminethenation’slongtermeconomicstability

T h e i n f l u x o f petrodollars can fuel corruption and rent-seeking behaviour among the political elite, diverting resources away from the hands of the people into the richcontractors.

Toaddressthesepressing issues and mitigate the risk of foreign plunder, Guyana m u s t c o n s i d e r a comprehensive reform of its resource extraction model. This reform should include renegotiating contracts. The government should actively pursue fair and equitable

Production Sharing Agreements that prioritize theinterestsofthenationand its people. Local content legislation should be made

more stringent and cover all extractivesectorsnotsimply oil. This would ensure that foreign companies do not gobble up all the major contracts for new investments.

T h e c o u n t r y ’ s environmental laws need upgrading if it to hold foreign companies accountable for any violations At present, Guyana’s environmental laws are weak and outdated and need to be revamped to include the provision of environmentallevies.

But beyond these reforms, Guyanese must wake-up to the reality that a new model of resource extraction is needed, one which may have to involve keepingtheresourceswhere theyareuntilbetterdealsare

secured and more sustainable extraction policiesareimplemented.

Unless this happens, Guyanese will wake–up one day and find that their resources have disappeared andyettheyarestillpoorand powerless. That day may be soon at the rate things are going.

(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.)

But the beauty of Guyanese cricket lies not justinthegameitselfbutin whathappensafterthefinal ball is bowled.Win or lose, theentirenationeruptsinto a joyous celebration. The cricket ground transforms into a carnival of laughter, music, and dancing and e x c e s s i v e l i q u i d refreshments.

But as we revel in this cricket frenzy, let’s not forget the serious times we face. While cricket unites us,therearechallengesthat demand our collective attention.So,letthecricket season be a reminder that we can come together as one, not only to celebrate our passions but also to addresstheissuesthataffect usall.

After all, in Guyana, cricket may be the biggest partyintown,butourunity is what truly makes us a nation.

TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

BY GHK LALL

Manu’s Sanchop and Liverpool’s Salah

I have been paying keen 23yearsold,andwenttoOld can’t give it away quickly and how much we should market can bear, interest to the European Trafford with a 73-million- enough (oil projects get. Let us cease wasting meaning, Saudis, as transfer window involving poundbill The talented approval) and cheaply time pulling each other skillfullymaximizedby professional footballers youngster recently collided enough (yesterday’s down, and set our faces like the men from the

TheSaudiProLeagueisalso with his manager, and now contract). Indeed, I hear steel to confront and get Merseyside. There was the s o m e form has followed involved. Thereareacouple MANU works to unload about an inherited contract down for more for us. The staggering 150 million oil;checkthetrail. reasons why football is him. Enter the Saudis. A and how it hampers the PPP Saudis who have all that pounds sterling (yes, can’t I keep hearing about highlighted. deal was almost done, then Government. What I hear money balked on closing the locate the pound sign) that contract sanctity. But which Star players, Jadon fell apart due to United’s 50 louder and stronger is how Sancho deal. For emphasis, was rejected by the German contract sanctity is superior Sancho of Manchester million sterling asking fee. much more oil we have now, we who have all this high- Jurgen Klopp for the to the sanctity of national United and Liverpool’s The Saudis walked away howmuchmoreitfeaturesin qualityoilmustdrawourline Egyptian; and now the talk sovereignty? Which Egyptian superstar forward because they felt that was the calculations and visions and demand better terms. from the Saudis touches the contract on earth has the Mohamed Salah, have hostagemoney,asinseeking of Exxon, and how much This is pure hardnosed stratosphere with 200 power to neutralize and attracted the interest of the to take advantage of them. more we know today about business, and not about million pounds creeping into negate and render nugatory Saudi Pro League, with al- Strangeasitmayappear,this the ins and outs of oil. friendship and good cheer. theconversation.

Guyana’s sovereignty, the Ittihad leading the way. is why I table this topic Guyana does not know Excellency Ali has Liverpool is perched power of its parliament, the Thinking of the Middle East, today, for it is lesson number plenty, but it is now a far cry cultivated close ties with prettily, and there is lesson standing of its President? and zeroing in on Saudi one for the PPPGovernment from when the first news brethren in the Middle East. number two, sort of hinted at Brother Mohabir Nandlall, Arabia, the first thought is anditsleadinglights,suchas about oil discoveries and the Hemustpicktheiroilbrains, before,forGuyana. there is a test case for the money. That is, the Saudis Vice President Jagdeo. I contractcameintoplay. and learn from them about How much does Exxon regional and global courts. are rolling in money, which sum the lesson: the Saudis Today, Guyana has a their experiences, and obtain andHesswantthisoil? How

Butbacktofootballandoil. isright,andthattheyhaveso are reputed to have more much better idea of how the little pointers on how to much are they willing to pay

If the Saudis can pause, much of it that they are money than God, especially top oil players think and manage the money part of forit? Itcannolongerbe2% so must Guyana. When casual about how they throw withtheirWealthFundinthe conductthemselves. Ifthere the Exxon relationship nor any of those cheap Liverpool can manifest it about. Dead wrong is that mix, but they are not parting is an absence of knowledge, Abundant oil wisdom in attachments that got our oil toughness, so must Guyana. last conclusion. It is why I withonepoundsterlingmore then the drive must be Arabia. forasonganddance,leaving Dr Jagdeo, I give the benefit discuss these two footballers than they have assessed the generatedtostudythosewho Regarding Liverpool’s Guyana emptyhanded ofdealingstraight:whatsays enmeshed in different situation to be worth. Now deal with this country from Mohamed Salah, the Saudis Exxon knows that, and thou,my‘bruddah’? circumstances in the English transpose that to here: across the table face-to-face want this other world Guyana should know that, (The views expressed in PremierLeague. Guyana has more oil than it and at arm’s length. We forward with a vengeance. meaning, my honorable this article are those of the Jadon Sancho has knows what to do with, but knowwhatwehave(oil),and Liverpool continues to hold brother, Vice President a u t h o r a n d d o n o t u n d e r p e r f o r m e d a t we have been heading in the wehavemorethanafairidea thelinefortworeasons. One Jagdeo. Guyana must be necessarily reflect the Manchester United, but he is opposite direction, viz., we about how much we need, is for its own footballing prepared to bargain for it, opinions and beliefs of this needs,tokeepitcompetitive. discuss it, and challenge for n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s

The other is to determine it. Last, Guyanese must be affiliates.) what the Mohamed Salah readytofightforit. Bloodin

Over $2B spent to maintain sea defences nationwide

A whopping $2.3 billion has been spent Ekereku Bottom airstrips have advanced, on fortifying and maintaining sea defence and are expected to be completed by the structures nationwide for the first half of fourthquarterofthisyear 2023. “Works will commence on the

The government was able to complete rehabilitation of the Paruima airstrip in the substantive works in several areas including third quarter while the rehabilitation of Adventure, Cane Field, Uitvlugt, Anna Matthews Ridge and Imbaimadai airstrips Catherina, Orange Nassau, Bygeval, Essex, are currently in the design stage,” the Wellington, and Glasgow, according to the document stated. In the first six months of MinistryofFinance’sMid-YearReport. 2023,some$1.1billionwasexpendedonthe Works in Eversham, Abram Zuil, rehabilitation of river transport Belvedere, and Speightland are ongoing and infrastructure, and maintenance and expected to be completed during the second operationofthefleetandrivertransportation half of this year. Meanwhile, the service.

developmentofimprovedandmoreefficient

Additionally, months ago, the highlytransportfacilitiesandservicesremainshigh anticipated MV Ma Lisha was on the government’s agenda, in paving the commissioned and currently traverses the way to attract more business, tourism, and Northwest District route, significantly socio-economicactivities. cutting travel time, and promoting greater

The expansion of the aviation sector efficiency, while positioning Guyana as a forms part of this commitment, to increase regional hub for trade. To support the the movement of local and international air enhanced water transportation services, traffic. Accordingly, the government has investments are being made in various expended $149.3 million in the first half of facilities In the latter part of 2023, 2023 to rehabilitate and maintain several rehabilitation projects are scheduled to hinterlandandcoastalairstrips. commence at the Morawhanna and Kumaka

The mid-year report highlighted that Stellings in Region One, aiming to enhance works on the Eteringbang, Karisparu, and safety (DPI)

Six companies submit bids for 14 oil blocks

During the opening of Arabian Drillers (Saudia attracted bids President Guyana, (it) is pleased to government said it is and has finalized the new tenders on Tuesday at the Arabia); Exxon Mobil IrfaanAlihadannouncedthe announce the extension of working to ensure that this Model Production Sharing National Procurement and GuyanaLimited,HESSNew commencement of Guyana’s the Guyana 2022 Licensing competitive licensing bid Agreements that will govern Tender Administration Vent

tion inauguralbidroundfor14of Round’s bid submission and future rounds are future awards of deepwater Board (NPTAB) office, it Limited, and CNOOC its offshore oil blocks on deadline to July 15, 2023.” governed by a modern a n d s h a l l o w w a t e r was revealed that six Petroleum Guyana Limited; December 9, 2022. Initially, In July however, the regulatory framework with concessions. companies submitted bids L

t r o

ro

nc f o l l o w i n g m o n t h submission deadline had government said it will soon in the shallow area and three

u m the auction was expected to g o v e r n m e n t a g a i n improved technical and Kaieteur News had for Guyana’s inaugural Corporation (USA)and , rununtilApril14,2023,with announced that Guyana institutional capacities reportedthatelevenoftheoil auction for 14 of its offshore Cybele Energy Limited contracts signed the 2022 Licensing Round’s bid Against this backdrop, the blocksonauctionarelocated oilblocks. (

ly Subsequently, the Ministry been pushed back to complement the model are in the deepwater zone. NPTAB, the firms bidding International Group of Natural Resources September12,2023. Production Sharing Each area is governed by for the Ministry of Natural InvestmentInc.(Guyana),in announcedinApril2023that I n m a k i n g t h a t Agreements (PSAs) with a separate PSAs. They range Resources project are: Total joint venture with Montego ithasextendedtheperiodfor a n n o u n c e m e n t , t h e new Petroleum Activities between 1000 square Energies EP Guyana B.V, Energy SA(London). submissionofbidsforthe14 government said in a Bill 2023, which will not kilometres to 3000 square Qatar Energy International This publication had oilblocksonauction. statement that its continuous o n l y e n h a n c e t h e kilometres with the majority E&P LLC, & Petronas E&P reported that of the 14 oil In a statement to the efforts to streamline and management of the sector of them being close to 2000 Overseas Ventures SDN blocks, a government press, the Ministry of improve the petroleum but also provide improved square kilometres. The oil BHD (Malaysia); Delcorp official had confirmed that Natural Resources said, “On regulatory framework, and economic measures for all companies will be expected Inc - Guyana,Watad Energy, only eight of the blocks behalf of the Government of the resultant comprehensive licensees in the bidding to pay a 10 percent royalty feedback received from round, as well as future and a 10 percent corporate stakeholders, led to this development and production tax. necessaryextension. operations in Guyana’s Thecostrecoverywillbe

Whilst recognising the petroleum sector It should capped at 65 percent in a new era of oil and gas benotedthatthegovernment given year, while profits will development and investors’ has since passed the be shared 50/50 between the confidence in economy, the Petroleum Activities Law parties.

Man granted bail; Selvin Singh

Driver granted bail for rape

A 52-year-old-driver of Lot 8 Zorg en Vlygt, Essequibo Coast, was on Monday chargedandgrantedbailof$150,000,forthe offence of rape committed against a female ofRegionTwo.

Selvin Singh appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Esther Sam, where the charge was read to him. He wasnotrequiredtoplea.

The accused was granted a bail with conditions that he is to stay 100 feet away from the victim and not make any contact withthevictimandherfamily

ThecasewasadjournedtoSeptember29, 2023.

Essequibo man gets 18 months in jail for stealing

Twenty-two-year-old Andrew James called ‘Awoo’, a labourer of Onderneeming Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast, was on Monday charged with theoffenceofsimplelarcenyandwassentenced to18monthsimprisonment.

Police said that, James is accused of committing the act on July 31, 2023, at La Union,EssequiboCoast,againstAndreCorbin, a44-year-oldtaxidriver

The accused appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Esther Sam, where the charge was read to him. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. The charge was laid under Section 164 of the CriminalLawOffencesAct,Chapter8:01.

Headteachers, data entry clerks undergoing MIS training

The Ministry of Education has information to support decision-making, commenced training for its Education policy analysis and formulation, planning, Management Information System (EMIS) monitoring, and management at all levels of Coresolution. an education system. This system will

Currently, Headteachers and data entry revolutionize the operations of the education clerks from Education Districts Region Four, system by allowing Officers to access realRegion Five and Georgetown are being time information about each school in the trained this week, the ministry said in a press system. Additionally, the distribution of release. Training exercises will be organized devices to support the implementation of the fortheremainingDistrictssoon. EMIS Core has also begun and will continue This week’s training is being facilitated throughoutthemonth. by Mr Abdelrahim E. Mehyar- Programme The training is intended for all regions as Advisor of Community System Foundation the system has both online and offline (CSF) and Ms. Dahvis Caldeira, Senior capabilities. The EMIS will enable teachers, Statisticianwithin the Ministry of Education. andtheMinistryofEducation’spolicymakers The EMIS is an integrated information to efficiently manage the education sector’s system for the collection, integration, data and take effective measures to address processing and dissemination of data and keysectorissues.

Man sentenced to 18 months imprisonment : Andrew James

Senior Statistician, Ms. Dahvis Caldeira (second from right) hands over a tablet to the J.E. Burnham Nursery School

Armed bandit killed during shootout with cops in Berbice

- another captured, three escaped following robbery at RDC office

A suspected bandit was missing Police said time they caught up with the shot dead and one of his investigators spoke to the vehicle, they observed four alleged accomplices

RDC Chairman and staff persons exiting- three of captured during a shootout members, and useful whomrantothewesternside with police at Heath Burn in information was received. of the road (towards the East Berbice on Wednesday

The security guard was river) while the driver lay on

The incident stemmed from escorted to the New theground.Whilefleeingthe thelawmenpursuingbandits Amsterdam Public Hospital scene, the three suspects who had earlier in the day toseekmedicalattention. discharged several rounds at robbed the Regional Hotpursuit the police, the statement Democratic Council office

Meanwhile, at around added. of Region Six, in New 12:00hrs, police said an According to police, Amsterdam. officer and several ranks left ranks gave chase, but the

In a statement, police the Central Police Station in suspects managed to escape. said the robbery with two Force vehicles and went Police checked the vehicle, violence committed at the to Heath Burn in East andamalewasseensittingin RDC building located at Berbice. the front passenger seat, his Vryman’s Erven in New

While on the public road body tilted towards the Amsterdam, Berbice, heading south, the ranks driver’s seat with what occurred around 03:10hrs received further information appeared to be a gunshot Wednesday Reports are that about a motorcar- PSS 3448, wound to the back of his Suresh Sooknanan, a 60- which was proceeding north head and blood on the year-old security guard in the opposite direction on vehicle’s floor He was attached to the entity told Heath Burn road. The ranks picked up, and a handgun investigatorsthat,atthetime signalled the driver to stop, was found next to the gear of the incident, he was on and he slowed down and stick. He was rushed to the duty at the RDC guard hut compound from the eastern Nothing was stolen from and two windows to the pulled to the western corner New Amsterdam Public locatedontheeasternsideof fence and dealt him one lash him.The guard said he made Accounts Department on the oftheroadandstopped. Hospital, where a doctor the compound. Three other to his forehead with an hiswaytothefront,wherehe southern side were seen

However, as the police pronounced him dead on security guards were on duty object, causing him to informed his colleagues open. ranks approached the arrival, the police statement at other locations within the receive injuries. The men about what transpired and Entry was seen to a door vehicle, the suspects shot at read The driver was compound. Sooknanan said alsotiedhishandsbehindhis they untied him and reported to the southern side of the the police and the vehicle identifiedasTarriquePollard about four unidentifiable back, duct-taped his mouth the matter Checks were building, where access was sped off. Police said one of called ‘Tari’, a 33-year-old men came into the and left him in the hut. made on the RDC building, gained into the building and the ranks returned fire, taxi driver from Mahaicony, inside a room where an discharging a round in the East Coast Demerara. He is undisclosed amount of cash direction of the fleeing presently in custody, was kept, the police vehicle Five occupants a s s i s t i n g w i t h t h e statement added. The room were observed in the fleeing investigation. Motor vehicle had an access door with vehicle, which suddenly PSS3448ispresentlylodged reinforced grill works stopped about eight hundred at the Central Police Station. internally,whichwasbroken meters away Police ranks Thesuspectedfirearm,along off, and the undisclosed gave chase in one of the with knives and a cutlass, amount of cash was reported Force’s vehicles, and by the wasfoundinthevehicle.

Another girl, 10, sexually molested

by a taxi driver

Another 10-year-old girl was on The car was identified and police were Thursday last sexually molested by another abletotrackthetaxidriverdownandarrested taxidriver Policehavesinceapprehendedthe him. He is presently in custody under man.Parentsofthechildsaidthatthegirlwas investigation. This is the second taxi driver walking home from lessons when a blue accused of sexual molestation of a 10-yearwagon pulled up behind her The driver oldgirlintwodays. reportedly told her to enter his car She On Wednesday, Kaieteur News reported refused at first but he kept trailing her The that another cab driver sexually molested a childallegedtoherparentsthatmanbeganto 10-year-old girl twice in July He was taunt and scare her Fearful for her life, she reportedlyhiredtodrophertoschoolwhenhe complied. The man proceeded to sexually committed the acts. He was arrested too but molest the child before dropping her off at a later released on station bail but more than a location. month has passed and he is yet to be charged.

She reported the matter to her parents. The parents of that girl said that he still Immediately an investigation was launched. continuestoplyhistradeasataxidriverinthe Based on information received from the Stabroek Market area and they fear that he child, CCTV footage was obtained from the could return to molest the child or molest areawhereithappened. others.

Some of the items retrieved from the suspected bandits

Guyana welcomes direct flights from Canada

Fly Always Aircraft

Guyana on Tuesday 174. This translates to 696 Caribbean Airways, Fly welcomed a momentous seats per week or a Always, and British development in its aviation remarkable 36,192 seats Airways, have joined the and tourism sector as it annually The increased fray under the PPP/C inaugurated direct flights connectivity will provide Administration,enhancing fromCanada,courtesyofthe passengers with more (Continued on page 22) collaboration between options and enhanced Canadian Jetline and Fly competitiveness in terms of AlwaysAirServices. airfare to Guyana The

This milestone marks a aircraft will make a brief significant advancement for stop in the Dominican the nation, enabling Republic for refuelling members of the Canadian purposes. Diasporaandtouristsaliketo Meanwhile, Minister of effortlessly visit Guyana via Tourism, Industry, and non-stop flights, simplifying Commerce, Oneidge their journeys, the Walrond, noted the Department of Public significance of the aircraft Informationsaid. transitioning through the

The grand welcoming Dominican Republic as the ceremony was held at the government recently signed Cheddi Jagan International a M e m o r a n d u m o f Airport (CJIA), where Understanding (MOU) with Minister of Public Works, the Dominican Republic, for Bishop Juan Edghill c o l l a b o r a t i o n a n d expressed his enthusiasm, partnership in the tourism highlighting that the sector “The DR is a infrastructural development mammoth in the tourism attheCJIAhasenabledCode sector since they have been F-type aircraft to land in the at it forso long and there is country He further so much that Guyana can elaborated that the arrival of learn in terms of twining the Fly Always aircraft is an our products. Where achievement of His people for just two hours Excellency,thePresidentDr. they can fly and come and MohamedIrfaanAli. experience our amazing

“Your government country, our ecotourism, being led by President Ali ourrain forest, ourwaters, has been working every and our adventure and so day to ensure that much that Guyana has to Guyanese who want to offer Not to mention the come home for fun, for large diaspora that family engagements, for GuyanahasinCanada.” business as well as Tourism is a priority Canadians who want to sector for Guyana’s come to Guyana to government, which has been experience our Tourism actively investing in package…must be able to i n f r a s t r u c t u r e get here with ease and with improvements, including comfort and this is just one airport upgrades, stadium of the many interventions construction, and hotel that is being made to bring development, to diversify its thattofruition,”henoted. tourismproduct.

Minister within the As of August 2023, Ministry of Public Works Guyana has witnessed a Deodat Indar highlighted remarkable increase in Guyana’s rapid growth and passengernumbers,totalling i n c r e a s i n g g l o b a l 480,384 compared to recognition He said 421,484 passengers during “Everybody wants to come the corresponding period of to Guyana, but the 2022, marking a 14 percent dilemmaishowtogethere. surge in arrivals and That’swhywealwaysneed departures. This figure is more airlines serving currently eight percent Guyana.” higher than pre-pandemic

The new non-stop route levelsin2019.BeforeMarch from Toronto, Canada, to 2020, Guyana had six Guyana, operated by Fly carriers conducting Always, will offer biweekly scheduled flights Since flights on an A320 aircraft then, four more carriers, with a seating capacity of including Jet Blue, Inter

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill greeting passengers

Peru oil spill violates Int’l treaties for human rights and environment - Report

Ansa

launches building solutions subsidiary in Guyana

In January 2022, a catastrophic oil spill accountability off the coast of Lima, caused by Spanish Environmental Catastrophe multinational Repsol, left a devastating The magnitude of the Repsol oil spill in impact on Peru’s marine and terrestrial January 2022 had far-reaching consequences ecosystems.Thisincidentnotonlyresultedin for Peru’s biodiversity and fragile severe environmental damage but also ecosystems. More than 1,850 species of violated the fundamental rights of thousands wildlife,someofwhichareendangered,were of people who relied on small-scale fishing affected by this catastrophic event. The spill fortheirlivelihoods. contaminated Peruvian waters, marred

A new report, published by pristine beaches, and disrupted the lives of CooperAcción, the Centre for Public Policy artisanal fishermen, severely impacting the and Human Rights (Peru EQUIDAD), country’snaturalheritage. EarthRights International (ERI), and Violation of Human Rights supported by the International Federation for The report emphasises that the oil spill Human Rights (FIDH), sheds light on the notonlyinflictedenvironmentaldamagebut extent of the disaster and the urgent need for (Continued on page 22)

Ansa Building Solutions (ABS Guyana) underscored that the services thatABS plans launched its branch here Tuesday evening at to supply will contribute to Guyana theMarriottHotel,Kingston,Georgetown. maintainingitsinternationalreputationonthe

Presentattheopeningceremony,Minister map.”WeareveryproudtoseeANSAMcAL of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill stated today launching yet another business, to that the government led by President Dr continue to work…develop with Guyana and Mohamed Irfaan Ali, is creating a country with Guyanese businesses. The intent of this where bountiful success is being reaped, and company today has shown yet again ANSA as such, he deems the country as a safe McALGroup of Companies faith and trust in investment hub ”We have to build our economy and our country,” the PSC partnerships;wehavetoencouragepeople chairmanexplained. to do more and we have to create the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ofANSA environment formore to be done. It is that McAL, Anthony N Sabga III said the policy that we are committed to creating,” products are supplying the Guyanese market thePublicWorksMinistersaidaccordingtoa at a crucial time. “This is yet another marker DepartmentofPublicInformationrelease. of our hopes for this marketand our intention

While congratulating the company on its ofsupportingthegrowingconstructionsector new venture, Minister Edghill said the new with the quality products for which we are business is a signal to notify the citizens of known…these high-quality products are where Guyana is going and the opportunities produced in accordance with international available.“Nowthatthecountryisgoingin standards,”saidtheCEO. a particular direction, ANSA McAL The new service is aimed at bringing probably sat and thought about how they solutionsandmakingiteasiertochoosefrom can make good use of the opportunities theshadesofpaint,clay,andconcreteblocks. that exist, and based on where we are According to the CEO, the company has going, they bring to us a new line, the investedoverUS$12.5MtogetABSGuyana ABS,”MinisterEdghillstated. to this point in the country Furthermore, the Meanwhile, Chairman of the Private company revealed that it will be spending SectorCommission(PSC),KomalSinghsaid someUS$250,000for45Guyanesetobesent Guyana is growing at a rapid pace, while toTrinidadfortraining.Additionally,another describing the nation as ‘the most US $12M will be invested in the Guyanese transformative economy in the world’. He marketinthenexttwoyears.

Samples of the paint that will be supplied by ABS

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, Chairman of the Private Sector, Komal Singh, and Chief Executive Officer of Ansa McAL, Anthony N Sabga III interacting at the event

Image of the oil spill in Peru. (Photo: Municipality of Ventanilla)

Hemp cultivation trials to begin Next Year

Min. Zulfikar Mustapha

With the numerous explained. “We are working with an economic advantages The Industrial Hemp investor also to set up a offeredbythethrivinghemp Act, ratified by the processing plant. So, all industry, Guyana is gearing governmentinAugust2022, those things are in the up to embark on trial paved the path for the pipeline at the discussion cultivation of hemp early legalisation of industrial stage. I am very optimistic 2024. hempinGuyanaandcreated thatbytheendofthisyear, This was disclosed by n e w b u s i n e s s a n d these things can come into Minister of Agriculture, agricultural prospects for being, and by early next Zulfikar Mustapha during a local farmers The year, we can start the telephoneinterviewwiththe agriculture minister said the production of hemp,” the Department of Public Guyana Industrial Hemp ministerdisclosed.

2 feared drowned after boat hit rock in Cuyuni River

Police in Regional when they stopped a metal small rapid when the boat Division #7 are boatwhichwaspoweredbya struck a rock, causing the

investigating a 75 Yamaha HP engine and boattotakeinwater report of a river mishap captained by Raul Jarvis, a Asaresult,theoccupants r e s u l t i n g i n t h e 36-year-old of Diamond, jumped out of the boat and disappearance of Kevin East Bank Demerara, along swam to shore, leaving Musa, a 44-year-old Miner with two other occupants, Kevin Musa and Alvin on a of Pomeroon, and another and asked for a drop to their rock in the middle of the man called ‘Alvin’ which mining camp located about Cuyuni River Alvin and occurred Tuesday evening at twenty minutes from Kevin were heard shouting Kurutuku Village, Upper KurutukuVillage. for a few minutes, then CuyuniRiver The metal boat was stopped.Theyarebelievedto

I n f o r m a t i o n ( D P I ) Regulatory Authority is

Although hemp grows Wednesdaymorning. currently being established well in a wide range of soil Minister Mustapha by the ministry, which will conditions, it thrives in r e m i n d e d t h a t t h e subsequently accept fertile, neutral to slightly introduction of hemp is applications for industrial alkaline, well-drained clay aligned with the agricultural hempcultivationlicences. loam or silt loam soils. diversification agenda, as “Right now, we are in Because of the plant’s rapid the government focuses on the process of establishing growth rates, a good boosting the country’s the regulatory authority moisture and nutrient output, generating jobs, and So, I am now about to take retention capacity is income for citizens. “We that to the cabinet. We essential. have already earmarked have received applications

Omega-3 and omega-6 lands in Regions Six and for the CEO’s position fatty acids are notably Ten where we can start which I am reviewing and abundant in hemp seeds, small-scale farmers with shortlisting,”henoted. which are also rich in one or two acres of Additionally, by next healthy fats. These two fats cultivation. Also, we have month, a specialist will be are well known for some other groups that we visiting from India to work enhancing heart health by areworkingwithtogetthe along with the government lowering triglycerides, specific plant…the to establish an entire system blood pressure, and industrial type hemp,” he to further drive the industry cholesterol. (DPI)

In a press release, police transporting fourteen drums havedrowned. said the accident occurred at of diesel from Devil Hole An alarm was raised, and about 18:20hrs. Enquiries Landing to San Martin police were notified A revealed that on Tuesday Landing and now had ten search party was formed, Kevin Musa and six of his persons. which included police and co-workers, including About ten minutes into soldiers.

‘Alvin’, were consuming their journey, the boat The search is currently alcohol at Kurutuku Village captain was navigating a ongoing.

More than 1,000 traffic cases made during last three days

The Guyana Police m a d e ; o n M o n d a y, intensified to curb motorists’ Force’s Traffic September 11th, 2023, 358 poor and reckless usage of

D e p a r t m e n t cases were made; and for the road, the Guyana Police across all Regional Tuesday, September 12th, Force said in a press release. Divisions made more than 2023, 315 cases were made, Traffic ranks across all 1,000trafficcasesduringthe bringing the total to 1,050 divisions have been l a s t t h r e e d a y s o f cases over the past three e n g a g i n g d a i l y i n enforcementexercises. days. countrywide empowerment

On Sunday, September The efforts by the Traffic sessions and road safety 10th, 2023, 377 cases were Department have been lectures.

President sees success in six firms bidding for 14 oil bocks

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President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has stated he is not disappointed about the number of bids received for the country’s competitive offshore oil and gas licensing round, which includes 14 oil blocks offshore Guyana.

The Head-of-State said it is a tremendous accomplishment for the small-producing oil and gas nation, especially at a time when the world is moving off from financing petroleum-related activities to cut carbon emissions.

President Ali was at the time responding to questions posed by American journalists during an event on Wednesday, in Washington DC, USA.

“In this market let us be very open and factual about this.

We went out and auction[ed] at a time when major economies in the world

were basically saying to oil producers, ‘We’re not going to finance you.’

So, you’re going to a market where raising of capital is an issue,” President Ali stated.

He explained that some countries had launched similar auctions but were unsuccessful when compared to responses received by Guyana.

“Many countries went to this same market and got no response to their auctions. We went to this market for 14 blocks and we got a response for eight blocks.

We are very happy. We got responses for eight of the 14 blocks and that is significant.

That cannot be minimised in any way, shape or form, because there are many countries that went out and got no attraction,” President Ali underscored.

dia and Qatar have expressed an interest in participating in the oil and gas industry but through government-to-government partnerships.

While the option can be explored, the Head-of-State explained that the government had to ensure that all blocks undergo an open, transparent public competitive process.

President Ali further expressed, “That is what we’re proud of that we have been able, as a newcomer in this business to demonstrate great transparency and openness in putting out the blocks for public auction…I don’t think it’s a disappointment, it’s a tremendous accomplishment given the circumstances, the market, and realities that we’re operating in,” he reiterated.

where the funding will come from.

“You will hear what we have to say at COP28 as we navigate this complex issue to find the global balance that is needed,” he emphasised.

The government through the Ministry of Natural Resources launched the firstever competitive offshore oil and gas licensing round in December 2022 with an April 2023 deadline.

However, it was extended to June, July, and then September 12 as the administration moved to advance the sector regulatory framework to ensure accountability and transparency.

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With regards to companies not submitting any bids, the president highlighted that many countries including In-

Additionally, with a gap in funding to fulfil basic Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs2030) in middle-income countries like Guyana, President Ali said the global community must be realistic as to

Of the 14 blocks, ranging from acreages of 1,000 square kilometres to 3,000 square kilometres, 11 are located in shallow water, while the remaining three can be found in ultra-deep water.

The government will now move to publish the complete details of the submissions for the auction in the Official Gazette, following the Laws of Guyana. (DPI)

Guyana welcomes direct flights from Canadaa...

From page 20 connectivity and accessibility.

Guyana’s cargo operations have also seen substantial growth, with August 2023 figures showing 7,114 tonnes compared to 5,627 tonnes during the same period in 2022, reflecting a 26 percent increase.

Cargo imports rose by 22 percent, primarily driven by

increased industrial supplies and bulk packages.

Exports recorded a remarkable 47 percent increase, attributed mainly to greater shipments of perishable products such as fresh-cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, and consumer goods in 2023.

With these developments, Guyana is poised to further solidify its position on the

global tourism and aviation map, offering travellers and businesses convenient access to its vibrant culture, natural wonders, and economic opportunities.

The direct flights from Canada represent a pivotal step towards realizing Guyana’s potential as a premier destination for visit ors from around the world.

Peru oil spill violates Int’l treaties...

From page 20 also violated international treaties related to sustainable development, the protection of sensitive natural areas, and human rights.

The impact of the oil spill extends beyond the environment.

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It paints a stark picture of how thousands of people and their families, who depended on small-scale fishing, saw their rights to work and to food severely compromised.

Lack of Accountability

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Repsol, the Spanish oil giant responsible for the spill, has faced criticism for its inadequate response to the crisis. Despite being forced to pay over US$11 million in fines and facing a US$4.5 billion lawsuit related to the oil disaster, the company has denied responsibility and labeled the legal claim as “baseless, inadmissible, and inconsistent.”

Notably, Repsol is also working offshore Guyana.

Social and Economic Consequences

Fishing and tourism, vital sources of employment for coastal communities, were severely affected. Despite initial efforts, both Repsol and state authorities have struggled to provide sustainable solutions to address the social and economic consequences of the spill.

Kaieteur News had reported that the Peruvian Government, through its consumer protection agency, has taken legal action against Repsol, seeking US$4.5 billion compensation for environmental damage and harm to locals and consumers.

Repsol executives were barred from leaving the country to ensure they honor their obligations.

Moreover, the report emphasizes the importance of a

comprehensive and adequate response by Repsol and state authorities to address the socio-environmental crisis. The sheer magnitude of the impacts necessitates strong measures to repair the damage and prevent future catastrophes.

It was explained that the Repsol oil spill in Peru serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for accountability in the oil and gas industry.

It highlights the profound consequences of environmental disasters on human rights, local livelihoods, and the fragile ecosystems of the affected regions.

As legal proceedings continue, it is imperative that Repsol, alongside state authorities, takes decisive action to rectify the damage caused and ensure that such incidents are avoided in the future.

ing rooms for sale. All in working condition. Call:

Some teachers’ salaries to be adjusted from October 1

Isseneru Village Council loses case against GGMC, dredge owner for land trespass

Teachers being paid below the minimum of their applicable scales will have their salaries adjustedeffectivefromOctober1,2023. This is according to a circular from the MinistryofFinanceissuedtotheministries of Education and Local Government and RegionalDevelopment.

The document which was released on the Education Ministry Facebook page yesterday stated that the Government of Guyana has approved salary adjustment of teachers paid below the minimum of their applicable scale to be brought up to the minimum of the scale of the current year “One off arrears payment will be made for eligible teachers for the period

September1,2020toSeptember30,2023,” thestatementnoted.

According to the Ministry of Finance, theAccountantGeneralDepartment(ADC) will generate the listing of eligible employees for salary adjustments and forwardsametotheagenciesbyOctober4, 2023.

The agencies will be required to confirm the eligibility of employees for the salary adjustment and return the verified listtotheMinistryofFinance byOctober9,2023.

The missive also noted that this revision in salaries is payable to the specified Education Sector workers who are employedasatOctober2 023payroll.

The case brought

by Isseneru Village Council (IVC) against the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission(GGMC)anda dredge owner, Suresh Ramkissoon was on Wednesday thrown out after thecouncilfailedtoproveits claimofillegalminingonits lands.

The Village Council had accused GGMC of enabling the miner to conduct prospectingonitstitledlands without first obtaining its permission.TheCouncilhad argued that in breach of the AmerindianAct,theGGMC failed to conduct an environmental impact assessment(EIA).

However, Justice Gino Persaud who presided over the trial ruled said that the council had failed to prove itscase.

Justice Persaud noted thatundercrossexamination Mr Larson, a witness concededthatthedredgewas on the river which did not formpartoftheirtitledlands.

“He agreed that the dredgedidnotworkontheir titled lands and that there wasnodamagetoanyofthe Village’s structures, Justice Persaud said as pointed out that “No evidence was provided of any damage to

the river bed and bank as claimed.”

According to Justice Persaud, the witness also conceded that the burial ground was located about 200feetinland.

“No damage was caused to the burial ground by the dredgeforthebriefperiodit operatedintheriver,”hesaid Additionally the judge said, the second witness Mr Brando Joseph also conceded under cross examination that the dredge caused no damage to any building or structure belongingtotheVillage.

“Heagreedatallmaterial times the dredge operated in the river and he further agreed that the Village Council did not own the river,” In its statement of claim, the IVC said the GGMC acting without its consent, issued a permit to prospector, Ramkissoon operate a dredge in their titledlands.

They argued that under theprovisionsoftheAct,the consentofatleasttwo-thirds of the Amerindian community is first needed before permission for mining activity can be grantedtoanyminer

Notwithstanding this, however, the plaintiffs said that the GGMC still went

ahead, in breach of the Act, and issued permits for mining on their lands without entering into any agreement The Village Council said it been the claim of the village council that size and scale of the dredge operated had “degraded the river bed and made the banks of the river unstableandhaspollutedthe water”whichresidentsofthe community use for sanitary purposes. TheIVCsaidthat it had suffered adverse impacts of mining from prospectors who had been granted permission to mine in the rivers and creeks which flow through their titledarea.

The defendants, they stressed, are not entitled to mine on their property withoutpermissionfromthe Toshao and that no such permission had been sought or granted and therefore miningcouldnotbeallowed on any river which passes through their titled area or lands contiguous to the plaintiff’stitledarea.

In all the circumstances, the plaintiffs among other thingswereseekingdamages in excess of $ 1 million for trespassontheirlandandfor nuisance and breach of the provisions of the Mining Act.

The finance circular posted by the Ministry of Education on Wednesday.

The Isseneru Village Council on Wednesday lost the case against GGMC, dredge owner for land trespass

UK pledges US$2B to help small states fight climate change

Amid a gathering It was stated that this decarbonizing our own Caribbean Community In preparation for of G20 leaders commitment is an integral economy and supporting the Climate Change Centre COP28 and the 4th in India on part of the UK’s overarching world’s most vulnerable to (5Cs) to assist CARICOM International Conference on

September 10- promise, made during deal with the impact of M e m b e r S t a t e s i n SIDS in 2024, the UK 11, United Kingdom Prime COP26, to allocate £11.6 climate change. This is the overcoming obstacles Government remains a MinisterRishiSunakmadea billion (USD$14.5 billion) kind of leadership that the associated with accessing staunch advocate for SIDS. landmark announcement, for international climate world rightly expects from and disbursing climate Their commitment revolves reaffirming the UK’s finance between 2021 and G20 countries And this finance. around fostering global dedication to supporting 2026. Notably, it signifies a government will continue to Earlier this year, in consensus to support SIDS Small Island Developing 13% increase compared to lead by example in making Jamaica, the UK made a in addressing their unique States (SIDS) in their efforts t h e U K ’s p r e v i o u s the UK, and the world, more substantial £7 million vulnerabilities and building tocombatclimatechange. contribution to the GCF for prosperousandsecure.” ( U S D $ 8 7 m i l l i o n ) robusteconomies.

In a press statement, it the2020-2023period.

In the Caribbean, the UK contribution to a task force The UK takes a leading was noted that the UK In light of the pressing has maintained a responsive pioneering innovative role in advocating for pledged a staggering £1.62 climate crisis, there’s an approach to the concerns of methods to access climate systems tailored to small billion (USD$2 billion) to urgencytoexpeditefinancial governments regarding finance. states, including pushing for the second replenishment of aid. As such, it was stated climate and environmental The aim is to eventually increased access to climate the Green Climate Fund that the UK is determined to issues. Unlocking climate replicate this model across finance for SIDS within the (GCF), spanning from 2024 collaborate closely with the finance in the Caribbean the region to bolster national GCF Additionally, the UK to 2027. The GCF stands as GCF to accelerate actions region has become a pivotal strategies in combating extends its support to SIDS the world’s largest fund that cater to those most Prime Minister Rishi g o a l f o r t h e U K climatechange. through its £500 million exclusively aimed at s u s c e p t i b l e t o t h e Sunak, addressing the G20 Consequently, the UK’s Combatting Sargassum (USD$624 million) Blue assisting developing nations ramifications of climate leaders, stated, “The UK is Minister for the Caribbean According to the Planet Fund, with initiatives in reducing global emissions change, particularly the stepping up and delivering recently inked an agreement statement, the UK has like the £36 million and adapting to the adverse Small Island Developing o n o u r c l i m a t e worth £2 7 million responded proactively to the ( U S D $ 4 5 m i l l i o n ) effectsofclimatechange. States(SIDS). commitments, both by (USD$3.4 million) with the concerns of Caribbean Sustainable Blue Economies leaders by launching a call program. for research proposals on Recognizing that SIDS Sargassum seaweed. The are pivotal players in the recentinfluxesofSargassum realm of climate action, the pose a significant threat to UK acknowledges their the region’s marine crucial role in urging major ecosystems, economy, and emitters to take substantive public health. The UK has a c t i o n T h e U K i s invited partners to submit u n w a v e r i n g i n i t s proposals of up to £300,000 commitment to fulfilling the (USD$374,000) before promises of the Glasgow October10th. Climate Pact, including The research seeks to addressing climate finance advanceviable,scalable,and and tackling loss and s a f e s o l u t i o n s f o r damage. processing, sinking, or T h i s r e s o l u t e storing Sargassum. Solving commitment from the UK the Sargassum challenge is underscores the global pivotal for the Caribbean’s imperative to combat sustainabledevelopmentand climate change and assist resilience in the face of vulnerable nations on the climatechange. frontlines of this escalating SIDSAdvocacy crisis.

Exxon’s sixth project to...

From page 8 those limits, we will go to government and say hey we have the ability to go further,” Jackson said, adding: “We have something or a process that has been established between us andthegovernment.”

This process, according to the Projects Manager, affords the company an opportunity to share its assessments with government on its ability to increase production rates. Notably, government is then empowered to decide whether the company should proceed with the breach to the EIA or whether the company should stick to the approved production rates. Jackson said, “I’m not fully aware if we haveseenacontradictionofwhatthebasisfortheFDPorthe EIA and if there was a need to go back to those processes; can’tsayyesornopersonallyonthat.”

Ramped up production

The Liza Destiny was the country’s first FPSO and was designed to safely produce 120,000 barrels per day (bpd), howevertheGoGinitsMid-YearReportontheperformance of the economy said that production has been ramped up to 153,000bpd.

Meanwhile,onthesecondFPSO,LizaUnity,whichwas designedaccordingtoitsEnvironmentalImpactAssessment (EIA), to produce up to 220,000 barrels per day, production hasbeenpushedtoabout226,500bpd.

Plans are already in place to further increase the daily productionatthetwoFPSOs.

Similarly, the third project, Payara which is expected to startupinthefourthquarterofthisyear,Exxonhassaidthat it plans to produce about 230,000 bpd by the end of 2024 at t h e p r o j e c t a l o n e https://www kaieteurnewsonline com/2023/08/09/dailyproduction-at-3rd-project-to-be-increased/

United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (© Getty Images)

Brazilians split about Neymar breaking Pelé’s goal-scoring record

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil great Neymar received a plaque for becoming the team’s all-time leading goalscorer in official matches in the early hours of Saturday. However, the language used to describe his achievement perhaps shows many in the South American nation still consider three-time World Cup winner Pelé top of that chart.

“To Neymar Jr., the alltime top goal-scorer for the Selecao in matches against national teams,” reads the plaque delivered by the president of the Brazilian soccer confederation, Ednaldo Rodrigues, a hardcore Pelé

fan. “With your goals you have brought joy to millions of Brazilians and fans all over the world.”

The first goal Neymar scored in Brazil’s 5-1 victory over Bolivia in the opening round of South American World Cup qualifying put him one above Pelé, who died on Dec. 29 aged 82 after a long fight against cancer.

The 31-year-old picked up his second goal in injury time, lifting his tally to 79 in 125 appearances.

Neymar’s record-breaking goal came in the 61st minute following a low cross into the penalty box.

Brazil’s Neymar celebrates scoring his side’s (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

He celebrated by punching the air, as Pelé usually did.

“I am very happy, no words for this,” Neymar said

Thursday September 14, 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.

Pegasus Storm cart off Trophy...

From page 33 non-nonsense mood, bludgeoning an unbeaten 40 with six huge sixes off a mere 16 balls after the earlier batsmen, including skipper Sunil Dhaniram (23) were kept somewhat in check by fine bowling from the Pegasus Storm bowlers.

The left-handed Rasool, who batted at number six, brought some respectability to the score. Chumney, with five sixes in his 32 and Mohan Harihar (22) were also among the runs. Gobin (two for 18) and Malone (two for 29) were the main wicket-takers for Pegasus Storm.

medals. Toronto Blizzards took away the runners-up trophy and medals for all players. They were also the regular season champs.

The Most Valuable Players went to Itwaru (Pegasus Storm) and Rasool (Toronto Blizzards).

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.

after he was handed the plaque by Rodrigues. “I never thought I would reach this record.”

Despite celebrations by Neymar and his teammates, the Brazilian soccer confederation was less effusive, as the plaque hinted.

Unlike FIFA, the confederation considers Pelé’s tally to be 95 goals in 114 matches, including those he scored in friendlies against club sides and team selections from Brazilian states.

Santos, the club where Pelé and Neymar started, also doesn’t accept that the Al-Hilal striker broke the record of the man the club and Brazilians call their king.

“The kingdom of soccer,” the club said on its social media channels, posted with an undated picture of Neymar and Pelé.

Brazilian media rejected the idea Neymar had replaced Pelé as the Selecao’s all-time top goal- scorer.

“FIFA despises part of history by not counting all goals by Pelé,” said journalist Mauro Cézar Pereira. Another columnist, Renato Mauricio Prado, described the change at the top of the charts as “an aberration.”

Some of the 18 goals that FIFA does not count for Pelé came against tough club rivals.

Pelé scored twice in Brazil’s 2-2 draw with Inter Milan in 1960.

Six years later, he grabbed a hat-trick in a 5-3 victory over Atletico Madrid.

Also in 1966, the Brazil icon netted another treble in a 3-1 win over Sweden’s Malmo.1

Apart from carting off the winning trophy, sponsored by Trophy Stall (Canada), members of the winning team were also the recipient of

Dhaniram claimed the lion’s share of the individual trophies – scoring the most runs (494), the division’s highest batting ranking and for scoring a century in the regular season. Centuries were also recorded by Gobin (108), Shiv Seeram (121), Monty Dass (103), Khemraj Budhai (116) and Kenny Girdharry (102). Rasool claimed the most wickets (10) while Jaimini Singh got two four-wicket hauls and Sohan Singh had one.

Djokovic’sU.S.Openpusheshimtotopof2023TennisEarningsList

Sportico - In 2022, Iga Swiatek came within a couple hundred grand of beingthehighest-paidtennis player on the court, man or woman.Inthe16yearssince all four Grand Slams committed to equal pay for bothgenders,nowomanhas done that—a streak that will likelycontinuethisyear

At the very top of the earningscharts,tennisisstill aman’sworld.

Following the U S Open,thetopthreeplayersin 2023 prize money are all men Champion Novak Djokovic, runner-up Daniil Medvedev and semifinalist Carlos Alcaraz put some distance between them and therestofthemaleplayersin the world with their success in Flushing Those three players made $3 million, $1.5 million and $775,000, respectively, with laterround prize money slightly elevated this year relative to theearlierrounds.Thefourth highest-paidmanonthetour this year, Jannik Sinner, earned only $284,000 by

reaching the fourth round, while fifth-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas added just

$123,000 to his total after a surprisingsecondroundexit.

Djokovic has now eclipsed $10 million on the year Alcaraz sits slightly behind the GOAT at $9.31 million and ahead of Medvedev, who’s made $7.41million.

Aryna Sabalenka tops the women’s list with $7.37 million after losing the U.S. Open final to 19-year-old CocoGauff,whovaultedup tothesecond-highestfemale earner Sabalenka had a dominantyearatthemajors, winningtheAustralianOpen and reaching at least the semifinals of all four Slams, but she only won one, whereas Djokovic won three Additionally, she’s only won one WTA 1000level event, andAlcaraz and Medvedev have each won twoMasters1000titles.

Even if Sabalenka had matched her male counterparts in tournament wins, she’d still be fighting

Novak Djokovic

crack$10millionthisyear

At the end of each season,theATP/WTAFinals willbeplayedamongthetop eightplayersintherankings. These are essentially “rich getricher”events.

In 2022, the men’s event in Turin, Italy, had a purse exceeding $14 million, and the 2023 WTA Finals in Mexico is expected to dish out$9milliontoitsplayers.

fine for this life and many otherlives.”

Another source of incomeforthetenniselitesis the bonus pool split at the end of the season between the highest-ranked players on each tour who meet certaincriteriafornumberof eventsplayed.

an uphill battle Many marquee events in which men and women both play simultaneouslystillpaymen far more. For instance, the Cincinnati Open paid out roughly$6.6milliontomale playersin2023andjust$2.8 million to female players, and prize money disparities at lower-level tournaments areevenworse.

Despite this fact, six of the top 10 players in 2023 prize money through Sept. 12 are women—a reflection

of the broad talent pool atop thewomen’sgame. Lookingaheadtotherest of 2023, however, there is muchmoremoneyavailable for the men. Both tours will play two 1000-level events, butthe$2.8millionpurseof the WTA’s Guadalajara Open pales compared to the roughly$7.2millionoffered by the Paris Masters and the $8.8 million at stake in the Shanghai Masters. Still, if Sabalenkadominatesforthe next two months, she could

A l t h o u g h t h e s e tournamentsdrawmuchless public attention than the Grand Slams, Djokovic brought home more cash from winning the 2022ATP Finals than he did at any major In fact, the $4.74 million he earned was the richest payday in the history of the sport by a significant margin,surpassingthe$3.85 millionwonbyRafaelNadal andBiancaAndreescuatthe 2019U.S.Open.

“Players who are lowerranked are struggling the most,” Djokovic said at a Professional Tennis Players Association press conference in August. “I’m

In 2022,Alcaraz earned nearly $3 million from the bonus pool after having already put away his rackets for the year This year, the ATP bonus pool has ballooned to $21.3 million, though the distribution formula has yet to be announced, while the women’s side pays out a muchsmaller$4.5million.

Themarkforthesecondmost money ever won in a season, currently held by Andy Murray with $16.4 million in 2016, is likely to be surpassed if either DjokovicorAlcarazwinsthe ATP Finals. It’s going to be nearly impossible, though, for anyone to match the record $21.1 million that Djokovicearnedin2015.

Republic Bank CPL 2023 - GuyanaAmazon Warriors vs. Jamaica Tallawahs at Providence

Unbeaten Warriors crush Tallawahs by

-Ayub85,eclipsesKing’shalf-century

Saim Ayub’s 53-ball 85 blitz took unbeaten Guyana Amazon Warriors to the top of the table after destroying the Jamaica Tallawahs by 7 wicketsasthefinallegofthe tournament bowled off in

Guyanalastnight.

Warriorsacedtheirchase of 152, ending on 155-3 in 18. 3 overs after sublime stroke-play fromAyub, who wastheteam’schampionfor theyetanothergame.

7

wickets after Ayub assault

The Pakistan left-hander cracked 85 off 53 with 5 fours and 5 sixes, as he passed 50 for the third consecutive time as he remainstheWarriorsandthe tournament’s leading run-

Twenty four youth cricketers...

Frompage30

BCB/Government of Guyanaprogramme.

Meanwhile, the BCB Presidentfulfilledapromise hemadetothirteenyearold Fardeen Kaleem of the Cotton Tree Cricket Club. FosterhadmetKaleemona recent visit to the West Berbice Cricket Acdemy and readily agreed to assist the teenager to fulfill his dream of becoming a professionalcricketer

With the support of former national player Sheik Mohamed, Foster presented one hundred thousand dollars’ worth of gear to Kaleem. The items

received included a bat, batting pad, batting gloves, helmetandprotectivegear

A delighted Kaleem expressed gratitude to Foster for his assistance while his mother Yasheena Persaud hailed the BCB president as a role model and mentor Vice Chairman

ZamalHussainstatedthatas a proud Berbician, he was very happy of the work of the BCB under the leadership of Foster and he wanted to be part of developmentalprocess.

Hussain stated that he was happy to assist the youths. He urged them to takepropercareoftheitems

and to also focus on their education.

Hussain also stated t h a t t h e P e o p l e Progressive Party government was investing h e a v i l y i n t h e development of sports in Berbice and pledged his continued support to the BCBinthefuture

The players were drawn from clubs like Guymine, Mt Sanai, Edinburg, Rose Hall Canje, Tucber Park, Port Mourant, Cotton Tree, Bath, Bush Lot United, Scottsburg, Upper Corentyne, RHTYSC, AlbionandBerbiceRiver

scorer Twenty year-old Matthew Nandu, playing hisfirstgame,wasstylish in his approach and looked on course to fifty beforehewasbowledbyexWarriors skipper Chris Green (1-32) after hitting 3 fours in his 37 off 35 deliveries.

Both left-handers, Nandu and Ayub, oozed class as they pounced on anything short or loose on their way to a half-century openingstand,bytheendof thepower-play Ayub was ultraaggressive, dealing in an assortment of boundaries as he clobbered his way to his to fifty off 33 balls, while Nandu played his role quietly yet effectively at the other end; as they added the Warriors first 100 partnership.

After Green removed Nandu, Ayub continued to assault the opposition bowlers as he seemed to be eyeing a hundred, attempting to over hit a deliver from pacer Chemar Springer, only to be out caught.

Shai Hope’s only four finished the game as he ended on 16 not out off 17 balls,sealingavictorywith9 ballsremaining.

Earlier, the Tallawahs posted 152-5 from 20 overs batting first. Opener and skipper Brandon King returnedtoformwithacrisp 52off32(10x4,1x6)tolead the show All-rounders RaymonReiferhit3foursin his 20* while Fabian Allen muscled two monster sixes in his 21* to help the Tallawahs post a defendable total,asnotmuchcamefrom their batters with the exception of Kirk Mckenzie (13)andWasim(18).

Warriors’ bowlers capitalized on their home turf knowledge, with spinners, skipper Imran Tahir (1-19) and left-arm Gudakesh Motie (1-29) again creating issues for the opposition.

Fast-bowler Romario Shepherd (1-19) snatched the wicket of England openerAlex Hales (9) but it was South African pacer Dwaine Pretorius who was thestar,baggingbothofhis2

wickets in one over, costing just33fromhis4overs.

King gave his team a racing start as he smashed boundaries around a venue whichhewasalltoofamiliar with, at one point taking struggling medium-pacer OdeanSmithtothecleaners, smackinghimfor17runsin his first over, to finish the power-play

The Tallawahs captain thenracedtohis2ndfiftyat Providence off 30-odd balls before he was bowled by Motie.Thedismissalopened the gates for Guyana who managed to pick up a few wicketswhilekeepingagrip ontherun-flow

After the skipper’s departure, Allen provided some later order powerhitting, entertaining the Guyanese crowd as his two hugesixes,onewhichsailed into the glass of the Media Center and the other, a 100plusmeter6whichlandedon the roof, helped his team creep towards a respectable score.

The Warriors will play BarbadosRoyalstodayfrom 7:00pm.

Haaland’s 25th goal helps keep Norway in Euro 2024 hunt

(Reuters) - Erling

Haaland notched his 25th goal in 26 international appearances to help Norway toa2-1winoverGeorgiaon Tuesday that kept their Euro 2024 qualification hopes alive.

The 23-year-old striker struck on 25 minutes before captain Martin Odegaard doubled their lead eight minutes later as the home side dominated the match at Oslo’sUllevaalstadium.

However, with Norway needing all three points to remaininthehuntforoneof thetwoqualifyingspotsfrom Group A, Budu Zivzivadze rattled the home side’s nervesbypullingagoalback

forGeorgiainstoppagetime.

Norway manager Stale Solbakken said his side posed a bigger threat as the gameworeon.

“Aslightlyslowstart,but at the same time we had full control.

They laid very low and closed well Then we gradually became more and moredangerous,”headded.

“Wehavefullcontrolfor a long time before they scored a little out of nothing.”

Norway are third after five matches in the group, eight points behind leaders Scotland and two behind Spain, who have played one gamefewer

Marquinhos earns Brazil late win over Peru

Brazil’s Marquinhos scores their first goal. (REUTERS/Sebastian Castaneda)

Reuters - LIMA, (Reuters) - Brazil made it two wins from two in 2026 World Cup qualifying on Tuesday after a late goal from Marquinhos earned them a 1-0 win over Peru in Lima.

Brazil, who crushed Bolivia 5-1 at home on Friday, moved level on six points with rivals Argentina at the top of the South American qualifying standings.

Interim coach Fernando Diniz’s side dominated possession and attacking opportunities early in the game but Raphinha and Richarlison saw goals ruled

out for offside in the first half.

“I’m pleased with what we’veshowninbothgames. Today’sgamewasadifferent atmosphere.

The team had to score three goals to make one count,”Diniztoldreporters.

“It’salwaysimportantto win. I think we won with a lotofcredit.Ireallyenjoyed it.”

With the game heading towards a scoreless draw Paris St Germain defender Marquinhos headed home Neymar’s corner at the near post to seal the win in the 90thminute.

“We practised set pieces

both in Belem and here. Set pieces define the game, todayitdid,”Dinizadded.

“We scored through persistence.

A well struck ball and anticipation on the first post ”

The five-times world champions will host Venezuela before visiting Uruguay next month when qualifyingcontinues

In other qualifiers earlier on Tuesday, Argentina cruised past Bolivia 3-0, Venezuela beat 1-0 Paraguay, Uruguay lost 2-1 at Ecuador, while Chile and Colombiadrew0-0

(Lise Aserud/NTB

IMMAFandRDXSports EnterGlobalPartnership

L o n d o n ] T h e

International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) is pleased to unveil RDX Sports as its official global kit supplier and partner The next generation of IMMAF kits issettolaunchofficiallyat the 2023 IMMAF World Championships in Tirana, Albania,thisNovember

This exciting new multi-year collaboration representsaparadigmshift of global proportions, with R D X S p o r t s internationally renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, d e v e l o p i n g a n d manufacturing equipment and apparel in MMA, boxing, kickboxing, and fitness.

RDX Sports will c o n c e p t u a l i z e , manufacture,anddistribute an exclusive range of mixed martial arts kit and apparelalongsideIMMAF, including officially accredited rash guards, gloves, and shin guards, whichwillbecomeastaple of IMMAF competitions f o r t h e W o r l d Championships and beyond.

The IMMAF X RDX Sports partnership is poisedtoelevatetheathlete experience, providing cutting-edge kits that meet the highest standards of

performanceandcomfort.

RDX has expanded from its UK headquarters to become a global leader in the provision of contact sports equipment, growing a t a r a p i d r a t e simultaneouslytoIMMAF

With a workforce of over 700employees,fourglobal warehouses, and two wholly owned factories, RDX is dedicated to innovating, evolving, and crafting top-of-the-line precision equipment for fightersofallskilllevels.

IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said: “We are delighted to welcome RDX Sports as our official global kit supplier This partnership is a pivotal step in our long-term vision with RDX Sports Together, w e e n v i s i o n t h e development of new rangesofkitsandapparelat a scale never seen before within the IMMAF ecosystem.

“These groundbreaking initiatives will not only benefit our current athletes but also i n s p i r e t h e n e x t generation of MMA enthusiasts worldwide, s o l i d i f y i n g o u r commitment to the growth ofAmateur MMA onaglobalscale

“OnbehalfoftheBoard of Directors, I would also

like to thank long-term equipment partners, Green Hill Sports, for their invaluable and undeniable commitment to supporting the development of IMMAF for the past eight years.”

RDXCMORayQudos said: “We take immense prideandpleasureinbeing named as IMMAF’s official and accredited global kit supplier, solidifying our strategic partnership for the upcoming year and beyond.“Ifirstencountered IMMAF at their inaugural showinLasVegasin2014 and have since witnessed the organization’s remarkable growth, now spanningover142member countries “IMMAF delivers prestigious World AmateurChampionshipsat the Youth, Junior, and Senior levels, uniting a diverse mix of cultures to celebrate the bestemerging talent in MMA. Theseathletesarepoisedto become the stars of the professionalgame.”

As IMMAF continues its relentless efforts to cultivate grassroots MMA worldwide, this strategic partnership with RDX Sports underscores its unwavering commitment to empower the next generation of MMA athletes.

Norway’s Erling Braut Haaland scores their first goal.

via REUTERS)

BCB/ Zamal Hussain Cricket Trust Fund... Twenty four youth cricketers receive over $1M in cricket gear in massive development programme

“When I was elected President of the Berbice Cricket Board in 2018, I madeacommitmenttowork hardtomakesurethatevery youth is given the equal opportunity to fulfill his/her talent on the field in spite of poverty, lack of facility and theclubtheyplayfor.

Over the years, my administration has worked very hard to fulfill this promise and today another set of twenty four players would benefit. We have assisted close to one thousand youth cricketers to be better cricketers and students in the classroom. We are very proud of this achievement and we would continue to assist in the future.”

Those were the words of BCB President Hilbert Foster as he addressed the presentationceremonyofthe first ever Zamal Hussain BerbiceCricketTrustFund.

A total of twenty four youthcricketersdrawnfrom clubs across the county received personal gear from

theTrustFund. Theplayers who received the gear were Isaac Charles, Nathaniel Amsterdam, Jonathan Daniels, Gautam Dhanraj, Gavin Kesten, Vishal Williams,SurajCyril,David Alfred, Christopher Baldeo, KeonJoseph,AdeshHemraj, Joel Baldeo, Trevor Reynolds, Alese Moore, Keshain Narine, Melon Barnwell,SohailSrikissoon, Rajesh Singh, Khemraj Sewnauth, Delroy Singh, DavindraCapelandthelone Female Saradha Sewnarine. Theyeachreceivedacricket ball, pair of batting pad and batting gloves Foster in an emotional address to the gathering, told the young cricketers to take advantage oftheeffortsoftheBCBand usethegearfortheintended purpose.

TheBCBPresidentstated thattheboardisdeterminedto uphold the legacy of Rohan

Kanhai, Alvin Kallicharran, Basil Butcher and Roy Fredericks

The President expressed gratitude to Hussain, who is

theViceChairmanofRegion 6 for his support and hailed himasatruefriendofBerbice Cricket Fosterstatedthatthe Vice Chairman followed in thefootstepsofRegion5Vice Chairman Rion Peters and members of Parliament

FaizulJaffarallyinsettingup trustfundstoassistcricketers and clubs in the area. He urgedtheyoungcricketersto develop a culture of hard work, dedication, discipline anddevotiontothegame.

He also disclosed that

another one hundred youth players would before the year end of 2023 receive about eight million dollars worth of gear, while clubs would receive $1 million worth of red cricket balls. Youth cricketers would also

benefit from personal development clinics, coaching manuals, youth information booklets and coaching sessions involving twenty part-time coaches attachedtothe

(Continuedonpage28)

Gritty Boyz come from behind for 2-2 stalemate with Haiti in League A, Group B clash

SportsMax - Jamaica’s senior Reggae Boyz maintained their positive starttotheConcacafNations League, but did so the hard way, as they had to come from behind to secure a 2-2 stalemate with Haiti at the National Stadium on

Tuesday

A 51st-minute own-goal by Ricardo Ade and Bobby Reid’s 81st-minute penalty, rescued a point for the Reggae Boyz, after Don Louicius’s first half brace in the12thand15thminutes.

With the point, the Jamaicans remain in pole position to complete a top two finish in Group B of LeagueA,astheysitonfour points, same as Cuba, who edged Suriname 1-0 in their contest.

Haiti inched up to two points in third followed Grenada and Suriname on one point each, but that was expectedtochangeattheend ofthegameday,asHonduras wereleadingGrenada1-0in thelategroupfixture.

Following their win against Honduras last week, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side

would have been confident of securing another three pointsandtheystartedmore purposefully which all but signalledtheirintent.

Theyfiredawarningshot inthesecondminutethrough Kasey Palmer, whose leftfooted shot was parried by JhonyPlacidewhogotdown well to his right in goal for Haiti.

The resulting corner presented another opportunity, but Shemar Nicholsonsteeredhisheader wideofthetarget.

However, the Jamaicans had the wind knock from them as it was the Haitians that broke the deadlock against the run of play, courtesyofLouiciuswithhis firstseniorgoal.

The player sporting the number 11 jersey, shook a challenge from Damion Lowe and later fired past AndreBlake.

Before the Boyz could recover, they found themselves further behind when Mondy Prunier orchestrated a counterattack andplayedapassonaplatter for Louicius to capitalise on

some lacklustre defending by the Jamaicans as he fired homebeatingBlakeallends up.

Jamaicans continued to press and created a few openings from which they shouldhaveatleastpulledon back,butfaultyshootingand a lack of composure proved

Demarai Gray was instrumental in the Reggae Boyz come back.

(Concacaf)

spiritedly on the resumption and Louicius tested Blake withaleft-footedstrikefrom a distance, but the custodian gotdownwelltogather

TheJamaicansneedinga saviour gradually came to life in attack and like it was in their opening contest against Honduras, Gray came to their rescue, albeit fortuitously,ashissofteffort along the ground was deflectedinbyAde.

Nicholson should have pulled the Boyz level in the 54thfromabreak.However, hewashesitantingettingthe shotofffromcloserangeand was later dispossessed by a recoveringdefender

the top of the 18-yard box and was just kept out by Placide.

It was an intriguing endto-end battle at that point as Haiti went on the counter a minute later, Prunier dismissed his marker, but couldn’t get beyond Blake, who left his line well in a one-on-onesituation.

Afterapplyingconsistent pressure coupled with a few timely substitutions, the Jamaicans eventually pulled level when Reid fired home from the penalty spot, after one of those substitutes, RomarioWilliams’sshitwas handled inside the danger area.

theirundoing.

Thebestofthosechances came on the stroke of halftime when Nicholson found himself in on goal but drove his right-footer wide of the target,asHaitiremained2-0 upatthebreak.

With the lead in their favour,theHaitianscameout

Though on the backfoot, the Haitians didn’t just merelyabsorbpressure,they continuedtheprobetoaddto their tally and almost did so on the hour mark when Prunier again played provider,thistimetoDanley Jean, whose firm eft-footer from just inside the 18-yard box,rattledthecrossbar

T h e J a m a i c a n s responded two minutes later andalmostpulledlevelwhen Kasey Palmer’s shot from

The Jamaicans thought they had all three points in thebaginthedyingmoments of the contest when Reid’s well-struck shot from a distance had goal written all over it, but for a well-timed dive from Placide, who ensuredGabrielPellegrino’s team held on for a share of thespoils.

Theteamswillnowhead into the break before the return leg fixtures in October

Youth Cricketers poses after the presentation of the gears with Zamal Hussain and BCB officials.

Royals take a swing at Lusignan Golf Club

Thefinallegofthe 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League is currently beinghostedinGuyana.Asa result,onTuesdaylast,afew members of the Barbados Royals paid a visit to the Lusignan Golf Club and enjoyedaroundofgolf.

Former West Indies captainandBarbadosRoyals all-rounderJasonHolderhas noted that he enjoys the challenge the course presents and will be looking forwardtovisitingagain.

Theplayerswhovisited were Jason Holder, Laurie Evans, Roelof van der Merwe and Royals Head Coach,TrevorPenny

When asked about the course conditions, Holder said, “I always adapt my game to the course I am given The fairways were in good condition, although the rough was quite challenging

However, overall, I had a pleasant day out in the fieldswiththeguys ”

According to Avinash Persaud, an 11-time Guyana OpenChampion,Holderwas drivingtheballasfaras320350yardsdownthefairway Barbados Royals Coach TrevorPennypraisedHolder for his impeccable performanceonthefield.

He explained that Holder, who has a 12 handicap, was playing more likean8handicap.

Holder is not the first Barbadian to play at the LGC.

In 1979, West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers

won the World Series Golf Tournament at the same venue.

LGC Vice President Brian Hackett stated, “I was overwhelmed when they asked to play at the L G C , e s p e c i a l l y considering the excellent

condition of the course at thattime.

The staff were cordial andprofessional

We are looking forward to visits from other teams

The Barbadians have set a h i g h s t a n d a r d i n dominating the course

today,andIlookforwardto seeing if any other visiting teamcandothesame.”

Hackett revealed that the players are excited to return, and as a result, the club will be inviting them to this Saturday’s Trophy Stallgolftournament

Johnson scores magnificent 133 but West Indies U19 facing uphill battle against Sri Lanka

SportsMax - Jordan Johnson’s incredible purple patchwiththebatcontinued yesterday but, alas, it might not be enough to save the WestIndiesU19fromdefeat against their Sri Lankan rivals.

Johnson scored an unbeaten 133 to help the West Indies to 251-8 at stumps of the second day of their unofficial Test, a lead of just 51 going into today’sthirdday

Sri Lanka resuming from their overnight score of 191-4 after dismissing WestIndiesforamere127, extendedtheirleadof64to 199, having amassed a first inningstotalof326

The home side owed their commanding score to Maisha Tharupathi, who scored 70 batting in the lower order and Rusanda Gamage, who

got58

There were also useful contributionsfromRavishan da Silva (43) as well as wicketkeeper Sharujan Shanmuganathan (36), DinuraKalupahana(33)and an unbeaten 31 from Vihas Thewmika.

Nathan Sealy was the best of the West Indies bowling attack taking 482 while Isai Thorne took 2-64 and Tarrique Edward 2-75

Needing 200 runs to overhaul the deficit, the West Indies started well enough reaching 110-2 with Stephan Pascal being the first to go for 25 when thescorewas39.

Johnson joined Steve Wedderburn at the crease and together they took the score to 111 before Wedderburn lost his wicketfor37

From there the West Indies lost wickets at regular intervals with Johnson providing the glue that kept the innings from falling completely apart againstthebowlingof Vihas Thewmika (3-55), Tharupathi (2-44) and KaveeshaPiyumal(2-55).

When play resumes on Thursday, Johnson w i l l b e h o p i n g t o significantly add to his 133 that so far includes 16 fours and a six while hoping that Tamarie Redwood, who has yet to score,canstaywithhimlong enough to give the West Indies a fighting chance to extendthegameintoFriday.’

Scores:WestIndies127 (Johnson 52) and 251-8 (Johnson 133*) vs Sri Lanka 326 (Maisha Tharupathi 70, Rusanda Gamage58)

Afew of the Barbados Royal tee off at the Lusignan Golf Course.

Jordan Johnson during his 133 not out against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. (CWI Media)

Potaro strike again and Lazio too

Potaro Strikers secured anothereasyvictorytoretain 2nd position in the 9-team points table of the Bartica FA’s Senior Men’s League Last Monday the youthful Potaro side made light work of bottom team, Agatash United with a 7-nil drubbing at the Bartica CommunityCentreground.

Coby Jones (11' and 33') andArlington Williams (30' and 52') netted 2 apiece and therewasoneeachforKevin Reddy (55'), Ron Adams (61') and Shamar Stephen (70').

The 3 points gained by Strikers lifted them to 28 points from 11 games, a point behind leaders BeaconsFC.

The other game of the double-header resulted in the3rdwinforLazioaftera hard fought 1-0 win over Ballers United Akash Persaud was on target in the 36th minute with the decisive strike as Lazio movedto11pointsandhold on to 7th place after 10 outings. It was the 8th loss forBallerswhoremainin8th position.

The SML of the Bartica FA is mainly funded by the Guyana Football Federation through its MembersFinancial Assistance Programme(M-FAP.).

CWIMAexpresses sincere thanks to Minister Ramson

CricketWest Indies MastersAssociation (CWIMA) wishes to express its sincere thankstotheHonorableMinisterofCulture, Youth & Sport, Hon. Charles Ramson, who haswillinglycomeonboardtoassistthreeof the five Guyanese cricketers selected to represent West Indies at the O4os Cricket Global Cup being held in Karachi Pakistan from September 18th 2023 to October 2nd 2023.

The 5 Guyanese players who have been selected for the Windies O40s squad are; Bhesham Seepersaud, Hemraj Garbarran, Randy Lindore, Lookeshwar Mahabeer and Devon Clements. All of these players have beentakingpartintheBIGMANCRICKET2 being presently played in Guyana GarbarranandClementshavebothregistered centuries in the BMC. Three of those selectees-Garbarran,LindoreandClements had reached out to the Minister since these tournamentsareallself-funded.

The Minister was immediately responsiveingrantingall3cricketerswitha significant portion of their expenses accounted for and also proceeded to extend

Pegasus Storm cart off Trophy Stall sponsored trophy …stopdefendingchampionsTorontoBlizzards

After ruling the roost in the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Over-50Divisionforthepast five years, defending champions Toronto Blizzards reign came to a screeching end at the Ashtonbee Reservoir ground, Scarborough, CanadalastSaturday

wild celebrations among theirplayersandsupporters.

Minister Charles Ramson Jr

best wishes to them all on their journey and for a highly successful tournament in Pakistan. The full itinerary for the tour is detailedhereunder

Billed as a showdown between the numbers one and two teams in the division,thegamelivedupto its expectations, with new winners Pegasus Storm holdingtheirnervestocome outvictoriouswithfourballs to spare in the nail-biting finish.

Set 164 for victory, after Toronto Blizzards reached a challenging 163 for six in their allotted 20 overs, Pegasus“stormed”to165for threein19.2overs,sparking

The new winners suffered an immediate setback in the second over when their captain and leading batsman, Troy Gobin, was brilliantly taken atlong-onbyAbdoolAzzeez off the wily Jesh Parasnauth for one and the scoreboard readingoneforone.

Gobin’sdismissalsetthe stage for a fine second wicket partnership between Ken Itwaru and Jito Narine, both playing cautiously before delighting the Saturday afternoon spectators with some delightfulstrokesintheir76run partnership in just eight overs. By the time, Narine departed for 48, which includedthreefoursandfour sixes, the game was still interestinglypoisedat77for

oneinthe10thover Itwaru then found another useful ally in the experienced Ramo Malone, the two upping the tempo in theirthirdwicketstandof57 in 5.4 overs before Itwaru’s exquisite knock of 57 came to an end, caught by Desmond Chumney off LalchandShivraj,aninnings lacedwithfivefoursandtwo sixes, including three consecutive boundaries off hisnephewParasnauth. Malone (32 not out) and Ian“Russian”Baldeo(10not out)putthefinishingtouches tothegame,thelatterwitha towering six off Azeez Malone’s matured knock contained two fours and an equal number of sixes Shivraj took one for 26 and Parasnauth one for 24 Earlier,FazilRasoolwasina (Continuedonpage27)

Roger Sunich of Trophy Stall hands over the winning trophy to Pegasus Storm skipper Troy Gobin in the presence of OMSCC Treasurer Kim Sue, Vice-president Hardatt Ramcharran and former executive Jas Mathura.

Sports Warriors players celebrate a Tallawahs wicket. (CPL

GuyanaAmazon Warriors fans came out in their numbers to see the home leg of the CPLoff to a desired start. (CPL)

SaimAyub and Matthew Nandu led from the front with a century partnership to see the Warriors home. (CPL)