Kaieteur News

Video shows boy, 14, stomped in head by schoolmate

Amotherisnowseekingjustice for her 14-year-old son who was caught on camera being stomped and kicked to his head by another studentofhisschool.

The injured teen has been identified as Reail Lashley of Sophia, a student of the New CampbellvilleSecondarySchool.

Lashley's mother, Navekia Koulen,toldKaieteurNewsthatthe incident reportedly occurred just after noon on Wednesday in the vicinityoftheschool.Shesaidthat the school was dismissed at 12:00pmthatday

The distraught woman said since she did not receive satisfactionfromtheauthoritieson the way forward, she wants the issuetobehighlightedinthemedia. Sheaddedthatsheisseekingjustice for her child who is now left in a traumatizedstate.

In two video footages of the incident which were seen by this publication on Thursday, Lashley can be seen being cuffed about his face by his attacker before he stumbled to the ground Not stopping there, the attacker then began to kick and stomp Lashley about his head and body multiple timesbeforewalkingaway

Otherstudentswhoflockedthe scene can be seen trying to get the injured student to stand, but the youngmancouldhavebarelyfound hisbalancetodoso.

Koulen told this publication that after learning of the incident shewentforherchildandshetook him to the Prasad Nagar Police Stationtoreportthemattertoranks there. While there, she was told to getamedicalform.

The woman said she then carried her son to the hospital where medical personnel performed a scan of his head. The womanwastoldatthehospital,that

Lashley did not suffer severe damages to his brain nor did he suffer a fractured skull but that he hadaconcussion.

Shefurtherrelatedthatlaterthat day,anofficialfromtheMinistryof Education and the school reached out to her concerning the incident. They wanted her to meet with her sand her son the day after the incidentattheschooltodiscussthe way forward. Koulen said during

the meeting at the school, she was informedbyaministryofficialthat “they would be dealing with the matteraccordinglybecauseitneeds tobedealtwith.”

She was then told to go home andlookafterherson,andthatthe ministrywouldgiveheracall.The woman said she is not satisfied because she feared something worsecouldhappenwithhersonas resultofthebeatinghereceived.

Whenaskedwhatmayhaveled to her son being attacked, the woman said she was informed that just after the school was dismissed at noon on the day in question, Lashley was outside the building with his friends. She noted that he has a female cousin who also attends the school and at the time, heobservedthatshewascrying.

According to the woman, she was informed that her son's cousin wasinthecompanyoftheattacker andotherstudents.Afterseeinghis cousin crying, Lashley went and inquired who or what may have caused the young woman to cry Afterhiscousindidnotanswer,he then turned and questioned the attacker

Thewomansaidsheisnotclear as to what transpired between the attacker and her son or what the nature of their exchange was, but she alleged that the student suddenly launched an attack on Lashley Theincidentwascaptured oncamerabystudentswhowerein thevicinityatthetime.

According to the woman, as a resultofthebeating,hersonisnow suffering from constant bouts of “blackouts.”

When this publication reached out to the education ministry for a comment on the matter, an official at the agency said that they are aware of the matter and that it is beinginvestigatedbyitsofficers.

Screen grab from the video showing Reail Lashely being stomped and kicked about his head by another student.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

Waste and more waste from oil projects

Whocares? Isthataproblem? Whyisitabigproblem, andwhosaidso? Wecanalmostconstructtheresponseof the PPPC Government, and its enslaved Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)tothisrevelationaboutonemillion barrels of toxic waste to be dumped daily into our waters by ExxonMobil when the fifth oil project, Uaru, is in full swing Producewater,oilandgrease,chemicalsandmoretobedumped overboardinExxonMobil’soffshoreoperations,anditdoesnot meananythingtothiscountry’sleadersandcitizens

Now,itisthesame,ifnotgrimmer,scenariorepeatingitself withthesixthoilprojectbuildingsteamtorapidapprovalearly next year This sixth project, Whiptail, is expected to dump 112,000 tonnes of hot, greasy water daily into Guyana’s waters ExxonMobilsaysthatallinternationaltreatmentprotocolswillbein place Meanwhile,Guyana’sEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyhas donetheusual:slinkintosilence,andmadeitselfscarce Whatever favorsExxonMobilisgreenlighted,whatshouldbenefitGuyaneseis blighted

Fisherfolkcankisstheirtradegoodbye,andhadbetterbegin thesearchforanewlineofwork,ornewfishinggroundsvery distant from that fifth project, or far from anywhere that ExxonMobilsetsupabaseofoperationsfortheseprojects,with thesixthpending Theplightofthefisherfolk,theirfamilies,and those who depend on them for some level of ‘downstream’ benefitdoesnotmattertoanyone,northefactthatpricesfor theirhealthyoutputwouldbesqueezedupwards.Orthatthe Guyanese way of life, the Guyanese world that has always beenknown,isnowrapidlybecomeancienthistory What mattersisthatExxonMobilmovesaheadwitheveryproject swiftlyapproved,everyobstacleefficientlyremoved.

This is what the PPPC Government believes that it was electedtoofficetodeliver,tomaketheinterestsandhappinessof ExxonMobil its highest priority If the interests of Guyanese havetobetrampledupon,itisunfortunatecollateraldamage Guyanese contribute to governmental slackness, and ExxonMobil’sexcesses,whentheyburytheirheadsinthesand, andpretendthatalliswell.

Guyana is on the mind of the world, and Guyanese themselvesarenonchalant,evenindifferent Thebiggestprize, the greatest motherlodes of wealth, in modern times, and Guyanesegoabouttheirdailylife,asifnothinghashappened Guyanese float about in their own world, while government joinstheforeignerstobetraythembysellingeveryoneout

Itiswherethosewhocomefromallpointsareassuredof awarmwelcomebyaweakandwoefulPPPCGovernment. ThePPPCGovernmentclearstheway,andgivesthemcarte blanche to run whatever rackets suits their visions to make money from our wealth, and off the backs of the Guyanese people Thepeoplewhocouldmakeadifferencehavemadesure that they lined themselves up for trickledown business developments to profit from the flurry of rich opportunities. This is while the country as whole falls farther and farther behind,andisrippedapart,skinnedtothebone,anddrained of oxygen, blood, and life. This, perhaps, explains why Guyanesearesosluggish,solackinginenergyandvitality, evenwhentheyarebeingmisledandrobbed.

For their part, the auditors get foreign audit work, the lawyersgrablegalbusinessthatcometheirway,thebusiness peopleformtheirlinesandpickuptheirrewards,whilethe otherprofessionalsdowhateverittakestostaketheirclaim toawedgeofthenationalcake Theyareinforpersonalprofit, evenwhentheyknowthatExxonMobilistheworstofcorporate predators,andthatitspresencehereassumestheinsulting,and the revolting One million barrels of poisons a day for 20 years into our waters (Uaru), and Guyanese cannot get off their derrieres; 112,000 tonnes of hot, greasy water daily (Whiptail)andGuyaneseareunmoved. Mentiontheworld elections, and they all jump out of their chairs, as if a powerfulsurgeofelectricityjoltedthem. Butfortheirown prosperity,theyhavechainedthemselvesintoacorner This is Guyana today, and this is what the PPPC Government cultivatescleverly,andpresidesoverslyly

Norton responds to Kaieteur News editorial on his engagement with Exxon

DEAREDITOR

Kaieteur News Editorial (“Opposition goes to ExxonMobil” - 14/9/2023) praises the Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton for recently declaring to the company as follows: “We have also indicated to them thatourinterestliesinensuring theGuyanesepeopleobtainas muchasispossiblefromtheoil and gas sector and that while we see the importance of investmentinGuyana,wealso see it as important for the Guyanesepeopletobenefit.”

The KN Editorial, however, goes on to

erroneously assert that this is the first time the Opposition Leader has spoken in such terms on the Exxon contract As such, KN claims “this is certainly several steps up the ladder” for the Opposition PNCR leader “because he is firstmissinginaction,andnow hereheisinfull-bore,doublebarreledaction.”

Had KN reviewed its own archives over the last yearalone,itwouldnothave missedwherethePNCRand its Leader made several similar statements. Here are a few instances: On

reported Mr Norton as stating: “we believe that the resources from oil must benefit our people and as a government in waiting, we arecommittedtoensuringwe getasmuchaspossibleoutof the agreement while at the same time ensuring that the investors get a reasonable returnontheirinvestment.”

On 13th February 2023, KN quoted Mr Norton’s response to its own question on ring fencing and higher royalties as follows: “like I’ve said before, our major objectivehastobetoensure that the people of Guyana

benefit as much as possible andanymeasurethatneedsto be taken to do that I will support” Then on 4th June 2023, KN reported the Opposition as announcing: “A new C o a l i t i o n government will invite the company to the negotiation table within its first 50 days in government ” It is therefore puzzling how KN could overlook its own reporting of these and other suchpronouncementsbyMr NortonandtheOpposition.

Regards

AubreyNorton LeaderoftheOpposition

DearEditor

Recently, the World Bank, using the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita measure, reclassified Guyana as a high-incomecountry

GNI is the sum of all income earned by a country, irrespective of where the incomewasearned.

The justification for this elevation into the highest GNI category is largely based on the impact of foreign direct investment, and the expanding export earnings in the oil sector, which accounts for the largest share of export earnings in the Guyanese economy

As a result, Guyana has been upgraded and categorized as a highincome country, due to the increasingearningsfromoil; and this precludes Guyana from accessing loans at reasonable interest rates and lendingterms.

Inordertobeadmittedas a member of the highincome-country,theGNIper

c a p i t a m u s t b e

U S $ 1 3 , 8 4 5 0 0 (G$2 8Million) or higher According to the World Bank, Guyana GNI per capita in 2022 was

U S $ 1 5 , 0 5 0 0 0 (G$3.01Million).

Ask the typical Guyanese worker if they knowanyGuyaneselivingin Guyana who earns G$3 01Million, and the affirmativeanswerwouldbe ‘No’. In fact, Government and private sector workers earn on the average income that is significantly lower

than the GNI per capita amount of US$15,050 00

(G$3 01Million) For instance, if the typical Guyanese worker earns

U S $ 6 , 0 0 0 0 0 (G$1.2Million) or more per year that worker would be someone working for a foreign owned company either in the mining sector (gold, bauxite, diamond, manganese, oil); or some service-related sector; or in the past, it was the sugar industry

In some countries, the GNIpercapitaandtheGross DomesticProduct(GDP)per capita can be approximately thesameordifferent.

For example, the GNI per capita and GDP per capita in the USA in 2022 were approximately the s a m e a m o u n t : US$76,370 00 and US$76,398.60, respectively

In contrast, the GDP per capitainIrelandandGuyana are US$104,038 90 and US$18,989.80,respectively; whiletheGNIpercapitaare US$81,070 00 and US$15,050.00, respectively

ThereasonwhytheGNIper capita is smaller than the GDPper capita in Ireland is due to foreign investors controlling a large proportion of Ireland’s production, and it is a lowtaxjurisdiction,thehomefor many European and US subsidiaries.

Guyana has the same incentive structure as Ireland, together with other over-incentivizedfactorsina lopsidedPSA.

For example, EEPGLis asubsidiaryofExxonMobil;

itpaysnotaxes,butreceives fake tax receipts from the Government of Guyana for the non-payment of taxes.

EEPGL pays insignificant royalties (2 percent of total sales, far less than other countries);itextractsupfront 75 percent of total revenue for expenses in an effort to maximize costs and not profit, given that there is no ring fencing on each oil reservoir; EEPGL is incorporated in the Bahamas,butnotinGuyana, where it is only a registered company

FortheperiodJanuaryto June 2023, and using Bank of Guyana data and the PSA incomedistribution,thetotal oil sales are estimated at US$4.54Billion.

And of this amount, Guyana received US$658.4 Million (14 5%), while EEPGL extracted US$3.88 Billion (85.5%), where for every dollar that Guyana received, EEPGL received US$5.90.

In other words, Guyana onlyreceived14.5barrelsof oiloutofevery100barrelsof oil extracted and exported, while EEPGL captures the remaining85.5barrelsofoil. Fromthisdistribution,itcan be inferred that a significant proportion of the foreign exchange captured by EEPGL is not added to Guyana foreign exchange reserves.

Justasktheprivatesector abouttheshortageofforeign exchangeinthelocalmarket and you would learn of a currentdebate.

Meanwhile, the loss of the World Bank soft loans

could be a constraining factor on economic development; and together with the pressuring stipulations inArticle 26and Article32.1ofthePSA,itis plausible to believe that Guyana’s sovereignty as a Nation State has been decimated by the owners of EEPGL.

While Guyanese understandthatEEPGLmust receive a fair return on their investment,itisalsoclearto Guyanese that the current PSA is disturbingly unfair, and it must be restructured for a more equitable distribution of the earnings. In this regard, Guyanese mustlistentoMr JohnHess, CEO of Hess Corporation, a partner in the EEPGL, who speaks of the excellent profits they are making in Guyana.

Consequently,afairand equitable arrangement is undoubtedly required by all Guyanese,andEEPGLisina positiontocometothetable and bring closure to this problem;forourhistorytells usthatsugarbaronsmustnot bereplacedbyoilbarons;for oil extraction and exports under the current PSA must not be a new a path way to slavery and indentureship. Therefore, ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC must do therightthingandstepupto thetable;introduceafairand equitable agreement, and eliminate the downside of thisinvestmentthattramples Guyana’ssovereignty

Sincerely,

Dr.C.Kenrick

Hunte Professor and Former Ambassador

Guyana,categorisedasahigh-income country,isnowprecludedfromaccessing loansatreasonableinterestrates

DEAREDITOR

Ithasbeenten(10)years since the passing of Essequibo’s elder statesman of cricket, Courtney Gonsalves, who formerly resided in Richmond on the Essequibo Coast and thereafter migrated to Canada where he passed awayin2013attheageof63 yearsold.Hewasnotonlya fitting role model but also stood as an institution of infectious knowledge and profoundcompassion.

Cherishedmemorieswill remain that I was privileged to share with the revered Coach, since our bonded relationship began as a toddler and was formulated from being a rookie youngster, excited to learn mytradelikesomanyothers; toamaturedplayerwhowas alwayseagertoconsumehis expert advice. Ever since then, our partnership remained unbroken until he was chosen for higher serviceandatavenuewhere

he will love the quicker pitchesandAngelswhowill not spill his catches. Instead a prophetic welcome seems inevitableforadistinguished championofthegame.

In retrospection, Gonsalveswouldhavemade a lasting impression on my life; not unexpectedly though. I knew he would havebeendisappointedwith my cricketing returns; given his dedication and energy, inspiration and courage which he impartially and skillfully imparted upon me duringmyapprenticeship.In fact, as I emotionally reflect now; I believe that in some pointhewasbeingimpatient afterIwasrepayinghimwith consistentlypoorresults.Yet he never deserted or relinquished the herculean challengetokeepmotivating us until the essence of a sweetvictory.Itwasnevera smooth riding for him; from being ruthlessly denied a fairershareasanationalfast bowler when he was on top

of his game to coaching an Essequibo team that lacked the resources and impetus; which invigoratingly would have caused much pain, embarrassment and disappointmentgenerally Then there was the advancement at the time by thepowersthatbetoattempt to debar Essequibo from playing again at the intercounty level because of the depressing performances. It wouldhavebrokenhisheart had this happen and it only propelled him instead to work even harder and for longerhours;convincedthat he could have undone the shackles of the Cinderella syndrome that had poisoned the morale of players and even the faithful fans of Essequibo.And so he began instilling within us; the pride, will and passion to charter a new course Equipped with his vast experience, technical prowess and compelling authoritative instincts;

Exploration in Human Resources Management

DEAREDITOR

Guyana continues to be exceptional,outnumberedas we are by foreign investors from moredevelopedcountries, whopractise,discuss,publishand teach Human Resources

Management in their respective education institutionstosomeofwhich GOAL scholarships have beenawardedrecently Since independence Guyana’s Public Service Administrators have been persistently employing candidates for Personnel Management, beginning glaringly with ‘Personnel Clerks’ who derisibly can aspire, and in fact are promotable to the Grade of: i) Personnel Officer I; then to ii) Personnel Officer II; facilitated to the grade of iii) Senior Personnel Officer (exceptionally Senior Management Services Officer) The next grade includes the increasingly scarce position of: iv) Principal Personnel Officer; which leavesv) the position of Chief Personnel Officer quite singular Exceptionally however, in the Ministry of Public Service can be found descriptorswhichinfersome competency in Human ResourcesManagement.

Meanwhile, published vacanciesinthePrivateSector certainlyindicatethatmember organisations aspire to

operating with reasonable success Human Resources

M a n a g e m e n t a n d Development programmes that would logically include Succession Planning, which, interestingly enough, obtains in several Public Service agencies, albeit to the substantiveindifferenceofthe MinistryofPublicService. It has to be stressed that thereissubstantivedifferential inknowledgeandcompetency content between ‘Personnel’ and ‘Human Resources’ Management. One is also reminded of Personnel Officers differing in the decision-makingauthorityand imagefromthoseofPersonnel Managers So that when one checks the recently published Scholarship Programme(2023/24)ofthe Ministry of Public Service, prospective employers are frustratedattheabsenceofthis critical human developmental aspect of management, and

Essequibo began not to participate anymore but to fiercely compete with the giants from Demerara and Berbice.Hewasproudlyand deservedly voted as the Coach of the Year by the Guyana Cricket Board in 1998; not in recognition of his already outstanding coaching ability but the transformation and tremendous impact that he would have made towards the revival of Essequibo’s cricket and its fortunes North Essequibo was to become the team of the year also in 1998, winning every national competition against teams from the other counties.Essequibowasalso to gain a historic and memorable victory against Berbice in a four day intercounty match during that sameperiod.

He would have been proudofthoseachievements and the gains made to lift Essequibo’scricketfromthe doldrums. He was fond of

also holding his chargesin high esteem and adored us; the likes of such players as RovendraMandolall, Lawrence Farnum, Devon Ramnauth,LatchmikantNari

ne, yours truly, Dinesh

Joseph,BeeshamSeepersaud

, David Wallaceand Clain

Williams among others. I must acknowledge most emphatically too that he significantly contributed in shaping the careers of some of our more celebrated cricketers in Guyana

including the great Shivnarine Chanderpaul, conferred with an Honorary DoctorsofLawandinducted i n t o I C C h a l l o f fame,RamnareshSarwan, Lennox Cush, Travis

Dowlin, Mahendra Nagamootoo and Reon King;allofwhomheshared a very special relationship with.

Such fatherly affection neverwanedsincehewillbe remembered as Essequibo’s prideandjoyduringaneraof

fast bowling supremacy, an idealist who conquered mediocrityandastrategistof immense competence. He alsohadacolossalimpacton his son Ian Gonsalves who had the distinction of representing Guyana at the youth level, while his elder sons Roy and the late Gary Gonsalves were also competitiveplayers. His youngest son Nicholas Gonsalves can attest to having his father’s rich cricketing blood if not his skills while his daughterSabrina Gonsalves’ knowledge of the game cannot be understated Coach Gonsalves will be sorely missed but his ideals will live on as a guiding principle of someone who would have achieved successoveradversitywhile defying the odds to place Essequibo on the cricketing map. He will remain as Essequibo’selderstatesman.

Yoursfaithfully

ElroyStephney

SPENDSON

mustponderabouthavingto resign to job candidates being limited to the followingareasofstudy:

a)PublicManagement

b)SocialWork;andeven

c)Psychology

In the circumstances thereiscertainlyneedforthe Ministry to brainstorm with UG about filling this fundamental competency gap asamatterofbothpersonaland organisationalurgency–inthe nationalleadershipinterest!

But more immediately considerationhastobegiven to the management of the careers of all the technical candidates who qualify for employment,andwho would need counselling and support of a more personal, humane, morale boosting, andevenofanexceptionally spiritualkind–inordertobe exemplars of their subordinates.

Sincerely

E.B.John

DEAREDITOR

With regards to its “ambitious” infrastructure projects, the PPP government has no hesitation in going on a spendingsplurge.Asbillions of dollars roll out the treasury, the PPP government considers as irritants and vexations such demands as feasibility studies, community consultations, proper financial management, contractor competence, and developmentplanning.

But when it comes to spending directly on the people of Guyana, this squanderer of the public funds suddenlygetsshy and elusive. We recently learnt, for example, that in the apparently onerous process of thinking about the possibility of raising the minimum wage, the governmenthastopauseand ponder, peep and probe,

jiggle and juggle numbers, and search for something called“fiscalspace.”

Note that this deep search by the government was announced as news for the people to celebrate Apparently, the nation is supposed to wait in excited and grateful anticipation as thePresidentexploresevery corner of the State vault for nickelsanddimes.

That the sheer ridiculousness of this scenarioistotallylostonthe PPPgoestotheverycoreof what the PPP is. It has no difficulty in splashing out money on infrastructure projects, but squirms and a g o n i z e s a b o u t implementing serious measurestoendpovertyand economic hardships in Guyana. It has no worries about inflation and Dutch Disease–onlyasexcusesto avoid raising wages and salaries and lifting living

standards.

A political party must have an ingrained personalitydisorderifitsees noincongruity,noabsurdity, in the coexistence in the same space of vast national wealth and vast number of poor and struggling households. I have argued before that the PPP sees a deprived and dependent population as a political virtue, exploitable to feed into its own warped selfidentity and self-worth. The more economically empowered Guyanese become, the more purposeless the PPPfeels.A Guyanafreeofpovertywith allhouseholdsenjoyinghigh living standards is therefore notthevisionthePPPhasin mind.

Luckily, Guyanese can still replace their government.

Regards

SherwoodLowe

THEPPPBINGE

INFRASTRUCURE,BUTISRELUCTANT TOSPENDONELIMINATINGPOVERTY

RequirementsetoutinLawand60-daystatutoryperiodfor publicreviewofEIAforExxonMobil’s6thprojecthasbeenmet

DEAREDITOR

We write in connection with two articles published in the Kaieteur News. One onSeptember6,2023,under the headline, “EPA gives nation22daystostudyover 3000pagesoftechnicaldata

for public consultation on ExxonMobil’s 6th project,” and the other on September 12,2023,undertheheadline

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

Civil

Society Members”. As part oftheEnvironmentalImpact Assessment (EIA) process, whenever an EIA is completed and submitted, the Consultant and the Developer are legally requiredbysection11(10)of

the Environmental ProtectionAct Cap 20:05 to publish a notice about the planned project or development, for which the EIA was conducted (See attachednoticepublished). This kickstarts a 60-day statutory period of public reviewwherebymembersof the public can make submissions to the EPA as they consider appropriate. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and other associated documents are uploaded on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), placed at the National Library, the Library at the University of Guyana, and sent to all the Regional Administrations throughout the country This is the only legal requirement stipulated in the Environmental ProtectionActandpartofthe process for Environmental ImpactAssessments.

The EPA acknowledges,

as emphasized by Executive Director Kemraj Parsram during his discourse with a KaieteurNewsreporter,that therewasaglitchontheEPA website, which resulted in certain documents being temporarily unavailable (No more than 1-2 days) However, during this time, the document was always available elsewhere as stated, as well as directly from the EPA office. In addition, the website glitch has already been fixed and the required 60-day period for the document to be available has always been satisfied.Assuch,thenotion thattheEPAallowedonly22 days for the document to be availableforpublicreviewis misconceivedandincorrect.

However, to facilitate wide participation of the public, the EPA at its discretion facilitates inpersonpublicmeetings.This has been the practice for decades now In-person (or

disclosure) meetings are held with various community groups in all Administrative Regions alongthecoast(i.e.Regions 1-6) and public notices are placedinlocalmediahouses and on social media platforms. These are all part of the EPA’s efforts to achieve the widest circulation possible and the process outlined above was duly followed in keeping with the statutory requirement of the 60-day periodforpublicreview

Finally,theEPAnotes that the statutory requirement of the 60-day period for public review ends on October 21, 2023, thereby allowing all citizens to participate in these discoursemeetingsatanyof themeetingsaspublishedin thevariousmediamentioned previously Regards E n v i r o n m e n t a l ProtectionAgency

OurUpcomingBook,MuslimGuyana

During the recent InternationalSymposiumon the “History and Legacy of Muslims in the Caribbean” held on the 6 September, 2023 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Shabnam Alli and I were honoredthatPresidentIrfaan Ali in his address to the attendees mentioned our research in documenting the history of Muslims in Guyana, in particular referencing the African Muslims This is more impetus to complete our upcoming book, Tentatively titled: “From Slavery to Present:MuslimsinGuyana, ResistanceandTriumph.”

Besides his Hindu ancestors, Raymond Chickrie, from Maida Plantation, Corentyne, traces his earliest Muslims ancestors going back to Sherally Khan who was indentured to Skeldon in 1861, Jahangeer Khan indentured to Maryville, Leguan in 1875, and Goolmani Khatoon indentured to Skeldon in 1878. His interest in the subject of indentureship and MusliminGuyanagoesback three decades ago. He published his first essay, “Muslims in Guyana: history, traditions, conflict and change” which was published in the Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, U

1999 Several other publicationsfollowed.

Bibi Halima Khanam (pseudonym Shabnam Alli) hails from Leonora, and has a long Muslim heritage, and she is in the process of tracing her paternal great grandmother’s roots in Madras.Atleastthreeofher ancestorswereImamsgoing back to 1898 when many of her ancestors decided to board the ships at Garden Reach, Calcutta. The three brothers Peer Alli (age 22), ShearAlli(age18)andMeer Alli (age 14) all indentured toLeonoracameontheJura from Aurangabad Then there were their cousins Ansar Alli (from West Bengal) also came on the Jura in 1898 indentured to Maryville, Leguan; Habibullah from Lucknow came on the SS Ganges in 1909 indentured to Versailles and last but not least there was Bepat (Jaan Rasool) who left Basti India on the SS Ganges in 1916 and was bound to Rosehall Plantation. He later relocated to Leonora at the end of his indentureship sometime in late 1921 or early 1922. For a while, her father kept in touch with familyinIndiawritinginour languageofpoetry, Urdu.

We co-authored the “170th Anniversary of the Arrival of the First Hindustani Muslims from

India to British Guiana ‘’ which documented the arrival of Muslims on the first two ships, especially that some falsely claimed that no Muslims arrived on thefirsttwoshipstoGuyana. It was published in the UK Journal of Muslim Minority Affairsin2009.Thisproject took us to the National Archives in the United Kingdom. We spearheaded the efforts to give voices to the forgotten, and to acknowledge the presence of more than 90 (which represented about 20% among the first Hindustani immigrants) Hindustani Muslims on the Whitby and Hesperuswhore-introduced Islam in Guyana.Andnow they uphold their rightful place in our shared history, giventhemanymarginalized narratives on Indentureship which excluded the Muslim presence in Guyana since 1838. Our work has also helped to usher in a reawakening andnowthere are many more people writing on this subject. We alsodidanexpandedversion for a symposium in June 2013 held in Suriname which is included in the publishedbook,“Indentured MuslimsintheDiaspora.”

Another one of our iconic pieces was “The presence of Muslims among theenslavedAfricansin (Continuedonpage22)

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Fishing Industry in hot water

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The plight of the fisherfolk, their families, and those who depend on them for some level of 'downstream' benefit does not matter to anyone- not even Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo and President Irfaan Ali.

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Not as if we expected ExxonMobil to care, but when those fishermen own government turns its back on them, then that is a cause for real concern.

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We reported earlier this week how th ExxonMobil during the 6 project will be dumping 112,000 tonnes of hot, greasy water into our ocean daily. This will no doubt further negatively impact our struggling fishing industry. But who cares- no one as the government has clearly told the oil giant to 'pump like it has never pumped before.'

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For Jagdeo and Ali, what matters is that ExxonMobil moves ahead with every project swiftly approved, every obstacle efficiently removed.

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Govt. will not borrow above 4% interest

Guyana's President Irfaan Ali, during his visit to Washington DC, reiterated his government's commitment to responsible borrowing practices.

PresidentAli made it clear that the countrywillnotborrowloansatahigh interest rate, noting that all borrowing of loans by Guyana should be based arounda4%interestmargin.

In a discussion onWednesday with the Inter-American Dialogue think tank, he outlined his vision for the future of the US-Guyana relationship and shed light on his administration's internalpoliciesforsecuringloans.

Duringthediscussion,PresidentAli emphasizedthatthecountrywouldnot entertainloanswithhigh-interestrates.

President Ali stated that his administration has set internal policies toguidetheborrowingofloans.

He said, “We are not prepared to borrow invariable rates. Many people would say that you're crazy because in this existing market everything is invariable rates but we have made it a point that any borrowing must be a fixed rate, of less than a very low percent.Lessthan4%inmostcasesand wehavebeenabletoachievethisinthis existingmarket.”

This statement comes as the country's debt recently saw a notable increase. On Monday, Kaieteur News reported, that within six months, the country's debt has surged to US$3.9

billion, marking a 7 2% increase comparedtotheendof2022.

TheMinistryofFinance'sMid-Year Report highlighted that, as of June 2023, Guyana's total public and publicly guaranteed debt stood at US$3,916.9 million, with total public debt accounting for US$3,914 5 million, and total publicly guaranteed debtfortheremainingUS$2.4million.

Notably,whencomparedtotheend of2022,whendebtstoodatUS$3,654.9 million,a 7.2% increasewas recorded. To this end, Government said this was mainlyattributedtoapositivenetflow from both the external and domestic debt portfolios In the recently published report it was stated, “As a resultofGovernment'scontinuedeffort toensurethatfinancingneedsaremetat thelowestpossiblecostwithaprudent

degree of risk, Guyana's public debt remains sustainable with a moderate risk of debt distress.”OnAugust 3, the National Assembly approved an increase to the country's domestic public and external debt ceilings by some US$3 Billion, which allows the countrytoborrowmoreloans.

The country's domestic public debt ceiling was increased to $750 billion, up from $500 billion, and a new external borrowing ceiling of $900 billion, after its last increase to $650 billion. The country's previous debt ceilings were last increased by the GovernmentbackinJanuary2021.

According to the Ministry of Finance, given Guyana's economic outlook, these revisions to the external and domestic public debt ceilings are consistentwiththecountry'slong-term debtsustainability

Notably,fuelledbyarampingupof oilproductionandtheresurgenceofthe non-oil economy, the country registered real GDP growth of 62.3 percent in 2022, making it the fastestgrowingeconomyintheworld.

As such, it was noted that this appreciable growth performance and the country's robust economic outlook underpin Guyana's sustainable absorptionofthenewdebt.Insum,the Government said it is committed to harnessing Guyana's debt-carrying capacity to accelerate its development agenda.

Pres. Ali calls for climate-centric defence strategies in Latin America, Caribbean

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has said that the new world cannot develop defence strategies without considering the effects of climate change, especially in the Latin American and Caribbeanregions.

President Ali made the statement Wednesday afternoon while delivering a presentation at the National Defence University in Washington, DC, USA. The headofstatehighlightedthat climate change is one of the m o s t s i g n i f i c a n t vulnerabilities in the region and noted that adapting to climate change requires an annual investment ranging from $80 billion to $110 billion.

“ T h i s i s s u e i s devastating not only to economies and people, but infrastructure, and i n c l u d e d i n t h a t infrastructure is the m i l i t a r y infrastructure…defence against natural disasters, against enemies and your asset that is required to provide that defence,” he underscored.

In addition to climate security, food and energy security must also take p r e c e d e n c e w h e n formulating defence strategies Research, development,andinnovation are also some of the most crucial aspects of future defence and strategy The President emphasised the need for a regional approach to these discussions, noting that the National Defence University has the ability to

analyse current threats, policy and investment landscape,andidentifygaps.

He believes that through this analysis, the institution can create a comprehensive framework for dialogue and discussion, leading to the development of a shared policy and approach to address these issues. “AT COP 28 for example, there shouldbeapaperpresented on climate and defence because it is one of the biggest problems of the world. We cannot divorce d e f e n c e f ro m t h e conversation It is institutions like this that have that capacity and capability to provide analysis and this research that can lead this conversation,”theheadstate underscored.

President Ali is currently in Washington, DC for a three-day visit, where he is expected to meet with key stakeholders from the US Congress and the State Department, as well as engagementswiththeprivate sector, and university visits. He will also be delivering a presentation at the Organisation of American States(OAS).

President Ali was joined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, MinisterofTourism,Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force,BrigadierOmarKhan.

President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali

Problems plague the education system daily

In politics, actions often speak louder than words. The recent move by the PPPC government in Guyanatoadjustthesalaries of underpaid teachers has b e e n h a i l e d a s a commendable step towards rectifying an ongoing issue. However, it’s hard to ignore the glaring hypocrisy of this action, given that the government had been in power for three and a half years before taking any meaningful steps to address theproblem.

While the government attempts to shift blame onto its predecessor, the APNU+AFC government, for the underpayment of teachers, it’s essential to question why this corrective action was not taken earlier If the PPPC government genuinelycaredforthewellbeing of educators, why did it take them three and a half years to act? This delay revealsaconcerninglevelof apathy and negligence towards one of the most crucial sectors of any society the education system The issue of underpaid teachers is not a new one in Guyana. For years, handfullofeducators have been grappling with salaries that fall below the minimum of their scale, making it increasingly difficult for them to make endsmeet.

In politics, it’s not uncommon for the blame to be passed from one administration to another when addressing longstanding issues. The PPPC government’s attempt to point fingers at the previous government is a classic example of this. While it is true that the APNU+AFC

government also had a responsibility to address teacher pay concerns, the glaring hypocrisy in the PPPC government’s recent actions becomes evident when we consider the consequences of their inaction The delay in addressing teacher pay issues reflects a lack of urgency on the part of the government.Whiletheymay argue that they needed time to assess the situation and it is difficult to believe that it tookthreeandahalfyearsto recognizetheseverityofthe problem. While the PPPC government’s recent action toadjustteachersalariesisa welcomemove,thetimingof these adjustments raises legitimate suspicions It coincides with the failure of the government to commence long-overdue negotiations for a new package of benefits for teachers.Teachershavebeen patiently waiting for these negotiations to begin in earnest,hopingforimproved working conditions and financial incentives that reflecttheirdedicationtothe p r o f e s s i o n T h e government’s approach to these negotiations has been questionable at best. Instead of negotiations, the government is hinting at consultations. And the fact thattheseconsultationshave to await the President’s return from overseas suggests a lack of priority and urgency on this matter Thisbegsthequestion:Why the delay, especially when there is nothing preventing the government from conducting negotiations simultaneously with the consultations?Teachers,like allworkers,havetherightto

fair negotiations and timely resolutionstotheirconcerns. The delay in addressing these negotiations and the simultaneous action on teacher salaries create an impression that the government is using the adjustment to demonstrate that they care for teachers and a s foil for not immediately commencing negotiations. The delay in these negotiations for salary increases only adds to the f r u s t r a t i o n a n d disappointment felt by teachers who have been patiently waiting for the government to honor its commitments.

Daily, the education sector is being plagued by problems while the authorities take to Facebook to bask in some illusionary progress in the educational sector The recent announcement by the governmenttoadjustteacher salariescomesinthewakeof a disturbing incident at Cropper Primary School Reportsindicatethatparents were temporarily restricted fromtheschool’scompound and forced to provide lunch fortheirchildrenontheroad. This draconian action followed an allegation of a part-time worker having her bag stolen. Such heavyhanded measures raise significant concerns about the management and accountability within the education system The incident at Cropper Primary School highlights the need for thorough investigations and swift action against those responsible for such decisions.

Lockingoutparentsfrom school premises and forcing childrentohavelunchonthe

Dem boys seh...

Guyana’s edukayshun systems is sheer melody

Ay, Guyana’s edukayshun system, it’s like onebigsitcom.Iseveryday isonesituationtodenext.

D e g o v e r n m e n t boasting about how much schools dem building and how much money dem spending pun education

But a basic thing like adjustingdesalariesofdem teachers who were being paid below de salary scale, tekkin’ three and one half years.Itislikedeauthorities playin’ hide and seek with teacher salaries Dem teachers mus’ be watchin’ de calendar like it’s a

suspensemovie,waitin’fuh de plot twist in dem bank accounts.

And den, dem finally decide fuh adjust dem underpaid teachers’money

Three and a half years inna power, and suddenly dem realize some teachers been livin’ off breadcrumbs?

Like dey pullin’ a rabbit outta deh hat, sayin’, “Abracadabra, yuh get paid!” But then we reading how dem parents get lock out of a school on de Corentyne Wha’ kinda madness dat be? Dem parents ain’t tryna sneak

road is a violation of basic rights of the children. The emotional distress caused to both parents and children in this incident cannot be understated.Itiscrucialthat this incident is thoroughly investigated, and those

responsible are held accountablefortheiractions.

The management of the education sector cannot be effectively accomplished through sporadic posts on social media or by circumventing the regional authorities in the provision of basic supplies to schools. While public awareness and

advocacy play a vital role, genuine progress demands a

more comprehensive approach.

The system must be improved, and collaborative effortsshouldbeundertaken tofindwaystomakeitwork

better This includes fosteringstrongpartnerships betweengovernmentbodies, regional authorities, educators, parents, and the community at large to address the multifaceted challenges facing the education sector Only through coordinated and systemic reforms, can we

ensure a brighter future for our students and build a bettereducationalsystemfor generationstocome.

(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.)

into a secret spy agency; demonlycarryingliklunch fuhdemchildren.

Is as if one person loss thembagandeverybodygat topaydepricefuhdat.Dem boyswatchingfuhseewhat ganhappen.Whatdemboys know is dat yuh should not punish de children when it comestodemfood.It’shigh time dem govament folks stopplayin’gamesandstart takin’disedu-kayshunthing serious It’s time fuh action,notmorepunchlines. Demboysseh,let’sgetreal ‘boutfixin’dismess. TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

GHK LALL

A humble invitation: show me my error

All Guyanese are my friends,eventhoseseeingan enemy,obstacle,avoicebest notheard,apenbetterstilled. They are still compadres. Exxon is not held as an enemy

Neither Exxon nor BharratJagdeonorIrfaanAli is held as adversary, as enemy, never will be. They mayrate,hate,asmortalfoe, but I bear that burden willingly It is the sum of what they do, what hurts Guyanese, that forms the nucleus of my duty to country, citizens, and strugglers on the journey of life Country Country Country First,foremost,and forever(plusaday).Igiveto Messrs. Darren Woods and Alistair Routledge that American super patriot, Nathan Hale: “I regret that I have but one life to give my country.”ThereIstand.

Now, this humble invitation for fellow

Guyanese is placed in their hands,laps,bosoms.Fellows include top economists everywhere, crackerjack

political scientists, seasoned journalists, analysts who actually know Point where I am wrong. Identify for the worldwherewhatIwriteand say are deleterious to Guyana's interests, dilutive of its prosperity already so elusive,soungraspable.

Ispeaknotofroyaltynor insurance for both speak for themselves; where they are, what must be. I table simple questions: interest rate, expensedisclosure,leverage, andquidproquo.Asampling reduced to scintilla Yes, today I pen for the educated, whisper to the ramparts occupied by Guyana's sharpest. Enlighten me (and Guyana)howIamwrong,on the wrong track, barking at the wrong tree. The tree is about money for the people. NotI,sire.

Returns on investments aremandatory,fromthatIam inseparable. I stipulate that borrowing is difficult due to competition, made inordinately arduous due to prevailing, burgeoning sentiments about fossil fuel

lending.What is asked for is not a vice presidential lecture,butalittlenumber A number anywhere from zero to double digits With US$40-50 billion in debt, equity invested, or funds actually borrowed, the interest is a pretty penny, as in big billions. Even a rock bottom 2% annual rate and the billion-dollar barrier is breached; that is simple interest, not compounded Whether 2% or 8% that is seriousmoneyforstruggling Guyana, with so many empty-handed people I would welcome where is the wrongdoing for asking, prioritizing, pressing for disclosure on something as rudimentary as the interest charged by Exxon. Clearly, suchchargesalonearelarger than what is deposited in the OilFund.Thisisnotmerelya nicethingtoknow,aneed-toknow; it is what must be known. It would reveal to us whatkindofpartnerExxonis to Guyana: benevolent or malevolent.

Similarly,expensesarein

the billions, ripping off huge chunks from oil revenues. Expensesarenotaminiscule miscellaneous item, but stratospheric It is imperative, therefore, that Guyanese know more about their oil expenses, and the composition of such expenses. Are they really ours? How do the prices affixed to items reconcile with market prices painstakingly verified?

Exxon should want Guyanesetoknow,ifonlyfor their corporate honor, reliability,credibility Hence, there can only be the skeptical and scathing when Exxon balks, and Dr Jagdeo gags.Ifthisiswhatunleashes the attack dogs at the PPP sponsored Live in Guyana outfit, then more is illuminated than concealed. Whytheneedforthatcesspit in the first place? Why sic them on questioners and commentators who want the exactsamethingasPresident Ali, VP Jagdeo, the PPP Praetorian Guard, and every Guyanese? Better for

Guyana, as they say

Where am I wrong,howcouldI be, when seeking leadership resolve ( b e t t e r f o r

G uyana), there is encountered leadership retreating (returns for investors)? Invaders, under any banner, have been exploiters and what enriches their own group from time immemorial,fromAkbarthe GreattoDouglasMacArthur

Who is Guyana's Benedict Arnold, and who its Ho Chi Minh? Where is that divine spark for motherland first extinguished, now a rank anachronism, prostrate beforefilthylucre.

President Ali says he is for 'One Guyana' Most respectfully, Excellency Ali, you are not, cannot, and can never be more about One Guyanathanme.Storydone. VP Jagdeo and OL Norton say they are about One People, One Destiny I make the people's pain mine, the country'shopes,andcitizens' destiny mine, so how about them, and why not for them firstDr Jagdeo,Mr Norton?

I quietly, insistently call onPresident,VicePresident, Opposition Leader, implore them, to stop speaking in

hedged language, as though afraid of running afoul of Exxon America (Exxon) either wants this oil, or it doesn't.We either appreciate thebargainingpowerthatwe havefavoring,andwhichthe confluence of circumstances hasdepositedinourhands,or we surrender and condemn ourselves to carry water for our investors, cutting wood for them, and hewing stone, as always Our national leadersshouldspeakwiththe powerandconfidencethatis spoken here, and not as they have limited themselves to, while looking pale, pitiful, a n d p o i g n a n t v i a unpersuasiveproductions.

Again, help me I beg of contemporaries. Educate me on where I am going, doing, wrong.Nomatterthelevelof hate, I remain a friend of Guyanese. That's brand and badge. Show me the error of myways,provemewrong. (The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaperanditsaffiliates.)

US$214M questionable Exxon bills stand and not US$3M breakdown by Ministry

...Claimwillbesettledviaarbitration– VPJagdeo

ByKianaWilburg Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo onThursday

confirmed that the government unequivocally supports the Guyana Revenue Authority's (GRA) identification of US$214M in questionable expenses racked up by ExxonMobil fortheStabroekBlock.

He also rejected the subsequent breakdown of the sum to US$3M by the Ministry of Natural Resources' Petroleum Unit, adding that it was disappointingandshouldnot haveoccurred.

D u r i n g a p r e s s conference at Freedom House, Kaieteur News sought clarity on the matter after the questionable costs saw a significant reduction.

The US$214M figure was first flagged by British Consultancy Group, IHS Markitfollowingitsauditof

US$1.6B in expenses by Exxonfrom1999to2017in the Stabroek Block. GRA, which is tasked with ensuring the nation's interests are protected on these matters, subsequently gave its no-objection to the sum. Despite doing so those costs were subsequently reducedtoUS$11Mandthen US$3M without GRA's

knowledge.

In response to this newspaper's queries, Jagdeo said the breakdown of the sum should not have occurred in the first place a n d e x p r e s s e d disappointment that the ministry even engaged Exxoninthisregard.

The Vice President said, “This matter should have

beenclosedearlier Ithought GRA was dealing with this mattertotallybecausethatis what we said… that GRA shoulddealwiththeissueof theaudit.Theyshouldhavea final say at the technical level.Iwasreluctanttoeven speakaboutitbecauseIsaid it is being handled technically.”

The official said he later discovered that GRA wrote the ministry and said twice that given the passage of time, the audit should close with US$214M as the final amount of disputed costs. Butthishesaiddidnotoccur

Jagdeo said the Natural Resources Ministry then engaged Exxon in a discussion after GRA recommended closing the audit.

“Butthatshouldnothave happened. I am told there was no great discussion Exxon only sent in some

proposals but they shouldn't have even entertained that. Somypositionstillstands,I willgowithwhatGRAhas.I told [GRA Commissioner General,Godfrey]Statiayou will deal with it directly and nottheministryanylonger,” theVicePresidentsaid.

He added, “I am very disappointed because we said all along we must be guided by the technical people…”

The Vice President said clearly that there is a disagreement on the costs and now the next step is arbitration.

The audit of US$1.7B in Exxon'sexpensesfortheoilrich Stabroek Block has taken more than three years t o b e c o m p l e t e d Governmenthasassuredthat oncetheexerciseisfinished, a report would be made public.

Man remanded for setting fire to Guyanese ‘Tik Toker' house

Anthony Budram, the man accused of setting Guyanese 'Tik Toker' Kubram Ramlall's house on fire, was on Thursday charged and remanded to prison by Magistrate AlishaGeorge.

Thirty-three-year-old Budram, a fisherman of Lot 21 Mosquito Hall, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was arrested on September 10, 2023 and made his firstcourtappearanceonThursday at the Sparendaam Magistrates' Courtwherethechargewasreadto him.

Budram was charged with the offenceof'settingfiretoabuilding', contrarytoSection141ofCriminal LawActChapter08:01.Hewasnot required to plea to the charge and was remanded to prison. His next court appearance is scheduled for October10,2023.

This publication has reported that Ramlall, known for making videosonTikTokasacrossdresser dancing to Indian music, narrowly escapedonSaturdaynightafterhis house at Mosquito Hall, Unity, ECD, was set on fire with him inside.

The Tik Toker, in a Tik Tok videoheuploadedafterthetragedy, said that he was home when he heard someone breaking down his wall and threatening to kill him. Shortly after, he realised that his

home had caught fire and reportedly ran through the backdoor with only his undergarmentson.

Safely outside, the Tik Toker watched as his house went up in flames and completely burned to the ground. Ramlall said that his 75-year-old mother's apartment located close to his home was also destroyed “Is good thing me mother nah went in the house,” Ramlall said while explaining that he became “basadee” and did not knowwhattodowhilerunningfor

hislife.

The Tik-toker estimates his losses to be in the millions. “My house cost me $4 5 when a carpenterbinbuildit,”hesaid.

Ramlall alleges that his home was burnt down because of an old grievancefrom15yearsago.

TheGuyanaFireService(GFS) onSundayconfirmedthathishome wasmaliciouslysetonfire.

“The fire was maliciously set anddestroyedthebuilding,leaving its occupant homeless Additionally, a one-storey wooden building at the same address was also destroyed due to radiated heat from the building of origin, resulting in Shirley Pitambar and Desmond Randall being homeless,”GFSstated.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia

Narrowly escaped after home set on fire, Kubram Ramlall better known as 'Rakha'

Jagdeo says not entertaining any more questions on Marriott Hotel

Vice President (VP)Dr.Bharrat

J a g d e o o n Thursdaysaidthathedidnot want to “screw up the afternoon” by entertaining another question from KaieteurNewsonthesaleof theprofitableMarriottHotel.

Jagdeo was at the time responding to a question from Kaieteur News on whether the US$90M deal with the highest bidder for the hotel has been finalised.

Heresponded,“No,No!Not the Marriott again, not the Marriott. That issue I guess by now it would not have alreadygonetoCabinet,Iam not sure but NICIL (National Investment and Commercial Investments Limited)isdealingwiththat, Don't Screw up the afternoon.”

Jagdeo, who was at the time speaking at a press conference held at Freedom House, then advised the media to call the head of NICIL Radha Krishna Sharmaforanupdate.

The last update that the mediareceivedfromboththe VPandSharmaonthesaleof the Marriott Hotel was providedonAugust17,2023 when the duo said that the governmentisintheprocess of finalizing the sale of the hotel for US$90M to American businessman, RamyEl-Batrawi.

El-Batrawi submitted a bidofUS$90M,makinghim the highest bidder for the Kingston, Georgetown property Negotiations with El-BatrawiandNICILbegan inJune2023.

The Government made a decisiontoselltheprofitable asset in 2022 Many questioned the move but VP Jagdeo while admitting that hotelisprofitablehadsaidin

March 2023 that it is a wise business decision to sell it now Jagdeoopinedthatwithin a few years, several hotels are expected to come on stream and in order to avoid competition, this is the best time to maximise the profit andsellthehotel.

AccordingtoJagdeo,the proceedsofthesalearetobe used, “to clear off the remaining loan and some of it will come back to the Treasury to be used back for whatever purpose is determined.”

Notably,adecisionbythe former administration resulted in US$1.1 million ($226 million) of taxpayers' money coming out every six months (since 2017) to service the US$27 million loanfromthebank–fora13yearperiod.

This was after the hotel was unable to service the loan. In order to prevent the hotelfrombeingacquiredby the bank, the APNU+AFC Government in April 2017 transferred the hotel's financial obligations to the CentralGovernment.

However, while in Opposition, the People's ProgressiveParty(PPP)was opposed to the hotel's financial obligation being transferred.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo at his press conference on Thursday

The Marriot Hotel

Eight oil blocks attracted 14 offers from oil companies – VP Jagdeo

ByKianaWilburg

In light of several external factors at play, as well as the new robust regime that has been established for the oil sector, Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said he considers the response for Guyana'smaidenoilblocksauction a“tremendoussuccess.” TheVice President lauded the fact that six bidders submitted 14 offers for eight of the blocks. This is more thanhalfofthe14concessionsthat wereupforgrabs.

The companies that submitted bids include: Total Energies EP Guyana B V, Qatar Energy International E&P LLC, & Petronas E&P Overseas Ventures SDNBHD(Malaysia);DelcorpInc

– Guyana, Watad Energy, Arabian Drillers (Saudia Arabia); Exxon MobilGuyanaLimited,HESSNew Ventures Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited; Liberty Petroleum Corporation (USA) and , Cybele Energy Limited (Ghana); Sispro Inc (Guyana); and lastly International Group Investment Inc.(Guyana),injointventurewith MontegoEnergy SA(London).

TheVicePresidentdidnotstate which companies made bids for certainblocks.Bethatasitmay,the official said, “We are very pleased withtheoffersthatwehadfromthe bidround(whichclosedSeptember 12, 2023). The blocks that we did notreceivebidsforareD3,S1,S2, S6, S9, and S11. So that means some of the blocks are very competitive. A number of people are questioning whether this was a successful bid round or not but we arepleasedwithhowtheroundhas gone.”

He said the government is satisfied with the outcome, especially since the auction was held after the modernization of the legislative and regulatory framework.Thechiefpolicymaker forGuyana'soilsectorwaspleased withthefactthatauthoritieskeptits promise to not conclude the bid round without new model Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) in place to govern deepwater and shallow water blocks. He also lauded the passage ofthePetroleumActivitiesLaw

With a more robust regime in place, Jagdeo said one needs to appreciatetheglobalcontextwithin which the new system was implemented. He said, “Globally, we have a move now to net zero with all of its attendant consequences, the key one being the de-carbonization of many activities from the oil majors. In

fact, many of them have been selling off of their assets in exploration in many parts of the world.Thenthereistheinabilityto raisefinancingforactivitiesrelated tothefossilfuelindustry.”

He also noted that while most countries have detailed seismic studies and would undertake to do that exercise in hopes of attracting more companies, Guyana did not. Another critical factor he said is that several countries were also hosting their bid rounds for oil blocks too, thereby making the environmentmorecompetitive.

With those external factors in play, along with the fact that Guyana has a more stringent fiscal regime that demands the payment ofa10percentroyaltyandsigning bonuses,Jagdeosaidtheinterestfor eightofthe14blocksonofferwas commendable. He said the next stageisforauthoritiestoreviewthe bids received, following which, more details would be released. Jagdeoalsoanticipatesthatawards willbemadebeforetheyear'send.

The Vice President shared that one of the key lessons government hastakenfromthismaidenauction, is that resources for investment in this particular sector do not come by easily He said it is a reminder that Guyana is competing with other countries that have great prospects as well and they are preparedtohavethoseinvestments go to them by lowering the government'stake.

Be that as it may, the Vice President remained confident, believing that the government's strategic vision for the oil sector bolstered by robust environmental safeguards will undoubtedly secure its leading positionintheglobalarena.

MassygroupteamsupwithEducation Ministryfor'ShadowofTomorrow'

Massy Group, the Ministry of Education's Allied Arts Unit, and severallocalactorshaveteamedup to stage 'Shadow of Tomorrow', a riveting theatrical performance catering specifically to secondary schoolstudentsincommemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day onSeptember10andWorldMental Health Day coming up on October 10.

The production, which will be staged on September 18 at the National Cultural Centre, aims to: shedlightontherealitiesofsuicide and mental health struggles, emphasise the importance of

seeking help, and create empathy and understanding among the audience.

According to a press release from Massy Group, approval has been given for students from as many as 24 public and private secondary schools from across Guyana to attend the show which startsat1:30pmandisfreeofcost.

Among the actors are Sonia Yarde, Sean Budnah, Delica Piggot, La Toya DaSilva, Mark Luke Edwards, Sean Thompson, and Le Tisha DeSilva, to name a few Thiswillbethethirdtheatrical production led by Massy Group,

targeting several schools across Guyana. In Guyana, suicide rates areamongthehighestintheworld, with young people being particularly vulnerable. As such, Massy Group believes it is crucial toaddressthisissueproactivelyand provide support and resources to thoseinneed.

Meanwhile, the Group said it has also organised support for its staff, starting with a web-based applicationtoassessitsemployees' levels of anxiety, depression, and well-being. Massy Group employs 1,000Guyaneseinitsfive

(Continuedonpage22)

Blocks in red received 14 bids from six groups of companies

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Gregory Allen, an avid cricket fan, will be suing a policeinspector,JGrant,who tookhisboundarycardsaway and dumped them into a garbage bin on Thursday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East BankDemerara(EBD).

The incident occurred during a routine security searchatacheckpointatthe Stadium.Allen told Kaieteur News that upon entry to the stadium for the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL) games a CPL agent noticed his custom made boundary cards with the numbers six and four along with“taxes,moreroyaltyand th RingFence6 oilproject”.

One of the agents said, “Sirlemehseethethingyuh got in yuh hand.” Allen said he complied and he was told he cannot enter the stadium because he was going to protest.

Allen said he informed the agent that he was not goingtoprotestbutjusttosee the game while enquiring why he was being prevented from entering the stadium with boundary cards that expresshisviews.

Followinghisinquiry,the attendant called a police inspector to the check point. The inspector then grabbed theboundarycards,lookedat

them and threw them into a nearbybin.

Allen said that he asked thepolicewhyhethrewaway theboundarycard.

“When I ask he why he throw away my cards in the bin. He said no protest is allowed and you could go to complain to who you want,” Allenrecalled.

Kaieteur News asked Allen why he chose to write onhisboundarycardsandhe responded, “It is my way of tellingmyleadersthatIneed better deal from our oil resources.”

Allen said that he even has stickers on his personal propertythatheusesdaily

boundary

rd NGSA 2024 set for May 2 & 3

The 2024 National G r a d e S i x A s s es s ment (NGSA) examinations are scheduled to be written on nd rd May 2 and 3 , Minister of E d u c a t i o n , P r i y a Manickchand announced on Thursday

In a Facebook video, the minister said that following the examinations, students are likely to get their results onorbeforeJuly10,2024.

“Therewillbetwomock examinationsasusualonein

nd

January and the other sometime in March,” she said.

Briefly, the minister reminded parents, teachers andstudentsthattheministry has given the relevant textbooks to all Grade Six students, and “it is a nice collection of books that ought to support all the learning that is required for thatassessment.”

“We have posted videos from every single topic that is going to be tested on the Learning Channel which is also on YouTube we have printed and published the curriculum on our website We want to remind everyonethatthecurriculum is going to be tested up to a Grade 5 level and then from

the consolidated version of the curriculum, ” she explained.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand

to the

-

The

sign that was tossed into the bin by the policeman

Bartica businessman on $800,000 bail for nightclub shooting

A 4 6 - y e a r - o l d businessmanofFifthAvenue, Bartica, was on Thursday chargedforattemptedmurder

andgranted$800,000bail. Vivendra Balgobin, is accused of shooting Conroy Cox, called 'Pinkboy', a

labourer of Third Avenue, Bartica and 18-year-old LavellaDouglas. Balgobin, who was

represented by attorney-atlaw Bernard DaSilva, appeared at the Bartica Magistrates' Courts before

Magistrate Crystal Lambert, wherethechargewasreadto him.Bailwasgrantedtohim on condition that he lodges

his passport with the Bartica Magistrates' Court The matter was adjourned to September28,2023.

Kaietuer News has reported that on August 30, 2023, two persons sustained gunshot wounds during a shooting incident at a nightclub in Bartica, Cuyuni –Mazaruni(RegionSeven). Thevictimsweretakento the Bartica Regional Hospital where they were treated.

Police learned that Cox was reportedly drinking inside the nightclub with some acquaintances when theshooter'sfriendpassedby and jammed his table overturningallthebottleson itandspillingbeeronthem.

Cox confronted the individual but ended up in a heated argument with the suspectafterhe(thesuspect) intervened.

Things escalated when Cox threw liquid on the suspect's face and allegedly assaulted him. The suspect did not retaliate and Cox left the club However, Cox returned in his car and continued to curse the suspect.As he exited his car, the suspect reportedly drew his licensed firearm from his pants waist and began shooting Cox.Three of the bullets struck Cox to his stomach while Douglas, a bystander,washittoherright hand.Public-spirited citizens intervenedandbothCoxand Douglas were rushed to the Bartica Hospital where they weretreated.Theyhavesince beendischarged.

Manthatreceived severegunshot wounds: Conroy Cox

Businessmanthat wasgrantedbail: Vivendra Balgobin

‘Speeding’ bus flips on Lethem trail …passengers

The occupants of a Route 94busenroutetoLethemfrom Georgetown escaped unhurt after the vehicle turned turtle alongtheroadwayonThursday morning.Reports are that the bus, which was laden with cargo, was heading along the thoroughfare when it overturned. A passenger who was travelling in another minibus told this publication that the bus was “speeding” and“ithadtoomuchload.”

escape unhurt

Shesaidthebusinquestion was loaded with cargo and hadn't much passengers. “The bus was carrying load [cargo] andwasprobablyoverloaded,” sheadded.

The occupants of the other minibus stopped to render assistance as the driver and other persons at the scene offloaded cargo and fuel containersfromthevehicleand told the driver that he “got to focusanddriveproperly.”

The Mibicuri Hospital in Region Six is now outfitted with a $44M digital x-ray The new x-ray system was commissioned on Thursday by Minister of Health, Dr FrankAnthony

In addition to the $44M spent on the machine, $3M was spent on civil works to prepare the commissioned site.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the X-ray films/images will now be stored on an electronic database that will allow medical practitioners to access patient records at the country's main referral hospital or any other health facility which utilises the samemachine.

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has two similar machines.

Dr Anthonysaidthatthe Mibicuri Hospital has undergone significant

changesovertheyears.

“Overthelastthreeyears, all of you who have been working here have seen substantialchangesandwhat wehavedoneatthehospital. Wewouldhaveexpandedthe area for the doctor's office where they will see patients andthosearesubstantialrisk factors, we have added a waiting area essentially during the time of COVID because we didn't want people to be close to each other and we felt that the waiting area outside was appropriate, we also extend the wards of the hospital,” the Minister of Health disclosed.

He said that more infrastructural projects are expectedinthecomingyears forthehospital.

A similar x-ray machine was commissioned at the Diamond Hospital in July, 2023 That machine was valuedat$100million.

The $44million digital X-ray machine commissioned at the Mibicuri Hospital.

The driver and occupants of the bus who escaped with minor injuries.

Linden woman beaten to death over $500

Police are investigating the alleged murder of Bibi Shirah Bhagpattie, a 53year-oldwomanfromBlock 42 Amelia’s Ward, Linden onWednesday

The murder occurred about16:30hrsatthewoman’s home in Amelia’s Ward The suspect, a 55-year-old farmer of the same address, is the reputedhusbandofthevictim In a press release police said between 20:19 hrs and 20:38 hrs Wednesday investigators conducted a video interview withthesuspect,duringwhich he admitted to beating the victim on Tuesday, 12th September2023.

Enquiries disclosed that the suspect and victim resided in a one-story wooden house measuring 18×18 feet in a fenced yard. Reports are that the suspect and victim would normally have problems, and the suspect would frequently assault the woman On Tuesday, 12th September 2023,atabout 13:00hrs,the suspect was home when he a n d B i b i h a d a misunderstanding He claimed she removed $500 (Guyana currency) from his

pants pocket, unbeknownst to him, to buy alcohol. The suspect said he confronted her and enquired about her removing the cash, and a heated argument ensued betweenthem,duringwhich Bibi ‘chucked’ him to his chest.

The suspect said he became annoyed and dealt Bibi one slap and one cuff towardsherface,causingher to receive injuries The victim then left home and went to her relatives, where she told them what transpired.Shelaterreturned to herAmelia’s Ward home. The following day (Wednesdayataround16:30 hrs), the suspect contacted

one of Bibi’s relatives and informed her that Bibi was notmoving Therelativewent to the house, where she observed Bibi lying on her back,half-naked,withatowel wrapped around her The relative immediately alerted other family members in the area, and the matter was reported to the Police The woman’s body was examined, and her face was ‘blackandblue’andswollen Thebodywasescortedtothe Mackenzie Hospital Complex and pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor onduty ThebodyisattheGJetsco Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem Examination Investigationsareongoing.

WANTED VACANCY

One female Domestic needed. 25-45 years old residing WCD Or WBD. Call: 647-6075.

One male Office Assistant needed. 25-40 year old, must have CXC Maths and English. Call: 623-8414.

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

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

Wanted: Experienced Carpenters and Mason at East Bank and East Coast. Call: 614-7669.

Looking for a reliable live-in aide for an elderly woman. Call: 686-8051.

Russian air defence system

destroyed in Crimea, Ukraine says

(BBC NEWS) - Ukraine says it has destroyed a sophisticated Russian air defence system in occupied Crimea.

rate attack on a naval patrol vessel.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

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

Live-in Housekeeper needed to cook, clean and do laundry in Virgina, USA. Free room & boarding offered. Call: 845-325-8241.

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Cleaner, Farm Workers, Excavator & Bobcat Operators, Welder and fabricator required. Call: 621-6969, 6157784/ 716-8509.

Mechanic for diesel & gasoline engines, Labourers and Maintenance Workers required. Call: 621-6969, 6157784, 716-8509.

Soup House is looking for professional Cook and kitchen Assistant. Good pay and flexible hours. Call: 2256927.

1 Housekeeper, 2 Cooks and 1 Admin Clerk needed. Call: 223-0771.

Live-in Domestic/ Maid needed. Must know to cook. Call: 686-2201.

Female needed to work in the Interior, ages 18 years and older. Call: 699-8486.

Experienced able-bodied Canter Driver and Yard man needed, flexible hours. Call: 614-1819.

Kyiv’s security service (SBU) and navy carried out the attack on a Russian facility near Yevpatoriya using cruise missiles and drones, a Ukrainian intelligence source told the BBC.

Video footage on social media showed a fire and smoke near the city, in the west of the Russian-occupied peninsula. Moscow has yet to directly comment on the claim.

Instead, the Russian defence ministry said it had shot down several Ukrainian aerial drones and thwarted a sepa-

Earlier on Thursday, a number of explosions were reported in the Crimean peninsula, which Russia illegally occupied in 2014.

According to the BBC’s intelligence source, the Ukrainian operation used drones to take out radar equipment, then cruise missiles to hit air defence missile launchers.

“After disabling the radar stations, the navy units hit the S300 and S400 ‘Triumph’ systems, worth $1.2bn, by two Neptune cruise missiles,” the source said.

Neptune missiles were designed by Ukraine’s military for naval use but have been modified for ground targets as well.

(02:40 GMT) and smoke was seen near the military base.

BBC Verify has analysed footage on social media of smoke rising and believes it to be of the attack on Yevpatoriya. Russia’s ministry of defence, on the other hand, downplayed the importance of the attack and said that they shot down 11 drones over Crimea.

Russian-appointed local officials have not reported any damage in the military facility or the air defence systems.

occupying forces in Crimea. It launched a major attack yesterday on the port of Sevastopol, the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea fleet. Ukrainian officials claim that two Russian naval ships sustained serious damage.

Russian officials said 10 missiles were used in the attack, which reportedly left 24 people injured.

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SERVICES

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

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.

For low cost repairs for AC units, refridgerators, freezers, gas stoves, washing machine, dryers, etc. Call: 6294946, 225-4822.

Burkey's House Blessings! Need someone to be a Caretaker of your house in your absence? Call: 663-4654.

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

No details were provided on the number of the batteries that had been hit. Citing local residents, Ukrainian media reported that explosions happened at around 05:40 local time

The S400 air defence system has been in service since 2007, and is an upgraded version of the Cold War-era S300. The most upto-date version’s missiles can travel 400km (250 miles) and operate and attack targets at altitudes of 48km (30 miles).

The S400 can destroy aircraft and ballistic missiles.

Ukraine appears to be stepping up it operations on

The use of the missiles served to demonstrate Ukraine’s increased use of long-range munitions. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s finance ministry said on Thursday that the country would receive $1.25bn (about £1bn) from the United States as part of the World Bank’s PEACE in Ukraine project.

Officials said the funds would be used for non-military purposes and would be directed towards vulnerable groups and for the provision of educational and medical services.

Massy group teams up Education...

From page 15 operating companies.After completing the self-assessment, employees will be provided with professional help and counselling where required.

Massy Group aims to create a supportive work environment that fosters mental health and resilience by empowering employees to enhance their overall wellbeing.

mental health issues among young people. In 2021, Massy organized a Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Poetry Competition.

one’s mental health is of utmost importance.

FOR RENT

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

One bedroom apartment for rent in Diamond New Housing Scheme. Call: 624-7859.

Three bedroom downstairs for rent in New Road Vreeden-Hoop. Call: 682-6238, 2162299/ 604-6664.

Bottom flat apartment at Robb St, Bourda for business or residence. Call: 6490761.

Male needed to work in the Interior, 18 years and older. Call: 674-9999.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, ages 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.

One Clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics required. Email application: techserigy@yahoo.com or Call: 615-9132.

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

Carpenters, Labourers, Masons & Skilled men needed, wages $7,000-$10,000 per day & Labourer 5-6K per day. Call: 650-1394, 6927110.

Creole Cook and kitchen Assistant needed, must know to make roti. Call: 672-3335/ 694-5193.

EDUCATION

Gold and silver jewellery course, male and female ages 15-30 years old. For more info WhatsApp: 716-3170.

Lesson Classes, 4-8 years at Abeka System, Lot 197 Roxanne Burnham Gardens. Call: 675-1764.

According to Massy group, in 2022, the company successfully held a Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Art Competition targeting two age ranges: 13-17 and 18-35. Jamal Durant and Suriya Walcott, who won the senior and junior categories, walked away with cash prizes.

By encouraging creativity and self-expression, Massy Group contributed to helping break the stigma surrounding

This competition invited participation from individuals in two categories – the senior category (1935 years) and the junior category (11-18 years). They were required to write, recite, and upload a poem on suicide prevention and/or mental health on any of Massy’s social media platforms.

Renika Anand and Cheri Frank won in the junior and senior categories, respectively.

By harnessing the power of words, The Group aimed to create a safe space for in dividuals to express themselves and promote understanding and empathy.

“At Massy Guyana, we believe that taking care of

Through these initiatives, we aim to break down the barriers that prevent open conversations about mental health and provide meaningful support to those in need,” said Christpen Bobb-Semple, Assistant Vice President and Head of The Group’s Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Steering Committee.

The Group invites everyone to join the effort to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health, promoting life skills development, and fostering a culture of support and understanding.

For more information about the Massy Group’s initiatives or to get involved, please message any of the Group’s social media platforms.

Our Upcoming Book, Muslim Guyana...

From page 06 Guyana” which was published globally and in many languages.

Now we are in the process of co-authoring a comprehensive volume about 10 chapters, which include:

1. The African Muslims

2. Women during Slavery and Indentureship

7. Guyana the OIC, IsDB, and the Umma

8. Guyana and Pakistan

9. Nation Builders

10. Resistance, Triumph, the Future

from Africa, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Iran, have had profound influence in this epic chronicling of the history of Muslim Guyana.

LAND FOR SALE

Land for sale at Back Lot Mc' Doom. Call: 675-7052.

3. Hindustani Muslim, the rebirth of Islam

4. The Afghan Muslims

5. The Demise of Urdu

6. The Institution of Islam

It was not an easy journey for our ancestors, however, they left us a diverse and rich culture, and throughout the many adversities they faced, they were triumphant in their struggles. Our ancestors in what they term Izzat (honor), Zindagi (Life) aur Maal (Property) spanning

This book is to pay tribute to our heroic ancestors and the beautiful Heritage of Islam they left us. May Allah SWT bless their souls and let them enjoy his garden of Jannah.

Khuda Hafiz

Raymond Chickrie

Bibi Halima Khanam

Brazil to launch Int’l security hub to tackle drug trafficking, environmental crimes in Amazon rainforest

BRASILIA (Reuters)Brazilispreparingtolaunch a center for international policecooperationtocombat environmental crimes and drug trafficking in the Amazon rainforest by the end of 2023, Federal Police officialstoldReuters.

The center, agreed upon at the summit of Amazon nationsinAugust,willbring together police authorities from the eight countries of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO).

Uniting the Amazon countries against criminal activity in the world’s largest rainforest, is key to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s effort to restore Brazil’s environmental credentials after four years of soaring deforestation under predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.

Implementing the initiative will cost the Brazilian government 9 million reais ($1 83 million), and its annual budget will be 7 million reais,saidValdecyUrquiza, head of the Federal Police’s

international cooperation directorate. The center will guarantee coordinated action by police in the Amazon countries with “much more efficient results” to combat a series of crimes, such as deforestation and the smuggling of gold, timber and wild animals “We expect to see a significant

reduction in environmental crimes in the area and also action involving the entire Amazon region and not just a few isolated countries,” Urquizasaid

The fight against drug traffickingwillalsobeoneof the center’s focuses, providing authorities with intelligence for cross-border investigations, said

Body of Ecuador gangster Junior Roldán stolen from cemetery

(BBCNEWS)Thebody of an Ecuadorean gang leader has disappeared from its resting place in a cemetery in Colombia, policesay Junior Roldán’s remains wereplacedinawallvaultin the town of Envigado after noonehadclaimedhisbody

The number two in Los Choneros, a prison gang which has been terrorising Ecuador, had been found shot dead in Colombia’s Antioquia province in May He had fled to Colombia after surviving two previous attempts on his life in his nativeEcuador

Hisbodywasfoundwith bullet wounds to the head in a wooded area on 6 May Police suspect that he was killedbyhisbodyguardwho wantedtostealthelargesum of cash the gang leader had takenwithhimwhenhewent into hiding, but no arrests have been made in connection with his murder They identified him by his

tattoosandhewaslaidtorest in a wall vault at the central cemetery just south of Medellínon18May

On Tuesday, workers foundagatetothecemetery openandwhentheysearched thegroundstheynoticedthat oneofthevaultswasempty Officialslaterconfirmedthat the vault in question had containedthebodyofJunior Roldán. Police told local media that a number of men hadbrokenintothecemetery overnight and taken the body So far it is not clear if

thesuspectshadtargetedthe gang leader’s remains in particular and what their motivemayhavebeen.

Roldán had many enemies.

Before he fled Ecuador, hehadbeenshotandinjured by members of a rival gang callingitselfLosLobos(The Wolves).

He had previously survived an attack in which dronesladenwithexplosives weresetoffabovetheprison wing in which he was detainedatthetime.

HumbertoFreire,headofthe Amazon and environmental crimesoftheFederalPolice.

“There’s no point in operatingonlyinBrazil,”he said,addingthatcriminalsin

the region move around the countries of the rainforest to evade authorities. Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana,Peru,Surinameand Venezuela will also have representativesinthecenter, which plans to start operations by December Urquiza said the unit could also support efforts by European and U S authorities, as those are the main destinations for illegal goodsandproductsfromthe Amazon.

“As long as there is a consumer market for this illegalmaterial,therewillbe pressure for this type of crime here in the region,” saidUrquiza.

Police organizations suchasInterpol,Europoland Ameripolwillalsobeinvited tojointhecenter,Freiresaid. ($1=4.9134reais)

A view shows a deforested area in the middle of the Amazon Forest near the BR-230 highway, known as Transamazonica, in the municipality of Uruara, Para, Brazil, July 14, 2021. REUTERS/Bruno Kelly/File photoReuters

Junior Roldán was killed in Colombia and buried in a cemetery in Envigado, south of Medellín

Global debt is rising again-IMF says in new report

The global debt burden retreated for the second yearinarow,eventhoughit remains above its alreadyhigh pre-pandemic level,

accordingtothelatestupdate ofourGlobalDebtDatabase. The total debt stood at 238 percent of global gross domesticproductlastyear,9 percentage points higher

than in 2019. In US dollar terms, debt amounted to $235trillion,or$200billion aboveitslevelin2021.

Policymakers will need to be unwavering over the

next few years in their commitment to preserving debtsustainability Despite the economic growth rebound from 2020 and much higher-than-

expected inflation, public debt remained stubbornly high. Fiscal deficits kept public debt levels elevated, as many governments spent more to boost growth and respond to food and energy price spikes even as they ended pandemic-related fiscalsupport.

As a result, public debt declinedbyjust8percentage points of GDP over the last two years, offsetting only about half of the pandemicrelatedincrease,asshownin our latest Global Debt Monitor Privatedebt,which includeshouseholdandnonfinancial corporate debt, declined at a faster clip, dropping 12 percentage points of GDP. Even then, the decline was not enough toerasethepandemicsurge.

Forcesindebttrends

Before the pandemic, global debt-to-GDP ratios hadrisenfordecades.Global public debt tripled since the mid-1970s to reach 92 percent of GDP (or just above $91 trillion) by end2022 Private debt also tripledto146percentofGDP (orcloseto$144trillion),but over a longer time span between1960and2022.

China played a central roleinincreasingglobaldebt in recent decades as borrowing outpaced economicgrowth.

Debt as a share of GDP has risen to about the same levelasintheUnitedStates, whileindollartermsChina’s total debt ($47.5 trillion) is still markedly below that of the United States (close to $70trillion).

As for non-financial corporate debt, China’s 28 percentshareisthelargestin theworld.

Debt in low-income developing countries also rose significantly in the last two decades, albeit from lower initial levels. Even as their debt levels, especially private debt, remain on average relatively low compared to advanced and emerging economies, the

pace of their increases since theglobalfinancialcrisishas created challenges and vulnerabilities. More than half of low-income developing countries are in or at high risk of debt distress, and about one fifth of emerging markets have sovereign bonds trading at distressedlevels.

T a c k l i n g d e b t vulnerabilities

Governments should take urgent steps to help reduce debt vulnerabilities and reverse long-term debt trends. For private sector debt, those policies could include vigilant monitoring of household and nonfinancial corporate debt burdensandrelatedfinancial stability risks. For public debtvulnerabilities,building a credible fiscal framework could guide the process to balancespendingneedswith debtsustainability

For low-income developing countries, improving the capacity to collect additional tax revenues is key, as we discussedinourAprilFiscal Monitor For those with unsustainable debt, a comprehensive approach that encompasses fiscal discipline as well as debt restructuring under the Group of Twenty Common F r a m e w o r k t h e multilateral mechanism for forgiving and restructuring sovereign debt when applicable is also needed, as noted in the April World Economic Outlook Importantly, reducing debt burdens will create fiscal space and allow new investments, helping foster economic growth in coming years. Reforms to labor and product markets that boost potential output at the nationallevelwouldsupport thatgoal.

I n t e r n a t i o n a l cooperation on taxation, including carbon taxation, could further alleviate pressures on public financing.

Bodies of miners spotted in Cuyuni River after boat mishap

The bodies of 44year-old Kevin Musa, a miner of Pomeroon and his co-worker 'Alvin' were reportedly spotted on Thursday “in the general area in the Cuyuni River”wheretheboatmishap occurred.

According to the Commander of Region Seven, Mr Dion Moore, police received information that the bodies of the two persons suspected to have drowned, surfaced in the Cuyuni River where the incidentoccurred.

Police ranks have since been dispatched to the locationtoretrievethebodies.

It was reported by police, that on Tuesday evening at Kurutuku Village, Upper Cuyuni River, Region Seven, Musa along with six of his co-workers were consuming alcohol when

Thousands screened for NCDs

The Ministry of Health has rolled out a comprehensive screening programme for non-communicable chronic diseases that saw 53, 791 persons being screenedinthefirsthalfof2023.

will be launched during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches in Guyana.

they stopped a metal boat which was powered by a 75 Yamaha HP engine and captained by Raul Jarvis, along with two occupants, and asked for a drop to their miningcamplocatedabout20 minutes from Kurutuku Village.

The metal boat was transporting fourteen drums of diesel from Devil Hole Landing to San Martin Landing and now had 10 persons.

About 10 minutes into theirjourney,theboatcaptain was navigating a small rapid when the boat struck a rock, causingittotakeinwater

As a result, the occupants jumped out of the boat and swam to shore, leaving Musa and 'Alvin' on a rock in the middle of the Cuyuni River Musa and 'Alvin' were heard shouting for a few minutes, andthenstopped.

The amount surpasses the 2023 targetof50,000andissignificantwhen compared to the over 27,000 persons screened in the previous year This is according to information provided by the Ministry of Finance's Mid-Year Report2023.

To effectively manage and prevent diabetes, the ministry commissioned the Lusignan Diabetic Clinic in April which is fully operational. It offers services including eye screening, cardiovascular, screening, diabetic wound care, x-ray, laboratory, and rehabilitativeservices.Furthermore,an expanded communication strategy to supportthenationaldiabetescampaign

Meanwhile, the ministry continues to place emphasis on mental health, as theexpansionofthementalhealthward at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC)wascompletedin thefirstquarterof2023andisnowable tohouseanadditional15patientswitha totalcapacityof22.

In the area of communicable diseases, a total of 91,744 insecticidal netswereprocuredbytheministryasof mid-year,asitbattlesagainstthespread of malaria in communities across the country

Additionally, expectant mothers in Region Eight are now guaranteed safe deliveryasconstructionofthematernal waiting at Kato has been completed, while a similar home is being establishedatMabaruma,RegionOne.

Meanwhile, upgrades to the New Amsterdam maternity ward in Region Sixwillbecompletedinthesecondhalf oftheyear

In the hinterland, the ministry has mandated health departments in these areas to conduct specialised medical outreaches which include ultrasound and laboratory testing for patients, especially pregnant mothers, and children. “For the first half of 2023, four medical outreaches were conducted with 235 mothers benefitting from specialised obstetrics and gynaecology services, and over 1100ultrasoundsweredone,”themidyearreportdisclosed.

Healthcareworkersweretrainedto recognise post-partum depression in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, with the implementation of screening expectedtobegininthesecondhalfof theyear (DPI)

Conversation Tree road project to meet November completion deadline –Min.Edghill

Trinidad-based company, Kallco Guyana Inc, is expected to complete the Conversation Tree road project well within the stipulateddeadline.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill made the announcement

Tuesday, following the welcoming ceremony of Canada Jetlines and Fly Allways air services, at the Cheddi Jagan International

Airport(CJIA),Timehri. Minister Edghill reiterated the government's commitmenttoensuringthat contractors adhere to their contractualobligations.“We didn't give Kallco any green light because they didn't get a red light.

Kallco had to move from being a place of a nonperformingcontractorinto performing and delivering the project within the stipulatedtimeline,”hetold

the Department of Public Information(DPI).

Further, the minister highlighted the steps taken by Kallco to rectify their non-performance issues, emphasising their engagement with Guyanese sub-contractorstoaccelerate various aspects of the project. While Kallco has made strides in bringing the project back on track, the public works minister cautioned against premature

celebration, saying, “Not yet, I don't give people a pass while they are still writingtheexam,Iwantto seetheresults.”

The Conversation Tree road project begins at the Conversation Tree corridor which is approximately 1.9 kilometres from the East Coast Demerara Highway and will connect to Dennis Street. It is also linked to Sheriff Street from the Dennis Street corridor. The project has been split into two lots, with Lot 8A being executed by S. Jagmohan

Construction and General Supplies Inc at a contract valueof$1,066,358,738.

Lot 8B was awarded to Kallco Guyana Inc at a contract value of some $830.2 million. The project wasawardedbytheNational Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office in the previous year. Works will entail the construction of a four-lane carriageway from the East Coast highway to Delhi Street, which will include a double-lane carriageway on the reserve

west of Delhi Street for northbound traffic and will see the implementation of concrete revetments between the East Coast Demerara Highway and Railway Embankment, and concretedrainsonbothsides of the proposed roadway between the railway embankment and Delhi Street. In addition, two concrete bridges will be constructed to establish a connectionto Dennis Street. Theprojectisexpectedtobe completedbyNovember05, 2023.

Ongoing works on the Conversation Tree road project

Johnson named Player of the Series but West Indies U19s lose by seven wickets to Sri Lanka

SportsMax - Despite a heroic 157 not out from Jordan Johnson, the West Indies U19s lost by seven wickets to Sri Lanka U19 in the second Youth Test at Dambulla yesterday.

Resuming from their overnight score of 251-8 with Johnson on 133 and Tamarie Redwood yet to score, the West Indies U19s, added 26 to their total, bowled out for 277. Johnson added 24 of the runs added but Redwood was run out for two and Deshawn James run out without scoring, leaving Johnson on 157 not out.

Needing just 79 for victory, Sri Lanka reached 81-3 from just 18.4 overs to secure

Friday September 15, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

You're the missing piece of the puzzle today, Aries. As a result, people will look to you for answers. The good news is that you'll have them at the ready. Trust yourself.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You may run into trouble if you penetrate too deeply today, Taurus. Keep things light and energetic if you can. Ironically, the harder you push to get something done.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Give your adventuresome, world-traveling spirit room to soar, Gemini. This is a good time to embrace and express your dreams. Write them down, talk to others.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Stop planning and start doing. There may be pressure to leave your normal routine and do something on a whim, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

The answer for you today is "yes." Explore, reach out, and expand your mind to the far corners of your world and beyond, Leo. There's no need to be tied down to reality.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Today you should take action in areas where you usually keep quiet, Virgo. The more you explore your mind, the safer you'll feel in your external reality. Be confident of your dreams.

Abjal’s 112 in vain as Amazon Masters suffer defeat

Canada-based Guyanese

victory.

Sineth Jayawardene top scored with 30 while Rusanda Gamage was not out on 21 at the end with Ravishan De Silva on 17 at the other end. The pair added 42 runs for the fourth wicket, after the West Indies threatened briefly to have the hosts in a spot of bother at 39-3.

Isai Thorne, 1-29 and Tarrique Edward, 1-16, were the wicket takers for the West Indies in the losing effort.

The West Indies U19 lost but Johnson did not come away empty-handed. For his scores of 149, 52 and 157 not out, he was named Player of the Series.

Scores: West Indies U19 127 and 277 v Sri Lanka U19 326 and 81-3. Sri Lanka winning by seven wickets.

Imtiaz Abjal struck a pugnacious 112 for Amazon Masters but his innings went in vain after VP Boys won by a nail-biting one-run recently in the 2023 Canadian Premier Softball Cricket League 100ball semi-final.

Playing at Lancaster Public School ground in Brampton, Ontario, the righthanded Abjal clobbered 16 sixes and one four to help his team reach 191-7 from the 20overs replying to VP Boys’ challenging 192-5 (20).

Abjal, who hails from Wakenaam, Essequibo, only faced 38 balls while he got support from veteran Vijay Prashad who scored 27 as Mohan Budhram grabbed 336 from his allotted ten deliveries.

Earlier, VP Boys won the

Imtiaz Abjal toss and opted to take first knock. Amit Rukhram, another Guyanese-born, top-scored with 66. Skipper Azeez Baksh snapped up two wickets for 23 runs from ten balls. VP Boys were scheduled to meet up with Cambridge Jaguars in the final.

Rajapaksa (89), Munro (55) help Kings...

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

There's a light, uplifting flavor to the day, Libra, which you should latch onto and take charge of. You'll find that there's a rather dreamy yet expansive quality to this energy that encourages you

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Try not to take things too seriously today, Scorpio. Realize that the best plans are sometimes the ones that were never made in the first place.

.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

This is a tremendous day for you, Sagittarius. You may find that dreams really can come true. Make sure you stay abreast of communication and periodicals.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It

Don't get discouraged if it seems like everyone but you is getting a piece of the pie, Capricorn. Your time will come, but it probably won't be today. While you may want to sink into tender feelings and sensitivity,

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Make some room for long communications with good friends, Aquarius. This is an important day to get the word out to people you love.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You may be the partypooper today unless you do something to remedy your serious tone, Pisces. This is a day for light, social activities and fun-loving times with friends.

From page 30 a vicious knock of 86 off 49 with 8 fours and 5 maximums, striking at a rate of 175.

Amazon Warriors bowlers struggled last night with Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul and captain Imran Tahir only managing a wicket each.

During the chase, St. Lucia raced to 50 after an aggressive start from the left-handed Rajapaksa who was on go from the inception, taking a liking to the square /middlewicket region.

Rajapaksa reached his half-century in style, smashing a six off Paul while Munnro continued to find the occasional boundary as the Kings crept closer to their target. The Zimbabwe duo of Sikandar Raza, the Kings skipper (12*) and Sean Williams (8*) saw their side home with wickets and overs to spare.

The team’s 100 as well as the duos century stand came

LGC host benefit tournament...

From page 29 responsibility of overseeing the premises.

The Executive and members of Lusignan Golf Course would like to express their condolences to the family of Dhanai in their time of bereavement.

The results for the tournament were as follows:

1st Miguel Yunes and Miguel Oviedo (Gross 70, HC 8, Net 62)

2nd Mike Mangal and Rohan Albert (Gross 70, HC 5, Net 65)

3rd Kassim Khan and Ayube Subhan (Gross 69, HC 4, Net 65)

up in the 11th over but the Warriors continued to hemorrhage boundaries, which eventually led to Munro also reaching fifty.

Earlier in the evening, Warriors were 35-1, their lowest score of the tournament following the end of the first power-play, thanks to a brilliant run-out which cost Matthew Nandu (3) his wicket.

Shortly after reaching

their team 50, Raza (1-14) knocked over Saim Ayub (16) after the Pakistani had his worse game following his 3 straight fifties. Hope kept his cool before his caught and bowled removal off Matthew Forde (118), leaving Paul and Hetmyer to finish the innings with a number of lusty blows which took Guyana well over 150mark.

Jordan Johnson was named Player of the Series. He had scores of 149, 52 and 157 not out in the Youth Tests. Here he receives the trophy from Ranjith Priyantha, Match Referee. (CWI)

Republic Bank CPL 2023 GAW vs STLK at Providence…

Rajapaksa (89), Munro (55) help Kings break Warriors unbeaten streak

Scorching half-centuries from Bhanuka Rajapaksa andColinMunrosawtheSt. Lucia Kings break the unbeaten streak of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, as they suffered a 7 wicket defeat last evening at Providence

Electing to bat first, the Warriors posted 167-5 from 20 overs Wicket-keeper

Azam Khan smacked 40 of 25aftermuscling3sixesand 4fourswhileShaiHopehad 38off35with5foursand19 apiece from the Guyanese stars in Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer, helped Guyanatoasolidtotal.

Pacer Alzarri Joseph hovering consistently around 145 mph and upwards,starredwith2-31.

Kingschaseddowntheir target with ease thanks to a masterpiece 132 run 2ndwicketstandbetweentheSri Lankan and the New Zealander, which took them to170-3in17.3overs.

Munrohit55off43(6x4 2x6) but it was Man-of-thematch Rajapaksa, who tormentedthebowlingwith (Continuedonpage29)

Linden Mayor’s Cup U-21 Schools Basketball...

Two more matches set for this afternoon at Amelia’s Ward Hard Court

TwomorematchesintheLindenMayor’s CupUnder-21basketballtournamentwillbe played this afternoon at the Amelia’s Ward HardCourt.

Inthefirstgamethisat2.30pminGroup C, Marcia Craig’s Educational Institute will challengetheLindenFoundationSecondary and the other is between Group B’s Mackenzie High and New Silvercity Secondaryfrom4.00pm.

In the latest game played on Wednesday the Technical Institute (LTI) hammered WisburgSecondary66-8inaGroupAscrap, whichwastheonlymatchplayedofwhatwas a scheduled double header; where Marcia CraigEducationalInstitutedidnotappearto face the Christianburg Wismar Secondary ‘Multi’who won their Group C match via a

walkover

When the tournament got off last Friday at the Retrieve Hard Court, Kwakwani gained a rampant 50-3 win against Wisburg Secondary while Mackenzie High disposed ofNewSilvercitySecondary26-20.

In thatlonefixtureplayedWednesdayat the New Silversity Hard Court, LTI were spearheaded by Killon Phillips who top scored with 22 points, as Kimol Grimmond got16andLeroneJosephscoredeight.

RomaniRichardsnettedsevenpointsfor Wisburg who suffered another loss and cannotadvancefromtheirgroup.

Fromthethreegroupsofthreeinthisnine team initial round robin play, one team will advance and those three will contest for the championship.

Azam Khan smacked 40 of 25 balls to lead the warriors batting. (CPL)

ByRawleToney

Guyana’s national footballteam’sHeadCoach, Jamaal Shabazz, was candid in his assessment of the condition of the football pitch at the National Track and Field Centre, which hosted Guyana’s recent match in this season’s ConcacafNationsLeague.

The Golden Jaguars secured a 3-2 victory over The Bahamas on Tuesday evening, maintaining their perfect record in Group F of League B, thanks to goals from Omari Glasgow, Kelsey Benjamin, and StephenDuke-McKenna.

However, while expressing satisfaction with the three points, Shabazz was taken aback by the deplorable state of the pitch attheonlyfacilityinGuyana suitable for international football.

The condition of the facility has been a source of concern for the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), whichwascompelledtohost someoftheGoldenJaguars’ home matches in other countries, including their previoushomegameagainst Montserrat, played in Barbados.

“I would have preferred toplayonadifferentground in anothercountry, even if it meant giving up our home advantage, just to have a decentpitchfortheplayers,” Shabazz lamented in the aftermath of the team’s

victory “I would have preferred to play on another ground, in another country, and give up our home advantage for a good pitch for players to play on. We must think about facilities,” a visibly upset Shabazz said intheaftermathoftheteam’s win. “This was a horrible pitch,” Shabazz exclaimed, adding “and I think it solely affected the way we wanted to play And the job of the player is to play The job of thecoachistotrytocreatea team that could win and do thebest,whosejobitisforus to have a proper facility to play,”Shabazzsaid.

He added, “This is terrible This is totally unacceptable. And I prefer, until we get better facilities, betterGuyanaplayourhome games away from home. This is not what a coach would like to be talking aboutattheendofagame.”

consideredaweakerteamin Caribbean football, and fans had hoped for a more dominant performance from Guyana, similar to their 5-1 victory over Antigua and Barbuda in the opening NationsLeaguegame.

Shabazz responded to critics, saying, “Of course, it’seasytosaywebarelywin 3-2 against Bahamas. Okay, you can ride. That is always the reality Would you guys go on the pitch? We just came from playing Antigua on a beautiful ground in hot conditions. But you know what? We were able to play football, and one of the fundamental things of playing football is a football pitch, and we don’t have that.”

While calling the situation unfortunate and people will want to point fingers,Shabazzsaidit’snot his concern, but pointed, “I dream of the day when Guyana will have a proper surfacetoplayfootballon.I cannot answer anything else about football because I did not think that much football wasplayedonthissurface.”

Following Tuesday evening’sgame,Guyanawill travel to Puerto Rico on October 14, with the return fixture scheduled for October17.

On November 18, they will once again face The Bahamas, and on November 21, they will host Antigua andBarbuda.

Golden Jaguars Head Coach speaking to the media.

Defending champion Romello Crawford wins Asst Commissioner (ret’d) Eon Amsterdam’s annual birthday cycle road race around New Amsterdam

Romello Crawford was unstoppable as he defended his crown to once again ride away with the annual Eon A m s t e r d a m b i r t h Anniversary cycle road race in Berbice. Crawford who hails from Fyrish, Corentyne,Berbice,wonina time of 55 minutes 20 seconds. The race, which washeldlastSunday,wasfor riders in Region5 and 6 and saw the cyclists covering 10 lapsaroundthetownofNew Amsterdam. Some 16 riders tooktothestartingline.

The event which was started by Mayor of New Amsterdam Wayne Wright McIntosh saw the riders taking off from Republic Road and Charles Place, turned left into Vryheid

Street, left into Main Street, left into Philadelphia Street/ High Bridge, left into RepublicRoadfor10laps.

Crawford, a national cyclist, rode home ahead of Arjune Sookai with Mario Washington coming third.

Poonai’s Pharmacy renews cricket sponsorship for RHTYSC

Under11 and Under13 teams

Berbiceleadingmedical Pharmacy, Poonai’s Pharmacy of Rose Hall Town, has renewed its sponsorship of the Under11 and Under13 cricket teams of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organization, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS The renewal of the sponsorship wasdoneatthePharmacy’s office at the Public Road, IndependenceAvenue,Rose HallTown.

The management of the popular Pharmacy has been long time supporters of the club and its numerous activities before officially coming on board as the official sponsors of the teams. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster who also is the president of Berbice CricketBoardstatedthatthe relationship with the Under13teamhasbeenvery successful while the Under11 team was formed this year in response to the BCB developmental programme.

The BCB has major plans to hold an Under9 tournament in 2024 and Foster stated that a team would shortly be formed. ThecurrentUnder13teamis led by national player Tameshwar Deonandand, while Leon Reddi is his Deputy The Under11 team is been lead by Darvesh Narine.

officialsRobbyKissoonlall, Tyron Pottaya and Keith Hicksareresponsibleforthe team. The coaches attached totheyouthsareheadcoach Winston Smith, Ryan Kissoonlall and RyanAlgu. Foster expressed gratitude to managing director Mr Poonai for his continued support of the team. He notedthatPoonaiPharmacy, apart from the cricket sponsorship, support numerous programmes Under the theme of charity, education, community development, awards, Christmas village and medical among others Under the sponsorship, the Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy Under23 team has won two Berbice championships and was Runnerupstwice.Theteam hasproducedatotalofthree national players - Reddi, Deonandand and promising fast Bowler Raffel McKenzie. A total of nine othershavealsorepresented Berbice at the inter-county level.

Cricket manager Robby Kissoonlall stated that the two teams were the nursery of the RHTYSC cricket system, it produces cricketers for the Under15, Under17 and Under19 levels. The RHTYSC, he proudly stated, has a very highstandardtoupholdwith over one hundred major titlesinitscupboardwhileit

has produced over one hundred and twenty players since 1995 for Berbice, GuyanaandtheWestIndies combined.Amongthemare Asad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Esan Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings,ShabakaGajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Kevlon Anderson, Dominic Rikhi, Askay Homraj, and Delbert Hicks.Theclubin2023has produced fifteen national playersatalllevelswhilesix ofitsmembersarecurrently playing in the male and female tournaments The t e a m s h a v e a l s o successfully completed a total of thirty four self developmentalprogrammes under the sponsorship with t h e g u i d a n c e o f management and other RHTYSC teams The programmes includes feeding of needy, food hampers for families, tributes to firemen, tributes to teachers, cricket academy,summercampand assistancetoschools.

Sponsor Poonai stated that he was delighted to be associated with an organization that has impacted thousands of people’slives.Henotedthat his business was been well promoted by the RHTYSC andhewasveryproudofthe teams’ achievements over theyears.

The evergreen Junior Niles was fourth with Andrea “Padlock” Green riding home fifth. Niles was the top veteran on show with JaikarranArjune second and Myron Rose third. The top juvenile was Sidwell Sandy who won from Jeremy Callender Semone Sandy woninthefemalecategory Crawford was so

dominant that to rode away with 6 of the eight sprint prizeswithNilesandSookai taking one each. A special prize was presented to 72 years old Daniel Rigby for being the oldest participant andforcompletingtheevent.

Amsterdam, who hails from Berbice, is a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police. He was an ardent

participantaswellasafanof sports. He served as traffic Chief and Commandant of the Felix Austin Training School and Commander of Berbice and other areas before retiring from the force Mayor McIntosh along with members of Amsterdam’s family was on hand to assist with the distribution of the prizes which included cash, trophies and other memorabilia.The event was organized by the FlyingAce Cycle Club (FACC) and coordinated by long serving National Coach Randolph Roberts. This is the third event that has been sponsored by Amsterdam. The first was at his retirement.Amsterdamplans to make the event an annual affair He would also like to thank those who assisted in makingtheeventthesuccess ithasbecomeovertheyears.

(SamuelWhyte)

COURTS Optical brands...

Frompage35 fitting to recognise the role of this institute (Unicomer), which played a great role in the birth of the Petra Organisationandtherolewe play in developing grassroots football over the pastdecade.”

The Co-Director also acknowledged those who have continued to support the tournament over the years,whichhebelievesisa testament to the value of the event that has seen current national players transition throughtheyears.

Simpsonsaid,“Tenyears is not something simple to look over It is showing that there is opportunity and that thereisabrightfutureforthe tournament.”

“Unicomer, who is also celebrating 30 years in Guyana this year, will also celebrate this 10-year partnership with efforts toward developing the community and a path to nurture young talent to be a lastingpositiveimpact.”

“CourtsGuyana-abrand of Unicomer, has been deeply committed to social good and our partnership with Petra aligns perfectly withCourtsOptical.”

He continued: “As the official sponsor of the Pee Wee tournament, we will

continue to grow the tournamenttothebestofour ability and ensure that there isacontinuousfutureforthis programme. As we expand over the years, we are makingacommitmenttothe Petra Organisation to ensure we facilitate this partnership and ensure that we have a sustainable programme and we develop the youth of Guyana and ensure that we can build a good path for them and facilitate future growth.”

At the launch, it was disclosed that a total of 32 Schoolswillbevyingforthe Pee Wee title from September23toOctober28, with all matches being played at the Ministry of Education Ground on CarifestaAvenue.

The teams will be divided into eight groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing totheRound-of-16knockout s t a g e O n l y t h e quarterfinalists will remain toroundoutthetopeight.

Thetournament’swinner w i l l c a r t o f f t h e Championship trophy, gold medals and uniforms, the second-place side will leave with a trophy, silver medals and balls while the thirdplace finisher will collect a trophy, bronze medals and

balls. There will also be the usualindividualprizesupfor grabs. Enterprise Primary School is the current championaftertheyclaimed thetitleofthenintheditionin 2022witha2–1victoryover former Champion, St. Pius, inthefinale.

The teams that will competeinthiseditionofthe tournamentare:Georgetown – Sophia, Redeemer, FE Pollard, North Ruimveldt, Marian Academy, Winfer Gardens, St Pius, West Ruimveldt, Tucville, Enterprise, St.Ambrose and St.Stephens.

Linden – Ameila’s Ward and One Mile, Bartica –Potaro and St John the Baptist, East Berbice – St. Therese’s and St. Aloysius, West Coast Berbice –BelladrumandRosignol. East Coast – Ann’s Grove, Plaisance, Anandale and Friendship, East Bank –Craig, Soesdyke and Timehri, West Coast –Malgretoot, Vreed en Hoop, Westminster and Leonora. This event is in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture, Youth andSport,sanctionedbythe Guyana Football Federation with support from Sterling Products Limited and MVP Sports.

Mikhail Amsterdam and other family members present awards to Romello Crawford and other outstanding riders as Coach Randolph Roberts savours the moment.

Cricket Carnival President Cup Horse Race Meet…

Easy Time anticipated to headline the show

asy Time earned to ranking with a mind-blowing performance at the recently held Guyana Cup onAugust 13, 2023 at Rising Sun Turf Club. As his name implies, he was able to capture an ‘Easy’ win in record ‘Time’ forhisfirststartinGuyana.

T h i s c h a m p i o n thoroughbred arrived less than two weeks before the race and has since been trainingtomaintainthehigh standardsset.

Preparations are already inprogressforhisnextmajor race, the prestigious Cricket Carnival President’s Cup (CCPC)cardedforSaturday, September 23, at the Rising SunTurfClub,Berbice.

This much-anticipated race is hailed as the rematch

of Guyana with all the top racingstablessettocompete forover$15,000,000incash andprizes.

Alado, who had a blockbuster year in 2022, recordedadoublewininthe Guyana Cup & the Cricket Carnival President’s Cup Now in 2023, he is the defending champion for the CCPC and has to show his consistency to overcome some of the heavy hitters expected to arrive for the megarace.

The bigger threat looming is Brazil-bred El Tarzan owned by Slingerz Racing Stable who finished second to Easy Time after givingthefieldaheadstartto showhisstrengthandability tograbtherunner-upslot.

Trinidadian-based rider,

Nobel Abrego, who won over 1500 career races confirmed he will be returning to Guyana on September 17 to assist with El Tarzan’s preparation along with trainer John O’Brien.

Abrego declared he is confident if El Tarzan breaks evenly with Easy Time the race result will be much different. Abrego related, “El Tarzan went up at the start when the gates flew,andlostalotofground.

Next time when meet up It will not be an ‘Easy Time ’ El Tarzan will be flying, so let them know the time will notbeeasy.”

However, Easy Time’s trainer Nasrudeen ‘Junior’ Mohamed explained, “After

ERegistration ends September 19 Beacon FC salutes

Easy Time’s big win for Guyana Cup I was positive that with the right training andcare,wewereontheroad toanotherChampionsimilar to Alado. I assessed him based on the last

performance and now I am able to work on his weaknesses and enhance his strengths.

El Tarzan will not only need a good start but will probably need to improve

wayfurthertocomecloseto EasyTime.”

E n t r i e s f o r t h e President’s Cup races officially started on September 13 and will end onSeptember19.

Captain Anthony “Awo” Abrams on Winning GFA League Title

From Gordon “Ultimate Warrior”Braithwaite

Former national striker Anthony “Awo” Abrams returned to competitive first division football this season andpilotedBeaconFCtothe 2023 Georgetown Football League(GFA)title.

Beacon FC were declared champions on September 10th crowned Champions of the GFAFirst Division League with one game still to play after winning their seventh straight game and remained unbeaten with no draws as well.

The title was clinched with a 3-1 victory over Vengy FC, the only team in the competition that could have challenged Beacon FC forthetitlehadtheywonthe match.

This success came after the club had not played competitive football for two seasons and only registered toplayinthiscompetitionon June1st.

Abrams, who captained the team, contributed significantly to its success scoring in six of the seven games played and at present is the leading goal-scorer with10goals,anditwashim, once again, who opened the

scoring with a clinical lob over the advancing goalkeeperafteraloftedpass from deep by a defender. So far, he has scored at least 3 winning goals in closely contestedgamesandtheonly goalinagamehisteamwon 1-0.

He is a Former Senior National Star who began his stellarcareerfromthetender age of 8 with Beacon FC in 1 9 8 7 H e p l a y e d outstandingly for the club during his youth and eventually began playing at theSeniorlevelfrom1997at age17.

During that period Beacon FC were one of the topclubsinGuyanasoitwas difficultforhimtogetmuch playing time and when the Coach, Gordon Brathwaite, migrated to the US in early 1998,Abrams, like many of theyouthful,upcomingstars of the club, left also and he joined Fruta Conquerors Abrams went onto establish himself as one of the top forwards in Guyana while playing for that club as well as Alpha United and the Senior National team. He alsospentsometimeplaying in neighbouring Suriname where he had success becoming very popular over

Anthony Abrams

intheDutchterritoryasatop goalscorer

After an outstanding career at the Senior level Abramsbeganplayingatthe Masters (Over 40) level for BeaconMastersin2022and in the three tournaments the club has played at this level he has won the top goalscorerTrophytwiceand theMVPrecentlyashisclub has played unbeaten in all three tournaments so far whilewinningtwoofthem.

Whentheclubdecidedto reregister in the GFA First Division he approached the Coachandsaidhewishedto play Senior football again and to finish his career with his boyhood club Upon being named Captain he

promised to help the club win since he had won it all with other clubs but never withBeaconFCatthislevel.

Hehascertainlydoneallhe couldandfulfilledhispromise totheCoach ASpecialThank You is certainly due to him from the Coach, Teammates, Executives, Members and Supporters of the club to the conquering Captain who has ensuredthatBeaconFCwina majorTrophyforthefirsttime inthe21stcentury

May the ALMIGHTY continue to Bless Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams with great health and Success for many more years to come as he is definitelyintheHallofFame fortheclub

In addition to Abrams,

manyplayersmadeimportant contributions with the foremost among these being another Masters player, Wendell St Hill, a former midfield/forward of Alpha United and Northern Rangers who used his experience to play outstandingly in central defence along with Colin Clarke another FormerAlpha United/ Northern Rangers player

Inmidfieldtheyoungest playerofthesquad,17years oldAntwone Vincent son of former outstanding forward, Sherwin ‘Dribbler’ Vincent has been magnificent contributing 2 goals along withsomegoodassistswhile playingeveryminuteofthe7 games so far Also outstanding in this area has been Tefon Daly, Cloyd Bascom, a Former Beacon FC and Youth National Captainwhohascomeoutof early retirement to assist his boyhoodclubthatdominated Youth football in the early 2000s, and recently Tamiel Hutson who combined beautifully with Vincent to score the second goal on Sunday

In midfield also Leon Grumble, who like Vincent has been with Beacon FC from before the age of 10,

hashimselfcomeoutofearly retirement to help his club andisatpresentreturningto his outstanding best that he demonstrated at Youth National level and at Senior level withAlpha United and foraclubinSuriname.

Among the forwards the hard-working Keon Douglas has toiled for the club and whileonlyscoringtwicehas assisted more goals. Sunil Logan has also played well scoringsomegoalsincluding a hat-trick and the sealing penalty late in Sunday’s game Midfield /forward DarienDicksoncontinuesto showgreatimprovementand is certainly destined to be a star for the club in the near future Anthony Sancho demonstrated his obvious abilitybyscoringintheonly gameheplayedbuthasbeen unavailable since for different reasons including injury

Other players such as Tevin Fowler in defence anotherboyhoodBeaconFC player and young ones for the future such as Ron Abrams, Tariq and Dominic Nelsonindefencealongwith Makonnen Thompson, Jecuan Cole in midfield all contributed positively and mustalsobecommended.

Easy Time is expected to put forth another good performance at the upcoming event.

One Guyana Premier Basketball League...

Nets, Pacesetters and Untouchables dominate over the weekend

The New National Gymnasium Basketball Court on Mandela Avenue wasbuzzingwithexcitement on Sunday as basketball enthusiasts gathered to witnessthrillingmatchupsin the 2023 ‘One Guyana’ Premier Basketball League. In a day filled with actionpacked games, the Lodge Nets left their mark by crushing the Lamaha Springs/Park’s Pepsi Sonics with a resounding 72-47 victory, while Pacesetters and the Kwakwani

Untouchables emerged victors on the final night before the brief paused to competition.

The basketball match night kicked off with three thrilling games, Sunday last; in an extremely exciting encounter

b e t w e e n T h e

Lodge/Meadowbrook Nets

a n d L a m a h a

Springs/Park’s Pepsi

Sonics,theNetsgotofftoa modest four-point lead at the end of the first quarter However, they returned in

the second quarter with a vengeance, amassing a commanding 40-23 advantage over the Pepsi Sonics Travis Stewart emergedasthestarplayerfor t h e L o d g e N e t s , continuously sinking impressive 2-pointers that propelled his team to a remarkable 25-point victory overtheSonics Stewart’sprowessonthe court was undeniable, and his scoring spree showcased the Lodge Nets’ dominance throughoutthegame.

LGC host benefit tournament in support of the late Dalchand Dhanai

The winners of the benefit tournament.

The Nets’ cohesive teamwork and tenacious defencealsoplayedacrucial roleinsecuringtheirvictory as Stewart finishes with 21 pointsattheendofthefourth quarter In another captivating matchup, the Wortmanville Pacesetters impressed the crowd with their exceptional skills, defeating the South RuimveldtManateeswitha finalscoreof57-44.

T h e s t a n d o u t performers of the game were Troy David and Zion

Gray, who contributed 16 and19points,respectively SamuelThompsonalsohad a c o m m e n d a b l e performance, finishing with 17points,inalosingeffort.

Meanwhile,inaclosely contested battle, the Kwakwani Untouchables emerged victorious against the Kitty/Campbellville Ravens, securing a hardfought67-60win

The Kwakwani boys displayed determination and resilience,ultimatelysealing their triumph in a thrilling

matchup.

A s t h e G u y a n a Basketball Federation and the Georgetown Basketball Association continue to foster the growth of basketballintheregion,they have announced that matches scheduled for this weekendandthroughoutthe month of September will be temporarily suspended until October

This decision is a result of the proactive demands of the CPL T20 cricket matches.

On August 31, 2023 the lifeless body if 57-year-old Dalchand Dhanai (Nanda) was found at the Lusignan GolfClub.

Dhanai was a security officer attached to the club formorethan30years.

As such the Lusignan Golf Club hosted a benefit tournament last weekend, where all proceeds went to the family of Dhanai ($190,000).

Speakingonbehalfofthe LGC was Public Relations Officer, Paton George who said, “This tournament was

held to aid the family as all proceeds went towards them. This is our way of supporting the family, someone important was lost and the golf club will continue to support Nanda’s wife through this difficult time The Lusignan community is a united community and a valuable familymemberwaslostthat day We will continue to aid the family, not just through this fundraiser but through otherchannelsofsupport.” George also stated that through this tragedy there

will be more community awareness and vigilance againstwaywardindividuals whomaybefewinnumbers, but tend to cause a negative impact.

He also relayed that the club is ensuring that they play a leadership role in guaranteeingthatthefamily, community, heal and can go forward and have a better future.

Dhanaistartedtoworkat the Lusignan Golf Club at a veryyoungageasagrounds manbutwaslatergiventhe (Continuedonpage29)

Nets forward makes way into free-throw area during Sunday night’s encounter with Pepsi Sonics. night’

Part of the action on Sunday, Day-five of the Premier Basketball League.

Guyana’s five-member boxing team eager to to do well at PanAm Games in Chile

As the 2023 Pan A m e r i c a n G a m e s ’ approaches,theentirenation stands behind our five boxers, who are expected to participate in this year’s championship to be held in Santiago, Chile, from October20-November5.

T h e P a n A m championship remains a veryimportantcardforlocal boxers competing on the internationalstage.

Guyana,howeverwould have garnered a lone silver medal along with seven bronze medals at the championship thus far, and will also be looking to do well in Santiago later next month.

The Guyana team c o m p r i s i n g o f Commonwealth bronze medalist Desmond

Amsterdam, Olympian

Keevin Allicock, World-

ranked female boxerAlesha

Jackman, Emmanuel

PompeyandJoelWillamson areallsettodeliverpunches of excellence, showcasing their strength, skill, and determination on the internationalstage.

The stakes are high, as the tournament not only provides an opportunity for regional glory but also serves as a crucial stepping stone for qualifying for the 2024ParisOlympics.

The five formidable athletes, has been meticulously preparing for the championship, conducting training session from Monday to Sunday at theSixHeadBoxingGym.

Leading the charge for Guyana is the talented lightweightboxer,Olympian KeevinAllicock.Knownfor his lightning-fast footwork and powerful punches, Allicock has been putting in

grueling hours of training at thegym.

He expressed his determination to not only perform well at the Pan American Championship but also secure himself a spot at the Paris Olympics, stating, “Representing my countryattheOlympicshas beenmypassionforaslong asIlive ”

The team also includes promising female boxers, Alesha Jackman, who will compete in the lightweight and flyweight 66kg category, as well asAMBC Bronze medalist Desmond “Dynamite” Amsterdam whoisscheduledtomakea markinthe79kgevent

In a recent visit to gym on Tuesday, Allicock shared his excitement, saying, “I am always proud to represent Guyana, and I will do my best to bring home a

medal Preparation has been good so far, we are currently like 45-50 percent confident at the

moment but hopefully by the time we arrive in Cuba

for the three-weeks

training camp, our readiness will increase to 100percent ”

Allicock is keen on capitalising on his vast experiencetosecureaspotin theParisOlympics.

Saying,“I’vebeeninthe boxing game for all my life but I think this time; things willgodifferently,infavour ofme.”

He further stated, “We are training hard with Coach Roldan, and he is doing a pretty good job of working with us (the team) onourweaknesses.”

Allicock also declared, he thinks having a team of five boxers, will indeed contribute to their success a t t h i s y e a r ’ s

championship

On the other side of the pitch, the Guyana Boxing Association has been providing unwavering support to the athletes, ensuring they have access to top-notch coaching, as well as a designated facility totrain.

N a t i o n a l c o a c h Terrance Poole, as well as Cuban Francisco Roldan and Lennox Daniels are tasked with getting the teamfightready Meanwhile, Cuban Coach Roldan stated in a briefcomment,“Wehavea talented and dedicated group of boxers who have putinthehardwork

We believe they have whatittakestomakeGuyana proud and qualify for the 2024ParisOlympics.”

StormTropperstookfirst strike at the Wakenaam Community Center ground in Good Success and managed 176 all out in 27.2 overs.

Gladewin Henry made 41 and Tomesh Persaud 28

l grabbed4-25from7.2overs while Nazaam Mohamed captured 4-28 from five oversandTrivelEvans2-42.

Knight Warriors were bowled out for 169 in 33.4 oversinreply.

Evansscored69,Nazam Mohamed got 28 and VirendraPooran26.Ramesh Ramnarine took 2-6, Henry 2-15 and Devendra Hansraj 2-16.

Coach Roldan (second left) share a photo with Alesha Jackman, Keevin Allicock and Emmanuel Pompey at Six Head boxing gym.

Members of the five-member team including Allicock, Pompey and Amsterdam along with Coach Fransisco Roldan going through the paces as they gear up to participate at this year’s Panam Games in Chile.

Trivel Evans

Ramesh Ramnarine

Mohandass Surujpaul

Nazaam Mohamed

COURTS Optical brands Pee Wee U-11 Tournament for 10th edition Kicks off September 23 at MoE Ground...

Krishna Deosaran plunders 125 to fire

Leguan Warriors to OSCL T20 championship

Former Guyana youth player Krishna Deosaran struck a pulsating 125 for Leguan Warriors last Sunday at Ellesmere ground, Scarborough, Ontario to help his team whip Malvern All-Stars by 74 runs in the 2023 Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) T20BDivisionfinal.

The left-handed Deosaran hammered 15 sixesandfourfoursduringhis58-ballshow asLeguanWarriorspiledupasufficient1876fromthe20-overswhileMalvernAll-Stars onlyrepliedwith113alloutinthe19thover AbdoolAzeez supported the flamboyant Deosaran with 31. They two also stitched together a solid 92-run fourth-wicket stand afterWarriors were asked to take first strike andwobblingat12-2.

Krishna Deosaran

The 2023 edition of the C O U RT S G u y a n asponsored Pee Wee Under11 Schools Football Championships was officially launched yesterday in the board room of the sponsor, at the main branch located on Main Street.

Onceagainorganisedby Guyana’s top grassroots

football administrator, the Petra Organisation, the d e c a d e - m i l e s t o n e tournamentwill,forthefirst time, be branded under COURTS Optical –Abrand ofUnicomer Thesignificant ceremony was attended by Courts Optical Chain Manager, Richard Simpson, Petra Co-Director, Troy Mendonca,GuyanaFootball

Federation Technical Director, Bryan Joseph, and the Ministry of Education’s Head of Allied Arts, NicholasFraser In Medonca’s brief remarks, he stated that the occasion was a momentous onesinceitisthecelebration ofa10-yearpartnership.

Hesaid,“Ithinkitis

(Continuedonpage31)

Sriram Banasar captured 2-40 from his maxium four overs delivering for MalvernAll-Stars.Whenhisteambatted,theinnings never suggested dominance as wickets fell regularly

The experienced Vic Mangal offered a fightwith25asSheikParasramgrabbed3-19 fromthreetidyoversandtwowicketsapiece forAzeezandskipperRaviBodo.

Deosaran was named player-of-thematchforhismagnificentinnings.

He received a trophy while the winning andrunners-upsidescollectedatrophyeach.

President of the OSCL Shiv Persaud congratulatedthewinningteamandthanked theotherthreeteamsfortheirparticipationin 2023. He also praised his fellow executive for their commitment again this season. Persaud informed that the tournament was played in honour of former president of the OSCLKennyGirdhari.

ForLeguanWarriorstheyalsowonthe10 and15-overstrophies.

Courts Optical Chain Manager, Richard Simpson (3rd right), hands over this season’s sponsorship cheque to Petra Co-Director, Troy Mendonca, at the launch of 10th Courts Pee Wee Tournament.