Kaieteur News

IMF calls on countries to cut back on tax breaks, subsidies given to oil companies

Fossil-fuel subsidies surged to a record US$7 trillion last year and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is urging countries to cut back on theseconcessions. Inanew report released late last month titled” IMF Fossil Fuel Subsidies Data: 2023 Update”thebanksaidasthe world struggles to restrict global warming to 1 5 degrees Celsius and parts of Asia,EuropeandtheUnited States swelter in extreme heat, subsidies for oil, coal and natural gas are costing theequivalentof7.1percent of global gross domestic product.

That’s more than governmentsspendannually on education (4.3 percent of global income) and about two thirds of what they spend on healthcare (10.9 percent),theIMFsaidinthe article written by its staff SimonBlack,IanParry, and NateVernon.

Thereportcomesamida local fight for the Guyana Government to get US oil giant,ExxonMobiltopayits fair share of taxes. Guyana foregoes billions in taxes to theoilmajorannuallydueto a lopsided contract it signed with the company back in 2016.

In the article, the IMF saiditsfindingscomeasthe World Meteorological Organization says July was the hottest month on record, underscoringtheurgentneed to curb human-induced climatechange.

According to the IMF, fuel subsidies rose by US$2 trillion over the past two years as explicit subsidies (undercharging for supply

costs) more than doubled to US$1 3 trillion “That’s according to our newspaper, which provides updated estimates across 170 countries of explicit and implicit subsidies (undercharging for environmental costs and forgoneconsumptiontaxes).

TAXBREAKS

WhileGuyanareceiveda meagre US$94.5 million in 2022asroyaltyforitssweet light crude in the Stabroek Block, the country gave away US$290 million in taxes to multinational oil corporation, ExxonMobil Whenthecountrysignedthe lopsidedProductionSharing Agreement (PSA) with the oil company in 2016, it agreed to pay the taxes on behalfoftheStabroekBlock partners.

Thismeansthatnotonly did Guyana pay taxes for

Exxon,butitalsopaidtaxes on behalf of Hess Corporation and CNOOC. PublisherofKaieteurNews, Glenn Lall had challenged this concession, but High Court Judge, Nareshwar Harnanan earlier this year threw out the case affirming the legality of the government’s decision to hand extensive tax waivers to ExxonMobil and its affiliates. In his application, Mr. Lall had contended among other things, that manyoftheprovisionslisted under Article 15.1 of the PetroleumAgreement,dated June 27, 2016 between the GOGandtheoilcompanies, grant exemptions to persons other than licensees, which violate the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act (PEPA), and the Financial Administration (and Audit) Act. Lall had

specifically flagged paragraph2ofArticle15.10 of the Agreement which states: “Notwithstanding anyprovisiontothecontrary in this Article, Affiliated CompaniesorNon-Resident Sub-Contractorsshallnotbe

subject to the provisions of the Income Tax Act (Cap 81:01) and Corporation Tax Act of Guyana (Cap 81:03) during the expiration period onincomeearnedinGuyana for any given tax year if the affiliated company or non-

resident Sub-Contractors has conducted business for one hundred eighty-three (183) days or less on a cumulative basis in the tax yearofassessment.”

As such, the newspaper publisher had requested declarations from the Court that the provisions are unlawful, null and void, and of no legal effect. However, Justice Harnanan said the minister is vested with the power under Section 51 of the PEPAand the Petroleum ( E x p l o r a t i o n a n d Production) (Tax laws) to grant EEPGL, CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited, and Hess Guyana Exploration Limited, all companiesthatarepartiesto the case, concessions of extensivetaxexemptions.

ENORMOUS

ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS

Meanwhile,theIMFsaid consuming fossil fuels imposes enormous e n v i r o n m e n t a l costs—mostlyfromlocalair

Continuedonpage13

- as fossil fuel concessions surged to record US$7 trillion

- says scaling back would prevent 1.6 million premature deaths annually, raise government revenues by US$4.4 trillion

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Carrying the struggle for better to cricket

Note: (Due to a technical glitch yesterday, the Hard Truths column was inadvertently printed as our editorial and the editorial as the Hard Truths column. We regret the error and for the records, we are reprinting the correct editorial today)

Cricket, lovely cricket; or the calypsonian sang decades ago: wicked cricket. A cricket ground on playing day involving the host nation, Guyana, is a fine venue for expressing messages to both the local environment and the worldatlarge.

The crowd gathered to thrill to the battle of bat and ball, and pros pouring all their energies on the field of intense competition. It is the perfect backdrop for messages about the injustices that riddle this country’s oil sector from the beginning to the daily developments that emphasize all that iswrongwiththistrillion-dollaroilpatrimony

It is about leadership derelictions of the most irresponsible, insidious kind. It is of the corporate piracies and plunders of global oil powerhouse ExxonMobil and its group of likeminded predators. It is of how local politicians havesoldthiscountryout,aftersellingthemselvesfirst. Itis of many other components that negatively impact the hopes and aspirations of Guyanese, that grievously wound their potential, and that could take a toll on their rich destiny It is of a birthright now feebly and shamelessly squandered by Guyanese politicians, who are impotent before the onslaughtsofExxonMobil.

Guyanese are staring at more than the worst of corporate andcapitalistgreedandcovetousness. Guyanesearestaring at a form of cultural imperialism, where men with considerable power in their hands are content to play second fiddle to the foreign exploiter, and fifth wheel to the white man’s assaults on the dignity of this nation. This is what the white man has done wherever he has gone in search of the treasures of others. He has converted the betrayers and divided to his side: first use them to weaken their own brothers and sisters, and while they claw at each other, hauls awaytherichesofaprostrateland.

Look at the people of ExxonMobil and how they have gleefully created an opening for themselves in the hearts of naïve, gullible Guyanese. There is cricket sponsorship evidenced all over the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The billboards and other symbols of ExxonMobil’s love for Guyanese and for one of their favourite pastimes (cricket) cost the cash rich company a handful of dimes, definitely not more than a few measly dollars. Cricket sponsorship in Guyana in 2023 is the equivalent of what the slave traders used to deliver to the African chiefs who sold their own people into slavery for a fewbellsandwhistlesandshinymirrors.

AmiddifferentgroupsofGuyaneseprotestorspointingto the barbarities of ExxonMobil’s 2016 oil contract, there is ExxonMobil’s people smirking to themselves about how cheaply they are getting Guyana’s oil.Abillboard or two in Providence,aplaygroundsomewhereelse,andafewdollars for studies at the University of Guyana are representative of the cleverness of the new slave dealers and slave masters. Throw the backward natives a couple of coins, and watch them push one another out of the way in a mad scramble for them.

This is what Guyana’s oil sector has become: cheap corporatetricks,smoothcorporategimmicks,andslick,selfenriching corporate partnerships with local political powers who matter There are many elements of a great con game going on in Guyana today, with the continuing heist of this country’s oil at the top of the company’s agenda. It is done dirt cheap: no taxes, no ring-fencing, no control of decommissioning (cleanup) costs, no insurance of the kind that would protect and give peace of mind, no royalty of merittospeakabout,nodisclosureofbillion-dollarbills,and noreleaseofreportsthattheGuyanesejustmustknow

These are the monumental deficits which were

Cultural Sensitivity Concerns: ‘Om’ Symbol on Packaging

DEAREDITOR, owner Based on the discontinued and will not ERC will continue its work The Ethnic Relations differing cultural and reoccur in the future. The to generate public awareness Commission, (ERC) has religious practices between business owner also offered content to educate and probed the matter in relation Guyana and the business a written apology for their inform the public of the to the use of the bag bearing owner’scountryoforigin. actions. Hence, the ERC has plurality of practices and the Hindu symbol, the ‘Om’, It was found that the closed the case on this beliefs that are sacred to our and is pleased to inform the infringement that was matter fellow brothers and sisters in generalpublic,especiallythe committed on persons of the The Commission takes Guyana.Letusalldoourpart Hindu community that the Hindu religion was not this opportunity to urge the to ‘Promote harmony and matterhasbeenaddressed. intentional according to the general public to make good relations’ in our B a s e d o n t h e business Further, the efforts to be cognizant of the society For reference, the investigation,theERCfound business entity Mr Fried cultural and religious apology from Mr Fried that the unfortunate decision Chicken has assured the practices within our society, Chickenisattached. to use such bags was due to ERC in writing, that the use so as to maintain peaceful Regards, the lack of awareness of the of the bags with the Hindu and respectful relations E t h n i c R e l a t i o n s non-Guyanese business s y m b o l h a s b e e n among all Guyanese. The Commission

Guyana Agri Spirit is truly alive

DEAREDITOR, systems, shade house onesuchexampleiscornand forFinance,Dr AshniSingh, Agriculture, as it should materials, a Mist Blower, a soya crops. With the success did emphasize to the nation be, is in over-drive in milking machine, and of this crop, I am optimistic at large that “ the PPP/C Guyana.Andso,Iwashappy pasturewires.” that, going forward for the Government remains when the Ministry of According to Delma next half of the year, we will committed to increasing Agriculture took to the Nedd, Permanent Secretary be able to produce over two production and productivity Pomeroon-Supenaam region i n t h e M i n i s t r y o f or three thousand acres that through expansion in and doled out to many A g r i c u l t u r e , “ T h e we’vespokenabout.” acreages and use of farmers“…vitalagricultural agriculture sector is Lest people think that technology and diversifying equipment to enhance currently undergoing a this kind of thing in Guyana into new crops and varieties, production in Region Two. t r a n s f o r m a t i o n a n d is isolated and localised, I promoting high-value and Thisphaseisjustapartofthe modernisation (and) these draw attention to the reality value-added, including national agenda, as the equipment will aid that agriculture can help through agro-processing and People’s Progressive e x p a n s i o n a n d reduce poverty, raise easing the access for farmers Pary/Civic Government is diversification.” What Nedd incomes and improve food and consumers to market bent on facilitating all “… pointed out is not news, as security for 80% of the in the interest of “advancing over 1200 farmers in the we can all attest to the many world’s poor, who habitually the food security and agriregions all across the positive outcomes in recent live in rural areas and work business agenda” in country ” with what is times- mainlyinfarming. partnership with the private necessary in terms of Editor, at half time this In fact, agriculture is sector equipmenttoboostfarming. year, we note, as the essential for human survival So far, the commitment Where the Pomeroon- AgricultureMinisterpointed as history has shown, and to Agriculture from Supenaam region is out“Guyanaisleadinginthe thus, it will remain the Government is being concerned, some “… $1.9M agriculture agenda in backbone of many nations’ honoured, and the dividends worth of agricultural inputs, CARICOM. The first half of economies. arequiteobvious. to a total of 29 farmers from the year was a very good one I end with a good My hope is that all different farmers groups…” for us (Guyana) and we will reminder that even though Guyanesewillrealisethatwe were the beneficiaries, as continue on that trajectory I Guyana is experiencing the have non-oil wealth, and we Minister of Agriculture, am pleased to say that ‘oil boom,’ that in his must not allow it to go aZulfikar Mustapha, several projects have started Budget 2023 presentation, waste. disbursed “… a small land this year and we are seeing a Senior Minister in the Office Yours truly, tiller, water pumps, drip lot of progress with them, of the President Responsible HB Singh

Too many failed projects under the PPP

DEAREDITOR, Executive Government of enshrined in the Thirteenth constantly recited made by September 22, 1862, was the United States, will A m e n d m e n t o f t h e the honcho and de facto a truly auspicious day It was recognize and maintain the Constitution. president who continues to on this remarkable day in freedom of persons, and will Fast forward from the suppress the development Washington, D.C, USA, the do no act or condone acts to proclamations to sweet and and enhancement of Emancipation Proclamation repress such persons, in any empty platitudes that members of the second delivered by the 16th efforts they may make for incessantly emanate from largestgroupinthecountry President of the United their actual freedom I Guyana’s political leaders, Since free and clear States,AbrahamLincolnone invoke the considerate especially the honcho and de elections returned to Guyana of the greatest men to ever judgment of mankind, and facto president whose in 1992, the people have walk this earth. In his speech the gracious favour of authoritarian utterances will been devoured by the lasting for less than 7 Almighty God. Three continue to mesmerize tyranny of the majority, minutes (719 words to be months later in January 1, voters to cast votes for the where past and present exact), he issued the 1863, the proclamation ruling party for the simple governments with the profound words: the ended slavery which was reason that voters do not slimmest mandate of a one wantthoseon‘theotherside’ seat majority since 2011 to rule the country The most haveruledwithanautocratic salient of statements ironfist.Hereinliesthelegal embraces the underlying absurdity to appoint any theme: the PPP is truly a u n q u a l i f i e d a n d multiracialpartyandwillnot inexperienced person to discriminate against anyone exaltedpositions,awardjobs regardless of race, ethnicity, and contracts to relatives, or political affiliation. This friends and party supporters deceitful and dishonest andusetaxpayers’moneyto statement has been (Continued on page 5)

emblazoned on the banners that were waved in the face of cricket-loving Guyanese, hurled before the eyes of the ExxonMobil masters in Guyana, and articulated in quiet fury and dogged insistence before a watching region, and a wider world. Guyana’soilhasledtothecaptureofacountry,andits people being held hostage. This is the depths of unfairness, the breadth of injustice, and ExxonMobil is the godfather of both. This contract is denounced, and so also are those who profitfromit,supportit.

Henry Jeffrey’s ideology of racial antagonism will fail

DEAREDITOR, increasesabovestandardpay associated with the top-up of with increases for health Jeffreyisbasicallyclueless. that has a history of rigging I have tried very hard to raises, they are being duped. 8-32%. Top ups were also workersofbetween13%and Henry Jeffrey’s ideology elections, and of harboring make sense of Dr Henry Henry Jeffrey would also offered to healthcare 74% on their salaries in for of racial antagonism will fail fugitives like Rabbi Jeffrey’s letters to the editor like you to believe that there workers including medical (sic) 2023 ” First, he in the same way in which Washington Teachers in To date, I must confess no isseparatesweetheart‘deals’ officers, medical specialists, complainsaboutsuppression Aubrey Norton and David Guyana actually come from progress has been made.The with non-Africans, while nurses, nurses’ assistants, of wages, with a little ethnic Hinds have not managed to all political, religious, and latest one in the media under A f r o - G u y a n e s e a r e staff nurses, midwives, stuff mixed in for good get too many takers for their ethnic persuasions and they the title “When autocracy excluded. But wait! Jeffrey dental aides, lab aides, measure But when the diabolicalplasmacocktailof knowbetterwhatdemocracy becomes democracy” is turns around the whole logic community health workers, evidence is palpably against distrust and division is than Dr. Jeffrey The Kool worse than any of the of the argument when the Medex, and pharmacists his rants, he introduces Jeffrey’s Kool-Aid kit is an Aid Gang is hard at work previous convoluted pieces. evidencedirectlycontradicts The employees in the another variable, namely assemblage of emotional tryingtheirbesttodisruptthe Before I go into a close his nonsensical claims Guyana Fire Service, and in migration. But here he is excesses hatched, nurtured, development in this country examination of Henry Sections of the public the GPF also got increases dead wrong again The and reproduced in the They will fail because this is J e f f r e y ’s b a s e l e s s service that received salary above the 8%. For example, evidence shows that, in fact, “dreary sands of dead not the old Guyana. While complaints, I want again to top-ups and other benefits Lance Corporals got an Guyana’s net migration rate habits.” Just think of the there are still some fossils askhim–whatdidyoudofor and that have substantially additional 5.8%; Corporals is in the negative. The net level of betrayal when around,thenewOneGuyana Africans in the very long benefitted Afro-Guyanese an additional 12.3%; and rate in 2020 was -7.146% or Jeffrey openly and without a is being built on respect for time you were a member of areeitherignoredordecried. Sergeants an additional adeclineof3.87%;in2021it hintofcriticalreflectiontells all citizens and new comers. thePPP/Ccabinet? Jeffrey acknowledges that 9.3%. was -6.859% a decline of us that “…GTU has been Dr Jeffrey should break

H e n r y J e f f r e y ’s “[t]he security forces were Here is the twisted logic 4.02%; in 2022 it was - morecloselyassociatedwith away from the Kool Aid problemsaremultiplebutfor thefirsttobegivenreformed of Jeffrey’s inhis own words 6.57% or a decline of 4.2%, the PNC…” The man seems Gang and try to do now, we will look at (a) his increasesofbetween8%and in response to the 8-32% top andin2023itis-6.283%ora to take pride in the fact that somethingpositive. torturous logic, and (b) the 32%.” up just discussed – “[b]ut decline of 4 38% The the union representing Sincerely, poverty of his ideology. By “reformed” he means unfortunately, this was available data shows that Dr. teachersisattachedtoaparty Dr. Randolph Persaud Jeffrey’s logic works higher than the 8% given to considered insufficient to something like this – public servants in the 2023 stem the emigration of Africans in the public budget! Could Dr. Henry educated Guyanese and so service are discriminated Jeffrey please tell this nation the government was again against, but when they get about the demographics prevailed upon and returned

Too many failed projects under the...

From page 4 that he is an expert on the taxpayers’ money The benefitthefew Thisbegsthe everything. Therefore, one Roman Emperor Caligula question: why have there can conclude that the (12-41 AD) in a grand show been no Parliamentary countryanditscitizensawait of the misuse of power and discussions or debates an even greater waste of the lawlessness made his horse regarding Guyana’s greatest taxpayers’ money on yet Incitatus, a member of the venture? The Gas-to-Shore another white elephant: The Roman senate It seems Project This project is Gas-to-ShoreProject. Guyanaledbythehonchode managed by the honcho and Given the above colossal factopresidenthasembraced de facto president who failures, the time has come suchmadness. knows absolutely nothing for high level governments

Finally, progress can aboutoilorgas. appointments such as never be achieved under his

Hehadbillionsofdollars Ministers to be debated, f a i l e d a n d c h a o t i c on several failed projects evaluated and approved by leadership, who has including the white elephant Parliament so the public can marginalized half the Skeldon Sugar Factory, be made aware of any country’s population since Amalia Falls, Specialty deficienciesinthenominees. regaining power three years Hospital, and Enmore For too long, many poorly ago. Many have concluded Packaging Plant, among uneducated and unqualified that the PPP rule in the last others. He uses the prefix of people have been placed in three years is worse than its “Dr.” in front of his name crucial administrative 23yearsinoffice. with an honorary doctorate positionsinthecountry,with Sincerely, does not seek advice from the result being a series of L e y l a n d C h i t l a l l anyone because he believes mistakes and huge waste of Roopnaraine

DEAREDITOR, their oath to the people and explain this

The appearance of ‘Policia’ on vehicles changewhichisbeingfundedbythepeople’s belonging to the Guyana Police Force must money. beexplainedtothepopulationforthwith. Ina This call is made against the backdrop of country of any consequence, citizens must rising crime and Guyana facing its most not wake up to signs on security vehicles insecure time in decades, this lack of without an explanation. It is the duty of a transparencydoesnothelp. transparent government to present to the Sincerely, population:

Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond

- what policy decisions if any led to this Attorney-at-Law development?

- at what forum or level was this decisionmade?

-whenwasthedecisionmade?

- what are the aims of objectives of thispolicy?

Itisregrettablethatdayshaveelapsed without a word from the Ministry of HomeAffairs or the Guyana Police Force on the reason for this development. I hereby call on the Government to honor

APNU +AFC Member of Parliament

Mysterious ‘Policia’ signs another chapter of the lack of transparency and governance which has gripped the nation

Policemakecocaine,marijuana bustsatBamiaCheckpoint

Caught with marijuana, Selwyn Barker

India likely to change name

DEAREDITOR, It is a language of gains with nationalist Speculation is rife in specificity – a word has only sentiments. The opposition international and Indian one meaning unlike English Congress Party (of the media that the Indian or other languages where a Nehru/Gandhi clan) is parliament could change the word could have multiple opposed to dropping India name of the country ‘Bharat’ meanings Computers from the official name to in a special parliamentary requirespecificity capitalizeongainingsupport sessionthatisbeingheldthis At last week’s G20 from those opposed to it week in the new Parliament conferencein India’s capital, especially in the Southern that was inaugurated last New Delhi, an invitation states.

May from President Droupadi Shashi Tharoor of the

The first session in the Murmutovisitingguestsand Congress said India “had new parliament will take delegations and Indian VIPs incalculable brand value placeonWednesday was sent on a stationery that built up over centuries.” He

Busted with cocaine, Dolon Oliver Vanderstoop

It was a busy day for policemen on Monday at Bamia Checkpoint, Region Ten after they confiscated two kilos of cocaine and 1 3 kilograms marijuana in separate busts.

The drugs were found in the luggage of two passengers travelling on separate minibuses. One of the passengers was enroute to Georgetown from Lethem, Region Nine while the other was goingtoMadhia,RegionEight.

The first bust was made around 12:40hrs while police were searching a Lethem bus. Police said that it was transporting eight passengers and they along with the driver were told to exit the vehicle sothatrankscouldconductasearch.

While searching a haversack belonging to Dolon Oliver Vanderstoop, a 27-year-old of Strathspey,EastCoastDemerarathe ranks found a pink plastic bag containing cocaine concealed underneath some of his clothes. Police cautioned and arrested Venderstoop immediately and detained him up at the Mackenzie PoliceStation.

A second bust was made at 13:30hrs after the officers stopped a bus heading to Madhia with ten passengers on board. During the search,ranksfoundabagcontaining marijuanaunderneathaseatwherea Laing Avenue Georgetown man identified as Selwyn Barker was sitting. At first, Barker said that the bag did not belong to him but the driver immediately intervened and alleged that he had seen the man enteredhisbuswiththesamebag.

Police questioned him further and he admitted that it was his bag. Police arrested him. He remains in custody pending possible drug traffickingcharges.

The bag contained marijuana

Cocaine found at Bamia Checkpoint

Thelastsessionintheold was headlined “Bharat” urged that the country parliament was held on India was not on the continues to use both names. Monday September 18 with invitationasinthepast. Other party members also Prime Minister Modi Theinvitationcamefrom spoke out against dropping delivering a lengthy thePresidentofBharat.Also, India.Alarge majority of the p r e s e n t a t i o n w i t h when guests and others MPs in both houses of the interruptions of applause arrived at the airport, signs legislature support the name recounting the history of the made reference to Bharat change and any bill will sail parliament over the last with India removed from through parliament. Name seventy-six years with mostpublicplaces. change is also resonating memorablesnippetsofevery Attheopeningsummitof among Indians or Bharatiyas PrimeMinistergoingbackto the conference,TVcoverage in Bharat and the diaspora Pandit Nehru, the first PM. showed Prime Minister including among IndoTherulingBJPhasbeentight Modi seated behind a sign CaribbeansinAmerica.They lippedonanynamechange. thatsaid‘Bharat’. feel that India should

The new parliament lies India’s ruling party and officially be rebranded as next to the old parliament the President are in favour of Bharat as does popular which will be converted into changingthenametoBharat. opinion in India and Indian office space and a museum Several sports personalities Americans and almost every ( a r c h i v e ) f o r p a s t also are supportive. Cricket Caribbean Indian person I parliamentary proceedings. icon Virender Sehwag came engaged on the subject. It India’s parliament is divided out publicly calling for the would reverse a legacy into the Lok Sabha or lower name change. India, he is imposed under colonial rule house (543 MPs elected by reported to have stated, and undo an injustice while popular votes in first past the connotes British imperialist also asserting nationalism post) and the Rajya Sabha or thinking. Bharat, he said, andtruesovereignty upper house (245 MPs of conjures up pride on “who Names of cities and who 233 are elected by the we are as a people”, adding streets have been changed in legislatures of the various “it is time that the name is India over the last couple states and union territories; changed”. decades removing English the other 12 are luminaries Bharat was invaded and Arabic names with nominated by the President). multiple times with the Sanskrit or Tamil ones The new Lok Sabha can invaders changing her name. Name change will impact accommodate 888 MPs and Muslim invaders referred to sporting events It is RajyaSabha384.Thesizeof Bharat as Hindustan – land expected that if there is only the parliament could be of Hindus. Nationalists want one appellation, then the expanded after the 2024 to reassert the original uniform of the cricket team elections likely in May and Sanskritname. would be changed for the June. It will not be a name World Cup that starts at the

If appellation Bharat change but dropping India endofthismonth. replaces India in the andusingonlyBharataswas At the just concluded parliament, it is not really a being displayed at airports Asia Cup that India won, namechangeastheveryfirst and the capital at the start of India uniform was used by line in India’s constitution, thismonth. theplayers. both India and Bharat are Many Guyanese used N a m e c h a n g e o f used. Bharat instead of India in c o u n t r i e s i s n o t IndiaistheEnglishname their conversation when unprecedented Several while Bharat is the Sanskrit referring to India. When the countries changed their name. indentured (girmityas) came names including Burma, Sanskrit is the mother of to Guyana and other parts of Macedonia, Turkey, almost all Indian languages the Caribbean, they used Swaziland, and Czech and dialects, numbering BharatandHindustan. Republic, among others hundreds, as well as several In Fiji and Mauritius, Also, Iran was previously of the European languages. Bharat is commonly used by called Persia. Burkina Faso Sanskrit is also the language Indians. Surinamese Indians was Upper Volta. Zimbabwe ofcomputers. still used Hindustan and wasRhodesia. Bharat.

Democratic Republic of

Those appellations were Congo was Zaire. Ethiopia used by second and third was Abyssinia Botswana generation Indian Guyanese was Bechuanaland. Benin a n d T r i n i s w h o was Dahomey Ghana was communicated in Bhojpuri, Gold Coast. Malawi was Hindi, and Tamil, the Nyasaland. languages of the indentureds By the end of the special orgirmityas. session this week, the world

A name change is will know if India will political and cultural as officially be known only as people want to reassert their Bharat. identity Yours sincerely, The BJP senses political Vishnu Bisram

Guyana was unprepared to negotiate with oil ‘power house’

When Guyana entered into the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with one oftheworld’slargestoiland gas companies, the country knew very little about the wealth discovered off its shoresjustmonthsprior

Armed with little to no knowledgeonthesector,the country settled for what is today described as the world’sworstoilcontract.

Putting this into perspective during a recent panel discussion hosted by theGuyanaBusinessJournal on ‘Infrastructure development and the emerging Guyanese oil and gas economy’ was CoDirector of Energy Practice

at America’s Market Intelligence (AMI), Arthur Deakin.

AMIisapremiermarket intelligence,marketresearch and consultancy for Latin America It provides powerful insights for companies to succeed in a wide range of verticals in Latin America, including payments, healthcare, logistics, mining, energy, infrastructure, consumer goods and the industrial sector Deakin who has been tracking Guyana’s petroleum development believes the negotiation of the Exxon deal was rushed andGuyanawasunprepared.

- AMI Energy Director

He said, “There’s no doubt, it was a rushed negotiation Guyana was unprepared, as we mentioned Exxon is a powerhouse. They have the best lawyers, the best engineers and the best consultants working for them so it’s very hard to negotiate with a company likethat.”

ExxonMobil announced the discovery of oil in Guyana in May 2015. In June the following year, it inked the PSAwith the then Coalition government,

w h i c h b o u n d t h e administrationtotermssuch ameagertwopercentroyalty and a 12.5 percent profit share, while the Stabroek Block partners feast off a 87.5 percent share. Each month,thecompanydeducts 75 percent of the revenue generated to cover its investments. The company pays no taxes and benefits from the lack of a ringfencingprovision.

Deakin in providing his thoughtsrecentlyonthedeal said, “Exxon knew how good of an opportunity they

weresittingon.Idon’tthink theywouldhaveleftanytime soon I think there definitely was room for improvementinthatcontract negotiationbutinhindsight, it’s always easier but I think Guyanadidtherightthingin jumpingonthetrainlikeyou guys mentioned. At the end of the day, it’s connected to the climate change narrative as well as that window is closing.”

HereferencedSuriname, pointing out that Total Energy is now hesitant to make the final investment decision(FID)tocommence oilproductionactivities.

According to him, “Guyana could have suffered a similar fate, I think Guyana is a little bit different because the resources are so good in terms of the light, sweet crudeandtherearestillalot of question marks surrounding Suriname but youneverknowifyoudon’t hop on that train the FID couldhavebeenpushedback and we could have been seeingadelayoraneventual kind of development at a

muchsmallerscale.”

Guyanese at home and abroad have been protesting againstthelopsidedcontract which they believe can still be renegotiated by the government today The PSA includes a very strict Stabilization Clause which states at Article 32 that the deal cannot be changed unless agreed to by both parties. It also shields the Contractor from the passage of any new legislation that can potentially impact its fiscalbenefits.

According to the agreementatArticle32.3:“If at any time after the signing of this agreement, there is a change in the laws of Guyana...and such change has a materially adverse effect on the economic benefits the government shall promptly take any and all affirmative actions to restore the lost or impaired economic benefits to the contractor, so that the contractorreceivesthesame economic benefit under the agreementthatitwouldhave received prior to the change inlaw...”

Co-Director of Energy Practice at America’s Market Intelligence (AMI), Arthur Deakin

Safety on our roads

The recent countrywide will be able to identify and complaintsaboutvisibilityat at crossroads. More of these immediately campaign by the police to rectify systemic whether nights. are needed including at the While therefore the interdict road violators has there was abuse of the Traffic congestion is western end of the Demerara recent crackdown on road seenmorethan2,000alleged licensingprocedures. another major problem. This Harbour Bridge, in the area violators is a commendable offenders receiving charges Our roads are inundated not only leads to frustration round Cuffy Square and in effort by the police to or tickets in just six days. with vehicles, contributing but also forces drivers to other parts of the country. In address the rampant This swift action is to congestion and dangerous speed, increasing the risk of the city, there are indiscipline on our roads, it collaboration with law undoubtedly necessary, driving conditions accidents To mitigate roundabouts which existed isnotsufficient.Tacklingthe enforcementagencies,urban g i v e n t h e r a m p a n t Reducing traffic density is a congestion, the government since colonial times and high incidence of road p l a n n e r s , a n d t h e indiscipline on our roads. crucial aspect of improving should examine closely the which need to be simply accidents and deaths community By adopting a However, addressing the road safety Building more issueofzoning.Thenorthern marked out. One such area is requires a comprehensive, holistic approach to road issue of road deaths requires roads are costly but other part of the city, for example theroundaboutinfrontofthe multi-pronged strategy safety, we can hope to a multi-pronged approach measures can be deployed to is very quiet and almost BankofGuyana. Investigating driver significantly reduce the thatextendsbeyondpunitive reduce traffic density at deserted at nights But It is good initiative of the certification,reducingtraffic tragic toll of road deaths in measures. particular times For during the daytime, it is government to enhance the density, improving road our country and create safer,

Recent spikes in road example, a bypass road from clogged with traffic. Too look of roundabouts by lighting, managing traffic more efficient roadways for fatalities,particularlyamong the East Bank to Ogle is many businesses are placing monuments and congestion, and regulating allcitizens. young drivers, have raised beingbuilt.Effortsshouldbe concentrated in that part of fountains in the center of businesses in residential (The views expressed in significant concerns about concentrated on at least the city which was these roundabouts But areas should all be this article are those of the the drivers’ certification having one lane completed previously a residential G u y a n e s e h a v e t o componentsofthisstrategy a u t h o r a n d d o n o t process particularly for very so that at least during the district. Zoning will help to understand that these are not U l t i m a t e l y , t h e necessarily reflect the youngdrivers. construction phase, light reducecongestion. places to go to take out government must take the opinions and beliefs of this

One dead after bikers crashed on ‘Harbour Bridge’

A52-year-oldmandiedonTuesdayaftertwo motorcycles crashed on the Demerara Harbour Bridge(DHB).

Dead is Shazam Khan, 52, of Lot 753 Westminster, West Bank Demerara (WBD). Khanwastheriderofoneofthemotorcyclesand was heading home when tragedy struck around 08:30hrs.Accordingtopolice,Khanwasheading across the bridge towards the West Bank when another motorcycle being driven by a 26-yearold man from Independence Boulevard, Albouystown Georgetown crashed into his back wheel.

One of the first steps in one-way traffic can use that The proliferation of photo-ops This practice lead in orchestrating these n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s ensuring road safety is to bypass thus easing the businesses in residential s h o u l d b e c e a s e d efforts, working in affiliates.) investigate the certification congestiononotherroads. areas is creating a nightmare of drivers, particularly The state of road for traffic management young ones involved in fatal lighting, especially during Zoning regulations and accidents While it is nighttime,playsasignificant urban planning should impractical and unnecessary role in preventing accidents. prioritize the separation of atthisstagetoinvestigatethe Poorly illuminated roads commercial and residential licensing of all young increase the likelihood of z o n e s t o m i n i m i z e drivers, given the high collisions and make it congestionandenhanceroad incidence of accidents challenging for drivers to safety. Someone mentioned involving young drivers, the navigate safely. The that the President has a police should determine government must invest in second degree in urban whether those recently improving road lighting planning. Perhaps he can involvedinaccidentsdrivers infrastructure, ensuring that applysomeofhisknowledge possessed licenses validly all roads, including to restore proper zoning to obtained or whether to use a residential areas, have urbanareas. local expression, some or adequate illumination to I m p r o v e d r o a d any of those involved were enhance visibility and infrastructure will greatly guilty of “buying their reduce nighttime accidents. assist Roundabouts have licences ” Investigations There are places on existing proven effective in into recent fatal accidents roads where there are managing the flow of traffic

Fisherman found guilty of murdering colleagues

F i s h e r m a n from Motilall.As a result, he Ravindranauth Mohanlall, and several others went by 62, of Fyrish Village, minibus to a koker to await Corentyne, Berbice was on the arrival of the boat. One Monday found guilty of two hour later, the boat arrived at countsofmurder the shore and Hardyal

Mohanlall was on trial observed burn marks on before Justice Sandil Motilall and Fernandes Kissoon at the Berbice High bodies. Sections of the boat Court. and some items were also

He was found guilty of burnt. the murders of Beeram

The two injured men Motelall, 45, called ‘Boy’of were rushed to the New Chesney Village, Corentyne Amsterdam Hospital. Along and Renard Fernandes, the journey, they told one called ‘Renny’, 15, of 280 Shaleza Sookdeo, Motelall’s Rose Hall Town Reef, wife, that the accused threw Corentyne. gasolineonthemandlitthem

The incident was afire. c o m m i t t e d b e t w e e n

Areport was made at the September 6, 2011 and Albion Police Station September12,2011,atseain Mohanlall, who was nearby gasoline on his fellow crew the vicinity of Bush Lot on the road, was pointed out members Motilall, and Village,Corentyne. to the police and he was Fernandes , and set them

The case was prosecuted subsequentlyarrested. alight. It was stated that on by State Counsel Muntaz Motelall, died on September 6, 2011 at Ali. Mohanlall, who was S e p t e m b e r 9 w h i l e 07:30hours, Motelall, in the represented by attorney-at- Fernandes succumbed two companyofthetwomen,left law Stacy Goodings, will be days later. The cause of their Albion to go fishing in sentenced on October 5, deaths was given as adult BrigelallHardyal’sboat. 2023. respiratory distress Hardyal subsequently

According to the State’s syndrome,resultingfromthe received a phone call around case, Mohanlall threw severeburnstotheirbodies. 22:00hours on the same date

The impact sent the 52-year-old flying into thebridgerailbeforehelandedonthebridge.He was subsequently picked up in an unconscious condition by public-spirited citizens and transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital,inanambulance.

Due to the extent of his injuries, he was transferred the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he succumbed to his injuries around 14:30hrs. The motorcyclist who crashed into Khan’s bike is in police custody assisting withinvestigations.

One of the motorcycles involved in the crash

Attackcostofliving,notpeople

It could be at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo or Toshaos from the remote hinterlands; it could be Lesbeholden or Linden, or some community along the East Bank Demerara and East Coast Demerara, and it is the same grimness of ordinary Guyanese existence that is spotlighted inSN’scost-of-livingseries, now41stanzasdeep. Ordinary, working-class

Guyanese in their numbers are being pummeled by prices and pay, not the wellconnected, well-positioned inthissociety

Ifthereisonepicturethat could deliver the depressing nature of Guyana’s oil rich realities in the gut, then it would be the montage of faces in the 41 places touchedbySNinitsongoing series. For it puts to shame all the sweet charts, graphs,

tables, and percentages that are published by numerous sources, regarding how incredibly fabulously this country is doing in thisAge of Oil. Should there be the need for subtitles about the gritty existence of many Guyanese,thenthepainand poignancy of their simple verbal offerings to SN, to leaders,totheirpeers,putto shameallthosesophisticated narratives compiled by

Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal,theWorldBank,and theIMF,amongothers.

Everyone races to tell Guyana how wonderful it is doing numerically, yet there are these masses of Guyanese barely surviving and living so wretchedly From Amelia’s Ward and McKenzie, we hear the anguish of the ‘money finishingfast.’

Thereisappreciationthat

words like mine are considered toxic by PPP Government leaders. But instead of attacking concerned messengers, I recommend to Excellency Ali and VP Jagdeo that they attack the cost-of-living crisis in a planned, structured, and comprehensivemanner The returns are better for Guyanese who need relief themost;and,afterall,even His Excellency Ali did a slick shake-and-bake, a distinctive head fake, with that admission before the BBC that cash handouts do not fit the bill as a remedy thatisdurable.

Reliefiswhatthepeople need, as said by all interviewed, whether at Grove or Annandale, with Linden echoing, and the same dirge emerging from many other spaces. Fellow citizens crying out, all sounding the alarm about their condition, all are distressedbytheirindividual economic travails. How they can’t make ends meet. Howtheycan’tfullycarefor their sick ones. How can theybuilduptheirspiritsthat aresapped?

In the course of the SN series, I repeatedly read words about cost-of-living like “difficult” and “affecting” and “I can’t cope” (a pensioner) and “I can’taffordtoreconnectmy water” (another pensioner). If the 10-11 persons interviewed weekly by SN, multiplied by 41, were the sum of the suffering in Guyana, then there could be the thinking that this 410 represent outliers or stragglers.

Neither unreasonable nor unpardonable Stated otherwise, they are the few, whichmeansthereisnothing to worry about; the great bulk of Guyanese are in a muchbetterstate.

Tosoconclude,wouldbe more than an insult to the punishing circumstances of the faces seen, and their families and communities. It would the height of leadership depraved indifference that demeans andinsultsallGuyanese.

When there are so many Guyanesethatcan’taffordto buy food (tomatoes at over $1000 a pound) in this new, gleamingeraintheannalsof Guyana, then there are no soft words reserved for President and Vice President. Though all are unprintable, I generated two

short phrases for both PresidentAliandVPJagdeo.

First, there is the unshakeable belief by many ofwantonleadershipneglect of those in Guyana who are struggling.

Second,thereisalsothe conclusion that there is the most callous disregard for the wellbeing of Guyana’s poor When we have so many hungry and weary, so manyforcedtofightalosing battle daily with cost-ofliving, then there is little significance to all the stats; the oil has no meaning, and government has failed those whoneedahelpinghandthe most.

The PPP Government is busy building bridges, cannot find their footing on the economic bridges direly needed to manage the costof-living The PPP is consumed with roads, while Guyanese multitudes are compelled to travel on a daily road to hell. Simply examine how much identified for infrastructure (capital projects) versus the impoverishmentsearmarked forpeople.

Thinkofthis:thePPPis full-throatedabouthospitals, whilechemoandcardiacand otherchronicsituationshave to be met out of pocket by family and strangers. What good are all those hospitals when undernourished people cannot even get prescribed medicines from them? Are these Guyanese collateral damage in the marchtooilprosperity?

Perhaps, the mental hospitalshouldbekeptopen because I am sure that I can easily find some permanent patients for it. Parliament would be a good place to start, with quite a few candidates.

If the cruel and bludgeoningstateofcost-ofliving affecting many is not stark, staring, raving madness in the richest country in the world, then nothing else measures up. I wonder if government and leaders care to say anything aboutthisdifficultsituation.

(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.)

Satellitemonitoringwillensurenohot,greasy wasteisdischargedfromFPSOs

ExecutiveDirectorofthe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kemraj Parsram has assured that no discharges which can be describedas“hotandgreasy” would be dumped into this country’s waters during offshoreoilproduction.

In a statement issued to thepressonTuesday,theEPA head explained that the agencyrequiresanyimpactto be well within acceptable levels and as low as reasonably practicable His commentcomesontheheels of an article published by KaieteurNewsonSeptember 12, 2023 under the headline ‘112,000 tonnes of hot, greasywatertobedischarged daily from Exxon’s 6th

project

EIA’ Inthatarticle, it was explained that the operator of the Stabroek Block- ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) would be required to treat produced water and other discharges containing oil and other contaminants to specific standards. It also noted however, that the EPA did not respond to queries regarding mechanisms in place to verify that the discharges would be treated totherequiredstandards.

In his statement yesterday, Parsram noted, “TheEPAwouldneverallow any discharges that could be describedashot,greasywater from ever occurring in Guyanese waters...we use

continuous independent satellite monitoring to detect eventheslightestoilsheenon the waters and thermal imaging to detect every gas flaring We ensure that our standardsarebeingmetevery day.”

Inadditiontothesatellite technology being used to monitorthesedischarges,the Headoftheagencysaiditalso “receives live feed” of producedwaterreleasesfrom the FPSOs which are monitored constantly Moreover, Parsram said independent sampling of water quality is also conducted to ensure that treatmentstandardsaremet

He was keen to note that despite this close oversight,

the agency is committed to increasing its monitoring of discharges from the FPSOs and developing an independent review of the monitoringdatawiththehelp ofinternationalexperts

The regulator outlined that Produced Formation Water (PFW), sometimes called Produced Water (PW) is water trapped in underground formations that is brought to the surface duringoilandgasextraction

This water contains components such as salts dissolvedfromtheformation, oil, inorganic and organic compounds, naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and chemicaladditivesfromwell drilling

It was explained that the discharges are made into the ocean after the treatment to meet strict discharge quality requirements Alternately, these discharges can also be reinjectedintoreservoirsthat are no longer in production, theEPAsaid

Produced water, according to the agency, typically increases with relatively low production ratesearlyinthelifeofawell To this end, consideration is given to treatment and reinjection options as part of continuous improvement of discharge management over

-EPA Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Kemraj

Parsram

thelifeofaproducingfield

The regulator noted that the produced water must be treatedtomeettheMARPOL Annex I Regulation 14 requirement that any discharge to the sea after treatment must have an oil content that does not exceed 15 mg/L (parts per million), w i t h a m a x i m u m measurement on any day of 42 mg/L and a monthly averageoflessthan29mg/L Meanwhile, the temperature of the discharge must not exceed three (3) degrees Celsius of the ambient (surrounding) seawater temperature within 100 metersradiusofthedischarge point EPA said, “Properly

managed, the risks of environmental impacts from PFW releases from offshore platformsareverylow Long termstudiesintheNorthSea, Australia,Brazilandglobally have found only minor, chronic impacts to very sensitive organisms close to the facility, with even lower impacts in the tropics where warm water temperatures help with rapid biological d e g r a d a t i o n a n d volatilization of the trace c o n c e n t r a t i o n s o f hydrocarbons” As such, it concluded, “These very minor environmental changes do notimpactfisheriesandoccur within fishing exclusion zonesaroundtherigs”

Full probe needed into Exxon’s US$214M audit fiasco – Chris Ram

A comprehensive investigation is needed to understand who were the persons within the Ministry of Natural Resources that engagedinan“unauthorized reduction” of ExxonMobil’s US$214M in questionable expenses to US$3M, says Chartered Accountant and A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, ChristopherRam.

In an invited comment, RamtoldKaieteurNewsthat the revelations that have come to light about the handling of the audit is “ s i c k e n i n g a n d embarrassing to all involved.”

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, the chief policymaker for the oil industry had exposed last week that the ministry was engaged in deliberations

with Exxon that saw over US$214M in questionable expenses being slashed to US$11M and then to US$3M.

The US$214M figure was flagged by British Consultancy Group, IHS Markit, in a report it produced in 2021 The company was hired to audit US$1.7BinexpensesExxon incurredfrom1999to2017.

That US$214M figure was also given a noobjection by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) which had recommended to the Ministry of Natural Resources for the audit to proceedtoclosure.

D e s p i t e t h i s recommendation, Jagdeo said he discovered that the ministry still entertained Exxon in a breakdown of

costs,addingthatthisshould not have occurred. Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat also disclosedviaastatementthat he supports the VP’s position. Bharrat said he played no part in those discussions with Exxon but itwashisstaffattheunitthat engaged in “unauthorized” discussions and an examination of documents sentbyExxon.

Like the Vice President, Bharrat said he was of the opinionthatthereductionin questionable costs, subsequently channeled to him and the Vice President, was emanating from GRA. Bharrat said corrective action has since been taken andhisstaffhasbeentoldto cease such discussions Bharrat said this week that

Manchargedforattempted murder,woundingofchildren

A42-year-oldspraypainterofFirstStreet Foulis,EastCoastDemerarawasonMonday charged with attempt to murder a child and woundedanother

The children are listed ages 10 and 12. Zabar Khan appeared at Vigilance Magistrate’sCourtbeforeMagistrateFabayo Azore, where the charge for the offence of Attempt to Commit Murder, Contrary to Section 103 (c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01 committed on the 10-year-old was read to him. Khan pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison.

The accused during the same court appearance,alsoansweredtoasecondcharge for the offence of felonious wounding, Contrary to Section 57 (a) of the Criminal

Man charged and remanded to prison; Zabar Khan

Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, committed on a 10-year-old. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded to prison.Thenextscheduledcourtdayhasbeen adjournedtoOctober10,forbothcharges.

IMFcallsoncountriestocutback...

Frompage3

pollutionanddamagefromglobalwarming It saidthevastmajorityofsubsidiesareimplicit, as environmental costs are often not reflected inpricesforfossilfuels,especiallyforcoaland diesel

“Our analysis shows that consumers did notpayforoverUS$5trillionofenvironmental costs last year This number would be almost doubledifdamagetotheclimatewasvaluedat levelsfoundinarecentstudypublishedinthe scientificjournalNatureinsteadofourbaseline assumption that global warming costs are equal to the emissions price needed to meet ParisAgreementtemperaturegoals,”theIMF articlestated.

The IMF said these implicit subsidies are projected to grow as developing countries which tend to have higherpollutingpowerplants,factories,andvehicles, along with dense populations living and working close to these pollution sources increasetheirconsumptionoffossil fuelstowardthelevelsofadvancedeconomies.

“If governments removed explicit subsidies and imposed corrective taxes, fuel priceswouldincrease.Thiswouldleadfirms and households to consider environmental costs when making consumption and

investment decisions. The result would be cutting global carbon-dioxide emissions significantly, cleaner air, less lung and heart disease, and more fiscal space for governments,”theIMFarticleconcluded

“We estimate that scrapping explicit and implicitfossil-fuelsubsidieswouldprevent16 million premature deaths annually, raise government revenues by US$44 trillion, and putemissionsontracktowardreachingglobal warming targets It would also redistribute income as fuel subsidies benefit rich householdsmorethanpoorones.”

However, the IMF said removing fuel subsidies can be tricky, noting that governments must design, communicate, and implementreformsclearlyandcarefullyaspart of a comprehensive policy package that underscorethebenefits Itsaidaportionofthe increased revenues should be used to compensatevulnerablehouseholdsforhigher energyprices.

Theremaindercouldbeusedtocuttaxeson work and investment and fund public goods such as education, healthcare, and clean energy Withglobalenergypricesrecedingand emissionsrising,it’stherighttimetophaseout explicitandimplicitfossil-fuelsubsidies,fora healthierandmoresustainableplanet

no one has been fired. He also declined to name the persons who were engaged in “unauthorised” discussionswithExxon.

Since the disclosure of the mishandling of the audit process,ShadowMinisterof OilandGas,DavidPatterson called for the “rogue elements” in the ministry’s Petroleum Unit to be exposedandfired.Ramtold thisnewspaperhoweverthat that would only be addressingthematterinpart.

He said, “This matter needstobefullyinvestigated to identify the persons involved on the part of the ministry and those from the (Exxon-led) Consortium i n v o l v e d i n t h i s unauthorizedreduction.”

With respect to the disputed sums, he recalled that the report by IHS did include some US$214.4M because of inadequate supportingdocumentation.

He said, “But there is a process for resolving such disputes in the course of an audit Routinely, such matters are raised with the auditee who is given an opportunity to address them with the auditors. What the Vice President is suggesting is that the matter was not

resolved with the auditors but, improperly, between staff of the Ministry of Natural Resources and representatives of the Oil Companies.”

Ram said it is worth noting that ExxonMobil Guyana Limited is the Operator under the 2016 Stabroek Block Agreement, and it is its representative who would respond to any auditissues.Hesaiditwould be interesting to know who dealtwiththeministry

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram

Innovative theatrical show empowers students, teachers to address mental health challenges

T h e t h e a t r i c a l performanceof“Shadowsof Tomorrow” served its purpose as it captivated the heartsandmindsofhundreds ofstudentsandtheirteachers whoattendedMassyGroup’s Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness event on Tuesday at the NationalCulturalCentre.

The play, written and directed by renowned playwright Randolph C r i t c h l o w i n commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 and the upcoming World Mental Health Day on October 10, exploredthecomplexitiesof mentalhealthissuesthrough a compelling narrative that resonated deeply with the audience. “The play made me realise what someone might do or feel like doing when they face depression. Inthiscase,theparentsofthe lead character were constantlyfightingabouther futureandthatmadeherfeel like she was not good enough. Parents should be aware of the impact their actions and words have on their children,” said Raslel Potter of Tutorial Academy “This play also shows how someone can overcome depression with support and thatisimportant.”

According to a press fromMassyGroup,manyof the students who were in attendance said they are currently studying Theatre ArtsinGrades10and11and willbeevaluatingtheplayas part of their School Based Assessment (SBA) One such student was Lawrence Luther of Christianburg SecondarySchool.“Wewere happy to be invited, the timing was perfect. It was s u c h a n e x c i t i n g performance. The way they spoke and acted gave me goosebumps, it felt so real.” He added that the play has initiated conversations that were long overdue in the school community, and he feels hopeful knowing that the struggles, students face, arenotunnoticed.

The play served as a catalyst for important discussions with students regarding mental health, suicide prevention, and the significanceofseekinghelp. Itencouragedstudentstotalk about their struggles with their parents or any trusted adult. It also urged them to reach out to their peers, friends,andfamilymembers who may be struggling silently Dr Mark Constantine, the head of the

Ministry of Health’s psychology department of training and education, who wasalsointheaudience,said “I think that the messages thatcameoutofthetheatrical play were timely, and it was very well put together I had the opportunity to vet the script some time ago,” he said as he explained being involved to ensure the right messagesareconveyed.

Importantly, Dr Constantine informed the students and teachers that anyone who needs help or knows someone who needs help with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts should call the Mental HealthUniton225-0804.

The expert also commended Massy Group for continuously “trying to raise awareness in what I wouldcallaveryunorthodox manner through a theatrical play [which] would have certainly appealed to younger people, students.” Simultaneously,oneteacher, Tyrese Algernon, who is attachedtoLowerCorentyne Secondary School, said, “The play was magnificent. It was very educational for me as well as my students. Themessageswereclearand the acting was great. I am glad my students got to witness it and I know the messages of hope and the importance of seeking help resonatedwiththem.”

Anotherteacher,Sheneel Williams of Tutorial Academy, noted that she appreciatedtheplay’sability tocreateempathyamongthe audience. She said, “The play, ‘Shadows of Tomorrow’ went deep into almost every teenager’s mind It can also teach students about society and that everyone has a dark consciencethatcantakeover and ruin lives.” She added, “The playwright delivered with the content and my students left with the reassurance they should talk to someone who they trust andwhocanhelp.”

Further, Mark Boodie, EnglishtutoratSchoolofthe Nations, said he is sure the students will take important l e s s o n s f r o m t h e performance He added, “Shadows of Tomorrow is a powerful and deeply affectingplaythattacklesthe sensitive subject of suicide with grace, empathy, and an unflinching commitment to raising awareness. Written w i t h a p r o f o u n d understanding of human emotions,thisproduction

Continuedonpage20

A scene during the show

C’beanwaterutilitiestoaccessspecialinsurance coverageagainstextremeweatherevents

[Image courtesy CCRIF

suchaspumpingstationsand intake valves may be significantly impacted and/or destroyed, often due tothehighlevelsofturbidity and accompanying flooding,”theCCRIF notes. “Water utilities across the regionhavelimitedfinancial

resources and oftentimes, are unable to recover in a timely manner to provide safe drinking water and sanitationservicesfollowing natural disasters The importance of potable water following a natural disaster cannot be emphasized

enough and is key to avoiding the incidence of water-borne diseases which are often associated with these natural disaster events.”

“The story of CWUIC SP’sdevelopmentisoneof Continuedonpage16

(Trinidad Guardian)

Water utilities in the Caribbean will now be able to access parametric insurance coverage through CCRIF SPC—formerly the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility to financially protect them against extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tropical storms, and excess rainfallevents.

An official statement issuedbytheCCRIFreports that the Caribbean Water Utility Insurance Collective (CWUIC) has been established as a segregated portfolio (SP) within CCRIF CCRIF the world’s first multi-country, multi-peril risk pool providing parametric insurance—offers products t o 1 9 C a r i b b e a n governments, four Central American governments and three Caribbean electric utilities.

“CCRIF offers five parametric insurance products: for tropical cyclones, excess rainfall, earthquakes,forthefisheries sector and the electric utilities sector for t r a n s m i s s i o n a n d distribution,” the statement explains “The water utilities product will be CCRIF’s 6th parametric insuranceproductonoffer.”

AccordingtoCCRIF,the CWUIC SP has been in the making for the last two years, with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) providing technical and financial support for its structuring, while CCRIF worked on developing the insurance modelthatwillunderpinthe water utilities insurance product and allow CWUIC to provide insurance coveragetowaterutilities.

Otherkeypartnersinthis initiative are the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

AtotalofUS$8.45Mofgrant resources has been mobilized for CWUIC SP This includes US$7 8M from the IDB, of which US$5.6M was provided by theUKGovernmentthrough the FCDO to support technical assistance to finalize the structuring of CWUIC SP and provide premium subsidies for the insurance coverage to water utilities in 6 Caribbean countries CDB has approved grant funds of US$650,000 in technical assistance.

CCRIF CEO, Isaac Anthony, notes that FCDO has also provided development aid to CCRIF, intheamountofUS$25M,to capitalize CWUIC SP This will be used in combination with reinsurance to protect CWUIC SP against unexpected losses from policy claims. This US$25 million facility provided by FCDO to CCRIF is interestfree with repayment after a 20-yearperiod.

“CWUIC benefits from CCRIF’s16-yearexperience of offering parametric insurancepoliciestoprovide coverage against natural hazards to governments, as well as Caribbean electric utility companies,” the CCRIF CEO explains “With CWUIC, CCRIF continues to leverage its state-of-the-art parametric i n s u r a n c e b a s e models tropical cyclone and excess rainfall to produce models and products for key economic sectors that are usually not able to access affordable insurance coverage against naturalhazards”.

Approximately 35 water utilities in 29 territories in the Caribbean have been identifiedaspotentialclients for CWUIC SP The vision for CWUIC goes beyond insurance.CWUIChasbeen designed as a centre of excellence for disaster risk management and financing

for water utilities and has 3 components:

- Support to water utilities in emergency response planning and restoring and rebuilding post-disaster

-Parametricinsuranceto help water utilities to respondtoandrecoverfrom naturaldisasters.

- Provision of advisory services and technical assistance to identify and structure priority projects to build water and wastewater utilities’resiliencetonatural hazards Under this component, the IDB received US$500,000 from theCoca-ColaFoundationto conduct feasibility studies on water utility projects that promoteresilience.

“The people of the Caribbean are on the frontlineofnaturaldisasters, which are increasing in frequency due to climate change, ” asserts UK Minister for the Americas and Caribbean, David Rutley “This first-of-itskind scheme will enable Caribbean countries to maintain essential services in the face of storms and floods, while greatly reducing the financial burden on individual governments. The UK is determinedtoplayitspartin helping small island developing states build resilience to extreme weather events with access to fairer and reliable funding,” the UK minister added.

CCRIF observes that the story of the Caribbean region’s vulnerability to hydro-meteorological hazards such as hurricanes, tropical storms and excess rainfall is well known, and the impacts of these events are being exacerbated by climate change, which is increasing their frequency and intensity “Following natural disasters, the infrastructure and equipment of water utilities,

CCRIF CEO, Isaac Anthony, during a presentation at The World Bank in April 2019.

SPC]

Highbloodpressureaffects1inevery3adults-WHOreport

The World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever report on the devastating global impact of high blood pressure, along with recommendations on the

waystowintheraceagainst this silent killer, disclosing thatoneineverythreeadults isaffectedbythecondition.

The report also shows approximately4outofevery 5 people with hypertension are not adequately treated, but if countries can scale up

coverage, 76 million deaths could be averted between 2 0 2 3 a n d 2 0 5 0

Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults worldwide This common, deadly condition leads to stroke, heart attack, heartfailure,kidneydamage and many other health problems.

The number of people living with hypertension (blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher or taking m e d i c a t i o n f o r hypertension) doubled between 1990 and 2019, from 650 million to 1.3 billion.Nearlyhalfofpeople with hypertension globally are currently unaware of their condition. More than three-quarters of adults with hypertensionliveinlow-and middle-incomecountries.

Older age and genetics can increase the risk of having high blood pressure, but modifiable risk factors suchaseatinghigh-saltdiet, not being physically active and drinking too much alcoholcanalsoincreasethe riskofhypertension.

Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower bloodpressure.Somepeople mayneedmedicinesthatcan control hypertension effectively and prevent relatedcomplications.

The prevention, early detection and effective m a n a g e m e n t o f hypertension are among the most cost-effective interventions in health care and should be prioritized by countries as part of their national health benefit packageofferedataprimary carelevel.

Theeconomicbenefitsof

improved hypertension treat-ment programmes outweigh the costs by about 18to1.

“Hypertension can be controlled effectively with simple, low-cost medication regimens,andyetonlyabout one in five people with hypertension have controlled it ” Said Dr

T e d r o s A d h a n o m

Ghebreyesus, WHO

D i r e c t o r- G e n e r a l

“Hypertension control

programmes remain neglected, under-prioritized and vastly underfunded Strengthening hypertension controlmustbepartofevery country’s journey towards universal health coverage, based on well-functioning, equitableandresilienthealth systems, built on a foundationofprimaryhealth care.”

The report is being launched during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly whichaddressesprogressfor t h e S u s t a i n a b l e Development Goals including health goals on pandemic preparedness and r e s p o n s e , e n d i n g tuberculosis and attaining Universal Health Coverage. Better prevention and control of hypertension will beessentialtoprogressinall ofthese.

An increase in the number of patients effectively treated for hypertension to levels observedinhigh-performing countries could prevent 76 million deaths, 120 million strokes, 79 million heart attacks,and17millioncases ofheartfailurebetweennow and2050.

“Most heart attacks and

strokes in the world today can be prevented with affordable, safe, accessible medicines and other interventions, such as sodium reduction,” said Michael R Bloomberg, WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries “Treating hypertension through primary health care will save lives, while also saving billions of dollars a year.”

Hypertension can easily be treated with safe, widely available, low-cost generic medications using programmes such as HEARTS.WHO’sHEARTS technical package for cardiovascular disease management in primary healthcareandtheGuideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults provide proven and practical steps to deliver effective hypertension care in primary health care settings.

Effective communityand country-wide blood pressuremanagementcanbe achieved in countries of all incomelevels.Morethan40 low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh,Cuba,Indiaand S r i L a n k a , h a v e strengthened their hypertension care with the HEARTSpackage,enrolling morethan17millionpeople intotreatmentprogrammes.

Countries such as Canada and South Korea delivered comprehensive national hypertension treatment programmes, and both countries surpassed the 50%markforbloodpressure controlinadultslivingwith

Continuedonpage23

C’beanwaterutilitiestoaccess...

Frompage15 donor collaboration in response to an expressed demand from utilities and endorsed by regional governments,” CDB’s VicePresidentofOperations,IsaacSolomon, pointsout.

“CDB has been an integral part of the WorkingGroupthatdesignedandestablished CWUIC SP, acknowledging that the water utilities in all our Borrowing Member Countries(BMCs)shouldhaveaccesstothis facility.Forthisreason,CDBhascommitted additional resources to extend the analytical work required to provide coverage to all BMC water utilities. CDB believes that CWUICSPisuniquelypositionedtochange the lives of Caribbean people by enabling waterutilitiestomaintainbusinesscontinuity followinganaturaldisaster—atimewhenthe role of water becomes critical to clean-up efforts, healthcare and basic human needs.”

CCRIF points out that access to quick

liquidity following a natural disaster will be keyforwaterutilitiesasthiswillensurethat theywillbeabletorestorewatersupplyinthe shortestpossibletime.Infact,

“Several years ago, a payout to one of CCRIF’s members in the Eastern Caribbean undertheirtropicalcycloneinsurancepolicy wasusedtoquicklyrepairthatcountry’smain watertreatmentplantwhichwasafeederfor other plants on that island,” CCRIF recalls.

“A dedicated disaster risk financing and management facility for the water and wastewater sector will bring immeasurable benefits and dedicated resources for water utilities to respond to their most pressing needsfollowinganaturaldisaster,”itadded. CCRIF has reiterated its commitment to providing payouts within 14 days after a member’s policy is triggered. Since its inception in 2007, CCRIF has made 60 payouts totalling US$261.8 million to 16 of itsmembergovernments.

— says most people not adequately treated; scale up coverage can save 76 million deaths in next 27 years

$103.5M Doodnauth Hetram block commissioned at Queen’s College

Approximately 200 Queen’s College sixth form students will now benefit from a new block, equipped withthenecessaryamenities tofurthertheireducation.

Dubbed the Doodnauth Hetram block, it aims to honour and commemorate the former principal of the school, who served from 1963-1969.

The$103.5millionblock features eight classrooms, washroom facilities, and a home economics lab MinisterofEducation,Priya Manickchand,statedthatthe aim is to provide safe and comfortable facilities to equipstudentswiththeskills needed to contribute to a modernsociety

“As I commission this block, I want you to remember that it is not the block that matters, but what c o m e s o u t o f t h e block…eachofyouherethat will matter to this country Your government promises that you will never be forgotten as students, at Queen’s College or at any other school, and that any day, we are working hard to change out the quality of education you get for the better, and you are going to feel that daily,” she said at the commissioning ceremony, held at Queen’s College,onTuesday Queen’s College, like many other schools across thecountry,hasundergonea

series of transformations to enhance the quality of educationdelivered.

This momentum will continue, as government works to build an education system and sector that is secondtonone.

The minister added that in crafting well-rounded students, it is imperative that extracurricular activities and clubs remain active and operational, which remains a priority of thegovernment

Also delivering remarks was Chairman of the Board of Governors, Marcel Gaskin, and Principal of the school, Rajkumarie Lall, who lamented that the new block brings great relief to

both the administration and the students, as they will servetobetteraccommodate classes,eliminatingtheissue ofcrampedspaces. The contract for this

block was signed in July 2022, and awarded to Ograsein&Sons.(DPI)

‘Safe Country’initiativetorollout inRegionsThree,Sixbyyear-end

Communities in Region Three and RegionSixwillfeelsaferandprotectedasthe government’s ‘Safe Country’ initiative is scheduled to roll out in the regions by yearend.

Aspartoftheprogramme,theMinistryof Home Affairs through the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is integrating information and communications technology (ICT) into its crime-fighting capabilities to enhance surveillancenationwide.

The initiative will see the entire country being connected to closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. CCTVs are designed to increase formal surveillance by making it easier for security agencies to monitor potential criminal activities and deter crime byincreasingtheriskofdetection.

To complement this new development a contract to develop an electronic identification(Eid)systemwassignedearlier in2023,andisonscheduletoproducethefirst GuyaneseCitizenshipIdentityCardby2024. AccordingtotheMinistryofFinance’sMidYear 2023, command centres are being constructedinRegionsTwo,Three,Five,Six, and 10 which will be operated by civilians andpoliceofficersintherespectiveregions.

Meanwhile,$468.3millionwasexpended in the first half year to advance construction

to these centres as well as the Criminal Investigations Department, Special Constabulary, and Tactical Service Unit Headquarters.

Other developments for the GPF include advanced works on the rehabilitation and construction of living quarters at Beterverwagting, Cove and John, and Lethem;policestationsatBaramita,Tuschen, Den Amstel, Vreed-en-Hoop, Mocha, Sparendaam, Rose Hall, Imbaimadai, Eteringbang,Annai, Lethem, and Karasabai, as well as the ICT Training Complexes in RegionsOne,Four,FiveandNine.

Inthefirsthalfyear,thePoliceForcealso received 30 double cab pickups which will aid its capabilities to respond efficiently to criminal activities. Meanwhile, to increase active community participation in the prevention of crime, some $38.1 million of the budgeted $111 million was exhausted in half-year towards the formation of 37 new CommunityPolicingGroups(CPGs).

An additional 53 groups will also be formed by year-end. To enhance its human resource pool, $70.4 million was spent to train714rankswhoparticipatedinlocaland regional courses, of which 22 ranks participated in 16 crime prevention-related courses.(DPI)

The Doodnauth Hetram block commissioned at Queen’s College

MoreRegionNinecommunitiesreceivesolarPVhomesystems

Households in a number of communities across Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo)havereceivedsolarhomesystems from the Ministry of Local Government and RegionalDevelopment.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud

recentlyvisitedthecommunitiesofAchiwuib, Rupunau and Karaudanau, where he distributed 446 solar panels to benefit each household in these communities, a press release from the Department of Public Information.(DPI)

Thefacilitieswillalsoenablethechildren

in the communities to learn more efficiently, with access to more resources. In Achiwuib, some 134 panels were distributed, while 75 panels were distributed in Rupunau Karaudanau residents received 237 panels Thelocalgovernmentministerremindedthat, asGuyanaundergoesmassivetransformation, itisimportantthatcitizensineverycommunity acrossthecountryworkinharmonytousherin themodernisedsocioeconomiclayout,against the backdrop of President Ali’s One Guyana platform.

“TheonlywaywecanbuildaoneGuyana is if all of us put our backs to the wheel Tremendous development is taking place in thiscountry,anditwillgroweverymonth,and every year It is unbelievable what is happening in Guyana,” the minister said He assured residents in each village that they wouldnotbeleftbehindinthedevelopmentof thecountry

As the government continues to build out the infrastructure, as well as educational and healthfacilitiestosupportthisvision,therights and livelihoods of Indigenous communities remainatoppriority Hence,thedistributionof these systems ensures that Indigenous people are kept abreast with the changing times AccesstoelectricityintheAmerindianvillages complements the investments being made in expanding the reach of information and

communication technology (ICT) so that connectivityisanamenitythatcanbeenjoyed byGuyana’sfirstpeople.

Additionally, in accordance with the Low CarbonDevelopmentStrategy2030(LCDS), Indigenous communities are benefitting tremendously from funds garnered from the saleofcarboncredits,promotingasustainable, greeneconomy

“That is the development that the PPP/C government, and our president is bringing to the Amerindian people Rest assured that all thedevelopmentyouareseeinghappeningin Georgetown doesn’t mean we have forgotten ourAmerindian brothers and sisters We will bebyyourside,stepbysteptoensurethatall of your livelihoods will prosper,” Minister Persaudassured.

Each system features a 160-watt solar panel and a mobile charging facility, among other basic fittings This distribution exercise falls under the Solar Home Systems Project, which saw 30,000 units being acquired through a US$72 million line of credit agreement between the Government of GuyanaandGovernmentofIndiaviatheExim Bank,andwillbedistributedtothehinterland households, as well as several Amerindian villages along the coast Some $18 billion was allocated in Budget 2023 to roll out this exercise

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud distributed 446 solar panels to households in Region Nine communities

Agri-Expo expected to be bigger this year – Mustapha

The government is optimistic that the upcoming Agri Expo will be bigger and betterthanpreviousyearsandhelptopropel the growth of the Agriculture Sector and boosttheinvestmentclimate.

TheexpowhichisslatedforOctober2022,willbethethirdintheCaribbeanandthe Second hosted in Guyana. Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha led the eleventh preparatory meeting on Tuesday with the planning committee and walked

about the event’s venue, the Arthur Chung ConferenceCentre.

“Wearehopingandanticipatingthatthis will be very big, a number of cooperate bodieshaveexpressedinterestintheregion, intheCaribbeanleavingoutlocalbusinessin Guyana. Over a hundred businesses would have indicated their intention of registering andgettingonboard.I’mhopingthatbythe endoftheregistrationperiodwhichisby

Continued on page 23

Some of the booths are up for rental

Minister Mustapha and the Planning Committee examine the layout of the venue

GRA distances self from noise nuisance, disorderly conduct at Eccles bar

RelativetoareportonSeptember8,2023 in the Kaieteur News in which residents of Eccles,EastBankDemeraracomplainedand signed a petition calling for the closure of a bar in the area, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) says the entity has been operatingwithintheconfinesofthecriteriain whichithasbeengrantedalicencetooperate bytherevenuebody

In the petition, which was seen by this

publication, the affected residents called on the GRA to shut down the entity at Sarwan Street, Eccles for operating within a residential community and they also noted that the bar’s operation has caused noise nuisanceaswellasaback-upoftrafficinthe area.

However,theGRAsaidthatsuchmatters fall outside of its remit. “Regarding the generalreportedcomplaintof,amongothers,

noise nuisance, traffic congestion and disorderlybehaviour,theRevenueAuthority must state that those reports are matters which are required to be addressed by the GuyanaPoliceForceandtheEnvironmental ProtectionAgency, in accordance with their lawsadministered,”therevenuebodynoted.

While addressing its mandate, GRA listed the process for obtaining licences which it said requires the necessary approvals and documentation from the respective State agencies including approvedbuildingplanstampedandsigned by Central Housing & Planning Authority, NDC/RDC/Mayor & Town Council, Fire Service & Sanitary Department Ahousing certificate issued by the Ministry of Housing as well as a fire certificate issued by the Guyana Fire Service are among the documents which the applicant would have submitted to the GRA prior before being grantedalicencetooperate.

Upontheapprovalandtheissuanceofthe licence, the primary responsibility of the revenueauthority’senforcementactivitiesis to ensure that any shop, store or similar businesspremisesareinconformitywiththe provisions of the Customs Act, the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act, and provisions of the Excise Tax Act and

…says police, EPA must address complaints by residents

R e gulations regarding the application of the Excise Stamp on Alcohol and Tobacco products.

In addition, the business must comply withotherlawsadministeredbytherevenue body regarding the declaration of income, maintainingofbooks/recordsandpaymentof taxes in accordance with the Income, PropertyandValueAddedTax.

“The Authority must also state that in keeping with its mandate, as the licensing Agency, its officers conducted a prior enforcement operation at the reported premises (address supplied). The business operating at the said address was found to have the necessary licence for storage and sale of Malt/Wine, Spirituous Liquor and Tobacco products, so unless there is new evidence to show that the licensee have not met the necessary criteria, or have breached thesaidtermsofthelicence,theGRAhasto comply with the terms by which the licence

Twochargedfordrunkdriving

Rajendra Mohan and Navindra Manbodh were on MondaychargedforDriving under the influence of alcohol after being arrested bypoliceranks.

Thechargeiscontraryto section 39 (a) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act,Chapter51:02.

Thirty-one-year-old

Mohan of 191 Fifth Street Foulis, Enmore, East Coast Demerara, appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Crystal Lambert, where the charge wasreadtohim.Hepleaded guiltyandwasfined$70,000 orthreeweeksinprison.

Manbodh, a 26-year-old

Man fined $70,000 for DUI; Rajendra Mohan

of Meadow Brook, East BankDemerara,appearedat VigilanceMagistrate’sCourt before Magistrate Fabayo

Man fined $150,000 for DUI: Navindra Manbodh

Azore,wherethechargewas read to him. He pleaded guilty and was fined $150,000.

Innovative theatrical show empowers...

Frompage14 leavesanindeliblemarkonitsaudience.”

One of the two teachers who chaperoned students from New Campbelville Secondary said the students also learned important lessonsaboutcybercrimeinrelationtovideo recording and sharing footage of someone withouttheirconsent.

The success of “Shadows of Tomorrow” in raising awareness about mental health struggles and suicide prevention can be attributed to the collaboration of Massy Group, the Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts Unit, and the talented cast, crew, and productionteam.

AmongtheactorswereLeTishaDeSilva, LaToyaDaSilva,MarkLukeEdwards,Sonia Yarde, Sean Budnah, Sean Thompson, and DelicaPiggotttonameafew.Attendeesalso included Miss India Worldwide Aruna Sukhdeo, who has a keen interest in mental

health among the youth and local artiste PoonamSinghwhosesong‘LiftIsYourGift’ wasfeaturedintheplay

Inresponsetotheoverwhelmingpositive feedback, Christpen Bobb-Semple,Assistant Vice President and Head of Massy Group’s Suicide Prevention and Mental Health SteeringCommitteesaid,“Wearethrilledthat the message resonated so strongly with the audience. We are using the creative arts to connectwithyoungpeopletoraiseawareness andarmthemwiththetoolsandstrategiesto dealwithmentalhealthchallengesifnotnow, then,certainlyforthefuture.”

This was the third theatrical production led by Massy Group. This one targeted students from approximately two dozen private and public secondary schools across Guyana. In Guyana, suicide rates are among the highest in the world, with young people beingparticularlyvulnerable.

UWIcallsforrestructuringofint’ltradetomeetclimategoals

Director of the Shridath Ramphal Centre at the Cave Hill Campus, UWI, Dr Jan Yves Remy and a group of leading international policy experts have developed a

reformagendafortheWorldTrade Organization(WTO)andtheglobal trading system that would better support ramped-up action on climate change and help fulfill the worldcommunity’scommitmentto

achievingasustainablefuture.

In support of the UN 2023 Sustainable Development Summit takingplaceinNewYorkCitythis week, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António

Guterres announced that the UN review of global progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reveals that the world community is on track with regard to only 15% of the SDG

targets–andthatmanynationsare goinginreverseoncriticalgoals.

TheRemakingGlobalTradefor a Sustainable Future Project–representing a diverse consortium of trade and sustainability thought leaders organized by the Shridath RamphalCentreattheUniversity oftheWestIndies,YaleCenterfor Environmental Law and Policy, Tufts’FletcherSchoolofLawand Diplomacy – has released a roadmap for restructuring the internationaltradesystem.

This reform agenda promises to promote progress across all 17 of the SDGs – including tackling climate change, eliminating poverty, protecting biodiversity, advancing a clean energy future, protecting the oceans, delivering more stable agriculture systems and freshwater, strengthening critical supply chains and eliminating waste while moving towardacirculareconomy Speaking about the rationale for the Project, Dr Remy one of theco-leadersoftheProjectnoted that “People and governments across the world expecttheWTO toreinforceandnotunderminethe g l o b a l c o m m u n i t y ’s commitments to climate change progress and sustainable development.”

Shenotedthat“absentgreater ambition, finance, and scaled-up global action, many developing countries, especially small island states, will not be able to combat the devastating effects of climate changenordeliveronthepromise oftheSDGs.”

The Remaking Trade reform agenda emerged from 10 workshopsontopicareasranging from climate change to the just transition to clean energy to oceans and the emerging Blue Economy as well as the social dimensions of sustainability (including poverty, labor rights, workerimpacts,publichealth,and gender). Held in cities across the world, these workshops engaged more than 400 representatives from environmental NGOs, think tanks, business, and international organizations, including the WTO, UN Conference on Trade and Development, UN Environment Program, and InternationalTradeCentre.

Introduced at the WTO’s Public Forum in Geneva last week, the agenda known as the Villars Framework for a Sustainable Trade System, was refined at a September 15-17 High-LevelSummitMeetingfora Sustainable Trade System in Villars (Switzerland), which brought together more than 100 officials from trade ministries, environment and climate change agencies, environmental NGOs, academic policy centers, think tanks,andbusiness.

Specifically, the Villars Framework for reform includes a callfor:

·WTOmemberstocommitto establishinganet-zeroGHG

Continued on page 23

High blood pressure affects 1 in every 3...

From page 16

hypertension. Sustained, systematic national hypertension control programmes can succeed— and a high level of blood pressure control translates into fewer strokes and heart attacks, and longer, healthier lives. The report underscores the importance of implementing WHOrecommended effective hypertension care to save lives, which include the following five components:

· Protocol: practical doseand drug-specific treatment protocols with specific action

steps for managing uncontrolled blood pressure can streamline care and improve adherence.

· Medication and equipment supply: regular, uninterrupted access to affordable medication is necessary for effective hypertension treatment; currently, prices for essential anti-hypertensive medicines vary by more than ten-fold between countries.

· Team-based care: patient outcomes improve when a team collaborates to adjust and intensify blood pressure medication regimens per doctor orders and protocols.

· Patient-centred services: to reduce barriers to care by providing easy-to-take medication regimens, free medications and close-tohome follow-up visits, and making blood pressure monitoring readily available.

· Information systems: user-centred, simple information systems facilitate rapid recording of essential patient-level data, reduce health care worker data entry burden, and support rapid scale-up while maintaining or improving the quality of care.

“Every hour, more than 1 000 people die from strokes and heart attacks. Most of

Agri-Expo expected to be bigger this...

From page 19

October 5th we might have hundreds of those persons, who will register, and cooperate with businesses,” Minister Mustapha told the Department of Public Information in an interview.

The minister said the event is a good business opportunity as there are a number of potential investors coming to invest in agriculture in Guyana. “We have seen areas that are earmarked for exhibition for machinery, large businesses, roughly about 21 of those booths are large cooperate businesses. And then we have agro-processors [and]

…farmers. So, we are catering for every single category of businesses…I’m anticipating that this time around, it will be bigger, it will be better than the last time,” he noted.

He said too that the last Agri-expo resulted in several investments in Guyana, including an Israeli investor now building the largest hydrophobics farm in the Caribbean, in Mon Repos, Guyana.

“This here will propel, move Guyana forward, and also help to get investment to reduce the food import bill that we are working on. You know our president Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali is leading agriculture in the

Caribbean and since he took over that leadership, we have seen a renewed interest in terms of people coming into the sector. We have seen more and more countries now…getting involved in Agriculture. More and more countries are looking forward to Guyana for that leadership,” Minister Mustapha stated.

He noted that although Guyana is now trying to modernise its Agriculture Sector, it is still providing leadership in agriculture for the Caribbean. Registration for the International AgriExpo and Investment Forum closes on Oc tober 5.

(DPI)

UWI calls for restructuring of international...

From page 22 emissions trade system by mid-century—a goal that aligns with the over-arching goal of 2021 Glasgow Climate Pact to which all 164 WTO member nations have committed.

- Fundamental restructuring of the WTO’s approach to subsidies with an emphasis on asking whether the government support in question promotes or diminishes sustainability and focusing on whether the support is trade-distorting.

- WTO action to ensure that no entity can obtain a competitive advantage in global markets by underperforming on environmental standards (including movement toward netzero emissions) or other sustainability obligations.

· Promoting just transition strategies that would ensure that developing nations are positioned to meet emerging sustainability standards with incentives for investment and dedicated funding for cutting-edge technologies and projects as well as innovation strategies and capacity building programs that will enable them to develop their emerging comparative advantages and achieve success in global markets.

- Promoting sustainability-enhancing goods, services and technologies through WTO negotiations.

- Advancing WTO governance reforms that would enable more creative and nimble trade system decision-making to meet the needs of the moment

“Regearing the WTO to deliver on its mandate to promote sustainable development represents a critical point of leverage for meeting the world community’s net-zero emissions goal,” Professor Dan Esty of Yale University, and Project Co-Lead said. “A recast international trade system represents one of the most significant policy opportunities to drive transformative change in support of ramped-up climate change action and movement toward a sustainable future.”

“Around the world, people and governments have lost faith in the WTO in recent decades,” said Joel Trachtman, professor of International Law at The Fletcher School and a Project co-leader, adding that “the Villars Framework offers a chance to revitalize the global trade system with a core focus on sustainability and new priorities that offer the promise of rebuilding public and political support for the WTO.”

these deaths are caused by high blood pressure, and most could have been prevented,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President & CEO, Resolve to Save Lives. “Good hypertension care is affordable, within reach, and strengthens primary health care. The challenge now is to go from “within reach” to “reached.” This will require commitment of governments around the world.”

WANTED VACANCY

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

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

VACANCY

Cashier, supermarket Helper needed. Apply in person with written application at Nirva Superstore Sheriff & Craig Street. Call: 227-5771.

Experienced Housekeeper/ Babysitter needed. Ages 2545 years. Must be great with kids and can cook. Call: 6183892.

One Maid needed to work 4 days weekly. Call: 624-8591.

Start a career in the hotel industry! One General Worker needed at Guesthouse in Land Of Canan. Call: 6680306.

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

Security needed. Call: 2237165/ 691-6081.

Mechanic, Welder & Tm

Driver for Interior location, canter Driver & Porter for Georgetown. Contact: 2235273-4/ 621-5907.

Experienced Cashier/ Sales person needed. Apply with application at American Variety Store, 140 Regent & Light Street.

Small family/ couple to live and work on farm at Long Creek, Linden. Call: 231-4831.

Able-bodied Male or Handy boy needed. Call: 661-1000.

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

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

1 Salesman & Labourer, Cxc Subjects, experience in writing bills, stocktaking and cashing. Apply at Keyfood Mc. Doom Village.

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.

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

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

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

One male and female ablebodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 2261497, 658-8559.

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.

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

EDUCATION

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

FOR RENT

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

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

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, ages 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443. One male Cleaner needed to work in Eccles. Call: 615-9132. Maid needed to cook and clean at East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

SERVICES

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

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

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

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.

1 new Kia Sportage Jeep. 2020 year model, fully loaded, low mileage and immaculate condition. Call: 618-3575.

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

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

Sales & Delivery Clerks, Warehouse Manager & Forklift Operator needed. Apply@ Lens 136 Sheriff Street. Call: 227-2486/ 2271511, Email: lensgy @outlook.com

Mani-Pedicurist, Lash & Nail Technicians needed. Call: 643-5855.

LAND FOR SALE

New hydrants part of $141M upgrade for Fire Service

- Mid Year Report

Giventheirimportanceinprotectinglives and property in the event of a devastating blaze,newfirehydrantsaresettobeprocured and installed as part of upgrades for the GuyanaFireServicethisyear

According the 2023 mid-year report released by the Ministry of Finance, the sum of $141.9 million was expended to boost the infrastructural capability of the fire service duringthefirsthalfofthisyear

Under the plan, the report said, construction of living quarters at New Amsterdam,anewFireServiceHeadquarters in Georgetown as well as fire stations at WalesandOglewerecompleted.

Additionally, construction works were advanced at the Leonora and Diamond Fire Stations.

“Trigger-happy man” shoots up near Eccles bar

A defunct fire hydrant located in the city.

Surveillance cameras have captured a Commander for some clarity but calls to his man on Monday night pulling out a gun from phone went unanswered. It is unclear if the his waist and firing multiple shots into the air shooter was arrested or still on the run. at a bar in Sarwan Street, Eccles, East Bank Kissooninhislivecalledforthebartobeshut Demerara(EBD). down because it is not the first time that

The shooting took place around 23:00hrs gunplay has taken place there and he is and reportedly sent residents living close by fearful. ducking for cover in the confines of their “Firing shots like them head ain’t good, homes. One resident, Devar Kissoon made a drinking rum and ‘firing shots! People gat Facebook live after the incident and said: “I children gat to go to school and loud, loud was in my bed, I hear three gunshots and I musicintheneighbourhood”,headded. jump out me bed.” He said that he called the police and they responded quickly. Residents of the neighbourhood had According to him, the ranks found multiple recently petitioned the Guyana Revenue spentshellsalongtheroad. Authority (GRA) to revoke the bar’s licence.

The Guyana Police Force is yet to issue a GRA, however, has distanced itself and said statement on the shooting incident. Kaieteur that police have to deal with the disorderly News madecontactwiththeEastBankPolice behaviourandnoisenuisanceatthebar

The report said too, that cognizant of the fact that fire hydrants play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and protecting lives and property from the devastating impacts of fires, 148 hydrants were procured – all of which are expected to be installed by timeandfirefightingtechniques. theendof2023.

Earlier this year, a hydraulic platform, an

Man jailed for drug possession

A Triumph East Coast Fogarty’s Department store Demerara (ECD) man was area when he came across a on Tuesday jailed for 12- duffle bag resting at the side months after pleading guilty oftheroad. todrugpossession.

“I look into the bag and

Thehydraulicplatformcanreachaheight

Duringthereportingperiod,anexcavator ambulance as well as a minibus, were which will improve the installation of fire procured by the Government of Guyana at a hydrants was acquired Additional total cost of $273.4 million to assist the fire firefighting equipment is expected to be servicewithitswork. procuredduringthelatterhalfoftheyear

The report stated that during the first half of 150 feet, making it ideal for high-rise of 2023, 189 fire officers completed training buildings. This asset was purchased from in areas such as basic recruit training, AnglocoLtd.atacostofG$255,600,000. supervisory management, and computer TheambulancewaspurchasedfromRRT training, among others things, which cost EnterpriseatacostofG$9,827,500,whilethe $2.4million. buswaspurchasedfromCarCleanEnterprise

Another 110 officers are expected to atacostofG$8,000,000. undergo the emergency medical technician

The acquisition of the new assets marked course as well as basic recruit training, the asignificantstepforwardfortheGuyanaFire report stated. These initiatives, the report Serviceinitsmissiontoensurethesafetyand said, will aid towards improving response protectionofthecountry’scitizens.

Nigel Glasgow, 52, saw the jerseys. I later sold Glasgow was charged with some of the jerseys, but I the possession of narcotics didn’t steal anything your forthepurposeoftrafficking worship ” , Glasgow had and appeared at the Cove said. and John Magistrate Court Ridwald however had before Magistrate, Fabayo held to the opinion that he Azore. was pushing his cart on

Jailed for drug possession, Nigel Glasgow

This is not Glasgow’s which rested the duffle bag first brush with the law In through Stabroek Market 2009, he was remanded to area when the accused prison for allegedly stealing crime but he had reportedly picked up the bag without 75 jerseys from an admitted to the jersey heist his knowledge Glasgow individual by the name of incourt. had told the court then that MorrisRidwald.Itisunclear Glasgow had claimed he had sold 15 of the jerseys if he was convicted for that that he was walking through for$300a-piece.

Venezuela mounts protest against Guyana’s oil auction

- Pres. Ali says country entitled to pursue economic development in maritime borders

ReferenceMap

ShowingTheGuyanaOffshore LicensingRound2022 BlocksforTender

Blocks in red received 14 bids from six groups of companies

The Venezuelan Government has mountedaprotest against Guyana’s recently concluded oil blocks auction In a statement issued yesterday, the by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, theadministrationsaid,“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela strongly rejects the illegal bidding round for oil blocks currently being carried out by the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana since it intends to havemaritimeareaspending delimitation between both countries.”

It further noted that the GovernmentofGuyanadoes not have sovereign rights over these maritime areas andconsequentlyanyaction within their limits is a violation of international law, as long as they are not carried out through an agreementwithVenezuela.

Themissiveadded,“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuelareiteratesthatany illicit and arbitrary concession that Guyana grants,hasgrantedorintends to grant in the areas in questionisunacceptableand violates its sovereign rights, and warns that these actions do not generate any type of rights for third parties to participateinthisprocess.”

Guyana’s Head of State, Dr Irfaan Ali categorically stated however that his administration is entitled to p u r s u e e c o n o m i c development within the

nation’smaritimeborders.

ThePresidentsaid,“The Government of Guyana reserves the right to pursue economic development activitiesinanyportionofits sovereignoranyappurtenant maritime territories Any unilateral attempt by Venezuela to restrict the exercise by Guyana of its sovereignty and sovereign rights will be wholly in consistent with the Geneva Agreement and the rule of internationallaw.”

Guyana and Venezuela are currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to address the latter’s spurious claims over the former’s sovereign territory.

Such aspersions were raised byVenezuela after an ExxonMobil-ledconsortium marked its first discovery in the Stabroek Block, following which it blazed a trail of over 33 significant discoveries.Theexploration success has not only catapulted Guyana to international stardom in the oil and gas arena but was responsible for generating significant interest in the country’s first oil blocks auction that featured 11 shallow water blocks and t h r e e d e e p w a t e r concessions.

Vice President, Bharrat

J a g d e o a n d c h i e f policymaker for Guyana’s oilsectorsaidlastweekthat eight of the 14 blocks received bids from six groups of companies. The

companies that submitted bids include: Total Energies

EP Guyana B V, Qatar Energy International E&P LLC, & Petronas E&P Overseas Ventures SDN BHD (Malaysia); Delcorp Inc–Guyana,WatadEnergy, Arabian Drillers (Saudia Arabia); Exxon Mobil GuyanaLimited,HESSNew Ventures Exploration

Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited; Liberty Petroleum Corporation (USA) and , Cybele Energy Limited (Ghana); Sispro Inc (

);

(Guyana),

Energy SA(London).

The Vice President did not state which companies madebidsforcertainblocks. Bethatasitmay,theofficial said, “We are very pleased with the offers that we had from the bid round (which closedSeptember12,2023). The blocks that we did not receive bids for are D3, S1, S2, S6, S9, and S11. So that meanssomeoftheblocksare very competitive.Anumber of people are questioning whether this was a successful bid round or not butwearepleasedwithhow theroundhasgone.”

He said the government issatisfiedwiththeoutcome, especially since the auction

was held after the modernization of the legislative and regulatory framework.

The chief policy maker for Guyana’s oil sector was pleased with the fact that authorities kept its promise tonotconcludethebidround without new model Production Sharing Agreements(PSAs)inplace to govern deepwater and shallow water blocks. He also lauded the passage of the Petroleum Activities Law

Along with having a morerobustregimeinplace, Jagdeo said one needs to appreciatetheglobalcontext withinwhichthenewsystem

wasimplemented.

He noted in this regard that there is a push for oil companies and the world over to reduce their reliance onfossilfuels.Asaresult,oil companies he said are finding it more challenging to raise financing for petroleumrelatedactivities. With those factors considered, Jagdeo said the interest for eight of the 14 blocks on offer was commendable. He said the next stage is for authorities to review the bids received, following which, more details would be released. Jagdeo also anticipates that awards will be made before theyear’send.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

Windies register victory against the powerful Aussies at the O40s Cricket Global Cup

- Pakistan, Canada & Hong Kong also register wins

WI O40s Captain Narsingh foundation for their eventual total. pick of the bowlers for the Aussies Deonarine won the toss and Javed Bacchus contributed a well was Mark Leard finished with 4 for decided to take first strike against composed 61 off 82 balls which 56offhis9overs. the mighty Aussies in their first inningswaspepperedwith10@4s. Australia also stuttered in their matchup in the O40s Cricket Earlier, the Windies masters run chase by reaching 53 for 3 after Global Cup at the Karachi lost BMC centurions, Hemraj 9.2 overs. Caotain Justin Poole Gymkhanaground. Garbarran without scoring, and joined Tim Bott adding 62 runs for

Prior to the start of the match, Devon Clements for 12. Opener the 4th wicket and was looking to both teams observed a minute’s Randy Thomas was looking good threaten the Windies score but silence in honor of the recent death for43off41ballswith6@4sanda faltered after they lost them both to of renowned Guyanese cricketer, solitary maximum until he lost his suffer a mini collapse to quickly FazilSattaur wicket via the LBW route. There become 142 for 7 Aussies

Batting first, our Windies O40s was another mini collapse after eventually folded for 183. Shazan Masters’ rattled up a formidable Narsingh exited at 181 for 4 which Babwah grabbed 3 for 28 whilst 267/7 off their 45 overs. Former quickly became 195 for 6 as Sanjiv Gooljar took 2 for 36. West Indies batsman, Narsingh Windies lost both Javed Bacchus Narsingh Deonarine was Deonarine top scored with a and Shazan Babwah in quick eventuallynamedastheManofthe polished 65 off 76 balls with 5 @4s succession. Another former West match. and 2 @ 6s and teamed up with Indies player, Mahendra In other matches, Canada held former GCC & Everest batsman, Nagamootoo (27 off 16 balls) then their nerve to outwit the UAE. Pakistanrodetheirlucktocome wickets. Javed Bacchus to rescue WI after joined forces with Trinidadian Batting first, UAE was bowled out out victorious in a thriller against Hong Kong made light work of theywereprecariouslypoisedat66 Dary Balgobin (42 off 27 balls) for 181 in 39.3 overs. Canada the USA. USA made an imposing Nepal. Nepal were bowled out for for 3 after 11.2 overs. The pair put where they put together 65 overcame the score for the loss of 8 250 all out in 44.3 overs. Pakistan 105 and Hong Kong got there for on 115 runs 144 balls to lay the invaluable runs in 6.3 overs. The wickets. reached their target for the loss of 9 thelossof2wickets.

Jenni Hermoso Responds to Being Excluded From Spain’s

Women’s Soccer Team Roster: ‘Protect Me From What?’

People - Jenni Hermoso the same press conference it

irrefutable proof that shows Spanish national football was not called up to join was announced that they that even today nothing has team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso Spain’s women’s national were not calling me as a changed.” orhercloseenvironment.” football team roster for means to protect me,”

Hermosa finished her Never miss a story — upcoming matches against Hermoso wrote, referring to statementbyofferingherfull sign up for PEOPLE’s free Sweden and Switzerland playersafety support to her colleagues daily newsletter to stay upHowever, 20 players who After her team’s World

who were “forced to react to to-date on the best of what planned to boycott the team Cup victory over England, anotherunfortunatesituation PEOPLE has to offer, from until major changes were then-RFEF boss Luis caused by the people who celebritynewstocompelling made to the Royal Spanish Rubiales was seen kissing continue to make decisions humanintereststories. Football Federation (RFEF) several players on the face, withintheRFEF.” After Rubiales’ public were. including Hermoso, during P r i o r t o To m é ’s defense of his actions,

When explaining why theircelebration. announcement of the Hermoso issued her own Spain’s all-time leading “Protect me from what? Spanish team’s roster, the statement in August scorerwasnotincluded,new And from whom? We have RFEF said in a statement “Simply put, I was not coach MontseTomé called it been searching for weeks - that it was committed to respected,” she wrote. “I felt the“bestwaytoprotecther,” months,even-forprotection change. vulnerableandavictimofan perUSAToday. from the RFEF that never

“We guarantee a safe impulse-driven, sexist, out

“The first thing to say is came,” the 33-year-old environment for the players of place act without any that we are with Jenni in striker continued. “The andadvocateforaclimateof consentonmypart.” everything,”Tomésaid.“We people who now ask us to mutual trust so that we can The RFEF issued an have believed that the best trust them are the same ones work together and ensure apology to “the football waytoprotectherinthiscall who today disclosed the list that women’s football world” on Sept 5, and islikethis.” of players who have asked continues to progress much announced the dismissal of

“Protect me from what?” NOTtobecalledup.” stronger,” the federation head coach Jorge Vilda, who Hermoso began in a Tomé said she decided said. had coached the World Cupstatement she shared in not to call up Hermoso “to DaysaftertheWorldCup winning team Vilda Spanish and English on protect her” following the win, FIFA suspended reportedly applauded socialmediaMonday controversy surrounding during an emergency YorkTimes. Rubiales for 90 days for the Rubiales’ remarks at the “Let’s be clear: a claim Rubiales’ nonconsensual assembly, claiming he’d In her statement, kiss, which Hermosa has emergency assembly, per was made today stating that kiss after the World Cup become a victim of “social Hermoso claimed her said was unsolicited USAToday the environment within the final In the aftermath, assassination” and “false teammates believed that not Rubiales says the kiss was On Sept. 10, Rubiales, federation would be safe for Rubiales doubled down on feminism” while addressing callingallofthemtopractice “consensual.” 46, shared a statement on X, mycolleaguestorejoinyetat his defense of his actions the incident, per the New was a means to “intimidate” In a statement, FIFAsaid formerly known as Twitter, them. that the ban would bar him announcing he had officially

“The players are certain “from all football-related resigned as president of the that this is yet another activities at national and federation. strategy of division and international level,” and he “I have faith in the truth manipulation to intimidate was also told to “refrain, and I will do everything in and threaten us with legal through himself or third mypowersothatitprevails,” repercussions and economic parties, from contacting or he wrote in a bolded section sanctions,” she wrote, attempting to contact the ofthestatement. adding, “It is yet more professional player of the

Narsingh Deonarine receives winner’s trophy

On Monday Sept. 18, Spanish soccer star Jenni Hermoso issued a statement regarding her team’s ongoing boycott. (AP Photo/John Cowpland)

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Today is a day in which you need to use logic. You could receive an unsettling and unexpected letter or phone call, perhaps involving money

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Your level of concentration generally tends to be strong, Taurus,buttodayyoucouldbe temporarily at a disadvantage. Yourthoughtsseemvagueand disjointed and you're less able toexpressyourselfclearlyand precisely

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Today you might intuit some strange and unsettling thoughts and feelings from a brother, sister, or neighbor, Gemini This person isn't likely to want to talk about what's bothering them, even if youexpressconcern.

CANCER(June21–July22)

S o m e d i s c o n c e r t i n g information you receive today from a group you're affiliated with could have you wonderingifyouhaveafuture withthisgroup,Cancer

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Usually your mind is sharp and centered, but today you'll probably feel like you can't think straight. Your thoughts might be vagueanddisjointed. Ifthere'ssomethingyouneedto do immediately, either make a great effort to focus on the task athandorgetsomehelp.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You generally tend to be intuitive, Virgo, but today your sensitivity might approachthelevelofanoracle - or seem to! You might have somegoodluckpickingupthe thoughts and feelings of others, but your premonitions, whileplentiful,areofftrack.

defence, following 5-wicket win over Kings

Defending champions the contest, having being Jamaica Tallawahs made steamrolled for 125-9 by the light work of the St. Lucia time 20 overs ended. Spin Kings, who suffered a 5- wastheweaponofchoicefor wicket loss during last the Tallawahs, led by a night’s eliminator at magical performance from Providence, as they now set Fabian Allen, who snared 4sightsonpossiblyhavingthe 25, with 3 of his wickets honor of defending their coming by virtue of Championship. knocking over his victim’s The Kings were never in stumps and Chris Green (219), choking out the oppositionbatters.

Kings all-rounder Roston Chase was the guiding light, hitting 4 fours and a 6 in his top-score of 40 off 36 deliveries. Captain S

Lady Jags to play home game in Barbados

…GFF fined by Concacaf for improper venue

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has incurred a fine from Concacaf due to their hosting of the Golden Jaguars versus the Bahamas match on September 12 at the NationalTrackandFieldCentre.

The GFF received notification from Concacaf, explaining that the playing surface did not meet the minimum required standards for international matches, resultingintheimposedfine.

Consequently, Guyana is now compelled to hold their home game in the Women’s Gold Cup qualification tournament in Barbados, at the Wildey Turf on Sunday, September24.

The Lady Jags are set to embark on their journey to qualify for a second Gold Cup, commencing with an away matchagainstAntiguaandBarbudatoday

They are competing in Group B of the Concacaf Road to GoldCup2023,whiletheGoldenJaguarsareparticipatingin theConcacafNationsLeague.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You may have a very strange and somewhat disturbing dream about a friend tonight, Libra.Itmaywakeyouupinan unsettledstate.Writeitdownif youcan.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

A lack of communication between you and someone c l o s e c o u l d l e a d t o misunderstandings, Scorpio This might not seem that important, but sometimes a lack of clarity can lead to bad feelingsinthefuture.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

oday you might be so intent on your work that you don't hear what someone says to you. No matter how important your task, take the time to listen and pay attention to what someone tells you, however trivial it mayseemnow

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

f you're presently romantically involved,Capricorn,youcould find that one of you feels very passionate while the other doesn't.Compromise!Ifyou're currently unattached, someone for whom you feel nothing couldexpressaninterestinyou that'smorethanfriendly

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Are you working at home today, Aquarius? This won't make your efforts any less intense,especiallyifyourwork involves writing or speaking on the phone. Whatever you're doing will probably seem urgent.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)

A strange letter or phone call could come your way today, Pisces,andtheinformationyou receive could seem rather garbled. It may be good news or bad, or possibly neither, but don'tacceptitatfacevalue.

9), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (14) and 13 apiece from Johnson Charles and Kharry Pierre (13*), read the tale of a dismalbattingexhibition.

The defending champs thenshotto126-5inthe18th over, after a string of matchwinning contributions from the likes of Captain Brandon King, who raced to 30 off 19 with 3 fours and 2 sixes, to get the Tallawahs chase going.

Centurion from the last game, Alex Hales (24), muscled a few blows (3x4, 1x6) but it was the left-hand pair of all-rounders in Imad Wasim (15) and Raymon Reifer grafting an unbeaten 30 (1x4 1x6), who away at the majority of remaining runs needed, which steered them to a comprehensive victory.

Fast-bowler Matthew Forde bowled a champion spell, snagging 4-23 which almost threw a wrench in the Tallawahs wheel, until Reifersteeredhisteamhome minusanyhiccups.

Canadian top order batter...

From page 41 achieving modest success. Later, he represented the Cavaliers Sports Club in the TorontoandDistrictLeague, concluding the 2002 season with an outstanding record of over 1000 runs at an impressive average of 93, including four brilliant centuries.

Fazil Sattaur is mourned by his four daughters and son. His funeral will take place today (September 20)

Organizer located at 65

Addressing the situation, GFF President Wayne Forde expressed the Federation’s inability to assure Concacaf that the playing surface in Guyana would meet the minimum requirements, despite ongoing efforts by local authorities to rectifytheexistingconditions.

The Lady Jags will initiate their campaign against Antigua and Barbuda today, September 20, at the ABFA Technical Centre in St. John’s, Antigua, followed by their secondmatchagainstDominicaonSunday

Wednesday September 20, 2023

Tallawahs move one step closer to possible title

Raymon Reifer played a sensible innings to guide his team home. (CPL via Getty Images)

UDFA president of Wainwrght Bethune calls

‘make or break’ Special General Council Meeting this evening at M&TC boardroom

W h e n t h e U p p e r UDFA Executive did not executives examined what D e m e r a r a F o o t b a l l acquire sponsorship as early outfields were being

Association (UDFA) asweshould.Andthereason considered and according to General Council holds a for that too is that the GFF him, “The Wisburg ground

…clubs asked to be represented

the prestigious GFF Elite to be played, the smaller Special General Council after the last President’s whichisinaschoolyard,last League, as time is running version of the game for Meeting this evening from Cup; we were uncertain if year we had the experience out for such a club to be higher sum from what the 7.00pm in the Mayor and they are going to start just when we had preliminaries arrived at. The last club to regular version of the game Town Council Boardroom, like last year, so when we for the President’s Cup, how playintheGFFEliteLeague shouldget.ObviouslyIthink very serious deliberations waiting for the programme the people, fans going into wasMilerockFC. it comes from mostly the will take pace with regards to start when they brought it, theclasstakingoutfurniture, Bethune commented: kind of contacts and the kind the staging of a senior they brought it in the middle alotofsmokingofweedand

“So we basically narrow of affiliation that they might football competition to oftheinclementweatherand other stuff around the down to secure that we get, which is a sad thing for facilitate a club playing in allotherthingstogowithit.” ground, there is inadequate provideateamtotheGFFby the game itself and the the Guyana football Looking at the situation policemen to control that, all next month for the Elite youngsters who really want federation’s Elite League frontally Bethune, without of which comes at a cost, so

League. If we don’t, then no to push, they are being championship. holding back, remarked: we are more skeptical of Linden team would be sidestepped and submit

President of the UDFA “But the biggest issue in playingthere. playing in the Elite League. themselves to that level of Wainwright Bethune Linden now is appropriate But all the other grounds

I am trying to see if I can thegame.” obviously acknowledges sporting facilities; note I did in Linden which we walked, salvage the situation by Looking at the state of that football, like so many not say football. Because including the SilvertownAll reaching the clubs this affairs to run the game other sports, has found itself even things like athletics S t a r s a n d r e t r i e v e evening and see if we could Bethune noted, “And so this in dire straits, as a suitable now is under threat. I think Community grounds, with playlike1.00pmand3.00pm start some games during the is the quandary that we find playing venue, in the with the repairs to the MSC the referees and other games is very difficult, but it week,evenifwearegoingto ourselves in, honestly absence of the Mackenzie and the date, time of football knowledgeable is a position we held strong narrow it down to, I don’t without the ground and Sports Club which is being expectation for finish is not persons, are not suitable for to because you need the know how many playing giving us a ground that modernized, has seriously being communicated that is, First Division football, and daylight to play with the datesorwhatever,butevenif would give us some sense of affectedsportsintheregion. no other ground in Linden so we are in this limbo, availability of the MSC. So some of the teams refuse to income, I don’t know if or

The appeal therefore is was prepared properly to where the teams are even the major issue is the ground play,whoeverwillingtoplay how we can sustain for the presidents and accommodate sports such as kind of pulled back because and the clubs now being I am going to play that and ourselves, because you do secretaries of the affiliated football, and so we find they don’t have the interest uneasy, given the conditions ensure that, so whichever not have seating capacity, clubs and his UDFA ourselvesinapositionwhere for playing of football we are asking them to play teamgoestotheGFF.” you do not have nowhere Executives to show up to we are looking at various especially on grounds with under.” Further Bethune stated, comfortable for the people arrive at a position that can options; and only two we thoseconditions.” This evening’s crucial “So that is the position that and people are not going to takefootballforward. narrowed down to; and even However, the leading UDFA General Council football has found itself in pay $1,000 to go and stand Looking at the situation those two are not suitable UDFA official added, “We Meeting therefore could without a home to call its uptowatchagameandthere Bethune asserted: “We becauseitcouldbringalotof hadanissuewithplayingday haveseriousimplicationsfor own. Sponsorship is very is no security It’s just a sad obviously cannot run a injuriestoplayers.” timetoo,becausemostofthe the beautiful game, knowing difficult, more-so I think a state of football and I guess Senior League for various Two venues were teams are saying that their that at stake will eventually lot if it got to do with in my being at the helm you get reasons;one-wewereunable eventually being considered players are employed and be if Region 10 (Upper opinion it might be a bit blame for it but if people to secure a sponsorship and, by the UDFA after technical days like Saturdays and Demerara/Upper Berbice) political, because you see really understand, it is not part of the issue is that the teams and the UDFA Sundays to come out and will have representation in other people getting football toomuchthatyoucando.”

Rockaway Group of Companies supports St. Cuthbert’s Mission/Pakuri Jaguars SC

Rockaway Group of Companies has supported St. Cuthbert’s Mission/Pakuri

Jaguars Sports Club of Linden

Soesdyke/Highway Chief Executive Officer of the entity

Mr Ali has presented a quantity of cricket uniforms, a bat and glovestotheclub,recently

The club is currently participating in the annual Heritage games which are set to culminate on October 1 at the Everest CC in Georgetown. Mr Ali encouraged members of the club to take sports seriously for it isamajorunifyingforceandalso keeps youths meaningfully occupied.

Members of the club expressed gratitude to Mr Ali. Rockaway Group of Companies is a long standing supporter of sportsinGuyanaandtheUSA.

Linden Mayor’s Cup U-21 Schools

Basketball finalists to be known today

Linden Foundation oppose Christianburg Wismar ‘Multi, and Harmony face Mackenzie High

This afternoon there will be double earned a walkover victory, Linden header elimination matches in the inaugural Foundation had to take the court and win on Linden Mayor’s Cup Under-21 Schools Mondaytomakethisclashadecidingone. basketball championship at the Retrieve In Group B the third team is New HardCourtinLinden. Silvercity Secondary who beat Harmony

Those matches to decide two of three Secondary and lost to the Mackenzie High groupwinners,startwiththefirstgamefrom School New Silvercity Secondary, 2.30pm as Linden Foundation take on the therefore, are hoping that Harmony can ChristianburgWismarSecondaryinaGroup upsetMackenzieHighsothatthereisaFIBA C clash and the other at 4.00pm between Classification Rule chance to favour them Group B teams Mackenzie High and toppingthegroup.

HarmonySecondary

But Mackenzie High having already

This tournament which is being held in beaten New Silvercity Secondary will seek observanceofEducationMonthisorganized to eliminate such a configuration with an through the Education Department of expectedwintoremainunbeatenandtopthe Region 10 in collaboration with the Linden grouptoadvance.

Mayor and Town Council, Brusches Come Friday there is one game in Group BasketballFoundationandKingsBasketball A where Kwakwani Secondary and Linden Club. Technical Institute, both beating the other

Both Linden Foundation Secondary and teamWisburgSecondaryinexcitingfashion, Christianburg Wismar Secondary have wins now clash to see which of the two will go over the other team in Group C, Marcia throughtothethree-wayfinals. CraigEducationalInstitute. The finals start next Wednesday at the While Christianburg Wismar ‘Multi’ RetrieveHardCourt.

UDFA President Wainwright Bethune

Mr. Hafeez Ali of Rockaway Group of Companies presents the uniform to a member of the St. Cuthbert’s Mission / Pakuri Jaguars SC.

COURTS Optical Pee Wee U11 Tournament...

TeamsbriefedaheadofSaturday’skickoff

Yesterday in the event. boardroom of Enterprise Primary the National School is the current

L i b r a r y , champion after they claimed representatives of the teams thetitleofthenintheditionin participating in the tenth 2022 with a 2 – 1 victory edition of the Unicomer- over former Champion, St. sponsored Pee Wee Under- Pius,inthefinale. 11 Football Championship The teams that will were given the customary competeinthiseditionofthe tournament briefing ahead t o u r n a m e n t a r e : its commencement which is Georgetown – Sophia, slated for Saturday,

Redeemer,FEPollard,North September23. R u i m v e l d t , M a r i a n

Branded the ‘COURTS Academy, Winfer Gardens, Optical Pee Wee U-11 St. Pius, West Ruimveldt, Tournament’ for the first Tucville, Enterprise, St time after proudly being AmbroseandSt.Stephens. anticipated for nine editions Linden –Ameila’s Ward as the COURTS Pee Wee U- and One Mile, Bartica –11 Tournament, Co-Director Potaro and St John the of the organising team, Troy Baptist, East Berbice – St. Mendonca, believes this Therese’s and St. Aloysius, milestone-event will be an West Coast Berbice –intriguingone. BelladrumandRosignol.

Prior to the team briefing exercise, several representatives of the school took a photo op with COURTS’ Optical Chain Manager, Richard Simpson, Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca, Assistant Director of Sport, Franklin Wilson and MoE’s Marti DeSouza.

The 32 teams that will East Coast – Ann’s compete for this year’s title Grove, Plaisance, Anandale as well as the fixtures have andFriendship,EastBank–allbeenfinalisedbythePetra Craig, Soesdyke and Organisation and features Timehri, West Coast six weekends of action all toroundoutthetopeight. usualindividualprizesupfor part of the grassroots rightpath.” –Malgretoot, Vreed en billed to take place at the Thetournament’swinner grabs. developmentprogramme. “Petra has taken a bold Hoop, Westminster and Ministry of Education w i l l c a r t o f f t h e At the briefing, all teams He said, “We play a step in saying, ‘We have a Leonora.

(MoE) Ground on Carifesta Championship trophy, gold were presented with two major role as it relates to the way to get it done’ and we This event is in Avenue. medals and uniforms, the official-sized balls to assist development of the strongly believe it is a great collaboration with the

Those teams will be second-place side will leave in their preparation for the community and for me in way So our key focus is on Ministry of Education and divided into eight groups of with a trophy, silver medals event. particular, I believe the skilldevelopment.” Ministry of Culture, Youth four, with the top two teams and balls while the third- COURTS’Optical Chain childrenareourfutureandin Simpson went on to and Sport, sanctioned by the from each group advancing place finisher will collect a Manager, Richard Simpson, order to have a brighter acknowledge the dedicated Guyana Football Federation totheRound-of-16knockout trophy, bronze medals and whowaspresentattheevent, future for such a wonderful teachersthatwilltakeitupon with support from Sterling s t a g e O n l y t h e balls. said his company is quite country such as Guyana, we themselves to organise their Products Limited and MVP quarterfinalists will remain There will also be the pleased to once again be a needtodirectthemdownthe respective teams for the Sports.

Kares Crossfit October Showdown is gratified by Digicel’s generous sponsorship

‘We are thrilled to announce a reality Their commitment to ‘Weinviteeveryonetojoinus our profound gratitude to Digicel promoting sports and fostering on October 15th at the Aquatic for their generous sponsorship of community engagement aligns Centre and National Park for a the Kares Crossfit October perfectly with our mission, and day of thrilling athletic Showdown, set to take place on we are truly grateful for their performances, community spirit, October 15th, 2023, at the partnership. a n d f a m i l y - f r i e n d l y Aquatic Centre and National Digicel has long been a entertainment. This event would Park in Guyana. This thrilling champion of local and regional not have been possible without event will bring together athletes events that bring communities the unwavering support of not only from Guyana but also together and celebrate talent, and Digicel, and we look forward to from across the region, all vying their sponsorship of the Kares celebrating this momentous for an impressive prize pool Crossfit October Showdown is a occasion with the entire exceeding 4 million dollars in testament to their dedication to community.’ cash and prizes’, a release from the people of Guyana and the For more information about theorganisersinformed. widerCaribbeanregion. the Kares Crossfit October

‘The Kares Crossfit October

The event will feature a Showdown, including event Showdown promises to be an diverse range of competitions, detailsandticketinginformation, electrifying showcase of challenging athletes to push their please visit “Kares Crossfit athleticism and sportsmanship, limits and showcase their Caribbean Championship” and Digicel’s support has been s t r e n g t h , a g i l i t y, a n d InstagramandFacebookpages. instrumentalinmakingthisevent determination,’thereleasenoted.

Gabriella Chapman (left), Digicel’s Communications Manager handing over the sponsorship cheque to Jordana Ramsay-Gonsalves, Event Organiser.

Lady Jags new Coach Omar Khan announces squad for first Road to Concacaf Women Gold Cup game against Antigua and Barbuda

Georgetown - Guyana Dominica. The first-place Senior Women’s National finishers from each League Team Head Coach Omar B group, totaling three Khan has unveiled his first teams, will advance to the squad selection since 2024WGoldCupPrelims. assuming the top job in early

TheRoadtoConcacafW September GoldCup,with34registered

Today, September 20, senior women’s national Guyana will make their first teams, serves as the appearance in the inaugural qualifying tournament for Road to Concacaf W Gold the highly anticipated 2024 Cup against Antigua and W Gold Cup, the top-tier Barbuda. competition for senior

The 19-member team footballers in the Concacaf includes goalkeeper Chante’ region. Sandiford and young The game against midfielders Jalade Trim and Antigua and Barbuda will be Sandra Johnson, who are played today at the ABFA making their debut on the Technical Centre, St. John’s seniorteam. Antiguafrom4:00p.m.

C o a c h K h a n h a s C o a c h K h a n ’ s expressed his confidence in appointment has injected the chosen players, new enthusiasm and emphasising that the goalkeepers, four defenders, R a v e n E d w a r d s -

AlleiaAlleyne

AnyaTribune optimism into the senior selection process took into nine midfielders and three Dowdall

DylanaMakarowski

OteshaCharles team that is eager to account several crucial forwards - reflects a balance LudeshaReynolds

GhileneJoseph ShylaMurray representGuyanawithpride. factors, including the of experienced players and Defenders

HannahBaptiste The Lady Jags have their The Guyana Football players’ performance, promising young talents, RyleeTraicoff

MasaniSpringer sightssetonsecuringvictory Federation (GFF) strongly versatility, and their ensuring a blend of skill, Savanna Mondesir-

JaladeTrim

and claiming the top spot in encourages everyone to potential to make a positive leadership, and fresh energy Singh

SandraJohnson Group A of League B. This show their support for the impact on the team’s onthefield.

ShennelDaniels

BrianneDesa

The squad - three Chante’Sandiford Midfielders

Formidable Guyana Bodybuilding team off to CAC event in Aruba

A formidable team of managed by the federation’s fitness athletes departed for president, Keavon Bess who Aruba today to represent stated that he is optimistic of Guyanaatthe50theditionof the chances of the charges the Central American and who can emulate last year’s C a r i b b e a n ( C A C ) performances.

Bodybuilding and Fitness In 2022, the team bagged Championships, the arecord12medals. federation informed Together, the team recently securedfivegoldmedals,six The release stated that silvermedalsandonebronze the team comprises reigning, medal, the most at a single two-time Mr Guyana CAC Championship by a (bodybuilding) Darious nationalteam.

Ramsammy, three-time Remarkably, Rosanna CACsilvermedalistandsix- Fung used her sharp time National Men’s physique to slice through the Physique champion, athletes in the wellness Emmerson Campbell, categories and secured the reigning Ms Bikini much coveted ‘Pro card. In c h a m p i o n , H a n n a h doing so, the 23 year-old Rampersaud along with last became the second female year’s CAC Bikini silver from Guyana and the first medalist, Christina since 1979 to become a Ramsammy professional Bodybuilding

Podium dwellers at last athlete. year’s edition in Barbados, Guyana is penciled to Nicholas Albert, Rawle h o s t t h e a n n u a l Green and Julio Sinclair, are championships next year alsoapartoftheunit. afterasuccessfulbidin2021 The team will be inElSalvador.

SamanthaBanfield contenders such as Antigua the Road to Concacaf W

StefanieKouzas group includes strong Lady Jags as they embark on success. Goalkeepers

Forwards and Barbuda, Suriname, and GoldCup.

Republic Bank CPL 2023 Eliminator Match - Guyana Amazon Warriors vs. Trinbago Knight Riders...

Arch rivals seek clear path to Finals as possible run-fest looms over Providence

Arguably the battingorderhasatotalof65 biggest rivalry runswith44hisbest. and of the most Martin Guptill, Nicholas

storied in CPL Pooran who hit a century history looms as the Guyana earlier in the tourney and Amazon Warriors (GUY) Mark Deyal will lead TKR, and Trinbago Knight Riders especially Deyal who hit 57 (TKR) look to get the better runs from 45 balls in the win of each other come tonight overSaintLuciaKingsin24. when the two face on at Guptill with six T20 Providence. centuries across his career

Tonight’s winner shoots will want to negate the likes directlytotheFinalwhilethe of Tahir, Dwaine Pretorius loserwillplayQualifier2. and Romario Shepherd. For

Trinbago Knight Riders TKR, Akeal Hosein, Jayden lost their last three clashes S e a l e s a n d Wa q a r against the Warriors Salamkheil could play huge including a 6 wicket defeat roles. lastSaturdayatProvidence.

Veterans Sunil Narine, Shai Hope smashed a 44 Andre Russell, Kieron ball 106 recently and Pollard and possibly remains the leading run- Dwayne Bravo will be keen scoreracrossthecompetition on taking advantage go the and could likely make Warrior’s psychology anotherhugestatementagain situation. cometonight.

Guyana have gone to the

G u y a n a A m a z o n finals more than any other WarriorscaptainImranTahir team while TKR have tasted has taken 3-23 and 3-12 in victoryinthepast.Playingin the last 2 games as his team welcome back their A-Class especially with Anderson front a raucous, sold out managed to lose just one players. anchoringthebatting. Guyanese crowd, tonight’s m a t

Skipper Imran Tahir will be looking to rally his troops to victory tonight. (CPL via Getty Images)

n Saim Ayub remains key match could arguably turn tournament. Warriors will likely play at the top over 350 runs this out to be the game of the

After resting 6 big their trio of Kevlon far tournament. playersinthepreviousgame, Anderson, Ronsford Beaton Odean Smith since being Action bowls off at Trinbago Knight Riders will a

, pushed up to the top of the 19:00h.

The Guyana Lady Jaguars squad at a training session.

Slingerz Racing Stable has promised something special in Saturday’s Cricket Carnival President Cup.

Slingerz Racing Stable predicts a huge win at the Cricket Carnival President Cup

ENTRIES for Saturday’s Cricket Junior to believe I am running a relay in the Carnival President Cup day of racing at race to beat him with my two horses. I am Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC), Rising Sun comingwithoneononeliketheCPLfinalon Village, Berbice, which closed yesterday, Sunday and this race is a final also. So, have been flowing smoothly creating a clear horsemen come out and see a thrilling day of path for one of the largest Presidents Cup non-stop excitement. The Final will be ‘easy ever As the entire country unites to celebrate time’ for Guyana to record its first CPL this Sunday’s CPL Final the horseracing victoryinthefinal. fraternity will be out in their numbers on No stopping us. Easy Time’s runaway rd Saturday 23 September, 2023 at the Rising success in his debut start at such a high level SunTurfClub,WestCoastBerbice. in the Guyana Cup is tipped to record the

The feature event on the day’s nine-race Guyana Cup/President Cup double. Alado card is the eight furlongs (8 furs) President accomplished the same double last year for Cup. This race is now hailed as a grudge Master Z Racing, and trainer Nasrudeen match from the Guyana Cup winner, Easy Mohamed Jnr Easy Time is owned by the Time, and runner-up, El Tarzan with last same duo of Master Z Racing and Nasrudeen year’s winner, Alado who finished unplaced ‘Junior’Mohamed. in the Guyana Cup also expected to defend The Cricket Carnival President Cup will histitle. be supported by eight other races on the day

Patrons are in for a treat with an It has a Sprint and a ‘Derby’ rematch with unexpected twist to the Cricket Carnival Rachel flying the Guyana-bred flag against President Cup with Javed Ali and Slingerz theTrini-bredFirecracker,whobeatherinthe Racing Stable, who owns ElTarzan and John Derby on Guyana Cup day Princess Ruby Bull, to use a new strategy to take the trophy another Trini bred, who is sister to Princess home. Aruna, who is unbeaten in Trinidad on the

He is sending out John Bull to claim the turfcourse. crown. In an interview Mr Ali declared, Princess Ruby disappointed her “John Bull is the better horse and he is connections, and it appeared that she ‘bled’ coming to claim the crown. Nasrudeen andthatresultedinherdismalrun.

“Junior” Mohamed will not have an easy Patrons are asked to get those early bird time. Our camp is prepared and ready for tickets as soon possible to avoid the rush and Saturday’sracetotakefulladvantageofEasy come early to the races, as Jumbo Jet Time.” Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC)

Ali further explained, “I do not want willbehavingsomethingspecialontheday

Canadian top order batter Fazil Sattaur bows out on 58

Former Berbician wicket-keeper batsman, Abdul Fazil Sattaur, also known as Fazil Samad, passed away on September 18, 2023, at the age of 58. Fazil Samad, a dynamictop-orderbatsman,hadtheprivilege of representing both Guyana and Canada in the beautiful sport of cricket. He was born on April 6, 1965, in the historic county of Albion,Berbice.

In 1995, Sattaur, the aggressive righthanded batsman, relocated to Canada. He made his international debut for Canada on February 11, 2003, in a match against Bangladesh at Durban during the 2002-03 ICC World Cup. Furthermore, he was among several Canadian players who possessed first-classcricketexperience,havingmade10 appearancesforBerbiceandGuyanabetween 1984and1990.

Fazil Sattaur during the 2002 ICC World Cup. (Getty Images)

Sattaur was known for his penchant for attacking strokes, swiftly accumulating runs against loose bowling. He also displayed his wicket-keepingskillsonnumerousoccasions anddabbledinoff-spinbowling.Hishighestscoring first-class innings was an impressive 94-run knock during the 1989 Jones Cup run-scorer in that tournament, notching up matchbetweenBerbiceandDemerara. twohalf-centuries.Healsoparticipatedinthe

Although Sattaur missed out on 6 Nations Challenge in Namibia, although he representing Canada in the 2001 ICC faced challenges with the bat, amassing only Champions Trophy, he made his mark when 51 runs in four innings. He also played a role he joined the national team for the 2001 inCanada’s2002RedStripeBowlcampaign, Americas Cup. He emerged as Canada’s top (Continued on page 35)