Kaieteur News

‘Hike in interest rates will cost countries like Guyana billions’

Growing debt levels in scarcity, and the profound developing countries have impactsofclimatechange. become a pressing concern He said too that urgent in recent years. These reform of the financial reserves took a hit in 2022, implementation of measures nations often resort to architecture is essential to with 81 developing outlined in the Bridgeton borrowing to finance get back on track towards countries, excluding China, initiative, and addressing infrastructure projects, achieving development losing a collective $241 liquidity support, private stimulate economic growth, goals. President Ali billion. President Ali capital, development or manage budget deficits. highlighted alarming referenced information by lending, and more inclusive However,theescalatingdebt statistics, with 60% of least the International Energy governance of international burdens can have severe developed countries already Agency (IEA) which stated financeinstitutions. consequences. in debt distress or at high that to limit global He then reaffirmed

– Pres. Ali tells UN forum

On Wednesday in his risk, and their debt servicing temperature rise to less than Guyana’s commitment to raised the country’s debt ramping up of oil production addressduringaforumatthe swallowing up a significant two degrees Celsius, collaborating with the ceiling by US$3 billion, and the resurgence of the United Nations’78th session portion of government investments of around $1 international community on a l l o w i n g f o r m o r e non-oil economy, the oftheUNGeneralAssembly revenue, especially in Sub- trillion annually in the tangible, measurable actions borrowing. This decision, countryregisteredrealGross in New York, President SaharanAfrica. energy sector alone are to address these pressing taken in August, expanded Domestic Product (GDP) Irfaan Ali delivered a stark A l i a d d e d t h a t required to transition from issues Guyana has the domestic public debt growth of 62.3 percent in w a r n i n g a b o u t t h e developing countries, on fossil fuels. He continued, experienced a notable ceiling to $750 billion, and 2022, making it the fastestconsequences of escalating average, allocate 14% of “This is most sobering when increase in its debt levels in established a new external growing economy in the debt levels for developing their domestic revenue to you consider that close to recentyears.Thisriseindebt borrowing ceiling of $900 world. As such, it was noted countrieslikeGuyana.Atthe interest repayments 900 million people in can be attributed, in part, to billion. that this appreciable growth High-level Dialogue on compared to just 3.5% in developing countries has no significant borrowing to The country’s previous performance and the Financing for Development, developed countries access to electricity, f i n a n c e c r i t i c a l debt ceilings were last country’s robust economic President Ali underscored “Interest rate hikes and commitments that have and infrastructure projects, i n c r e a s e d b y t h e outlook underpin Guyana’s the direct link between the soaring debt levels will are being made must be including in the oil and gas GovernmentbackinJanuary sustainable absorption of the lack of financial resources cause developing countries fulfilled.” sector 2021 According to the newdebt. and the struggle to attain billions of dollars in the In light of these While the country’s Ministry of Finance, given In sum, the Government sustainable development coming years,” he further challenges, President Ali newfound oil resources have Guyana’seconomicoutlook, said it is committed to goals in nations He stated. called for a comprehensive offered opportunities for these revisions to the harnessing Guyana’s debthighlighted that the existing Furthermore, President reform of the financial economic growth but have externalanddomesticpublic carrying capacity to global financial framework Ali emphasized the architecture, which should also raised concerns about debt ceilings are consistent accelerate its development is ill-equipped to tackle staggering economic toll of include the early adoption of the sustainability of its debt with the country’s long-term agenda This publication pressing challenges such as climate change. Ali pointed a multi-dimensional burden. Notably, President debtsustainability recentlyreportedthatwithin food insecurity, energy out that international vulnerability index, Ali’s administration recently Notably, fuelled by a (Continued on page 15)

Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali

Ministry to conduct full probe into Exxon’s US$214M audit fiasco pr

By Kiana Wilburg

The Ministry of Natural Resources is set to conduct a thorough investigation into its CharteredAccountant, Christopher officer Ramnotedthatwhilethisis Petroleum Unit regarding the R a m a n d O p p o s i t i o n the case, the minister’s first choice mishandling of the audit into Parliamentarian, David Patterson. ought to be the Audit Office, ExxonMobil’s US$1.7B bills for The call for a thorough probe was providedthatithasthemanpower theperiod1999to2017. made after the Vice President Jagdeo clarified however that Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo revealed last week that the GRA is not acting outside of its made this disclosure yesterday ministry’s unit engaged Exxon on remit on these matters. The Vice during a press conference at reducing questionable spending President explained further that Freedom House on Robb Street. first flagged by British when IHS was hired by the

- Cabinet to review findings

The oil sector’s primary decision- Consultancy Group, IHS Markit previous government to audit maker emphasised that the and later endorsed by the Guyana Exxon’s expenses totalling investigation aims to identify the RevenueAuthority(GRA). US$1.7B, a report was Markit and they should proceed to not interested in what they sent individuals who engaged in an The official also set the record subsequently provided. He alluded closing the audit. Jagdeo reminded because that could be used in unauthorised reduction of straight on concerns about GRA’s that the document could not be that the ministry did not adhere to arbitrationshouldwegothere.Iam US$214M in questionable role in the audit of Exxon’s accepted at face value; the findings this recommendation and engaged more interested in who authorized spendingbyExxontoUS$3M. expenses. Chartered Accountant had to be assessed. Jagdeo said the indiscussionswithExxontoreduce thisandwhy.” Jagdeo said the ministry will and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher MinistryofNaturalResourcesdoes thesesums. Going forward, he said there provide a report to Cabinet for Ram had noted in a letter to the not have the capabilities to do that.

The Vice President said the will have to be a policy which review and the appropriate action press that GRA has no business GRA which has the expertise was Head-of-State, Dr Irfaan Ali was categorically states that ministry wouldbetakenthereafter being part of such audits which therefore relied upon. “So policy appraised of the developments and officials are not to engage with oil

The official also declined to examine all the expenses Exxon wise, we said our advisor is the there was an agreement for a full and gas companies without the disclose prior to the completion of used Guyana’s oil to cover He GRA…there is no conflict. The investigation. He said too that the explicit approval of the minister thisprobe,thenamesofthepersons argued that the governing GRAandonlythatentitycanadvise ministry now has to communicate “It is something that I intend to that engaged Exxon. “I would want legislation for GRA confines it to on what we should conclude these toExxonthatbasedontheadviceof proposetoCabinetbecausewemay to await the full report from the taxmatters. matters on,” the Vice President GRA, the disputed sums will never know what discussions ministry to Cabinet and the Ram also acknowledged that said. remainatUS$214M. actually took place between the oil ministry would have to disclose the Production Sharing Agreement

In keeping with its advisory

Importantly,JagdeosaidExxon and gas companies and staff at the thattothepublictoo,”hesaid. (PSA) governing the oil-rich role, the official said GRAwrote to would not be pulled into the technical level. So clearly there is a

TheVice President said too that Stabroek Block states that the the ministry on August 8, 2023, investigation. Jagdeo said, “We need for this,” the official he agrees an investigation must Minister of Natural Resources can advising that it has no objection to don’tknowwhattheysentandIam concluded. take place, as was called for by carry out audits via a designated the US$214M first flagged by HIS

FAO urges global action on food security at sustainable development conference

NewYork- In a keynote speech

increased productivity (producing protect livelihoods, ensure the delivered at the 11th annual more with less inputs), improved sustainability of our planet, and International Development consumption patterns and securelastingoutcomes.

Conference of Sustainable behavior, sustainable production Qu referred to the challenge of Development(ICSD),theDirector- practices,andcleanerenergyuse. the need to feed 10 billion people General of the Food and

The importance of FAO and the by 2050 and highlighted the Agriculture Organization of the Four Betters paramount importance of United Nations (FAO), QU Qu reiterated the importance of accelerating the impact of FAO’s Dongyu, issued a powerful global the FAO’s Strategic Framework programmatic interventions while call to action, urging immediate 2022-31, centered on the “Four minimizingtrade-offs. steps to address escalating food Betters” - better production, better FAO has identified 20 priority security concerns and pressing nutrition,abetterenvironment,and program areas aligned with the environmentalissues. abetterlife. “Four Betters” Key priorities

Qu’s lecture focused on the Heexplainedthattheconceptof include green innovation, One critical issue of global food the “Four Betters” serves as an Health, equitable access for smalls e c u r i t y H e b e g a n b y organizational principle within this scaleproducers,digitalagriculture, acknowledging FAO’s historic role framework, reflecting the healthy diets for all, restoring in addressing the link between interconnected economic, social, ecosystems,reducingfoodlossand poverty and malnutrition while and environmental dimensions of waste, and promoting transparent emphasizing the Organization’s agrifood systems. These principles marketsandtrade. dedication to nutrition

encourage a strategic and systems- FAO’s priorities extend to Transitioning to the present, he oriented approach across all FAO gender equality, rural women’s sounded an alarm about the insomeregions.

Meanwhile, more than 30 percent interventions. Qu also introduced empowerment, sustainable urban escalating and often overlapping The environmental toll of of total global land is degraded, four cross-cutting “accelerators” – foodsystems,andresilientagrifood challengesfacedbytheworld. agrifood systems over 20 percent of the world’s technology, innovation, data, and systems Special initiatives for The FAO Director-General Qu also discussed the current aquifers are overexploited, and complementary elements such as scaling-up investment and the highlighted the troubling trend of detrimental environmental impacts agrobiodiversity is threatened governance, human capital, and Hand-in-Hand initiative, are increasing global hunger over the of agrifood systems as they are There are circular, interconnected institutions – which should be dedicated to bringing collective past seven years, exacerbated by contributing to food waste, air impacts across agrifood and other integrated into programmatic action to scale, facilitating the COVID-19 pandemic and pollution, greenhouse gas systems, including environmental interventions to expedite progress transformative change within ongoing conflicts Projections emissions, biodiversity loss, and andhealthsystems. toward achieving the Sustainable agrifoodsystems. made in the latest FAO-led State of growing social inequalities. The In this context, the FAO DevelopmentGoals(SDGs). High-Level Plenary at the Food Security and Nutrition in economic and environmental costs Director-General issued a The FAO Director-General Sustainable Development the World (SOFI) report indicate associated with these issues are compelling call to action, further emphasized the imperative Summit that nearly 600 million people may severe, and amount to trillions of emphasizing the urgent need to need for a comprehensive agrifood The ICSD’s high-level plenary, continue to experience hunger in dollars. transform agrifood systems for systems strategy to address the heldatColumbiaUniversity,which 2030. Child stunting also remains a In 2020, agrifood systems carbon neutrality This escalating threats faced by the featured the FAO Directorpressing concern, and obesity rates emitted 16 billion tonnes of CO2, transformation requires improved world He highlighted the General’skeynoteintervention, continue to rise, surpassing hunger with various sources of emissions. governance of natural resources, importance of immediate action to (Continued on page 14)

FAO Director-General delivers a lecture on Global Food Security at the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

President Ali and cash handouts

Guyana’s President IrfaanAli is seemingly gifted with an extraordinary aptitude for doubletalk, or walking back whatheonceheldclosetohischest,andmadeacenterpiece of his programmes. Handouts represent one instance of startling presidential admissions, or yielding to reality, before international inquirers and audiences. What is conspicuous is how PresidentAli is all big talk and tough walk at home before the local media, and how he is an altogether more patient, respectful, and occasionally forthrightpresencewhendealingwithforeignquestioners. He has done this a while back with Al-Jazeera, and just recentlywiththeBBC.

We, and other citizens of this country, have expressed misgivings about handouts, be they in cash or other form Neither the President nor his PPP/C Government has looked with favour on Guyanese who quietly questioned certain programmes put into motion The handouts were one such programme,andourpositionwasthatitwasnotsustainable,thatit waspronetosignificantcorruption,andthattherehastobebetter waysforgovernmenttoofferrelieftoGuyanese Notmorethan thosefeelingthebiteoffoodinflationandthepressuresofdaily existence in oil rich Guyana The President has usually dismissedthoseGuyanesewhoquestionedthewisdomand integrity of the cash handouts, as he manifested an increasingsensitivitytoinquiries.PresidentAliispleased, and is of the thinking that he serves the nation better, by pigeonholing Guyanese he finds to be disagreeable as naysayersandcriticswithoutsubstance.

Now,therehewasbeforetheBBC,exceptthePresidentwas singingfromanewsongbookandasongwitheerieechoes He said, “we have to ensure that there is greater transparency and accountabilityinthemanagementoftheresources” Thequestion maybelegitimatelyaskediswhetherGuyana’shead-of-statejust fired a warning shot across the bow of the rampaging Vice Presidentrelativetothesecreciesthathaveplaguedtheoiland gold sectors, and which secrecies have featured prominently underJagdeo’swatch ThePresidenthimselfhasbeenforcedto backpedal and dance from foot to foot in his futile efforts to explain and defend the lack of the same transparency and accountability about which he speaks They are what have come to be inseparable characteristics of most things that Jagdeoputshishandson.Whatwassignificantalsowasthat the President noted that ‘using resources as handout are popular in the short-term, however in the long term, it is detrimental to the country and is not the route his administrationwilltake.’ Undoubtedly,thatcertainlyhasa differentringtowhatthePresidentandhisgovernmenthave been engaged in with much enthusiasm (handouts). It is what has been used to make much government and party propagandahayoutof,toholdGuyanesehostage,tobring themtotheirkneestobegleadersforhelp,andtomakethem feelindebtedtopoliticalleaders. Reportsarethatmorethan theirrightfulshareofhandoutshavebeengiventofriends, and handouts have also been withheld from those not perceived to be loyalists or, worse still, opponents of the rulingparty

Whenmanycitizensinanoilrichcountryarestrugglingand hurting,thethoughtofwhatispopularisinandofitselfaninsult andanabomination Fromtheinception,wehavesaiditiswhat wouldworkinthelongrun Wehavealwayssaidandstoodby one standard: almost half in the Guyanese population are in urgent need of meaningful and sustained assistance The handouts,thoughhelpful,havealltheenduranceofaBand-Aid, or some homemade poultice It is encouraging, therefore, to learn that President Ali has shifted his previous position on handouts,whichgaveeveryindicationofbeingsetinstone Itis timeforthePPP/CGovernmenttointroduceaprogramme of relief that has material salary increases, tax relief, and other cost-of-living relief measures as part of a long-term plan that makes a difference in the lives of the statistically richestpeopleintheworld. Allofthisislongoverdue;itis timetoberidofthetemporaryandthepiecemealapproach.

Deplorable conditions at the Skeldon Hospital

DearMinisterAnthony

I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the appalling conditions at Skeldon Hospital in Region Six Whilethebuckstopswith the Ministry of Health, I believe that the Region 6 Regional Chairman, Regional Health Officer, and Skeldon HospitalAdministratorshould be held accountable for the terriblestateofthehospitaland thetreatmentofpatients

The people of Skeldon deservebetter Mysisterwasa bed-ridden critical-care patient atthishospital Mysiblingsand Ivisitedherforoneweekatthe end of July to the beginning August 2023 She would eventuallydieatthisinstitution onAugust23rd Forthesakeof thedowntroddeninSkeldon,I believeitismyresponsibilityto bring the following issues to your attention in the hope of promptandeffectiveresolution

The Skeldon Hospital has been an essential healthcare institutionservingtheresidents of this region for many years However,thecurrentstateofthe hospital is nothing short of deplorable, and the deteriorating conditions are causingimmensesufferingand endangering the lives of the patients who depend on its services

1 Shortage of Doctors, Nurses: One of the most pressing issues at Skeldon Hospitalisthesevereshortage of medical professionals, including doctors and nurses Patients often have to wait for extended periods to receive medical attention, leading to

worsening conditions and increased suffering. On many occasions,therewasonenurse servicing the emergency unit and the wards, and also in the evenings,asinglenurseranthe entirehospital

2 P o o r D o c t o r Communication/Attitude:The doctors at Skeldon Hospital need to be properly trained in communicating with patients’ relatives I saw the doctor in charge behave as though he was Lord of the domain, and failed to provide proper answersonbeingaskedabout various issues with my sister When asked questions, he complained about being harassed. Additionally, one of the doctors was literally hidingfrommyrelatives.

3 Atrocious Patient Care: Theresponsibilityforthedayto-day personal care of my sisterfellonmyrelatives The nurses refused to undertake thistaskandthedoctorsaidit’s not their responsibility Each morningwhileIwasthere,we found my sister lying in her urineandexcrement Shehad tobecleanedandchangedby female relatives. My sister’s feeding tube had to flushed/cleanedbyrelatives.

4 No Dignity for Patients:Thefemalewardis devoid of privacy There are no curtains around the beds. To take care of my sister, relatives had to hold up bedsheets around her bed to provide privacy Same was applicable to other female patientsintheward.5.Lack o f M e d i c a l Resources/Drugs: The hospital seems to face a

chronicshortageofessential medical supplies and equipment.Wewereaskedto purchase our own medical supplies, including feeding bags and gauze This dire situation compromises the qualityofcareprovidedatthe hospital. 6. Poor Sanitation: Thehospital’ssanitationand hygiene conditions are far fromacceptable.Idon’tneed to tell you that inadequate sanitationpracticescanleadto thespreadofinfectionsamong patients,underminingthevery purpose of the healthcare facility Thefemalewardhasa foul smell; the floor appears unclean; no running water during various periods; and the bathroom sinks are discoloured,etc.

7.LackofProperPatient Conveyance: There are no rampsatthehospitaltogetto thewards.Patientshavetobe (physically) lifted up staircases by their relatives from the emergency to the wards Again,thistaskisleftto relatives as invariably, there arenoportersatthehospital.

8. Lack of Equipment and Supplies: Patients have to bring their own bed covers,blanketsandpillows. Inthefemaleward,thereare no fans so patients/relatives havetoprovidetheirown The oxygentankbeingusedbymy sisterhadagaugethatwasheld togetherbyclothandadhesive bandage. The hospital beds and wheelchairs are all old and have seen better days. Sharps are thrown into the regular garbage.

9. Lack of PotableWater:Patientshave to bring their own drinking

water. There is a water fountain at the entrance of the female ward whichhasa bottlefilledwithbrownwater I was informed that the bottle receivesitsrefillfromapipein the Skeldon Sugar Estate compound 10 Fear of Victimization: You should know Minister that patients andrelativesfeartospeakup for their rights to proper medical treatment. Seems that history has shown that they can/are victimized by the medical staff and others when they do so. I implore you, Minister Anthony, to takeimmediateanddecisive action to address these critical issues at Skeldon Hospital. The residents of RegionSixdeserveaccessto quality healthcare services, and it is the duty of the Ministry of Health to ensure thatthisbasicrightisupheld. I urge you to allocate the necessary resources, including medical staff, supplies, and infrastructure improvements, to bring the hospital up to an acceptable standard Furthermore, I request that your office conducts a thorough investigation into the managementandoversightof Skeldon Hospital to identify the root causes of these problems and hold those responsible, accountable Thankyouforyourattentionto this urgent matter I look forward to seeing prompt and tangible improvements in the conditions at Skeldon Hospital.

Sincerely,

JanKhan

Enough is Enough!

DearEditor:

It is easy to play the blamegamewhendiscussing the racial issues that exist in our land. However, we are either part of the problem or partofthesolution.

When you try to bring twoworldstogether,itisthe individuals that count. We cannot change the past, but wecanchangethefuture.

A childhood friend said tomeacoupledaysagothat racism will continue in our beloved land until everyone seesthemselvesasGuyanese and not through the lens of race. It is no secret that the primary two races in Guyana,EastIndiandescent and African descent, have been involved in racial discrimination for the last

severaldecades.

Asachildgrowingupin Guyana,Ididn’tknowabout racism. I did not choose my friends because of race, but becauseofaconnectionIhad with them. On any given day,playingcricketwithmy friends in my yard, both Indians and Blacks were represented. Itwasn’tuntilI got older in my teens that I became aware of the racial divideinoursociety

I grew up in a home where I saw both races havingamealatmyparents’ table. My Dad told us an incident that happened to him during the racial riots beforeIwasborn.

He had to go through a Blackareatogettohishome after work. This was in

Georgetown. Hisco-worker andgoodfriend,Trevorwho was Black offered to ride withhimtoensurehissafety. As they were going through thisparticulararea,therewas agrouponthestreetwiththe intention to harm anyone who did not look like them. This group blocked the road when they saw my Dad approaching on his bicycle. Trevor who was Black jumped off his bicycle, got between my Dad and the group, and said to them, “Youwillhavetogothrough metogettohim”.

Thegroupbackedoff.

ThatSaturdayafternoon, aBlackpersonsavedthelife of an Indian person. Or should I say, “A Guyanese saved the life of a fellow

Guyanese and friend”. Trevor became “Uncle Trevor”tomegrowingupin Guyana. Manyyearslater,I met his daughter and her husband in the US, and the bond between my Dad and herDadwasevidentbetween us. We were continuing the legacy Racismistaught.Itisnot a learned behaviour We have to become childlike, not childish, in our love and acceptance of everyone Let’s refuse to be used as a puppet on a string to further someone’s agenda. Every Guyanese needs to stand up and say, “Enough is enough!” Ignoringitdoesn’t makeitgoawayasseen.

Sincerely,

DanielSingh

Access to justice: Judicial ReviewAct 2010

DEAREDITOR

We, the undersigned, have all been involved in several Judicial Review court cases addressing oil & gasissueswhichareorhave beenheldutilizingtheonline Zoomplatform.

In almost all of these cases, access to the Court hearing has been severely limited apart from appellants, defendants, and theirlawyers.Journalistsand other persons including citizens who are associated with such cases or have an interest in these cases or are members of the public have beenrestrictedinmanyifnot allofthesecases.

Asfarasweknow,there are no rules or matters of sensitivities which should restrict these online hearings Access of the public to attend Court hearingsisapublicrightand curtailment of this fundamentalrightshouldnot be, in effect, imposed. We are concerned that this practice is in effect denying the right to information and public participation in mattersofpublicinterest.We areoftheopinionthatbroad access should not only be allowed for specific appellants but entire

communities who may be impactedandevenmembers of the public who may have an interest as envisaged in the Judicial Review Act

2010. The Guyana Judicial ReviewAct20107.(I)states that “Upon the filing of an application for judicial reviewundersection4(l)(b), the Registrar shall immediately cause notice of the application to be publishedontwoSundaysin any daily newspaper circulatinginGuyana.

(2) A notice under subsection (1) shall specify thenameoftheapplicant,the administrative act or omission which is the subject matter of the application,thenatureofthe relief being sought, and any other relevant matter” and invite any person with a more direct interest in the matter to file a similar application,ortoapplytobe joined as a party to the proceedings,withinfourteen daysofthelastpublicationof the notice.”It is clear, based on above, that the Judicial Review Act requires the publicizing of such cases once filed with the expectation that all those who have an interest are notified not only about the

casebutthetimeandhearing of such cases Another contentious issue, raised in alltheJudicialReviewcases cited is the right of persons directly affected or as members of the public and citizens of Guyana to bring such cases. According to Justice Sandil Kissoon’s ruling, re EPA’s breach of statutory duty of EEPGL’s environmental permit, referenced the Judicial reviewAct2010sayingthat, “The Act mandates a broad approach to standing, public interest litigation and, in particular, public interest matters pertaining to the environment as enshrined at Article 149(J) 2 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana which does not attract the application of narrow common law orders astostanding.”

Senior counsel, Ralph Ramkarran in commenting on the Judicial Review Act referred to “the exponential rise in the number of public law and constitutional law cases in Guyana and the extensionofthelocusstandi principle thereby enabling members of the public who maybeonlymarginallyor

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PresidentAli did us all proud

D

EAREDITOR

, On September 20th, President Irfaan Ali appeared on Good Morning Britain in the UK, to make the case for reparations for the original crime and ongoing legacies of the transatlanticslavetrade.The public was treated to an exampleofwhitesupremacy in action, in the offensive, insulting, dismissive, patronising and frankly racist behaviour of the interviewer, Richard

Madeley

We know the answer to the question of whether Madeley would interview President Joe Biden of the US or President Emmanuel Macron of France in this way The behaviour was shocking but perhaps not surprising to witness Madeley’s privilege is not divorced from his country’s colonial past, even if his Prime Minister Rishi Sunak so far stubbornly refuses to acknowledgethis.

JustonGuyana,hemight want to humble up himself and consider what Nick DraperwroteintheStabroek

Newsdiasporacolumnsome ten years ago: “The data show that across the whole oftheCaribbean,thebiggest single awards by far were concentrated in the territories that today make upGuyana.Allofthetop12 awards paid worldwide to slave-owners, and a staggering96 of thetop100 awards, were paid to slaveowners for enslaved people in Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo, together then knownasBritishGuiana.”

President Ali did us all proud He is to be commendedforthecalmand pointed way in which he respondedtotheentitledand illiterate table thumper, including emphasising that

thepalaces–andwealth–of the UK were made possible through empire, the blood, sweat, tears and material resources extracted from colonised bodies and lands. And that we are no longer ‘owned’ or indentured I watched clips of the President’s elegant response and the exchange, and then immediatelywenttolistento The Mighty Sparrow’s (in)famous calypso, Phillip MyDear,aboutamaninthe Queen’s bedroom, spelling out the intimacies of empire andpowerthatMadeleywas so infuriated to have to consider Reparations.Now.

Sincerely

AlissaTrotz

DearEditor, According to a report in the September 21 edition of Stabroek News, the Region

Four Chairman and Executive member of the People’s National Congress, Mr Daniel Seeram, is to be charged with assaulting his wife. Domestic violence, so widespread in our society is completely unacceptable and it is good to see that the law can be made to move swiftly and that Seeram is going to be charged for his allegedabusiveactions.This behaviour should not be allowed by anyone regardless of status. It is a criminal offence and no one shouldbeabovethelaw What is baffling to us though, is why was it necessary to get the advice from the Director of Public Prosecutionsastowhetherto chargeornot?Wehavedealt with countless domestic violence cases and the DPP wasneverconsulted.Isthisa newwayofdoingthingsand

DEAREDITOR,

Given the recent threats by Venezuela, we must as a countrybemorevigilantand takeextraprecautioninwho weallowtomigrateintoour country In the not-toodistant past, Venezuela showed that they have a people’s militia that is 1million people strong. If we arenotcautious,membersof their militia can easily pose as asylum seekers and occupyEssequibo.Itisinour Nation’sbestinteresttohave an established temporary refugee camp on the border with Venezuela so as to easilysendtherefugeesback to their homeland when the situation in Venezuela improves. By taking this approach, we will continue

should we therefore expect this level of involvement of theDPPgoingforwardwhen it comes to domestic violence cases? Or is it that the law works differently depending on who is involved in the alleged crime?Weshouldnothaveto askthis,ortowonderifsome cases are not important enough, others are too important to be dismissed because of who is involved, and yet others are dismissed precisely because they are also important, because of whoisinvolved.

The law should be applied evenly without fear orfavour

Wealsounderstandthata gunwasinvolvedduringthe assault. According to news reports, Mr Seeram was released on $20,000 bail in March 2022, for an alleged threat to his father-in-law whichinvolvedagun.

Are firearm holders allowed to use their gun in this manner? The previous

incidenttook placejust over a year ago. Why was Mr Seeramstillallowedtobein possession of a gun? And doeshestillhaveitfollowing this latest accusation and chargeofdomesticviolence? Hisirresponsibleactionsare dangeroustothesociety We cannot allow power and status to override the justice systeminGuyana.

We look forward to the outcomeofthismatter

We hope that Mr Seeram’s wife was advised toapplyforallthenecessary orders under the Domestic Violence Act and we hope that justice will prevail. We also await news of Mr Seeram’s letter of resignation from the chairmanship, and his recall fromparliament.

Sincerely

SusanCollymore

HalimaKhan

JoyMarcus

VanessRoss

WintressWhite ForRedThread

to aid those suffering in Venezuela that are seeking our assistance, while also safeguarding our territorial integrityfromthedangersof an infiltration by the VenezuelaMilitia.

Wemustbecautious!

Thevalueofourterritory increases with each oil find

and an impoverished neighbourwillbetemptedto take what doesn’t belong to them, especially when we consider the history of the dispute and the current map withinVenezuela.Theirmap showsEssequiboasapartof theircountryandtheyhave

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WhywasMr.Seeramstillallowed tobeinpossessionofagun?

We must be cautious!

TributetoCecilAlexander“Skip”Roberts

DEAREDITOr,

Please allow me to publicly pay tribute to a noblemaninthefieldoflaw enforcement, a stalwart in the history of the Guyana Police Force, and Guyana’s youngest and most accomplished Crime Chief, the late Cecil Alexander “Skip”Roberts.

A man of excellence in service, he benefitted from perennial humility, public trust and confidence, and effective, self-carved t e c h n i q u e s i n management/team-building that helped to develop his charisma and achieve his objectives.

Those of us familiar with his life know that he was not born great or had greatnessthrustuponhim

His vision, humility, innovative management t e c h n i q u e s a n d accountability to the Guyanese nation led to his greatness He worked to achieveit!

B e c a u s e o f h i s enviable humility, “Skip” could have easily walked among royalty, and step down to interact with ordinarypeople

That was the nature of a man who, through his disposition to people, taughtuslessons

In his own words, when he was catapulted into the CID as an Officer, he knew very little about detective work and was not as knowledgeable as h i s m o s t j u n i o r subordinate In his own words, he had to learn from those under him In his own words, he had the commitment to build a competent and unified team, and had to show respect and compassion to his men. In his own words, he had to be surrounded by true,trustedprofessionals. What an expression of humilityandvision!

Through his boundless humility, he used his experience from his in involvement in diverse sports to appreciate the value of every member of his team “Skip” always spoke laterally or directly across to even his most junior subordinate, i n s t e a d o f condescendingly (from toptobottom)

Speaking harshly to anyone was averse to him. Such humility helped to build his charisma and developthetrustandrespect of those whom he led and evenserved.

“Skip’s” involvement and achievements in

multiplesportsexpandedhis socialcontactsandhelpedto makehimapopularnational figure, People easily gravitated to him with trust and confidence And so, during his tenure as Crime

Chief, he frequently received a groundswell of information on criminal activities from various parts ofthecountry

Fromtimetotimeduring my stints in Linden, he used todirectlysendmenotesfor me to look into bits of information. I used to mobilize the best men available and promptly deal with every assignment Whenever I was successful, my heart was pleasantly warmed.

K n o w i n g t h a t information coming from him was always credible, I used to be dejected if my efforts were unsuccessful. WhenIhadtoupdatehimon my negative findings, his comforting words were, “That’s a part of the game. Wecan’twinall.”

I could always count on hissupport.

“Skip” could be counted on to look after the welfare andwell-beingofhismen.In November, 1980, I was a rookie detective at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary when he summoned me to his office and said, “I want youtogonowtothePassport Office and pick up your passport.

YouaregoingtoCanada next week on an extended assignment.”

I was taken by surprise and had mixed feelings. My wife was expecting our fourth child within a few weeks. I told him that I was concerned about the welfare ofmyfamily

He assured me that everything would be taken careof.

He did not renege; he ensured that my family was looked after during my prolongedabsence.

One night in June 1983, banditsshotmeduringafoot patrolinLinden.

T

Exxon Eyes US$16 Billion In Profits From Its Fuel And Chemicals Businesses By 2027

Mackenzie Hospital were contemplating amputating my injured left arm. The vigorous objection of my wife and him (“Skip”) caused the doctors to abort their plan. Subsequently, he played a major role in enablingmetogettreatment overseas. Today my hand is intact and properly functioning.

Cecil Alexander “Skip” Roberts’ legacy is bequeathed to all. It is in a package marked “Doing It MyWay.”

Thecontentsarelabeled: H u m i l i t y, Te a m Building, Innovation, Charisma and Trust. Let us use that legacy to good effect.

Nothing in writing is available in the public domain on “Skip’s” life and accomplishments.

With the support of his family, a small group of former detectives has launched a project to research his life and accomplishments.

The former detective’s community, the public and “Skip’s” former friends are invited to share their memories, thoughts and viewsonhim.

Contact can be made with Samuel Roberts on +1 407 810 6435, Henry Chesteron+19294309991, NicholasSuffreinon+1592 6248783,ClevelandChester on +1 646 405 0775 or RennieInnisson+1929370 9362.

Let’s work together towards accomplishing this task.

Cecil Alexander “Skip” Roberts successfully did it his way The nation should beproudofhim.

I’m grateful for his influence on my life and his servicesrenderedtoGuyana. It is my hope that “in the sweet by and by, we shall meetonthatbeautifulshore. Godbewithyou,“Skip,”till wemeetagain.”

“Adios!Goodbye!”

Amen!

Sincerely

Rennie

Inniss

Wemustbecautious...

Frompage5 been teaching this to their children and citizens fordecades.

The Venezuelans will feel justified in taking our land from us by hook or by crook.

With the current situationinmind,itisbestto require English as a first language in our schools and amongst our citizens. Once

it has been established, the useofSpanishinschools,on policevehiclesandforother government services must be restricted to the temporary refugee camp Containment is important at thisstageoftheconflict.

Bestregards,

Mr JamilChanglee Chairman

(Oilprice.com)

Exxon expects to generate some $16billioninprofitsfromits fuels and chemicals businessesin2027,company executivestoldmedia.

“Toward the end of this decade, we see gasoline demand peaking, but it will be a long plateau,” Senior Vice President Jack Williams said, as quoted by Reuters.

The increase in earnings follows the merger of Exxon’s refining and chemicals business and its streamlining in order to maximize returns from both divisions. In line with these plans, Exxon announced the start-up of two new chemicals units at its Baytown, Texas, refinery earlierthisweek.

The addition cost the supermajor $2 billion and was part of its long-term growthplan.

With the startup of these two new lines, ExxonMobil is delivering high-value materials for a variety of products that society depends on every day,” said Karen McKee, president of the company’s Product Solutions division. “We achieved excellent safety performance by leveraging our expertise to plan and

executelargeprojects,while providing meaningful investment in the U.S. Gulf Coast,”McKeealsosaid.

Exxon also expanded its Beaumont, Texas, refinery earlier this year, adding 250,000 barrels to its daily processing capacity Petrochemicals are widely seen as the only long-term growth path for oil and gas companies.

The reason is, of course, the energy transition that many argue will decimate demandforoilasatransport fuel.

TheInternationalEnergy Agency earlier this month forecastthatoildemandwill peak before 2030 as EVs displaceinternalcombustion engines.

OPEC disagreed, however, warning against such forecasts as they could endanger global energy security by discouraging investment in oil and gas production.Accordingtothe Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand in the United States is already past its peak, whichoccurredin2018,ata level of 9.33 million barrels daily.

Thelatestavailabledata, for June this year, shows demandof9.27millionbpd.

Accesstojustice...

Frompage5 indirectly affected by a decision, sometimes by merely being citizens of Guyana, to institute legal proceedings in public law and constitutional cases ” (SN 20/5/2023 Ramkarran criticizes ‘murky waters’ commentonJudgeKissoon’s judgement)

While we appreciate the convenience of having these cases heard utilizing online platforms, this should not be at the expense of access for the press, stakeholders and other members of the public whohaveaninterestinthese matters. The cases where access has been narrowly curtailedinclude:

·Radziks&SinghvsEPA &SchlumbergerGuyanaInc.

·Henry et al vs EPA &

EEPGL on renewal of environmental permit for Liza1

·Hughes&RadzikreEPA andEssolegalrighttopursue Gas to Energy Pipeline

·RadzikvsEABChairman& memberreGtEPowerPlant

·Henry et al vs EPA re ExxonMobilGuyanaflaring As such, we are requesting clarification and changes to be instituted re access to court hearings for these ongoing cases and any other Judicial Review Case hearings held utilizing the Zoom or other online platforms.

Regards

DanutaRadzik

VandaRadzik

FredrickCollins

SherlinaNageer

ElizabethHughes

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When it comes to the US$214 million audit debacle,Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s public positions do not add up, they only thicken the mysteries and darkness existing before.

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It was Jagdeo himself who shared audit finding numbers that went from US$214 million to US$11 million, and then to the rock bottom of US$3 million in findings. Considering that last US$3 million figure, it was the equivalent of there being no finding by IHS Markit and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) at all.

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Also, both the government and the Vice President indicated that missing documentation was provided by ExxonMobil, which effectively reversed some of the audit findings.

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Since the supporting documents were supplied, then that should have been that, once they were accepted, which is what Guyanese were led to believe. The fact is it did not turn out to be so, with the usual Jagdeo surfacing.

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VPJagdeo’spublic positionsdon’taddup

Confusion over Guyana’s first oil audit highlights need for law to determine duration

-Opposition

As G u y a n a audits, Low stressed that it really when we are dealing prepares to head took multiple years before with these huge amounts, it to arbitration the country finally heard is perfectly- I think anyone

over US$214 about the findings from its wouldexpectthatyouhavea million in questionable costs first audit, even though the structured process with a f l a g g e d b y B r i t i s h initial report was handed specifictimeframeinmind.” Consultancy group, IHS- over the Guyana Revenue The Opposition Leader’s Markit,somefouryearsafter Authority (GRA) in March advisor said it is expected the audit contract was 20,2020. that disputes may arise awarded, the political

Low also flagged the during the audit which Opposition has cited the manner in which the public would require an adjustment needforadefinitivetimeline learned of the audit findings, totheestablishedtimeframe. to be established for the contending that such critical This, he urged, must be completion of such key informationshouldnotmake d i s c u s s e d a t t h e processes. its way to Guyanese through Parliamentary level where

L e a d e r o f t h e “leaked” newspaper thepubliccanbeinformedof Opposition, Aubrey Norton reporting. any adjustments He and his economic advisor

“Itcannotbethattheonly strongly argued against “an and spokesperson on oil and way for an audit to come to open-ended process where gas matters, Elson Low light in Guyana and to be audits are hidden for yesterday warned that such a completed is for the multiple years and then measure was particularly newspaperstoleaktheaudit. when they do come out, it’s important as the country period 1999-2017 The industry if we lose every last questionable costs being It must be that we have a chaos and there’s a question continues to fast track the Consultant later issued a additional cent due to this claimed by the operator structure in place, we have a ofcriminality.” industry report which indicated that persistent inability and could amount to more than time period in mind whether Weighing in on the Low in his opening some US$214 million in unwillingness to audit. In an US$5 billion if the trend that’s two years, whether matter, Opposition Leader, statement, presented during costs being claimed by the agreement in which we continues across the five that’s five years, we have a Aubrey Norton said Guyana a virtual Opposition press oilgiantcouldbedisputedby benefit from profit oil, it is sanctioned Stabroek Block specific time period and we should draw expertise from conference,saidthePeople’s the Government of Guyana i n c u m b e n t o n t h e projects. This is well above have a structured process,” other oil producing nations. National Congress Reform (GoG). The finalization of government to ensure that the country’s total debt, hereasoned. “This is not the first audit in (PNC/R) had previously this process is nowhere near properauditsaredone.” which according to this Low went on to note, the World. They have had called for a timeline to be set as yet since the dispute may He added, “As it stands, year’s Mid-Year report is “This chaotic process where many, there must be some in the then Petroleum require settlement through these audit deficiencies justunderUS$4billion. itisjustanybody’sguessand idea as to how long an audit Activities Bill, which would arbitration. mean Guyana’s oil revenue In arguing the need for you only find out about should take and you can put cap the time an audit takes. T h e f a i l u r e o f is vulnerable to remaining a the law to stipulate a things where people actually in law, a time that is like the These calls, according to the government to complete trickleevenasthenumberof t i m e f r a m e f o r t h e leak the information out average time across the Opposition fell on “deaf timely audits according to barrels pumped daily soars. completion of oil and gas there is not acceptable and globe.” ears”. This could be the case the Opposition has reduced Wewillnotbeabletodeliver as the party failed to submit likely economic measures a better standard of living, its concerns or comments to that can be taken to support better schools, better the government during a Guyaneseacrossthecountry. healthcare or even economic two-week consultation Lowsaid,“Webelievethatit diversification if we are not periodonthenewoillaw isagoodtimetotakestockof receiving the revenues we Presently, the country’s the extreme financial losses areentitledto.” first oil audit is now in its the PPP is exposing Guyana The Economist pointed fourth year since it was t o b y r e f u s i n g t o out that the US$107 million awarded to the UK company competently fulfill its audit that Guyana would receive for completion It was duties. The Opposition has from the questionable reported on September 9, committed to working to US$214 million could easily 2019 that the former ensure our people get providelow-incomehousing Coalition government hired maximum benefit from our for 2,000 families, or IHS-Markit to undertake the oil sector However, we alternatively, G$100,000 for review of some US$1.6B in believe that there is no point nearly every Guyanese exploration costs racked up talking to oil companies to household. He further noted by ExxonMobil during the get more out of the oil that the 13 percent in

VP Jagdeo calls on Public Works Ministry to enforce weight restriction regulations on roadways

Vice President Bharrat with trucks transporting must pay for damaging Jagdeo on Thursday at his construction materials, public infrastructure; party’s press conference equipment and cargo for the however, when it comes to urged that the Ministry of oil and gas sector Many roads, he said that weight Public Works, enforce commuters believe that it restrictionprogrammesmust w e i g h t r e s t r i c t i o n s might be one the main be implemented through the programmes to protect the reasons why country’s Public Works Ministry to country’s roads from being busiest highway is quickly prevent damage. “Okay the damaged by heavy-duty becoming deplorable. With thing is that some roads are vehiclesandmachines.

Guyana’s Attorney General, not made for these things so

With Guyana’s oil and Anil Nandlall recently they should have a weight gassectorexpandingrapidly, announcing that persons will restriction…Youshouldtalk there has been a massive now have to pay for to the Public Works people increase in heavy-duty damaging public property about weight restriction vehicles such as container andinfrastructure. programmes because some trucks and machines Kaieteur News asked the roads are not designed (for traversing the country major Vice President if a similar that) like you could see a roadwaysonadailybasis. approach will be taken when road that is internal or a

One of the most it comes to heavy-duty village road and heavy-duty frequented routes is the East vehiclesdamagingtheroads. trucks going down the Bank Demerara corridor Jagdeo agreed that persons internalroad”,Jagdeosaid.

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton (right) and his Economic Advisor, Elson Low listens to journalists during the virtual press engagement

Oil and gas equipment being transported on one of the country’s roadways

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Appearances can be deceiving

When the APNU+AFC cameintopower,theyhosted agrandinaugurationeventat the National Stadium, welcomingalargeturnoutof the general public

Conversely,whenthePPP/C reclaimed office, their inauguration was an exclusive gathering, limited toinvitedguests.

Duringtheformerevent, t h e a u d i e n c e w a s predominantly composed of working-classsupporters.In contrast, the latter inauguration was attended mainlybyGuyana’saffluent andwell-knownindividuals, leaving the majority of PPP/C’s working-class supporters to watch the proceedings on their televisionscreens.

It might be tempting for some to assess the government’s ideological orientation based on these observations, suggesting that the APNU+AFC displayed a stronger connection to the working class, while the PPP/C’s inauguration appeared more bourgeois. However, if such conclusions do not stand rigorousscrutiny,itisalltoo easy to be swayed by superficial appearances and charismatic leaders who claim to represent the interests of the people. The image of a president or government official frequentlyengagingwiththe public and listening to their concerns can, and often are intended, to embed certain impressions on the minds of citizens. This is why today people are often heard making the pronouncement that one President was not a people’spersonbuttheother wasamanofthepeople.

We must resist the temptation to assume that

gestures such as the frequency with which a leader meets the people, define that leader’s allegiance to the people Class allegiances in politics aremuchmorenuanced. To truly understand the class alliances of a government, we must scrutinize their economic policies, as they reveal the true beneficiaries of governance Class allegiancesinpoliticsarenot always straightforward. A leader’s public persona, activities, and interactions with the masses may create an illusion of being a “man of the people.” However, such appearances can be deceiving A leader who engages frequently engages with the public, holding community meetings and listening sessions across the country may appear to be a champion of the people, but his or her true class allegiances become apparent when we analyze the economic policies they implement Thelitmustest,in this case, is to assess who benefits the most from these policies, as this reveals the government’s true class alliances To assess a government’sclassalliances, one must look through the economic lens. Economic policiesareperhapsthemost accurate indicators of which class or group stands to gain themostfromagovernment’s actions These policies encompass taxation, fiscal measures,wagespoliciesand socialpolicies Byexamining thesepolicies,wecandiscern the government’s priorities and identify the class that benefitsthemost.

The PPP/C and the APNU+AFC pursued neoliberaleconomicpolicies.As such, their broad policy

outlook would inevitably be biased in favour of the rich over the poor. While neoliberal economics have sought to cultivate the idea of incorporating working class policies, neo-liberal economicshasproventobea failure in terms of shifting class relations in society Under neo-liberalism, the poverty may be reduced through the right interventions but the gap between the rich and the poorandbetweenthelower, middle and upper classes becomesmuchwider

The workers in Guyana may feel that they are obtaining the most benefits underthepresenttaxsystem. They will point to the constant increases in the incometaxthresholdandthe zero-rating of a number of consumeritems.

However, these very policies help the rich more thanthepoor

It will take a separate column to establish such a thesis Under both the APNU+AFC and the PPP/C government, it was the bourgeois class which reaped the most benefits from the government’s tax concessions and zero rating of items, especially in the construction and consumer sector where tax relief was notpassedontoconsumers.

Government spending has disproportionately favoured the wealthy over the less affluent. Presently, there are individuals in the business world who have never engaged in manual labour, yet are swiftly establishing companies and vying for government c o n t r a c t s W h i l e governments like to brag howtheirpublicinvestments generatejobsfortheworkers,

DEM BOYS SEH DBS

Where was President Biden?

Guyana, now gat oil. And dat mek us more important than all de gold and diamonds we exporting. De Americans want we oil but dem nah showing us any respect at all.ImaginePrezzyhopped onaplaneandflewstraight intothelandofthefreeand thehomeofthebrave.Now, you’dthinkthatwithallthis newfound oil business, UncleSamwouldberolling out the red carpet, right? Wrong!

You’d think President Bidenwouldbethereinthe waiting line to greet our President. But no, instead

we President had to meet with a set of third-tier officials.

Insteadofmeetingwith de President, we Prezzy meeting with a former President.InsteadofBiden, it is Clinton. Talk about disrespect of the highest order! I

President’s face when he found out he’d be meeting with a has-been instead of thebigcheese.Heprobably thought he’d accidentally booked a time machine backtothe’90s.

Now, I don’t know aboutyou,butitseemslike Uncle Sam needs a little

this tends to obscure the fact that for every dollar the workers obtain, the contractorsobtaintwo

G o v e r n m e n t s representing the working classshouldnotbeimposing salaryincreasesforworkers. Instead, they should work graduallytowardsthegoalof paying workers a living wage.

Regrettably, the APNU+AFC and the PPP/C administrations have been remiss in their commitment to collective bargaining for public servants and have treatedtheconceptofaliving wageasthoughitwouldspell disaster for the country But the only reason why a living wage is not being paid is becauseitwillberesistedby the business class – the class that has seized control of the government Social policies can sometimescreatetheillusion that they primarily benefit thelessprivilegedinsociety These policies give rise to the notion that public investments in areas like healthcare, education, and housing are designed to improvethelivesofthepoor However, in practice, these policies can be misleading. For instance, the education systemoftenfallsshortofits

promise, producing a significant number of graduates who lack basic literacyandnumeracyskills. Only a small fraction of studentsmanagetograduate with qualifications that enablethemtosecureentrylevelemployment.

Similarly, disparities in healthcare delivery mean that those with financial means can access the best healthcare services in the country, while the less fortunate are forced to rely on substandard healthcare services.

The sub-standard public health service is actually helping to grow private medicalcarein this country

The worse the public health system becomes, the greater the need for private hospitals.Itisbusinessclass that benefits from such a system.

The government’s housingprogrammehasbeen co-opted by the bourgeois classthathasusedittofurther theirownenrichment

This has resulted in wideningincomegapswithin society, setting the stage for potentialfutureclassconflicts in Guyana. If tomorrow the government was to do an audit to see how many homeowners got house lots,

the results would lead to a national scandal. Instead of empowering the poor, the government’smuch-vaunted housing programme is increasing the gap between therichandthepoor Appearances can be deceiving, and a leader’s public persona may not accurately reflect his or her trueclassallegiances

Togaugeagovernment’s alignment with a particular class, one must look beyond photo opportunities and examinejustwhogets.

If an objective appraisal isdone,itwouldconfirmthat whilethepoorcelebrateover the crumbs they receive, Guyanaisacountryinwhich thericharegettingricherand thegapbetweentheworking, middle and upper classes are widening

(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.)

lessoninmanners.Ifyou’re gonna come knocking on our door for that sweet, sweet oil, the least you can do is show some respect. Maybe next time, they’ll thinktwiceaboutsendinga substitute teacher when the principal’sintown.

Butmaybeisabigmixup and they’ll send PresidentBidenoverbefore our Prezzy leaves the Big Apple What must not happen again is that those responsible for the President’sitineraryshould refuse in the future to meet withlow-levelUSofficials.

TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

US$214M SCANDAL: HOW DOES VP JAGDEO FEATURE

This ground has been covered where I believe is the heart of this on, and what was the extent of his match? Or is that another before, so there may be some issue that wreaks havoc on insights and intelligence feeds consideration, and Exxon another repetition. Pardon is asked, but the credibility, trustworthiness, and the about this mystery? Fourth, did an party, that has to be factored into objective is to highlight Guyanese now distressed contributions of all employee or small subset of thisauditmess? governance and leadership. present in this debacle. I take the employees at the Ministry harbour Since all ends have to be Citizens get the final say. Whether Hon Vice President on his word the mistaken idea that whatever pursued, and none left dangling, I corporate meddling, to round off they are rigidly partisan, keenly that, indeed, there were what I action they took with regard to the push myself to go in the direction thecircle? observant, focused on fairness, wouldcallthesereckless(orrogue) disputed oil amount (US$214 whereIthinkthattheroadscouldbe Whathasunfolded,thusfar,has simply content to be fence-sitters employees, and that all eyes are on million), they had the Vice heading. It is what must be not comforted, instills zero and maintain a safe distance (or them and every finger points to President’s nod of approval, and followed, regardless of who is confidence. The latter has never follow the crowd), they still have them. The first question is this: that he would take care of them, as madetolooklessthanupright,who been this low The Guyana the last say on this US$214 million were they acting wholly and solely in have their backs? Fifth, was is upset, and who is upended. The RevenueAuthority is reduced to an auditscandal. ontheirowninitiative? Thesecond such an idea or belief or conclusion tricky and clumsy trail is of this unwanted, inconvenient stepchild.

The claim is that employees of is:didtheybelievethattheyhad,or by workers, now denounced by the US$214 million audit write-down TheVice President has not inspired the Ministry of Natural Resources heard, or felt that they were Vice President in this troubling to US$11 million then to US$3 in this affair Guyana couldn’t get did wrong, as in they engaged in empoweredtomakethetypeoffar- context, that which led to the bold million, and with last sound bite auditsproperlyexecutedbecauseof “unauthorized” actions. I take the reaching decision that they did? initiative taken with the now back to US$107 million. It is its lack of required capacity The liberty of using the plural (they) Or, to say this in another way, did tampered US$214 million Exxon where things stand delicately trouble is that when Guyana does since if it were a single ministry the Hon.Vice President of Guyana, audit? Sixth, the disturbing matter p o i s e d o n t h e G u y a n a get an audit, it ends up with what employee only, then he or she Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, provide any of incentives has to be hauled to Government’s side only, with looks dirty, smells dirty, and is would be a Guyanese public guidance, have any input, had any centerstage, with the question Exxon silent concerning its take on surrounded by the dirty If this is servant of extraordinary attributes, foreknowledge, wielded any being: were any incentives an all that is happening. Now for the Guyana’s oil age in its baby years, a kind never seen before locally influence whatsoever in the integral aspect of all these final questions. Is this ugly and then I need to put as much distance Regardless of whether it is one decision(s) made and the actions manoeuvres? Seventh, were these slimy audit story, from sternum to as possible between me and all ministry worker, or a group of taken by those Natural Resources manoeuvrespurelybureaucratic,or scrotum, the result of some strange these profanities and all these them, an action (or a series of employees? In sum, was there do they have some degree of and dark kind of collaboration that participants that leave many actions) was taken with the audit w h a t c o u l d h a v e b e e n political taint from some elevated wounds the interests of Guyana? Guyanese with the worse doubts findings that would have cost this misinterpreted? Actions now corner? Eighth, was deep- Or to employ a real harsh and thatsolidifyinside. countryheavily deemedas“unauthorized?” pocketed Exxon, with its familiar word to Guyanese: is what (The views expressed in this With that as the murky Third, if he didn’t (and I find uninhibited power and reach in we have today, a conspiracy article are those of the author and background, as stated by Minister this highly dubious, insultingly so, Guyana, an innocent and distant involving elements of a connected do not necessarily reflect the and Vice President on behalf of the givenhisubiquityandpower),then observer, with interested party and protected bureaucracy, opinions and beliefs of this government,Inowproceedtogoto when did he know what was going status only and hands-off actions to political machinations, and newspaper and its affiliates.)

GWI awards bursaries to 27 students

Some 27 students on English and Mathematics, Wednesday were awarded pointing that these two key bursaries by the Guyana subjects are vital for Water Inc (GWI) worth $1.3 e m p l o y m e n t a n d million in recognition of matriculation at the t h e i r o u t s t a n d i n g university level. GWI Board performance at the last Director, Wendell Jeffrey in National Grade Six a lively message to the Assessment. bursary awardees, appealed

The presentation was to them to continue to do held at GWI’s Headquarters wellinschool,focusonwhat at Shelterbelt, Georgetown, they want to become and andhadinattendanceGWI’s avoidbadcompany Chief Executive Officer GWI Human Resources (CEO), Shaik Baksh, other Director, Elvis Jordon, who seniorcompanyofficialsand alsoaddressedthegathering, parents, the water company said education is the key to a saidinapressrelease. bright future, and GWI

A d d r e s s i n g t h e supports that future for the gathering, Mr Baksh childrenofitsemployees.He congratulated the students also emphasised that for excelling at the NGSA education should be and used the opportunity to available to everyone urge the parents to pay keen regardless of their interest in their children’s background. education Mr Baksh, a GWI awards bursaries former Education Minister, not only to students who also encouraged the students obtainedplacementatthetop to avoid distractions like the secondary schools but to television and their every child of an employee cellphonesandtocontinueto who attains a secondary pay serious attention to their school at the National Grade studies. Six Assessment The

He emphasised the bursaries are awarded to importance of paying children of employees maximum attention to throughoutthecountry

GWI CEO Shaik Baksh (sixth left); Human Resources Director, Elvis Jordon (behind Mr. Baksh) and Board Director, Wendell Jeffrey (right) with the bursary awardees

GWI CEO Shaik Baksh presents a prize to one of the awardees

FAO and the Caribbean deepen cooperation for the transformation of agrifood systems to combat hunger and poverty

Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative of the Food andAgriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Lubetkin, participated in a high-level meeting of Ministers of Agriculture of Caribbean countries in Kingston, Jamaica, with the goal of deepening cooperation to address common challenges in the fight against hunger and poverty in the region, through the transformation of agrifood systems to make them more efficient, inclusive,resilientandsustainable.

The invitation was extended by Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green and attended by Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; St. Vincent and the Grenadines Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, RuralTransformation,Industryand Labour, Hon Saboto Caesar; Bahamas Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Hon. Jomo Campbell; Grenada’s Minister of climate change realities at the representation, inclusion, and a significant challenge in reducing Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and forefront? Do they have access to protection of the rights of those hunger and malnutrition, which projectsintheCaribbean. Cooperatives, Hon Adrian resources to do things like climate most vulnerable to the effects of needs immediate attention Lubetkin added that “FAO is Thomas. smart agriculture, protected climate change; Energy Transition, Addressing inequalities is confident that the Caribbean

(L-R) Agronomist, Ministry of Agriculture Grenada, Alison Haynes; Permanent Secretary in Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Dermon Spence; FAO Ambassador to the Bahamas, HE Winston Pinnock FAO, Grenada’s Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Hon. Adrian Thomas; Assistant Director General Mario Lubetkin; Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green; Jamaica’s State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Hon. Franklin Witter, FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator Dr. Renata Clarke and FAO Jamaica, Bahamas & Belize Representative Dr. Crispim Moreira.

Mr Green said he looks agriculture? How are we utilising by enlarging FAO project portfolio essential, especially since food Agriculture Ministers meeting forward to leaving the High-level our partnerships to change the on renewable energy; Blue insecurity is rising. Governments, convened by Jamaica will MinisterialMeetingwithacredible reality of the farmer in Guyana, transformation to use the potential international organizations, and contribute to these joint efforts to plan, “that will give us some Grenada, Bahamas, St. Vincent, of the oceans in supporting food otherstakeholdersmustcollaborate tackle hunger and poverty Our timelines and will point us in the Jamaica and the entire region?” he security; accelerate agrifood to establish programmes commitment to implementing direction of funds that we will askedattheopeningceremony systems transformations by encouraging efficient, resilient, projects in the Caribbean is strong. m o b i l i s e t o s t a r t t h e FAO introduced various including Caribbean Small Island

inclusive,andsustainableagri-food We are currently discussing with implementation.” cooperation initiatives that are Developing States (SIDS) in FAO systems”, said Mario Lubetkin, various partners to make this a

“How can we ensure that more currently in progress. For instance, Hand-in-Hand global initiative; FAORegionalRepresentative. reality by utilizing South-South of our small, older farmers have the support to the CARICOM 25 X and Water management, by In access to Climate Finance, and Triangular Cooperation and access to the water they need to 25 initiative, which seeks to reduce exploring ways to provide more over the last 4 years, FAO has mobilizing investments to move their agriculture enterprise extra-regional food imports by technical assistance in this field, supported the approval of about 10 strengthen people’s livelihoods forward? How can we ensure that 25% by 2025; Climate Justice, amongothers. Global Environment Facility whilepreservingtheenvironment.” they’re planning with the new w h i c h a i m s e n s u r i n g

“TheCaribbeanregionisfacing (GEF) projects, and 10 Green (FAO)

Norton calls on Region 4 Chairman to step down on wife-beating allegations

Leader of the People’s capacity as Chairman of It is true that it is not the first office. National Congress Reform Region Four in September, timeandIwillleaveittohim “We think he should step (PNC/R) and Opposition 2020. Norton admitted that to do the decent thing,” down but I am saying to you Leader, Aubrey Norton on he nominated the former Norton told reporters during atthisstage,wehavenotsaid Thursday said the Chairman Guyana Defence Force amediaengagement. to him, look you need to go. of Region Four, Daniel (GDF) captain for the role, He added that should the You must understand the Seeram should do the however the Opposition’s Chairman refuse to step Regional system, when “decentthing”andresign. position as it regards down,thenextstepwouldbe somebody becomes a Norton’s comments violenceisclear discussed and determined at Regional Chairman or a came on the heels of recent “The Opposition does the level of the party The Councillor, there is no media reports that the not condone violence of any Leader of the PNC/R mechanism that exists to Chairman would be charged kind, worse so domestic explained that while the remove that person if with assault of his wife. violence…as it relates to the party holds the view that today or tomorrow, he says Seeram, an executive resignation, I think Daniel Seeram should be sent he’s not stepping down and member of the PNC/R was Seeram understands the packing, it has not up to now wesayyouhavetogo,doesit elected to serve in the natureofwhathashappened. requested that he vacates the follow that he will go? It doesn’tfollow,”hesaid. at Wednesday evening’s since the Chairman was According to the Party Central Executive Meeting, charged for allegedly Leader, the Regional system the disciplinary committee threatening his father-in-law differs from what obtains in was finally established since with a gun. He was released Parliament for instance, this he was elected to serve on$20,000bail. sinceavoteofno-confidence asLeader Reports indicate that in can send a member packing. A c c o r d i n g t o early March 2022, Seeram Norton was reluctant to say information received, the went to MovieTowne to whether the Regional Regional Chairman’s wife speak to his wife when he Chairman would be reported the alleged assault instead met his father-in-law disciplined by the party’s to police earlier this week. and the two got engaged in disciplinary committee, He was expected to be an altercation, causing though he said the charged with the offence. Seeramtoallegedlybrandish constitutionprovidesforthis The allegations against his weapon to threaten the recourse. He would only say Seeramcomejustoverayear man.

FAO urges global action on food...

From page 3 Republic of Congo, Félix- society representatives, UN drew over 800 in-person Antoine Tshisekedi agencies, and private sector attendees, including Ts h i l o m b o , A m i n a leaders to collaborate on students, faculty, academia, Mohammed, UN Deputy practical solutions for p r i v a t e s e c t o r Secretary-General, and achieving the Sustainable representatives, and Gerd Müller, Director Development Goals government leaders from General of the United (SDGs). theNewYorkregion. N a t i o n s I n d u s t r i a l The event facilitates Additionally, more than Development Organization discussions on various 1,000participantsregistered (UNIDO). The ICSD is a topics related to sustainable online. The plenary also premier international development, including featured distinguished conference that convenes gender equity, climate speakers such as the experts, academics, change, and economic President of the Democratic government officials, civil development.

Region Four Chairman, Daniel Seeram

farmers, extension officers undergoing training to properly export fresh produce

Twenty-five farmers and extension option but to rapidly improve our food officers are undergoing a series of practical control system, to fully meet regional and and theoretical training exercises that will international standards,” the agriculture prepare them to comply with the ministerstated requirements to export fresh produce to the Meanwhile, IICA’s Country UnitedStatesofAmerica. Representative, Wilmot Garnett outlined

The three-day workshop is for Guyana to severalofthemodules’areasthetrainingwill promotetheunderstandingoftheFoodSafety focus on, which is a requirement globally Modernisation Act (FMSA) Produce Safety Introduction to safety, land use, worker’s Rule.ItisbeinghostedbytheInter-American health, hygiene training, soil amendments, Institute for Corporation on Agriculture wildlife, domesticated animals, and (IICA), with support from the United States interacting with animals are among some of Department of Agriculture-Foreign thetrainingareas.DeputyChiefofMissionof AgricultureService(USDA-FAS). the United States Embassy, Adrienne

The programme’s goal is to improve Galanekalsodeliveredbriefremarks. competitiveness and the technical “Ican’temphasiseenoughtheimportance proficiencyoffoodsafetyexpertstoadhereto of food safety standards to all populations theFMSA’scriteria. from planting to consumption. The negative

During the opening ceremony at the effects of lack of food safety can be ministry’s head office, Regent Street and catastrophic This training includes Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, on information on how to assess food safety Wednesday, Minister of Agriculture, risks, implement good agricultural practices, Zulfikar Mustapha said the sessions will and meet regulatory requirements,” Galanek further enhance the technical capacity of underscored. The training which is expected agricultural producers “We want to be a to end on Friday is being facilitated by net exporter not only for the Caribbean experts from Trinidad and Tobago, Costa butaroundtheworld.Assuch,wehaveno Rica,andIICA’sGuyanaoffice.(DPI)

‘Hike in interest rates will cost...

From page 2 of 2022, when debt stood at US$3,654.9 six months, the country’s debt has surged to million, a 7.2% increase was recorded. To US$3.9 billion, marking a 7.2% increase this end, Government said this was mainly comparedtotheendof2022. attributedtoapositivenetflowfromboththe

The Ministry of Finance’s Mid-Year external and domestic debt portfolios. In the Report highlighted that, as of June 2023, recentlypublishedreportitwasstated,“Asa Guyana’s total public and publicly result of Government’s continued effort to guaranteed debt stood at US$3,916 9 ensure that financing needs are met at the million,withtotalpublicdebtaccountingfor lowestpossiblecostwithaprudentdegreeof US$3,914.5 million, and total publicly risk, Guyana’s public debt remains guaranteed debt for the remaining US$2.4 sustainable with a moderate risk of debt million. Notably, when compared to the end distress.”

Some of the participants at the training

President Ali calls for realistic, balanced approach to climate change goals at UN

President Dr Mohamed world issues in New York, challenges, particularly r e s p o n d I t i s w e l l Irfaan Ali on Wednesday USA. The debate is being climatechange.Henotedthe established that those urged the international held under the theme widespread and devastating bearing the brunt of the community to adopt a “Rebuilding trust and effectsofclimatechangeand climate phenomena have realistic and balanced reigniting global solidarity: highlighted the critical role made no contribution to the approach to combatting Accelerating action on the that multilateral cooperation current crisis. Small Island climate change and 2030 Agenda and its plays in finding solutions. “I

Developing and low-lying a c h i e v i n g n e t - z e r o Sustainable Development remain convinced that coastal States like Guyana emissionsby2050. Goals towards peace, multilateralism remains the are among the hardest hit The General Debate of prosperity, progress and most effective approach to and require adequate the United Nations General sustainabilityforall.” address these challenges, financing to address the Assembly is the opportunity In his address, President foremost of which is climate attendant effects,” for Heads of State and Irfaan Ali emphasised the c h a n g e We a r e a l l Despite achieving netGovernment to come i m p o r t a n c e o f experiencing its devastating zero emissions, Guyana together at the UN m u l t i l a t e r a l i s m i n effects The difference, continues to pursue a Low Headquarters to discuss a d d r e s s i n g g l o b a l however, is our capacity to Carbon Development

S t r a t e g y a i m e d a t blessed with the best of both sustainable resource worlds, that is, the ability to utilization for inclusive and lead on climate change and equitable development. The the use of our expansive oil head of state stressed the a n d g a s r e s e r v e s t o importance of Guyana’s vast c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e forests in mitigating climate a d v a n c e m e n t a n d changeonaglobalscale. “As development of our country custodians of a rainforest and region,” the president the size of England and noted The President’s Scotland combined, we are address also included of the view that the lack of tackling several other global financing for standing challenges including Global forests suggests they are Food Crisis and Health, worth more dead than Peace and Security, alive… That is why we International Law and support the expansion of Territorial Disputes and financial mechanisms that Support for Indigenous appropriately value the Peoples President Ali environmental services concluded by reaffirming p r o v i d e d b y f o r e s t s Guyana’s solidarity with the including through the global community, its carbon market,” c o m m i t m e n t t o Guyana’s advocacy multilateralism, and its efforts have resulted in the readiness to collaborate with issuance of 33.4 million tons countries of all sizes for of carbon credits, generating peace and prosperity The $750 million for the period speech emphasized the from 2016 to 2030. The importance of realistic and President also highlighted balanced approaches to Guyana’s commitment to a addressing climate change clean energy transition, and global challenges aiming for over 80 percent P r e s i d e n t A l i w a s reliance on renewable accompanied by Minister of energy by 2030, funded in Foreign Affairs and partbyrevenuesfromoiland International Cooperation gasresources. Hugh Todd; Foreign R e c o g n i z i n g t h e Secretary, Robert Persaud; environmental value of Permanent Secretary at standing forests, Guyana Foreign Affairs Ministry, s u p p o r t s f i n a n c i a l Elizabeth Harper; Guyana’s m e c h a n i s m s t h a t PermanentRepresentativeto appropriately value the the United Nations, Carolyn services provided by forests Rodrigues-Birkett, and through initiatives like the Director of Projects at the carbonmarket. Office of the President, “My country, Guyana, is MarciaNadir-Sharma.

Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali

Melanie North to benefit from major road works as $226.6M in contracts signed

Major relief will direct result of Vice properly…Make sure that thingIamaskingcontractors c o r r i d o r a r e b e i n g Services, Destiny General be provided to President, Bharrat Jagdeo, you put those arrangements to do is if you can get labour constructed. C o n s t r u c t i o n a n d

the residents duringacommunitymeeting in place…Your mobilisation from the community, please M i n i s t e r I n d a r Maintenance Services, ofMelanieNorth,EastCoast inJuly advances are for you to hire people from the highlighted that roads have Clean Blitz, Precision Demerara, with the signing During the simple mobilise and get the work community…So that people been constructed in Foulis, Contracting Services, of 19 contracts worth $226.6 contract signing on done.” from the community are part Enterprise,NonPareil,while Dexter Harry Enterprise, milliontorehabilitateroads. Thursday at Melanie North, The minister further and parcel of the ownership 13 roads were constructed in Jemcorp Engineering and The road works, which Minister within the Ministry advised the contractors to be of the road. The children Melanie Contracts were Imports, Qset Enterprise, measure 1.7 kilometres with of Public Works, Deodat respectful towards the who play on the road and awarded to RP Construction Mac Morris Enterprise, L 12 to 14 widths will be Indar urged the contractors residents in the community their family who walk on the Services, BB Construction, Pool Civil Works, Handel rehabilitated in concrete to honour their contractual T h e g o v e r n m e n t i s roadwillusethepridewitha Jays Construction and GarnettConstruction,Omari roads, and are slated to be obligations. “I am asking all undertaking various sense of pride,” Minister Logistics Services, HG Hollow Blocks, H and N completed in two to three of you to make sure that mechanisms to provide Indaremphasised. Construction Services, General Services, DDA months. The road works, when you start to work, you Guyanese with employment Approximately 300 Innovative Consultancy Enterprise, and Alliance and which will start shortly, are a p l a n y o u r w o r k opportunities. “The other roads along the East Coast Contracting and Investment GeneralSupplies.(DPI)

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Vladim Persaud along with a contractor during the contract signing

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar interacting with residents

Drunk driver crash into police vehicle

Thirty-one-year-old Richard Adams was vehicle, which bears registration PVV 3157, on Wednesday arrested by police after his thenhitthecop’svehiclefromtherear vehicle reportedly slammed into the rear of a The man was arrested and taken to the GuyanaPoliceForcepickup. Providence Police Station where a

According to police, the incident breathalyzertestwasadministrated. occurred around 23:50hrs on Wednesday on The test showed that he had 62 the Providence Old Road, East Bank micrograms of alcohol in his breath, which is Demerara. above the prescribed limit Adams is

Thepolicevehiclereportedlystoppedata currently in custody, assisting with the junction and was waiting to turn into the investigations. His car was lodged to be major road – the East Bank Corridor Adam’s examinedbyacertifyingofficer

The rear that was damage on the Guyana Police Force Vehicle

172.6 million wing commissioned at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Thursday commissioned the Samuel B. Moffatt Wing at the East Ruimveldt SecondarySchool.

The$172.6millionblock is a single flat rectangular building which can accommodate over 150 students, the Education Ministry said in a press release.

The Samuel B. Moffatt Winghousestenclassrooms,

September, we are not going She expressed gratitude

the Deputy Headteacher’s Secondary School. We are School,Ms.KatherynFraser office, a furnished rebuilding the Christ Church notedthattheschool’sintake Information Technology SecondarySchool,theNorth increased after the COVIDlaboratory and a staff room. Ruimveldt Secondary, the 19 pandemic which resulted The new wing was St. George’s High School in students being housed in constructed by Delp and the St. Mary’s High tents in the school’s Construction & General S c h o o l s o b y n e x t compound. Supplies.

Delivering the keynote tohaveaspaceproblem.” to the Ministry of Education a d d r e s s , M i n i s t e r

The Education Minister statingthatthenewblockhas Manickchand stated that the highlighted that investments solved the accommodation new block was constructed arecontinuouslybeingmade issue. to cater to the growing in the sector to ensure She explained that the populationoftheschool.She students receive a quality new wing was named after noted that the Ministry of education. Mr Samuel B. Moffatt, a Education is addressing the Shenotedthatamongthe former principal of the issue of overcrowding in investments being made, for institution. Ms Fraser said severalschools. the first time, all secondary M r M o ff a t t w a s a

“We have begun to schoolstudentsarereceiving disciplinarianwhodedicated address this not only at the thetextbookstheyneed. his service to ensuring East Ruimveldt Secondary While giving the students were provided with Schoolbutshortlywewillbe backgroundofthenewwing, the opportunities to compete commissioning a new block Headteacher of the East not only academically by at the St Winefride’s Ruimveldt Secondary athleticallyaswell.

Students expelled, suspended over fight at New Campbellville Secondary School

Two students who were violent against their colleagues at the New Campbellville Secondary School in recent times have beenexpelledandsuspended respectively for their conduct, the Ministry of Educationhassaid.

In a statement, the ministry said following the two recent reports of school violence among learners of the New Campbellville Secondary School being media, one of the students Discipline in school were circled on social media, the was kicked and stomped in sanctioned in keeping with Ministry of Education’s his head by another male the said policy document Department of Education in student. Investigations into which includes expulsion, Georgetown embarked on a both cases were conducted suspension and mandatory series of actions to address and parents of all the psychosocial counselling the indiscipline behaviours students involved were “The Ministry of Education ofstudentsattheinstitution. engaged. willnotcondoneanyformof According to the T h e M i n i s t r y o f violence in our schools. The Ministry, on September 9, Education said it has Ministry remains committed 2023, a video circulated on provided support to the to ensuring that students can social media showed that a parents of the injured be in a safe and conducive female student was seen students, which includes learning environment being hit about her body by ensuringthattheyunderwent Additionally, the Ministry her classmate. Similarly, on medical examinations w i l l c o n t i n u e i t s September 15, 2023, a fight Following the meetings, sensitization campaigns in involving two male students students who were found to schools on issues relating to was reported to the Ministry be in breach of the Ministry bullying and any other of Education. In the video of Education’s Policy on the indiscipline behaviours,” the which circulated on social Maintenance of Order and statementconcluded.

The New Campbellville Secondary School has been the scene of violence among students in recent times

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand performs the task of cutting the ribbon to officially open the new wing

The newly commissioned 172.6M wing at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School

Karasabai Gets Radio Station for the first time

Residents of Karasabai, Education’s radio signal in we will also be able to listen South Pakaraima, Region 9, Karasabai means that the to current affairs of our earlierthismonthwokeupto community now has access country other than people the sound of local radio in to daily lessons for multiple coming to tell us The their community for the very levels in various subject children will have the firsttime. areas and over ten diverse opportunity to listen to

EDYOU FM had turned live shows covering topics stories, songs, poems, and on its radio signal in the such as education, health, lessonsovertheradio.” Indigenous community as s p o r t s , w o m e n Since radio is new to part of its ongoing efforts to empowerment, history, Karasabai, EDYOU FM has expanditsnetworkandbring current affairs and aspects of recognized the need for distance education to people Guyaneseculture. devices in the schools and across the country on Minister of Education, c o m m u n i t y a n d i s September 12, 2023, the Priya Manickchand stated committed to adding the Ministry of education said in “This is yet another village to its distribution list a release. Karasabai, home commitment we have for where the station will of the Sun Parakeets as it is honoured. See, we are using deliverradios. locally known, is also home every opportunity and to approximately 1600 technology afforded us to residents, predominantly reach children all across this Macushis. While the village country.” Speaking with has access to limited internet EDYOU FM, Melissa service, access to television, Beaton, headmistress of telephone and radio signal Karasabai Nursery School has never been a luxury and longtime resident of the enjoyed by this community village for more than 11 until now, with EDYOU FM years, commented, “Once being the first radio to the radioislinkedtoourschools, community it will serve as a mode of T h e M i n i s t r y o f positive reinforcement, and

after section of Port

Student injured Kaituma Primary ceiling collapses

…RDC reportedly was aware of structural issues at the school

AgradeonestudentofthePortKaitumaPrimarySchoolin Region One was injured on Thursday morning when parts of theceilinginhisclassroomcollapsed.

Reports are that during the mid-morning session at the school, the child and his classmates were sitting at their desks when large chunks of the ceiling broke and fell on the child. According to a parent, the ceiling struck the child on his shoulder Shesaidanambulancewassummonedandthechild wasrushedtothehospitalatPortKaituma.Thechild’sinjuries were not life-threatening, she added. Another resident noted thatthechildexperiencedswellingofhisleftshoulder Reports are that prior to Thursday’s incident, parts of the ceiling broke apart and the school’s administration as well as parentshadbroughttheissuetotheattentionoftheauthorities.

(Continued on page 23)

Students of Karasabai, South Pakaraima

Parts of the ceiling at the Port Kaituma Primary School which collapsed on Thursday.

City constable who shot duo sends other colleagues into hiding following threats

A city constable wanted for police on Thursday, but not before His death threats made the and go into hiding. One of the co- learnt that the suspect had called shooting his female colleague and he had allegedly threatened other workers fearful and caused them to workers, Stacy Peters, 48, said that and left a death threat for her “He her male friend surrendered to co-workersandthenkillhimself. immediately leave their work posts when she turned up for work, she saidthathegonkillmeandthenkill he self”, Peters told Kaieteur News

Asked why the suspect would want her dead, Peters related that they had an altercation on May 14 last and she reported him to the police for assault. “It was over a chair”, Peters said as she recounted that the suspect had taken a helmet and dealt her a blow to the head during the argument.

Fearful that the suspect will follow through with his threats, Peters reportedly asked her superiors so that she good go into hiding until he was caught Her superiors advised her that the time off is only possible if she applied for sickleave.

Peters had already taken a sick leave earlier this month and it was not possible for her to get another Nevertheless, Peters left her post and went to the closest police station and madeareportbeforegoinginto hiding.

Another co-worker who did not wish for his name to be mentioned in the article was reportedly performing his duties at a location when he heard of the death threats. He too became fearful and immediately locked up the place where he was posted and madehiswaydowntohishead office to seek refuge. “I don’t have a gun”, he said while explainingthatthesuspectwas on the run with his service weapon and everyone knew that he had about three live roundsleftbackinside.

Thesuspect,however,later surrendered to police on Thursday afternoon without shooting anyone else. He is accused of shooting Jammanie Saul, a 48-year-old female Lance Corporal attached to the City Constabulary, who receivedonegunshotwoundto her left hand, and Miguel Wilson, a 50-year-old overseas-based Guyanese of Section ‘C’ Enterprise, East CoastDemerara,whoreceived one gunshot wound to his left thigh.

The incident occurred at around 19:15hrs Tuesday at the Bourda City Constabulary Outpost. Enquiries disclosed that Jammanie Saul and the suspect were both on duty at the Bourda City Constabulary Outpost Overseas-based Miguel Wilson visited Jammanie Saul at her workplace, and the two then satnexttoeachother,chatting, much to the annoyance of the suspect. Thesuspect,whowas

(Continued on page 23)

Rupert Murdoch steps down as Fox and News Corp chairman in favour of son Lachlan

(BBC NEWS) Media mogul Rupert Murdoch says he is stepping down as chairman of Fox and News Corp, with his son Lachlan to head both companies.

In a memo to employees, Murdoch said “the time is right” for him to take on “different roles”. Murdoch, 92, launched Fox News in 1996. It is now the most watched TV news channel in the US.

Murdoch said he will transition to the role of Chairman Emeritus of both firms in midNovember.

“Our companies are in robust health, as am I. Our opportunities far exceed our commercial challenges,” he wrote. “We have every reason to be optimistic about the coming years - I certainly am, and plan to be here to participate in them.”

Lachlan Murdoch, 52, is the son of Rupert Murdoch and his second wife, Anna Maria dePeyster.

The billionaire patriarch has been married four times and has six children - many of whom followed their father into the family business.

The question of succession had largely come down to the second, third and fourth - Elisabeth, Lachlan and James. Lachlan, 52, emerged as the heir apparent during his time as an executive in the late 1990s.

However, he left the business in 2005 after a feud with then boss of Fox News, Roger Ailes. Lachlan returned to his father’s empire in 2014 and has held top positions ever since.

James Murdoch, the more liberally-minded son, quit the News Corp board in 2020 be-

cause of “disagreements over certain editorial content” and other grievances with the direction of the company. Elisabeth, 55, held various high-ranking roles in the business but started her own television company, Shine, which produced shows like MasterChef and The Biggest Loser.

The transition comes during a turbulent year for Fox, which in April agreed to pay a $787.5m (£634m) settlement after being sued by voting machine company Dominion over its reporting of the 2020 presidential election. The network is still facing a second, similar lawsuit from another voting technology firm, Smartmatic, seeking an even larger sum of $2.7bn.

Then on 25 April, Fox announced it would “part ways” with Tucker Carlson, its highest rated TV host - amid reports the decision came from the very top.

The Murdoch move falls a year before the US presidential election, in which rightleaning Fox News has significant influence. The network is hosting a number of debates between Republicans vying to be the party’s 2024 White House candidate.

Journalist Michael Wolff is set to release a highly anticipated tell-all book about Fox’s ruling family in just a few days, titled “The Fall: The End of Fox News and the Murdoch Dynasty”. A second Murdoch book, by CNN media journalist Brian Stelter, will be published on 14 November. In his memo to staff, Rupert Murdoch vowed to continue to be involved in the “contest of ideas”. He also criticised other media outlets as being “in cahoots” with a “rarefied class” of elites who he accused of “peddling political narratives rather than pursuing the truth”.

In a statement, Lachlan Murdoch said that his father “will continue to provide valued counsel to both companies”.

The elder Murdoch began his career in his native Australia in the 1950s, eventually buying the News of the World and The Sun newspapers in the UK in 1969.

He later purchased a number of US publications including the New York Post and Wall Street Journal. Through News Corp, he remains the owner of hundreds of local, national and international media outlets.

Student injured after section of Port...

From page 21 However, nothing was done. Videos and photographs of the ceiling on the desk where the child sat was posted on the social media platform, Facebook, on Thursday and residents as well as concerned persons expressed disgust at the issue.

“Since the first piece fell, I kept asking for it to be fixed even carried them to my class to show what happened and it was never fixed.

City

Well, it will be fixed now,” a concerned resident noted. “They don’t listen when you telling them about these problems but soon as something happen them running coming,” another resident said. Reports are that the District Education Officer (DEO) visited the school and made a report to regional officials. The regional authorities are said to be aware of several issues at the school in question.

constable who shot duo...

From page 22 armed with the service weapon- a .38 revolver with six live rounds, reportedly became furious at seeing Jammanie Saul and Miguel Wilson sitting together, leading to him pointing the firearm at both victims and firing three shots at them.

As a result, both of the victims fell onto the ground,

Days before school reopened this month, two regional councillors visited the Port Kaituma Primary School and submitted a report to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region One, an official in the region noted.

In addition to the ceiling, the councillors reported to their superiors that doors were broken off their hinges while there are multiple rotten floor boards at the school.

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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.

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

FOR RENT

Newly built 2 bedrooms apartment located in Farm, EBD. Amenities included, $110,000 monthly. Call: 6678684.

Shop for rent at Stewartville opposite secondary schoool. Contact: 649-2179.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

where they received the above-mentioned injuries. The suspect fled the scene after committing the act with the service weapon.

The victims were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by public-spirited citizens, where they are presently receiving medical attention. Their condition is listed as stable.

TO LET

Eccles furnished studio apartment, wifi optional. Call:233-3974/ 600-3070.

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/ 691-7123.

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

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

PEN PAL

Seeking male 40-50 years old as pen friend preferable Muslims. Please Call: 688-1352:

Rupert Murdoch said his son Lachlan (R) would head both Fox and News Corp

Renewed focus on primary health care key to resilient, inclusive health systems - PAHO Director

Washington, DC, 21

leaders to place health as a top September, 2023 (PAHO) – A priority in the political agenda as fundamental change in health they recommit to ending priorities with a renewed focus on tuberculosis (TB), delivering Primary Health Care is crucial to universal health coverage (UHC) ensurepost-pandemicrecoveryand and strengthening pandemic achieve global health targets, prevention preparedness, and underscored Pan American Health response. Organization (PAHO) Director Dr

As the lead regional health Jarbas Barbosa during an event on agency, PAHO participated in the margins of the 78th United several events to address priority Nations General Assembly health issues in theAmericas. This (UNGA)onThursday included a roundtable organized by

The event, “Investing in the Devex and MSD for Mothers on Radical Reorientation of Health key element of wellbeing and leveraging the capacity of the President Boric and Minister “All in: Sustainable Approaches to Systems towards Primary Health diseaseprevention,thePresidentof private sector, and investment in Aguilera, and with the support of Improve Maternal Health and Care: The best and only choice to Chile added Welcoming the strengthening health workforces. PAHO/WHO, we have witnessed a Achieve UHC through strategic achieveuniversalhealthcoverage,” Political Declaration on Universal Dr Barbosa also called for the rapid expansion in Primary Health Private Sector Collaborations, organized by the Government of Health Coverage approved earlier decentralization of health services Care.” where the PAHO Director Chile, PAHO and theWorld Health in the day,WHO Director-General, to the community level, including “I am urging all our Member highlighted the important role the Organization (WHO), convened DrTedros,highlightedthatPrimary laboratory diagnostics, cancer States to take similar action, to privatesectorcanplayinachieving experts to discuss ways and means Health Care “strengthens the diagnosis and treatment and invest, innovate and implement Universal Health Coverage. Dr to strengthen investment and resilience of health systems to HIV/AIDScare. PrimaryHealthCare.” B a r b o s a a l s o a t t e n d e d urgently accelerate progress prepare for, respond to and recover For Dr Barbosa, digital health Other high-level officials also R e g i o n a l i z e d Va c c i n e towardsuniversalhealth. from shocks and crises” because it technologies are a crucial element participated in the event, including Manufacturing, an event hosted by

“The concept of reorienting recognizes that “health does not to break down geographical Dr Nísia Trindade, Minister of the World Economic Forum in health systems towards Primary start in hospitals or clinics but in barriers, making healthcare Health of Brazil; Dr Ximena collaboration with the World Bank Health Care, or PHC, is not only homes, schools, streets and accessible to remote and Aguilera Sanhueza, Minister of Group and GAVI, where he politically and technically feasible; workplaces.” underserved communities, and Health of Chile; Dr Khaled Abdel discussed the role of the it has become imperative in the To ensure the development of empowering patients with the Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Organizationinhelpingtoestablish wakeoftheprofoundglobalimpact health care systems that are information needed to make Population of Egypt; Dr Azhar sustainable vaccine manufacturing of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr accessible to all and people- informed decisions about their Giniyatovna Giniyat, Minister of intheRegion. Barbosa said during the opening of centered, Dr. Barbosa urged health.

Health Care of Kazakhstan; Dr AtasessiononRevolutionizing the event, where he spoke countries to go beyond limited Digital tools that facilitate Maria Teresa Barán, Minister of Global Healthcare: Equitable alongside President Boric of Chile packages of maternal-child contact tracing, vaccine Health of Paraguay; Mr William Access and Improved Health and WHO Director-General Dr servicesatthecommunityleveland distribution, and remote JamesQuince,MinisterofStatefor Outcomes for All, during the TedrosAdhanomGhebreyesus. expand services to tackle monitoring of patients also enable Health, United Kingdom; and Dr Concordia Summit, Dr Barbosa

“Thepandemicwasaslapinthe communicable disease, and in us to “adapt swiftly in times of Karina Rando, Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of a face to all of us,” President Boric particular, non-communicable crisis,” he said. “In the Americas, RepublicofUruguay Primary Health Care approach. added, “because it laid bare the disease and mental healthcare we are translating political The 78th UNGA, taking place During the Assembly, Dr Barbosa deep inequalities between north services. declaration to action at the national in New York City this month, signed a number of agreements andsouthandwithineachcountry.” Newmodelsofhealthfinancing level,” the PAHO Director added. convenes three High-Level between PAHO and key partners to It is therefore crucial that recovery will be key to achieve this, the “Chile is an excellent example for Meetingsonhealth.Thesepresenta advance healthcare in the focuses on primary health care as a PAHO Director said, including all,wherebyundertheleadershipof historic opportunity for world Americas.

Govt.seekscompanytomarketGuyana’scrudeoil

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has recently issued an invitation for bids, signaling its intent to find a new company to market Guyana’s oil from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO)vessels.

Thismoveaimstocompetitivelymarketandmaximizethe value of the Government’s crude oil entitlement from developments in the Stabroek Block while fostering a competitivemarketfortheLiza,UnityGold,andPayaraGold Blends.

In the past, Guyana had entrusted the marketing of its crude oil to a prominent international oil company, BP International Limited, a subsidiary of British Petroleum following the initial discoveries of substantial oil reserves in theStabroekBlock.

The decision to seek a new company for oil marketing is part of Guyana’s strategy to continuously optimize its oil sector

The bidding process is conducted on a lot basis, allowing interested bidders to participate in one or more lots as defined inthebiddingdocuments.

Interested parties can obtain further information by reaching out to jmckenzie@nre.gov.gy or visiting the Ministry of Natural Resources at 96 Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown,Guyana.

The deadline for bid submissions is set for 09:00 hours on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. Bids will be opened in the presence of representatives from interested bidders at the Ministry of Finance, Main & Urquhart Streets, Georgetown, Guyana. Alternatively, bidders can request a video link for r e m o t e p a r t i c i p a t i o n b y c o n t a c t i n g npta.procurement@finance.gov.gy.

It’simportanttonotethattheMinistryhasemphasizedthat alllatebidswillberejectedandreturnedtobiddersunopened.

Liza Unity FPSO

Olympic medalist sues US bobsled team doctor for sexual abuse

(Reuters) - Aja Evans, a 2014 Olympic bobsled bronze medalist, has filed a lawsuit alleging that a doctor who worked on Team USA’s medical staff subjected her to nearly a decade of sexual abuse and harassment during treatment.

The doctor, Jonathan Wilhelm, a chiropractor who resides in Montana, as well as the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation were named as defendants in the

lawsuit filed on Wednesday in a state court in upstate New York.

Evans, 35, said in a news release on Thursday that Wilhelm’s “repeated molestation and sexual assault” left her “physically and emotionally damaged, to the point where I experience chronic anxiety and fell out of love with the sport of bobsledding.”

The lawsuit said Wilhelm’s treatment “mirrors the abuse perpetuated” by Larry Nassar, the former USA

Gymnastics team doctor serving a potential 175-year prison sentence following his 2018 conviction for sexually abusing female gymnasts.

Ryan Stevens, a lawyer for Wilhelm, said his client “wholeheartedly denies the detestable claims against him,” and called comparing Wilhelm to Nassar “disgraceful and defamatory.”

The USOPC said it had not reviewed the complaint, but “remains committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Team USA ath-

Friday September 22, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

There's an important lesson to learn today, Aries, so don't shy away from the classroom. It's important to control your attitude now or it's likely to control you. It could be that your ego is a bit too inflated

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Consider the romantic relationships in your life right now, Taurus. It's important to remember that regardless of how hot and steamy a partnership is at first,

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Today is your day to become a hero, Gemini. You don't have to be dressed in fancy tights and a cape to make an important difference in someone's life.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

There's a great deal of fun to be had today, Cancer. Money isn't always necessary to make this happen, however. In fact, money isn't a great way to keep score.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Remember that the important thing isn't necessarily what you're doing but the people you're with, Leo. There's a great deal of passion in the air today that yo u can latch onto and put to good use.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

You could learn a tough lesson today, Virgo. More than likely, the harder the message hits you, the more important it was for you to hear. It's important that you accept failure gracefully.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

There's a great deal of fuel to keep your fire raging today, Libra. Powerful situations are apt to come your way in which you're asked to take decisive action. Don't shy away from added responsibility.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Remember that one wrong move today could cause you to have a headache for a good long while, Scorpio. Don't take uncalculated risks. There's dynamism and confidence in the air.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

It's a long road to becoming exactly the person you want to be, Sagittarius. You can't change who you are. Input from every person you know and lessons from every bump in the road.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

You should always leave a loved one with loving words, Capricorn. Each time you exit a room, consider that you're never going to enter that room again. Perhaps you'll never see those people again.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Just when you think you have absolutely no energy left, you're able to kick into a higher gear. Push beyond your limits today, Aquarius. You'll find that you can achieve a great deal.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Regardless of how you feel today, Pisces, it's important to own up to your mistakes.

Keep in mind that you're responsible for your actions. No matter how much you might want to shrink away,

letes,” including by eliminating abuse. USA Bobsled said in an email to Reuters that it could not comment on the specifics of the lawsuit but condemns sexual misconduct and remains committed to promoting a safe environment for all athletes, coaches, staff and volunteers.

Evans’ lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment.

The lawsuit said Wilhelm began treating Evans in 2012, and that during the tre atment he “touched and groped Ms. Evans’ genitals and body in contravention of any applicable medical standards.”

Evans said it was well known among athletes that Wilhelm would, regardless of their injuries, find a reason to “go for the adductor,” a group of muscles located on the inner thighs.

She also alleges that Wilhelm had been reported for videotaping and photographing Evans and others in various states of undress during treatment sessions and prior to competition at the USOPC training facility in Lake Placid, New York.

Evans and her teammate formally reported Wilhelm’s repeated nonconsensual photography in 2017 to USA Bobsled, but the USOPC and USA Bobsled dismissed the complaint and failed to initiate any sort of investigation, according to the lawsuit.

“Rather than being protected, believed, and taken seriously, Ms. Evans was subjected to investigation and degradation by the USOPC and USA Bobsled governing bodies,” the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for pain and suffering, medical damages and other harm, plus punitive damages.

Evans won a bronze medal in the two-woman bobsled at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

In November 2022, Evans received a two-year ban from bobsledding for not submitting a sample during an outof-competition drug test the previous March.

U.S. Winter Olympic bobsledder Aja Evans poses for photos wearing Polo Ralph Lauren items designed for U.S. Winter Olympic Team at the company’s store in New York City, New York, U.S., January 20, 2022. (REUTERS/ Brendan McDermid/File Photo)

West Indies, Pakistan top points table in the 2023 MCW Over 40s Cricket Global Cup

3CenturiesrecordedbyWestIndiesskipperNarsinghDeonarineandPakistanisHassanRaza,AmjadAli...

KARACHI: The West Indian skipper, Narsingh Deonarine,extendedhisrich vein of form by scoring a fluent century following his half century in the previous match which allowed his team to a huge total of 280 forseveninthestipulated45 overs which was defended comfortably

Deonarinestruckonesix and11foursinhis100off98 balls, adding 130 for the third wicket with Devon Clements (57 off 62 balls). Clementssilkyinningswasa treat to watch and contained 9 boundaries. Once again, other useful contributors were Shazan Babwah 34 off 39 balls and Mahendra Nagamootoo with a cameo 23off12deliveries.

Medium-pacers Abdul Haq and Roshan Khan finished with identical bowlingfiguresoftwofor46 forUAE.

Leg-spinner Zamin Amin (4-30) broke the back of the UAE batting when theycameouttochasedown a stiff target of 280. UAE reached 46 for 2 off 8 overs before the heavens opened and stopped play for one hour AbdulHaq(48off41) and Roshan Khan 31 off 29 and Noman Habib with 21

off 19 were the only ones to offer any kind of resistance and UAE were bowled out for 172 in 29 overs

Deonarine was presented with the Man of the Match award again for the 2nd consecutive match for his superb century at NBP SportsComplex.

Over at the National Stadium, centuries by Hassan Raza andAmjadAli for Pakistan highlightedthe second day’s proceedings of the inaugural MCW Over 40s Cricket Global Cup 2023.Twocompletedleague matches were played in overcast conditions while the other two matches were abandonedduetorain.

Pakistan smashed Nepal by 248 runs at the National Stadium while the matches between Hong Kong and USA at the Karachi Gymkhana and the one between Australia and Canadawereabandoneddue torain.

The 266-run unbroken fourth wicket partnership between Hassan and Amjad enabled Pakistan to amass a mammoth total of 382 for threeintheallotted45overs afterskipperMisbah-ul-Haq chosetobat.OpenersKashif Siddiqui(66off59balls)and

Jun aid Khalil Nainitalwala (24 off 38 balls) set the platform with a first wicket standof75inalittleover11 overs. Medium-pacer Khim Bahadur Thapa bagged a couple of quick wickets to reduce the hosts to 106 for three in the 18th over but then the duo of Hasan and Amjad hammered the Nepal bowlers to all parts of the stadium Hasan, the youngest-everTestcricketer, remainedundefeatedon154 off 94 balls with the help of seven sixes and 16 fours whileAmjad’sunbeaten108

SterlingProductsassistsonceagain

For the second consecutive year Sterling Products Limited has decided to hop on board withthe Petra Organisation for the staging of the COURTS Optical Pee Wee Under-11 Schools’Football Tournament, which kicks off Saturday, September 23, at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

Yesterday, the sterling contribution was made in the boardroom of the sponsor at Providence where Sterling Products’Public Relations Officer, Youlandra McCammon, met with the Petra Organisation’s CoDirector,TroyMendonca.

The PRO said, “Sterling Products Limited is committed to the continuous developmentoftheeducationsystem.Weare sohappytobeapartofthisyear’sedition,the tenth edition of theCourts Pee WeeSchools competition.Ithinkandthecompanythinks to take on more programs and more initiativeslikethis,itwillhelpourchildrento be more physically active and also teaches themvaluesand skills thattheywill takeon foraverylongtimeastheyprogressinlife.”

“We are continuously endorsing

programmes like this because we know that childrenareourfutureandit’sbestforusto give them all that they need in order to progressinto mature adults. So with that beingsaid,Iwouldliketosayit’sapleasure tobeapartofthisprogramme.”

Alsopresentatthesimpleceremonywas ChiefExecutiveOfficerofSterlingProducts, RamsayAli, who discussed the good nature oftheventure,whileaddingthattherewillbe promotional giveaways of the company’s products.

In Mendonca’s brief remarks, he stated that the Petra Organisationis quite happy to onceagainpartnerwithSPL, ensuringthem that their contribution is ofthe utmost importanceinassistingwiththedevelopment ofgrassrootsfootballinGuyana.

Meanwhile, the fixtures for the tenth editionofthetournamenthavebeenfinalised and will see all the teams in action on Saturday,withatotalofsixteen(16)matches beingcontestedontheopeningday.

Followingtheofficialopeningceremony which is scheduled to begin at 10:00 hrs, proceedings will feature the matches unfoldingsimultaneously.

bowlerMuhammadSami(227), left-arm spinner Abdul Qadir (2-14), leg-spinner Kashif Siddiqui (2-21) and off-spinner Haris Ayaz (229) shared the bowling honors for Pakistan while Hassan Raza was adjudged ManoftheMatch.

much to the dismay of USA who looked better placed to forceavictory

off 72 balls contained three sixesandadozenfours.

The task of overhauling the huge target of 383 in 45 overslookedoutofreachfor Nepal from the outset and they succumbed to 134 all outin36.3oversafterhaving brought up 100 of the innings for the loss of three wickets. Former Test fast

Electing to bat, USA reachedahealthytotalof268 for nine in their quota of 45 overs against Hong Kong at Karachi Gymkhana. Opener Anwar Ahmed (70 off 26 balls) provided an exhilarating start while Muhammad Farrukh compiled a sedate 56 off 77 balls.RudolphHinds(38off 40 balls) and Ameer Khan (24 off 34 balls) contributed usefullydowntheorderafter the off-spinning duo of Shelton Joseph (3-56) and Ankur Vashishta (2-36) had puzzledthemiddle-order

Needing269towinin45 overs, Hong Kong had slumped to 64 for three in 14.5overswhentheumpires were forced to call off the game due to heavy rains

Only 16.2 overs of play were possible in the daynight encounter between Australia and Canada at MoinKhanAcademybefore itwasalsoabandoneddueto rain.

The Canadian captain, Talal Iqbal, inserted the opposition into bat after calling correctly which was anexpectedmoveinviewof theweatherconditions.

The Australians had lost both the openers Luke Jackson(29off37balls)and Martin Raadschelders (10 off13balls)bythe11thover andthepairofStevePaulsen (32 off 27 balls) and Justin Poole (13 off 21 balls) were in the process of repairing the damage when the rain arrived to halt the proceedings at which point the Aussies had progressed to 89 for two. Aftab Qaisar and Ayaz Ali were the successful bowlers for Canada.

T&T’s Soca Warriors back in top 100 on FIFA World Rankings list; Reggae Boyz now at 56th

SportsMax-Eight-time Caribbean Cup champions Trinidad and Tobago have surgedinsidethetop100on the FIFA World Rankings list for the first time in almostfiveyearsfollowing recent wins over El SalvadorandCuracao.

The Soca Warriors – in the latest list published yesterday – climbed four placesupto98thfrom102, a spot they held in the last rankingsinJuly.Theywere lastinsidetheFIFAtop100 at 92nd in December 2018. Based on their world position, the twin island republic remains the fourth

highest rated in Caribbean FootballUnion(CFU).

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz jumped two places up the FIFA list to 56th and remain number in CFUaheadofHaitiat87th world ranked and Curacao (90th) Antigua and Barbuda complete the CFU’stopfiveat137th.

Intheonlychangetothe CFU’stop10,Guyanahave climbed into 10th position with a three place move to 165th in the world, as Barbados – the result of Nations League losses to MontserratandNicaragua–slipped out of the top 10.

The fell six places on the world list from 166th to 172nd. World champions Argentina strengthened their grip at the summit of the world rankings. The Argentines, who dethroned Brazil at the top in April, defeated Ecuador and Boliviaintheir2026World Cup qualifiers earlier this month to improve their status.

Despite losing to Germany in a friendly last week, France retained second place, followed by Brazil (third), England (fourth) and Belgium (fifth).

Narsingh Deonarine collect the trophy following another WI win.

Spanish FA sacks general secretary and apologises to players after boycott ends

BBCNews-TheSpanish football federation has sacked its general secretary

Andreu Camps and apologised for what happenedaftertheWomen’s WorldCupfinal.

The RFEF said it had “accelerated” the “profound changes” promised to players.

“The RFEF is aware of the absolute need to start a new stage and close the institutional crisis that opened after the national team’s victory in the World Cup,”thefederationsaid.

Earlier, most players agreedtoendtheirboycottof thenationalteam.

Players began the boycott after then RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s triumph over England in the Women’sWorldCupfinalon 20August.

Following the end to their boycott onWednesday, the RFEF said it “dispensed withtheservices”ofCamps.

It also apologised for

putting players through “unwanted circumstances” and specifically to Hermoso for being “immersed in a situation that she did not create”.“Weunderstandthat the players need to feel that the federation is their home,

a safe environment where they can show their professionalismandsporting quality while displaying the privilege of representing Spain,” the RFEF said in a statement.

“The steps taken so far

Formidable team of fitness athletes arrive in Aruba for CAC Championships

A formidable team of fitness athletes arrived in Aruba yesterday to represent Guyana at the 50th edition of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and FitnessChampionships.

This is according to a statement released by the federation.

The release stated that the team comprises reigning, two-time Mr Guyana (bodybuilding) Darious Ramsammy, three-time CAC silver medalist and six-time National Men’s Physique champion, Emmerson Campbell, reigning Ms

Bikini champion, Hannah Rampersaud along with last year’s CAC Bikini silver medalist, Christina Ramsammy

Podiumdwellersatlast year’seditioninBarbados, Nicholas Albert, Rawle Green and Julio Sinclair, arealsoapartoftheunit.

The team is being m a n a g e d b y t h e federation’s president, Keavon Bess who stated that he is optimistic of the chancesoftheathleteswho can emulate last year’s performances.In2022,the team bagged a record 12 medals.Together,theteam secured five gold medals,

six silver medals and one bronzemedal,themostata singleCACChampionship byanationalteam.

Remarkably, Rosanna Fung used her sharp physique to slice through theathletesinthewellness categories and secured the muchcoveted‘Procard.In doing so, the 23 year-old became the second female from Guyana and the first since 1979 to become a professional Bodybuilding athlete.

Guyana is penciled to h o s t t h e a n n u a l championships next year after a successful bid in 2021inElSalvador

by the current leadership of the RFEF have always sought this objective However, we recognise that until yesterday we have not managed to create a climate o f t r u s t w i t h t h e internationals.”

In addition to the departure of Camps, Reuters, citing an RFEF source,hasreportedbetween six and nine senior officials will be invited to leave their jobsorwillbesacked,aspart ofthedealwiththeplayers.

Thiswouldbeinkeeping with the “immediate and profound changes” Victor Francos, the head of the Spanish government’s national sports agency (CSD), said the federation had committed to after reaching an agreement with players.

“Duringthelastfewdays wehavereiteratedourpublic commitment to make structural changes to begin this new, absolutely necessarystagethatrespects criteria of good governance, transparency and equality,” theRFEF’sstatementadded.

“Wehaveacceleratedthe changes planned by the federation and we have communicated this decision to both the CSD and the internationalplayers. “Spanish football deserves absolute recognition, and all of us whoarepartofitmustunite toachieveit.”

Spain are set to play Sweden on Friday and Switzerland on Tuesday in theNationsLeague.

AAG names 26-member team to participate at 2023 Inter Guiana Games

The countdown has officially begun as theAthleticAssociationofGuyana(AAG)is gearinguptosenditsformidableteamof26 talented track and field athletes to represent the nation in the upcoming Inter Guyana Games (IGG). This eagerly anticipated tournament, featuring athletes from across the region, will be held in Suriname from October 26th to 31st, showcasing the prowess of athletes in 10 diverse sports disciplines.

TheroadtoSurinamehasbeenpavedwith dedication and hard work, with Guyana successfully hosting its IGG trials over the weekend, theAAG has proudly unveiled the 26athleteswhowillproudlywearthecolours oftheGoldenArrowheadandvieforvictory inthisyear’schampionship.

Meanwhile, the Inter Guiana Games has providedthenecessaryopportunityfornations to showcase their best talents and foster camaraderie among neighbouring countries withintheGuiana’s

The team of athletes that will represent Guyana at the IGG are; Athaleyha Hinckson, KrystalMorris,JaheelCornette,EzekielNewton, Tianna Springer, Malachi Austin, Narissa McPherson, Afi Blair, Marissa Thomas, Jevon Roberts, Kaiden Persaud, Esther McKinney, Jamol Sullivan, Donel Fraser, David Bovell, Latifah James, Tamara Mingo, Jamie Fraser, JahemeHenry,ShenequeHolder,RobertMarcus, Amrist Hector, Tamara Harvey, Rodel Greene, EmanuelAdamsandZeryssaMcRae

This talented group of athletes represents

Javon Roberts will also be aiming to add gold to his repertoire.

thebestofGuyana’strackandfieldtalentand willundoubtedlymakethenationproudonthe internationalstage The10disciplinesincludes; Track and Field, Badminton, Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Tennis, Table Tennis, Futsal,ChessandSwimming

Assisting with the team’s rigorous preparation are Coach Christopher Gaskin, Robin Phillips, and Carlotta Rodney, whose expertiseandguidancewillbeinvaluableas they fine-tune their athletes for success. Ensuring the team stays in top physical conditionisNolexHolder,whowillserveas theteam’sphysiotherapist.KenishaHeadley willdonthedualroleofTeamManagerand NationalTechnicalOfficial(NTO).

Spain players returned to training on Wednesday following the end of their boycott.

21st edition of Victor Macedo Memorial Road Race set for Sunday

The 21st edition of t h e V i c t o r M a c e d o MemorialCycleRoadRace, hosted by the Flying Stars Cycle Club in collaboration withMacedoTransportation Service, is set to take place on the 24th September from Queenstown to Abary Bridge,andbacktoCarifesta Avenue.

This exciting race will commence at 7:00 am, starting from Peter Rose Street in Queenstown Cyclists will kick off their journeybyheadingeastward on Crown Street and then onto Irving Street From there, they will transition onto JB Singh Road (opposite the GDF compound) for the official start.

As the race gains

momentum at JB Singh Road, participants will navigate their way to the Kitty roundabout and continueontotheEastCoast main road.At this point, the Seniors,Juniors,andVeteran Under-50 categories will embark on a journey to the Abary Bridge and back to Georgetown.

While, the Veterans Over-50, Juveniles, and Females riders will follow a different path, venturing towards Perseverance in Mahaicony (Big Tree)

before returning to Georgetown. The race will culminate at Carifesta

Avenue, offering a challengingandexhilarating experienceforallinvolved.

Tobepartofthisthrilling cyclingevent,allyouneedis a passion for pedaling and a

registration fee of just $1,000 Guyanese dollars Excitingprizeswillawaitthe

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

Today Kwakwani Face Linden Technical Institute to for a place in final - MHS and ‘Multi’already through

Kwakwani Secondary will take on Linden Technical Institute for the last spot availableintheLindenMayor‘sCupUnder 21 Schools basketball championship at 2.30pm at the Retrieve Hard Court in Mackenzie.

ThesetwoteamsarefromGroupAand both won their match against Wisburg Secondary the other team in their group. There were nine teams in this three group tournamentofthreeandtheothertwogroup winnershavebeendecided

On Wednesday Mackenzie High and ChristianburgWismarSecondarymadeitto the three team final when they won their finalgroupgamealsoplayedattheRetrieve HardCourt.

In Group C, Christianburg Wismar Secondary beat Linden Foundation

Secondary 55-30 following a 21-14 lead at thehalftimebreakastheotherteamMarcia Craigwereeliminated.

ForChristianburgWismarSecondaryT Hindshadatopscoreof15points,whileC. Dodson and C. Bascom each netted 11 points. T Simon led the scoring with 17 points for the losing Linden Foundation SecondarySchool.

IntheirGroupBmatchMackenzieHigh defeated Harmony 51-22, after leading at halftime32-11. ForMHSGemarGreeneMarshalltopscoredwith14pointsasOwen FranceandJamaineMcCalmaneachgotsix points and Reyhan Baller supported with five. New Silvercity Secondary was the otherteaminthatgroup.

The three way finals start next WednesdayattheRetrieveHardCourt.

Flashback! Walter Grant-Stuart celebration after winning the 2021 edition of the Victor Macedo Memorial Road Race.

top six finishers in the senior’s category, as well as the top three finishers in the

Junior and Over-50 Open categories. Additionally, the Women’s and Juveniles categories will see awards presented to the first and second-placefinishers.

Cambridge Jaguars claim CPSCL 20-overs trophy

Cambridge Jaguars defeatedAmazonMastersby 78 runs to claim the 2023 Canadian Premier Softball Cricket League (CPSCL)

T20 trophy recently in Brampton,Ontario,Canada.

Jaguars raced to a competitive 129 all out in 17.3 overs while Amazon Mastersrepliedwithonly51 alloutinthe13thover Teddy Nandkissore and Haidar Pokhan grabbed

threewicketseachtoleadthe demolition job while former Guyana and West Indies youth player Hemnarine

Chattergoon snatched two wicketsfor14runsfromtwo overs Nandkisore and Pokhan conceded 10 and 18 runs from their allotted four oversrespectively

Amazon Warriors won the toss and elected to field.

Riaz Kadir led the way for Jaguars with 35 while his

captain Chattergoon supportedwithawell-played 34asAzeezBakshpickedup 3-14inhisfourovers. Recently, Cambridge Jaguars also won the T10 championship. They were given CDs$5,000fortheireffortby owner of the team and prominent businessman in Canada Satishwar Persaud, the managing director of AdanaHomes.

Satishwar Persaud presents a cheque of $5,000 to skipper Hemnarine Chattergoon.

Match start times confirmed for West Indies vs England Christmas Series in December 2023

ST JOHN’S, Antigua –Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterdayconfirmedthestart times for the first ever Christmas Series played between West Indies and England in December 2023. The series will feature eight matches – three CG United One-Day Internationals (ODI) and five T20 Internationals (T20I) from 3 to 21 December as fans get the opportunity to rally at home and celebrate with the West Indies ahead of the Christmasholidays.

E

Antiguatostartthetourwith

two CG United ODIs at the SirVivianRichardsStadium on3and6December The1st CG United ODI is a day gamestartingat9:30amwith the 2nd CG United ODI starting at 1:30pm as a day/nightgame.The3rdand final CG United ODI to be played at Kensington Oval, Barbados on 9 December willalsobeaday/nightgame startingat1:30pm.

The five-match T20I starts in Barbados with the first match played at Kensington Oval under lights starting at 6pm. The Spice Isle of Grenada then

welcomesbothteamsforthe 2ndand3rdT20Ison14and 16 December with both matchesstartingat1:30pm.

Thetourconcludesinthe week before Christmas with the 4th and 5th T20Is on December 19 and 21. The BrianLaraCricketAcademy inTrinidad will be hosting a West Indies vs England men’s fixture for the first timewithday/nightmatches startingat4pm.

Fanscanpurchasetickets inadvancefromtheWindies Tickets service presented by M a s t e r c a r d a t Tickets.Windiescricket com

TCL-Courts eSports Challenge, CPL player vs Fan for a 50-inch Television set for today

Instorecustomerstowinotherprizes...

Fans who purchase online and in advance can choose their preferred seats and benefit from a discount compared to tickets purchased at the venue box office.

FULLMATCH SCHEDULE(withstart times)

3 December: 1st CG United ODI at Sir Vivian

RichardsStadium,Antigua–

9:30am

6 December: 2nd CG

United ODI at Sir Vivian RichardsStadium,Antigua–

1:30pm

9 December: 3rd CG

United at Kensington Oval, Barbados–1:30pm

12December:1stT20Iat Kensington Oval, Barbados –6pm

14 December: 2nd T20I at Grenada National Stadium,Grenada–1:30pm

16 December: 3rd T20I at Grenada National Stadium,Grenada–1:30pm

19December:4thT20Iat Brian Lara Cricket Academy,Trinidad–4pm

21December:5thT20Iat Brian Lara Cricket Academy,Trinidad–4pm

Today, one lucky Caribbean Premier League (CPL) fan will get an opportunity to test his/her cricketingandgamingskills against a guest CPL player and a chance to win a 50inch television. Courts, a brand of the Unicomer group,aspartofitsongoing 3 0 t h a n n i v e r s a r y celebrations will be holding the TCL-Courts eSports challenge at the mega store onMainStreettoday,Friday, from10hrs.

The call for participants in this challenge has, so far,

receivedmorethan250fans, all vying for the chance to compete against the CPL player The winner will be randomly selected and announcedtoday

The winner will then play a PS5 cricket game provided by CPLagainst up and coming Guyanese and West Indian bowler

Ashmead Nedd. If the fan beats the professional, they will walk away with the brand-new50–inchSMART HDtelevisionset Onlookers and customers will also be able to take advantage of a

30% discount on all gaming accessories including controls and gaming headsets, plus get massive discountsonTCLtelevisions and a free Nintendo Switch withselectTVpurchases

On the same day Courts willadditionallybeholdinga seriesofactivitiesasthe30th anniversary celebrations reaches its peak. In store customers will have the chance to win prizes via a “spin the wheel” promo and willalsohaveanopportunity to meet some of the CPL players.

West Indies T20I captain Rovman Powell batting against England. (CWI)

AAG names 26-member team to participate at 2023 Inter Guiana Games

Sterling Products Limited’s PRO,Youlandra McCammon (2nd right), hands over the sponsorship cheque to Petra Organisation Co-Director, Troy Mendonca, in the presence of SPLCEO, RamsayAli, and Petra’s Lavern Fraser-Thomas.

Team Guyana all ready for action on arrival inAruba for the CAC bodybuilding and fitness championships.

Flashback of Golden Girl, Tianna Springer during the SouthAmerican U20 Athletics championship.