Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil recovers US$4B in costs while Guyana collects

US$658M in first half of 2023 ...asoilsectorexpandsby98%-BoGReport

equity) by the oil and gas sector despite higher inflows to the private sector intheformofForeignDirect Investments(FDIs).”

The report also highlights a 98.4 percent growthofthepetroleumand gas sector during the half yearperiod.

Indian FPSO operator unveils new hull concept designed for deep-water projects like Guyana

With an almost doubled performance of the oil and gas sector in the first half of 2023 when compared with the year prior, Guyana continues to see a trickle of itsoilwealth.

The Bank of Guyana (BoG) in its recently released Half-Year Report has indicated that ExxonMobilanditspartners have deducted a whopping US$4 billion in revenue fromGuyana’soilduringthe firstsixmonthsoftheyear

During the same period-

January to June 2023Guyana received a measly share of its wealth from the Stabroek Block, a total of US$658million.

According to the report,

“The capital account recorded a lower deficit of US$238 7 million from US$939.0 million at endJune 2022. This was the result of net outflow of US$658.4 million in oil revenue to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) and US$4,033.8 million in cost recovery (withdrawal of

According to the Central Bank,“Theindustryrecorded crude oil production of 687 millionbarrels,anincreaseof 98 3 percent from the corresponding period last year The average daily productionfortheperiodwas 379,334 barrels, an increase of 96 1 percent when comparedtothedailyaverage of 228,880 barrels for the corresponding period in 2022, due to the additional FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel)”

Guyana’s second FPSO, theLizaUnity,achievedfirst oil in February 2022, while the country’s first FPSO commenced operations in December2019.

Bothvesselshavebeen

Continuedonpage10

Deadbodieslefttodecomposeas PortKaitumamorguedysfunctions

- relatives blames police, hospital management

Relatives of three deceased persons whosebodieswerestoredatthePortKaituma Hospital morgue grew angry on Saturday when they discovered that the bodies were decomposing since the facility was without powerforthreedays.

Reports are that two of the bodies were undertheresponsibilityoftheGuyanaPolice Force (GPF) and relatives were awaiting autopsiestobeperformedontheirlovedone remainsforaslongastwoweeks.

Beryl George, mother of Keith George, whoseremainswereamongthebodiesstored at the morgue, told this publication that she received a call from the police at Port Kaituma on Saturday and the rank informed herthatsheneededtoburyherson’sremains urgently.

“MysondiedsinceSeptember15andwe keep asking the police if we can go and at leastchecktoseeifthebodyokbutthepolice said they don’t want us to touch the bodies, “she said. The woman said around 10:00hrs on Saturday a police rank stationed at Port Kaituma called and informed her that she neededtoburyherson’sbodysincehisbody wasbadlydecomposed.

Speaking about her son’s death, George said the man’s lifeless remains were pickedup along the roadway in the community on September15,2023.Shesaidheissuspected tobeahitandrunaccident.Thewomansaid

the police informed her since government pathologistDrNehaulSinghwasinvolvedin motor vehicle accident recently; the postmortemexaminationwaspost-poned.

Sherelatedthatafterhersonwastakento the Port Kaituma Hospital, he was pronounced dead by medical officials there andhisbodywaslatertakentothemorgue.

George said because her son’s body had reachedanadvancedstateofdecomposition, the36-year-oldman’sremainswerehurriedly buriedonSaturdayafternoon.

Reports are that family members of anothermanwenttothefacilityonSaturday morningaftertheyweretoldthatthefreezers therewerenotworking.Whentheyarrivedat the morgue, they heard ‘popping ‘sounds fromthedecomposingremainsofthebodies.

Arelative of one of the deceased related that the police angrily informed the family that they needed to bury their loved one beforenightfallonSaturday “Thatcannotbe right,”hesaid.Hesaidthatthemanagement of the hospital should have informed their superiorsthatthemorguewasnotfunctional.

When contacted, a regional official at Mabaruma noted that the hospital’s management did not update anyone in authoritythatthemorguewasnotfunctional. Meanwhile,relativesofthethreepersonsare calling on the Ministry of Health to address theissueurgently

Shapoorji Pallonji Energy Pvt Ltd (SPE), a leading player in India’s energy sector, made waves last Friday by introducing a cutting-edge standardized hulldesignforlargeFloating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) known as the “Sterling Streamline ” This groundbreaking innovation is strategically tailored for deepwater projects and is expected to find its niche in regions like Brazil, Guyana, Suriname,andWestAfrica.

AsIndia’ssolespecialist in the design, construction, ownership, and operation of FPSOs, SP Energy is pioneering this new hull design to offer the offshore industry an off-the-shelf solution that streamlines the entire project lifecycle. The company envisions this innovation as a gamechanger that enhances efficiency, reduces carbon footprint, and expedites projectdelivery

Ravi Shankar, Director &CEOofShapoorjiPallonji

Ravi Shankar, Director & CEO, Shapoorji Pallonji Energy Private Limited - Image Credit: Shapoorji Pallonji Energy Pvt Ltd (SPE)/Adobe Stock

Energy Private Limited, emphasized the significance of this FPSO hull design, stating,“ThenewFPSOhull design signifies SPE’s commitment to drive efficiency across all aspects of the project. From the hull design to supply chain management, construction, delivery lead time, and operations, every element will be streamlined for maximum efficiency and minimal carbon footprint. It will ensure that SP Energy continues to deliver future FPSO projects in a timely manner, with its customercentricapproach.”

SP Energy describes the new FPSO design as a technologically advanced, client-focused design that embodies sustainability, adaptability, reliability, and efficiency The standardized hull design is optimized for earlyproduction,featuringa smart plug-and-play topsides configuration that can be customized to meet diversefieldrequirements.

It was stated that it is

designed for a lifespan of approximately 28 years, the FPSO hull will boast a topsides capacity of up to 65,000 metric tons of wet weight. It will also provide integrated accommodation for a minimum of 200 personnel within a singleblocklayout.

Sterling Streamline is tailored for deepwater projects, making it a perfect fit for regions like Brazil, Guyana,Suriname,andWest Africa.

Guyana’s FPSOs fleet includes the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity, which have been exceeding their initial production targets.The Liza Destiny, originally designed for 120,000 barrels per day (bpd), consistently produces around 153,000 bpd. The Liza Unity, designed for 220,000 bpd, is currently operating at an impressive rateof226,500bpd.

This exceptional production capacity aligns seamlessly with the capabilities of the Sterling Streamlinehulldesign.

President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

Defending sovereignty

Guyana’s President Ali took to the UN and made his country’spositioncrystalclear:“Guyanawillsparenoeffort todefenditssovereigntyandterritorialintegrity.”Weatthis paper are as one with the President on what is a nonnegotiable posture. The President also said, “Any unilateral attempt by Venezuela to restrict the exercise by Guyana of its sovereignty and sovereign rights will be whollyinconsistentwiththeGenevaAgreementandtherule of international law.” Once again, we are in full agreement with the President in his unambiguous representation of whereGuyanastands.

To stand up against ongoing Venezuelan hostility and potential aggression, all Guyanese need to be on the same page, think and operate as one. This is the only manner in which the ambitions of our neighbor could be given an abrupt wakeup call. We may be small, but we will not be pushovers, as every centimeter of territory would be defended by whatever means it takes. Venezuelan leaders must come to their senses and face reality: their claims on Guyana’s rich territory are without the kind of foundation that can withstand the weight of serious scrutiny The internationalcommunityhascomeoutonthesideofGuyana and, more recently, the United States has been clear and unsparingastowhereitstandsinthismatter Itisontheside of Guyana. But there is appreciation that those are not enough to quell Venezuela’s claim to almost two thirds of this country’s territory It is rich territory, as proven fairly frequently:therearehugegoldfinds.Therearemassiveoil deposits found offshore, with more likely There are minerals and timber galore that would give ideas even to missionaries. Any single segment of this rich package of natural resource endowments could lead to bordering countries concocting territorial schemes to feather their nests. In addition, politicians in countries that live with continuingdomesticeconomicdistresseshavebeenknown to engage in foreign adventures to distract their angry and besieged populations. This is what could be at work in Venezuela, but whatever it is, our neighbor’s leaders have beenputonnotice:thiscountryanditspeoplesarenotgoing to roll over and cave before their naked ambitions, their deplorablemanipulations.

Thefactthatthiscountryishighlypolarizedshouldnotbe seen as an incentive or invitation by Venezuela to test its visions IfthereisoneissueonwhichGuyanesehavetocast aside their hard differences and close ranks, it is on this specious border issue There is simply no choice, for to do otherwisewouldtearthiscountryapartlikeithasneverbeen before It is our position that the movers and shakers and strategists in Venezuela miscalculated and overplayed their handwiththislatestbordergambit,andtheauctioningofoil blocks as the basis If anything, theVenezuela posture gives boththeGovernmentandpeoplesofGuyanatheopportunity to come together and stand firmly before what are nothing butrawthreats,anddeepeningbelligerence.

Thereistheriskthatthiscountryanditscitizenscouldstart looking at the many sons and daughters of the Bolivarian RepublicofVenezuelawithajaundicedeye Forsomeofthose seeking refuge and economic openings here could be plants withtheobjectiveofundermininglocalinterests Thisiswhat hadcomeupbeforethedevelopmentinvolvingtheoilblocks auction Guyanese authorities have concerns about possible infiltrationbyagentsoftheneighboringstatewhocouldbeup tonogood Withourlengthyborders,muchofitunpoliced,the temptationfortheperpetrationofofficialmischiefinGuyana wouldbeever-presentandhigh.

This country’s leaders have to be cognizant of the fact that Guyana stands as a magnet for agitated neighbors and cunning exploiters waiting for the right moment to make theirpresencefelthere.UnlessGuyaneseleadersareattheir keenestandwisest,thiscountrycouldbesubjecttoahostof threats, including from some of those who come to partner withus.WhenGuyaneselookoutforeachother,andinclude everyone, then the odds of this country gaining the upper handjustwentthroughtheroof.

How about working together to move Guyana forward?

DEAREDITOR,

Idonotknowwhysome politicians get involved in politicsinGuyana.Isitabout building infrastructure to develop the country? Is it abouthelpingpeopleintheir daily struggle for a better life? Is it to leave a lasting legacy?

I suspect that most politicians get involved in Guyana to help people in their daily struggle for a better life. But somewhere alongthelinetheygetcaught

up in their own personal struggles for power leading tochangingperspectives.

In the past Guyanese politicians had the luxury of saying and working only for “theirConstituents”(or,only for people who voted for them). But this luxury is outdated as the Guyanese electorate is more clued-in throughsocialmedia.

Before, the Guyanese Electorate could be and was taken for granted. Today, Guyanese are looking for

politiciansthatwillworkfor all Guyanese not just those who voted for them or look like them. Just look at the recent Bigging-Up of President Irfaan Ali during his Good Morning Britain “Interview” with Richard Madeley It is time for politicians in Guyana to wise-up to this fact PoliticiansinGuyananeedto representALLGUYANESE togetelected.

As for those who are currently entrusted in

governing Guyanese and managing the affairs of the Guyanese Nation (the Government, that is), they need to consult with the Opposition. Look at how Guyanese are coming together when Venezuela Maduro is pushing his spurious claim for our EssequiboCounty Guyanese for the most partliveandworkpeacefully sidebyside.

Sincerely,

SeanOri

Delusions of Desmond

Trotman and VincentAlexander

DEAREDITOR, Desmond Trotman and Vincent Alexander, on Sep 10, 2023, penned the letter, “PPP/C’s resistance to electronic fingerprint capture and identification at polls signals intent to retain system that facilitated voter rigging.” This is like a big, fatLOL.Theletterbeatsthe ridiculous and goes to the ludicrous. No wonder I am compelled to make a few utterancesinresponse.

First, even the most diehardmediafollowerislikely to experience ‘persecuting ennui’ in reading their missive. It meanders ‘here, there and everywhere’ and makes‘verbosity’looklikea summary For example, the first paragraph sets the tone for prolonged tedium. Read it: “It seems as if there is never a dull day, these days, onourpoliticallandscape,as the country continues, oxymoronically, to be taken d o w n t h a t d a r k , undemocratic, autocratic and dictatorial path in the name of righteousness. I am advised that in some circles Jagdeo is regarded as a Deity, thus his word is Gospel and all others are heresy.Thatobviouslyisnot applicable to the real adherentsofdemocracy.”

If this is indeed their ‘thesisstatement’,itgetsthe ‘F’grade instantaneously It is fraught with words. It points to nothing specific. And I am left in limbo regarding what is the thrust ofallthesewords.ThusIwill justmakeageneralresponse.

First, on a more serious base now, I point to the reality of the contention of Desmond Trotman and Vincent Alexander Their angst revolves around Vice

President, Bharrat Jagdeo’s remark that the “PNCR-led APNU must acknowledge ‘election(s) rigging’ before involvement in executive.” They opined that “This is tantamount to nonrecognition of the election resultsbyvirtueofwhichthe PPP/C is in government. Thatisprobablyaptgivenall of the ‘unresolved shenanigans’ surrounding a significant number of votes for which validating documentationmysteriously disappeared.”

Editor, the very next statement debunks this nonsense of ‘non-recognition of the election results’ and ‘unresolved shenanigans’ As they rightly put it, it is indeed that “ saidelection,validated by the Caribbean Court of Justice, and which finally allowed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)tooccupytheseatof government.” And how did this ultimately happen (after somefivemonths)?

Letmesummarize

As we can all recall and reread, there was the elections recount, proposed by David Granger himself. This was agreedtobythePPP/C,andwas observedbyrepresentativesof allthenine(9)politicalparties which contested the elections. Also, there were observers from the Caribbean Community(CARICOM),the Organisation of American States (OAS) and local observers, including the PrivateSectionCommission and American Chamber of Commerce(AMCHAM) That scenario was predicated by the tabulation of Statements of Poll (SOP’s)thatwasinterrupted in District Four (DemeraraMahaica) when in order to

evade defeat, Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, switched from the ‘legal procedure’ that ensures transparency (where each SOP had to be exhibited to the stakeholders present to enable comparison to their copies.

However, Mingo diverted to a procedure where the purported numbers from the SOP’swereincorporatedintoa consolidatedspreadsheet This, as expected, precipitated the immediate and urgent call for transparency from both local and international observers Thiswastopreclude‘cheating’, the very thing that Trotman and Alexander are accusing thePPP/Cof.

Please note that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, never once protested the chicanery that facilitated the infamous’ inflationofthevotes’,intending togiftAPNU/AFCvictory

I remind readers that following a High Court’s decision,Mingowasorderedto revert to the legal, ‘prescribed procedure’ but he flouted the rulingandrepeatedhisintrigue, andsubmittedtotalsthatvaried substantially from those of other parties and had the APNU/AFCaheadratherthan thePPPC

I really want these two mentodwellonthefactthat the Chairwoman of

GECOM, retired Justice Claudette Singh, had agreed to a recount of the all votes, whichhadbeenproposedby caretaker President David Granger and agreed to by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo after an intervention by several Caricom leaders. YettheAPNU/AFCisacting as though PPP/C were runningfromthetruth.

Iwillnotgettotherepeated silly ‘waste-of-time’ appeals from APNU/AFC; they were allshutdownbytheCCJ Iadd thatTrotmanandAlexanderbe reminded that Granger and BasilWilliams,alongwiththeir APNU/AFC leaders, prior to the beginning of the count, clearly pronounced that the elections were well-run After all,theywereinpower Furthermore, I support Jagdeoandhisilk asthey“ standonintheirdemandforan apology, from the APNU for allegedelectoralrigging “As amatteroffact,APNUshould repeatedly apologize for leading their very own people downalegalandpoliticalculde-sac Imeanateveryjuncture, the CCJ made them look like school-boy thieves, beginning from No-Confidence Motion, totheillegalinstallmentofnow late Retired Judge James PattersonasGECOMChair,to thechallengingoftheElections Declaration Itisjustwaytoo much.

So, the conclusion is most bizarre, that is of Trotman and Alexander, saying that “The accusation of rigged elections is probably most applicable to the PPP/C than it may be to any other political party” I amsurethatwhateveritwill takes to run-off ‘’fair and free’ elections in Guyana, even it means, a ‘hands-off’ approach’byoneandall,the PPP/C will facilitate. It may onedaymeanthatGuyana’s elections, personnel and machinery will be under the aegis of some external independent body I guess if and when this happens, the Trotmans ands Alexanders will still ‘bitch’ and ‘cry foul.’

Yourstruly, HBSingh

Linden bauxite developments

DEAREDITOR,

As someone with an abiding interest in the Guyana bauxite industry over the past 58 years and particularlydevelopmentsin the Linden operations which, after 31 years (19712002) under state control, was privatized, I have reachedthepointwhereIam totally confused over some of the information in the domestic, and in some cases foreign media, on developments in that sector of the industry I would not bore you with some of the developments in the immediate privatization era but would like to focus on developments over the past fiveyears,fourofwhichare slated as the start of the developments culminating in the recent commissioning ceremony for Bosai’s #15 kiln, Maz Metallurgical Bauxiteproject.

While my experience overtheyearshastaughtme to be skeptical about reports on data and information in both domestic and some foreign media on bauxite in

Guyana, I just cannot resist commenting on some of the glaring inaccurate, misinformed, incoherent i n c o n s i s t e n t a n d questionable data and information in some of the articles relating to the commissioning of the #15 kilnandMazproject.

What bothers me is that these articles appear in the international media and I wonder what readers with some knowledge of the industry think of us, and worsethat ourGovernment ministers,Stateofficials and Advisors to the President and Cabinet who ought to havereasonabledetailedand accurate information on the industry appear to accept, without question, and I assume do not point out the anomaliestotheirsuperiors, leaving them to formulate policy and make important decisions based on flawed data and information. While Iadmitthatsomeofitmaybe just typographical errors, much of it appear to be paucity of knowledge about basic information on the

industry and inability to comprehend what is often being said by various speakers.

First, I would like to comment on the Guyana Times October 6, 2018 article “Bosai to establish new kiln, and dryer; to resuscitate Linden aluminum plant”, which the company’s secretary, is reported to have stated at a recent meeting with representatives of the Regional Democratic Council(RDC).

While I am aware that I would be accused of nit picking,andcannotbesureif what is reported is what he actually said, it pains me to think that the Secretary of Bosai would describe the plant we had at Mackenzie for60yearsasanaluminum plant; what we have at Mackenzie is an alumina plant (technically defined as an alumina refinery), which convertsbauxitetoalumina, (Al2O3).adistinctionthatis significant in the context of the General Manager of Bosai reportedly, following

Let’srejectVenezuela’saggression

DEAREDITOR,

It is with great urgency and unity that we must address a crucial matter affectingourbelovednation, Guyana. Today, we stand together to declare our resolute commitment to protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country As we face ongoing aggression from Venezuela, we firmly reject anyformofencroachmentor aggressive acts against Guyana The recent developments and unjust claims made by Venezuela demand our immediate attention and united response.

In this critical time, we must rally behind the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who has shown unwavering dedication to safeguarding our nation’s interests. His commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful resolutions must be our

guiding principle as we navigate these turbulent waters.Letusrememberthat our territorial sovereignty goes beyond politics and personal convictions – it is the backbone of our identity as Guyanese We are a resilient, peaceful, and diverse nation united under the principles of democracy and respect for international law Nowisthetimetostand united, setting aside any differences, as we make it clear to Venezuela and the world that we will defend our borders, resources, and rights.Together,wedemand a peaceful resolution and an end to hostile actions that threaten our independence andprosperity.

Iimploreeachandevery citizen, regardless of profession, ethnic background, or religion, to raisetheirvoiceandsupport ourPresidentinhiseffortsto protect the integrity of our

suit, proposing to build a US$470 million aluminum plant (I assume alumina refinery) in Linden, a proposal lauded by all presentasgenuine.

The term aluminum plantisoftenlooselyusedto describe plants that convert alumina to aluminum metal (aluminum smelters) and plants that utilize aluminum metal in downstream activities to produce a wide range of products by a large numberofprocessessomeof which could be separate or integratedwiththesmelter

African delegation as the starting point for the developments being celebrated.

belovedGuyana.

Let us engage in constructive dialogue, spread awareness, and advocate for our nation’s rights on both national and internationalplatforms.

Remember, our strength lies in our unity We are Guyana, a nationthatstands tallandresilientinthefaceof adversity Together, we will overcomethischallengeand ensure our sovereignty remainsunharmed.Letusbe firm, yet peaceful, resolute, yetdiplomatic,andsteadfast in protecting what is rightfullyours.Standstrong, stand together, and stand withPresidentDr IrfaanAli.

#ProtectGuyanasTerritor i a l I n t e g r i t y #RejectVenezuelanAggressi on

Sincerely,

Pt.UbrajNarine, JP,COA FormerMayor CityofGeorgetown

Whatissignificantisthe General Manager of Bosai now proposing to build a US$470 million aluminum plant when that same company, in November 2008, entered into an agreement with the Government to build an alumina refinery (1000,000 tpy considered at the time) and an aluminum smelter, but finally ended up with a study for a 500,000 tpy refinery in its 2010 report “ 5 0 0 k t l a a l u m i n a project–Feasibiliy of Research”,whichconcluded that a 500,000 tpy alumina refinery costing US$483.5 million was not financially viable, due, inter alia, to its smallscale.

While I agree that plant parameters may have changed since the time of thatstudy,Idoubttheycould nowdeliveraviablealumina refinery any time between now and 2030 for US$470 million – authentic studies revealing capital cost for new alumina refinery projects even before the global inflation era, exceeding US$1,000 per tonneofinstalledcapacity.

After reading what I a s s u m e a r e t h e interpretationsofthediverse media reporters on the commissioning ceremony, I decided to revert to the March 2, 2019 Guyana Times article headed “Bosai to invest US$23M on expansion plan” referred to by the Bosai General Manager during a visit by then Minister of Natural Resources and a South

The article reads, inter alia: “A whopping US$23 million investment by the Chinese-owned Bosai MineralsGroupGuyanaInc, with US$20 million for the new #15 calcine kiln and US$3 million for the #16 dryer for the production of Sized Chemical Grade Bauxite and adding that the company had ownership of 200 million tonnes high alumina, low iron bauxite andcurrentlywasproducing 1 5 million tonnes Metallurgical grade bauxite (MAZ), 300,000 tonnes

Refractory A Grade Super Calcined bauxite (RASC), 200,000 tonnes Sized Chemical grade bauxite (SBGB)and200,000tonnes Cement grade bauxite (CGB),makingitthelargest supplier of Calcined bauxite ontheworldmarket.

My first reaction to the investment of US$ 20 millionforanewcalcinekiln was that that amount was inadequateespeciallysinceI had seen in a Guyana Tines article of August 7, 2012

“Bosai investing US$100M inGuyanaoperations”, US$ 57millionquoted asthecost ofthesame kiln.

I was, however alarmed toseefromthevariousmedia r e p o r t s o n t h e commissioning ceremony thatthisUS$20million kiln h a d a p p a r e n t l y metamorphosed to US$120 millionwhichIhopewasnot just a typographical error I was, further surprised at the statement by the General Manager of Bosai that the company had ownership of over 200, million,tonnes high alumina, low iron bauxite ( which appear to includeBlock37).

I have not been able, so far, to find anywhere, documentary evidence of them having ownership of that quantity of reserves or that Block 37 which was r e c l a i m e d b y t h e Governmentwasreturnedto them. With regard to the current productionnumbers

cited, nowhere had I seen nor was able to verify from sources within the industry, shipping circles and reputable reporting agencies on bauxite exports that the company was producing, and I assume shipping, that quantity of Metallurgical bauxite or producing and shipping the stated quantities of RASC, SCGB orCGB,

Iwasthenshockedwhen I read the Guyana Chronicle’ version of the same date and reporting on the same event, headlined “BOSAI for major expansion”andquotingtheir General Manager,, stating, inter alia, that the company raked in US $3B in 2018, with production of the various bauxite ores reaching over 100,000 tonnes.Ifthestatedvalueof the products, US$3 billion, and the quantity over 100,000 tonne (say150,000 tonnes) reported, correctly reflected what yhe General Manager actuallysaid I am surprised that the Minister andhisSouthAfricanguests did not need calculators to spot a probable discrepancy since the result would be US$20,000 per tonne and even if the stated over 100,000 was 1,000,000 tonnesoftheirhighestpriced product, RASC ,which sells at over US$400, per tonne, they could not rake in US$3 billion.

I would now set out to highlight and cffer some comments on some of the moreglaringmisinformation in the reports on the Commission Ceremony for the Bosai #15 kiln and Haz project;

The 8 July 2023 Stabroek News article headlined “Bosai launches US$120mkiln,Mazproject, 500 jobs on offer” reporting on the Commissioning Ceremony speaks to the US$120m #15 kiln, MetallurgicalGradeBauxite Maz Project, ,a construct that could be interpreted as the US$120 million applied to the #15 kiln and Maz project.TheGuyana (Continuedonpage06)

RESPONSE TO GLENN LALL’S VIDEO PODCAST “DECEPTION & CORRUPTION GETTING WORSE BYTHE MINUTE IN GUYANA

”DEAREDITOR, ThePNCRhasnotedthat Glenn Lall, publisher of Kaieteur News, devoted most of his recent podcast (“Deception & corruption getting worse by the minute inGuyana”)tocriticizingthe PNCRfor,ashedescribedit, remaining silent as the government approved licenses for ExxonMobil’s 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th oil projects.

We have in fact spoken publiclyonthisissueseveral times Indeed, we have proposedaframeworkunder the current PSA that better serves the country with regards to the processing of

newlicenses.

At our Opposition Press ConferenceonApril6,2023, weprovidedthemostdetails onourposition.

Westartedbyslamming Jagdeo’s plans to fast track the oil industry for a minimum of 15 years “as reckless, wild and a recipe for massive loss and leakages of revenue ” Instead,wecalledforamore measured oil depletion or extraction rate based on spacingoutthedevelopment of new projects in the Stabroek Block in a manner that allows Guyana to increase its cut through higherprofitoil. Wewenton

to elaborate: “At the moment,the50/50splitgets Guyana only 12.5% of oil revenues–apercentagethat seems unlikely to budge under the ongoing oil rush. With five FPSOs already in operation or already approved,thecountryisnow well-positioned to seek a largercutofthepie.

In terms of numbers, the 25% profit oil must be allowedtoincreasesothat the 50/50 split would earn Guyana more than 12 5% ”

Therefore, as we then further proposed, the government must invite Exxon to the table to work

out a balance (or a sweet s p o t ) b e t w e e n expenditures on new developments and revenues from current projectsthatwillallowthe 75/25% cost oil/profit oil ratio to trend towards greater profit oil as urgentlyaspossible We also remarked that “Ameasuredpaceofnewoil developments will also allow the country to get its act together in terms of its institutional capacity building to monitor, evaluate, and audit operations.”

Importantly, we pointed outthatamoremeasuredoil

depletion rate could be negotiated under the current PSA, with the government using as leverage (if necessary) its approval powersfornewprojects. We have repeated these ideas a fewtimessince.

True, they did not come withbellsandwhistles.

Let us hasten to add, however, that we are not advancing our resource depletion or extraction strategy as a substitute for newnegotiationsonroyalty, ringfencing,etc.

What we are saying is thatthegovernmentcanwin more benefits for the people of Guyana under the current

oilcontractbyleveragingits powers to grant permits and licenses. Such leveraging was used under the APNU+AFC Coalition to strengthen the Liza environmentalpermits.

We believe good-faith negotiations can produce a project development schedule that increases profit oil (and hence Guyana’s take) in the near term without unduly harming the company’s profits.

We welcome a public discussiononthisproposal.

Yoursrespectfully,

People’s National CongressReform

Lindenbauxitedevelopments...

Frompage05

Chronicle headline of the same date, reporting on the same events, however, speaks to the US$120 #15 kiln, and US$115 million Maz projects which clearly attaches US$120 million to the kiln and US $$115 million to theMazproject. This article, then proceeds to provide some conflicting and confusing production, export and earning numbers –bauxite production increasing from 608,000 tonnes in 2020 to 705,000 tonnesin2022,withexports averaging more than 600,000tonnes. and export earnings of US$98.9 million. while, referring to the Guyana Times articleof 8July2023 reporting President Ali reportingtheirproductionto date of 112,000 tonnes and target for 2023 at over 470,000" which conflicts with the claims of massive increases in production

Since, however, there

a p p e a r s t o b e n o disaggregation of the products in the actual production and target numbers, I am not sure it would be easy to determine whether the target has been achieved. I surmise that the production number cited by the President applied to RASC only, while the target applied to the full range of products,inwhichcase,with the new kiln increasing RASC production1.5times as predicted, and the other products already and continuingtobeproduced,it shouldnotbedifficultforthe modesttargettobeachieved.

TheGuyanaTimesofthe same date, reporting on the

same event under the headline “Chinese company invests US$115 M to improve bauxite production “expandedtheheadlinewith details of the investment, inter alia: launching the construction of its mass project,aninitiativethatwill seethecompanybringingin even more high-powered equipment such as a bulldozer and other mobile devices;expandingtheshiploading port; setting up a new transshipment platform in Georgetown; installing a

conveyor belt –90 kilometers from the mining site to the port – an investment that is pegged to generate approximately US$200 million annually; statementsallsupportingthe view that the US$ 115 millionappliestothe (mass) Maz project only with the US $120 million stated earlierapplicableto#15kiln.

However, I could not contemplate a 90 kilometer (55 miles) conveyor belt since my knowledge of the identified Linden and Ituni bauxitedepositsdonotshow any deposits 90 klometers from Linden; while I am tempted to treat this as a typographical error (9 kilometers)Iampreparedto concedethatBosaimayhave identified new deposits that distancefromLinden.

I then read Vanessa Brathwaite’s article in the publicationInfo Thetruthin Black and White of July 7 2023headed“400jobstobe created from BOSAI’s US$150Mkiln#15andMaz project”.

Iwasunabletofindany reference to the source of theUS$150million sinceit

doesnotfeatureinanyofthe other reports I have seen, hence I assume she may havegottenitfroma source otherthantheBosaiofficials at the Commissioning Ceremony With regard to the ridiculous nine millimeter ( 35 inch) conveyor, my first reaction was to treat it as a typographical error which I thought she should have detected on editing her articlebeforepublication,or seekacorrectionafteritwas published, however, on reflection I thought it could perhaps be a demonstration of someone with zero knowledge of the metric measurement system IthenstumbledontheNews Roomarticleof July7,2003 headed “More jobs, accelerated bauxite production as BOSAI commissions US$115M kiln” and proceeds to provide some details on the US $115 mass project, citing:

Addition of 42 100pound mining trucks and nine 50 tonnes bulldozers together with other mobile devices, doubling the existingfleet.

Planned expansion of ports for ship loading with the addition of two docks to theexistingfacilities.

S e t t i n g u p a transshipment system equipped with four 10,000 tonnesnewlybuiltvessels.

Once in operation, the facility is expected to generate an output value of US$200 million per annum, equivalent to twice the currentlevel.

I find it difficult to reconcile some of the

information in this article. FirstIcannotunderstandthe need for 42, 100 pounds (I assume tonnes) mining trucksthenumberofwhichI assume is a typographic error Ialsocannotreconcile the need for an additional nine 50 tonne bulldozers in the mining operation since my limited knowledge of mining equipment in the Linden mines does not reveal bulldozers as a major component of the stripping andminingfleet, butagainI cannot question the Chinese who may have developed new mining technologies, I am also intrigued by the conceptoftheestablishment of a transshipment platform in Georgetown which obviouslyaimsatfacilitating theloadingoflargershipsfor the economic transport of low value metallurgical bauxite for which the Bosai Group has become a major supplier to the bourgeoning Chinese aluminum industry, buying over 1 million tonnes per year from Gulf EneratesAlumina in Guinea and recently shipping 1.6 million tonnes from their subsidiary Bosai majority owned and managed operation in Ghana, now planning to export Maz from Guyana, having lost their major source of sweetening trihydrate bauxite in Ghana.

I have no authentic information on the prospective destination of the Maz shipments, but assuming it is China, I am concerned that the shipment sizes and consequent freight savings they anticipate wouldnotattractaprofitable FOB price to realize the

additional export earnings they project; but again I assume Bosai has or will soon undertake the appropriate studies to determine the feasibility of theirMazproject.

Upon reviewing the various reports listed above and other reports which, according to Bosai, involve “plans for the need to forge and to reinforce new ideas anddevelopnewproducts”,I attempted the following summary of the formidable listofprojectsanticipated:

- A bulldozer and other mobiledevicestodoublethe existingfleet

- Purchase of 42 100 pound (I assume 2 or 4 100 tonne)miningtrucks.

- Acquisition of nine 50 tonnebulldozers.

- Expanding the shiploading facility at Linden with the addition of two loadingports.

-Setting up a new transshipment platform in Georgetown.

-Construction of four 10,000 vessels (I assume barges).

-Installation of a conveyor belt, 90 kilometres (I surmise 9 kilometers) fromthemining sitetotheport

-A 12 megawatt (MW) solar power project to provide stable energy for theirown.

Operations.

-Construction of a US$470 million aluminum plant,(I assume alumina refinery)

While there is little informationonthescaleand cost of most of the projects and the possible time frame fortheirimplementation,the

provisions for the Maz project suggest a substantial volume: four 10,000 barges delivering40,000tonnesper week to the Georgetown transshipment platform to fill 40,000 vessels would resultin2mtpy

Production of that volume Maz would certainly necessitate the developmentofanewmine which, with their inference to ownership of Block 37, (inferred), down -playing Tiger Jump estimated at a minimum50milliontonnes, other substantial adjacent deposits and remnants, and the 9 kilometer (assumed) conveyor sounds suspiciously like Block 37 as the source of the Maz project, with a non viable alumina refinery (aluminum plant) which may never be built, thrown in, as a sweetenertosealthedeal.

I hope the Guyana Government would maintain its position on Block 37 as a reserve for a minimum 1 mtpy alumina refinery which could be an industry priority for an e a r l y 2 0 3 0 s commissioning

Intheeventthefinancial viability of the Maz project is established and endorsed bytheGovernment,thereare other virgin and remnant deposits with the same chemical and mineralogical properties as Block 37, with the advantage of lower overburden:ore ratios, on both East and West Bank Linden containing adequate reserves to sustain even a 2 mtpy project for over50years.

Regards,

SylvesterCarmichael

Former GECOM Chair seeking unreasonable compensation for lands - Brassington tells Court

Head of the Guyana to Energy (GTE) Task Force, Winston Brassington has told the High Court that former Chairman of the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM), Dr Steve Surujbally is seeking a n u n r e a s o n a b l e compensation for his land acquired to facilitate the 12inch pipeline that will pass throughaportionofhisland, located at Nouvelle Flanders, West Coast Demerara.

The pipeline is a component of the GTE project and is being constructed by oil giant ExxonMobil It will transport natural gas to the Wales Development Site, West Coast Demerara to be used for electricity generation.

Dr Surujbally had approached the Court on August 3, 2023 seeking adequate compensation for his land that was compulsorily acquired by

the government to facilitate theproject.

HeisthethirdGuyanese that have mounted a legal challenge with regard to the project Another citizen whose land would be affected as a result of the pipeline is presently before the Court while two other citizensinaseparatesuitare challenging the legality of

the Permit granted for the project.

The former GECOM Chair told the Court that his land is valued at $100 million and believes same should be paid by the state.

Dr Surujbally, through his Lawyer, Christopher Ram, stated in the application that therewereseveralviolations of the Acquisition of Lands

for Public Purposes Act, Cap. 62:05 and breaches to t h e A p p l i c a n t ’ s constitutionalrightnottobe deprived of this property without prompt payment of compensation.

TheyarguethatPursuant to Article 142(1) of the ConstitutionofGuyana,and section 7 of the Acquisition ofLandsforPublicPurposes Act theApplicant is entitled to prompt payment of adequate and satisfactory compensation for the compulsory acquisition of hislandbytheState.

Inresponsetotheclaims made by Dr Surujbally, Brassington in an Affidavit in Defence filed by the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC on September 11, 2023, said it was misleading for the Applicant to suggest that he oughttohavebeencontacted i m m e d i a t e l y f o r negotiations, after the publication of an Order publishedonAugust8,2021 for theAcquisition of Lands for Public Purposes relative totheproject.

This Order, according to Brassington was aimed at allowing officials of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) to enter upon lands “for the purpose of surveying, save and except cadastral surveys, or otherwise examiningthelands.”

Hewentontonotethatof the 2 005 acres of land owned by Dr Surujbally, approximately 1.5 acres of the land was acquired through a Gazetted Order, dated28December2022.

Brassington said, “At all material times, the Government acted in good faith and with the requisite fairness and alacrity in engaging landowners regarding the GTE Project, and specifically, in terms of the intended acquisition of their lands for the Project. I amawarethatthroughoutthe process of acquisition, the landownerswereengagedby Ministers of Government and their designates, and were provided legal representationintheformof private practitioners, at no cost to the landowners, and were also advised of their right to retain Counsel of theirchoiceiftheywished.”

In the case of the former GECOM Chair, he told the

Head of the GTE Task Force, Winston Brassington

Court that Attorney-at-Law, Manoj Naravan was assignedtotheApplicant.

The Head of the GTE Task Force stated, “I am aware that in light of the Applicant’s unreasonable and uncompromising positionforcompensationin the amount of $100 million forlandmeasuringabout1.5 acres,valuedat$7.6million, the Attorney General prioritized the Applicant’s negotiating process, himself engaging the Applicant through his Attorney-atLaw, as recent as 17August 2023.”

Brassingtonprovidedthe High Court with a copy of a land valuation done by the Ministry of Finance Valuation Division, dated September 20, 2022 which valued the land at $7 6 million.

Further, at a meeting in September2022,theHeadof the Task Force said that all affected landowners, includingtheApplicantwere toldthatthegovernmentwas prepared to double the valuation figures for each portionofland.

Brassington therefore denied that the government didnotmakeacounteroffer to the compensation sought by Dr. Surujbally. He said thattheApplicantrefusedto acceptthedoubledvaluation sumof$15.2millionoffered bytheGovernmentaspartof thenegotiationprocess.

On the other hand, he said, “I am informed by the Attorney General and do verily believe that the Attorney General indicated to theApplicant through his Attorney-at-Law that the (counter)- offer made by the Applicant was grossly inflated;andfurther,thatthe said counter-offer was unreasonable, given that the State was already in the process of compensating similarlycircumstanced

Continuedonpage10

Big Brother is watching!

The United States Embassy in Guyana probably knows more about crime and corruption in Guyana than the country’s governments.Theyprobably also know just as much or evenmorethanthecountry’s intelligenceservices.

It is not unusual for a country’s intelligence services to withhold i n f o r m a t i o n f r o m government.Theseagencies do not reveal all that they know; this happens not only in Guyana but throughout the world. As such, even of the local intelligence may know certain things this would not necessarily be transmittedtogovernment.

Intelligence agencies also have their political biases. During the funeral tributes to the late Roger Luncheon, the public was told that the intelligence agencies often withheld or misdirectedthegovernment. It must also be recalled that during the post 1997 elections protest, the Opposition seemed to have accesstostateintelligence.

Burnhamoncereleaseda HeadoftheGuyanaDefence Force because of the military’s failure to know about the fire-bombing of the Ministry of National Mobilization, an act which

the PNC pinned on the Working People’s Alliance. Three of the leaders of the WPA,Dr WaterRodney,Dr Rupert Roopnarine and Dr Omawale were charged for thatoffense.

During the investigation into the visa scandal involving a consular officer at the Embassy Thomas Carroll, the US gathered critical information about some of the players involved. WIKILEAKShas provided an insight into the line of questioning to which Carroll was subjected to.

During the interrogations of Carroll, he was asked repeatedly about an obese Guyanese-born expatriate businessman who is very close with the PPP/C government and who is suspected to be fronting for powerful figures within the PPP/C. The US government islikelystillkeepingaclose eyeonthispersonbecauseof his strong links to governmentofficials.

Burnham found out aboutsomeofthespiesinhis government But he was smart enough to send some of them away on duties where they no longer could infiltratehisgovernment.

WIKILEAKS has pr ovidedinformationabout so me of the local

“snitches” who voluntarily provide information to the US embassy The US has numerous sources of information and a bevy of informants who relay sensitive information. It is also quite possible, as in other countries, that the US hasitsownagentswithinthe government.

But the US does not simplyacceptinformationat face value Instead, it verifiesandcross-references the data through their own investigations and often enliststheassistanceoflocal corroboratorsinGuyana.

The US knows when to strike.Itislikelyalsothatthe United States was involved in having the Vice News team come to Guyana to investigate the connection b e t w e e n C h i n e s e b u s i n e s s m e n a n d government officials Despite the change in political administration in the United States, the US government is interested in containing Chinese economic expansionism in theworld.

Thisiswhysoonafterthe 2020 elections the US Secretary of State came to Guyana. He came here to signalUSexpectationsabout the government’s relations with China The US is

DEM BOYS SEH

CPL means Copycatting de Premier League

Dem boys got something to seh about all dis excitement, cheerin’, flag-wavin’,andhome-side supporting of de CPL cricket. Behind that entire hullabaloo, there’s an underside that ain’t getting deattentionitdeserve.Yuh see, this CPLthing, it ain’t nuttin’ but a copycat ting from the IPL, and dat’s a fact!

Now, don’t get we wrong, we Caribbean peoplelovewecricket.We eat it, sleep it, and breathe it. But lately, it seems like wedonelostweoriginality, and we just followin’ de crowd like a sheep to de slaughter The CPL, it like the IPL come to Guyana, and we in de Caribbean actin’likewearedemasters ofimitation.

When you watch the CPL, it’s like déjà vu, meh people Same kind of cheerleaders, same kind of

fancy team names, and even de same kinda bigmoney owners. It’s like theytaketheIPLplaybook, putitinablender,andserve it up as Caribbean cricket. But hold on a minute, ain’t we got we own flavor, our ownstyle?

Back in de day, we had our legends – Sir Vivian Richards, Brian Lara, and the list go on. Dem boys played the game with flair and passion. We had we own identity – calypso cricket,theyusedtocallit. Weusedtodancetothebeat of our own drum, and nobodycouldreplicatethat WestIndianswagger

But now, we chasin’ after the IPL model. We forgettin’ that what make we special is our uniqueness Dem boys remember when the crowd used to chant “Fire in Babylon” and we fast bowlers sent shivers down the spines

seekingtopullGuyanaaway from relations with China but it is offering only access to loans and private investment and nothing in theformofgrantsorofficial developmentaid.

The US has also come out early with a statement condemning the recent missive of Venezuela in relation to the oil blocks auction.ExxonMobilisaUS company operating in Guyana and the US is thereforeearlyouttheblocks in defending, not Guyana, but the interests of its oil companythatisoperatingin theStabroekblock.

Despite this strong economic interest, the US is not likely to overlook the issueofcorruptionandother illegal activities which may involvethegovernment.The

US also has a number of othercompaniesoperatingin the local oil and gas sector anditwillwanttoseealevel playingfield.Assuch,ithas alreadysignaledthatitwants to see greater transparency withinthesector

Last November, the outgoing USAmbassador to Guyana,duringaninterview at the Wilson Center in Washington, said that the potential for corruption was a major challenge for Guyana as it navigates it oil wealth.Shealsostressedthat the US government will workwiththegovernmentin strengtheningaccountability andtransparency

The US therefore is likely to be keeping a sharp eye on the government and itsdealings.

The US is not interested

indirtyingmoneyanddrugs going into its country But it will also be observing whether dirty money from the United States is being invested in Guyana. But is also wants to ensure that local corruption, including withingovernment,doesnot place its companies at a disadvantage in doing businessinGuyana.

(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.)

opposition. We had style, we had flair, we had personality

Nowadays,it’sallabout thebigbucksandtheflashy showbiz.We forgettin’that cricket is a gentleman’s game played with honor and sportsmanship, We now gat people fighting afterdematch.

We too busy tryin’ to outdo the IPL in glitz and glamour. But what we gainin’fromit,really?

Dem boys seh we need togetbacktoweroots.We needtorediscoverthespirit of Caribbean cricket – the passion, the flair, the unpredictability We need to stop imitatin’ and start innovatin’ It’s time to nurture our own talent, build our own cricketing legacy,andmaketheworld sit up and take notice of Caribbean cricket once again.

Whovex,vex! Talkhalf.Leffhalf

ExxontorampupoilproductioninNigeria

U.S oil and gas major ExxonMobil has embarked on ramping up its oil productionbynearly40,000 barrelsperdayinNigeria.

Reutersreportedthatthis expansion was revealed followingtalksheldbetween Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Exxon’s Liam MalloninNewYork.

Themeeting,whichtook place ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, was part of Nigeria’s efforts to attract global capital to Africa’s largest economy, as stated by presidential spokespersonAjuriNgelale.

Nigeria’s state oil firm, NNPC Ltd., operates joint ventures and offshore production-sharing contracts with major oil companies, including Exxon, responsible for pumping over 80% of the country’s oil. Liam Mallon, representing Exxon, commentedontheirprogress in Nigeria, stating, “We are growingourproduction,and we are working hard on expanding in the deepwater production.”

While Exxon confirmed the talks with the Nigerian president, they did not providefurtherdetails.

Nigeria has experienced an increase in its oil and condensates output, reaching1.67millionbarrels perday,upfromjustundera

million in recent months.

This improvement is attributed to enhanced security measures in the oilrich Niger River delta region However, Nigeria continues to face challenges in its oil industry, such as large-scale theft and sabotage, despite passing a historic oil bill into law two years ago aimed at easing regulatory uncertainties and attractinginvestments.

President Tinubu pledged to address these challenges and facilitate the flow of new and large-scale capitalintoNigeria’senergy sector, stating, “The knotty issues require direct supervision on my part Despite many contending obligations, I will sit down and oversee the process of r e m o v i n g t h e s e

encumbrances ” He emphasized that Nigeria is now more prepared for businessthaneverbefore.

Meanwhile, on a different front, the Government of Guyana revealed that ExxonMobil Guyana Limited is increasing daily production at the two Floating

Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, LizaDestinyandLizaUnity

TheLizaDestinywasthe country’sfirstFPSOandwas designed to safely produce 120,000 barrels per day

(bpd), however the GoG in its Mid-Year Report on the performanceoftheeconomy saidthatproductionhasbeen rampedupto153,000bpd.

It explained, “On the production front, the sector experienced a rapid

“additional optimization” workswithplansinplaceto furtherrampupproduction.

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

Environmental Impact

daily production at the Liza Two project to 255,000 bpd inthesecondhalfoftheyear

expansion in output from bothproducingFPSOs,when comparedwiththefirsthalfof last year, with ramped up outputamidoptimisationand maintenance scopes As previously mentioned, the LizaDestinyFPSOproduced atalmost153,000barrelsper day (bpd), on average, in the first half of 2023, compared with approximately 109,348 bpdlastyear

The government was keentonotethattheplatform recently underwent

Assessment (EIA), to produce up to 220,000 barrels per day, production hasbeenpushedbeyondthe vessel’snameplatecapacity

The Ministry of Finance recent Mid-Year Report stated, “As it relates to the Liza Unity FPSO, production of crude oil averaged226,500bpdinthe first half of this year, compared with 105,948 bpd fromFebruary11toJune30, 2022.”

indicated that the platform was subjected to the first phaseofoptimizationworks andisexpectedtoproduceat a whopping 35,000 bpd beyond its original design capacity According to the Mid-Year Report, Exxon is expected to further ramp up

In unveiling plans to further boost oil production at the Stabroek Block, the administration pointed out that the third FPSO, Prosperity, which will operatethePayaraprojectis expected to start-up in the fourthquarterofthisyear Prosperity arrived in Guyana back inApril 2023. Presently, commissioning activity is ongoing. Once operational, the three projects will produce a combined daily output of morethan560,000bpd.

The Prosperity FPSO was designed to safely produce up to 220,000 bpd according to the EIA submitted by ExxonMobil. Even though the project is yet to commence, the developer has already announced its intent to produce above the design capacity

Blackwater Adventures is the first tour company in Guyana to complete the Health,Safety,Security,and Environment (HSSE) programme, conducted by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Centre for Local Business Development.

Representatives of the agencies on Monday visited the tour company’s Berbice operations and conducted thefinalassessment.

GTA’s Manager of Training and Licensing, TamikaInglissaidthereason fortheprogrammeistoraise

Frompage3

the standard of tourism in Guyana, not only with hotel accommodations but also showing tour operators the importance of health and safety.

“Blackwater Adventures would have been the one to gothroughtheentireprocess andcompleteit.Itisalotof work…time-consumingand basedontheschedulesofthe other tour operators, they were not able to finish all together Inglis said while speaking with the Department of Public Information(DPI)

The Centre for Local

Business Development’s roleistoprovidementorship to the tour operators free of cost.

HSSECoordinatoratthe Centre for Local Business Development, Akil Lewis, explained that when the programmestartedin2017it targeted the oil and gas sector, however, now it is being tailored to suit other businesses, especially in the tourismsector Businesses that benefit

from the programme are certifiedforcompliancewith international requirements andbestpractices.

Blackwater Adventures is a family-owned and operated eco-based tour company that operates mostly in the Berbice River Canjearea,RegionSix.

The company is owned byDillionRossandhiswife Stephany It focuses on customtours,like

Continuedonpage15

optimized by the operator of the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) to produce beyond theinitialtargets.

TheLizaDestinyisdesignedtosafelyproduce120,000 barrels per day (bpd), however the GoG in its Mid-Year Report recently released said that production has been rampedupto153,000bpd.

Meanwhile, on the second FPSO, which was designed according to its Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA), to produce up to 220,000 barrels per day, production has beenpushedtoabout226,500bpd.

Eventhoughthedeveloperhastakenmeasurestoramp upproductionwiththeblessingsofthegovernment,revenue tothecountryhasnotincreased.

Thisisasaresultofthelopsidedagreementsignedwith theStabroekBlockconsortiumin2016.Thedealallowsfor 75percentoftherevenueearnedtobedeductedtorecover theinvestmentsmadeintheblock.

Theremaining25percentisthensplitbetweenGuyana andthepartners,withatwopercentroyaltybeingpaidtothe country ThismeansGuyanareceivesameager14.5percent oftheearningsfromtheblock.

Frompage8 landowners at true, current market value, which said valuationswereatsignificant odds with the Applicant’s inflated valuation of $100M.”

He added that the AG reached out to the Applicant’s Lawyer on several occasions with the $15.2 million offer and a furtherofferof$20.2million which were refused as inadequate.

A c c o r d i n g t o Brassington, “The most recentofferofcompensation to the Applicant ($20M) is approximately 166 percent or three times the current market value of the land acquired.”

As such, he told the Court, “I contend that the Applicant’s offer of $100M

is grossly exorbitant, unfair, and unreasonable I am advised by myAttorneys-atLaw and verily believe that were the State to accede to theApplicantsdemandofthe inflated and unreasonable compensationof$100M,this will not only result in unjust enrichment to theApplicant, but shall constitute a misuse oftheState’sresources.”

The Head of the Task Force further told the Court that any alleged offer of $100M made to the Applicant, in the absence of any supporting evidence, is fanciful ought to be wholly discounted.

Brassington in light of the foregoing has urged the High Court to dismiss the Application brought by Dr Surujballyandawardcoststo thestate.

Oil deal protesters target masses and int’l community at CPL final

A large group of concerned citizens assembled outside the Guyana National Stadium at Providence on Sunday ahead of the finals of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in protest of

the lopsided contract between ExxonMobil Guyana and the Government of Guyana.

Protestors said they were targeting the masses and the international community by

protesting at the CPL final. The exercise was led by Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, a relentless advocate for renegotiation of the oil deal.

Fire guts section of Ramada Hotel

TheGuyanaFireService (GFS) is currently investigating a fire that occurred on Saturday night attheRamadaPrincessHotel and Casino at Providence, EastBankDemerara.

The fire broke out in Room431onthefourthfloor of the six-story building, which boasts a total of 194 rooms and features a casino onitssouthernside.

At the time of the incident, the hotel had 293 adults and 4 children registeredasguests.Thefire alarm and sprinkler systems were triggered by smoke emanating from the eastern sideofthebuilding.

GFS said it was alerted aboutthefireataround22:47 hrs and the entity quickly dispatched fire units from

Eccles, Diamond, Central, and West Ruimveldt fire

stations These units included water tenders, water carriers, a hydraulic platform, three ambulances, and personnel. The first unit arrivedat22:54hrs.

Under the command of Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, 28 firefighters acted swiftly to safely evacuateallhotelguestsand effectivelycontaintheblaze. They also utilized a recently acquired hydraulic high-rise platform to rescue individuals trapped on the sixthfloor Fortunately,there were no serious injuries or casualties, though one guest was treated for smoke inhalationattheGeorgetown PublicHospitalCorporation.

Firefighting operations

concludedat03:10hoursthe following day, with significantdamagesustained by the room of origin and neighboring rooms 433 and 435. To extinguish the fire, two lines were utilized, drawing water from water carrier #14, water tender #116, HP #2, and an open watersource.

Notably,PresidentIrfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jadgeo, along with other government officials were on the scene, providing support from around 23:00 hours until about 03:00 hours.

Investigations into the fire’s cause are currently in progress, and police and fire personnelremainonstandby at the location to offer additionalsupport.

Soesdyke/Linden Highway communities facing water shortage gets aid

Following the direction of Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, a relief operation was conducted by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to alleviate water shortages in communities situated alongtheSoesdyke/LindenHighway,Region Four.

Theshortagesthatarebeingexperienced in these communities are a result of the prolonged dry weather owing to the El Niño weatherpattern.

According to a release from the CDC, communitiesthathavebeenimpactedbythe dry weather and benefitted from the government’s interventions include Yarrowkabra, Kuru Kuru, Swan, and Circuitville.

The statement noted that three water distributionstationshavebeenestablishedin Circuitville and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)isresponsibleforreplenishingpotable

watertotheaffectedareas.

TheCDCalsosuppliedwatertankstothe Yarrowkabra Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to assist with the water distribution effort , while the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is responsible for ensuringpotablewaterisdistributedinKuru Kuru.

“Thishumanitarianeffortwillcontinueto ensure that all vulnerable communities are aided directly or indirectly by bolstering the capacity of the NDC,” the CDC’s statement assured.

Residents who are impacted by the dry seasonareurgedtousewaterconservatively, ensure all potable water is stored properly, and prevent all waterways from becoming contaminated or blocked. The CDC has assured that it will monitor the issue closely while continuing to observe nationwide changesrelevanttoElNiño.(DPI)

Asection of the hotel which was gutted by the inferno. (Credit: Ministry of HomeAffairs)

Pregnant Venezuelan woman raped, sodomized during job interview

job urgently and somewhere tosleep.”

The suspect agreed and optedtopickherupfromher hotel for an interview at a locationinEccles,EastBank Demerara (EBD) She recalled a short light skin man in complexion picking her up in a white Hilux with blackstripesattheside.

The Venezuelan woman said they talked about work all the way to a yellow twostorey house with a small whitecarintheyard. According to the victim at one point she became suspicious but brushed her fears aside and entered the house.

substance in her mouth before stripping off her clothes.

“Hethenrapedme,”The pregnant woman said while relating that he also sodomized her brutally leaving her bleeding and in pain. “It was horrible,” she added.

She alleged too that he wanted to keep her against her will but she managed to convincehimtotakehertoa locationtobuyfoodbecause shewashungry Hecomplied and when she got there, she exited the car and ran with themoneyhegavehertobuy food and left her purse behind.

A pregnant Venezuelan woman, 24, was on Sunday eveningreportedlyrapedand sodomized during a job interview at Eccles, East BankDemerara.

The alleged rape took place around 19:00hrs at the suspect’s home after he trickedherintobelievingthat he is a businessman seeking paintersandcleaners.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, the young lady said that she was recently kicked out by her guyanese boyfriend after he refused to accept the pregnancy She alsolostherjobasawaitress atabarafterherfemaleboss said that she cannot have a pregnantwomanworkingfor her

As a result of her challenges, she was left homeless and jobless Subsequently, she managed tobookaroomatSunflower Hotel and it was there while scrollingthroughafacebook groupcalled‘Venezuelansin Guyana’ that she saw an advertisement posted by the suspect looking for live-in cleanersandpainters.

Desperate for a job she immediately made contact with the suspect via a whatsapp number he had

Blackwater Adventures first to...

Frompage10 sightseeing,sunset,fishingvisitinghistorical sitesinthearea,orovernighttrips.

Ross was surprised that he was the only onetocompletetheHSSEprogramme.

“It definitely raised the bar I would say, andIthinkintourismthereisalotofdoitat yourownriskmentally,andIcouldspeakfor myself, I was definitely of that mindset initially,butthisprogrammereallymentored me and help me think outside of that before something bad happens, there is so many things that can just eliminate or mitigate the riskaltogetheranditwasreallyhelpfulgoing through the programme, so was it hard? There’re definitely some challenges but it wasworthit,”Rosssaid.

Dillon is very grateful for the support he

receivedfromtheGuyanaTourismAuthority and urges all tour operators to access resources of the GTA to improve their tour operations.

“Guyana Tourism Authority is very helpful. They were with us. We got started duringCOVIDandevenduringthattime,the product development team, the licensing team, and the director themselves. They are alltheretohelpandtheyknowtheotherstuff as well, like to run a boat, what captain license do you need, what public liability insurance do you need, they can help you withallofthat,”hestated.

Tour Operators who are interested in joining this programme are asked to make contact with the Guyana TourismAuthority (DPI)

postedinthead.

Kaieteur News was shown screenshots of the exchange between the two anditwasquiteclearthathe tricked the Venezuelan woman. He asked, “Ok you work to paint road already?” and sheresponded“YesIneeda

“He offered me something to drink and I did not accept it,” she said in tears while explaining that the man then suddenly became aggressive demanding that she take off herclothes.

The woman said that he then grabbed her, held her down, and threw a white

Almost four years after first oil...

She took a taxi and went to bar where she worked to seekhelpbutitwasclosed. Shemanagedtocontacta friend and that individual pickedherupandtookherto a police station where she made a report. She was later takentoahospital.

Investigations are ongoing.

Guyana to now pursue independent monitoring of oil production

Almostfouryearsafterfirstoil,Guyana willnowpursueindependentmonitoringof oil production. This was revealed by Vice President(VP)BharratJagdeoathisweekly pressconferencelastThursday

Responding to a question about the independent monitoring of Guyana’s oil exploration activities during the press conferenceatFreedomHouseonThursday, JagdeosaidtheGovernmentwillbemoving to tender to find a suitable company to do thework.

“Thenextstepistogoouttotenderand request a proposal for a company to track productiononadailybasis,”hesaid Jagdeo had previously announced that governmentwillconstructastate-of-the-art operations center that will be fed informationfromtheoilcompanytoverify oilproductiondata.

BackinAugust,theVPexplainedthatthe Government of Guyana (GoG), after establishingtheregulatoryframeworkforthe country’s rapidly developing petroleum sectorplanstoaccessthedatathatExxonvia at its new headquarters at Ogle, East Coast Demerara(ECD)willberolledout.

Jagdeo said that the government will to conduct remote monitoring to verify oil productiondata.

“We will get past the core reforms first the PSA (Production Sharing Agreement), the Local Content Act, the auction, the PetroleumActivities Bill; when we have upgraded the architecture we will then move to operation (and) compliance issues,”Jagdeohadsaid.

TheformerHeadofStatewaskeentonote that the new PSA will strengthen the government’sabilitytomanagetheindustry, sinceitwouldforceoilandgascompaniesto producepertinentdata.Likewise,thenewoil

-Jagdeo

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

law, that is expected to be passed by this month, will ensure petroleum companies submittimelydata.AccordingtotheVP,this would give the regulators “a better real-time pictureoftheindustry.”

He explained, “On issues relating to productionverification,wesaidthatExxonis building an operational center as part of the headoffice.Theyaregonnahaveafiberoptic cablecomingin,wemayhavetogetanaccess to the fiber or in the short term we will probably use satellite technology to have an independent measuring of the flows and everythingelse.”

Jagdeo added that the use of this technology would verify the discharge of waters and oil flows, along with other relevant data related to production on the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO)vessels.

Backthen,headmittednonethelessthat the government will need to build greater monitoringcapabilities.

Snapshots of their whatsapp conversation.

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NASA capsule carrying largest asteroid samples lands on Earth

(AL JAZEERA) - A NASA space capsule carrying the largest soil sample ever collected from the surface of an asteroid has landed in the Utah desert seven years after the mission’s launch.

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

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Male and female Factory Worker and Office Clerk needed. For more information Call: 226-2621.

“We have touchdown!” Flight Control announced on Sunday.

The gumdrop-shaped capsule, released from the robotic spacecraft OSIRIS-REx as the mothership passed within 108,000km (67,000 miles) of Earth hours earlier, touched down within a designated landing zone west of Salt Lake City on the United States military’s vast Utah Test and Training Range.

The samples will be flown on Monday to a new lab at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The building already houses nearly 400kg

(842lb) of moon rocks gathered by the Apollo astronauts more than a half-century ago.

Scientists estimated the capsule holds at least a cup of rubble from the carbon-rich asteroid known as Bennu but won’t know for sure until the container is opened.

across, making it slightly wider than the Empire State Building is tall but tiny compared with the Chicxulub asteroid, which struck Earth about 66 million years ago, wiping out the dinosaurs.

Primordial relic

asteroid before venturing close enough to snatch a sample of the loose surface material with its robot arm on October 20, 2020.

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

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One male Cleaner needed to work in Eccles. Call: 615-9132.

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Japan, the only other country to bring back asteroid samples, gathered about a teaspoon from a pair of asteroid missions.

The mission’s lead scientist, Dante Lauretta of the University of Arizona, will accompany the samples to Texas. The opening of the container in Houston in the next day or two will be “the real moment of truth”, given the uncertainty over the amount inside, he said ahead of the landing.

Like other asteroids, Bennu is a relic of the early solar system. Because its present-day chemistry and mineralogy are virtually unchanged since forming 4.5 billion years ago, it holds valuable clues to the origins and development of rocky planets such as Earth.

It may even contain organic molecules similar to those necessary for the emergence of microbes.

The spacecraft departed Bennu in May 2021 for a 1.9billion-kilometre (1.2-billionmile) cruise back to Earth, including two orbits around the sun.

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

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OSIRIS-REx collected its specimen three years ago from Bennu, a small asteroid discovered in 1999. The space rock is classified as a “near-Earth object” because it passes relatively close to our planet every six years. The odds of an impact are considered remote.

Bennu is believed to be made up of a loose collection of rocks, like a rubble pile. It measures 500 metres (1,600ft)

Samples returned three years ago by the Japanese mission Hayabusa2 from Ryugu, another near-Earth asteroid, were found to contain two organic compounds, buttressing the hypothesis that celestial objects such as comets, asteroids and meteorites that bombarded early Earth seeded the young planet with the primordial ingredients for life.

OSIRIS-REx launched in September 2016 and reached Bennu in 2018, then spent nearly two years orbiting the

Hitting the upper atmosphere at 35 times the speed of sound about 13 minutes prior to landing, the capsule glowed red hot as it plunged earthwards and temperatures inside the vessel were expected to reach 2,800 degrees Celsius (5,000 degrees Fahrenheit). Parachutes deployed near the very end of its descent, slowing the capsule to about 17 kilometres per hour (11 miles per hour) before it fell gently onto the desert floor of northwestern Utah.

A recovery team of scientists and technicians were standing by to retrieve the capsule and to confirm whether the integrity of the vessel and inner canister bearing the asteroid material were maintained through reentry and landing. They aimed to keep the sample pristine and free of any terrestrial contamination.

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Newly built 2 bedrooms apartment located in Farm, EBD. Amenities included, $110,000 monthly. Call: 667-8684.

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

A photo made available by NASA shows an artist's rendering of OSIRIS-REx spacecraft descending towards Asteroid Bennu to collect a sample [File: University of Arizona/EPA]

Scientists hope the asteroid samples will provide humanity with a better understanding on the formation of the solar system and how Earth became habitable. [Keegan Barber/NASA via AFP]

Fish catch drops by 8.7% in first half of 2023-BoGReport

Amidst concerns by fishermen that their catches have been declining, a Bank of Guyana (BoG) report has indicated that fish catch in Guyana has dropped by 8.7 percent during the first half oftheyear

Thefigurewaspublished inthe2023Half-YearReport published by the BoG recently

According to the document, the decrease in catch was as a result of the presenceofsargassumweed, between mid-February to May2023.

Thehalf-yearreportalso includes a table provided a comparison of fish catch in Guyana for the period JanuarytoJuneoverthepast threeyears.

It indicated that fish production moved from 7,404 tonnes in 2021 t0 7,477 tonnes in 2022 However, the figure dipped to6,827tonnesin2023

The information comes a m i d s t w o r r i s o m e sentiments by local fisher folksoverthedeclineintheir catch.

Overthepastthreeyears, localfishermenhavereported a decline in catch, predicting thattheymayverywellbeout of jobs in the next five years evenastheyattributetheloss to ExxonMobil Guyana’s oil exploration activities offshore.

Fishermen have complainedrepeatedlyabout the low catch being experienced and though it maybeatoughpillforsome to swallow, Exxon recently confirmedthatitsoperations are likely to affect fish and thelivelihoodsoffishermen, as studies conducted by the company’s Consultant, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) have concluded that the marine species could effectively turnbrothduringproduction activities.

ERM’s Senior Project Manager and Technical Support, Jason Willey recently explained that

during production activities offshore, the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels require sea water to be used as a cooling substance. He also pointed out that the sea water is required on a “continuous basis” for this purpose.

More importantly, Willey,abiologistwithinthe ERM team, explained that thousands, if not millions of fisheggscouldbelostinthe process, should this activity occur during spawning or reproductive season. “If the intakeoccursatatimewhen like a spawning event happens, let’s say like when thefisharereproducing,and a lot of eggs and a lot of larvaeareinthewater,there can be thousands lost, potentially many more than that,”hesaid.

The biologist added, “It also depends on how many of those eggs and larva a certain pieces produces Some produce millions of eggs and larva per single female, some produce a handful so it’s a large number of eggs and larva that could potentially be lost.”

During a recent stakeholder engagement, Kaieteur News asked the consultant on likely impacts to the country’s fisheries sector, amid a decline in the fishsector.

Research by this publication found that the fishing and shrimp sector have reduced since 2019 Bank of Guyana (BoG) statisticsrevealasfollowsfor shrimp (in tonnes) 201915,808, 2020- 13,543, 202110,962 and in 2022- 10,214 Meanwhile, the Bank reported the following productionoffish(intonnes): 2019- 22,336, 2020- 19,993, 2021-20,628,2022-23,389

Notably,governmenthas implemented new measures such as aquaculture or cage fishing to boost production numbers, as Exxon predicts likelyharmtothesector

Essequibo fishermen preparing for a fishing trip at the Charity wharf.

Newcastle thrash Sheffield United 8-0 away with eight different goal scorers

SHEFFIELD, England, (Reuters) - Newcastle United ruthlessly put Sheffield United to the sword with a dazzling 8-0 victory at Bramall Lane yesterday, with eight different players scoring, to leave the home side bottom of the Premier League standings. The victory was Newcastle’s biggest away from home and the Blades’ largest ever defeat while Eddie Howe’s side became the first team in Premier League history to have eight different goal scorers in one game as they moved up to eighth

in the standings. Newcastle showed no signs of a hangover from midweek after their first Champions League game in 20 years — a goalless draw away at AC Milan — and they took a 3-0 lead by halftime before switching gears in the second half to go into the record books.

“We shared them (goals) around a bit today... I thought we were really good from the start and when the goals came I felt the confidence in the team returned,” Howe told Sky Sports.

“The big thing for us was that we really wanted to score

and we weren’t content with three. I want that mentality to run through the team.”

The Blades started on a positive note to give the home fans some cheer, days after their club’s women’s team midfielder Maddy Cusack died aged 27, with the match kicking off after a minute’s silence.

But Newcastle went in front when Anthony Gordon — an early substitute for the injured Harvey Barnes — kept the ball in play on the goal line and found Sean Longstaff who fired home.

Newcastle doubled their lead at the half-hour mark from a corner when Dan Burn peeled away from his marker despite having his shirt tugged and the towering defender headed in Kieran Trippier’s cross at the far post.

Monday September 25, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

A large weight should lift from your shoulders today, Aries. The air has started to clear, and the winds of communication have started blowing again. Listen closely to the buzz in the air.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

People may be abrasive today, Taurus, but you will find after careful assessment that they don't mean any harm. More than likely they aren't fully informed.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Don't criticize the situation until you've come up with a better solution, Gemini. Be creative. You can accomplish much if you approach the situation confidently.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Your thoughts may have a dreamy quality today, Cancer. You will find that things are less stable than they have been for the past few days. Don't get discouraged by pessimistic people.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Your emotions are soaring, Leo, and you should feel free to indulge in your greatest fantasies. Take a break from reality for a while. Let your inner child play.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Reward yourself with two desserts today, Virgo. Take a bubble bath. Share your fantasies with others and express yourself fully. Don't feel like you have to say yes.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

The weightiness of the past few days seems to be lifting. You will find a slight breeze building that will help fuel your fire, Libra. By building a solid foundation, you've created a reliable.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Now that you have a solid grip on your situation, unexpected things may come along that change the rules again, Scorpio. It may feel like the chair you just got comfortable.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Use gadgets and electronic devices to make life easier today, Sagittarius. Why take the time to chop food by hand when you can use the food processor.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The

Be careful of the information that comes your way today, Capricorn. People may make unwarranted claims and false accusations. The day has a dreamy, innovative quality to it that asks you to venture out on a limb.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Maintain an air of detachment, Aquarius. Feel free to delve into your fantasy world and let your emotions carry you to another realm. Today is one of those days when you might come up with a new invention.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You may find that things are much lighter than they were the past couple days, Pisces. This is a good time to let your physical body take a rest.

Four minutes later, Trippier turned provider again from another set piece, this time from a free kick, as Sven Botman directed a glancing header into the back of the net.

THREE ASSISTS

The English fullback got his third assist of the game and his first from open play when he found space on the right wing and crossed the ball for Callum Wilson to head home from close range.

Gordon curled in Newcastle’s fifth from outside the box which led to Blades fans heading for the exits just after the hour mark before Miguel Almiron ran circles around the defence to net their sixth with help from Bruno Guimaraes.

Guimaraes then got on the scoresheet himself when the ball fell kindly to him in the box from a rebound and he fired home before substitute Alexander Isak completed the rout with a late goal.

Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom said his team needed to learn from the defeat.

“It’s the nature of the performance that we’re upset about... We can’t afford to put ourselves behind in that fashion if we want to compete,” Heckingbottom said.

“It’s the second half that I’m upset with. Regardless of the errors which led to goals, we need to make sure we learn from that. A lot of things I saw in the second half, I’ve never seen here.

“These games are not going to d efine our season. It’s about accumulating points. While there are huge things we have to learn from, we also have to keep a calm head about this sort of game.”

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak scores their eighth goal past Sheffield United’s Wes Foderingham. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)

Lady Jags roar to 5-0 victory against Dominica

ByRawleToney

The Lady Jags ran rampant on Dominica yesterday in Barbados, defeating the Eastern Caribbean nation 5 - 0 to secure their first win in the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cupqualifiers.

PlayingattheWildeyturf in St Michael, Guyana’s senior women’s national football team had outstanding performances fromJaladeTrim(5',25')and Otesha Charles (30', 64') each notching a double, whiledefenderBrianneDesa addedhersecondgoalofthe tournament.

Guyana’s head coach, Omar Khan, had started his tenureonthesidelineswitha disappointing 1-2 defeat to AntiguaandBarbudabuthad vowed redemption against Dominica.

Khan delivered on his promise as Guyana dominated Dominica in every facet of the game for theentire90minutes.

The match was a mustwinforGuyanatokeeptheir hopes of advancing alive, as only one team would progress from the group, which also includes the table-toppingSuriname.

Suriname remains undefeated in two matches, securing wins against Dominica (4-0) andAntigua andBarbuda(1-0).

Coach Khan made adjustments to his starting lineup, featuring keeper and Captain Chante’ Sandiford, Rylee Traicoff, Savanna Mondesir-Singh, Brianne Desa, Dylana Makarowski, Hannah Baptiste, Stefanie Kouzas,SamanthaBanfield, Jalade Trim, Anya Tribune, andOteshaCharles.

Thefocuswasonscoring goals and the players respondedbyfindingthenet fourtimesinthefirsthalf.

In the second half, Dominica adjusted their defence, adopting a deeper formation in their defensive third.

Despite this, Guyana managed to break through the seemingly resilient defence and created more scoringopportunities.

While they missed some clear-cut chances, they capitalised on a 64th-minute goalbyCharles,hersecondof the game After the successful match, Khan referred to the victory as a response to their initial loss during his debut matchinchargeoftheteam.

He highlighted the team’s superior preparation for the Dominicagame,enablingthem to devise a more effective tactical plan Khan acknowledged Dominica’s improved performance in the secondhalfbutcommendedhis playersfordisplayingcharacter and delivering a satisfying performanceinresponsetotheir unexpecteddefeat

Meanwhile, Chante’ Sandiford, a longstanding member of Guyana’s senior women’s programme, expressed her delight at being back in the lineup and

representingGuyana.

The latest results position Guyana second in the group, trailingSurinamebutaheadof Antigua and Barbuda, thanks toasuperiorgoaldifference

TheLadyJags’journeyto the Gold Cup will continue withatriptoParamaribofora meeting with Suriname on October 25, followed by a return fixture against their Dutch-speaking rivals on October29.

It is unclear where the Guyanese women will play their home game, following Concacaf sanctions and restrictions on the Guyana Football Federation’s use of the National Track and Field CentreatEdinburgh.

The Road To Concacaf W Gold Cup involves 34 registered senior women’s national teams and serves as the qualifying tournament for the highly anticipated 2024 W Gold Cup, the premier competition for senior footballers in the Concacafregion.

Jamaica prioritizes cricket development over hosting 2024 ICC T20 World Cup matches

Jamaica’s government is opting to invest JMD$100 million into development of cricket in the country rather that host matches in the upcoming 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.

lightly, as the prospect of hosting international cricket matchesatrenownedvenues likeSabinaParkinKingston held immense allure However, Minister Grange emphasized the need for responsible governance and sustainable development in the sporting arena She stated, “I could not just follow my heart As a responsible Minister, I am obliged to look beyond immediate gratification to s u s t a i n a b l e s p o r t development that will yield immeasurable rewards at all levels in Jamaica. I had to pay attention to the cost/benefit analysis, especially in a circumstance oflimitedresources.”

garneredsupportforitslongterm vision, it has also sparked consternation among stakeholders who view it as a missed opportunity for the country Opposition leader Mark Golding lamented to the JamaicaObserver,“Itishard t o a c c e p t t h a t a n international tournament of thisstatureisbeingplayedin the Caribbean, and not a single match is being held here at our iconic Sabina Park.”

SportsMax - Jamaica’s government has announced its reasons behind the decision not to bid for hosting rights in the upcoming 2024 ICC T20 WorldCup,optinginsteadto investJMD$100millioninto thedevelopmentofcricketin the country The decision comesafteracomprehensive cost-benefit analysis and consultations with stakeholders, according to a

statement by Jamaica’s Sports Minister, Olivia Grange.

The2024ICCT20World Cupissettobehostedbythe United States and seven Caribbean countries, including St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana, with the final slated to take place at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados This prestigious cricketing event set to bowl

off on June 4 and conclude on June 30, has generated significant interest and excitement among cricket enthusiastsacrosstheregion andtheglobe.

In a statement, Minister Grange explained the rationale behind the decision: “We had been considering the cost and source of funding of nearly halfabilliondollarstohosta fewgamesinJamaica.Inour

cost/benefit analysis with stakeholders, we also considered the economic, social, and development impact, including the potential tourism-related impact and attendant industrybenefitsusingyearover-year economic modeling,reconciledagainst c u r r e n t t o u r i s m performance.”

The decision to forego hosting rights was not taken

Jamaica’s commitment to cricket development remains unwavering Minister Grange announced a significant investment of JMD$100 million in youth cricketandcricketinschools overthenextfiveyears.This initiativeisinadditiontothe government’s ambitious plan for the rehabilitation

and development of J a m a i c a ’ s s p o r t s infrastructure.

While the decision has

Dr Donovan Bennett, a Cricket West Indies board director, expressed skepticism about the government’s intentions, stating, “It’s quite obvious that the Government had no intentionofbiddingbecause this thing has been going on forabout10or12weeks.”

Dr Akshai Mansingh, the dean of the Faculty of Sport at The University of the West Indies, echoed the sentiment that Jamaica missedauniqueopportunity, saying, “By not bidding, the Jamaican Government spurned the chance to not only boost the economy and thetourismsectorbutalsoto upgradeinfrastructure.”

Lady Jags goal scorers (L-R) Brianne Desa, Jalade Trim and Otesha Charles (Rawle Toney photo).

Gafoor retains top spot among word formers

GASPAnnual general meeting on the cards

The intense battle for top honours continued when the nation’s top scrabble players threw down the gauntlet in a fiercely contested championship at ‘Chicken King,’ Melanie, ECD last Saturday afternoon.

Moen Gafoor entered the tournament bent on avenging a previous d e f e a t t o J a m e s

Krakowsky at their previous encounter at Flava’s, Charlotte Street

G e o r g e t o w n , approximately one month ago but once again, was relegated to the loser’s end byaspreadof102

A determined Gafoor shrugged aside that loss and registered victories over Jonathon Sobrian

(111), Robert Williams (110), Michael Benjamin (234), Leon Belony (131) and Winslow Jacobs (315) to amass a final tally of 5 points and a positive spreadof799

Before the loss to Gafoor, Belony had chalked up decisive victories over Benjamin (195), Jacobs (171), Krakowsky (86) and Curtis Liverpoole(153).

He also closed off with 5 points but a lower positivespreadof711

Curtis Liverpool continued his good showing on the board and can consider himself unlucky after failing to fill the final podium spot to Krakowsky, whom he defeated in the secondround.

Bothplayersfinishedon

4pointsapiecebutitwasthe latter player, with a positive spread of 396, as against Liverpool’s 253, that filled thespot.

The prize for the most bingos was fiercely contested between Gafoor and Belony and at the end of the penultimate round Belony registered 3 bingos and looked set to cart off thehonours

However, in a resurged effort Gafoor opposed WinslowJacobsandsealed theprizeafterregistering5 bingos to snatch the honours from Belony by just a solitary bingo (1514) Once again Christina Basil earned the prize for thebestemergingplayer Meanwhile, the next tournament, the Carlton M u r r a y M e m o r i a l

championship, is slated for October7th,atavenuetobe named The organizing committee has also revealed that the Annual General

Gafoor (2nd R) shows off his hardware with other winners (L-R) Basil, Belony, Jacobs and Krakowsky.

Meeting (AGM) will get

underway before the commencement of this tournament.

The various executive

positions and the aspirants are still to be released but sources revealed that this would be settled in time for theelections.

Ethiopia’s Assefa smashes women’s marathon world record in Berlin

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge crosses the finish line to win the Berlin Marathon.

(REUTERS/Lisi Niesner)

Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa celebrates after winning the women Berlin Marathon.

(REUTERS/Lisi Niesner)

BERLIN, (Reuters)Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa shattered the women’s marathon world record in Berlinyesterday,loppingoff morethantwominutesfrom thepreviousbesttoclockan officialtimeoftwohours11 minutesand53seconds.

Assefa, who had set a course record with a personal best last year, set a blistering early pace, gradually shaking off any competition to pulverise Kenyan Brigid Kosgei’s record of two hours 14 minutesandfoursecondsset

in2019.

Remarkably, her splits werefasterafterthehalfway mark.

“I knew I wanted to go for the world record but I neverthoughtIwoulddothis time,”saidthe26-year-old,a former800-metrerunner “It wastheresultofhardwork.”

With her time she set a marker for next year’s Paris Olympics while also almost certainlynailingdownaspot on the Ethiopian Olympic teamfor2024.

“I have set a mark now. The decision does not lie

withmebutwithofficials.It is up to the National Committee to select me for theteam.”

Her remarkable victory overshadowed men’s world record holder Eliud Kipchoge’s record fifth victoryonBerlin’squickand flatinner-citycourse.

The38-year-oldKenyan, who is aiming to win his third Olympic marathon medalnextyearinParis,did notcomeclosetotherecord he set in Berlin last year, finishing with a time of two hours two minutes 42

seconds “I always learn from every race and every victory,” Kipchoge said “I’m very happy to win for the fifth time in Berlin and I shallusetheselessonsinmy preparation f

Olympics.”

Compatriot Vincent Kipkemoi was second, with a time of two hours three minutes 13 seconds and Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele third. Climate activists, who hadthreatenedtodisruptthe event, tried to run onto the course with buckets of orange paint but were

quickly stopped and taken away by police just minutes beforethestart.

Assefa,whoonlystarted racing marathons in April lastyear,madeherintentions clear from the start with a lightning-quick pace of her own.

Along with compatriot Workenesh Edesa they carved out a gap from the chasing pack but Edesa could not keep up and was dropped by the 17th kilometre.

She clocked an hour six minutes 20 seconds at the

halfwaymarkandwasoneof six women to be on world record time at that stage as theBerlinmarathonlivedup toitsreputationasoneofthe world’sfastest. She had no problem maintaining her pace and at the 37km mark she was just three seconds per kilometre slowerthanKipchoge’stime atthesamestage,cruisingto asensationalworldrecord.

Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya came second almost six minutes behind, with Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauriinthird.

GillandIyerbelttonsasIndiacrushAustraliainrain-hitODI

INDORE, India, (Reuters) - India batsmen

Shubman Gill and Shreyas

Iyer scored centuries to lay theplatformfora99-runwin over Australia in their rainhit second one-day international(ODI)inIndore yesterday that sealed a 2-0 series victory ahead of the WorldCup.

A revised victory target of 317 in 33 overs f o l l o w i n g a r a i n i n t e r r u p t i o n l e f t Australia facing a daunting task and they ran out of steam after D a v i d W a r n e r ’ s departure for a defiant half-century, as India p r e v a i l e d v i a t h e Duckworth-Lewismethod.

S p i n n e r Ravichandran Ashwin, playing in only his second ODI this year, got rid of Australia’s dangerous batsmen to end with 3-41 after pace

bowler Prasidh Krishna’s early double strike

Asked to bat first on a goodHolkarStadiumwicket bystand-inAustraliacaptain Steve Smith, top-ranked Indiapostedahuge399-5in 50 overs as opener Gill continued his superb form withafifthtonthisyearand sixthoverall.

The 24-year-old began cautiously but built momentum to make 104 off 97 balls, with six fours and four sixes, while Iyer gave himgoodcompanywith105 from90ballsasthepairtore into the Australian attack without rested skipper Pat Cummins.

Iyer’sthirdcenturyinthe format will be a huge confidence boost after the 28-year-old missed the Indian Premier League and t h e W o r l d T e s t Championship final earlier this year with a lower back injurythatrequiredsurgery

He also missed much of India’s triumphantAsia Cup campaignwithabackspasm but showed he was in fine fettleheadingintotheWorld Cup on home soil next month, with 11 fours and three sixes in a controlled 200-runsecond-wicketstand withGill.

Home skipper KL Rahul made a steady 52 in the middle overs before SuryakumarYadavheaped the misery on Australia, striking four consecutive sixes off Cameron Green in the 44th over en route to a 37-ball72.

Australia started shakily as Krishna removed Matthew Short and Smith off successive balls before rain briefly halted play with the tourists mounting a fightbackat56-2.

Left-handerWarnerwent on the offensive after play resumed and displayed his

ambidexterity by batting right-handed against Ashwin,butwastrappedlbw for53ashelookedtoswitch back and raise the scoring rate.Warnerbizarrelydidnot reviewtheumpire’sdecision astelevisionreplaysshowed he edged the ball onto his pad.

Ravindra Jadeja (3-42) then got in on the act as Australiafizzledoutfor217 after a battling 54 by Sean Abbott.

India,whorestedseveral frontlineplayersforthefirst two games, will eye a clean sweep when the teams meet in Rajkot on Wednesday They begin their World Cup campaign on Oct. 8 against Australia.

Scores: India 399 for 5 (Iyer 105, Gill 104, Suryakumar 72*, Rahul 52) beat Australia 217 all out (Abbott 54, Warner 53, Ashwin 3-41, Jadeja 3-42) by99runs(DLSmethod).

West Indies snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in 2023 MCW Over 40s Cricket Global Cup Round 3 match

KARACHI:Intheirfirst ever day/night match at the Moin khan Academy, West Indies lost the toss and USA decided to take first strike.

USA started disastrously losingtheirfirst2wicketsfor 15 runs by the 3rd over Thereafter the USA team consolidated their innings until they lost Gurpreet Raina at 72 in the 21st over withthecaptainMuhammad Farrukh at the other end. He then found another useful ally in Nauman Mustufa adding 78 valuable runs for the 4th wicket before he departed at 150 in the 36th over for a well-played 76. Mustufathendepartedat161 for 37 as West Indies was

well and truly on top at this stageofthegame.

Windies were probably hoping to restrict the USA team to under 200 at this stage but Rudy Hinds with 33 off 31 balls and Asif Zubair 26 off 14 balls took them to a very competitive 230 for 7 at the end of 45 overs. Bowling for the Windies, Shazanbabwah took 2 for 31 and Bhesham Seepersaud2for59.

West Indies started their response in typical West Indianfashionrattlingup37 in 5 overs before losing Babwah who was promoted up the order to give some stability and impetus to the openingpartnership.Hemraj

Garbarranthenleftinthe9th over after looking good for 25withthescoreon60for2. DevonClementscameinand was looking his usual fluent self in partnership with Lawrence Farnum, until Clements became bogged down with some back of the length bowling from the USA team until he departed for a well-played 44 off 70 balls.

The score this time was 152for3inthe27thover-79 runswasneededin109balls with7wicketsinhand.

Surely, West Indies should not have lost from such a commanding position Narsingh Deonarine could not have

taken up his usual number 4 slotsincehewasoffthefield for several overs Nagamootooalsocontracted an injury which prevented him from bowling out his quotaofovers.

West Indies then went into a tailspin and a brain freeze after Dary Balgobin fell at 172 for 4 when the equation stood at 59 in 88 ballswith6wicketsinhand. They eventually succumbed for211tohandtheUSAteam theirfirstvictory

Lawrence Farnum top scored for a well-played 69 off 90 balls peppered with 8 boundariesandamaximum.

Points standing after 3 roundsofexcitingcricket:

Farnum strides back after a brilliant 69.

India’s Shubman Gill in action. (REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas/File Photo)

Sublime Ayub, Pretorious lead Guyana Amazon Ayub, Warriors to first CPL tile

Itwasaemotionalendto a decade-long pursuit as the Guyana Amazon Warriors finally hoisted the CPL Championship title after ravaging the Trinbago Knight Riders by 9 wickets to create a bit of history for their franchise on home soil after Saim Ayub’s unbeaten half-century.

The hunt finally came to an end as the Warriors stormed to their first title on home soil in front of a sold out, frenzied crowd; silencing doubters while shaking the demons as they now look towards creating theirowndynasty

Winning the toss and choosing to bowl proved an excellent choice by Guyana whomoweddownTKRfora record low 94 all out 18.1 overs Top-scorer Kaecy Carty had a grueling time in the middle for his 38 off 45, withjust2foursandasix.

Gudakesh Motie was at in a stingy mood, snatching 2-7 from his 4 overs. Captain Imran Tahir (2-8), also operated with greed as the pair tied down the middleorder

But it was the skill and pace of South African speedster Dwaine Pretorius who starred with 4-26, with assistance from his fellow seamers Romario Shepherd (1-17) and Ronsford Beaton (1-30). It was a classical chaseforthehometeamwho wereledbythetournament’s leading run-scorers Ayub and Shai Hope (32*), who batted with intent and class tohelptheirfranchisetopple familiarrivals.

Aspiritedspellfromboth Akeal Hosein (1-10) and Sunil Narine (0-10) but it was a tall order as Guyana Ayub and Hope crushed all dreams Keemo Paul, recovering from his groin strain, was promoted to the

-Ayub52*,Pretorious4-26,Motie(2-7),Tahir(2-8)headline

tophittwofoursinhisrun-aball11,butwasthefirsttogo courtesyofHosein.

Someclassybattingfrom Ayub and Hope guided the Warriors to 55-1 at the halfway mark Upon resumption the pair brought up their fifty partnership which would eventually carry their team over the ropeswithwicketsandovers tospare.

Ayubendedon52off41 withapairoffoursandasix whileHopehitjusttwofours inhisrun-a-ballinnings.

The Warriors were rampant during the powerplay as pacers Pretorius and Shepherd rocking TKR’s battingline.

Chadwick Walton (10) andMarkDeyal(16)looking good but lost their way against the fast-bowlers Nicholas Pooran (1) was dropped off the bowling of Pretorious by wicket-keeper Khan but mistimed the very

next delivery, only to be caught Carty remained calm as he lost his partners including the big pair of skipper Kieron Pollard (0) and Hosein (1) who fell to Motie in quick succession.

The veteran pair of ex-West Indies all-rounders, Andre Russell (3) and Dwayne Bravo(8)bothsuccumbedto the wizardry of Tahir, leavingPretorioustomopof thetailwithnoeffort.

TKR 94 (20 overs)Carty38Pretorious426, Motie 2-7, Tahir 2-8; GAW 99-1 (14 overs) Ayub 52*, Hope 32* Result: Amazon won by 9 wickets (with36ballsremaining).

Scores:

Inter-Guiana Games postponed

Ithasbeendisclosedthat the Inter-Guiana Games (IGG),whichwasscheduled for October 26th–31st, has been postponed. Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle has confirmedthepostponement which was communicated by his counterpart in Suriname, Gordon Tjouw NgieTouw.

It was communicated that the Government of Suriname was forced to deferthestagingoftheevent due to immediate fiscal financialchallenges.

Surinamehadpreviously staged the 2017 edition, which was the last iteration beforethefive-yearhiatus.

NgieTouwdisclosedthat the preparation and organizationoftheIGG had beenimpededafterfinancial resources and support have notbeenmadeaccessibleby t h e S u r i n a m e s e administration.Accordingto N g i e T o u w , t h e aforementioned reality forces the IGG executive organizationtopostponethe championship by several weeks.

Ngie Touw apologized fortheexistingquandarybut confirmed that a formal letter from the country’s Sports Affairs, which will

containthenewdatesforthe competition, will be dispatched to the relevant offices of Guyana and French Guiana once approvalisgrantedfromthe Surinamesegovernment.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle, said, “The IGG in its present form (10 sport disciplines) is a huge u n d e r t a k i n g T h e postponement will disrupt some of our plans but we fully understand the circumstances.Basedonthe protocol of agreement between the nations, an inspection a month prior to the commencement of the event must occur However, thathasnotbeenundertaken, which pushes the possible timelinefurtherbackforthe stagingoftheGames.Weare simply awaiting official confirmation from our Surinamese counterparts on the way forward for the event,” Ninvalle said “ I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr, has been fully briefed of the recentdevelopmentsandthe possible outcomes The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, the National

Sports Commission, and more profoundly, the Government of Guyana, remain committed to this traditional endeavor, which has fostered unity and cohesion amongst its participants,” Ninvalle concluded.

TheIGGwasfirstheldin 1967 and is traditionally staged on an annual basis. However, the games were rekindled last year by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government following a five-year hiatus, a period that encompassed the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 edition on local soil featured over 400 athletes and coaches and had participation in nine disciplines. The IGG not only showcases the future young athletes of the three countries, but it also serves asaculturalandeducational platform. The IGG helps forge unity, trust, and understanding among the peoples of the Guianas Amongstthedisciplinesthat are traditionally featured at the event are football, volleyball, basketball, cycling, swimming, track and field, chess, and badminton.

Viviane Tchung Ming Head of Cooperation Department for French Guiana (CTG), Suriname Director of Sport Gordon Touw Ngie Tjouw and Guyana’s Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle at a previous meeting to discuss the staging of the games.

Saim Ayubis lifted by his teammates after hitting the winning runs to hand the Warriors their first CPL title. (CPL via Getty Images)

Sublime Ayub, Pretorious lead Guyana Amazon Warriors to first CPL

Jalade Trim celebrates her second goal against Dominica in Barbados.

Otesha Charles netted a double in Guyana’s 5-0 win against Dominica.

The GuyanaAmazon Warriors celebrate their first CPLtitle after beating TKR by 9 wickets. (CPLvia Getty Images)