Kaieteur News

With

- former ambassador

F o r m e r G u y a n a ambassador for China, and that the region came brainwashed the population Ambassador to Venezuela, United States and the undertheciviljurisdictionof from their childhood, with Bayney Karran has said that Organisation of American the Venezuelan state. Only misinformation, about the Venezuela’s initiative to go States (OAS) recalled that in upon the realization that her supposed merits of the to a referendum to seek its thelatenineties,“whileIwas veryownbrother-in-lawwas territorial claim. “With citizens’ opinion regarding serving as Guyana’s married in Essequibo to an defeat now looming at the that country’s claim over the Ambassador to Venezuela, I Essequibian did she ICJ,Madurowantshisduped Essequibo, is but a encountered a Venezuelan reconsider her views, population to validate the reiteration of that nation’s youngladywhowasmarried explaining that, if she were claim - by voting in a greed, and of its ill will into my extended family wrong, it was because that’s referendum that relies on towardtheGuyanesepeople, “Maria” was bold and what she had been taught in Venezuela’s own deceitful under the régime of Nicolás uncompromising in her school.” propaganda. Josef Goebbels Maduro. conviction that the residents Karran pointed out that would have liked it,” Karran

In a letter to the press, of Essequibo were culturally successive Venezuelan stated. He said it would be a Karran who also served as and ethnically Venezuelan, G o v e r n m e n t s h a v e good thing “if this hapless

Former Guyana Ambassador to Venezuela, Bayney Karran

charade could be exposed on Venezuela’s spurious and a n d c o n d e m n e d b y unfounded claims It Guyanese everywhere for behoves the leaders of the justwhatitis.” state of Venezuela to

Since the renewed recognise and respect legal threats by Venezuela there precedent, international law has been widespread and practice, and the process condemnation by local and thatispresentlyengagingthe inter-nations groups. On esteemed Judges at the ICJ,” Saturday last, Leader of the AFC said in a statement. the Opposition Aubrey The AFC said it stands Norton was briefed by unreservedly in solidarity President Irfaan Ali on the and support with the current developments Government and people of s u r r o u n d i n g t h e Guyana. “With the course of Guyana/Venezuela border action adopted to preserve InastatementNortonsaidhe and protect our territorial reaffirmed the Opposition’s integrityandsovereignty,the support for Guyana’s long AFC, like all Guyanese, is held position that the n o t i n t i m i d a t e d b y Arbitral Award of 1899 V e n e z u e l a ’ s settled the border between pronouncements, prancing, Guyana and Venezuela and and aggressive stance. We that Essequibo belongs to are all resolute in our Guyana.Hesaidheinformed commitment to ensuring the President that “we are respectfortheruleofthelaw united on this issue and and the maintenance of reassured him of the hemispheric peace and Opposition’s support of all stability,” the statement m e a s u r e s a i m e d a t concluded. protecting our territorial Over the weekend, integrity and sovereignty. President Ali said that Mr Norton also indicated to Venezuela’s latest action can thePresidentthatwesupport only be seen as an affront to the view that Guyana has the peace and the rule of right to undertake economic international law In a video activity within our territory recorded statement, the and in our appurtenant Guyanese leader said his maritime territories The government regards this Opposition opposes and latest move by Venezuelan condemns all forms of authorities to be in conflict aggression by Venezuela with the preservation of against Guyana. We also peaceandsecuritywithinthe welcome the support of the region He said this is international community in especially so when one protecting our territorial considers that there is an integrityandsovereignty.” active case before the For its part, the Alliance International Court of For Change (AFC) also Justice (ICJ) to hear repudiated the most recent arguments from Guyana and antics by Venezuela Venezuela and henceforth regarding the border settle the controversy started controversybetweenourtwo by the latter on the rightful states. “Apart from the fact boundary markings for the that the 1899ArbitralAward Essequiboregion. has definitively settled this PresidentAlisaidtheICJ matter, most recently, the has determined twice that it International Court of has jurisdiction to resolve Justice (ICJ) has been competingclaimsforthe invitedtoprovideanopinion (Continued on page 8)

VP Jagdeo still denying Exxon’s operations impacting fish catch even though company says opposite

Ex x o n M o b i l explained that the United international organization nline com/2022/05/25/faoGuyana Limited N a t i o n s F o o d a n d found climate change to be says-rapid-study-available(EMGL) has Agriculture Organization the cause of lower fish data-determined-low-fish-

admitted that its (FAO)hadconductedastudy catches Calls for the catch-not-as-a-result-of-oiloperationsoffshoredailycan in Guyana which concluded document to be released production/ impact marine species, that the startup of oil and gas were ignored, causing With the eminent danger including fish and other activities were not to be stakeholders to question its to the fishing industry, benthic creatures, but Vice blamed to the reduced credibility fisherfolk have become President Bharrat Jagdeo, in catches. The body however in concerned about their future shrugging off a question of He said, “When there response to a letter from a and livelihoods. VP Jagdeo compensation to fisherfolk was a claim by Glenn Lall Guyanese member of civil who manages the petroleum as a result of reduced andtheothersthatallthefish society explained, “The industry from a policy catches, dismissed this ran away from Guyana technical analysis in perspective said that to date revelation. because of the oil and gas question was requested by t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

During his most recent industry, they (FAO) said Guyana to contribute to its Protection Agency (EPA) the EIA would say what are assessed by the FAO about press conference at Freedom that that was not supported understanding of these has not conducted a study on the worst-case scenarios, so fishing stocks in the country House, Robb Street, by scientific fact, that it had complex catch issues and themigrationpatternsoffish if there is a spill, what would andtheyfounditnottoaffect Georgetown, the VP was to do a lot with fresh water support decision-making. It stocks, which could be used betheworst-casescenario,it the fishing stock…” He then a s k e d w h o w o u l d going further out into the sea is a rapid assessment of to inform policy decisions in would potentially have an assured that discharges from compensate fishermen for in the period of heavy reported issues related to theindustry impact on our fishermen, the company’s operations their livelihoods, since the rainfall etcetera; so salinity fisheriescatchbetween2020 In the meantime, he navigation waters, flora and are treated to a higher company has said its orfreshwaterwhenyouhave and 2021 and is based on explained that the developer fauna, a whole range of stuff standard to minimize activities will endanger such heavyrainyseasoncanaffect availabledata.” of the Stabroek Block, and how do you minimize or impacts to marine resources. s p e c i e s the fish stock and the This however sparked EMGL has submitted howdoyoumitigate.” According to him, “There https://www kaieteurnewso migration patterns along the further concern given that a Environmental Impact Jagdeo was keen to note are many parts of this world nline com/2023/09/19/fish- coast- that was their “rapid” study between a Assessments (EIAs) to the thatsuchlikelyimpactsmust where water is not treated to eggs-could-be-lost-daily- conclusion.” limited time was used to EPA which outline “worst not prevent the development the standard; we are treating during-oil-production- Back in May 2022, the reach such a conclusion. See case scenarios” and of the sector Instead, he it before its discharged back exxonmobil-consultant/ Minister of Agriculture told more in the link below: measures for mitigation pointed out, “So you have to into the ocean and many Jagdeo in responding this newspaper that the https://www kaieteurnewso “What the EIA would do, is mitigate against potential partsoftheworldwherethey impact, you have to just throwing it back in an demonstrate that should this untreatedfashion.” happen, I have the capability Only on Monday, this to address it and I will newspaper reported that the address it through these Bank of Guyana (BoG) measuresandthatiswhatthe signaled an 8.7 percent EIAwoulddo.” decline in fish catch during

Govt. will breach Collective Bargaining Agreement if GTU is excluded from salary talks - Lyte

ShouldPresidentIrfaanAliexclude the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) from salary negotiations for teachers, the government would be in breach of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and conventions set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

ThisisaccordingtoPresidentofthe GTU Mark Lyte, who in an interview with Kaieteur News on Monday, said whilethereisabsolutelynothingwrong with the President meeting teachers; it will be a violation of the convention if heengagesthemonsalarytalks.

“The GTU is the collective bargaining body for teachers. If the Presidentisgoingmeetwithteachersto discuss anything to do with salary increase, he will be in breach of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the ILO convention which the action, the GTU President said that the complaining but this is only an governmentsignedonto,whichallows teachersdecidedtotakeaction. indication of the industrial action that unions to handle the collective “Iwanttosaythatthisisnotastrike will follow if they fail to move forward bargainingprocess,”hesaid. and it not organized by the Union, it with negotiations and salary Lyte’s comments come days after was decided by teachers in various increases,”Lyteadded. teachers across the country branches to use their Urgent Private He noted that the GTU has taken commenced a sick-out as part of their AffairsdaysandManager’sSickLeave some action of its own to assist with efforts to force the government to start days as a form of protest to get the initiatingtheprocess. negotiations for the proposed multi- governmenttofulfillitscommitmentto He revealed that the Union has year agreement The proposal increasetheirsalaries,”Lyteexplained. asked the Ministry of Labour to addresses 13 critical areas, including The GTU President said that the intervene and help with conciliation issuesrelatedtosalaries,gratuity,duty- government has already taken note of between the Union and the free concession, hinterland benefits theimpactthatthesick-outishavingon Government. andgrants. the school. He warned that the action “We have given them 14 days to

Last week, teachers on the will continue until the government respond before we decide on further Corentynedidnotattendclassesand40 changesitsstanceontheissueofsalary industrial action,” the GTU President percent of them along the East Bank of increase. said. Demerara (EBD) stayed away from “The Ministry has already taken The GTU President disclosed that schoolduetothesickout. note of the impact this action is having alreadyhundredsofteachersacrossthe Giving an update on the industrial on schools, parents are already (Continued on page 9)

He was told that a the first six months of the Biologist from Exxon’s year.

Consultant, Environmental According to the BoG Resources Management Half-Year Report, fish (ERM) had informed a production moved from recent meeting that the daily 7,404 tonnes in 2021 t0 oil production activities 7,477 tonnes in 2022 during could impact fish eggs, and the assessment period dangers to the sector were (January to June). However, notlimitedtoaspill. the figure dipped to 6,827

To this end, Jagdeo said, tonnes in 2023, during the “as I said before, this is sameperiod.

GTU President Mark Lyte President Irfaan Ali

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

ExxonMobil’s surprise bid for new oil blocks

Theoilworldisoneofnever-endingsurprises. Forthere is the ExxonMobil-led consortium bidding for some of the oilblocksGuyanahasputupforauction. Notwithstanding the application of the terms and conditions of the new ProductionSharingAgreement(PSA)tothewinningbidder ontheseoilblocks,ExxonMobilhasdivedintothebidding process. Strange things, indeed, have become inseparable fromtheballooningoilsectorinGuyana.

It was the same ExxonMobil, through its Guyana CountryHead,Mr AlistairRoutledge,whoassertedthatany touching of the existing financial provisions in the 2016 ExxonMobil oil contract would have a material impact on the company There were all kinds of scary talk about spooking investors, and how Guyana could get a bad reputationintheglobalinvestmentworld. Therewereeven nuanced expressions of how ExxonMobil may have to rethink its Guyana investment, and similar such veiled threats under the pretense of great corporate concern, nervousness,andfear So,whatisdifferentorlessmaterial now in this bidding by the company and its partners for oil blocksundertheauspicesofnewPSA?

The new PSAis very specific in its financial terms that applies across the board. We focus on only two of these termstoday Theyareroyaltiesandtaxes,andbothofwhich are marked at 10 percent in the new PSAregime. There is something interesting going on here with this development ofExxonMobilinthethickofthebidding. WhenGuyanese clamoredandpressedforscrappingorrevisinginsomeform the ugly 2016 ExxonMobil oil contract, the primary objectivewastogetmoreforGuyana,asharethatcanbesaid tobefairforGuyanese.

Bynostretchoftheimaginationorintellectcanaroyalty of2percentonhigh-qualityoilbesaidtobefair,reasonable, or justified. It cannot be justified with ExxonMobil’s low breakevenpoint Butnooneknewwherebetterthan2percent inroyaltyinhard,genuinenegotiationwouldfinalize Itcould have been double or triple that 2 percent at 4 or six percent respectively,whichaharriedandhard-pressedExxonMobilmay haveconcededanddeclaredtobeeminentlyfair Or,itcould possiblyhavebeenmorethaneven4orsixpercent,butitwas unknown

Thesamecouldbesaidfortaxes,whicharecurrentlyat zero for ExxonMobil, pursuant to the 2016 oil contract. Again, the pressure from Guyanese was that since all Guyanesebusinessesandindividualspaidtaxeswhensuchare due,thenthesameshouldandmustapplytoExxonMobil As withthedirt-cheap2percentroyalty,ExxonMobilsimilarlydug initsheelsandresistedanytalkoftaxesinanypercentage The articulationsfromthecompany,whensuchdidemerge,wasthat, as in the instance of royalties, any talk about changing the financialtermsofthe2016contractwouldbeadevelopmentof majoranddeeplytroublingproportionsforthecompanyandits partners Theirplansandvisionswouldbeundermined, their investmentstodatewouldbeimpaired.

Yetherewearein2023,andtheissuebeforeisbiddingon the newly available oil blocks, and ExxonMobil seemingly has no anxieties, no restrictions, and no agitations over bidding,andifsuccessful,payingnotjust10percentinroyalties, butalso10percentintaxes Thisgoesagainstthegrainofallthat ExxonMobil has been saying before What could this clever American oil operator be up to with this bidding, and with Guyaneseleadersandpeopleunsureofwhereitisheading? Or coulditbethatthiswaspartofitsplancookedupinadvancewith thePPP/CGovernmenttoexpanditsfootprintinGuyana’soil waters? For which group in the bidding has the financial firepowertooutbidExxonMobilfortheseoilblocks? Inbrief, what does ExxonMobil know that Guyana (and nobody else) knowsabouttheseblocks?

ItisunlikeExxonMobiltoengageinbiddingblindly,and especially when the new PSA terms are so different from what the company enjoys under the 2016 deal. This oil business is getting trickier by the day, and it is not to Guyana’sbenefit.

Venezuela’s referendum on the Essequibo claim is a charade

DEAREDITOR, Venezuela’s initiative to gotoareferendumtoseekits citizens’ opinion regarding thatcountry’sclaimoverthe Essequibo, is but a reiteration of that nation’s greed, and of its ill will towardtheGuyanesepeople, under the régime of Nicolás Maduro.

Inthelatenineties,while I was serving as Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, I

encountered a Venezuelan youngladywhowasmarried into my extended family “Maria” was bold and uncompromising in her conviction that the residents ofEssequibowereculturally and ethnically Venezuelan, and that the region came undertheciviljurisdictionof theVenezuelanstate.

Onlyupontherealization thatherveryownbrother-inlaw was married in

EssequibotoanEssequibian didshereconsiderherviews, explaining that, if she were wrong, it was because that’s what she had been taught in school.

Successive Venezuelan

Governments have brainwashed the population from their childhood, with misinformation, about the supposed merits of the territorialclaim.Withdefeat now looming at the ICJ,

Maduro wants his duped population to validate the claim - by voting in a referendum that relies on Venezuela’s own deceitful propaganda. Josef Goebbels wouldhavelikedit.

Itwouldbegoodthingif thishaplesscharadecouldbe exposed and condemned by Guyanese everywhere for justwhatitis.

Regards

BayneyKarran

Respect of territorial integrity matters

D

EAREDITOR

It is important from the outsettostatethatthearbitral award of 1899 settled the border between Guyana and Venezuela.Hence,theclaim of Essequibo by Venezuela continues to be a most ludicrous one and an affront toboththeGuyanesepeople andinternationallaw

The recent decision by the Government of Venezuela to hold a referendum on defending its claim to the Essequibo region of Guyana is most concerning and signals utter contempt for the rule of law and a blatant provocation that threatens the peace and stabilityoftheregion.

Guyana’s territorial integrity must be respected, must be protected, and all nations must condemn Venezuela’s saber rattling. H i s t o r i c a l l y, t h e

Government of Guyana and the opposition have always come together on this nonnegotiable position that compelsusasGuyanesefirst and foremost to have a unifiedpositionindefenseof our sovereignty and territorialintegrity

As was aforementioned, the arbitrary award of 1899 by an international tribunal settled the border between Guyana and Venezuela, and this decision must be respected today as it was many years ago The Guyanese people at home andabroadareunitedintheir determination to defend resolutely our country’s territorialintegrity

The public postulation by some in the international community of support to Guyana’s position and its judicial pursuits on this egregious matter is most

welcomed. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Commonwealth, the Organization of American States(OAS),andtheUnited States Department of State have all expressed their solidaritywithGuyana.

The international communitymustcontinueto lend its strong voice in condemning Venezuela’s repudiationanddisregardfor theUnitedNationsCharter’s call for respect of fellow m e m b e r s o f s t a t e sovereignty and in the case of Guyana, it’s pursuit of a final and complete judicial s e t t l e m e n t a t t h e International Court of Justice.

It is, therefore, more crucial for all Guyanese to unite behind their country’s cause in this matter The defence of Guyana’s territory is of utmost

importance and should not be a partisan issue.Astrong national call for unity is necessary to ensure that Venezuela’seffortstodivide andconquerdonotsucceed. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e international community mustalsolenditsvoicetothe c o n d e m n a t i o n o f Venezuela’s actions D i s r e g a r d i n g t h e sovereignty of other nations poses a threat to peace and stability in the region Moreover,Guyanahasevery right to engage in economic activity within its territory and the corresponding maritimezonetodevelopits country and provide a better life for its people without intimidation from larger states.

Regards Hon.JermaineFigueira MP Shadow Minister of CultureYouthandSports

Persaud, move on’

DEAREDITOR

Dr Randolph Persaud began ‘Henry Jeffrey’s ideology of racial antagonism, ’ (KN: 20/09/2023) ‘I have tried very hard to make sense of Dr HenryJeffrey’slettersto the editor To date, I must confessnoprogresshasbeen made.’ Not surprisingly, he then proceeded to scribble nonsense that exposes his intellectual and conceptual limitations.

Offtheblockheinquired of me: ‘what did you do for Africans in the very long time you were a member of the PPP/C cabinet?’ This question is usually asked by Africans who believe that t h e y a r e b e i n g socio/economically marginalised by the PPP/C governmentandthatthoseof theirethnicitywhohaveheld apparently strategic positions did nothing about

it. Therefore, while in the confrontational ethnic political context of Guyana thisisalegitimateinquiry,it is not quite clear why, given his political orientation, it is being pursued by Dr Persaud.After all, my doing nothing or only acting in the interestofIndiansduringmy timeinofficewouldnotgoto the credit of the PPP I suspect,then,thatheexpects me to robustly defend my tenure,butifhebelievesthat by showing that Africans weretreatedequitablybyme in the process of my providingforallGuyanese,it follows that they are not p r e s e n t l y b e i n g systematically discriminated against,heisbadlymistaken. Jeffrey’sbehaviourneedsnot apply to the entire governmentandthereisalso thequestionofthenatureand timingofhisinterventions.

In any case, let me again

make my position clear

Africans are being systematically marginalised in Guyana, but it was not always so. The persistent ethnicdifficultiesthatforced theresignationofJanetJagan led the PPP to sensibly conclude that there are only two ways to make Guyana governable: democratically, by some form of power sharing or by dictatorial means. The PPP chose the latter and as a result, the present autocratic political context will persist My ‘ideology of ethnic antagonism’ifyoucancallit that, is that after Janet Jagan wasforcedtoresignthePPP government set about establishing ethnic/political dominance and has not provided for Africans on an equitablebasistoforcethem to either join its ranks or migrate. The question as to whether Africans are being

systematically discriminated against by the PPP can only be settled by a scientifically done ethnic disparity audit that Dr Persaud should encouragehisreluctantparty toconduct.

Whether Cheddi Jagan would have chosen differently, I do not know After all, he had the opportunity to go for shared governance during the independence negotiations ofthe1950s/60sbutrejected it but we now know that he had already committed the PPP to Soviet-type communism. But by 1992, Soviet communism was history and in the same way that he was able to accommodate Western capitalism he might have taken the more democratic pathway Indeed, confronted by questions like Persaud’s, totheirritationofsomeofhis

‘Randolph

PresidentAli stood his ground

DEAREDITOR

President Irfaan Ali stood his ground during last week’s appearance on the BritishTVprogrammeGood Morning Britain during the “interrogation” from one of the hosts Richard Madeley when asked about reparations from the descendants of British and Scottish slave owners in Guyana.

When Mr Madeley thoughtheposeda“gotyou” questionbanginghishandon the desk (like an elementary schoolboy)demandingfrom PresidentAliifhewantsone ofthePalacesfromtheRoyal family; the President remindedhimthattheexotic materials and all the hardwoods used in the construction of the said Palaceswereplunderedfrom Guyana and other countries they colonized, using the blood,sweatandtearsofthe enslaved blacks, thousands of whom were whipped to deathevenwhilstdoingtheir labourintensivetasks.

While it is a good first steptoseethedescendantsof thefourtimesformerBritish Prime Minister William Gladstone apologizing for their family’s past as enslavers in Guyana, they wentasfarasurgingtheUK government to discuss reparations to their former British colonies in the Caribbean.

William Gladstone’s father, John Gladstone was of Scottish descent and an absentee landlord; he never visited his estates in the Caribbean but became extremely rich from the proceeds of slavery, and later indentureship

John Gladstone was also one of the largest enslavers in parts of the Caribbean; he owned several ships, including the first two ships (The Hesperus and theWhitby) that transported hundreds of Indians to Guyana in 1838

On Friday, 25th

August 2023, during a l a u n c h o f t h e International Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies (announcing a grant to the tune of £ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 ) a t t h e University of Guyana, Charles Gladstone, who is the great great-greatgrandson of UK Prime M i n i s t e r Wi l l i a m Gladstone, said “Slavery was a crime against h u m a n i t y a n d i t s d a m a g i n g i m p a c t continues to be felt across the world today It is with deep shame and regret that we acknowledge our ancestor’s involvement in this crime and with heartfelt sincerity that we a p o l o g i s e t o t h e descendants of the enslavedinGuyana

We also urge other descendants of those who benefited from slavery to open conversations about their ancestors’ crimes and whattheymightbeabletodo tobuildabetterfuture.”The

Atearful Tahir leads Guyana Amazon Warriors to elusive title

DEAREDITOR

Howoftenhaveweheard theexpression,“Cricketisan age game?”And it really is. Afterforty,wheninthefield, somedaysitcanfeellikeyou arepayingforsomethingbad that you might have done in your previous life. A day of hard labour in sweltering heat.

We can question everything, but the commitment that Tahir brings to this team, both physically and emotionally Matter of fact, he wears his patriotism on his sleeve, as was evident when he burst into tears and wept inconsolably at the post match conference, like an admonishedchild.Hewasso overpowered by emotion that he could not complete the interview with Alex Jordan.

It will be foolhardy to q u e s t i o n Ta h i r ’ s commitment to any team. His unrelenting passion, dedicationandself-beliefare unparalleledqualitiesthathe brings.Adoordieattitude.

Atthestartoftheseason, many questioned his choice ascaptain,includingmyself. And why not, after all, why choose him when you have the likes of Hope, Hetmyer, Shepherd et al But in retrospect,thepowersthatbe were clairvoyant, as was

vindicatedlastnight.

While his guile and astuteness as a bowler are well documented, it is his leadership style that gives him traction and leverage over others. This is a leader with a very strong personal conviction, as was obvious in the final over that he entrusted in the hands of Motie,againsttheRoyals. It is no newsflash that he is veryanimatedinvictoryand success, but also composed and empathetic in adversity His support as a captain is incontrovertibly reassuring. A struggling bowler is alwaysmetwithapoliteand comfortingword.Thereisno evidence of him hurling unpleasant words or showing any gesture or any dissatisfaction.

On the obverse side of thecoin,thedroughtwhicha patient and long-suffering nation has endured, has

finally come to an end. The board will now reflect GuyanaAmazonWarriorsas a winner of that coveted trophy The ocean of yellow whichinundatedthenational stadium,canfinallybreathe. Yes, the journey was long and arduous, for the most part and the pain seemed interminable but we can finally savor the delectable tasteofvictory

I will even go out on a limbandsaythat,ifyouarea Guyana Amazon Warriors supporter, there will be no contorted facial expression today as though you were beaten with an “ugly stick.” There will be no crestfallen spirit.

The revelry and carnival will continue. And maybe, the president might even consider making Tahir an honourarycitizen.

Yourstruly RaulKhan

Gladstones also apologised f o r t h e i r r o l e i n indentureship.

While, £100,000 is a paltry sum, it nevertheless sets the foundation for Guyanese of African ancestry to see more likeminded gestures from the otherdescendantsofBritish, Scottish and Dutch slave ownerstostepuptotheplate and acknowledge the gruesome past of their ancestors and try to engage in dialogues with regards to reparations Afterall, they are all beneficiaries of the financial gains from 400 yearsofslavery

In July 2013, the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) was launched

This has energized the global movement for reparatory justice and which has inspired the formation of the National A f r ican American Reparations Commission, the European Reparations Commission and similar formations in Canada and theUnitedKingdom.

I n A p r i l 2 0 1 5 , hundreds of reparations advocates from more than 22 countries, including representatives from the CRC, assembled in New Yo r k C i t y f o r a n International Reparations Conferenceorganizedbythe US-based Institute of the BlackWorld21stCentury

It is for this, as well as other related reasons that the Caribbean has emerged as the epicenter of the global reparatory justice movement. Its campaignforreparationsfor the crimes of slavery and colonialism has served as a template for the Global Southtoseekalevelplaying fieldfordevelopmentwithin the international economic order

In addition, it serves

as a model to address new formsofequity,including climatechange

Presenting evidence of past wrongdoings so as to facilitate the call for a new global order that includes fairness in access to economic and social development issues and equality in participation, shouldbeapplauded.

T h e 1 8 3 3 Emancipation Act passed b y t h e B r i t i s h government freed around 650,000 black slaves in theBritishCaribbean

However, the freedom for the slaves came at a cost for the slave owners when slaverywasfinallyabolished in 1834 According to Nicolas Draper, the British g o v e r n m e n t p a i d approximately £20 million totheabsenteeslave-owners ascompensationfortheloss of their slave property on their plantations across the BritishEmpire.

This amounted to the equivalent of approximately 40% of the total annual government expenditure in t h e 1 8 3 0 s T h e compensation was worth approximately £16-£17 billionatthetimeMr Draper did the computations sometimebetween2005and 2010, this amount is most likely well over £20 billion today

The former plantation owners of British Guiana received a total of £4,297,117 10s. 6½ d, as compensation for the “loss of approximately 84,915 slaveproperty”.

The enslaved people themselves received nothing.

Ultimatelyabout50%of the funds the Plantation owners in the UK received proved to be one of several significant sources of “funding for new industrial and infrastructure

development, above all the railway boom” in the country

IttookBritishtaxpayers 182yearstopayoffthisdebt, the loan the Government tookouttocompensateslave owners for the abolition of slavery in 1833 was only repaidinfullin2015.

Someofthedescendants of those owned by British people later became residents in the UK ( i n c l u d i n g m a n y Guyanese), and through taxation contributed to payingoffthedebtcreated by the huge windfall paid to the slave-owners who once ow ned their ancestorsasproperty

Among the British descendants who benefited from slavery are ancestors of the former Prime M i n i s t e r - D a v i d Cameron; former Member of Parliament Douglas Hogg; authors Graham Greene and George Orwell; poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning; and the Chairman of the Arts Council, Peter Bazalgette

Other prominent names which feature in Nicolas Draper records include scions of one of the nation’s oldest banking families, the Barings, and the second Earl of H a r e w o o d , H e n r y Lascelles, an ancestor of the Queen’s cousin Some familiesusedthemoneyto invest in the railways and other aspects of the industrial revolution; o t h e r s b o u g h t o r maintained their country houses, and some used the moneyforphilanthropy.

George Orwell’s greatgrandfather, Charles Blair, received £4,442, equal to more than £3 million today, forthe218slavesheowned.

While the Dutch tried to eraseGuyanafromtheir

(Continuedonpage06)

Frompage04 close advisors, his advice usually was ‘show them the records’and today we know that this is the last thing this autocraticregimedoes!

As for my record, very briefly, it cannot be denied thatbetween1992and1997, when I was the Minister of Labour, Housing, Human ServicesandSocialSecurity, some of the most important labour-related and social legislationinGuyana’spostindependence history – the Trade Union Recognition

Act, Termination of

Employment and Severance

Pay, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Prevention of Discrimination Act and Domestic Violence Actwhich on a daily basis still affect the lives of thousands of people, was enacted and implemented.

Between1993,whenthe housingsectorrestarted,and 1997, some 22,500 house lots were allocated in 36 schemes in which some 5,000 houses were built

All 2,025 government flatsin17schemesweresold for $15,000 and $25,000 to their occupants, who were mainlyAfricans.

AttheMinistryofHealth from1997to2001,Iinitiated health sector reform with semi-autonomous regional authorities for Berbice, Demerara, Essequibo, and the Hinterland

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and the Materials Management Agency were established as legal semi-autonomous bodies.

The first - and unfortunately last - public hospital inspection took place and the Canter was established. At the Ministry of Education from 2001 to 2006, the National Accreditation and Technical and Vocational Education

laws (the latter having been in the pipeline since 1990) were passed and their Councilsestablished.

Surely, Africans must havebenefittedsignificantly fromtheabove.

For one thing, industrial accidents reduced from 8,383 in 1993 to 2,370 in 1999.

But nothing I have said deals adequately with the main contention that

Africans are being systematicallydiscriminated against, and some mopping up is required as I need to simplifyafewmattersasDr Persaud appears to have a problemunderstandingme.

Firstly, in relation to the PPP’s unusual behaviour with regards to recent increases in public servant pay,mypositionisthatthe PPP intended to give an end of year 7% increase to public servants for 2022 and its unusual twists and turns to arrive at its final offer and the size of those increases-13%to&74%for 2023 suggest that it was pressured by the United States, whose ambassador found it necessary to depart from a prepared presentation to thank and applaud the regime for its sensible decision to make decent increases

ThePPPnowfindsitself in the position of having to give similar increases to teachers and other public servants but wishes to undermine the GTU and make it appear that the decision to give such increases was voluntarily madebyit,soasitdidduring the local government elections, the president is u n d e m o c r a t i c a l l y attempting to bypass the official representatives of teachers.

Secondly, I spoke to the possible migration of

Africans and of educated Guyanese leaving largely because they are not being properly incentivized to remain, and Dr Persaud gave some figures for ‘net migration’thatincludesome 24,000 Venezuelans and otherrefugeesandcalledme clueless!

Thirdly,howcanonestill support the PPP, which has been historically twinned withtheGuyanaAgriculture and General Workers Union thatitusedasabatteringram in its political ambition to deceptively take not only Guyana but the entire English-speaking Caribbean intotheCommunistStalinist fold by the use of its then ethnic majority position, when he frowns upon the GTU relationship with the PNC.

Fourthly, Dr. Persaud brazenly linked the PNC to Jonestown and suicide but notthePPPtoStalin’sgulags where suicide was a relief, estimated to be 1,000 times morefrequentthaninSoviet society generally, where the situation was bad enough. Fifthly, Dr Persaud, ‘One Guyana’ is not an innovation, it is nothing more than a stanza taken from the national motto that was crafted at a time when such aspirations were reasonable and were not being undermined by the very party that claims to valueit!Sixthly,Dr Persaud appearsnottorealisethathis ethnically based party was ‘installed’ in government through elections manipulation that is it is terrified will be proven in court.

As one recent survey showed, most Guyanese question the legitimacy of the government. Randolph Persaud, it is time to move on.

Regards

Dr HenryJeffrey

Guyana no pagará por la Revolución Bolivariana fallida!

DEAREDITOR

We need to get some things straight in this country,andweneedtodoso quickly,becausenothingless than national sovereignty is at stake. Those like GHK Lall bent on exploiting the threats from Venezuela for domestic political reasons willeventuallybeconsigned tooblivion Lallneedstoshake in a hammock all night and reflect on the damage he is doingtothiscountry Imagine in the face of a defined threat from a foreign adversary, GHK Lall has the audacity to ventilate nonsense like “[t]he guardians of our sovereignty aremainlyonekindofpeople”

(Demerara Waves, 9/24/2023)

GHK Lall is using the Venezuelan threat to Guyana’s national sovereignty to deepen whateversourcesofpolitical differences exist in this country He is trying to fabricate a Maginot Line

erectedoutoftherawmaterials ofracialantagonism,tryinghis besttokeepracealive Yes,that isthemantra;keepracealive Keep conflict alive Keep division alive Out of this bicameral mentality has emergedaManicheanworld,a w o r l d c u t u p a n d compartmentalized in two, dividedbetweenthesavedand the dammed The man’s narrative runs something like this–thesupportersofAPNU andespeciallythePNCarenot included in development, and therefore,weneedtohavethe US deliver shared governance He has the Hakeen Jeffries/Rickford Burke formulation ‘down pat’.

In language that could easilybeminedbytheforeign aggressor, in this case Venezuela,GHKLallexpresses doubt about the will to defend Guyana Inhisownwords-“I amuncertainastothestrength ofspiritinthosewhohavebeen marginalized and demonized

nowthatthereisthisurgentcall up to rally around the flag” (Ibid) And further “[w]hen people are made to feel like outcasts, when they are consignedtothecorraloflosers, thennationalunitybecomesthe toughestofhardsells(Ibid).

Atruepatriotwouldnever, I repeat, never provoke disunity in a time of foreign aggression The following is what might be said by someone who is not a selfaggrandizing tout “I call on my brothers and sisters from acrossthisland,tostandstrong in the face of Venezuelan aggression And Venezuela should know that the Essequiboisours!‘Aweown’! Weshallnotyieldevenablade ofgrass Guyananopagarápor la Revolución Bolivariana fallida!

That, that is what a truly patriotic Guyanese should say in the face of foreign aggression.

Sincerely

Dr.RandolphPersaud

Unsportsmanlike display by four times winner

DEAREDITOR

Thepost-matchpresentationwhereitwas seen theTKR players removing their runner up medals, immediately after receipt, was disappointing, unsportmanlike and it could beperceivedasacollectiveshowofrudeness to our President who placed the medals aroundtheirnecks.

The act commenced with the captain, who immediately took off his medal after

receiving, as he went to speak with Darren Ganga,whowasperformingMCpost-match presentation duties. All players simply followed.

There are protocols to be followed, win orlose. TKR’sdisplaydepictedasoreloser attitude for the four times winner, as though theywereprotestingtheirloss.

Sincerely

ShamshunMohamed

PresidentAlistoodhisground...

Frompage05

slavehistory,theyoccupied Guyana longer than any of ouroccupiers. We should not let them offthehookinensuringthat the Dutch ancestry are also held liable to compensate descendants of their slave property they once held in Guyana.

From the 17th century throughthe19thcentury,the Dutch brought about 16,000 Africans to Essequibo; 15,000 to Berbice; and 11,000toDemerara,making

it a total of approximately 42,000 give or take a few thousand at the time ownershipwastransferredto theBritishin1814.

The Dutch had a significant role in the global slave trade - the stately mansionsliningthecanalsin Amsterdamisatestamentto the fortunes amassed during theDutchGoldenAge,from theuseofslavelaborintheir colonies, Guyana was their number one export earnings during the period. Also, the construction of the canals in

the city of Amsterdam were financed through the proceedsfromslavery There is even a mansion in Voorschoten called the Berbice country estate, which is in close proximity to The Hague, and which dates back to 1669. In 1827 the then owner Jon Kheer Goldberg named the mansion after Berbice when he was in the colony during the time he was stationed in Guyana.

Sincerely

BibiHalimaKhanam

‘RandolphPersaud,moveon’...

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

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GOVT.

BY THEPEOPLE

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Guyanese took matters in their own hands!

They gave themselves a holiday yesterday!

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

They didn’t care what Home Affairs say…

They didn’t care what Education Ministry say…

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

They didn’t care what Jagdeo Facebook page say about fake news!

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Guyanese gave themselves a holiday!

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

Power to the People!

Why not take matters in your own hands with oil wealth?

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At least 3 people killed, 15 missing in landslide in Guatemala

PAHO and Canada join efforts to eliminate trachoma in Latin America

The Pan American contact with the eye Venezuela will also receive Health Organization secretions of infected support to strengthen ( P A H O ) a n d t h e people The disease surveillance to determine if Government of Canada have primarilyaffectsthoseliving trachoma is a public health launched an initiative to in extreme poverty Factors problem among populations eliminate trachoma, an that drive transmission living in vulnerable infectious eye disease and include overcrowding, and conditions in those leading cause of blindness poor hygiene and sanitary countries Mexico, which among women in poor, conditions Trachoma is became the first country in remote areas of Latin endemicinmanyrural,poor, Latin America to eliminate America. and remote areas of the trachoma as a public health

Through a CDN$15M world, including Brazil, problem in 2017, will be (US$ 11 2 million) Colombia, Guatemala, and s u p p o r t e d i n t h e contribution provided by Peru, where it affects almost i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f Global Affairs Canada 5.6 million people. In Latin surveillance actions to (GAC), PAHO will expand America, Indigenous prevent reemergence of the technical cooperation in 10 populations in the Amazon disease.

Latin American countries to basin are disproportionately Neglected infectious strengthen surveillance and affected. diseases are a diverse group expand treatment for the It is estimated that of20parasitic,bacterial,and disease. The aim is to reach women are twice as likely to fungal diseases, including around 10 million people be affected by the disease trachoma, that have a overthenext5years. andareuptofourtimesmore disproportionate health

Firefighters clear debris as they search for survivors where homes were swept away overnight by a swollen Naranjo River after heavy rain in the “Dios es fiel,” or “God is Loyal” shanty on the outskirts of Guatemala City, Monday, September 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

threat during Guatemala’s a landslide in Guatemala’s The 5-year-old girl was rainy season, which extends capital early Monday recovered by firefighters to November There are few sweeping several humble partially buried in debris and controls on where people homes into a river and mud some 3 miles (5 build their homes, especially leaving three people dead kilometres) down the in poor settlements, putting and at least 15 people Naranjoriver thematgreaterrisk. missing, including 10 The landslide swept Images provided by minors. away six homes and the rescuers showed a long path Guatemala’s National families who lived in them ofthelandslideandevidence D i s a s t e r R e d u c t i o n around 2 am. Around 5 am, ofdomesticlifestrewnalong Coordinator confirmed the the firefighters announced the river bank. The military three dead, including a theywouldstartasearch. set up a command center to young girl, in a statement Landslides are a constant overseetherescueeffort.

AP—Heavyrainssetoff Monday

Assuria unveils anniversary ‘Christmas giveaway’ promotion

S u r i n a m e - brand-newelectricbikewith and this Christmas headquartered Assuria complimentary free promotion is our way of Insurance has announced its insurance, reflect Assuria’s sharing the joy and newest promotion and commitment to making celebrating our shared giveaway titled: “Assuria’s d r e a m s c o m e t r u e achievements We invite MerryMotorsGiveaway.” Additionally, 5 mountain everyone to come and join

As Assuria General and bikes will be given away as us at our offices during this Assuria Life (GY) Inc, consolationprizes. festive season, as we usher achieved certain milestones As part of its continuous inChristmaswithopenarms the companies wish to growth, Assuria proudly and exciting opportunities,” express their heartfelt unveiled its stunning 6- headded. gratitude to their loyal storey Head Office, the The “Assuria’s Merry customers for their steadfast Assuria Georgetown high- M o t o r s G i v e a w a y ” support over the past 11 rise located at lot 133 promotion period runs from years. Church Street, South September 1st to December

This extraordinary C u m m i n g s b u r g 21st,withthegranddrawing giveaway is a testament to Georgetown earlier this taking place on December the unwavering trust and year 22nd.AnyAssuria customer dedication of our valued This monumental with an active policy is customers, the insurance achievement was made eligible to participate and company said. Assuria said possible by the invaluable claim their chance to win it has grown alongside its support of customers who these outstanding prizes clients, and as a token of have chosenAssuria as their Visit any of Assuria’s 10 appreciation, it is time to trusted insurance partner offices nationwide to take givebackinabigway. “We are elated to mark this part and embrace the festive The grand prizes, incredible moment in our spirit. Join us in celebrating including a Toyota Axio journey,” said Mr. Yogindra not only our achievements motorcar with one year of Arjune, Managing Director but also the spirit of free insurance, a brand-new of Assuria Guyana. “Our togethernessthattheholiday motorbike with free customers are the driving season brings and a One insuranceandhelmets,anda force behind our success, Guyana

The collaboration was likelythanmentobeblinded impact on marginalized announced by Canadian by trachoma.This is due to a populations, including Prime Minister Justin combination of factors, ethnic minorities Risk Trudeau during the United including traditional gender- factors include poverty, Nations General Assembly based caring roles in income inequality, lack of (UNGA) in New York, as endemic communities, lack access to safe drinking water part of the country’s efforts of education, and limited and proper sanitation and to support progress on the access to basic health barriers to education and 2 0 3 0 S u s t a i n a b l e services. health services, among Development Agenda. “We The PAHO-Canada others PAHO supports thank the Government of collaboration will target at- countries in the Americas to Canada for this contribution, risk populations in Brazil, accelerate efforts towards which will help prevent Colombia, Guatemala, and eliminating these diseases visual impairment and Peru and accelerate the t h r o u g h i n t e g r a t e d blindness due to trachoma in implementation of the approaches focusing on the Americas,” the Director WHO/PAHO integrated increasing access to health of PAHO, Jarbas Barbosa, package of interventions for services, improving health said. “This initiative will trachoma,calledSAFE.This informationandsurveillance further advance our goal to includes surgery to prevent systems, tackling social and eliminate preventable visual impairment and environmental determinants d i s e a s e s t h a t eventual blindness, of health, and reinforcing disproportionally affect the antibiotics to reduce governance and stewardship poor and populations in infection, facial cleanliness to leave no one behind. situation of vulnerability, to prevent infection, and P A H O s D i s e a s e such as trachoma, from our environmental improvement Elimination Initiative is a regionby2030.” to reduce transmission. In a major drive to support

Caused by the bacteria bidtoadvanceeliminationof countries in wiping out 30 Chlamydia trachomatis, the disease in the region, communicablediseasessuch trachoma is transmitted by Bolivia, Ecuador, El as trachoma in the Americas fliesaswellasthroughdirect Salvador, Haiti, and by2030.

Maduro wants duped Venezuelans validate...

From page 2

is ours in a strong way in the framework of Essequibo territory, adding that a resolution international law and peace. We are together by the court assures that both parties are duty onthisasanationandmakenomistake,weas bound to honour a permanent settlement that a people and as a country are aware of our is equitable, just and consistent with boundaries and we respect our neighbours international law “We have subscribed and we continue to promote living and ourselves to a process which is being carried existing in a zone of peace,” the President out by the ICJ and we have submitted said. ourselves not only to the process but to the He added, “We totally reject Venezuela’s outcome. We also encourage Venezuela to attempt to disrupt peace within this region fully participate in this process at the ICJ and andthiszone.” PresidentAlialsosaidhehas doensurethattheytoorespecttheoutcomeof appraised the Speaker of the National theICJ,”theGuyanesePresidentsaid. Assembly, Manzoor Nadir as well as

Notwithstanding the foregoing appeal, Opposition Leader,Aubrey Norton on all the PresidentAlisaidhehastakennoteofthefact government has done thus far in response to that over the last number of days, troubling Venezuela’s claims He said too that statements have been emanating from statements in support of Guyana’s position Venezuela which are contradictory to the from the Organization of American States preservation of peace He said such (OAS), CARICOM and the US State statements, which include that Guyana’s Department,havebeenissuedtotheSpeaker recentoilblocksauctionisillegal,areclearly HesaidtoothattheUnitedNationsSecretary aimed at promoting Venezuela’s false claim General António Guterres has also been totheEssequiboregion. “Iwanttoassureall informed of the latest forms of aggression by Guyanese; we will consistently defend what Venezuela.

US and Kenya sign defence agreement ahead of planned Haiti deployment

AP TheUnitedStates and Kenya signed a defence agreement Monday that will see the East African nation getresourcesandsupportfor securitydeploymentsasitis poised to lead a multinational peacekeeping mission to Haiti to combat gangviolence.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Kenya’s Defense Minister Aden Dualesignedtheaccordata meeting in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi The agreement guides the countries’ defense relations forthenextfiveyearsasthe warinEastAfricaagainstthe al-Qaeda linked al-Shabab extremistgroupintensifies.

Austin thanked Kenya for volunteering to take the leadershipoftheHaitimultinational force and reiterated that the US government would work with Congress tosecurethe$100millionin fundingthatitpledgedonthe sidelines of the UN General Assembly

Austinsaidtherestofthe world ought to follow Kenya’s commitment to global security and “step up andprovidemorepersonnel, equipment,support,training andfunding.”

Kenya has pledged to send 1,000 security officers to Haiti to combat gang violence in a mission that is pending the UN Security Council’s formal approval but has received support fromtheUNandUS.

Dualesaidhiscountryis ready to deploy to Haiti and cited Kenya’s “very long h i s t o r y o f g l o b a l peacekeeping” in Kosovo, neighboring Somalia and Congo Human rights activists, meanwhile, have expressed concerns over the deployment, citing a history of human rights abuses duringsecurityoperationsin thecountry

Some security analysts haveexpressedconcernsthat there will be a language barrier between the

deployment from Kenya, an English- and Swahilispeaking country, and the people of Haiti, where the officiallanguagesareFrench andCreole.

On the regional fight against al-Shabab, Austin said he had met with Somalia’s president and that both agreed that the country had made “significant progress in the last year againstal-Shabab.”

ButAustinalsosaidthat “progress is not always a straight line so we may see things improve significantly ononedayandmaybewe’ll see challenges on the next day.”

Somalia last week asked the UN to pause for three months the withdrawal of 3,000 troops in the second phaseofdrawdowntoallow the country’s forces to regroup.

Somalia is expected to take up its full security responsibilities by end of 2024.

Govt.willbreachCollective Bargaining...

Frompage3 countryhaveengagedinthesickout.Earlier thisyear,PresidentAlihadannouncedplans to deliver a comprehensive package to teachersthatincludedsustainablehousing.

“Yourlivesarenotonlyaboutsalary,itis acomprehensivepackagethatmustbeableto giveyougood,sustainablehousingandallow you to provide for your children; to have a great future [with] great opportunities,” Ali toldteachersduringtheopeningoftheAbram ZuilSecondarySchool,Region2inJune.

In a most recent meeting with the press,

PresidentAliannouncedthatwhenhereturns to Guyana from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), he would be consulting with teachers about salaries and other benefits.

“There will be the adjustment for teachers,” he said while promising that the government would address whatever issues theeducatorsraise.

Asked whether the GTU would be involved in those talks, the President said “every Guyanese who wants to be involved; myconsultationsareveryopen.”

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin, left and Kenya Cabinet Secretary for Defense Aden Duale, hold copies of a signed bilateral defense cooperation agreement, in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday September 25, 2023. The US and Kenya have signed a defense agreement that will see the East African nation get resources and support for security deployments as it is poised to lead a multi-national peacekeeping mission to Haiti to combat gang violence. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi)

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Guyana’s asbestos man: Bharrat Jagdeo

There was Teflon Ron, former unique jagged-edged way, until the day by leaving the contract than all Guyana put together; US President Ronald Reagan, to incandescent heat got to him, and untouched. A little reality check look how rapturously delirious he whom nothing stuck. Not Iran became too much to bear So what should help. All the manifesto’s makes Exxon’s people. When the Contra, not early senility while in did the big man do? He lateraled commitments could be delivered, heats, such as they are, come from office, not breaking US law Then the responsibility for insurance to and if Vice Presidential oil Guyanese, the asbestos Vice there was Teflon Don, as in feared Guyana’s hapless, impotent promisesmadeareunfulfilled,then President shrugs them off, without mafia boss, John Gotti, and one Environmental Protection Agency the rest is for zilch. Yes, oil is anyscars. Thesmellofsmokedoes carpal tunnel syndrome: they can’t who beat every rap thrown at him, The wily oil commissar knew that todaythatmonumentallyimportant engulf him, anyway, and it is not speak, they can’t write. They want until Sammy “the Bull” Gravano there was nobody there who would to Guyana. He is indebted to goingaway this mortal peril, this seemingly sang like a canary, and off the dare to pushback. This is how he President Ali for bailing him out For now, there is this Miss patented repugnance hovering over TeflonDonwentupthecreek. wigglesoutoftightspotsandsticks with “sanctity of contract” which Universe of what is perverse from thePPPtodisappear Thefasterthe

Here in Guyana, citizens (at ittoothers. hehimselfnowsuddenlycherishes. the PPP and the VP It is about the better, so all are silent, hoping the least half of them) have their own Of course, all the weaknesses Better contract management is the small matter of US$214 million. It US$214 million audit treachery beloved Teflon man, and it is Vice and ills of the 2106 Exxon oil oilman’snewguidingstar is a slimy, sleazy, slippery number, disappears like it never happened, President Bharrat Jagdeo, the contract have the perfect whipping When ‘better contract and it doesn’t seem to have any and with medicine man Dr J nation’s Commander in Chief of post: the PNC. A better, truer management’ can relinquish so owner, relative to who played separated from it. Somebody at Oil. Dr Jagdeo is more of an owner could not be found to paste manybillions,withoutsomuchasa gameswithit. Bycuttingitdownto Natural Resources may be asbestos man than a Teflon one: he any condemnation for that foul whimper, to Exxon from past oil nothing. collectingtokeepquiet. endures any degree of searing heat. contractperversity. projectsnotproperlyaudited,ornot By cutting their own deal. By Bottom line: ‘dis one ain’t Mr.Combustion,heis. Butitisnot From his own lips, the good audited at all, then it is the kind of cutting Exxon into the action. A stickin’ to nobody. Because what sticks to him, but what he doctorJagdeopromisedtopurifyit, contract management never seen real ‘who dun it’, is this one. But nobody would have the temerity, sticksuponothers. and make Guyanese proud. When before, one that is the product of a truetoform,andhistory,Dr.Jagdeo the audacity, the celebrity, and the

Agood start would be made by the pressure built on the VP to do circusperformer. hadhisremedyready:unauthorized stupiditytopullsuchacaperofepic focusing on a couple of his sordid somethinghescroungedaroundfor Oh,thoseauditlapseshavetheir actions by ministry personnel. Is proportions. failures. Bear in mind, the Vice any ally he could find, and there own scapegoats. Lack of capacity s o m e b o d y k i d d i n g m e ? Bymycalculation,thisUS$214 President’s modus operandi that it was the President We are necessitating capacity building has Somebody, and it could only be million snafu is just the iceberg’s is always somebody else’s duty, honorablepeople,saidtheotherbig a nice ring. Since there is a clear brother Jagdeo, ‘tek Guyanese for first flake. Over to Vice President somebodyelse’smistake. man. lack of capacity not just in quality dammfools’,completeidiots. This Jagdeo: the fire burning, and the R e m e m b e r i n s u r a n c e Now there is a heresy, a real auditing, then even the limited should be a hanging offence. Now waterhot. Whatisitthatwasputin protection, and how he danced rankone,wherethePPPhasthegall insights of the helplessly dumb an investigation buys time, offers Exxon’spot? (The views expressed better than the unbeatable to speak of honourable, honouring, would have cautioned: slow down, camouflage. It is called plausible in this article are those of the combination of MC Hammer and and honour But as a cover, it hold off, space out approval of oil deniability author and do not necessarily Goya Singh. Brother Jagdeo was worked, the job done: Bharrat projects. ReportsarethatthePPPblogger reflect the opinions and beliefs of going along lickety-split in his Jagdeoduckedhiswayintoanother But Bharrat Jagdeo is brighter mob has developed laryngitis and this newspaper and its affiliates.)

HARDTRUTHS BYGHKLALL

Public servants must not be thrown under the bus to shift blame from Govt.

-Opposition

Leader of the investigation aims to

O p p o s i t i o n , identify the individuals who

Aubrey Norton engaged in an unauthorised

has called for the reduction of questionable Government of Guyana spendingbyExxon. (GoG) to take responsibility

It was reported that the of the reduction in British auditor had flagged questionable costs flagged overUS$200millionincosts by the British Consultant, that could be contested by IHS-Markit from US$214 thegovernment. million to US$3 million

The GRA had given its rather than hold ordinary no-objection to the sum on publicservantsresponsible. August 8, 2023, however the

During his press staff of the Natural accept that some public bus…theynowhavetocover conference on Friday, Resources Ministry servant acted on their own their tracks and what they do Economic Advisor to the Petroleum Unit engaged in whentheyknowforsurethat is choose to beat up on the Opposition Leader and an“unauthorized”processto theywillfacerealproblems? weakestinthechain.” spokesperson on oil and gas substantially reduce this

You are operating in a On Friday, Kaieteur matters, Elson Low told figure Jagdeo said the society that is authoritarian News reported that the reporters that ExxonMobil in an attempt to move the out the true details of what ministry will provide a in nature why do you Ministry of Natural Guyana Limited (EMGL) blame or shift the blame took place with the audit at report to Cabinet for review believe in an area as critical Resources is set to conduct a had confirmed to members from them... I don’t know the Ministry of Natural and the appropriate action as the oil sector they would thorough investigation into of the Opposition that the how they could say Resources,thepartydoesnot wouldbetakenthereafter be given the freedom to do its Petroleum Unit regarding audit was settled. Such a definitively to us that the believe public servants Theofficialalsodeclined anything without the Vice the mishandling of the audit pronouncement, according matter is settled if they dealt shouldbeblamed. to disclose prior to the Presidentknowing?” intoExxonMobil’sUS$1.7B to Low, could not have been with some junior employee. Meanwhile, Norton completion of this probe, the He therefore said, bills for the period 1999 to made without engagement They would have had to deal argued that there is no names of the persons that “Bharrat Jagdeo is a control 2017. with senior members of with people in the freedom for public servants engaged Exxon. “I would freak and I don’t see Vice President, Bharrat government. government at the highest to operate in the respective want to await the full report anybody escaping that Jagdeo made this disclosure

To this end, he said, level who are decision Ministries under the present from the ministry to Cabinet control and doing what they Thursdaywhileengagingthe “Whatwedon’twanttohave makers.” administration He said, and the ministry would have allegetheywouldhavedone. media at Freedom House, is the government to throw He noted that while the “People are even afraid to to disclose that to the public This is just an attempt to Georgetown. publicservantsunderthebus Opposition is eager to find talk Why then will we too,”hesaid. throw the staff under the He said that the

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton

Govt. to spend $4 billion to fix-up, build hinterland roads

R e s i d e n t s o f andRincon. Additionally, bids are communities in the For Region Seven, more invited for the construction hinterland regions will soon than $932 million has been of farm access roads in e n j o y i m p r o v e d set aside for works in Region Three, including the connectivity, greater ease in Bartica, Dagg Point, Kaburi, construction of the Parika to transportation, and other and Issano. Approximately Goshen alignment, which is associated socio-economic $689 million will facilitate divided into two lots. For b e n e f i t s , w i t h t h e w o r k s i n M a h d i a , these works, a collective c o n s t r u c t i o n o r Princeville, Tiger Hill, $500 million is estimated. rehabilitation of roads in Muruwa, Konawaruk, and According to the invitation Regions One, Seven, Eight, from Stone Hill to for bids advertised, andNine. Konawaruk Junction, in qualification requirements

The government, RegionEight. includebutarenotlimitedto: through the Ministry of Works in Lethem, biddersregisteredinGuyana Public Works, is inviting RegionNine,areexpectedto m u s t s u b m i t v a l i d sealed bids for the project cost some $339.1 million Certificates of Compliance which is divided into some with rehabilitation works to from the Guyana Revenue 32 lots. Over $305 million be done on Beverly Hills Authority (GRA) and will fund upgrade works on Drive, as well as the internal National Insurance Scheme the roads from Kwebanna to r o a d s a t C e n o t a p h (NIS). Bids will be opened Kumaka in Region One, as Boulevard. In St. Ignatius, on Tuesday, October 10, well as the main access road South and Deep South, 2023, at the Ministry of in San Jose. Other works North Rupununi, and the F i n a n c e ’s N a t i o n a l valued collectively at over S o u t h P a k a r a i m a s , Procurement and Tender $1.5 billion are expected in rehabilitation works are Administration Board, on Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, estimated to amount to over Main and Urquhart Streets. Matthews Ridge, Wauna, $746million. (DPI)

Russia tortured some Ukrainian victims to death, UN inquiry says

Man who shot city constable, friend remanded to prison

Linden Isaac of Lot 72 West Ruimveldt was on Monday remanded to prison for

discharging a loaded firearm with intent to maim, disable, or cause grievous bodily harm to Miguel Wilson and JermmanieSaul.

It is alleged that on September 9, 2023, at the City Constabulary outpost Bourda, Isaac discharged a loaded firearm at Wilson and Saul.

It was also reported that he pushed and lashed Saul in her head. Notably after the offencewascommitted,hefledthescene.

The accused was represented by Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson, who made application for bail but this was denied on the grounds of the circumstances for the offencesIsaaccommitted.

The lawyer highlighted that his client Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before served over 30 years as a city constable and Magistrate Rondell Weever, where the two days after he committed the offence, he charges as read to him. He pleaded not guilty wenttothechiefconstableandturnedhimself andwasremandedtoprisonuntilOctober23, in.Isaacmadehisfirstcourtappearanceatthe forstatementsandfixtures.

Reuters - Russian occupiers tortured commission member Pablo de Greiff said it Ukrainians so brutally that some of their was impossible to know due to restricted victims died, and forced families to listen as access, but that it was a “fairly large number they raped women next door, members of a and...it comes from very different regions U.N.-mandated investigative body said on across the country, close and far from the Monday, in their latest findings from the linesofbattle”. field.

In August and September, Møse’s

Erik Møse, Chair of the Commission of commissionvisitedpartsofUkraineformerly Inquiry on Ukraine, told the U.N. Human held by Russian forces such as in Kherson Rights Council in Geneva his team had and Zaporizhzhia regions. It found that “collected further evidence indicating that torture was committed mainly in detention the use of torture by Russian armed forces in centres operated by the Russian authorities areasundertheircontrolhasbeenwidespread and chiefly against people accused of being andsystematic”. Ukrainianinformants.

“In some cases, torture was inflicted with The commission has previously said that such brutality that it caused the death of the violations committed by Russian forces in victim,”hesaid. Ukraine, including the use of torture, may

“Russian soldiers raped and committed constitutecrimesagainsthumanity sexual violence against women of ages The U.N. body also found a “few cases” ranging from 19 to 83 years” in occupied of violations committed by Ukrainian forces, partsofKhersonprovince,hesaid. Møsesaid,sayingtheyrelatedtoinstancesof Frequently, family were kept next door indiscriminate attacks and ill treatment of andforcedtoheartheviolations,headded. Russian detainees. Kyiv has previously said Russia denies committing atrocities or it checks all information regarding the targeting civilians in Ukraine. Møse said the treatment of prisoners of war and will commissions attempts to communicate with investigate any violations and take Russiahadgoneunanswered. appropriatelegalaction.

Moscow was given an opportunity to The commission was mandated by the respond to the allegations at the council council in March 2022 to investigate abuses hearing but no Russian representative in Ukraine since the war began and has attended. Russia’s defence ministry did not visited multiple times and conducted immediately respond to a request for hundreds of interviews. Sometimes evidence comment. gathered by U.N.-mandated probes is used

Asked at a later press briefing about the fornationalandinternationaltrials,including number of torture cases resulting in death, warcrimescases.

Man remanded to jail: Linden Isaac

Jasminka Dzumhur, Erik Mose and Pablo de Greiff, members of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, attend a news conference at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse Acquire Licensing Rights

Govt.’s refusal to impose 10% royalty, taxes on Exxon’s Stabroek Block creates unfair environment for newcomers – Patterson

The fact that Guyana’s DavidPatterson. mere two percent royalty on producingones. maiden oil blocks auction The Executive Member the expansive Stabroek Meanwhile, newcomers attracted bids for only eight of the Alliance For Change Block Patterson said would have to abide by a of 14 blocks on offer is a (AFC) expressed the firm companies have no doubt more stringent framework direct reflection of oil conviction that oil taken note of government’s with fiscal rules that include companies’ distrust in the companies have taken note refusal to ring-fenced the payment of a 10 percent unfair market that is being of the fact that an projects within the oil block, royalty and a 10 percent created by the PPP/C ExxonMobil-led consortium thereby allowing Exxon to corporate tax “Exxon is G o v e r n m e n t , s a y s gets to enjoy a tax-free ride charge expenses from non- havingthebesttimeofitslife Opposition Parliamentarian, along with the payment of a producing projects against inGuyanabecausewehavea government that is bending over backwards for them. Government has refused every call to have Exxon subscribe to the new terms but they want new players to doso,”Pattersonsaid.

He said this is one of the main reasons why Guyana’s firstauctiononlymanagedto Patterson articulated that Priortotheauctionbeing secure interest in eight companies winning blocks held, government was keen blocks. from the auction would be on having the Petroleum

The parliamentarian said victimsofanunfairmarket. ActivitiesLawinplaceandit ithasnothingtodowithVice Following the close of has finalized the new Model President, Bharrat Jagdeo’s bid submissions on Production Sharing contention that the results of September 12, the National Agreements that will govern the auction stems from the Procurement and Tender future awards of deepwater inability of companies to Administration Board a n d s h a l l o w w a t e r secure financing for fossil (NPTAB) office revealed concessions. Kaieteur News fuel activities given the thatsixcompaniessubmitted previously reported that 11 global move to net zero offers for Guyana’s of the oil blocks on auction emissions. inaugural auction for 14 are located in the shallow

Patterson also dismissed offshore oil blocks area and three are in the Jagdeo’s position that the According to the NPTAB, deepwater zone. They range outcome can also be linked the firms bidding for the between 1000 square to the fact that the Ministry of Natural kilometres to 3000 square government introduced Resources project are: Total kilometres with the majority more stringent fiscal terms Energies EP Guyana B.V, of them being close to 2000 andperhapsthisscaredaway Qatar Energy International s q u a r e k i l o m e t r e s some investors Patterson E&P LLC, & Petronas E&P Government has not yet reasoned that if Exxon was Overseas Ventures SDN disclosed the details of the made to follow the same BHD (Malaysia); Delcorp bids submitted but pledged rules, the industry would Inc–Guyana,WatadEnergy, to do so after careful have recognized the Arabian Drillers (Saudia evaluation of those government’s intent to level Arabia); Exxon Mobil documents. Winners of the theplayingfield.Hesaidthis GuyanaLimited,HESSNew new blocks will be expected wouldhavedonethecountry Ventures Exploration to pay a 10 percent royalty well.Healsopointedoutthat Limited, and CNOOC and a 10 percent corporate Exxon is also one of the Petroleum Guyana Limited; tax.Thecostrecoverywillbe bidders in the auction, L i b e r t y P e t r o l e u m capped at 65 percent in a proving once again that the Corporation (USA)and , given year, while profits will introduction of more Cybele Energy Limited be shared 50/50 between the stringent terms is not to be (Ghana); Sispro Inc. parties. For shallow water blamed for the results of the (Guyana), and lastly blocks, companies have to auction. International Group pay a minimum of US$10

UnlessExxon’sStabroek InvestmentInc.(Guyana),in million while a minimum of Block is brought in line with joint venture with Montego US$20millionissetfordeep the new fiscal terms, Energy SA(London). waterconcessions.

Construction worker fined for assaulting woman

Thirty-eight-year-oldRawleBrammerof Brammer unlawfully assaulted Skeete. The Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank accused appeared at the Georgetown Demerara (EBD) was on Monday fined Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate $10,000afterhepleadedguiltyforassaulting Rondell Weever, where the charge was read OlindiaSkeete. tohim.

It was reported that on Friday last at Hepleadedguiltyandwasgrantedbailof Broad and Lambert Streets Georgetown, thesum$10,000.

Opposition Parliamentarian, David Patterson

Ministry launches mobile app to enhance access to education materials

T h e M i n i s t r y o f Spanish. It also has English Education on Monday content specifically tailored launched EDpal, an forSpanishspeakers. innovative application set to During the launch revolutionise the way ceremony in the Grand learners from across the SavannahSuite,Pegasus,the country access educational Honourable Minister of contentattheirconvenience. E d u c a t i o n , P r i y a This groundbreaking Manickchand encouraged initiative aims to provide a students, teachers, and convenientandeffectivetool parents to embrace this for reinforcing learning, innovativelearningtool.She reviewing challenging said the aim is to ensure subjects, and improving equity and equality of academic performance, opportunity for all students utilising approved content to access learning materials whichisalsoairedonEdYou regardless of their FM radio, the Ministry of geographic location in Education said in a press Guyana. She labelled the release. initiative “creative” and EDpal is designed to “progressive”, while she cater to the diverse needs of encouraged the EdYou FM students at all levels, team to “innovate” to ensure including nursery, primary thewaycontentisdeveloped and secondary, while it also and shared is inclusive and educational content on the app allows students to based on usage and development of this app, as has content for teachers in relevant or suitable to the demand with just a simple access the content at any downloads, which will she indicated that it is training at the Cyril Potter needsofstudents.” clickontherelevantlink.We timeandinanylocationwith inform MOE on the anotherdemonstrationofher College of Education. With Head of EdYou FM, Mr aim to make learning more or without the Internet. This effectiveness of the app and department’scommitmentto its user-friendly interface Phillip Williams stated “The accessible and enjoyable, feature, he said, empowers contentaccessed. leveraging technology to and comprehensive content EDpal app is designed to empowering students and students to solidify their

- Personalized Learning: enhance educational library, the app offers a wide revolutionize the way teachers to enhance their understanding of key Students can tailor their opportunities for all students range of educational learners from across the knowledge beyond the concepts, ultimately learning experiences by in Guyana. In addition to its resources for students country access educational confines of the traditional enhancing their academic focusing on areas they find standalone features, EDpal s t u d y i n g S c i e n c e , content at their convenience. classroomsetting.” performance. challenging or want to seamlessly integrates with Mathematics, Theatre Arts, Through this app, learners

He further explained that Some other key features explorefurther EdYou FM radio which can Social Studies, English and will have the ability to play ofEDpalare:

-OfflineAccess:Theapp also be found on the app,

- Easy Navigation: The supports offline access to where anyone can tune in to app’s user-friendly interface c o n t e n t , e n s u r i n g the radio station This allows for effortless uninterrupted learning even integration enhances the browsing and access to inlow-connectivityareas. accessibility of educational specific topics; and because Director of the National content by providing it’s audio-centric, it will Centre for Educational multiple channels through requirelowbandwidth. Resource Development which students can engage

- Measurable: we can ( N C E R D ) , Q u e n i t a with the material, at times generate a matrix of data Walrond-Lewis, lauded the convenienttothem.

14-month-old baby found dead in pool

A 14-month-old baby on Sunday died after he wasfoundmotionlessinapool.

DeadisDeonLalsaofD’EdwardVillage,West CoastBerbice.

Kaieteur News understands that the baby was rushedtotheFortWellingtonHospitalafterhewas discovered in the pool. He was pronounced dead uponarrival.

Dead, Deon Lalsa

The pool where the baby was discovered motionless

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand and other officials at the launch of the mobile app

A container slipped off a truck on to the roadway in the vicinity of Parliament Buildings, Brickdam on Monday.There were no reports of injuries. (Joseph Allen and Gordon Moseley photographs)

Ramada Hotel temporarily closes doors following fire

The fire which gutted a platform, three ambulances, night as in Saturday night). room and scorched others at and personnel. The first unit Special thanks is also the Ramada Georgetown arrivedat22:54hrs. extended to the Guyana Fire Princess Hotel on Saturday Under the command of Service for their prompt night has resulted in the Chief Fire Officer Gregory respond and herculean effort Hotel temporarily closing its Wickham, 28 firefighters in saving our hotel, and the doors. In a statement, the acted swiftly to safely Guyana Police Force for all management of the Hotel evacuate all hotel guests and of their organized effort in said, “We regret to inform effectivelycontaintheblaze. assisting and evacuating the public that the Ramada They also utilized a recently guest and staff from the Princess Hotel will be acquired hydraulic high-rise building,” the statement closed, until further notice p l a t f o r m t o r e s c u e said. due to the extensive damage individuals trapped on the The Hotel said that a suffered.” sixthfloor Fortunately,there representative will contact

According to the were no serious injuries or guests to offer further statement, the Hotel is casualties, though one guest advice For additional w o r k i n g w i t h t h e was treated for smoke information, please contact “authorities, in organizing a inhalationattheGeorgetown +592-265-7004ext111. plan to deal with issues that PublicHospitalCorporation. ourguestsfaceatthistime.”

Firefighting operations

“We appreciate your concluded at 03:10 hours the patience and sincerely following day, with a p o l o g i s e f o r t h e significantdamagesustained inconvenience caused by the room of origin and during this difficult time,” neighbouringrooms433and the Hotel’s management 435. To extinguish the fire, said. two lines were utilized,

Fire started in Room 431 drawing water from water located on the fourth floor of carrier #14, water tender the six-storey building that #116, HP #2, and an open has a total of 194 rooms and watersource. features a casino on its PresidentIrfaanAli,Vice southern side.At the time of President Bharrat Jagdeo, the incident, the hotel had and other government 293 adults and 4 children officials were on the scene, registered as guests. The fire providing support on alarm and sprinkler systems Saturday were triggered by smoke “The management of the emanating from the eastern Ramada Georgetown sideofthebuilding. Princess Hotel would like to

The Guyana Fire Service express its gratitude and (GFS) said it was alerted appreciation to his about the fire at around Excellency Dr Mohammed 22:47hrs and it quickly IrfaanAli,VicePresidentDr dispatched fire units from Bharrat Jagdeo Minister of Eccles, Diamond, Central, HomeAffairs Hon. Robeson and West Ruimveldt fire Benn and Minister of stations These units Tourism Hon Oneidge included water tenders, Waldrondfortheirsupportat water carriers, a hydraulic the scene of the fire (last

A section of the hotel which was gutted by the inferno. (Credit: Ministry of Home Affairs)

$159M estimated to rebuild Weldaad Police Station

The Ministry of Home Affairs is preparing to rebuildtheWeldaadPolice Station, Region Five at an estimated cost of

$$159,015,117 This is according to the recently released bids at the National P r o c u r e m e n t a n d Tender Administration

Below are the companies and their bids: MinistryofHomeAffairs

ReconstructionofWeldaadPoliceStation,Region5.

Board (NPTAB) office

Some 31 contractors are vyingforthecontract Additionally, the ministry is also seeking a c o n t r a c t o r t o

complete the works of a f

It is estimated that these works would cost some$185,841,235.

CastingofLethemPoliceStationCompound,Region9.

CompletionofFemalePrisonatLusignan.

Procurementoftoolsandotherequipment.

MinistryofPublicWorks ConsultancyservicesfortheCommunity LevelRoadSafetyAssessmentandEducation.

MinistryofAgriculture

Supplyandinstallationofone300KVASilentType DieselGeneratorSetwithEngineandAlternator

MinistryofHealth

Supplyanddeliveryofpharmaceuticalsupplies.

WANTED VACANCY

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

Mechanic, Welder & Tm

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

Able-bodied Male or Handy boy needed. Call: 661-1000. One male and female ablebodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 2261497, 658-8559.

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

Pump Attendant needed to work at Charity (night). Contact: 687-5814, 688-0417, 2235273/74.

Diesel Mechanic wanted. Contact: 688-0417/ 223-5273/ 74.

Cook needed to work at Xenon Hotel, Charity. Contact: 687-5814, 688-0417, 2235273/74.

Supervisor needed to work at Gaulin Supermarket, Charity. Call: 687-5814, 688-0417, 223-5273/74.

Handyman, Manager, Waitress, Bartenders and Cleaner to work at Sport bar. Call: 223-5273/74, 667-1056.

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

Guyana Amazon Warriors dominate Stats charts after successful CPL title win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experienced able-bodied

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

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

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

One male Cleaner needed to work in Eccles. Call: 615-9132. Maid needed to cook and clean at East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

1 new Kia Sportage Jeep. 2020 year model, fully loaded, low mileage and immaculate condition. Call: 618-3575/ 691-7123.

Not only did the Guyana Amazon Warriors win their first Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title, their players also turned in some exceptional individual performances as they dominated the statistical charts.

SERVICES

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

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

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

The Warriors ran roughshod on their opponents this season on their way to possibly the first of many CPL Championships. Their dominance was a result of the all-round class shown by both local and foreign players this season.

Opener Saim Ayub, the Pakistani pocket-rocket, finished the competition as the second highest run-scorer with 478 runs in 13 innings at 43.45 and a strike rate of 142.26.

The elegant Shai Hope meanwhile led the lot, with 481 runs averaging 53.44 with a

strike rate of 140.23. The right-hander hit 4 half-centuries with a ton, 106 his best T20 score. He along with Ayub carries the Warriors batting for the entire season and played big roles in their comprehensive win over TKR Sunday.

Ayub and Hope also finished this year’s CPL by securing the number 1 and 2 spots respectively, for most sixes hit; with the Pakistani smashing 28 maximums and Hope, 24.

All-rounder Keemo Paul (15 sixes) and Azam Khan (16) who were in devastating batting form throughout the tournament, also featured in the six-hitting list.

Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer (227) and Khan (224) were the other warriors players to feature in the batting charts.

Star pacer Dwaine Pretorius finished as the leading wicket-taker in the competition, ending with 20 scalps from 12 innings with a strike rate of 15.45.

Captain Imran Tahir was second on the list with 18 wickets, while his partner in crime, Gudakesh Motie finished with 15 and all-rounder Romario Shepherd (12), capped off the competitions top performers with the ball. Meanwhile, Khan, the dynamic keeper, topped the charts for most dismissals in the competition (10), including 3 stumpings and 7 catches.

Also, the athletic, acrobatic all-rounder Junior Sinclair, who had some breathtaking moments in the field and a few with the ball, was named Emerging Player of this year’s CPL.

VACANCY

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

Vacancy for 2 experienced Hairdresser needed in Grove, EBD. Call: 652-5800.

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

Excavator Operator, Dump Truck Driver, road-roller Driver, Crane Operator, Loader Operator and Welder required. Call: 675-1127/ 6004073.

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

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

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

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

One experienced Sales girl to work in Boutique Located in Georgetown. Call: 698-7152.

FOR RENT

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.

Fully furnished 2 bedrooms apartment in Albert Street, Alberttown. Preferably students, no smoking and no pets allowed. Call 231-5695/ 611-9134.

Guyana secures seven medals at CAC Bodybuilding and Fitness C/ship in Aruba

Guyana’s bodybuilding delegation concluded the 50th edition of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships in Aruba with an impressive haul of medals. They secured four gold medals, two silver medals, and a bronze medal in a display of exceptional talent and dedication.

and the under 90kg class, making him the youngest Guyanese male to achieve such a feat in the event’s history.

FOR SALE

Farm produce for sale: plantain, lemon, cayenne and apple banana. Every Thursday from Pomeroon. Call: 688-0417, 223-5273/ 6005370.

Emmerson Campbell, competing in the Men’s Physique category, shone brightly as he claimed a gold medal. His victory marked a historic moment as he became the first local athlete to achieve gold at the Regional Championship in the Men’s Physique class.

Nicholas Albert, a remarkable 22-year-old athlete, left an indelible mark by clinching two gold medals. He dominated both the junior category

Hannah Rampersaud, another 22-year-old standout, also secured a gold medal in the junior Bikini Wellness category. She also showcased her versatility by earning a silver medal in the Under-158cm class for Wellness.

Julio Sinclair exhibited remarkable strength and skill, earning a well-deserved silver medal in the over 90kg class.

While Darious Ramsammy showcased his prowess by securing the third position in the under 85kg class, adding to Team Guyana’s impressive medal tally. Team Guyana celebrated

these remarkable achievements, Rawle Greene, competing in bodybuilding, and Christina Ramsammy, participating in the Ms. Bikini category, faced tough competition and, unfortunately, did not secure medals in their respective classes.

In the pursuit of further glory, both Emmerson Campbell and Nicholas Albert progressed to the overall round, where they vied for the coveted Pro Cards.

Although they performed admirably, both athletes finished as runners-up in their respective categories.

Looking ahead, Guyana will host the 51st edition of this prestigious annual event next year, providing an exciting opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills on home soil.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors stood out in more ways than one to claim the title this year. (CPL via Getty Images)

$56M water system, $40M housing programme announced for Quebanang Village

QuebanangVillage, located in the Upper government…we want to ensure that we Mazaruni region of Region Seven, is set to uplift your quality of life,” he told the receive a significant boost with the residents. installation of a new $56.3 million water

Regarding the housing programme, distributionsystem. Minister Croal announced that the project

The community has been chosen as one will commence before the end of this year of the beneficiaries of the Hinterland Each unit is estimated to cost $4 million.All Housing Programme, where 10 vulnerable materials for construction will be sourced families will receive homes valued at from the village.The ministry will cover the approximately $40 million These wages of two skilled labourers, while the developments were unveiled by Minister of selected beneficiaries will supply the Housing and Water, Collin Croal, during his remaining labour required to complete their recent visit to the area. he was accompanied respectiveunits.Thisprogramisspecifically by Hinterland Service Director, Ramchand aimed at vulnerable groups within Jailall. Quebanang, a satellite village of Amerindian villages, including the elderly Jawalla, currently relies on a spring source and single parents. the minister urged the andasmallPVanddistributionpipenetwork Village Council to prioritize transparency to supply water to a portion of the duringtheselectionprocess. community However,thisexistingsystemis

The minister said the government inadequatetomeetthewaterdemandsofthe understands the needs of the communities entire area. Minister Croal had visited the and is making resources available to address areasometimebackandtheresidents’raised those needs. “In the short three years, we concerns about the challenges they faced in are investing in you and your children’s accessingcleanandsafewater Thepollution development…we are talking right away resulting from mining activities in the for this small community, an injection of nearby river rendered its water unsafe for close to $100 million,” he highlighted. consumption. He made a commitment to MinisterCroalalsoassuredtheresidentsthat address this issue, and the announcement of they will benefit from solar panels through the construction of a new system offers the Hinterland solar home installation much-neededrelieftothecommunity. programme. Each system features a 160-

The project is slated to commence watt solar panel and a mobile charging shortly and will be executed by R. Kissoon facility, among other basic fittings. The Contracting Services. “We made a village also received a tractor and trailer commitment and we have delivered on from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to that commitment that is what we do as a aidintheiragricultureprogramme. (DPI)

Persaud, Oviedo strikes gold at GTT, Fortinet Carnival Golf Tournament

On Saturday, September 24, 2023, the Lusignan Golf Club came alive as it hosted the GTT Fortinet Carnival Golf Tournament.

With more than 40 players participating in the lucrative tournament, Avinash Persaud and Miguel Oviedo stepped up to the mark and emerged as the overall winners.

Sharing his remarks at the presentation ceremony, GTT’s Chief Operations Officer of Business Solutions, Orin Ferguson, emphasized the importance of embracing golf as a sport due to its players. “Business owners play golf. We know that younger kids who are growing up and learning to

The Winners row take time out for a photo. play golf tend to also get involved in leadership roles and businesses.

Therefore, it is important for us to be close to this audience.

I wanted to thank the players for coming out and having a good time. Thank you to the team that worked hard to make this tournament a success.

“I’m going to conclude where we started, which is that we anticipate this tournament will continue to grow and improve with each passing year.”

Echoing the same sentiments was Bhagwat Persaud, Regional Account Manager for Fortinet Guyana and Suriname, who stated, “This event marks the fourth

collaboration between Fortinet and GTT in terms of golf.” According to Persaud, Fortinet is a cybersecurity company headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. The company develops and sells security solutions such as

Tuesday September 26, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Share your skills today, Aries. You will find that as you engage in the role of teacher, you learn more than if you just hold onto your knowledge without sharing it.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Don't underestimate the power of other people today, Taurus. They may seem flighty and scatterbrained on the outside, but underneath you will find that they have a great deal of wisdom to share.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Remember that there's a benevolent force out there that loves you, Gemini. No matter what, there's always a shoulder to cry on, even if it isn't a tangible one. Even in your darkest moments.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Don't hesitate to say the obvious today, Cancer, even if it sounds corny. Many times people hesitate to say what they really feel because they think it's obvious to everyone.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Look to older figures for advice today, Leo. Seek counsel with a parent or grandparent on issues you feel strongly about. Relationships with older people are likely to go especially well.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Consider composing a bit of poetry today, Virgo. Use this as an exercise to condense your ocean of emotions into a very few words.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Just because your emotions are reserved or somber today doesn't mean you shouldn't share them with others, Libra. Work through difficulties.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

You may need to jump to many different people and situations today, Scorpio, yet something is holding you back. Listen to this inner voice that's asking you to be conservative at this time.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

ou feel like you have a stone strapped to your back, Sagittarius. The farther you walk with this load, the slower you go, and the more hunched over you will be by the time you reach your destination.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It

Feel free to break ties with certain people now, Capricorn. You may be overextending your emotional bank account by investing too much of yourself in others' lives.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Less is more should be your motto for today, Aquarius. The more you cut back in certain areas of your life, the more room you open up to bring in new and exciting things.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You may be asked to slow down today, Pisces. Whether this comes in the form of a speeding ticket or a scrape on the knee when you trip.

firewalls, endpoint security, and intrusion detection systems. “I want to say thank you very much to GTT, our technology partner, as well.” “We want to encourage you to host more events of this kind in the country,” Persaud shared.

LGC President Patanjilee Persaud explained that his desire is to make the event bigger and better.

Therefore, next year, the club will aim to plan the Golf Carnival event early. Persaud shared that the club will be looking to make the tournament a two-day event. I had hoped that we could have had a two-day elimination tournament. We look forward to this. As I mentioned, we are simply testing the waters. I want to congratulate all of the winners. I want to thank all of you for participating. I want to thank GTT and the executives from Fortinet for sponsoring this tournament and for believing in its potential to become something great,” Persaud expressed.

On hand to present the prizes were Deputy Director of Sports Franklin Wilson, members of GTT Business solutions and Fortinet and Kadeem Gordon representative from Ministry of Tourism.

The results were as follows:

%Overall Best GrossAvinash Persaud 75

%0-9 Best GrossAvinash Persaud 75

%10-18 Best GrossPatrick Prashad 80

%19-36 Best GrossMiguel Oviedo 87

%Overall Best NetMiguel Oviedo 66

%Longest Drive - Max Persaud

%Nearest to pin - Pope Emanuel London

Gross 80, HC 11, Net 69

2nd Miguel Yunes - Gross 85, HC 14, Net 71

3rd Mahesh ShivrajGross 86, HC 14, Net 72

4th Maxim MangraGross 91, HC 18, Net 73 19-36 Flight

1st Miguel Oviedo - Gross 87, HC 21, Net 66

2nd Maurice Deo - Gross 95, HC 25, Net 70

3rd Maurice SolomonGross 94, HC 22, Net 72

4th Anasha Ally - Gross 99, HC 25, Net 74

David Chisholm’s haul powers Eagles to exciting victory over #1 All Star

In a riveting showdown at the Tuschen Community Centre ground, Eagles FC emerged triumphant in the latestWestDemeraraFootball Association (WDFA) Men’s Senior League matches In a high-scoring affair that had fansontheedgeoftheirseats, Eagles FC outclassed their opponents, Crane Rovers, witharesounding7-3victory in the first of two exciting double-header contested on Saturday

The star of the evening was none other than Eagles FC’s prolific striker, David C h i s h o l m , w h o s e sensationalhaulofgoalsleft the opposition reeling Chisholm showcased his

scoringprowessbyfindingthe backofthenetinthe2nd,25th, 50th, and 57th minute of the game His performance was nothing short of spectacular andsolidifiedhisstatusasone of the league’s top talents Chisholm received ample support from his teammates, with Neshawn Livan (31’), Shaquille King (55’), and Kevin Duke (23’) all contributing to Eagles FC’s goaltally Crane Rovers, though faced with an uphill battle, displayed their resilience with Adami Hoyte scoring twice in the 6th and 11th minute, and Kwesi Henry managing to breach the Eagles’ defence in the 46th

minute However,despitetheir commendable efforts, the dominant Eagles lineup proved to be a force to be reckoned with, ultimately securing the victory with a finalscoreof7-3

Meanwhile, in the other match of the evening betweenPourdroyenFCand #1 All Stars, the action was marred by unforeseen circumstances. The game, playedatafreneticpace,was forced to end prematurely due to deteriorating lighting conditions.

After 70 minutes of intense play, the referee had no choice but to halt the match with #1 All Stars leading1-0.

Phil Rietema is the 2023 National Long Drive Golf Champion

Theopeningdayof the COURTS Optical Pee Wee Under-11 Schools’ Football Tournament’s tenth edition got off to an exciting start over the weekend at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue, where a total of 16 matches were scheduled to be contested.

Haynes led with a ‘helmettrick’ (3’, 7’, 12’ & 28’) as Michael Telemarque (15’) and Mark Timmerman (40’) supported with a goal each. For Rosignol, John Collins stoodoutwithahat-trick(3’, 19’ & 31’) while Richard Pompey(8’),JeremiahGrant (11’)andDelanteMcKenzie (14’)allscoredonce.

Phil Rietema won the first National Long Drive Golf Championship, which was hosted by the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen GolfAcademyattheGuyana Defence Force Camp Ayangana Ground on Saturday September 23rd that saw players from all walksoflifechallengingfor thetitle.

AdamArjuneandJanelle Glasgow took home the Junior Long Drive Titles. Despitestrongperformances by dozens of athletes from various sporting disciplines and a large contingent of soldiers, it showed that golfers are indeed some of the top athletes and cannot bebeaten,especiallyattheir owngame.

There was no fee to participate and equipment, snacks and beverages were provided to all players and

spectators.

Top long hitting golfers such as Richard Hanif, Robin Tiwari, Vishal ‘Butters’ Harry, Monnaf Arjune, Adrian Barrow, Alexander Sarrante, Dallas Thomas, Philip Haynes, MarlonGeorgeandTerrence Hubbard were all gunning for the eventual winner Phil Rietema but fell short as he produced three massive 300+ yard drives into the wind to outlast the competition.

According to GGA President Aleem Hussain, “This was another first for theAssociation and Nexgen GolfAcademyinaneffortto open the sport to players from all around the country andencourageothersporting disciplinestocompete.

Now that we have built the interest in the sport, we hope that other groups will followandpromotethesport

inconjunctionwithus,soas to allow more exposure to Guyaneseplayers.”

Hussain thanked the GDF Chief of Staff and members of the GDF for their support in hosting the event along with the longtime sponsors GTT, Sunshine Snacks, Guyana Beverages, Movietowne, Toolsie Persaud Ltd, Party Castle, and Sterling Products whom he said were instrumental to the success of the organization overthepastfewyears.

Nexgen Golf Academy onWoolfordAvenueandthe Westside Golf Course in Vreed-en-Hoop are the only public golf facilities in the c o u n t r y w i t h n o m e m b e r s h i p f e e s , providing training, equipment and balls for everyonetoenjoythegame with fees as low as G$500 foryoungplayers

At the end of the day, which began with a traditional march past, 14 teams secured their first victory while two matches ended in a drawn result

St John The Baptiste Primary School Team recorded the largest win of the day with an 8 – 0 result over Tuschen primary

Hat-tricks from Kriston Chadler (6’, 22’ & 37’) and Isaiah Daniels (1’, 8’ & 39’) along with a double from Kareme Welcome (17’ & 35’) solidifiedaneasyvictoryfor theirteam.

Rosignol and Potaro also recorded convincing victories as they both secured three points after winning by the same 6 – 0 scoreline against Winfer Gardens and St Ambrose, respectively In Potaro’s win, Ezekiel

T h e d e f e n d i n g champion,Enterprise,began theirdefenceintheeasiestof fashions after they were awarded a walkover victory againstPlaisance,whofailed toturnup.

Runner-up in 2022, St Pius, were held to a 2 – 2 draw by Den Amstel in theirfirstencounterasthe former gained the lead in the seventh minute when Aaron Vasconcellas scored and doubled the lead in the 17th minute throughDanielChesney

However, Den Amstel staged a comeback and did so with haste as Akeem Boodie’s 20thminute strike along with Akray Santos’ success in the 26th minute, leveled the encounter with the regulation whistle on the horizon

Other intriguing matches during the day saw Kabakaburi defeated Soesdyke4–0,Redeemer

defeated Tapakuma Primary 3 – 1, F E Pollard won 3 – 1 against One Mile Primary, Tucville Primary got past Belladrum Primary 3 – 0, Colaco needled (1 – 0) St Aloysius Primary, Lenora Primarylost0–3againstSt. Stephen’s Primary, West Ruimveldt Primary defeated Sophia Primary 4 – 1 and MarianAcademy won 3 – 2 againstSmith’sMemorial.

North Georgetown Primary and Friendship were also awarded walkover wins against Westfield Primary and Ann’sGrove,respectively

All Saints Primary and St Gabriel’s Primary featured in a drawn match thatended2–2

M e a n w h i l e , t h e tournamentisscheduledto continue on Saturday, September 30, at the same venuewithanotheractionpackedcard

This tournament is sponsored by Unicomer, through their Courts Optical brand, organised by the Petra Organisation and sanctioned by the G u y a n a F o o t b a l l Federation with support from Sterling Products Limited, MVP Sports, the MoE and the Ministry of Culture,YouthandSports.

Eagles goalscorers David Chisholm, Neshawn Livan, Shaquille King and Kevin Duke.

Phil Rietema (center) won the National long drive competition.

Pan Am bound boxers in Cuba for training stint

The Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) fivemember team officially arrived in Havana, Cuba, on Saturday to commence their historic three-week training camp in preparation for the impending Pan American Games, which serves as a qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

The cadre of pugilists, which for the first time in history features a female fighter,consistsofDesmond Amsterdam[79KG],Keevin

Allicock [57 KG], Emmanuel Pompey [92 KG], Joel Williamson [63.5 KG], and Alesha Jackman [66KG].

Resident Cuban trainer Francisco Roldan, who arrived in Cuba days prior, will supervise the training regimen.

The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and corporate giant John Fernandes Limited abetted the GBA in making this historic venture an actuality The Pan Am Games, which

will be staged in Santiago, Chile, from October 20th to November 5th, serve as a qualifier for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.

Boxingisslatedtobestaged from October 21st–27th at the La Reina Community Sports Center, with the two respective divisional finalists securing automatic berths.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle said, “History in several aspects has been createdwiththearrivalofthe teaminCuba.

Thisisthelargestteamto besenttoCuba,muchlessa regional training camp, in recentmemory

Even more from a momentous perspective, it’s the first time that a local female pugilist has ever participated in a training camp in Cuba, which is indicative of the importance the GBA places on the female aspect of the discipline.

Praise must also be afforded to the GOA and John Fernandes Limited,

who were pivotal to this undertakingbeingrealized.”

He further said, “The commencement of this training camp highlights the emphasis and importance that the GBA is placing on the Pan American Games, whichserveasaqualifierfor the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. Years prior, our expectations had to be tempered given the varying manner of our preparatory phase However, training camps of this quality and nature can provide a more realistic conviction with regard to our expectations. The GBA constantly strives to afford our fighters the idealenvironmenttoachieve our respective objectives, and we believe that this historic training camp will afford the structured ecosystemthatisrequiredto realizeourgoals.”

Guyana’s previous participation in this prestigiouseventoccurredat the 2019 edition. Allicock was the discipline’s only representativeinLima,Peru.

Clive Atwell secured Guyana’s last medal in the sport at the 2007 edition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He won bronze in the 54-kg segment Prior to the aforementioned, Guyana

won two bronze medals in the 1991 Games in Havana, Cuba,viaPoole[81KG]and StephanRose[51KG].

In total, Guyana has captured one silver and seven bronze medals in the

history of the event, which commenced in 1951.This is secondonlytoJamaicainthe E n g l i s h - s p e a k i n g Caribbean, which has captured a total of 11 accolades.

Jamual John cops Victor Macedo 21st Annual Memorial Road Race event

In a t h r i l l i n g showcase of cycling prowess, Jamaul John from the Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club (KARCC) emerged as the victor in the 21st Annual Victor Macedo Memorial Road Race, covering an impressive distance of over 75 miles in a remarkable timeofthreehours,fourteen minutes, and twenty-six seconds(3:14:26:54).

KARCC asserted its dominance throughout the event, achieving an impressive tally of four podium finishes. The crown jewel was undoubtedly Jamaul’s triumphant firstplace finish in the Men’s senior’scategory

The excellence didn’t end there, with three more remarkable performances:

Ajuni Cutting secured second place in the juniors division, Alexis Mendes claimed the runner-up position in the Masters U50 category,andAbigailJeffery showcased her cycling p r o w e s s w i t h a commendable second-place finishintheWomen’sevent.

The race commenced with the customary “roll start” at Peter Rose Street in Queenstown, leading to the heart-pounding launch from J.B. Singh Road, (opposite the Guyana Defence Force compound).

Divergingroutesawaited the participants based on their respective categories:

Seniors, Juniors, and Veterans Under-50 pedaled their way to the Abary Bridge in the Berbice Region,whileMastersOver50, Juveniles, and Females embarkedontheirjourneyto Perseverance Mahaicony, marked by the iconic Halfway Tree or Dutchman Tree. Cyclists made their

spiritedreturnalongtheEast Coast, culminating in an exhilarating finish on CarifestaAvenue.

Theultimategloryinthe seniors division was captured by the indomitable Jamual John, leading the pack with unmatched determination.

representingTeamWeStand United, showcased exceptional prowess to clinch the second position, while Curtis Dey claimed a well-deservedthirdplace.

In the Female division, Clivecia Spencer, a force to bereckonedwithfromTeam Coco, triumphed in first place,withAbigailJefferyof

KARCC securing an admirable second position. The Juniors event was dominated by the dynamic A le x an d e r Leu n g , representingTeamWeStand United, while Ajuni Cutting secured an impressive secondplace.

The Juveniles division witnessed Aaron Newton and Daniel Jaing achieving podium success, with Newton seizing the coveted firstplace.

In the fiercely contested Veteran categories, Seagun Hubbord of Team KFC Evolution secured the top spot in the Under-50 division, with Alexis Mendes from KARCC following closely in second place.

Paul Choo-wee-nam of TeamAlanisroundedoffthe podiuminthirdplace.

The Over-50 category boasted Junior Niles from Team Coco’s as the champion, followed by Ian Jackson of Flying Stars in second place and Mark Spencer of Team KFC Evolutioninacommendable thirdplacefinish

The Pan Am bound boxers have arrived in Cuba for their training stint.

Winners pose for photo-op at the conclusion of the 21st edition of Victor Macedo Memorial Road Race event.

2023 CAC Junior Bikini Wellness,Hannah Rampersaud.

CAC Gold medalist, Emmerson Campbell.