Kaieteur News

ExxonMobilstudydidnotassesshowan oilspillwillaffectGuyana’scoast

Anoilspillthatoccursat ExxonMobil’s sixth planned project, the Whiptail development can cause irreversible damage to the country’s resources located offshoreandonshore.

This information is contained in the 3636 paged Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conductedbythecompany’s Consultant, Environmental Resources Management (ERM).

AccordingtotheChapter 3 5 of the study, which provides information on the ‘Degree of Irreversible Damage’,some257hectares of offshore benthic habitat will be permanently lost to facilitate the installation of wells, flowlines, and other subsea equipment The Consultant explained that the equipment will most likely be left in place after decommissioning as it can ultimately provide a substrate for recolonization oftheimpactedareas.

Meanwhile, as it regards irreversible damage from an oil spill, the EIA noted that even if a large spill were to occur, it would not cause great permanent losses “Even in the unlikely event of a large marine oil spill, little irreversible damage wouldbeexpected,although it could take a decade or more for all resources to fully recover, depending on the volume and duration of the release, as well as the time of year,” the EIA explains.

It must be noted that during the recently concluded stakeholder consultations hosted by Exxon,thisnewspaperasked ERMtospecifywhatportion ofthecoastcouldbeexposed to irreversible damage and the resources that could potentially suffer The team however said this was not assessed.

“There is a probability

that a spill would reach certain sections of shore so whetherit’sa5-10%chance, ora10-20%chancethatthat shoreline would be affected. For irreversible, irremedial damage, I’m not sure that that’ssomething(westudied or)that’spartofouranalysis there. No, we do look at things like reversibility and remediability in the planned eventsbecausewehavealot more information on the planned events in terms of theprocessofgoingthrough those impacts,” ERM’s Socio-economicResources/ Stakeholder Engagement Specialist, Anna Sundby explained.

The lack of this information could potentiallyraisequestionsas to why, if such a danger exists, it was not studied to properly inform the Guyanese authorities of whattoexpectorpreparefor inthefuture.

Based on oil spill modeling conducted for the Whiptail Development Project, portions of the coastlinein Regions 1 and 2 could potentially be impacted in the unlikely event of a spill. Be that as it may,themodelsuseddonot predict what the likely portionsofthecoastthatcan potentially be impacted are. It also did not list any of the resources on the coast that may be impacted as a result ofaspill.

The EIA states that unplannedevents,suchasan oilspillareunlikelytooccur because of the preventative measures employed by the project developer, EMGL, however it did not shy away fromthefactthataneventis possible.

It said that the types of resources that would potentially be impacted and the extent of the impacts on those resources would depend on the volume and duration of the release, as

well as the time of year at which the release were to occur Ithoweverpointedout thatimpactswouldtendtobe most significant for a wellcontrol event with loss of containment during the drillingandinstallationstage oftheproject.

T h e W h i p t a i l development is expected to produce an average 263,000 barrels of oil per day (BoPD). It seeks to develop the resources discovered in theWhiptail,Pinktailand Continuedonpage5

The shores of Shell Beach, Region One, could potentially be impacted from a spill at Whiptail.

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EDITORIAL

Jagdeo on Petroleum Commission and oil audit

Vice President Jagdeo says that a Petroleum Commission could have made the ExxonMobil’s US$214 auditfiascoworse. WewouldliketosaythatJagdeodoesn’t know what he is talking about, but the fact is the Vice President knows that what he is saying about a Petroleum Commission in the context of an oil audit is riddled with holesandshaky

He knows also that his words are new wrinkles in the games that he plays. Moreover, he knows that all he does is make himself look less than a national oil head, and more of anemptytalkinghead.

In the matter of the US$214 million audit, the Vice President said, “Just imagine if there was no political oversightandthePetroleumCommissionwithjusttechnical people[washandlingthismatterbyitself]thenitwouldhave gone through because that is the converse of it.” The first hole in Jagdeo’s position is that the same “political oversight” of which he speaks so brightly, is what got Guyana in these dirty, murky, waters. The PPPC Government has been too closely attached, and uncomfortably and dangerously so, to the management of the nation’s oil patrimony When governments are too intimatelyinvolvedinbusinessasbigandascomplexasoil, thendirtytrickstakeover,andthisisexactlywhatGuyanais living with in this audit of ExxonMobil’s precontract expenses. To repeat: political oversight of an untransparent kindiswhathasGuyanainthisshamefulposition.

Further, when Jagdeo speaks of technical people, he is trying hard to get Guyanese to believe that all these [technical] people know are theories, concepts, and abstractions. In other words, their heads are trapped in graphs and spreadsheets, and they have no real-world experience, and they lack the exposure and savvy to understand how the oil business works. That is absolute nonsense,andJagdeoknowsit,especiallyiftherightpeople are on the Petroleum Commission, and not crooked party hacks.

It is obvious that Jagdeo is clutching at straws to defend what cannot be defended, which is political oversight is superior to that of an independent Petroleum Commission staffed by experienced, resourceful people. How did he cometohiseasy,self-servingconclusionthat“itwouldhave gone through” if a Petroleum Commission was standing guard over the audit? Jagdeo is pushing what sells his position that political oversight is better than a Petroleum Commission, while pretending that those sitting on such a sensitive national protective body would be dummies, and giveaway the house without knowing it. Jagdeo is coming upwithallkindsofillogic,andvapidpositionstojustifynot having a Petroleum Commission. It is to allow politicians and their flunkies to run rackets, as we now have with this precontractaudit.

TheVicePresidentnextproceededtomakeanotherpoint thatunderlinedhisdeterminationtomaintainthingstheway they are, viz., no Petroleum Commission. He said, “[If you have] a Petroleum Commission staffed with technical people [who are autonomous] and the politicians had objected and said let the GRA intervene, then what would have happened? So,it could have been worse.” There are three components in what Jagdeo reassures himself is brilliant, but which must be stripped down and publicly displayed.

First, he makes a big production of “technical people who are autonomous.” They have to be if they are to functionproperly Moreimportantly,ithighlightsthePPPC Government’s and Jagdeo’s own doggedness to command and control everything, especially oil. Autonomous is poisonous to the PPPC’s and Jagdeo’s push towards total domination. Second, he said that “if…the politicians objected”,thequestioniswhywouldthey? Whywhenthere is a competent, independent Petroleum Commission established? Suchacommissionistheretooperate,whether politicians object or not. Because oil is money in

Richard Madeley is an example of why Reparations is still relevant

DEAREDITOR, Reparation means ensuring that the ofAfricanmenfromtheirfamilies,their Richard Madeley’s name hardly children descended from enslaved physical abuse and psychological rang a bell to Guyanese until a few days Africans can enjoy the same freedoms, d e g r a d a t i o n h a v e l e f t a n ago when he made headlines for his social privileges, and economic intergenerational imprint on the mental disrespectful interview with the opportunities accorded to their British health and identity construct ofAfrican President of Guyana. The scorn with counterparts. Instead, our children have families. This is the historical injustice which he treated President Ali and the inherited the trauma of generations of thatholdsthewallsofEngland’scastles unbridled manner in which he was enslavement, denial of basic human together,anditisthishistoricalinjustice allowed to do it, is a poignant reminder dignity, and systemic discrimination thatrequiresreparation. of why reparation remains a profoundly and racism. Theirs is a legacy of In a time of shifting global power relevantprioritytoday. brutality premised on the dynamics, the question of reparation is

If Madeley allowed Guyanese to dehumanisation of African families now more than just a grievance; it is a respond, we, like our President, would who have had their cultures, languages, pressing development priority for tell him that we do not want to be identities and ties with their ancestral countries in the region. Conversely, it bestowed with a castle which embodied landswhippedoutofthem. represents an opportunity for former thehistoricalpretencethatitsoccupants One of the many historical colonial empires to shed the weight of had the divine right to enslave entire disadvantages was the decimation of their historical shame and lay the Africannationsforgenerationstocome. traditional African family structures foundationforanequitablefuture. Reparation does not equate to short- where the authority of elders, parents Respectfully, lived handouts and fleeting and heads of households was stripped Anna Correia de Sq compensation. away This, coupled with the separation Omattie Madray

Smiling

all

the way to victory

DEAREDITOR, determined to avenge their and decided off the field as of intimidation? Maybe it’s Anyone who was part of five loses as a finalist in the much as on the field. Not the end result that matters Sunday night’s crowd would previous years They only in Guyana but r e g a r d l e s s o f t h e have thought that, it was a demonstrated the power of throughout the Caribbean, characteristics of the combination of carnival, resilience as they banded the spectators’ comradery captaincy or the methods Christmas and cricket. The together to form a can highlight a day or night deployed for destroying fired up Guyana Amazon formidable nucleus, of unity from diversity The one’s opponent! Do we Warriors creamed the strong refraining from the restraint nostalgia of oneness cannot recognize any of this context Trinidad and Tobago’s of any constraint The be realized unless you are o r c o n t e n t i n t h e Knight Riders convincingly players from different part of the environment, the reproduction of our to carry away the Caribbean countries cooperated, crowd, the spirit and sharing livelihood?

PremierLeague2023crown. coordinated and corelated a commonality of mutual Monday promises to be a It was the Warriors’ first witheachothertoconveythe support for the same side. big bacchanal as Guyanese championship in their sixth spirit of team work, as they This is the power, influence from all walks of life, attemptintheelevenyearsof effectively engineered an and effect this game of tourists, families and friends CPL’s reign and now, they efficient exercise to cricket has over people as will march together in a canfinallycelebratewiththe eradicate any taboo and also they leave their daily parade of being part of the covetedtrophy not entertain any sign of troubles outside the gate same party Hopefully, this Watched by an exciting complacencytoevolve. entrance only to witness the will not be a charade for a crowd of some 15,000 The appraisers, critics beauty of unique but one-day affair What exuberating fans led by and analysists will have a perhaps, momentarily happens the morning after? President Dr Irfaan Ali, field day for a juicy happiness to shake hands, What can be taken away himself an avid cricketer, the conversation, as they hug, smack, smile, cry, clap, from this long-awaited gentleman’s game of perform a post mortem to eat, drink and reach out to celebration and this exulted gloriousuncertaintiesplayed review what Guyana owes each other, despite any display of a much-elated out in all its pomp and glory the taste of success to, and, differences, real or surreal. excitementofrelief? to produce a fitting the work cut out for the Friendship is created The President when culminationwiththeGuyana future, to avoid the suffrage instantaneously and asked if Monday will be a Amazon Warriors claiming of failure, as incurred from a sometimes can have an public holiday responded victory, after losing bitterpast.

everlastingbondage. that there is much work to be miserably earlier, to the Was it mind over matter, This cricket is part of our done. This was a simple, powerful T & T Knight or, the ability of the players, culture and does work straight forward but Riders.Thethoughtofrainto or, the discipline employed, miracles as it involves more surmised answer which disrupt the game was never o r , t h e t a c t i c s o f than bat and ball. The bears much significance and considered as Guyana is management, or, picking the lessons taught by this game should be examined below enjoying a stretch of hot, best players, or, making the are not to be judged by thesurface. hazy and humid weather right choices at the right umpires but may be guided All eyes, and ears will be with brilliant sunshine time, or, the roar of the by actions, emotions and opened for a vision of during the day and supporters, or, Lady Luck commotions. continuity as we take the sometimes, the nights being that can possibly consider as Is it a cool, calm and result and the consequence not clear, cool and being the key element in collective approach that is of this important game comfortable. factoring a much-earned m o r e a g g r e s s i v e l y beyondtheboundary

After demolishing the win? Can this equation be dangerous than a fiery, Yours respectfully, defenders, Jamaica’s extended to the application furiousandferociousdisplay Jai Lall Tallawahs last Friday night, for the benefit ofWest Indies the Warriors stormed in as selectionandperformance?

one of the finalists, The game is often played

abundance, politicians outside the decision-making circle would find plenty over which to object, and usually for their own self-enriching purposes Regarding Jagdeo’s conclusion that “it could have been worse”, what he did was appoint himself judge, jury, and sole authority on oil, audits, and Petroleum Commissions. What is it that this man has to protect? Why is there this fear of an independent, credible PetroleumCommission?

Reckless decisions by club

DEAREDITOR, patrons to the show to have

The management of the glass bottles in their RHCC Cricket Club allowed possession. The outcomes a lawless situation to take were bound to happen. The hold now it laments the club needs to review the c o n s e q u e n c e s ( S N loaning of its facilities for September 25). To allow publicpurposes. vehicles onto the field was Sincerely, reckless as it was to allow Shamshun Mohamed

President Ali vowed to defend Guyana’s sovereignty amidst new threats from Venezuela

DEAREDITOR, planet.

dispute amicably President the right of Guyana to Guyana’s solidarity with the With constant interruption

Since elected to office Aprofoundlyseriousand Ali warned Maduro that his welcome investors and global community, its with cheers from the three years ago on August2, pensive President did not unfounded threats could developitsnaturalresources. c o m m i t m e n t t o enthusiastic and vivacious 2020, President Dr Irfaan mince words when he called endanger the preservation of The Assistant Secretary of multilateralism, and its audience,HisExcellencynot Ali has meticulously, and ontheHeadsofStatetowork regional and international State also issued a stern readiness to collaborate with only thrilled the ecstatic thoroughly articulated towards achieving the peaceandsecurity warning to Venezuela that countries of all sizes and crowdwithhischarisma,but policies on all issues in the Sustainable Development

The Guyanese Head of any efforts to infringe upon status to achieve peace and he also encouraged them to most judicious manner at all GoalsestablishedbytheUN, State was fearless and heroic Guyana’s sovereignty are prosperity invest in Guyana Very regional and international and to promote peace, when he demanded that u n a c c e p t a b l e H e Following his speech at impressive and at times forums and to the rest of the prosperity, progress, and Venezuela honors its admonished Venezuela for the United Nations General emotional, he delightfully world,includingourfriendly stability for all. In his most obligation under the charter its blatant disregard for Assembly, President Dr Ali asked them to support his neighborsinCARICOMand impactful speech, His to pursue only peaceful international law, including addressed a group of “One Guyana” vision which LatinAmerica. Excellency emphasized the means to settle its dispute it the 1899 ArbitralAward and patriotic Guyanese in is both a cultural and

At the 6th Plenary i m p o r t a n c e o f may have with Guyana, the ongoing ICJ legal Queens New York where he development concept for a meeting of Heads of State of multilateralism to address which dates to the resolution process between the two genuinely told them about prosperous Guyana in which the 78th Session at the g l o b a l c h a l l e n g e s , of October 3,1899Arbitral countries. the rapid developmental everyone, regardless of race, United Nations General particularly climate change Award which validated the President Dr Irfaan Ali progress in the country He ethnicity or party affiliation Assembly, His Excellency and food security to lessen boundary between Guyana vowed to defend Guyana’s candidly outlined several willbenefit. Dr Irfaan Ali in one of his and or overcome poverty andVenezuela. territorial sovereignty at all mega projects, including the In the end, a jubilant and most compelling and Not only did he cite the President Ali was not costs and by all peaceful building of the new smiling President Dr Ali passionate speeches urged widespread and devastating alone in condemning means in the face of horrific Demerara harbor bridge and took questions from the the leaders of the global effects of climate change on Venezuela’s attempts to and disturbing threats by the construction of seven audienceandwasveryjovial community of nations to the Global South countries bully Guyana and covet its Venezuela. new hotels and several new insomeofhisresponses.,He adopt a realistic and like Guyana, but he also territory Support came from As he puts it: “Guyana hospitals, among others, the was cheerful and inspiring balanced approach to altruisticallynotedthatthese the Secretary General of the will spare no effort in importance of human and connected well with the combat climate change and countries which continue to Organization of American defending its sovereignty development and modern people, even an 11-year-old to achieve net-zero bear the brunt of the climate States (OAS) Luis Almagro, and territorial integrity.”In technology to move the girl who thanked him for his emissions by 2050 to sensation have not who called on Venezuela to concluding his speech, the c o u n t r y f r o m i t s visittoQueens. preservetheplanetforfuture contributedtothecrisis. respectinternationallawand President brilliantly and underdeveloped status to a Sincerely, generations. He was adamant and Guyana’s sovereignty and to strongly reaffirmed developed nation by 2030. Asquith Rose

Dr Ali emphatically decisive when he told the cease its intimidatory tactics stated to the more than 150 leaders of the Global North against the government and Heads of State present at the countries which he claimed p e o p l e o f G u y a n a UN General Assembly that are the main contributors to Meanwhile, the 15-nation despite Guyana achieving climate change that they Caribbean Community net-zero emissions, it havethecapacitytosolvethe (CARICOM) has called on continues to pursue a low problem and to provide Venezuelatoabortitsinsane, carbondevelopmentstrategy adequate funding for the absurd, and irrational threats aimed at sustainable countries hardest hit by the toward Guyana and resource utilization for attendingeffects. reiterated its full and inclusive and equitable Along with climate unequivocal support for the development. The head of change, President Dr Ali sovereignty and territorial state stressed the importance also tackled several other integrity of Guyana, of Guyana’s vast rain forests universal problems and including its right to in mitigating climate change issues, including global food peacefully develop the on a global scale and crisis, health care, peace and resources of its territory.The speaking truth to power, he security, respect for Secretary General of the was unyielding but graceful international law and Commonwealth of nations in his request that Guyana sovereignty, territorial also condemned Venezuela should be adequately disputes, and support for the for its aggressive behavior compensated for its rain rights of Indigenous peoples againstGuyana. f o r e s t s w h i c h i s around the world. In the case

However, the harshest approximately the size of of the border dispute, a n d m o s t f o r c e f u l England and Scotland President Dr Ali scolded condemnation came from combined. President Maduro on his the United States ofAmerica

Despitetheglaringlights threats to undermine Assistant Secretary of State hovering above the Guyana’ssovereigntyandits for Western Hemisphere assembly, and under right to develop its resources Affairs, Brian Nichols who immense pressure to which were reflected in a said, “We vehemently convince the world leaders communique rejecting condemned the Bolivarian that Guyana could lead on Guyana’s auctioning of oil Republic of Venezuela climate change and that they blocks He chided the u n p r o v o k e d a n d should be committed to the Venezuelan leader for his unjustifiable threats that task, a confident President r e f u s a l t o r e s p e c t seek to undermine the Dr Ali assured them that international conventions p r i n c i p l e o f ‘ g o o d Guyana will do its party and and allow the International neighborliness’ and probably more to save the Court of Justice to settle the sovereignty and recognized

ExxonMobil study did not assess how an...

From page 3

It continued to point out, air quality, marine fish, and Tilapia fields. Current plans “Although the likelihood of marine benthos could also include drilling via drill an oil spill occurring and be impacted, to a lesser ships to produce oil from reachingtheGuyanacoastis extent because the duration approximately 40 – 65 verysmallandanysuchspill of impacts would not be production and injection would be mitigated, longwouldbereversible. wells, commencing as early modeling of an unmitigated The study highlighted asthefourthquarterof2027. subsea release of crude oil that a spill could also ERM said Exxon from a loss-of-well-control p o t e n t i a l l y i m p a c t conductedoilspillmodeling event indicates the spill Guyanese fisherfolk if to evaluate the range of could impact coastal commercial fish and shrimp likely spill trajectories and habitats and protected resources were impacted. rates of travel. It explained, areas.”

“The magnitude of this “Theoffshorelocationofthe ERM therefore noted impact would depend on the Project, prevailing that a spill would likely volume and duration of the northwest currents, the light impactanymarineresources release,aswellasthetimeof nature of the Whiptail field found near the spill, which year at which the release crude oil, and the region’s couldincludemarineturtles, weretooccur.” warm waters would all help marine mammals, and Again, the Consultant reducetheseverityofaspill. marine birds that may be assured that effective Accounting for these transiting or inhabiting the implementation of the factors, modeling of an area impacted by a spill, as OSRPwouldreducethisrisk unmitigated subsea well as marine water quality by reducing the ocean releaseofcrudeoilfroman andmarinesediments. surface area impacted by a unmitigated loss-of-well- In the meantime, it said spill and thereby reduce the control event would result other physical and exposure of these resources in a 5 to 40 percent biological resources such as tooil. probability of oil reaching the Guyana coast, without takingintoconsiderationthe effectiveness of any oil spill response measures as outlined in the OSRP (Oil SpillResponsePlan).”

Maduro wants to meet Pres. Ali, CARICOM on border controversy

Venezuela’s President, international law, and has Nicholas Maduro Morro on consistently invited the Tuesday said he is ready to Government of Venezuela to meet with President Irfaan do the same,” she said while Ali and the heads of the urging the Spanish-speaking Caribbean Community country to confirm to the (CARICOM) on the subject ICJ’sjudicialprocesses. of the Guyana- Venezuela She reminded that the bordercontroversy 1966 Geneva Agreement is

President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicholas Maduro Morro

In a video posted on his the binding legal instrument Twitter account, the that provides for the Venezuelan leader said, “I settlementofthecontroversy reiterate to the President of over the validity of the 1899 Guyana IrfaanAli, that there Arbitral Award and the land is only way to resolve the boundary between Guyana decision was binding on The missive added, “The conflict over the territory of andVenezuela. Guyana and Venezuela Bolivarian Republic of the Essequibo: to return to “ T h e o b l i g a t o r y Guyana then filed an Venezuela reiterates that any “face-to-face dialogue settlement procedure is set Application with the Court illicit and arbitrary within the framework of the forth in Article IV of the seeking its final and binding concession that Guyana GenevaAgreement.” 1966 Geneva Agreement Judgment on the validity of grants,hasgrantedorintends

The video message was Under that Article, when the 1899 ArbitralAward and to grant in the areas in translated into English via bilateral negotiations failed the boundary between the question is unacceptable and subtitles. to achieve a settlement, two States, in accordance violates its sovereign rights,

Maduro added, “I am Guyana and Venezuela with Article IV of the 1966 and warns that these actions ready to meet in a place of Maduro said on Twitter decision of the Court, when agreed to refer the Geneva Agreement and the do not generate any type of our choice together with while adding, “In the face of it is issued, as a final and controversy to the United Secretary General’s decision rights for third parties to delegatesfromCARICOM”. lies and manipulation, we binding settlement of the Nations Secretary-General of January 2018. Venezuela participateinthisprocess.”

T h e Ve n e z u e l a n will continue betting on controversy,” Ambassador to choose the means of final twice appeared before the Guyana’s Head of State, president said he wants the dialogue and peace and Rodrigues said while settlement,” Guyana’s Courttoobjecttoitsexercise Dr. Irfaan Ali categorically controversytoberesolvedin diplomacy.Comeon!” maintaining that Guyana PermanentRepresentativeto of jurisdiction in the matter, stated however that his a peaceful manner while On Tuesday, Guyana’s will not agree to any theUNsaidwhilereminding and the Court rejected administration is entitled to noting that Venezuelans PermanentRepresentativeto procedure that contradicts that the Secretary-General Venezuela’s objections both p u r s u e e c o n o m i c consider Guyanese as the United Nations, the express provisions of the chose, in the first instance, times. The Court ruled that development within the brothersandsisters. Ambassador Carolyn Geneva Agreement and the use of his good offices to the basis of its jurisdiction nation’s maritime borders.

“We will never represent Rodrigues-Birkett in the bypassestheCourt. bring about a settlement was precisely Article IV of The President said, “The a threat,” the Venezuelan exercise of the right of reply Rodrigues said that the satisfactorytobothparties. theGeneva3Agreementand Government of Guyana Presidentsaid. to the statement by intelligence of the

“The good offices the Secretary General’s reserves the right to pursue

Despite his calls for a Venezuela’s Foreign international community process took place with the decision that the dispute economic development peaceful resolution, Maduro Minister in the General should not be insulted by participation of Guyana and should be resolved by the activitiesinanyportionofits ismaintainingclaimstotwo- Debate of the 78th United Venezuela’s allegations that Venezuela over a period of Court. sovereignoranyappurtenant thirds of the Essequibo and National General Assembly Guyana is allowing its more than 20 years, without Rodrigues statement to maritime territories Any said the area will be called on Venezuela to territory to be used as a success or any progress the UN GeneralAssembly is unilateral attempt by defendedatallcosts. respect and adhere to the platform for military towardsuccess. in response to Venezuela’s Venezuela to restrict the

Maduro supported a International Court of aggression against any State In January 2018, acting ForeignMinisterwhosought exercise by Guyana of its massive march held in Justice’s (ICJ) processes on including the Bolivarian in accordance with Article to paint a false picture of sovereignty and sovereign Caracas hours after he the settlement of the RepublicofVenezuela. I V o f t h e G e n e v a Guyana Last week, the rights will be wholly in requested a meeting with controversy

“This all derives from Agreement, the Secretary- Venezuelan government consistent with the Geneva PresidentAli. “ A c c o r d i n g l y, i f Venezuela’s grotesque claim General determined that the issued a statement saying Agreement and the rule of

“What an impressive Venezuelatrulybelievesthat to two-thirds of Guyana. good offices process had that it strongly rejects internationallaw.” march by the working class the best, or the only, way to T h r o u g h o u t , t h e failed, and he chose a new Guyana’s ongoing bid round

TheVenezuelanNational (public servants) of the resolve the controversy is by G o v e r n m e n t o f t h e means of dispute settlement: for 14 oil blocks, eight of Assembly has since Libertador municipality of adherence to the 1966 Cooperative Republic of litigation before the which have attracted bids unanimously approved a Caracas, they raised their Geneva Agreement, then it Guyana has acted and International Court of from six groups of oil Consultative Referendum voices with strength and should adhere to that continuestoactinrelationto Justice(ICJ).” companies. The Venezuelan which paves the way for faith in the defence of Agreementandpleaditscase neighbouring Venezuela, in Further,underArticleIV, administrationsaidthemove people to decide on the Essequibo,” President to the ICJ, and accept the full accordance with the Secretary-General’s byGuyanaisillegal. country’s claims over Guyana’sEssequiboregion.

According to BNN Newsroom, the decision to hold a referendum is a strategic one, aimed at bolstering Venezuela’s position on the international stage.Italsoseekstoinvolve and enlighten its populace about the ongoing territorial controversywithGuyana.

It should be noted, however, that the result of such a referendum does not alter the status quo of ownership over the Essequibo territory which rightfully belongs to G u y a n a G u y a n e s e authorities have since called on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to address Venezuela’s erroneous c l a i m s w h i c h h a v e heightenedinrecentdays.

Guyana’s President, H.E. Mohamed Irfaan Ali

The Venezuelan working class marching in the streets of Caracas in Defence of Essequibo

Loans from China, UK rack up Guyana’s external debt -BoGReport

Guyana has witnessed a significant surge in its externaldebtlevelsinrecent years.

Last month, it was reported that Guyana’s total public and publicly guaranteed (PPG) debt reachedasubstantialUS$3.9 billion,markingasubstantial 7.2% increase compared to theendof2022.

The recently unveiled report from the Bank of Guyana (BoG) Half-Year Report, reveals that the

outstanding PPG external debt escalated by 3 8%, reaching US$1,631 million from the December 2022 figures.

At the end of June 2023, multilateral creditors held 67.8%oftheexternalpublic guaranteed debt portfolio which increased slightly by toUS$1,106.5million,while bilateral creditors held 30 3%, primarily due to higher disbursements from the China EXIM Bank and United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) and higher multilateral debt to the International Development Association (IDA), in the firsthalfof2023.

Meanwhile, the finance ministry attributes this increasetopositivenetflows (disbursements minus principal repayments) from bilateral creditors such as Eximbank of China, China CAMC Engineering Co , Ltd.,andUKEF

On the contrary, obligations to the InterAmerican Development Bank(IADB)andCaribbean Development Bank (CDB) decreased slightly due to debtservicepayments.

In the first half of the year, total external disbursements amounted to U S $ 9 9 9 m i l l i o n , representing a substantial increase compared to the first half of 2022 The finance ministry in their report stated, “This year-onyear expansion reflects higher disbursements from bilateral and multilateral creditors, which also totaled US$99.9 million in the first half of 2023, up from US$25.6 million in the first halfof2022.”

Notably,projectssuchas the East Coast Demerara Road Project Phase 2, Guyana Pediatric and Maternal Hospital, and the Regional Hospitals Project

r e c e i v e d e x t e r n a l disbursements in the first halfofthisyear

In the private creditor category, total obligations decreased by 1.3%, mainly reflecting a reduction in liabilities to Republic Bank (T&T).

Notably, external PPG debt is projected to increase by31.6percentfromitsmid2023positiontoUS$2,146.0 million at the end of 2023, mainly due to expected positivenetflowsfromboth multilateral and bilateral

creditors.

Additionally, on December 30, 2022, the Government of Guyana entered into a new contract with the China Export Import (EXIM) Bank for a US$172 million loan to facilitate the construction of the new Demerara River crossing. The Ministry of Finance announced the completion of the electronic signingofthe€160.8million loan.

Guyana has primarily sourced the majority of its bilateral loans from the People’s Republic of China, with reports indicating that the bulk of the country’s loanswereowedtotheChina EXIMBankin2021.

The China EXIM Bank played a significant role in financing the modernization of the Skeldon Sugar Factory, intended to boost sugar production, but unfortunately, it contributed to the industry’s decline. In 2017, the Ministry of Finance contracted two loans for the Skeldon project,onefromtheExport Import Bank of China (repayment ending in 2025) and the other from the Caribbean Development Bank (repayment ending in 2033).Thegovernmentpays atotalofUS$3.8millionper year (principal and interest) fortheseloans.

Another project, funded by loans from China, is the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri The airport expansion contract, originally signed in 2011, underwent adjustments during the David Granger administration It was ultimatelyawardedtoChina Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for US$150 million, with a significantportionfundedby the China EXIM Bank and taxpayers’money

Kaieteur News has reported that the rise in Guyana’s debt can be attributed, in part, to significant borrowing to f i n a n c e c r i t i c a l infrastructure projects, including in the oil and gas sector

While the country’s newfoundoilresourceshave offered opportunities for economic growth but have also raised concerns about thesustainabilityofitsdebt

Continuedonpage20

Thesameoldtuneisbeingsungalloveragain!

All former ruling parties strategy involves attempting Africans. unsubstantiated allegation bauxiteindustry. that find themselves on the to stoke racial antagonism in In the aftermath of the was cited as an example of C o n t r a r y t o t h i s Opposition benches are order to undermine the 2020 elections, the APNU racial discrimination being assertion, the facts do not forced to adopt distinct government in power, capitalized on a horrific practiced by the PPPC support it. Under PPP/C strategies to challenge the thereby keeping the country incident on the West Coast government. governments, the struggling ruling government, and the divided This tactic is Berbice to foment racial Public servants typically bauxite industry received P e o p l e ’s N a t i o n a l deployed in the hope of tension. This attempt fizzled enjoy security of tenure and substantial support from the Congress/Reform (PNC/R) r e g a i n i n g p o l i t i c a l after it was clear that the can only be dismissed by the Stateformorethanadecade. is no exception. Its approach relevance. To achieve this, protests over the deaths of independent Public Service Region 10, which is c o u n t r y, m a k i n g i t to Opposition is well- the PNC/R often seizes upon thetwoteenagerswerebeing Commission Thus, the predominantly African, has challenging for the ruling defined, and its tactics has incidents and attempts to manipulated to create argument that these received a higher degree of government to govern becomeunchanging,making spin them into racially politicalinstability terminations are race-based support on a per capita basis effectively. It also itrelativelypredictable. chargednarratives. S o o n a f t e r t h e is flawed, as they could be a thanmanyotherregions. c o n t r i b u t e s t o t h e

The three main tactics An example of this tactic government began to r e s u l t o f p o l i t i c a l A d d i t i o n a l l y , a polarization of society, employed by the PNCR can be traced back to the distribute the COVID-19 appointments that lack comprehensive income and further deepening divisions when in Opposition are: the aftermath of the 1992 cash grant, some overseas- security of tenure. Political expenditure survey revealed alongethniclines. use of the race card, claims elections when Desmond based PNC/R supporters appointees on the other hand that there is greater income The PNCR has a of ethnic economic Hoyte, the PNC/R’s falsely claimed that only do not enjoy such security of and consumption inequality predictable playbook of marginalization, and the candidate, lost. The party PPP/C supporters were tenure and therefore are among Indians than Opposition strategies that proliferation of extremist used a land dispute in receiving cash grants expected to resign upon Africans. It also highlighted they employ when out of talk show and social media Rosinante, a village, to try to Althoughnoevidenceofthis accession of a new party to that more Indians lived in power activists who engage in anti- incite racial animosity. wasprovided,itwasameans government. poverty than Africans, These strategies may be government extremist Although this attempt did of further perpetuating the However, these facts do dispelling the notion of effective in mobilizing their vitriol. not succeed, it laid the n a r r a t i v e o f r a c i a l not deter the PNC/R from e t h n i c e c o n o m i c base and maintaining their

One of the most foundation for labeling the discrimination. making claims of racial marginalization. relevance, but are often prominent and recurrent People’s Progressive No evidence was also discrimination. Such claims The third tactic in the basedoncontrivedfacts. tactics employed by the Party/Civic (PPP/C) provided to establish that are a recurrent rallying cry PNC/R’s playbook involves The PNCR’s playbook PNC/R when in Opposition g o v e r n m e n t a s some 2,000 public servants used to mobilize its the rise of extremist talk however reveals a more is playing the race card.This discriminatory against were dismissed This supporters and regain show hosts and social media disturbing feature: the political credibility It also activists whenever the failure of the one the serves the purpose of PPP/C is in office. These country’s leading massseeking international individuals disseminate basedpartiestoofferitselfas attentionandsympathy divisive rhetoric and a viable alternative to

Dem Boys Seh...

Guyana is racing to lose the right to host matches in the next T20 Cricket World Cup

Another Caribbean Premier League match or a spontaneous roadside dance (CPL) T20 cricket season has whizzed by, party, we tend to forget that we’re marooned faster than a Chris Gayle sixer clearing the invehicularpurgatory boundary The madness that accompanied So, here’s the master plan: let’s keep the the CPLseason remains steadfastly glued to traffic gridlock in full swing, but ensure our streets like chewing gum on a sidewalk. there’s always an adrenaline-pumping event Dem boys seh, if we don’t do something todistractus.Thinkaboutit!Theauthorities aboutthistrafficchaos,wemightaswellkiss will have no choice but to take action when goodbyetoanydreamsofhostingmatchesin they see our unyielding devotion to nextyear’sT20WorldCup! excitement.

Another tactic from the unsubstantiated claims on a government; an also failure P N C / R ’s p l a y b o o k , regular basis, relying on to expose corruption within particularly propagated by sweeping generalizations the government; and a its sidekicks in the trade and vitriol to advance their tendency to act in a sectarian union movement, revolves agendas.Theyhavegarnered mannerwheninOpposition. around alleging ethnic a substantial following of (The views expressed in economic marginalization supporters who tune in for this article are those of the This claim is often rooted in their daily dose of a u t h o r a n d d o n o t the perceived preference inflammatorymedicine. necessarily reflect the given to the Indian- This tactic serves to opinions and beliefs of this dominated sugar industry create an atmosphere of n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s over the African-dominated discord and discontent in the affiliates.)

TheCPLisfinishedbuttheconfusionon

ImaginehostingtheT20WorldCupright our streets remains. And ironically the here in Guyana! But there’s a catch - the situation was made worse by the hosting of world’s cricketing superstars will need to the Cricket Carnival Parade last Monday If parachuteintothestadiumbecausetheroads only government could count the hours will be busier than a bee’s nest in mango commuters spend in bumper-to-bumper season. It’s the ultimate wake-up call for the traffic, they would appreciate the need to do authorities: sort out this traffic madness or somethingaboutit. riskbeingkickedoffthelistofpotentialT20

But there is a method to this madness. WorldCuphosts!

You see, we’ve come to realize that we

In between time, if we can’t beat the Guyanese need a constant dose of traffic we might as well entertain ourselves excitement to keep our minds off the never- whilewe’restuckinit!DemBoysSeh,bring ending traffic woes. It’s a brilliant strategy, on the next T20 tournament, and let’s keep really! As long as we have something to thetrafficmadnessalive! cheer for, like a nail-biting T20 cricket Talk Half! Leff Half!

WhatisVPJagdeosomortallyafraidof?

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeohasmadealivingout of trying to drive fear into conscientious citizens of this country Instead of making fearfulthosewhocallhimout on how he and his government manage matters, all the VPsucceeds in doing is baring how mortally afraid he is. He showed his hand too often and fired off his deceptive verbal salvos at the wrong people.

If he cares to pause and listen,afewcitizensofthisoil richcountry(likeme)placea high priority on the some of the very same things that he professes to be about. My rage-inducing articulations have shown him not only whereheisgoingwrong,but how he can do much right, and reap the leadership rewards. It doesn’t include moneyforpoliticians.

What could ever be wrong with a Guyanese

asking for an interest rate number that Exxon charges, brotherJagdeo? Iaskagain: help us, so we can see what kind of partner we have: a gouger, or a helper? How caniteverbeupsettingwhen a citizen presses for disclosure of Exxon’s billionsinexpenses,Dr VP?

I press once more, so that others can appreciate how Guyana is accurately billed, overbilled, misbilled, or should not be billed at all.

Stated differently, is Exxon to be trusted, or is it a corporate bill fabricator? I refraintodayfromgoinginto the rest, like taxes and so forth.

What I scratch my head over, instils with deep perplexity,iswhythenervous desperationonthepartoffriar Jagdeo in his favored media trysts that result in media pornography? Even secondhand they smell of what is of the underground,

andunderhanded.

TheVicePresident shouldbespeakingwith palpable strength and powerful persuasion on all thingsoil,andnotengagein these subterfuges that are laced through and through withthelowandthevileand the malicious. Regarding why he thinks that there is a needforanyofthose,orsuch serves his interests, is beyond my comprehension. He makes himself look cheapandcowardlywiththe personalattacks. Ifthat’sall that there is, then think again,bruddah….

Iwillsaythisonethingto all Guyana: Vice President (andformerPresident)Jagdeo is not this weak, not this incompetent, not this insipid, andcertainlynotinanyofthe ways that he may attempt to convey,inhiseffortstoattract sympathy Deceptions fare poorlyasdistractions

Fortherearethesevisible and yawning gaps in his husbandry of the nation’s oil wealth. The man is more competent and creative and versatile than most in these parts. So, to me, it is unfathomable, that he twists himself into corkscrews and bendsbackwardsthatleaves one impression only: an underling in service of America’s oil mammoth, Exxon. I am appalled to detect that the Chief Oil MinisterofGuyanadoesnot care at all about how his verbal contortions and other machinationsmakehimlook small, like a true circus performer

There is awareness that writings more than mash corns, pierce nerves, and rattle PPP leadership cages Writings and sayings make peoplethink,andthereisthat clear and present party danger to contemplate. It is anexistentialone.Thingsare already razor thin, so the risksaretangibleinhowthey threatenpoliticalcontinuity

Iaskagain,thoughIknow theanswer:whatisthisfellow citizen, a top one, Bharrat Jagdeo,somortallyafraidof, wherethisoilisconcerned,if

he is doing right? Why should he be anything but a skillful, resourceful warrior for Guyana, and not a slipperyfightertakingaimat hisown?

Especially those who seek to remove the scales fromhiseyes,thosewhobend their own backs to give him some stiff, unyielding back bone I am not an enemy of anybody on anything, and this includes the Vice President,evenmoresonow It is not part of my life’s work. I did not return to Guyanaforthis;nortomake money from any type of publicservice.

Save the money reserved for witch hunts and hatchet men; the ground is barren And, of the hunters and diggers,someofthemsleazy, I give a gift to the Vice President, compliments of a Spartan: de mortuis nil nisi bonum(ofthedeadspeakno ill). Regardless of what the henchmen in the Palace Guard do, they don’t exist for me -mentally dead, they all are. I speak to, I deal directly with, the man that matters, VP Jagdeo, who assumesacadaverouscast. Thereisnoneedtoresort to tricks; try the truth, the whole of it, and experience thedelight Itisnottoolateto make a fresh start This oil can and must be managed differently, which means better for Guyana. Slow down some projects. Test Exxon. Mostofall,testself. Count on backing from this corner. Fear signifies weakness;themoreofitthat is there, the more mortal dread is obvious. Lashing outisaloser’schoice. Bea winner,Dr VP Showtoall Guyana the tuff stuff that is inside.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaperanditsaffiliates )

Rapid expansion of oil sector to keep Guyana amongst top five fastest growing economies – Central Bank

Guyana’s Central Bank has projected that the nation’s Gross DomesticProduct(GDP)for2023is expected to be 282 percent, a notable increase over the initial forecast of 25 1 percent The financialsystemsregulatorsaidthis surgefollowsontheheelsofastrong growth rate registered at half year ThebanknotedthatrealoilGDPwas 595percentwhilethenon-oilGDP growthwas123percent

CentralBanksaidtheincreasein GDPgrowthto282percent“places Guyanaamongstthetopfivefastest growing economies” The financial institutionsaidthisgrowthwillbea direct result of continuous fiscal spending and accommodative monetary policies by the government

Withrespecttoitsreviewofthe economy’s half year performance, Central Bank was keen to note that

exportreceiptsgrewby392percent orUS$17billion,bringingthetotal toUS$61billion Itsaidinarecently published report that the higher receiptsstemmedfromcrudeoiland sugar which grew by 493 percent and 61 percent respectively In contrast, receipts from timber, bauxite, ‘other exports’, gold and rice declined by 245 percent, 198 percent, 172 percent, 87 percent and16percentrespectively

With respect to sugar export earnings, Central Bank said this amounted to US$68 million, 61 percentorUS$04millionabovethe level at the end of June 2022 KaieteurNewsunderstandsthatthis outturn was attributed to a 70 percentincreaseintheaverageprice for the commodity despite a 08 percent decline in the volume of sugarexported

Furthertothis,CentralBanksaid

the volume of sugar exported amountedto10,453metrictonnesor 85 metric tonnes less than the level exported for the same period in 2022 As a percent of total sugar exports, the USA under the USA Bulk accounted for 555 percent while the CARICOM region accounted for 44 3 percent, comparedto212percentlastyear It shouldbenotedthattheaverage

Continued on page 22

GBTIissuesfirstMastercardBlackCardtoPresidentAli

GBTI on Saturday issued its first Mastercard Black Card to President Irfaan Ali and First Lady AryaAli, the bank said in a pressreleaseonTuesday

GBTI’s CEO, James Foster said the bank is thrilled to introduce yet another first, this premier Mastercard Credit Card, to Guyanaandwasdelightedto present the first one to the President and the First Lady atStateHouse.

Mr Foster said the bank commits to continually upgrading its use of technology and innovative solutionstooffervaluetoits customers.

“Mastercardisapremier brand in the credit card market,andGBTIisproudto be the first 100% Guyanese owned bank issuing and acquiringpartner OurPointof-sale terminals accept all the major credit cards for a seamless and convenient payment experience,” the CEO in quoted in the press releaseassaying

GBTI has added Mastercard Black and Gold credit cards to its line of card products which are now available at all GBTI branches.

“As our country continues to experience unprecedented economic growthanddevelopment,the Black Card is further testament to our improving profile on the international

financial stage,” the bank stated GBTI Mastercard credit card users will

experience exclusive benefits when traveling or shopping at Mastercard partner merchants around

the world As an introductory offer, persons applying for MasterCard credit cards before March 2024willreceiveawaiverof 50% of the annual fee which ranges from USD$50 –USD$350

GBTIMastercardCredit Cardholders will enjoy the reliability and convenience of:

• transaction alerts via email for added peace of mind

• tap payment for swift transactions

• swift replacement of lostordamagedcards

• access to free monthly online statements effortlessly

• convenient online paymentoptions

GBTI said it is Guyana’s largest indigenous bank and hasbeenthefirsttointroduce severalfirsts,includingATM cards, in Guyana According toGBTIitstrivesdiligentlyto maintainandprotectourrich and warm Guyanese Brand We promote a culture of engagement, proactivity, innovation and customer centricity More information on GBTI Mastercard Credit cards can be found at wwwgbtibankcom

His Excellency President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali receiving Guyana’s first Mastercard Black Card from GBTI CEO, James Foster and Deputy CEO, Shawn Gurcharran. Also in photo from left are Vanessa Cordis, Dahana Ramjist, Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh and Rawattie Mohandeo, GBTI’s Business Development Manager. (Photo courtesy Office of the President)

‘COVID Hospital’ turns 3 - continues to care for COVID-19 patients, persons with other infectious diseases

GeorgetownPublicHospitalCorporation (GPHC)saiditisproudtocommemoratethe third anniversary of the Ocean View Infectious Disease Hospital, which has playedapivotalroleinGuyana’sresponseto the COVID-19 pandemic and the care of infectiousdiseasepatients.

In March 2020, Guyana experienced its first case of COVID-19, a moment that broughtbothuncertaintyandresolve.Sadly,it also marked the country’s first recorded COVID-19 fatality. At that time, GPHC embarked on an unprecedented journey to

prepareforthechallengesthatlayahead,the hospitalsaidinapressrelease.

Thehospital’spreparationsinJanuary2020 wereamereglimpseoftherealitythatawaited Due to the infectious nature of COVID-19, a provisional 14-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) wasestablishedtocatertocriticallyillpatients To accommodate this, several hospital departments had to be temporarily closed, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to addressingthepandemic’sdemands.

Ascasescontinuedtosurge,preparations

Continued on page 22

The Ocean View Infectious Disease Hospital

Trinidad businessman shot dead following business trip to Guyana

(TRINIDAD EXPRESS) Businessman

Kris Ramsaran,who was shot 16 times,died instantly on Sunday afternoon, just minutes after he had returned to this country from Guyana.

He had visited Guyana as he wanted to expand his business there, his wife said on Monday Ramsaran, 54, was the managing director of Worldwide Inspection Technologies and Industrial Services, which is based in Rio Claro. It is a businessthatisinvolvedinthe energy industry and is a supplier of non-destructive and inspection services. His friend, Rishi Joseph, 44, a businessowner,wasalsoshot andkilledasthetwoarrivedat Joseph’s St Helena home around4.30p.m.

During a brief telephone interview, Ramsaran’s wife Netu Singh-Jalim told the Express she had no idea why anyone would want her husband dead. She explained that on Thursday Ramsaran left his black ToyotaPradoinJoseph’scareashetravelled to Guyana. Joseph transported him to the airport and on Sunday, he used the Prado to pick up Ramsaran when he returned to this country

“TheplanwasthatafterRishipickedhim upattheairport,KriswoulddropRishiback homeinStHelenaandthencomehomeinRio Claro but he never reached Rio Claro,” she said.Singh-Jalimsaidthiswasallsheknewof what had transpired, and was struggling to

2 separate fires leave 10 homeless

understandwhyherhusbandwastargeted.“I do not know what to say He was a real genuinepersonandIdonotknowwhowould wanttodothis.Wedonothaveanychildren, butitislikethesecriminalsreallydonothave aheartanddonotcareaboutpeopleandtheir families,”shesaid.

On social media Monday a number of people expressed their anger and disbelief overRamsaran’spassing,especiallygiventhe circumstances under which he died. One such person was seniorcounselLarryLallawho wrote: “While we exchange jokes about last evening’s cricket (TKR vs Guyana AmazonWarriors),I’mpulled back to the reality of our abysmal existence under our present ineffective PM, Minister of National Security andCommissionerofPolice.

“Kris Ramsaran was apparently shot and killed in coldbloodyesterday(Sunday) at St Helena He was a businessmanwhoworkedintheenergysector and was a client and friend of mine. I knew himtobeamanwithabigheartwhoplaced the interests of his family and his workers above his own. “May he travel well, away fromthishell-holeinwhichwearepresently forcedtoexist.Mydeepestcondolencestohis family,friendsandemployees.”

The Express also visited Joseph’s home yesterday While there, a relative who asked nottobenamedsaidhedidnotbelieve Continued on page 21

Charred remains of the house that the fire destroyed

Tenpersonsarehomelessaftertwo

separate fires in recent days at Grove, East Coast Demerara and Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara destroyedtheirhomes.

The Guyana Fire Service reported that one of the fires occurred on Saturday at Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), resulted in a family of six being homeless.

AccordingtotheGuyanaFireService,the FireServicereceivedacallaround23:44hrs aboutafireatLot22EastMeten-Meer-Zorg, WCDanddispatchedacrewalongwithwater tender#108tanksupply,twolinesfromwater tender#81tanksupply,andbucketsofwater.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw a twostorey wooden and concrete building engulfedinflames.Thehousewasownedby 83-year-oldAzinAzeez,whichwasoccupied withhisfamilyoffive.

Asaresultofthefire,thebuildingandits content were destroyed, leaving six persons homeless. The fire was the result of an

overload electrical wiring from the ceiling, whichignitednearbycombustiblematerials. Also on Monday another fire completely destroyedahouseatCaneGrove,EastCoast Demerara, leaving four persons homeless. According to the Guyana Fire Service, the tragic incident occurred around 03:10 hrs.A crew of firefighters and water tender #106 weredispatchedfromMahaicaFireStationto Lot74SaywahStreet,CaneGrove,Mahaica, EastCoastDemerara.

Upon arrival, firefighters reportedly found a two-storey wooden and concrete building engulfed in flames. Firefighters wentintoaction,andusingonejetviaanopen watersource,theyextinguishedthefire.The fire broke out after an electrical transformer overheated,resultinginarchingandsparking.

Thetransformersubsequentlyignitedand came into contact with nearby combustible materials. The fire service reported that the buildinginvolvedwasownedby51-year-old Anita Deosarrian which she occupied with herfamily

House engulfed in flames

TTbusinessman,KrisRamsaran

Charred remains of the house that was destroyed by the fire

Construction worker dies after fallingfrombuilding

A17-year-old man identified as Javed Shaw died on Tuesday after falling from a building under construction at Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown The fatal incidenttookplacearound08:45hrs while Sawh was descending from the “third/fourth floor” of the fivestorey building with painting

supplies.

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, the Ministry of Labour said that it’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department is investigatingtheworkplacefatality

So far the investigators have learntthatSawhwasemployedwith Industria

Incorporated(InFabInc)asaJunior SiteWorker

As investigations continue Minister of the Labour, Joseph Hamiltonreminded“employersand workersoftheimportanceandneed for good workplace safety and healthpracticesintheworkplaceso that similar incidents/accidents

whichcanresultinthelossoflivesof lovedonescanbeavoided”.

Meanwhile Sawh’s loved ones flooded Facebook with posts expressing their grief at his sudden death “RIP[RestinPeace]Javid,it hurtstoseeyoulikethat Youwill bemissedJavid,Myheartpainsfor youJavid,”onerelativeposted

Dead, Javid Sawh

Several small business owners are accusing staffers attached to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) of usingthedepartment’sname

PM staffers accused of racking up credit from businesses without authorisation

credit.

A female manager from one of the entities, who provideddetailsontheissue, told Kaieteur News that OPM staffers were regular customers of the business untiltheystartedtorefuseto settletheirbill.

Office of the Prime Minister

to acquire items on credit and later refusing to pay for thegoods.

Three small businesses thatretailcomputerpartsand

other office supplies confirmedtothispublication that staffers from the OPM have outstanding payments for items taken on line of

“What would happen is that staffers from the Information Technology DepartmentofOPMusually procure items from the business They would usually come and collect

quotation for the Office of the Prime Minister At first everything goes good with payment,butastheydevelop arelationshipwithyou,over time, so they would come and collect items on credit,” thestoreemployeesaid.

The woman explained that as the OPM staffers gained the trust of the store owners/managers, they wouldtakeitemsoncredit.

“Sometimes they call andsaytheyneedsomething urgentlyfortheOfficeofthe Prime Minister and they peoplefromaccountsarenot available to sign off on the purchase order and we wouldgivethemtheitems.”

The woman said, however,thatmonthswould gobywithnowordfromthe OPM on the items that were procured.

“Monthswouldpassand Iwouldsendmultiplecopies of invoices and remind the officeandtheirexcuseis,the accountsdepartmentlostthe documentsortheprocesshas tostartover,”shesaid.

Andsometimes,shesaid, theissuewouldoccurforan entire year “Right now we have outstanding payment since 2021, over $400,000 outstanding between 2021 and earlier this year They just stop paying and stop coming,”sheadded.

“So when we called the

OfficeofthePrimeMinister, the Accounts Manager knows nothing of the items a n d t h e r e i s n o documentation despite us sending copies multiple times,”shesaid.

Thestoremanagersaidat this point, the business may never get paid for the items butatleastshewantstowarn unsuspecting business owners not to fall into a similartrap.

She explained,”People may want to know why we give credit without documentation, so initially, thepaymentisfineandthen they would come in and say they need something right away for the Prime Minister andnoonewastheretosign off the purchase order that theywillbringitback,that’s how it starts. Then they would say, they will just collecttheinvoicetosubmit it for payment but that’s when we keep waiting and waiting.”

“We are just trying to preventitfromhappeningto someoneelse,”sheadded.

When Kaieteur News reachedouttotheOPMfora comment, this publication was told that only the Permanent Secretary (PS) was authorised to speak on such matters. However, all calls to the PS went unanswered.

LoansfromChina,UKrack...

Frompage8 burden. Notably, President Irfaan Ali’s administration recently raised the country’s debt ceiling by US$3 billion, allowingformoreborrowing.Thisdecision,takeninAugust, expandedthedomesticpublicdebtceilingto$750billion,and establishedanewexternalborrowingceilingof$900billion.

The country’s previous debt ceilings were last increased by the Government back in January 2021.According to the MinistryofFinance,givenGuyana’seconomicoutlook,these revisionstotheexternalanddomesticpublicdebtceilingsare consistentwiththecountry’slong-termdebtsustainability

Notably,fuelledbyarampingupofoilproductionandthe resurgenceofthenon-oileconomy,thecountryregisteredreal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 62.3 percent in 2022,makingitthefastest-growingeconomyintheworld.As such, it was noted that this appreciable growth performance and the country’s robust economic outlook underpin Guyana’ssustainableabsorptionofthenewdebt.

Insum,theGovernmentsaiditiscommittedtoharnessing Guyana’s debt-carrying capacity to accelerate its developmentagenda.

The Ministry of Finance’s Mid-Year Report highlighted that, as of June 2023, Guyana’s total public and publicly guaranteed debt stood at US$3,916.9 million, with total public debt accounting for US$3,914.5 million, and total publiclyguaranteeddebtfortheremainingUS$2.4million.

Notably, when compared to the end of 2022, when debt stood at US$3,654.9 million, a 7.2% increase was recorded. Tothisend,Governmentsaidthiswasmainlyattributedtoa positive net flow from both the external and domestic debt portfolios.

Intherecentlypublishedreportitwasstated,“Asaresult of Government’s continued effort to ensure that financing needsaremetatthelowestpossiblecostwithaprudentdegree of risk, Guyana’s public debt remains sustainable with a moderateriskofdebtdistress.”

‘Adhere to the judicial processes of the ICJ’ on border controversy

Guyana on Tuesday neighbouring Venezuela, in

- Guyana’s

Permanent Representative to the UN

of that Agreement, ” which have attracted bids urged the Bolivarian full accordance with

Rodriguesstated. from six groups of oil Republic of Venezuela to international law and has Last week, Venezuela’s companies. The Venezuelan confirm its adherence to the consistently invited the

N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y administrationsaidthemove judicial processes of the Government of Venezuela to approved a Consultative byGuyanaisillegal. International Court of dothesame.”

Referendum for people to The missive added, “The Justice (ICJ) in the border She continued: “In decide on the country’s Bolivarian Republic of controversybetweenthetwo particular, Guyana urges spurious claims over Venezuela reiterates that any countries. Venezuela to confirm its Guyana’sEssequiboregion. illicit and arbitrary

Guyana’s Permanent adherence to the judicial

According to BNN concession that Guyana Representative to the United p r o c e s s e s o f t h e Newsroom, the decision to grants,hasgrantedorintends Nations, Ambassador International Court of hold a referendum is a to grant in the areas in Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett Justice in the matter of strategic one, aiming to question is unacceptable and in exercise of the right of Venezuela’sbasiccontention bolster Venezuela’s position violates its sovereign rights, reply to the statement by regarding the border on the international stage. It and warns that these actions Venezuela’s Foreign between our countries also seeks to involve and do not generate any type of Minister in the General Venezuela’s diatribes – not enlighten its populace about rights for third parties to Debate of the 78th United confined to Guyana alone – the ongoing territorial participateinthisprocess.” National General Assembly arerefutedinfullmeasure.” controversywithGuyana. However, Guyana’s said that in his address in the Guyana reminded It should be noted President, Dr Irfaan Ali Agreement, the Secretary Venezuelatrulybelievesthat General Debate of the 78th Venezuela that the 1966 however that the result of categorically stated that his General determined that the the best, or the only, way to Session of the United GenevaAgreement is in fact such a referendum does not administration is entitled to good offices process had resolve the controversy is by Nations General Assembly the binding legal instrument alter the status quo of p u r s u e e c o n o m i c failed, and he chose a new adherence to the 1966 on Friday, the Minister of that provides for the ownership over the development within the means of dispute settlement: Geneva Agreement, then it People’s Power for Foreign settlementofthecontroversy

Essequibo territory which nation’smaritimeborders. litigation before the should adhere to that Affairs of the Bolivarian over the validity of the 1899 rightfully belongs to The President said, “The International Court of Agreementandpleaditscase Republic of Venezuela Arbitral Award and the land Guyana. Government of Guyana Justice(ICJ). to the ICJ, and accept the “allowed himself falsehoods boundary between Guyana Guyanese authorities reserves the right to pursue “Under Article IV, his decision of the Court, when that were excessive even by andVenezuela. have since called on the economic development decision was binding on it is issued, as a final and their accustomed standards Further, the obligatory International Court of activitiesinanyportionofits Guyana and Venezuela binding settlement of the of untruthfulness in relation settlement procedure is set Justice (ICJ) to address sovereignoranyappurtenant Guyana then filed an controversy tomycountry”. forth in Article IV of the Venezuela’s erroneous maritime territories Any Application with the Court “Guyana will not agree

“The intelligence of the 1966 Geneva Agreement c l a i m s w h i c h h a v e unilateral attempt by seeking its final and binding to any procedure that international community Under that Article, when heightenedinrecentdays. Venezuela to restrict the Judgment on the validity of contradicts the express should not be insulted by bilateral negotiations failed

Just recently, the exercise by Guyana of its the 1899 ArbitralAward and provisions of the Geneva Venezuela’s allegations that to achieve a settlement, Venezuelan government sovereignty and sovereign the boundary between the Agreement and bypasses the Guyana is allowing its Guyana and Venezuela issued a statement saying rights will be wholly in two States, in accordance Court, which is the only territory to be used as a agreed to refer the that it strongly rejects consistent with the Geneva with Article IV of the 1966 means of settlement that is platform for military controversy to the United Guyana’s ongoing bid round Agreement and the rule of Geneva Agreement and the nowauthorizedbyArticleIV aggression against any State NationsSecretaryGeneralto for 14 oil blocks, eight of internationallaw.” Secretary General’s decision including the Bolivarian choose the means of final of January 2018. Venezuela Republic of Venezuela,” settlement. twice appeared before the Rodriguessaid. The Secretary General Courttoobjecttoitsexercise

The UN Permanent chose, in the first instance, of jurisdiction in the matter, Representative said that the the use of his good offices to and the Court rejected falsehoods shared by the bring about a settlement Venezuela’s objections both Venezuelan Minister are as a satisfactory to both parties. times. The Court ruled that result of the Spanish- The good offices process the basis of its jurisdiction s p e a k i n g c o u n t r y ’s took place with the was precisely Article IV of “grotesque claim to two participation of Guyana and theGeneva3Agreementand thirdsofGuyana.” Venezuela over a period of the Secretary General’s

R o d r i g u e s s a i d , more than 20 years, without decision that the dispute “ T h r o u g h o u t , t h e success or any progress should be resolved by the G o v e r n m e n t o f t h e towardsuccess.

C o u r t , ” R o d r i g u e s Cooperative Republic of In January 2018, acting reminded. Guyana has acted, and in accordance with Article

As a result, she said if continuestoactinrelationto I V o f t h e G e n e v a

Trinidad businessman shot dead following...

From page 18 was one car at a time he was flipping. He Joseph,afatherofthreesonsages23,18and livingofftherentoftheapartments,”saidthe 12,wastheinitialintendedtarget. relative. He denied speculation on social “He collect one shot and his friend got media that the killings occurred because 16,soyoucandothemaththereandseewhat Joseph refused to pay “tax” to criminal is what,” said the relative. He too explained elementsinthearea. that it was after Joseph and Ramsaran “We do not know anything about that returned from the airport that the shooting because if that was happening, he would took place. After carrying out the murders, have told his family,” he said. The relative the shooters drove off and escaped questionedthatifJosephwasthetarget,why Ramsaran was shot as he sat in the driver’s would he be shot first, just once, with seatofthePrado,whileJosephwasshotonce Ramsaranthenbeingshot16times. totheheadasheexitedthevehicle. “He was already outside the vehicle. If it The relative explained that Joseph was was really for him they would have got him involved in the purchasing and customising and get out. They would not have had to of vehicles before reselling them. He also come out of their car They made sure to had a few apartments that he rented to spraydownthecar,comeout,andthenletgo tenants. “He would buy one or two cars, fix itontheman,”hesaid.Uptolastnightpolice themupandthensell.Itisnottosayhehave said they did not have a motive for the a set of cars selling at one time. It is a small murders, nor have anyone so far been little garage. He did just enough to live. It arrestedinconnectionwiththekillings.

11,000 persons complete training through WIIN initiative

Some 11,000 persons have completed said “We have trained 1,800 members of training in the Ministry of Human Services the Guyana Police Force (GPF) under the and Social Security’sWomen Innovative and COP SQUAD initiative with technical Investment Network (WIIN) programme to assistance from the United Nations date. PopulationFund,”theministerreiterated.

Thestatisticwas providedby MinisterDr The COP SQUAD initiative is aimed at Vindhya Persaud Tuesday last, during the teaching officers how to vulnerably, weekly televised programme, ‘The Guyana cautiously and confidentially deal with Dialogue’ reports of domestic violence The two

“We had 25,000 persons registered programmes are part of a slew of measures when we started this programme in 2021. which were implemented to help lessen Thisprogrammeisopenedtowomenfrom domestic abuse between spouses and assist the age of 16 who wish to elevate women in building successful lives for themselves,” Minister Persaud pointed out. themselves.

DrPersauddisclosedthatsome45percentof Minister Persaud also noted that the womenhavetakenupentrepreneurshipwhile government is working to integrate the another28percentdevelopedotherskillsand community into gender-based violence to arenowemployed. teach persons how to deal with those types of

The WIIN programme is a hybrid model matters.“WehavealsohadtheCommunity course that allows women to acquire various Advocate Network Programme spinning technical and vocational skills including out to various communities across the garment construction, child care, graphic country. We have touched every region designandhomemanagement,amongothers. with this programme,’ she noted. The

Meanwhile, providing an update on the ministry is also working to expand the COP SQUAD initiative, Minister Persaud numberofsheltersacrossthecountry (DPI)

Guyana’s UN Ambassador, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

‘Family man’ busted with large quantity of ganja

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

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.

One Hauler Driver needed, starting salary $12K. Call: 611-7088 for more info.

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

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

Wanted: Skilled Masons, Carpenters $10,000 per day and Labourers $6,000 per day. Call: 602-9469, 660-6385 or 625-7642.

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.

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.

Excavator, Crane & Loader Operator, Dump Truck Driver, road-roller Driver and Welder required. Call: 675-1127/ 600-4073.

Vacancy Exist For two Experienced Dispatcher At Confidential Cabs. Call: 2315784, 231-4001, 231-4000.

Police on Tuesday arrested 24-year-old Akeem Smith called ‘Family man’ of Norton Street Lodge Georgetown, after he was busted with 11,339 grams of marijuana.

According to a police press release, Smith was a passenger in a Toyota Noah vehicle (HC 6696) and was arrested at the Weldaad Police Station check-point. Ranks manning the checkpoint had stopped and searched the vehicle and found the suspected cannabis.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

Police reportedly searched the vehicle and its occupants, who were asked to exit the vehicle with their belongings. During the search, Smith, who had two haversacks in his possession, was searched by the ranks. Inside the haversacks were three parcels

Suspected 11,339 grams of cannabis found on Akeem Smith wrapped with transparent plastic containing cannabis. Smith was then told of the offence committed, arrested and cautioned, after which he admitted to the police that the suspected narcotics belonged to him. The

marijuana was weighed and amounted to 11,339 grams. The parcels with the narcotic were photographed, marked, sealed and lodged. Smith was placed into custody pending further investigations and charges.

Rapid expansion of oil sector to keep Guyana...

From page 12 export price for sugar increased by 7.0 percent or US$44.55 to US$652.25 per metric tonne, compared with US$609.70 per metric tonne at the end of June 2022.

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.

As for rice export earnings, Central Bank said this amounted to US$102.4 million, 1.6 percent or US$1.7 million below the level for the same period last year, resulting from lower volume of rice exported despite a 4.9 percent increase in prices. The financial institution said the volume of rice exported amounted to 182,089 metric tonnes, 6.2 percent or 12,052 metric tonnes less than the 194,142 metric tonnes exported one year ago. This newspaper understands that the average export price of rice increased by 4.9 percent or US$26.15 to US$562.24 per metric tonne compared with US$536.09 per metric tonne at

the end of June 2022.

According to the bank’s report, bauxite export earnings amounted to US$38.6 million, 19.8 percent or US$9.5 million below the value for the corresponding period in 2022, due to lower export volume despite higher average price. The volume of bauxite exported decreased by 28.7 percent or 92,898 metric tonnes to 230,526 metric tonnes.

As regards gold export receipts, this amounted to US$396.7 million, 8.7 percent or US$38 million below the end-June 2022 level of US$434.6 million. This was on account of a decline in the volume exported as prices improved. Central Bank said the volume of gold exported reduced by 11.1 percent or 27,020 ounces to 215,979 ounces as a result of lower declarations. The average export price per ounce of gold

was also found to be higher by 2.7 percent or US$47.96 moving to US$1,836.59 per ounce from US$1,788.63 per ounce one year ago. Turning to crude oil export earnings, Central Bank said this amounted to US$5,393.8 million, US$1,781.6 million higher than the same period one year ago.

The bank’s report outlined that the volume of crude oil exported increased by 106 percent to 68.8 million barrels from 33.4 million barrels one year ago. This increase was due to a second Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) called Liza Unity which started production. The average export price received for crude oil decreased by 27.5 percent or US$29.72 to US$78.36 per barrel from US$108.08 per barrel one year ago.

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.

One experienced Sales girl to work in Boutique Located in Georgetown. Call: 698-7252.

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

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.

‘COVID Hospital’ turns 3

From page 14 were made to convert the Ocean View hotel into a dedicated COVID-19 hospital, marking a transformative moment in the battle against the virus. On September 1st, 2020, the first group of stable COVID-19 patients, initially maternity patients, were transferred to the Ocean View Infectious Disease Hospital.

physiological support for COVID-19 patients.

Addressing staffing challenges posed by the pandemic, GPHC rallied medical staff from its own ranks, the Ministry of Health, and other regions like Linden to work as frontline healthcare heroes.

COVID-19 patients, as well as patients with other infectious diseases such as monkeypox, tuberculosis, MRSA, along with GPHC lodgers.

FOR SALE

Farm produce for sale: plantain, lemon, cayenne and apple banana. Every Thursday from Pomeroon. Call: 688-0417, 223-5273/ 600-5370.

The ICU capacity at this facility catered for to 28- beds and then 38-beds, accommodating critical patients requiring ventilation. Additionally, the facility also housed moderately ill patients while also providing essential services such as dialysis, surgical interventions (including c-sections for pregnant mothers, trauma, and paediatric surgeries), physiotherapy, and

Decontamination stations were established within the hospital to ensure staff safety. Moreover, recognizing the difficulties some staff faced with public transportation due to virus-related fears, GPHC provided housing and transportation assistance for some.

As of this milestone, while COVID-19 is no longer considered a pandemic, the Ocean View Infectious Disease Hospital continues to care for a limited number of

Since its inception in 2020, the Ocean View Infectious Disease Hospital has served 4,448 patients, with a peak of 112 hospitalized COVID-19 patients at one time.

Over the years, approximately 50 dedicated medical staff members have worked tirelessly within its walls. Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation acknowledges and extends its deepest gratitude to all frontline workers, staff, and partners who have made the Ocean View Infectious Disease Hospital a symbol of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

Guyana can draw lessons from China’s development trajectory – PM Phillips

...China observes the 74 Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China

AsChinacommemorates th the 74 Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips has congratulated the country on its remarkable achievements over the past decades, owing to the futuristic vision of the Chineseleaders.

th

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

The prime minister was at the time delivering remarksatareceptionhosted by the Chinese Embassy to Haiyan reiterated China’s Hugh Todd, Permanent c o m m e m o r a t e t h e support in Guyana’s Secretary of the Foreign anniversary as well as the developmental trajectory A f f a i r s M i n i s t r y ,

Third, the establishment of infrastructure, technology, policy, likewise, Guyana 30th Anniversary of the She also acknowledged Ambassador Elizabeth e c o n o m i c z o n e s a n d agriculture and education. hopes that it can rely on Chinese Medical Team to Guyana’s leadership in the Harper, Minister of incentives to attract foreign Bilateral partnerships were China to support its efforts Guyana held at Pegasus areas of energy, climate Amerindian Affairs, Pauline investment, technology, and further advanced with to preserve sovereignty and HotelMondaynight. change and food security Sukhai,MinisterofTourism, expertise to boost economic President Dr Mohamed territorial integrity in the China, PM Phillips Ambassador Haiyan also Industry and Commerce, growth, ” said the Prime Irfaan Ali’s recent visit to face of Venezuela’s claim to underscored, has now c o n g r a t u l a t e d t h e Oneidge Walrond, Minister Minister China where he advanced two-thirds of its territories,” positioned itself as a global government for hosting yet of Home Affairs, Robeson

He further added, “The cooperation in the areas of heexpressed. powerhouse on several a n o t h e r s u c c e s s f u l Benn, Minister of Human

170 years of the arrival of transportation, energy, and China was also praised globalissuesconfrontingthe Caribbean Premier League, ServicesandSocialSecurity, Chinese immigrants in telecommunications. for its contributions to the world. To that end, Guyana CPLT20 tournament and the Dr Vindhya Persaud, Guyana has paved the way “We also look forward to health sector during the he said, can draw lessons Guyana Amazon Warriors Minister within the Office of for the robust ties that collaborating on food, d r e a d e d C O V I D - 1 9 from the Southeast Asian f o r t h e i r m a i d e n t h e P r e s i d e n t w i t h currently exist and we are energy and climate security pandemic including the nation. These include areas championshiptitle. responsibility for Public truly appreciative of the issues that are key to global invaluable contributions of in infrastructure investment,

Severalcabinetmembers Affairs, Kwame McCoy, contributions made by our sustainable development,” the Chinese Medical Team industrial promotion and including Minister of other officials and members Chinese brothers and sisters expressed the retired deployedtoGuyana. s u p p o r t f o r t h e

f o r o u r c o u n t r y ’ s brigadier In light of

Meanwhile, the Chinese manufacturing sector – International Cooperation, alsoinattendance.(DPI) development.” Venezuela’s recent claim on AmbassadortoGuyana,Guo important factors that drive The long-standing Guyana’s Essequibo region, economic growth and relationship between the prime minister said the employmentopportunities. Guyana and China has government is looking for

”China has recognized created opportunities for China’ssupportinprotecting the importance of human e c o n o m i c g r o w t h , its sovereignty “Guyana is capital and education, in commerce and investment on record as consistently driving economic success. with a focus placed on supporting the one-China

Man pours gasoline, sets car ablaze at Lethem taxi service

Fire officials and police in the Rupununiareinvestigatinganincidentin whichtwocarsatataxiserviceatLethem were damaged during the wee hours of Tuesdaymorningbysuspectedarsonists.

Reports are that an unidentified individual went to the base of Lethem CabsatLot289BarrackRetreat,Lethem and doused three cars with gasoline and subsequentlylitoneafire.

Nizam Mohamed, owner of the business, said he received a call around 2:38 a.m. and was informed that his car was on fire at the taxi service’s base.The car’s tires were burnt as well as wiring and plastic surfaces near its engine. The right side of the front of the vehicle was scorchedduringtheinferno.

Thefrontrightsidewindowofoneof the other cars doused with gasoline was broken. After breaking into that vehicle, the assailant pushed the vehicle out of its parking position.Attempts were made to light that car afire, persons at the scene reported.

However, when the fire was first observed, quick thinking by persons at the scene contacted the Guyana Fire Service and fire fighters promptly raced tothesceneandextinguishedtheblaze. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Foreign Affairs and of the diplomatic corps were

‘Miss Kitty’ on media tour to Guyana

Famed Jamaican celebrity, ‘Miss Kitty’, will visit Guyana for a media tour hosted by Caribbean-born BPO, itel during the week of September25th.

Khadine ‘Miss Kitty’ Hylton is a Jamaican attorney-at-law, media personality and keynote speaker, who operates at the intersection of popular culture, rule of law, healthandgenderequality

Over the years, she has cemented herself as one of the Caribbean’s leading media personalities using her platform to inform, educate and entertain her audience in dynamic ways As itel’s official brand ambassador, ‘Miss Kitty’ recently hosted a video series called “The Professional You” encouraging young people to put their best foot forward in building a career and partnershipwouldbringmetothiswonderful becoming financially independent, a press destination. I’ve heard so much about the releasestated. vibrance of Guyana’s culture and the

Throughherbrandambassadorship,itelis potential of the country’s young people. I engaging their 5,000+ team members across can’t wait to experience the energy of their Caribbean sites in a series of townhall Georgetownfirst-hand.” sessions, video content and charitable work ‘Miss Kitty’ has risen to fame in the through their 4Ys Foundation. ‘Miss Kitty’s’ Caribbeanthroughherworkintelevisionand fun, outgoing personality and distinctly radio,andasanimpactcreatorshehascopped Caribbeanflarewillsupportthenextphaseof several awards including the Governor company growth as itel prepares to hire General’s 30th Anniversary Award in 2021, thousands of new employees across the for her contributions to community region. development. ‘Miss Kitty’ holds a Bachelor

Her evolving brand has placed increased of Laws from The University of the West focus on self-care, mental health, and the Indies (UWI) and was called to the Jamaican importance of being your best self – a Bar in 2020. itel and ‘Miss Kitty’ have message that aligns perfectly with itel’s partnered together on multiple initiatives commitment to employee experience and since 2019, and their partnership was professionaldevelopment. officially renewed in June 2023. Together,

‘Miss Kitty’ expressed her excitement at they are connecting with both existing and visiting Guyana for the first time, “This is a potential itel employees on a week-long tour key location for itel’s continued upward that will begin in Guyana and then round out trajectory, so it is only natural that this inSaintLucia.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, H.E. Guo Haiyan

One of the cars which was set on fire by arsonists at the ‘Lethem Cabs’ taxi service in the Rupununi.

Khadine ‘Miss Kitty’ Hylton

IslamicBankheadhailsGuyana’sdevelopmentplans

President of the Islamic transport infrastructure, housing, presentations in the other sectors, Development Bank, Dr and agriculture, facilitated by the Dr Al-Jasser commended the Muhammad Sulaiman Al-Jasser subjectministers. diversification efforts of the said that he is impressed with

Presenting on the strides made government in building out an Guyana plans to move up further in the area of energy and power expanded, modernised, and along the development trajectory, generation, Prime Minister, competitive agriculture sector, while indicating his satisfaction Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, which sees the expansion of with the major strides made in highlighted the government’s plan traditionalcrops,aswellasaplanto transforming, and modernising to expand the Hinterland establish a food hub along the Guyana’slandscape. Electrification Programme Linden-Soesdyke highway

Speaking at a meeting with between 2023-2026 to advance the Transport infrastructure has also government officials at the Arthur provision of affordable stable, and been commended for the Chung Conference Centre on reliable energy to the hinterland modernised approach, as Minister Monday, the IsDB president regions for commercial and of Public Works, Bishop Juan congratulated the government on domesticuse. Edghill, along with the Permanent thenascentoilwealth,aswellasthe “The government of Guyana Secretary, Vladim Persaud, rational utilisation of these willpursueaprogrammewithan rehashed the advancements and resources. energy mix that will lead to more goals in enhancing maritime,

“It has its advantages, and it than 500 megawatts of newly aviation, and road infrastructure. also has greater challenges, when installed capacity, as well as Additionally, the IsDB president you are trying to use oil income to achieve a reduction in the cost of applauded Guyana’s achievements buildarationaleconomywithgreat electricity generation. Our within the housing sector, sustainability for the future government’s hinterland especially in making it easier for generations. You are in that stage. electrification programme aims G u y a n e s e t o a c h i e v e Of course, people are impatient, to utilise the most technical and homeownership. theywanttotastethebenefitsofthe economically feasible solution,” H.E Dr Muhammad Sulaiman new income, but at the same time, PMsaid. Al-Jasser’s visit follows the the government has the Inkeepingwiththesepriorities, conclusion of the United Nations responsibility to ensure that the PM Phillips reiterated the General Assembly, which saw unwavering commitment of the aspirations that the government services are provided, and that the government’s commitment to fruitful discussions related to the IsDB to supporting the hopes to implement, and which economy is put on a strong footing, implementing a number of policy achievement of sustainable socioeconomic development of parts of it we can help with and that the sustainability of the measures,includingthecompletion development goals (SDGs). Dr Al Latin American countries. “We support through financing, for the policies are reasonably guaranteed, of the 165MW Amaila Falls Jasser’s visit entails high-level have also engaged with the period2024-2026,”heexplained. and that the hope of the population Hydropower project, and the meetingswithgovernmentofficials government in developing what we During the meeting, Dr Aliskindledcontinuously,”hesaid. production of 300 MW of stable and visits to pivotal development call a country engagement Jasser was given concise updates

Dr Al-Jasser added that this electricity,throughthegas-to-shore projectsthatholdmassivepotential framework which is an agreement on current and future projects engagement speaks to the project. Following a perusal of the forachievingtheSDG’s. (DPI) on what are the ambitions and the within the spheres of energy,

Work advances to provide treated water for entire Essequibo Coast

Construction work on the water providingturnkeyservicesinwater treatment plant at Onderneeming, and wastewater collection, Essequibo Coast is in the advanced treatment, and disposal has stage and is expected to be encountered no major challenges. completedearlynextyear Some 25 Guyanese are employed

This is according to Director of on the project and have been thecontractingfirm,ToshibaWater working diligently to keep the Solutions, Sanjay Agrawal, who project on schedule, said Mr was on site during an inspection Agrawal, who also praised the visit by GWI Chief Executive supportofGWI’stechnicalteam. Officer, Shaik Baksh. Mr Agrawal MrBakshwassatisfiedwiththe source of frequent complaints from built at Maria’s Delight will serve Caledonia on the East Bank; said soon after the construction progress of work on the plant and residentsthere.

residents from Walton Hall to Cummings Lodge in Georgetown phase of the project is completed, said he looks forward to a timely The water treatment plant at Charity and is expected to be and Bachelor’s Adventure on the equipment will be installed and delivery of the project that will Onderneeming and another that tendered before year end. Both the EastCoast. tested to get the plant ready for bring treated water to some 5,000 will be built at Maria’s Delight, OnderneemingandMaria’sDelight Most of these projects are commissioning in June 2024, GWI residents from Taymouth Manor to together with the existing plant at projects include the installation of expected to be completed in the reportedinapressrelease. Supenaam.Water on the Essequibo Lima, are expected to significantly transmission lines, with the former secondhalfof2024andwillenable

Thus far the India-based Coast contains the highest level of ease the residents’ concerns. The costing some $2.2B and the latter the provision of clean water to company that specialises in iron content, and this has been the water treatment plant that will be $1.8B. thousandsofresidents.

Aside from the treatment plants Also,beforetheendofthisyear, and transmission lines for the GWI is expected to tender for OnderneemingandMaria’sDelight anotherfivenewtreatmentplantsin projects,twowellseachwillalsobe RegionsTwo,Three,Four,Fiveand drilledatthesesitesandwillseethe Six GWI is committed to retirement of eight old ones. Mr providing treated water to 90 per Baksh said that the treatment plant, cent of the population by 2025, and transmission line and wells at the Government has been investing Maria’s Delight are expected to be billions of dollars annually in the completedin2025. sectorinsupportofthisvision.

This project, along with the GWI2 project at Onderneeming, is part of Caption: Toshiba Water the Coastal Water Treatment SolutionsDirector,SanjayAgrawal

President of the Islamic Development Bank, His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser, greets Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

Project, which is geared at (left); GWI Chief Executive providing treated water to the Officer, Shaik Baksh (second left) population In addition to and GWI Water Treatment Onderneeming, similar treatment Infrastructure Unit Director, plantsarebeingbuiltatParika,East Aubrey Roberts with technical bank Essequibo;Wales and Lust en officers at the Onderneeming Rust, West Bank Demerara; projectsite

Toshiba Water Solutions Director, Sanjay Agrawal (left); GWI Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh (second left) and GWI Water Treatment Infrastructure Unit Director, Aubrey Roberts with technical officers at the Onderneeming project site

Men busy at work at the Onderneeming project site

RoseHallCommunityCentrecomplainofdamage...

Iconic track and field coach Glen Mills

From page 28

venue. It noted that nobody would want to recently and recently won the Berbice U15 see their kids get hurt especially in an unsafe cricket competition. The release further environment. states that, “As of recent, our club has been It stated that our West Indies youth one of the most progressive in the county Its players are given a training programme to membership comprise of over 50 youths, complete and they are now forced to find an bothmalesandfemales. alternatevenuewhichishighlyunfair

Honoured at People Profile Awards 2023

SportsMax - Coach Glen Jamaica’s greatest sprinters the People Profile Awards Mills, the renowned track including 100/200m world aim to recognize individuals and field guru, was the recordholderUsainBolt,the whose stories inspire, center of attention at the fastest man in history who is motivate, or educate others Annual People Profile also an eight-time Olympic while supporting charitable Awards on Sunday, gold medalist and 11-time causes.

September24. worldchampion. Under the theme

The question is where will the aspiring

Theclubisalsocurrentlytheonlyclubin Also,allofourclub’shomegameswillbe theentirecountrytoproduceGuyanaatevery pushedtoawayvenueswhichwillnowcome youth level in both the males and females withtravellingexpenses. categories. It also currently has both male Also this is the school athletics season and female West Indies U19 players. It also and with the venue overwhelmed with has male and female players at the brokenbottlesitisunsafetouse. internationalandfranchiselevels.

In a passionate plea the club is pleading cricketers, athletes and other sports with the relevant authorities to help restore personalitieswilluse? the venue back to some semblance of safety As of yesterday the large remnant of a so that the cricketers can continue to use the stagewasleftinthemiddleoftheground.

Wednesday September 27, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

The indecisiveness that you feel regarding certain issues maybeamplifiedtoday,Aries. You may go to extremes from onesideofthespectrumtothe other

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Your thinking should be clear today, and your sharp focus adept at revealing the truth of any situation. Your mind may beintertwinedquitedelicately with your heart, but the good news is that they're working harmoniouslytogether

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Don't leave anyone behind as you gallivant through your world today, Gemini. You're so wrapped up in your adventures that you're unaware of other people who couldusemoreattention.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Love and romance are key aspectsoftheday,Cancer You shouldfindthatthingsrelating totheseaspectsofyourlifeare goingwell.Yourmindismuch morepenetratingthanusual.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You might need to take a step back today and turn your attention inward instead of outward. When it comes to love and romance, don't rush things.Patienceisneedednow more than ever People are much more emotional than usual.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Your mind is like a fine sieve that filters even the smallest details from the whole, Virgo. Nothing escapes your attentiontoday You'rerighton top of the situation whether peoplerealizeitornot.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Youmayfeellikeyou'resitting on a pincushion when it comes to issues regarding love and romance, Libra. Don't be surprised if there's conflict in thispartofyourlife.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

There could be some verbal sparring as you tackle the challengesthisnewdaybrings, Scorpio. Love is on your side. You'll find that as long as you staytruetoyourinnerstrength, you'll come through with shiningcolors.

SAGITTARIUS(Nov22–Dec21)

You may try to explain something with your brain today when the true understanding of the situation comesonlythroughyourheart, Sagittarius. Feel the answer from deep within instead of tryingtodecipherit.

CAPRICORN(Dec 22–Jan 19)

Your mind is especially keen todayYou'llfindthatitcommunes well with your anxious heart. Someone may have recently stepped into your life and now it's time to engage with this persononadeeperlevel.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Bask in each new day, Aquarius. Do your best to spread your sunshine, but don't be surprised if someone challengesthewayyouthink.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Love and romance should be goingwellforyounow,Pisces. Something has sparked the detective in you and you're anxious to probe, inquire, and seek the truth in every situation Your grounded, stable, and practical approach willbeyourgreatestasset.

Held at the Faith Centre Mills also developed “TogetherWeAreStronger,” in Sunrise, Florida, the Yohan Blake, the youngest t h e P e o p l e P r o f i l e black-tie red-carpet affair, man to win a 100m world Organization collaborated sponsored by the Housing title in 2011 and Warren with the University of Fort Foundation of America, not Weir, the 2012 Olympic Lauderdale, aligning their only celebrated exceptional 200mbronzemedalist. vision to prioritize people, i n d i v i d u a l s a n d Mills also coached education, and community organizations within the Raymond Stewart to the This partnership is set to community but also paid Olympic 100m final at the createalastingimpactonthe tribute to luminaries in the 1984 Olympics in Los community musicindustryandsports. Angeles while he was fresh The People Profile

Coach Glen Mills out of Camperdown High Awards 2023 featured an received special recognition School where Mills helped evening filled with for his contributions to the cement a legacy for the entertainment, promising an world of track and field, schoolthatwouldeventually unforgettable experience for along with Consul General be dubbed ‘The Sprint allattendees.

R. Oliver Mair, who was Factory’ having produced The awards ceremony honored with the President’s such luminaries like Leroy encompassed 16 categories, Award. Mills, whose career ReidandRemaldoRose. including “Humanitarian,” as a track and field coach, Mills is currently the “Media,” “Sportsman of the has spanned five decades, coach of Oblique Seville, Year,” and “Courage” developed some of who was fourth in the 100m Awards. finalsin2022and2023. Norman Hemming F o u n d e d b y assumed the role of host for Lecturer/Businessman Dr this grand celebration of Allan Cunningham in 2015, excellence.

New champions Guyana Amazon...

From page 29 leading run-scorer list with 4 8 1 a n d 4 7 8 r u n s , respectively

The full team is as follows:

Saim Ayub (Guyana AmazonWarriors)

B r a n d o n K i n g (JamaicaTallawahs)

Shai Hope (Guyana AmazonWarriors)

Nicholas Pooran (TrinbagoKnightRiders)

K i e r o n P o l l a r d (TrinbagoKnightRiders)

Imad Wasim (Jamaica Tallawahs)

Romario Shepherd ( G u y a n a A m a z o n Warriors)

J a s o n H o l d e r (BarbadosRoyals)

Alzarri Joseph (Saint LuciaKings)

Dwaine Pretorius ( G u y a n a A m a z o n Warriors)

Imran Tahir (Guyana AmazonWarriors)

Pete Russell, Republic Bank CPL’s CEO, said: “It has been another fantastic year of CPL cricket, and we would like to thank the players, franchise staff, fans in the ground and viewers around the world for supporting our tournament again this year We would l i k e t o o f f e r o u r congratulations to the players who have been selected for the Team of the Tournament who have made this another memorable year.”

National fast bowler Shemar Joseph gets bag full of cricket gear from Cricket Equipment Guyana

National Fast bowler Shamar Joseph is ClubinBerbice. the latest talented cricketer to benefit from At a simple ceremony held recently, a gearthroughthe“CricketGearforyoungand cricket gear bag with a full kit including bat, promising cricketers in Guyana”. This was pads,ballglovesetcwashandedoverbyAjay made possible through the kind courtesy of Gainda, owner and Managing Director of the theCricketEquipmentGuyana. Company

According to the owners of the company Young Gainda said that his company is they are very pleased to be a part of the pleasedtohelpthetalentedcricketer development of young national fast bowler Josephrisetofameresultedfromhishard ShemarJoseph. work and commitment. Joseph who once

Joseph, 23 who made his debut for the worked as a security guard gave notice of his national cricket team earlier this year, hails cricketing ability with an unbeaten 67 and from Baracara way up the Canje River, in taking eight wickets at inter county and trial Berbice. He plays for Tucber Park Cricket matchesearlierthisyear (Samuel Whyte)

Rose Hall Community Centre complain of damage to venue and ground following Cricket Carnival Chutney Show ground

By Samuel Whyte

The RHCC is used by thousands of persons mostly for cricket, football, athletics

Whilst some are happy and partying and andotheroutdoorandindoorsports. celebrating Cricket Carnival and Guyana Theclubinareleasestatedthat,“Itbreaks winning the Caribbean Premier League our heart to see the state that the venue was (CPL),youths(bothmalesandfemales)inthe left in. Yesterday our young cricketers were New Amsterdam Canje area are feeling sad unable to practice due the countless broken due to the damage caused to their venue that bottles on the outfield. Majority of the the used for various sporting and social broken bottles were pressed in to the outfield activities. byvehiclesthatwereallowedintothevenue.”

The management team of the Rose Hall “Ourclubnowraisesthequestions: Community Centre (RHCC) and more so the -Who’s gonna make sure it’s safe for kids Cricket Club is not happy The reason is that topractice?

recently a Cricket Carnival Chutney show -Who’sgonnacleanupthevenueandwill was held at the venue. The members are it be safe again? When will the youths be lamenting the damage that was done to the allowedtotrainagainsafely?”

venue and the state that it was left in The club stated that, “Even though it’s followingtheshow good to have such social events, what about

In a post from the club, the members theaftereffect?Whyweren’tbettermeasures spoke about the damage to the venue and put in place such as the usage of plastic pitch and the ground littered with broken cups?”TheRHCChasbeenontherise bottles.

(Continued on page 27)

National Fast Bowler Shamar Joseph receives cricket gear from Cricket Equipment Guyana.

A view of the stage left on the Rose Hall Community Centre ground.

Republic Bank CPL 2023...

CWI President congratulates GAW on being the Champions

Cricket West Indies Romario Shepherd and (CWI) President, Dr GudakeshMotie.”

Kishore Shallow, has The final match, held in extended his warmest Guyana showcased the congratulations to the unwaveringpassionthatfans triumphant champions of the have for the sport. The skill Republic Bank Caribbean and dedication of all PremierLeague(CPL)2023, participating teams and the Guyana Amazon players throughout the Warriors, following an tournament were on full exhilarating tournament and display,makingthesummerfinal held in Guyana on culminating event a Sundaynight. resoundingsuccess.

The CPL is a celebration Dr Shallow also of talent, sportsmanship, and acknowledged the strength theunifyingpowerofcricket o f t h e e l e v e n - y e a r within our region This partnership with CPL, y e a r ’s t o u r n a m e n t saying, “The relationship showcased exceptional between the CPL and CWI skills, dedication, and has been nothing short of teamwork, capturing the extraordinary Together, we hearts and imaginations of continue to elevate fans across the Caribbean C a r i b b e a n c r i c k e t , andbeyond. showcasingourregion’sbest

In his congratulatory talent to global markets, message, President Dr honingtheskillsofemerging Kishore Shallow remarked, talents, while invigorating “I would like to extend my the spirit of the game among sincere congratulations to fans. The Government of Imran Tahir and Guyana Guyana and other host Amazon Warriors, who countries should also be emergedasthechampionsof credited for their continued CPL2023. commitment and support of

Their consistency thisamazingproduct.” throughout the tournament As the champions of the demonstrated the spirit of Caribbean Premier League cricketandthedepthoftalent 2023 celebrate their victory, that exists within the the cricketing community C a r i b b e a n w i t h eagerly anticipates the next c o n t r i b u t i o n s f r o m chapter in the region’s youngsters like Kevlon cricketing calendar, the CG Anderson and Matthew United Super 50 Cup, which Nandu when they got their commences next month opportunities. CWI remains dedicated to It was heartening to also fostering excellence in witness the responsibility cricket and ensuring that our accepted by some of the beloved sport continues to senior players, including inspire and unite the Player of the Tournament, Caribbean and the world. Shai Hope, along with (CWI)

New champions Guyana Amazon Warriors have five named in CPL Team of the Tournament

SportsMax - The atProvidence.

Republic Bank Caribbean The five Amazon Premier League (CPL) Warriors are Captain Imran TeamoftheTournamenthas Tahir, batsmen Shai Hope been announced. The team and Saim Ayub and all has been selected by the TV rounders Dwayne Pretorius commentary panel; Ian andRomarioShepherd. Bishop, Daren Ganga, Tahir was instrumental Samuel Badree, Carlos in leading the Amazon B r a t h w a i t e , D a n n y Warriors to their maiden Morrison and Nikhil CPL title with 18 wickets in Uttamchandani. 13 matches, only finishing

The team includes five behind teammate Pretorius’ members of the Guyana 20 wickets on the leading Amazon Warriors who won wicket-takerchart. their first title on Sunday Hope and Ayub finished with a nine-wicket win over firstandsecondinthe the Trinbago Knight Riders (Continued on page 27)

Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrate their victory on Sunday night.

(CPL via Getty Images)

Mabarumatogetitsfirst-evermultipurposestadium

The announcement Williams said he foresees be “a big plus for us because country has had the of the state-of- many opportunities being facilities in this area are very opportunity to have that,” the-art building established for the young poor So I want to thank him M i n i s t e r R a m s o n

was made on people when the facility is for that too for the young underscored. S a t u r d a y d u r i n g a completed. people,”Brownsaid. The facility, he noted, community meeting “I think the new facility Minister Ramson will allow residents to spearheaded by Minister of will provide a lot of explained that President Dr develop their techniques in Culture, Youth and Sport, opportunities since we Irfaan Ali’s vision is to different sports including Charles Ramson Jr , and don… provide opportunities to futsal, basketball, and Minister of Housing and Herbert Henry of citizensnationwide. badminton. “If you don’t Water,CollinCroal. Kamwatta Village is also “This is going to be the have a facility where you

Construction is expected pleasedwiththenewproject. first of its kind for this could play many other types to start later this year and be “Itwouldbeusefultothe region. In fact, it’s going to of sports, how are you going completednextyear youths and I think we would bethefirstofitskindthatwe to develop those various “It’s 120 feet wide, 140- try our best to make use of are building across the typesoftalent?Itwilljustbe 145 feet long, and it’s about the facility The indoor country, other than region the same thing over and over 36 feet high So it’s a games will be a boost to the four…where we have had again,” Minister Ramson massive facility with no youths in this area since we these indoor facilities that noted. He noted that the supporting columns in the never had something like are known as sports halls or multipurposecentreisoneof centre,” Minister Ramson thatbefore,”hestated. gymnasiums. We have had five that will be built in stated. Another resident, Elton those facilities for decades Regions One, Three, Seven, A resident, Ralph Brown said the facility will and no other part of the Eight,andNine. (DPI)

Powerhousescollideas...

From page 32 Phillips, Jadon Campbell, talents of the Sinclair’s, Sherland Anthony, David Anderson, Joseph, Hetmyer, Williams, Malcom Hobbard, Johnathan Foo, Nial Smith, Wazim Mohamed and Clinton Pestano, Rampertab NormanFredricks

Ramnauth, Anthony Stand by- Ayran Brambletonameafew Persaud, Shaheed Veira, Led by Tevin Imlach, Orlando Jailall, Keshun Demerara will bank on the Tracy Rajendra Ramballi services of; current Test andJoshuaJones. o p e n e r Ta g e n a r i n e H e a d C o a c hChanderpaul while former Nandkishore Andrews, WestIndiesplayersSherfane Manager-YogeshwarLall Rutherford and Chandrapaul Demerara Team- Tevin Hemraj, will help shepherd a Imlach- Captain, Tagenarine young core; featuring Chanderpaul, Chandrapaul Guyana’s future stars in Hemraj, Matthew Nandu, Matthew Nandu, Mavendra Akshaya Persaud- ViceDindyal, Akshaya Persaud, Captain, Mavendra Dindyal, Qumar Torrington and Sherfane Rutherford, Steven others. Sankar, Richie Looknauth, Following Sunday’s Ronaldo Ali Mohamed, opening match, round 2 will Devon Lord, Qumar continueonOctober1stwith Torrington, Floyd Joseph, moreintensecricketaction. BernardBailey B e r b i c e t e a m ; Stand-by: Daniel Veerasammy Permaul Mootoo, Riyad Latif, (Captain), Romario Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shepherd (Vice-captain), Krisna Singh, Brandon Kevin Sinclair, Rampertab JaikaranandLaurelParks.

R a m n a u t h , K e v l o n Head Coach- Garvin

A n d e r s o n , S h i m r o n Nedd

Hetmyer, Johnathan Foo, Manager- Surendra Anthony Bramble, Junior Hiralal

Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, GCB Select XI- Sachin Niall Smith, Shamar Joseph, Singh (Captain), Jonathan Clinton Pestano and Nigel Pampersaud (Vice-captain), Deodat. Raymond Perez, Shamar

Stand-by: Isai Thorne, Yearwood, Joshua Persaud, Z y n u l R a m s a m m y, Jeremiah Scott, Carlos La Johnathan Rampersaud, Rose, Aryan Persaud, Qwesi Mickle, Sylus Kishaun Tracy, Isai Thorne, Tyndall, Suresh Dhanai, Zeynul Ramsammy, Cylus Kelvin Umrao and Demetri Tyndall, Chris Harry, Cameron. UshardevaBalgobin

Head Coach-Julian Stand-by: Shaid Viera, Moore, Manager-Travis Zachery Jodah, Robin Harcourt. Williams,OrlandJailall, Essequibo Team- Kwesi Mickle, Suresh Anthony Adams, Kemol Dhanai.

Savory, Ronsford Beaton, Head Coach- Clive Ricardo Adams, Kevon Grimmond

Boodie, Quentin Sampson, M a n a g e r

Neiland Codugan, Garfield RavindranauthSeeram

Minister Charles Ramson exhibiting a photo of the newly proposed multipurpose stadium to be built in Mabaruma, region one during Saturday’s visit.

GBA to stage Six Head Lewis

National Novices C/ships Sept 29th to Oct 1st at National Gymnasium

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will officially stage the 2023 edition of the Andrew ‘Six Head’Lewis National Novices Championships from Friday, September 29th, - Sunday, October 1st, at the National GymnasiumonMandelaAvenue.

The event, which will feature participation from notable gyms such as defending champion the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Pace and Power, Rose Hall, Vergenoegen, and Republican, will commence on a daily basis at 18:00 hrs.The medical assessment and weight-in will occur on Thursday at the National Gymnasium from 16:00 hrs, a release from the GBA informed.

Dafne Schippers’ race ‘stops here’:

Two-time world champion, hampered by injury, hangs up her spikes

Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis

SportsMax - Two-time decided to take my life off Griffith-Joyner (21.34) and 200m world champion track to pursue and embrace Marion Jones (21.62) had Dafne Schippers, who whatevercomesnext,butnot run faster The Dutchwoman famously chased down and without saying a massive hadearlierrunalifetimebest beat Jamaica’s Elaine thank you for all the endless 10.81towinthesilvermedal Thompson-Herah at the line support.Ithasbeenajourney behind Fraser-Pryce in the in the finals at the 2015 withoutregret.” 100mfinal.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle declared that National Novices Championships is where the sport’s developmental journey it has provided to the sport’s fraternity,” the begins. Named after Guyana’s notable world GBAbossadded. champion, the tournament has evolved into a Meanwhile, Terrence Poole, the nationalscoutingcombinefortheassociation Technical Director of the GBA, said, “This and acts as a conduit and bridge in our tournamentisveryimportanttothegrowthof structured and methodical process. Ninvalle the sport; it’s the beginning stage, where we said, “Each tournament hosted under the identifythetalentsandabilitiesofthefighters umbrella of the GBA is underpinned by its and the potential they have to move forward own unique objectives, and the National in the sport. This is where we earmark talent NovicesChampionshipisanexhibitionofthe for the future. We are expecting a large nation’s potential for the future, which turnout for the tournament from the various continues to indicate a positive consequence gyms. Everyone comes with the intention to given Guyana’s empirical dominance of the win,soIexpectaverycompetitiveevent.” region.The GBAcontinues to emphasize the The championship, which is staged in importance of such competitions, events that honour of the former world champion, who have an enduring importance in the overall unfortunately died on May 4th, 2015, in a framework for the sport. As such, its impact vehicular accident, birthed the journey of and value cannot be questioned, much less numerous of the nation’s leading premier understated, given the influence and impetus amateurpugilists.

W o r l d A t h l e t i c s She expressed gratitude At the 2016 Rio Championships in Beijing, to all who have supported in Olympics, Schippers won China,hasretired. a career that did not quite the silver medal behind T h e 3 1 - y e a r - o l d materialize in the way she Thompson-Herah in the Dutchwoman, who won a wouldhaveliked. 200m, running a time of silver medal in the 100m “My family, my team, 2 1 8 8 S h e w a s a final behind Shelly-Ann my fans, and my sponsors, disappointing fifth in the Fraser-Pryce that year, has youmadeitallworthwhile.” 100mfinalduetoinjury She been plagued by injury over At her peak, Schippers won the 200m world title at the past few years, impairing was among the greatest ever t h e 2 0 1 7 W o r l d her ability to compete at the shortsprinters. Championships and was highestlevel. She set a championship thirdinthe100m.

On Tuesday, she record of 21.63 in Beijing

An adductor injury announcedonInstagramthat after chasing down forced her to withdraw from herracehasbeenrun. Thompson-Herah and t h e 2 0 1 9 W o r l d

“The race stops here,” nipping the Jamaican, who Championships in Doha and sheannounced. ran a then personal best of persistent back injuries

“As an athlete, you 21.66, at the line. Veronica limited her ability to always know this day will Campbell-Brown was third compete internationally for come, that at one point, your in21.97. morethanayear career will be a moment in At the time, Schippers’ She last raced in the time a collection of time was the third-fastest 100m in Belgium in July memories and hopefully ever run over the half-lap 2022 finishing second in her medals Today, I have sprint Only Florence heatin11.37.

Pakistan, USA, West Indies & UAE emerge triumphant in MCW Over 40s Cricket Global Cup’s fifth round

KARACHI: Pakistan: 177forsixin45overs. is trailing at sixth position 34 balls) laid the foundation mounting and the only build a strong platform after United States of America As expected, there was with only three points. UAE with a solid 60-run opening consolation for Canada was winning the toss The (USA) and West Indies an early finish to the game have two points while Nepal stand in little over 10 overs. playingouttheirfullquotaof Australian fought back emerged triumphant over with West Indies reaching has yet not claimed any Rizwan Aslam (47 off 46 45 overs in which they could through medium-pacer theirrespectiveopponentsin the target in just 24.1 overs. point. balls)wascontentinrotating score only 234 Tyrone Steve Leahy (4-37) to bowl the fifth round of league Opener Hemraj Garbarran, Abdul Razzaq, a former the strike while captain Atmaram Persaud remained USA out for 225 in 44.5 matches of the inaugural named Man of the Match, Test all-rounder, made an Razzaq himself took up the undefeatedon61off78balls overs.

MCW Over 40 Cricket wasunconqueredwith71off immediate impact as he responsibility of tearing while Ayaz Ali (47 off 61 T h e A u s t r a l i a n s Global Cup 2023 here on 63 balls with 9 boundaries. came up with Man of the apart the bowling They balls) and Talal Iqbal (39 off themselves struggled with M o n d a y P a k i s t a n West Indies had their best Match performance in his added 96 for the third wicket 55 balls) also gained some the bat while chasing the overwhelmed Canada by 78 opening partnership on tour maiden outing in the to bring the Canadians under batting practice. Part-time target of 226 in 45 overs. runs at National Bank of58betweenGarbarranand tournament Leading the pressure. Hassan Raza (42 leg-spinner Hassan Raza (2- They were undone by the Stadium, USA routed Babwah. Pakistan side, in the absence off 44 balls) and Amjad Ali 50) was the most successful left-armspinofAjaySharma Australia by 77 runs at S h a z a n B a b w a h of skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, (33 off 32 balls) sustained among home bowlers who bagged five wickets for Karachi Gymkhana and contributed (46 off 31 balls) blasted half a dozen sixes the momentum which pressedintoservice. 36 runs while SaqibAhmed, West Indies demolished with 4 boundaries and 3 @ and five fours in his blazing ensured a total in excess of Muhammad Farrukh A m e e r K h a n a n d Nepal by eight wickets at 6s. 43-ball 70 which helped the 300 Ali Farooq, Iqbal declared Man of the Match, Muhammad Farrukh were NBP Sports Complex, while Thereafter Garbarran homesideerectaformidable Kassamali and Sultan Malik ledbyexampletoguideUSA also among the wickets to Hong Kong took on United teamedupwithClementsfor total of 312 for eight in the tookacoupleofwicketseach to a resounding 77-run send the Aussies crashing to Arab Emirates (UAE) in the a 99-run partnership with allotted 45 overs against forCanada. victory over Australia 148 all out in 32.4 overs day-nighter at Moin Khan Clements making (40 off 44 Canada. The stiff target of 313 Scoring 56 off 69 balls, he despite Tim Bot’s 46 off 54 Academy balls) also dominating the OpenersKashifSiddique became tougher when shared a 106-run third balls.

The West Indians faced bowlingattack. (29 off 40 balls) and Junaid Canada lost both its openers wicket stand with Jan Nisar Points standing after 5 l i t t l e p r o b l e m s i n Hosts Pakistan has Khalil Nainitalwala (31 off cheaply Theaskingratekept Khan (52 off 74 balls) to roundsofexcitingcricket: overcoming the winless virtually booked a place in Nepal. Put into bat by the the semifinals by having Windies, Nepal kept losing won their first five matches, wickets regularly at one end earning them full 10 points. while opener Rabin Joshi USA has moved to second waged a lone battle against place in table with seven the bowlers. He made 97 off points, closely followed by 136 balls but lack of support West Indies having six from his colleagues didn’t points. allow them to post a Next on the list are Hong respectable total and they Kong and Canada with five hadtosettlewithabelow-par points each while Australia

Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) 2023 Senior Inter- County 50-Over tournament…

Powerhouses collide as Berbice/Demerara clash at Blairmont Ground

In preparation for the having won the Regional 4- name a few, will represent upcoming Regional Super50 Day tournament and as of theirrespectivecounties. tournament the Guyana recent, the 2023 Caribbean Saturday’s opening Cricket Board (GCB) will Premier League (CPL) title round will see long time bowl off the 2023 Senior won by the Guyana Amazon rivals Demerara and Berbice Inter- County 50-Over Warriors. getting action underway. tournament, starting on Some of those Warriors Berbice will be led by SaturdaySeptember30. who will suit up for their leading wicket-taker in the

f respective counties include; Caribbean, Veerasammy

, Permaul who will have marquee players will be on Gudakesh Motie, Keemo

show as they seek to solidify Paul, Romario Shepherd, Shepherdashisdeputy spots in the Guyana Harpy Kevlon Anderson, Shamar A strong Berbice county Eagles team, which is on a Joseph, Junior and Kevin teamwillalsorelyonthe mission for a clean sweep, Sinclar, Ronsford Beaton to (Continued on page 30)

- Hetmyer, Paul, Shepherd, Motie, Sinclair among stars to feature

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

Junior Sinclair

Gudakesh Motie

Romario Shepherd

Shimron Hetmyer Sherfane Rutherford

BGA proves tough challenge for Guyanese Golfers

The Barbados Golf those from other countries is Open (BGO) the quality of putting since

lived up to its we currently do not have the reputation as one of the same standard of Putting tougher tournaments in the greenstopracticeonandasa Caribbean as it tested the result, we lost ground even skill and class of the though our players were Guyanese contingent, as matched equally from tee to curtains came down last Green.” week. He continued, “There are

Almost 130 pros from 12 no excuses for not countries across the globe performing well but our took part in the 54-hole players earned the respect World Amateur Golf from other countries and we Ranking tournament The will get better as we play in aim was to score points in moretournaments.” order to qualify for the Vice-President of the Caribbean Open scheduled BGA David Philips David, for early 2024 in the “ T h e G u y a n a t e a m DominicanRepublic. performedwell,infactbetter

E v e n t h o u g h 1 2 than expected, and we are G u y a n e s e p l a y e r s impressed by the skills that participated, only one was were demonstrated by all able to secure a top 3 finish. countries leading us to Barbados defended their believe that the standard of honor taking the top spots in play in the Caribbean will the Men’s First, Second, continue to rise and together Super Senior and Women’s with Guyana and Trinidad, categories while Trinidad we have great plans for the dominated the Men’s nextfewyears.”Heended. Championship and Senior Results from the flights. tournament:

According to GGA First Flight: Roy Dhori president Aleem Hussain, 7th Net, 27th Gross; Monnaf who participated in the Arjune18thNet,15thGross; competition as one of the Aleem Hussain 25th Net, 21 Guyanese golfers said, ”I Gross; Rakesh Harry 24th wishtoextendsincerethanks Net,29thGross. to the Barbados Golf Second Flight: Panko Association and Club for SteelRamsundar8thNet,5th their invitation and Gross; Ryan Ramnarayan hospitality 20th; Yoinera Ramnarayan This tournament proved 21st. that the only difference

Ladies: Sabi Dhori 11th between our players and Net;12thGross.

Trophy Stall Night Riders to battle Transport this evening at DCC in U-21 clash

The Trophy Stall Night G a i n d a , N i c h o l a s Riders Under21 will take on Shiopersaud, Vikash their counterparts from Wilkinson, Jagdish Transport Sports Club this Dowlatram, Rudranauth evening in a feature 20/20 Kisoon, Ravindra Samaroo, Cricket match, starting Ariel Tilku, Niran Bissu, 5:30pm at the Demerara Hemraj Harrynarine and CricketClub(DCC)Ground MuneshOutar in Lance Gibbs Street, TransportSquadwillbe: Queenstown. Alvin Mohabir, Riyad Latif, A keenly contested Nehemiah Hohenkirk, game is anticipated between Emanuel Lewis, Dave thesetwoteamsandfansare Mohabir, Myhiem Khan, encouraged to come out and Jeremiah,Hohenkirk, Ryan supporttheseyoungsters. Latif, John Persaud, Trophy Stall Night Stephon Sankar, Shamar Riders will come from: Apple, Brandon Henry, Romeo Deonarain, Aron Samuel Penn, Reyaz Latif Beharry,Arun Gainda,Ajay andAdrianHinds.

From left - Roy Dhori, Monnaf Arjune, Aleem Hussain and Rakesh Harry