Kaieteur News

Guyanesetellcourt...

EPA renewed Exxon’s Liza 1 Permit despite non-compliance with insurance provisions

The Environmental Permit for the Liza Phase One Project explicitly states that Stabroek Block

operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) along with its partners, Hess GuyanaExplorationLimited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited must provide evidence that they, as well as their parent

companies, would cover all costs associated with the clean up of an oil spill offshore.

Basedonthedisclosures of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana has only received insurancecoveragefromthe subsidiaries which stands at US$600Mperoilspillevent.

Discussions are still underway regarding the

guaranteetobehadfromthe parentcompanies.

In light of not being furnished with the evidence that the companies are in compliance with the insuranceprovisionsoftheir permit, two concerned Guyanese have approached thecourtstocompelthemto doso.

Theyarealsocontending thattheEPAshouldnothave

approvedtheLizaPhaseOne Permit until the provisions were fully complied with in theirentirety

The litigants who have filed the case are Frederick CollinsandGodfreyWhyte. Their legal team consists of Seenath Jairam, SC, Melinda Janki, Abiola Wong-Inniss. The case was filedonSeptember13,2022.

The court is being asked

toordertheprovisionoftrue copies of the following: Evidence that the insurer is authorised to provide the insurance in Guyana, evidenceoftheauthorisation of the institution or parent (insurer) to provide insurance, evidence of the insurer’s financial strength, andevidencethattheinsurer has a grade A+ rating assigned to it by the Better BusinessBureau.

They are also asking for anordertocompeltheEPAto fileafinancialundertakingby ExxonMobil Corporation, the parent company of Esso, toprovideadequatefinancial resourcestopayorsatisfyits subsidiary’s environmental obligations regarding the Stabroek Block. This includesliabilitiesassociated with all costs for clean up, restoration, and damages caused by the discharge of anycontaminantaswellasan obligation to compensate all personsaffected

K a i e t e u r N e w s previously reported that the Liza Phase One Permit was amended and awarded to EEPGLonMay31,2022.

ItstatesatSection14that the permit holder must, as soon as reasonably practicable,providefromthe Parent Company or Affiliate companies of the Permit Holder and its co venturers one or more legally binding agreements to the agency in

which they undertake to provide adequate financial resources to cover any environmental disaster they c

indemnified, the agency and the government against all costs

Collins, the current Head ofTransparencyInternational Guyana Inc (TIGI), told the courtthatinAugust,2022,he read in the Kaieteur newspaper, a letter from former EPA Head, Dr VincentAdamsthatEssohad not provided the insurance required by the permit Collinssaidsuchanassertion was too important to be dismissed hence on August 10,2022,hislawyerswroteto the EPA’s Head, Mr Kemraj Parsram,requestingevidence oftheundertakingsbyEsso Hesaidthosedocuments wereneverprovided.

onpage3

TIGI Head, Frederick Collins

EPA Head, Kemraj Parsram

NostudywouldjustifyUS$2B gas-to-energyproject

–Patterson

ByDavinaBagot

“The Government has donenonewstudybecauseif they had done that they would have released it already the reason Government has not done any feasibility study is because obviously I don’t thinktherewillbeanystudy that could justify what they aredoing.”

This is the position of Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, David Patterson who in an interview with Kaieteur News on Monday pointed to some of the critical issues that are yet to be addressed for the US$2 billion gas-to-energy (GTE) project being developed by government and its partner, USoilmajor,ExxonMobil.

Back in 2018, the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) had partnered

with the State to conduct a feasibility study of the plannednaturalgaspipeline. Theprimaryobjectiveofthe study, which was executed by Energy Narrative for U S $ 7 0 , 0 0 0 a n international entity that provides strategic market analyses and advice was to determine the overall feasibility of transporting natural gas from offshore Guyana, building a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) separation plant and a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production plant to market the liquids from the naturalgasstream,aswellas building a new electricity generation station to use the remainingdrynaturalgas.

Notably,atablewasused in that report that was sourcedfromExxonMobilin which the oil company said the pipeline would cost

EPArenewedExxon’sLiza1...

Frompage2

Furthertothis,Collinssaidhislawyers,onAugust17,2022, onceagain,wrotetoParsramaskingforanexplanationofthe stepstakentoenforcetheinsuranceprovisionsofthepermitin theirentirety Noresponsewasreceived,saidCollins.

The litigant, who has now sought redress in the courts, arguedthatanylackofcompliancewiththerequirementsfor financialassurancewouldexposetheagencyandthecountry by extension. Through his lawyers, the TIGI head urged the courtstoprovideanurgenthearingofthematter Thisisnow thesixthcourtcasechallengingExxon’soperations.

US$478 million. Four years later, Exxon estimates that the structure could cost GuyanaUS$1.3billion.

On the other hand, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo explained that the

Government is currently doing estimates for the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant and the power plant to generate some 300 megawatts of electricity for the country These two facilities, he said, can cost Guyana an additional US$700million.

Giventhisheftyincrease in the project cost, stakeholders have been calling for an updated feasibilitystudytoprovethe

project’s viability However, theformerMinisterofPublic Infrastructure explained that when the People’s

Progressive Party (PPP) Government took office in August 2020, it began streamlining the project for Wales,WestBankDemerara in the absence of any new study According to him, “they released five of the studies which I myself commissionedasMinisterof Public Infrastructure when the energy sector was under myremitandallwedidwas pre-feasibility studies to see ifit’spossible.”

In the absence of new studies for the massive undertaking, Patterson

believes the project would merely serve as a “ponzi scheme”. He argued that the Governmentisyettoexplain how the electricity from the power plant would be transmittedtoRegionFour–the energy capital He pointed out, “The last time that they did a submarine cable you know what happened but there’s no comment there’s nothing at

allonthatsoit’sjustaponzi scheme as I always say to enrich people because there are so many other components of it yet to be discussed.”

On the other hand, he reasonedthatplanswerealso announced for the production of Liquified Petroleum Gases (LPG) or cookinggasbutthereisno

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Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, David Patterson

Kaieteur News

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EDITORIAL

Overcoming differences

Atthiscrucialjunctureinourhistory,itisimperativethat weputasidewhatdividesus. Itisbecausewhatdivides,first devastatesus,thenhasthepotentialtodestroyusinthelong run. Wearedelightedthataleaderintheprivatesectorhad strongwordstoshareonthisrecently,whenheinsistedthat now is the time for the PPP/C Government and the Opposition APNU+AFC to mature into solid adulthood if we are going to get what is due to us from our wealth. Recently, one of the more frequent public voices in the Oppositionhassoundedsimilarsentimentswhensheplaced thecommonsenseonthetable. Itisthat“Gettingthemost from our resources must trump differences between Govt., Opposition”-KNSeptember24). Thereisnothingthatwe canaddtothat,otherthanwetotallyagree.

The natural resources that we have currently are plentiful, but they could quickly drain into less than a meaningfuleconomichandful. Naturalresourcesaremostly depletingassets,forastheyareharvested,theydon’treplace themselves. It follows, therefore, that when the natural resourcesgoingisgood,wemustworkourhardesttogetthe mostoutofthem.

OnewaytodosoisforourGovernmentandOpposition to hammer out an understanding that has the primary objective of bringing together our wounded peoples. Our politics have drained us dry for over six decades now, and nowthatwearethisrich,wemustalsopossesstherichness of wisdoms needed to lift us up to meet the challenges that comewiththemassivewealththatisours.

Thereisnochoicereally,ifthiscountryistogetthemost out of its natural resource endowments. Each day that we dragourfeet,resistreachingouttoeachother,wehastenour ownexploitations,andcontributetothem.

ThefirstdutyofExxonMobilandtheotherspresenthere is to their shareholders. DarrenWoods and John Hess, the bosses of ExxonMobil and Hess Corporation respectively know that, and work diligently to fulfilling their fiduciary duties prudently It should be exactly the same outlook, emotion, and energy that power PresidentAli, VP Jagdeo, and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton to deliver on what theyallowetoeveryGuyanese.

The Guyanese people have invested in these local leaders,andtheymustprovethattheyareuptotheteststhat come with these natural resource gifts. We agree with Opposition MP, Ms. Amanza Walton-Desir, that when the PPP/C Government and Coalition Opposition are of one headandheart,“thenthere’snoroomforanyonetocomein, andsetusoneagainsttheother.”

Butthisisexactlywhatforeigncompanieshaveahistory ofdoinginothersocieties,withoilmajorsbeingamongthe leaders in the divide-and-rule camp. We allow them to capitalisefurtheronourdifferencesandwecankissgoodbye totherichestreturnsfromouroilsectorforourselves.

Anyonelookingathowthetworace-basedmajorparties haveoperated,wouldquicklyappreciatethatthiscountryis tailormadeforourlongexistingdifferencestobestokedand heatedupsomemore. Becausewearesopreoccupiedwith bringing down each other, it doesn’t require much of outsiders to inflame existing passions, and make their own road clearer and easier to exploit and to fetch away our riches. The leaders in the PPP/C Government and Opposition Coalition all know this, yet they have not done muchthatistangibletoeasethewarringsidesofthedivide awayfromwheretheyare,sothatwecanbeourownmasters and get what is rightfully due to us. We think that both Government and Opposition must do more. They must go beyond talk, and public postures, about all Guyanese and actuallydothethingsthatshowtheyaresincere,areserious. Weshouldn’tbetalkingaboutdifferencestoday,buthowwe succeededinovercomingthemagainsttheoddsanddespite theeffortsofforeignerstokeepusapart. Itistimethatthe PPP/C Government and the Coalition Opposition walk the talk,makegoodonwhattheyowetheGuyanesepeople.

Good news that we are closer to getting a Law School

DEAREDITOR, On a personal front, I their reception to Guyanese Law, Law of Evidence,

On Tuesday, September remember being a student at lawstudentsattheairport-I Status Rights & Obligation, 27, 2022, I read a letter

The Hugh Wooding Law remember being treated Criminal Practice & addressedtoyouintheLetter SchoolmyselfasaGuyanese discriminately and unfairly P r o c e d u r e , a n d writers’Column of the daily student there around 2000, at the Piarco one day upon ConstitutionalLaw KAIETEUR NEWS, and from my experiences, I arrival. The Officer even WhenIhadwrittentothe captioned ‘A.G. and team can personally say on the took me in a vehicle to Port A.-G. complaining of the landedagreatbreakthrough’ recordthefollowing: of Spain at the Canadian shabby, unfair, and byH.Singh. a) Landlords were Consulate offices to verify unwarranted treatment by H. Singh stated that the exploiting tenants from mypassport’sauthenticity,a t h e L a w S c h o o l initiative had been heralded Guyana,StLucia,Dominica, learned Canadian official Administration while and outstandingly and Grenada, and in a big toldhimhehadnorighttodo studying at the law school spearheaded by the way The despicable so, and was then left at the metedouttoGuyanese,Idid Honorable A G , Anil landlordschargedexorbitant Consulate to struggle in a notevengetareply Nandlall, accompanied by rentsforshabby,highlyover- strangecountrytogetbackto I knew the Honorable Kamal Ramkarran, and Teni priced, pest-infested, poorly my destination, so out of Minister had received my Housty, Senior Counsel and constructed and/or touch with reality letter because it had been Attorneys at Law, ventilated units. Complaints Trinidadianswere. personally delivered to him respectively, in traveling to occurred, oral or written- d)Theteacherandback- by the Honourable Chief meet with the Council of Landlords often times uptutorslecturinganddoing JusticeCarlSingh,S.C.who Legal Education Officials, became offensive, rude and Tutorials in Civil Practice had been visiting the and to make a final unfair to the students, and and Procedure in bothYears Campus one day while in breakthrough in the some could not care less of 1and2werealltotallyoutto Trinidad and Tobago on establishment of a Law the tenancy laws as some lunch, and the majority of someotherbusiness,asIhad SchoolonGuyanasoil. took a high handed Guyanese students, in my given him the letter in the It pleases me [well] to approach Indeed, some humbleview,wereallplaced LawSchoolLibrary havelearnedthatthecurrent studentshadtoresorttocourt in situations of braving the f)ThedawnofthenewJ Guyanese Government has to seek redress. I remember storm to pass that subject. O F Haynes Law School, a seen it fit to extend to the onesuchstudentwhowentto Thefocusandmainthrustof terrific name yes, but in my Council free land in Guyana courttosolvehisissues,Mr all materials given to view, ought to be named the tobuildaLawSchool,andas RonaldBurch-Smith,former students as handouts was ‘Anil Nandlall, Senior H. Singh rightly mentions Guyana Bar Association totally on the jurisdiction of Counsel, Law School’ , for “deservingofaccolades.” President,aclassmate.

Trinidad and Tobago I what this gentleman has

Ialsofeelthisisfantastic b) The law school remember having to choose done for Guyana - Because news and quite big. I must Administration was Trinidad and Tobago surely none of this would say when one sets up an disconnected from the lives jurisdictiontodomywritten have happened without his InstitutionofLearningwhen and welfare of overseas assignmenton,duringYear1 sterling and undaunting one passes, much blessings students, so much so that becauseofalackofmaterial desire to see the long from the Almighty will still whenever representation in the library to digest in overdue law school built. accumulate in one’s good wasmadeabouttheirplights order to hand in a basic Basedonwhathehasdone,I books. while living and studying in decent factual or research can safely postulate that,

By getting involved in a neighboring country, answer Guyanese Law Grads the building of such a Law nothingcameofit.

e) Students had to resort coming out of U.G., have School on Guyana soil, Mr Overseas students were tothematerialbeingbrought been extended an olive Ramkarran, Mr Housty as left to address all the issues in from Guyana and their branch.Idon’tenvythem. wellasMr Nandlallareallin or matters confronting them home jurisdictions and from YoursFaithfully, for blessings as the years personally without personal resources to Mr.M.ShabeerZafar unfold as students continue assistance. enhance their knowledge in (barrister solicitor and using the facilities provided c) The Trinidadian at least these following Notary,retired) in that Institution of Higher ImmigrationAuthoritiesand subjects’ areas: Legal N e w B r u n s w i c k , Learning. officials were very nasty in Drafting,Landlord&Tenant Canada

UG should be advocates for oil renegotiation to get more money, not promote rum drinking

DEAREDITOR, ( H i n d s , H u n t e r , much,butIhavetobeharsh instability and breakup, etc.

There is little more R a m ) , ” B r i n g d e here, since UG taught me So, no one from the UG anyone can add to Mr Rum”(D’Hitman & Bunji criticalthinkingtoo. Board, Administration, or Christopher Ram’s letter, “I Garlin),“BringdFireWater” Among the five Faculty thought that in a am profoundly disappointed (Neeshandhitman),etc. accredited degrees I earned country where rum drinking at the celebration of alcohol I am a proud University a r e a d e g r e e i n takes a high toll on our by UG’s administration,” of Guyana graduate a few sociology/socialwork,anda people,thatbeingassociated (SN, Sept. 26, 2022). Dr times and was a lecturer at Master’s Degree with a in promoting rum sales for Gary Girdhari, a UG both the Turkeyen and concentration in substance DDL is a bad thing? Were graduate, had also Berbice Campuses The abuse counselling theyalldrunkonElDorado? commentedonthis. foundationthatUGgaveme Therefore, I am very How about folks at the UG’s job is to counter a helped me to serve around saddened that UG and its Sociology/Social Work decadent culture of rum the world. I was involved Foundation would stoop so Department–noobjections? drinking as is celebrated in along with Dr Frank Deena low to be involved in How about the UG Student these popular songs: “Rum in sending two 20 foot promoting rum drinking to Society sleeping? How TillIDie”(AdeshSamaroo), containers of books – one to raise funds for sports about all the churches and “Rum In The Morning” the Berbice and one to the facilities, library, and Preachers/Pandits/Imams in (Bunji Garlin), “Every Day Turkeyen Campus. Food for auditorium It is well Guyana-notoneofthemhas A h D r i n k i n M e h the Poor helped with established that rum thevoicetospeakout?How Rum”(PooranSeeraj),“Rum shipping. I gave copies of drinkingishighlycorrelated abouttheMinisterofHuman In Meh Veins” (Ravi B x books I co authored and with crime and violence, ServicesandSocialSecurity Jahllano), “Rum Is Meh other books, and arranged road accidents, workplace who is also a pre-eminent Lover”&“AhDrinka”(Ravi computerdonationsfrommy absenteeism, domestic Hinduleader–no B),“BringABottleOfRum” church I love UG very violence, and family (Continuedonpage5)

Incremental Faux Pas

DEAREDITOR, programme–applicabletoall

Once more GuySuCo monthly/weekly paid seems to be in a state of employees. befuddlement, with specific If so it would have been regardtoitshumanresources helpfultoconsultcolleagues, management decision including the Chief making–apersistentlyeffete Industrial Relations Officer, process. who is now (posthumously)

The relevant Head of burdenedwithastalemate,if Department does not appear not repercussion to be tohaveanyknowledgeofthe addressed In any case Corporation’s longstanding commonsense dictates that, annual performance howeverurgent,the a p p r a i s a l (Continuedonpage6)

No easy game from here

DEAREDITOR, the other two qualifying encounter Tuesday morning Nor did the play of GAW

The letter ‘Focus on teams(SLKandJT),butasa automatically enters the Besides, Shakib and losing cricket entertainment not result of its NRR it was finals, while the losing team fivewicketsinitsquesttothe past immigration sentiment’ relegated to position four on hasasecondchance,playing target,theotherbatterswere (KN September 27) made the points table. GAW came the winner of the SLK/JT not very impressive. In the somepointsIfeelcompelled topositiontwoonthepoints encounter on Wednesday endthewinwasachievedoff to give my take on. Let me tableafteritswinonSunday evening.

a wide, an anti-climax to preface this missive by evening, having amassed Thatiswhyitistoutedas what promised to be an statingclearlyIhavenogreat elevenpoints. having ‘two bites of the excitingencounter knowledge of the game Intheseshortenedformat cherry’. But Guyana won that (can’t tell short leg from a NRR is what it ultimately I agree with the writer game and the qualifying googly) justanenthusiast. comesdownto. that the game in general encounter between the two

UG should be advocates for oil...

First off GAW was in Ofnotethetwosidesmet between GAW/BR on sides on Tuesday was position four going into its inthefirstqualifyingplayoff Sunday evening was eagerly watched with great Sunday evening game on Tuesday morning, while lackluster on both sides. For anticipationandexpectation. against BR, even though it JT and SLK met in the ateamstandingatthetopof From here on it will be no had nine points along with secondqualifyingplayoffon the points table and already easygame. Tuesdayevening. qualified, their performance Regards, The winner of GAW/BR did not reflect that position. ShamshunMohamed

Frompage4 corporate taxes for the oil education is to make us qualms about our national companies, and who thinks change agents. We need the University promoting a it’s a trick question when youthsatUGtoriseatsucha product that creates asked what percentage of time as this and lead the problemsforherMinistryto royaltyandprofitsharingwe nation. solve? should get that would be How can you sit by and

Minister of Education – better than what the PNC allow our Government to nothing? Bishop Edghill – signedaway facilitatethegiveawayofour nothing? Inter Religious I suggest that the UG oilresources,andUGhasto Organization – no moral community becomes the promote rum to provide conscience there? The strongest advocates for a better libraries, sports Opposition – nothing? In renegotiatedoilcontractthat facilities,andauditoriumfor dealingwithaddictionssuch would ensure we have you? as alcoholism, “messaging” enough money to create a It’s our wealth, our is important, and UG is strong, state of the art, nation, our future,our sending all the wrong innovative university children’s future, and we messages to school children Emulate Lecturers Dr Troy mustcare. and the nation in this Thomas and Sinikka Henry Wake up, UG! Do the marketing venture of DDL’s andstandupforgoodcauses. rightthing,andpulltheplug alcohol. Right now, UG seems on your rum drinking

That a national oblivious of urgent issues in endorsement! universitymustpromoterum theenvironmentthatrequire As a good corporate sales to raise money, when attention and commentary citizen, DDL would be education is the most fromitsintellectuals. nationalistictostillgiveyou important investment in this The academics and the money, and not require stage of our national and students have become so you to violate your high economic development, is docile when they should be standards. simplypathetic. leading the Movement for Sincerely,

But I noticed that the Renegotiation of the oil Dr.JerryJailall Government despite talking contracts. The purpose of UGAlumnus about “local content” seems to have created a parallel university system and outsourced the GOAL scholarships to foreign entities, when that programmecouldhavebeen designedtodevelopboththe Berbice and Turkeyen Campuses.

Therewasnotawhimper fromUG.Weboastofbeing the country with the highest economic growth, and here our University must beg for donations while we allow Exxon and friends to ship away the bulk of our oil income.And we have a VP whosaidhedoesnotsupport

Revocation of fitnesses for minibuses, but no details

DEAREDITOR, Editor, there are still Over time, some seats

Ithasbeenbroughttomy many lawless issues deteriorate in such a attention that a few regarding minibuses and it condition, that they become minibuses fitness have been amazes me to see many still flexible, bending forward revoked. working on the roads. I and backward, and when

I have been looking to always wonder at what passengers’ weight is see the reasons for such extreme they went to obtain pressed, the seats would tilt action, but there have been theirfitness.Mostminibuses backward, causing nodetails,justpicturesofthe are purchased with locally discomfortandpaintothose minibuses-some, seemingly built seats, and the seatedbehind. colourful, which I presume constructionoftheseseatsis In addition, some would tobewrapped. veryflimsy have bolts and screws

I presume the hired PR The seats are somewhat protruding, which cause officials for the Guyana uncomfortable and physical and material Police Force are responsible compressed, making it very damage to commuters, for the press release and are uncomfortable for someone without any proper form of wondering why they sitting, especially for a long compensation except a rare conveniently omitted the journey apology details,whichtomyopinion, In addition, the seats are The reckless driving is would have been very somewhat thin, and in many another issue, but hopefully, informative to the public, cases, you are practically the security cameras would whowouldhaveassistedthe sitting on the iron seat, with assistinthefuture. GPF by reporting similar just a thin sponge, probably Regards, cases. 1/2inch. SahadeoBates

Guyanese had Burnham magic earlier, now they will have to live with Exxon-PPP sorcery

DEAREDITOR, Granger and the PNC. riskwithwhatevernewideas PPPandVP. Government.is a creeping Vincent Adams tried his

I hear the word Downandout. Inobedience may percolate in his head In Guyanese lingo, the form of that dreadful word hand, indirectly, and down renegotiation swirling to American influenced (renegotiation,forexample). Ambassador’s coded beginning with an ‘n’, he went.Regardless of how around Guyana like a fever, political physics, when the After all, this business of message to DC was ‘doan whichis the enemy of free analyzed, or viewed, the causingmuchsweating. The PNC went down, the PPP renegotiation, or the slow tek wurreez.’ It’s how the enterprise. Considering all contract between Guyana thought is that renegotiation rebounded to where it is amendingofitsprovisionsis real world operates, folks. this, the 2019 pushback on and Exxon, is like the Hope is now more like a shroud today nothing but a creeping form WhenGuyanesethoughtthat royalty through that diamond.Go near it or touch tightening us in a vise that Faustian bargain or not, of contract reengineering by theygotfreeandfairwas,at amendment does confirm it, and the Fates intervene. could mummify this nation. there is not a snowball’s another name, through the the core, freedom from fear that both parties today, the The VP kn

this, The PNC (Coalition) tried a chanceinhellthattheVPor painstaking steps of for Exxon about any dratted PPP Government and notwithstanding his chatter thingwithroyalty,anditpaid the PPP is going near piecemeal amendments, contractrenegotiation. Exxon,cantaketothetable, aboutnewmodelsandPSAs. dearly renegotiation; or the leading to step by step For skeptical Guyanese, come up with what is better Whateverhecomesupwith, That is, the door The substances of such. The contract erosion. Royalty Itenderacompressedprimer for Guyana The 100 lb would have been proofread PPP knows this, and is darned thing is dangerously addendum is the precedent. on oil. Revisit 1954 and skunk in the room, for the before by Exxon. To make determined not to go electrified. Itiswhythebig Itisabadmuddah. Iran, then Libya, last PPP and VP to contemplate clear:before. Guyanesehad anywhere near all these chief hems and haws, TheAmericanshadtodo Venezuela, and Mossadegh, is what happened to those Burnhammagicearlier,now

something, and there was Gaddafi, and Chavez who interfered with that they will have to live with renegotiation. What’sgoing gymnastics, found a calling just the officer on duty for respectively Check what contract, where they are Exxon-PPPsorcery on? Reallyhappeninginthe

happenedtoallofthem. The today Grangerisgone. Sincerely, headofthemanthatmatters, gyrations. The VP’s head Ambassador Lynch, like common thread was and Rod Henson is gone GHKLall meaning, the Hon Vice and heart have hardened: no HenryKissinger,shuttlingto remains oil, and I urge President? renegotiation, buddy Thus, the then Opposition Leader, Guyanese to connect the

He knows that Former he signals Texas and now Guyana’s leading dots. Imagine if Cheddi President, David Granger Washington:don’tworry,be oilman. The oil contract is Jagan was around and touched the 2016 oil happy,alaDr Jagan. theissue,what’stheanswer? Guyana discovered oil. He contract, and forced Exxon My point is that Exxon It was an offer that the wouldhavehadachoice,be toamenditeversoslightlyin hadaproblem. WhenExxon Opposition Leader couldn’t aPutinoraRasputin. Asthe 2019, and look what he got has a problem, it is refuse Guyana got Yankees would say, same for his troubles. Tamper America’s problem. Who democracy, Exxon received difference. with that sacred repugnance knew what Granger would it much sought after T o e m p h a s i z e , (contract), and political do next with the contract. guaranteethatthecontractis renegotiation, as measured curses cascade Just ask Who was prepared to take a safe, in good hands with the by Exxon andthe US

Amerindian cultural revival needed

DEAREDITOR, In contrast, in Guyanese thisplanet.

culturalgroup.

Amerindian leaders are society Amerindians live in It is a cultural Amerindian culture may aware of the critcisms from varying numbers in all 10 phenomenon which we be on the decline in some variousquartersonthelevel administrativeregionsandto cannot escape given the quarters to be honest, due to of support given to a great extent live, eat Guyanacontext. our unique Guyanese Indigenous culture behave as the social group It therefore requires an culture, but Amerindian Personally,asawriterIhave within which they find understanding approach, Interest groups need to be noqualmsaboutcriticismas themselves. given the context; a pro-active, united in the call longasitisaccompaniedby This is understandable supportive stance for the forculturalrevivalgroupsin hintsofsolutions. giventhesocialdynamicsof sake of preserving our every Amerindian

In a society that is oursociety Indigenousculturalheritage. community throughout homogenous, quite unlike Nothing remains static, That in itself may bring Guyana to withstand the Guyana,peopleeatthesame not to mention our cultures, reciprocity from the decline, and aid in food, speak the same no matter what we do and governmentofthedayinthe preserving of our cultural language, attend the same howmuchwerantandrave. formofsupporttoestablish, heritage. churches and listen to the Thisisasocialphenomenon in each region, an Yourstruly, samemusic,etc. that impacts any culture on Indigenous heritage or JosephC.Atkinson

Incremental...

Frompage5 an agreed formula after situation demands a change structured performance of ‘policy’ that cannot appraisals has not been remain in insolation. On the honouredbytheindustryfor contrary it demands a sometime, due to the historical review that would insufficiency of funds – a provide the background for constipative situation of arguingaprincipledcasefor w h i c h G AW U h a s introducing an exceptional reasonablycomplained. applicationforconsideration But now the Union, who by the Board of Directors appears to have not been first.Foritfollowsthatmore previously notified, must be collaborative minds would confusedastohowtoexplain quickly enquire whether the this discriminatory action to executive management team comparable categories of had been previously employees throughout the consulted about the industry But then why is it premature action, and its e x p e c t e d t h a t t h e possibleconsequences. repercussions could not

Itisquiteobviousthatthe reasonably be contained application of a decision in from all other supervisory respect of any one situation and managerial levels could affect the whole across-the-board – where in corporation, moreso for the fact the whole issue should future. It is true that the bethoroughlyventilated. justifiable payment of Regards, incrementsnormallypaidon E.B.John

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Too many Pretenders!

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Each human being is uniquely designed- thumb print, eyes and all.

To complement our respective personalities, we have talent – talent which once mastered can help us to reach the pinnacle of who we are meant to be.

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However, this is near impossible for some since there are those who complain about having mediocre talent, others who are convinced they have no talent and thus prefer to master other people’s talent.

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Instead of striving to own what the Creator gifted them, far too many people are sadly endeavoring to rewrite the script for their lives.

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The world would be a much better place if more people opt to be themselves rather than flood the world with far too many pretenders.

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Withrapidpaceofoilproduction… IMF urges Guyana to address institutional weaknesses, diversify economy

diversificationoftheeconomy

The IMF made the foregoing remarks as part of its concluding statements for its 2022 Article IV ConsultationwithGuyana.

The International Monetary Fund(IMF)predictsthatwithrapid pace of oil production in the Stabroek Block, Guyana is expectedtogrowby57.8percentin 2022.Inlightoftheextenttowhich oil accounts for this, the financial institution urged that there be greater efforts towards addressing institutional weaknesses and the

During an Article IV consultation, an IMF team of economists visits a country to assess economic and financial developments.

They discuss the country’s economic and financial policies withGovernmentandcentralbank officials. Their officials also meet with parliamentarians and representatives of business, labour unions,andcivilsociety

Theteamreportsitsfindingsto IMF management and then presentsthemfordiscussiontothe ExecutiveBoard,whichrepresents alloftheIMF’smembercountries. AsummaryoftheBoard’sviewsis subsequently transmitted to the country’sgovernment.Inthisway, theviewsoftheglobalcommunity and the lessons of international experience are brought to bear on nationalpolicies.

In its concluding statement, IMF Directors noted that oil production has increased significantly In fact, they said the GrossDomesticProduct(GDP)for

oil is expected to grow over 100 percentin2022(withjusttwoships in operation), and by about 30 percentonaverageperyearduring 2023-26.

Furthermore,theIMFteamsaid oil production has the potential to transform profoundly Guyana’s economy since overall real GDP growth rate is projected to be 57.8 percentin2022.

ItwasalsonotedthatGuyana’s commercially recoverable petroleum reserves is expected to reachover11billionbarrels,oneof the highest levels per capita in the world The officials said the

magnitude of the oil wealth could help Guyana build up substantial fiscalandexternalbufferstoabsorb shocks while addressing infrastructure gaps and human developmentneeds.

Nevertheless, considering the potential challenges related to volatility in global oil prices and effective management of natural resources, they highlighted the needforcontinuedprudentpolicies and structural reforms to avoid buildup of macroeconomic vulnerabilities.

Theysaidsuchanapproach

on page 13

The President should distance himself from Jagdeo’s remarks

The fisherfolk who are jurisdiction and this record of success in public CARIBE agreement. But theshadowsofJagdeo’sown diplomats, not political each receiving a fishing explicitly stated in the diplomacy. It should be Venezuela opposed the failedinitiatives. hacks who understand little grant of G$150,000 should fisheriespolicy. recalled that one of the establishment of a space The President has an about the practice of be very circumspect in Whatever agreement biggest diplomatic failures launchcentreinGuyana,one obligation, indeed a duty, to diplomacy. If that fails, cheering on Vice President, Guyana has signed with was his Middle Eastern of Jagdeo’s pet projects distance himself from the CARICOM should be asked Bharrat Jagdeo if and when Surinamedoesnotenjoythe diplomacy. During the whichfailedtolift-off. threat of possible retaliatory to intervene diplomatically he throws another tantrum bindingforceofatreaty But globalfinancialcrisishehad Jagdeo was awarded action hinted by Jagdeo inresolvingthedisputewith against Suriname Their if Jagdeo or anyone else for made sojourns to a number with the title of ‘Champion against Surinamese Suriname. Inthemeantime, interestsstandtobeaffected thatmatterfeelsthatitdoes, of Middle Eastern countries oftheEarth’forhiseffortson companies. This sort of talk Guyana should make by any belligerence on the they could seek to enforce it including Kuwait, Libya, climatechange. by Jagdeo will scare away attempts to repair the part of the Government of attheCCJundertheRevised SyriaandJordaninthehope But after the failure at investors, not just from damage done by Jagdeo’s Guyana. TreatyofChaguaramas. of accessing investment and Copenhagen, where he was Suriname but from further intemperate remarks The

If Suriname decides to But the Guyana financing from sovereign hoping that greater progress afield. It is for the President countryhasmuchtogainand get serious, they can Government is not going wealthfunds. would have been made to to put some space between nothing to lose in keeping permanently preclude down this route. It knows This mission ended up monetize standing forests, himself and Jagdeo’s him as far away from this Guyanese fishers from thatthoseagreementswhich being one of the grandest Jagdeo’s international star tantrumsonthematter issueaspossible. fishing in their waters. No it signed do not create the foreign policy failures. It is pitched.

A ne

d of (The views expressed in one should get carried away rights to fish in Surinamese noticeable that Irfaan Ali is Irfaan Ali is seeking to diplomacy, minus Jagdeo this article are those of the with the false impression waters The control of attempting to resurrect most reignite this issue again. He and his threats, should be author and do not that somehow Suriname has fishing in Suriname falls of the failures of Jagdeo, too will fail because his invokedandshouldbeledby necessarily reflect the toprovidefishinglicensesto

including Middle Eastern foreignpolicyisoperatingin some of Guyana’s seasoned opinionsofthisnewspaper.) Guyanesefisherfolk.

diplomacy,revivingregional

It is absolute nonsense Governmentofthatcountry agriculture and seeking for anyone to suggest that Without directly coming climateadaptationfunding. because of the CSME, out and saying so, Jagdeo is Jagdeo knows a thing or Guyana has a right or implying that diplomatic two about failed diplomacy legitimateexpectationtofish efforts to resolve the fishing When Suriname expelled in Suriname’s waters? No licenses’ controversy were from Guyana’s waters, a such right or expectation protracted and had failed. vessel contracted to CGX exists and if it were, then Anyone with an iota of from Guyana’s waters, Trinidad and Suriname understanding of diplomacy Jagdeo’s efforts at resolving fishers could come and fish however would appreciate the matter diplomatically in our waters and we would that diplomacy takes time, failed. berequiredtofacilitatethis. considerable time and ought He was forced then to

T h e C a r i b b e a n tobegiventimetosucceed. take the matter to the Community Common It is ironic that while InternationalTribunal of the Fisheries Policy, not the claiming that diplomatic Law of Sea Convention CSME, makes provision for efforts had yielded little which after many years member states of the gains on the matter that finally ruled in Guyana’s Community to enter into JagdeohadsaidthatGuyana favour fisheries agreements would take this matter to Jagdeo had better luck including to provide fishing CARICOM. Is taking the withVenezuela.Anumberof opportunitiesintheirwaters. matter to CARICOM not important agreements were But any such agreement is partofdiplomacy? reached including the subordinate to national Jagdeo has a mixed signing of the Petro

Dem boys seh...

Today some people gat fuh find excuse!

Guyana’s Amazon Warriors four-game and ask dem where dem went yesterday winning streak come to wan end yesterday Dem boys waiting fuh hear de excuse wah DeBarbadosRoyalsgivedelocalfranchise someahdemganmek. asoundthrashing.Wasawake-upcallfuhde It mek dem boys remember de story of Warriorsfuhtekstockahdemweaknesses. deboywahbinabsentfromschoolfuhthree DeWarriorshowevergatasecondbiteat weeks. When he finally turn up, de teacher decherry Demcanstillgetindefinals.But ask he, “Why didn’t you come to school in dem gat fuh win dem next match. And dat yourfirstweekofabsence?” alsonatganbeeasywithoutdetwelfthman– De boy answer, “Ah brick fall on my deardentfanswahdoesbeshoutingsupport grandma and we had to take her to de andwavingflagsfromdesidelines. hospital.”

Yesterday, de crowd nah bin as big as De teacher ask he, “What about de before. Because de match play during de secondweek?” daytimeandnuffpeoplehadfuhwuk. De boy reply, “Ah brick fall on my Dem boys bin glad fuh see how suh grandpa and we had to take him to de much people put wuk ahead ah de cricket hospital.” because at de end of de day is de wuk wah Deteacherask,“Andthelastweek?” doesputbreadponyuhtable.

Deboyanswer,“Ahbrickfallonmydad

But some people put de cricket in front andwehadtotakehimtodehospital.” ah dem wuk. Nuff people report sick or Deteacherask,“Sowhatwereyoudoing refuse to go to work. And all in a losing alldistime?” cause.

Deboyanswer,“Iwasonderoofofmy

De implications of dem actions gan be houseplayingwithbricks.” madeknowntodaywhendembosscalldem Talkhalf,leffhalf.

Whiteman country, Guyana and human frailties

ournalist, Leonard Itheninterjectedtomake in the world. In fact, the must be in place to confront c a t c h t h e Gildarie and I for mypointaboutthatvaluable situationissoinsanethatthe it This is where post defaultersandseize more than two dimension I resorted to theory about the traffic colonialignorancecomesin. their motor cycles

J months now have philosophy to make two chaos in Guyana is in WeintheThirdWorld(TW) and have the police been doing a thrice weekly points.Onewasthatmanyof conflictwithoneofthegreat since decolonisation love to mechanicsreadjustthe programme on social media the great philosophers have theoriesofanthropologythat criticise the Whiteman. We exhaustsystemandthe

Othernationsarecopingtitled The Gildarie-Freddie emphasised the inherent Iaccept. are always carping on what fines that are levied against with their manifestation ofKissoonShow IfIwasasked flaws or the congenital Mostpeoplewhostudied theWhitemandidtouswhen themmustbehigh. evilandGuyanamustfollowwhichamongthelot,IfeelI defects of humans. Perhaps psychology and philosophy heruled.

Remove the noise their example. The trafficsaid something more the three best outlines of tend to believe that of the But the Whiteman is nuisance function of the insanity is beyond belief inphilosophical that typifies those frailties were Niccolò two genders, women are far gone and the Whiteman is police force and create a thiscountry.ConfrontitwithwhoIam,then,Iwouldsayit Machiavelli, Thomas more civilised, caring, doingthingstobringgreater special noise nuisance unit draconian measures.waslastMonday’sitem. HobbesandArthurKoestler compassionate, and loving comforttohiscitizenswhile in the Ministry of Home Remove the silly fines forThe guest was long Thesecondonewasthat than men. But the traffic we,intheTWcontinuetobe Affairs. The police are too serioustrafficoffences. s t a n d i n g c r i c k e t the philosophers since monstrosity in Guyana uncaring, apathetic and hard pressed and have Constantly monitor thecommentator, Naim Chan. ancient times (particularly knocks that theory from off ignorant. Take the motor vehicle shortage to tackle violations on the road withDuring the interview, Plato) have argued that its pedestal Women in cycle noise nuisance in this noise pollution. Secondly, the ubiquitous surveillanceGildariesaidsomethingthat because of human nature Guyana drive as crazily as country too many police ranks are cameras and through themade me recall my young (Freud did not accept the men. Itissomethingthatcould just not interested in GRA license department,academic days devouring conceptofhumannaturebut I explained to Gildarie be stopped immediately confrontingtheproblemand knock doors the nexthard to read philosophy still saw humans as that yes the fault is with the Motor cyclists are adjusting thus will not go to the morning and haul thetexts. essentially faulted crudedriverbutGuyanahas theirexhaustsystemtomake location. defaulters in front of theAngry with the traffic creatures),youneedsystems to recognise what the a very loud sound. That Other countries are courts.Humansmustpaytheinsanity that is killing inplacetobringoutthebest philosophers have sound is unbearable to confronting their evils, and penalty for endangeringGuyana, Gildarie put the in humans and systems in advocated since ancient peoplewholistentoit.Here Guyana must do the same. society I do not support theproblematthefeetofterrible place that would punish times – the mechanism of iswhatFrancehasdone.The On the show, I mentioned abolition of the deathhumans who behave humans for being sub enforcement Karl Marx French authorities have whattheUSAdidalongtime penalty-period!recklessly While his point human Hobbes’ seminal wrote that the philosophers installed noise recording ago.IfyougototheUSasa (The views expressed in was correct, and essentially work, The Leviathan is have interpreted the world; machines with cameras on baby and at age 60 you this article are those of the so, there was a valuable superb philosophy in this thepointistochangeit.

the lantern posts commitacrime,onceyoudo author and do notdimension to his theory that respect.

InGuyana,werecognise Prosecutionthenfollows. not have US citizenship, if necessarily reflect theforms an integral part of the Guyana has most the traffic insanity and the In Guyana, there should convicted you will be

opinionsofthisnewspaper.)perspective. definitely the worst drivers mechanism of enforcement be daily road exercises to deportedtocountryofbirth.

FrederickKissoon

Local Content in evil state can inflame tensions, fuel lopsided distribution of wealth –NYLawyerwarns

ByKianaWilburg

The PPP/C Government has been praised by stakeholdershereandabroad for its swift approach on institutingtheLocalContent Legislation. This document ensures Guyanese and their services are respected and prioritised in the oil and gas sector

Even as one commends the Government for such a move, there are some concerned actors who are urgingauthoritiestonotlose sightofthedarksideoflocal content.

Specifically raising this point was New York based Attorney-at-Law, Dr Vivian Williams. In a four part series published by online media site, ‘Demerara Waves’, Dr Williams was keen to note that local content is not merely about retainingalargechunkofthe economic pie from petroleumproduction.

He alluded that it is also about avoiding certain key loopholes that could encouragewealthinequality In this regard, the lawyer

warned that local content could be used as a mechanism to ensure lopsided distribution of wealth to politically connected persons and groups.

Withthisinmind,hesaid Guyanese authorities ought to be mindful of local contenteffortsmarchinginto thedarkside.

Dr Williams said countries that ‘invoke the demons of local content, create an economic geography with the filthy rich in gated communities that meander through abject poverty.’Headdedthatwhen it leads to economic hegemony by an ethnic group in a plural society, local content is a self destructive ticking time bomb.

Toavoiddarksideeffects oflocalcontent,heappealed thatthelaworpolicymustbe carefully drafted, and most i m p o r t a n t l y, t h e enforcement mechanism carefullyconstructed.

In its current construct, Dr Williams holds the view that Guyana has not armed

itself with the legal mechanisms that would allowforrobustenforcement of the law Dr Williams holds the view that the law has weaknesses which studies of other countries bearing similarities have found contribute to corruption, linkage patronage, economic hegemony of groups associated with the controllers of political power,andseethingangerof thosewhoareleftoutandleft behind. He is of the belief thatthesearetheingredients ofthe‘resourcecurse.’

Dr Williams is also concerned that the Local Content Secretariat is under the complete control of the Minister This he believes is a grave error The Lawyer argued that autonomy and independence ought to be givenfullytotheSecretariat. He said this is needed for effective enforcement over private enterprises, particularly in areas that impactcompetition.

The Lawyer said countries that deviate from this model have often times, been plagued by corruption, anti-competitiveeffects,and

marginalisation of political opponents.

Taking this into consideration, he believes it would be wise for the Government to re-examine such state of affairs in the interest of avoiding the taint and animosity from charges of political control and victimisation.

In an invited comment, Dr Williams told Kaieteur News that his commentary should not be misconstrued as being against the spirit of the legislation. In fact, he is infullsupportofit.Hedoes believe however that there are better ways to achieve theobjectivesofthelaw

Dr Williamssaid,“First, I do not argue against local content I believe local content is a good and necessary step. Every major country in the world implemented some form of localcontentatsometimeor another So, to be clear, it is not my view that Guyana should not implement some formoflocalcontent.Tothe contrary, I argue that the presentlawisnotadequately designed to protect and

promotelocalcontent.”

To adequately protect and promote local content, the Lawyer said emphasis shouldbeplacedonastrong local nexus and not merely citizenship that is remotely connected to the local economy

“I agree that the local contentlawhasincreasedthe value of Guyanese citizenship, so I don’t disagree with anyone who sharesthatview.Myviewis that there should be a distinction between local content-whichshouldmean homegrown, as against Guyanese content which may not necessarily be homegrown, given the requirements for Guyanese citizenship,” expressed Dr Williams.

He said the law’s focus oncitizenship,presumesthat Guyanesecitizenshipequals local content which is not necessarilythecase.Hesaid this is where it opens the door for “creative c o m p l i a n c e ” t h a t undermines the law’s noble goals.Dr Williamssaid Continuedonpage15

NY-based Attorney-at-Law, Dr. Vivian Williams

IMF urges Guyana to address institutional weaknesses...

Frompage8

would ensure inclusive growth and intergenerational equity, as well as address structural weaknesses and climate challenges.

Furthermore, the Directors said they welcomed the significant decline in public debt and the authorities' commitment to maintaindebtsustainability

They also praised the government's restraint in using oil revenues before the passage of the recent amendments of the Natural Resource FundAct and encouraged continued prudent management of oil revenues.

The Directors, however, called for moderatelyrampinguppublicinvestment.

They also encouraged the authorities to

continue improving the targeting of social spending.

Importantly, the IMF Directors praised Government for its commitment to fully implementing the recently strengthened Anti Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework,whileencouragingfurtherefforts in this area, in particular to strengthen the

regulationofdigitalpayments.

The IMF officials, in conclusion, commended the authorities' progress in strengthening Guyana's anti corruption framework and fiscal transparency and encouraged continued progress on implementation of the recommendations provided by the Extractive Industries TransparencyInitiative(EITI).

Man on electric motor bike killed in accident with truck

Hawatt Greenidge, a 45year old man of Lot 15 D’Urban Backland, Georgetown lost his life on Monday after he was struck down and ran over by a truck around 21:25hrs on Monday along Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

A police report revealed that, at the time of the accident, Greenidge was riding an electric motorcycle in a southerly direction in the easterndrivelaneonMandela Avenue, when a truck, GZZ 850, driven by 40-year-old Fazal Mohamed, tried to overtake him During this attempt, the left rear wheel of the truck collided with Greenidge’s motorcycle, causinghimtofalltothe Continuedonpage15

The truck that was involved in the accident

Govt. putting measures in place to strengthen non-oil economy

– Min. Singh tells diaspora in Canada

The Government of Guyana will use the current period of oil production to invest in the things that are necessary to ensure longterm growth and well-being for all Guyanese, while putting measures in place to reduce dependency on the commodity

This stretches well beyond the oil era, and will create the necessary development to build a sustainable future for Guyanese.

These sentiments vocalisedbySeniorMinister intheOfficeofthePresident with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, over the weekend, were detailed in a Government release.

Dr Singhwasatthetime speaking to members of the diaspora at the Guyana Consulate in Toronto, Canada, where he delivered the keynote address at the CanadaGuyanaChamberof Commerce’s (CGCC) InauguralGala.

He acknowledged the remarkable contributions that each person in the diaspora has made to the advancementofGuyana.

TheSeniorMinisteralso pointedoutthatGuyanaison

a fast paced track to economic growth, citing the most recent 56 percent estimated growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), whichmakesGuyanaoneof the fastest growing economiesintheworld.

Although Guyana is still in the early stages of oil production, Dr Singh said the PPP/C Government is alreadylookingahead.

“Not two years, three years, four years, but looking far down the road and contemplating what arethethingsthatweneed todonowtotransformour country,toensurethatthis growth is not dependent only on oil; because as you know, oil can be $140 a barrel, orit could be $18 a barrel,”hestressed.

Since Guyana is an oilproducing country, Minister Singh expressed hope that the price of oil remains strong However, the Governmentunderstandsthe volatilityofoilproduction.

“We are living in a world where fossil fuels also have a finite life. You know that you live in Canada. You know the agenda for Net Zero, you know the push for clean energy. You have already

Man on electric motor bike...

Frompage14 roadway. Within seconds the wheel had crushed the man’s head.An ambulance from the national emergency response service was summoned to the scene and a doctor who responded pronounced Greenidge dead at around 21:42hrs. His body was identified by family members and was later transportedtotheMemorialFuneralHomewhereitawaitsa postmortemexamination.

However, it was revealed that the truck driver only became aware of the tragedy after the driver of a motor car whowitnessedtheaccidentfollowedhimandbroughtittohis attention.

Police who were summoned to the scene arrested Mohamed and a breathalyzer test was carried out on him whichgaveanegativereading.Mohamedwasalsoserveda noticeforintendedprosecutionasaninvestigationcontinues.

LocalContentinevilstate...

Frompage12

Guyanese across the world should have an opportunity to participate but that participation should be premised on a strongratherthanasuperficialnexustothecountry

Dr Williamspositedthatmostpeoplewhoareexcitedby theLocalContentLawaredrivenbyitspromiseandintent. However,Dr Williamssaidlawsarenotevaluatedbasedon such notions. It is their likely and actual effects that should formthebasistoassessalaw,heexpressed.

Itisontheforegoingpremisehesoughttowarnthatthe Local Content Law is, perhaps, not properly designed to achievethegoalsitsetsouttoachieve.“Thosewhoareloud in its support, take for granted that the goals of the law wouldbeachieved. Mycautionis-thatdreamwouldnot bearealitywiththepresentdesignofthelaw.Therefore, it should be thoroughly reviewed and amended to produceamoreeffectivedesign,”Dr Williamsconcluded.

participated in that transition.

“And so, we are committed to ensuring a strong non oil economy, investing in the necessary thingstoensurethatweare not an oil dependent country, where without oil we have nothing else,” he said.

TheMinisterwas Continuedonpage22

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh addressing members of the diaspora in Canada

Emergency works to commence shortly on deplorable Santa Rosa Primary School

Following protest by teachers and parents over the deplorable state of building ‘A’of the Santa Rosa Primary School, the Ministry of Education announced plans to shortly commenceemergencyrepairstothebuilding.

Frustratedatthecurrentstateofthebuilding andthatitposeadangerforstudents,theparents andteachersonMondaygatheredinfrontofthe Region One Regional Education Office to protestovertheschool’scondition.

In light of the protest, officials from the MinistryofEducationinGeorgetownresponded byengagingwithparentsandtheParent-Teacher Association (PTA) in a meeting on Monday afternoontodiscussawayforward.

Sharing details about the meeting, the PTA Chairperson, Ms Donna Henry told this publication on Tuesday, that the officials from the Ministry promised to have the building repairedandthatworkswillcommenceshortly

The Chairperson explained that the Santa Rosa Primary comprises of three buildings, building ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’and that the building thatisindireneedofrepairsisbuilding‘A’.

She shared that Grades One, Two and Five studentsareusuallyhousedinthatbuildingand those are the ones seriously affected. Henry explained that at the meeting it was decided to have building ‘A’close until it is fully repaired. In the meantime, the students who usually occupy that building will be relocated to other classroomsintheothertwobuildingsandthata shiftsystemwillbeputinplace.

The PTAChair had told this publication on MondaythatlastweekaPTAmeetingwasheld withparentsandraisedconcernsaboutthe Continued on page 22

Building ‘A’of the Santa Rosa Primary School in Region One that is in dire need of repairs (Photo Credit: Moruca RDC)

The deteriorating condition of the school building (Photo Credit: Moruca RDC)

Govt. hands over $5M cheque construct benab at St. Ignatius

- reiterates commitment to advancing Amerindian development

Prime Minister

Mark Phillips on Tuesday handed overa$5millionchequeon behalfofGovernmenttothe St. Ignatius Village for the constructionofabenab.

The Prime Minister madethepresentationtothe U

Essequibo (Region Nine) village after delivering the opening remarks at its HeritageDaycelebrations.

Duringhisspeechatthe St Ignatius Community Centre ground, he re emphasised Government’s unwavering commitment to

Amerindian rights and development,aDepartment of Public Information releasestated.

“

Government that remains committed to supporting your heritage, you have a Government that respects youasourfirstpeople,anda

development under the concept of ‘One Guyana,’ bringingdevelopmenttoall your communities here in Region Nine and across Guyana.”

TheSeniorGovernment Official stated that as Guyana’s development enters a new and rapidly expanding phase, the G

committed to including Amerindiansinthenational developmentagenda.

“We took an early decision that the revenue from oil will be utilised for the development of all the peopleofGuyana.Itdoesn’t matter whether you live on the coastland or whether you live in the hinterland, development must come to youandyourcommunity.”

Moreover,intheareaof ICT, he told residents, “We are addressing the whole issue of ICT connectivity because it is our plan, our desire,tohaveevery

Scenes from the Heritage Day celebration at St. Ignatius

$200k bail each for reporters who attempted to extort money from businessman

The two reporters who

Charged: Alex Wayne

On Monday, the Guyana Bess was implicated after Kaieteur News had attempted to extort money Police Force (GPF) issued a Wayne and Eleazar were on reportedthattheduo–Gary from a businessman made wanted bulletin for Fridaylastcaughtinasting- Eleazar and Alex Wayne –their first court appearance businessman Dorwain Bess, operation attempting to said to be employees of onTuesdayandwereplaced 45, of Lot 162 Rupa Place, extort money from an auto GNN, were reportedly the on$200,000baileach. BelAirPark,Georgetown,in dealer for the removal of a authors of the story which

Charged is Alex Wayne, relation to a defamatory ‘news story’ published on was used in the alleged 49, of Huntley Village, publication. the Guyana News Network attempt to extort cash from Mahaicony, East Coast

According to reports, (GNN)Facebookpage. theautodealer Demerara and Marlon Gary Eleazer, 41, of Lot 159 Da Silva Street, Newtown, Georgetown.

Theduoappearedbefore Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court They were slapped with two counts of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony Contrary toSection33oftheCriminal Law(Offences)ActChapter 8:01.

Charged: Marlon Gary Eleazar

The first charge states that betweenAugust 27 and September 23, 2022, at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, they conspired together and with other persons to commit at Lusignan, East Coast Wayne and Eleazar defamatory libel against Demerara, they conspired deniedthechargesthatwere Afras Mohamed with intent together and with other read to them and Magistrate to extort the sum of persons to refrain from Azore placed them on $150,000fromhim. publishing a libelous article $100,000 bail on each

The second charge against Mohamed with the charge.The matter was then alleges that betweenAugust intentofextortingthesumof adjourned to November 1, 27 and September 23, 2022, $150,000fromhim. 2022.

7 new COVID-19 cases recorded

bringing the total number of Ministry’s dashboard, five

confirmedcasesto71,322. persons are in institutional

Tuesday reported The cases were recorded isolation and 74 are in home that the within the last in three Regions: Region isolation. assessed 24-hour period,

Two

1, Region Three

Todate,atotalof69,962 total of seven new COVID- andRegion

personshaverecoveredfrom 19 cases were recorded,

thevirus.

Political consensus needed on large projects

Op p o s i t i o n

Leader, Aubrey Nortonhasmade itclearthattheAPartnership for National Unity + AllianceForChange(APNU +AFC)Coalitionisreadyto work with the incumbent People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government for the developmentofthecountry

The Leader was at the time responding to a question while appearingon aCanadianradioprogramme when he explained his position on partnering with theIrfaanAliadministration. He told ‘Shabnam Radio’ that for the Opposition to meetwiththePPPitmustbe in the context of good governance.

Norton also said, “You can become involved in engaging a Government but there has to be political m a t u r i t y a n d a n understanding of the issues youhavetodealwith.”

To this end, he made it clear that he would not engagethepartyunlessclear parameters have been identified prior to the meeting For one, he explained that the

OppositionandGovernment should particularly meet to discuss “a clear vision for Guyana” Secondly, he believes the two groups should consider a plan to achieve this vision in which “wemustagreeonthethings thatallofuswanttosee.”

In this regard, Norton explained that he does not agreewithonepoliticalparty making a decision on a projectthatexceedsacertain value.

According to him, “I do not believe in Guyana that projects over a certain

amount of money, the decision should be made only by the incumbent Government and on obtaining Government one of the things I will do, and I’ve said this publicly, is for ustositanddecidethemajor projects should have some amount of consensus so that when the Government changesyoucancontinue.”

In making his case, the leader noted that failure to consult on large scale projects can likely end similar to that of theAmaila Falls hydropower project.

This venture was first conceived by the PPP but when the former Coalition took office in 2015, it was abandoned as the party believed there were not enough studies to prove its viability Similarly, Norton told the radio host that presently,theGovernmentis pursuing a Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project again in the absenceofproperfeasibility studies and thorough discussions. He said “it’s likely to end up the same way Amaila Falls end up (and)Ihopenot.”

Norton went on to share with the host that the Opposition has been using Parliament as a means of forgingdiscussionsonmajor issues such as insurance or fullliabilitycoverageforoil spills, however discussions should not just be limited to thisforum.

Moreoverhesaidthatthe Parliament has not been responsivetotheconcernsof the Opposition, as it has clearly stated in the past

“you will have your say and wewillhaveourway.”

As such, Norton pointed out “if a Parliament isn’t responsivetotheOpposition concernsthenitisreallynot aParliamentinthetruesense of a democratic institution and that is where the problemlies.”

Overthepastfewweeks, stakeholders have been calling on Government and Oppositiontoworktogether, specifically to help propel thecountry

Trinidadian Energy Strategist, Anthony Paul during an appearance on Kaieteur Radio’s “Guyana’s Oil and You” said if the policy leaders on both sides of the divide are busy fighting each other then the real issues as regard getting more value for the country and protecting it from abuses, are left on the back burner

He said companies love nothing more than to see politicians more concerned with fighting amongst

hemselves as opposed to workingasonetodefendits people.

A P N U + A F C ParliamentarianandShadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amanza Walton-Desir also holds the view that getting the most value from the extractive sector is an exercise that must trump all

ifferences between

G

overnment and the politicalOpposition.

Only Tuesday, this newspaper reported the viewsofcivilsocietyactivist and accountant Nigel Hinds whoexpressedtheviewthat the country’s two main political parties are too caught up in their ways rather than coming together forthebenefitofthenation.

He said it was time that they band together and demand to renegotiate the oppressive Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that Guyana currently has with the ExxonMobil consortium operating in the

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton responds to a question during his interview with ‘Shabnam Radio’

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Govt. hands over $5M cheque construct...

From page 18 village, every community connected so that you can do business, you can communicate, you can benefit from the GOAL scholarships and programmes you want to benefit from, via the internet.”

Furthermore, the Prime Minister told the audience

that among the many initiatives being implemented for their benefit are indigenous communities’ land titling and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

He also noted that efforts to bridge the digital and energy divides are ongoing while stating that hinterland

education, health, and infrastructure are being repositioned to help eliminate inequalities and ensure Amerindians continued development. Prime Minister Phillips was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Mignon Bowen-Phillips and the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, the Pauline Sukhai.

Emergency works to commence shortly...

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From page 16 school. Flowing from the discussion at the meeting, they decided to take action on Monday. She mentioned that for months, the headmistress of the school would write in her monthly reports to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) that the school is in dire need of repairs.

According to Henry, what she learned was that there is a $19.5 million allocation put aside to repair the school,

which the RDC promised to use to do the necessary renovation, but to date nothing was done.

“We have some major issues there where there is major overcrowding of the school, we have some children admitted to register and they cannot attend school because the school doesn’t have space for them.

Another issue is that the building is a very, very old building – the floors are rotten, we have a serious heat

problem that resulted because the building does not have ceiling and there is no proper ventilation,” she explained.

Henry added that just before schools reopened earlier this month, some minor repairs were done to the building by the RDC.

She stated that what had prompted them was that the school’s of ficials had planned not to open the school if the issues were not fixed.

Govt. putting measures in place to...

From page 15 accompanied by GO-Invest’s Chief Investment Officer, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop.

He thanked the CGCC on hosting the Inaugural Gala and Fundraiser event and commended them on all of their achievements since their establishment, noting that the Gala presents an excellent opportunity for both

Guyanese and Canadian companies to forge ties and accelerate the deepening of investment and trade relations between the two countries.

Also, he made note of the special relationship that exists between Guyana and Canada, grounded in shared values including commitment to democratic governance, and highlighted Canada’s role in

the protection of Guyana’s democratic credentials during the March 2020 General and Regional Election.

High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana and Suriname, H.E. Mark Berman, Chairman of the CGCC, Anand Beharry, other members and other board members and officials were also present at the event.

No study would justify US$2B gas-to-energy...

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From page 3 information available that suggests how this gas would be transported or stored. Given the flammable nature of these products, Patterson is adamant that the necessary preparations must be made with detailed studies guiding the process.

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In addition, the Shadow Oil Minister said, “How are they going to store the gas because you know the pipeline has to be down at least two or three days every year just for routine maintenance so how are they going to store the gas onshore to keep these plants running?

All of these things come out in a study but they haven’t even done that or said they are going to think about it or whatever it is but they are going ahead.”

Moreover, Patterson noted that Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) or ExxonMobil Guyana has been very skillful in only opting to take responsibility for the pipeline. “They have

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skillfully withdrawn themselves from what happens after the gas gets onto shore because I think they recognise the risk for them as a global company. So all they will be doing is saying to the Government of Guyana here is the gas in this pipeline, we will build it and take back the money but when the gas comes to shore there are so many other risks involved but Exxon should know that they will still be liable,” he said.

In pointing to some of the dangers associated with the natural gas brought to shore, the former Minister stated that if there is an explosion at the Wales site, a thorough study would identify the areas that can potentially be affected, as well as highlight measures that must be taken to evacuate citizens if necessary.

Additionally, Patterson explained that there is no plan of how equipment would be mobilised to respond to a gas related disaster.

The Shadow Oil Minister in pointing to yet another factor that underlines the need for more studies into the project told Kaieteur News that there is no information that explains the environmental damage that can be caused by an explosion at the Wales site. He contended, “These are all the things that should be studied in a holistic way.

“We need to think about the mobilisation of equipment because the bulk of our firefighting equipment are over at Region Four so therefore if you are going to call up additional emergency personnel where are you going to get them from because there is a weight restriction on the Demerara bridge so they can’t come over filled with water so they would need to go over and get water before they arrive at the emergency site,” he noted.

We need to know what can happen, how you would prevent it and how you can treat it and all of this is supposed to be done before you are given a permit. If there is an explosion, what is the radius that would be affected? These are the things we want to know. Are the residents of Wales outside of the explosion blast? If not, what precautions do we have to take? What insurances do we have to have in place to cover these people?”

Sex abuse allegations spread against cheerleading industry

Premier Athletics receivedreportsinlateMayor June,butthecoachcontinued to access the gym as recently asthismonth,accordingtothe boysinthelawsuit.

Firm against well known coachesinSouthCarolina.

An adult coach sexually assaulted teenage boys at Premier Athletics, according to allegations in a federal lawsuit filed in Memphis that is similar to a previous complaint against Rockstar CheerinSouthCarolina

In both cases, attorneys say leaders at Varsity Spirit, which runs competitions, and the U.S. All Star Federation, the country's cheerleading governing body, failed to provide a safe environment for athletes The lawsuit, brought anonymously by two teenage boys and one boy's mother,allegesthataPremier Athletics coach sent nude pictures and masturbation

videos and instigated nonconsensual sexual acts. The coach has not been charged, and The Associated Press is not naming him. USASF did not immediately respond to an email request seeking comment In a statement to the AP, Premier AthleticsKnoxvilleWestsaid it was “inaccurately implicated” in the lawsuit, in which the majority of the allegations are said to have occurred before current ownership purchased any gyms.

In the statement, Premier AthleticssaiditheardJune26 from an athlete who reported receiving inappropriate photos from the coach According to the statement, Premier suspended the coach and immediately made a report to local law enforcement and USASF, neitherofwhomsubstantiated the complaint. Premier fired the coach, according to the statement Premier said it heard Sept 18 from one athlete that another athlete had a “physical relationship” with the coach After reporting that allegation to local law enforcement and USASF, Premier said, it did not contact the alleged victim's family to avoid any accusations of interfering withaninvestigation.

In a statement to the AP, Varsity Spirit said it is outraged that “predators took advantage of cheerleading programs to abuse innocent children” and rejected accusations that it enabled such behavior Varsity Spirit added that it never received reports of suspected misconduct and has not owned Premier Athletics or any other gym since August 2021.

Even after USASF added thecoachtoitsineligiblelist, the boys allege, he continued to participate in private lessons with minors on the gym'spremises.

In a July message, the coachtoldoneoftheplaintiffs thatthegymmanagertoldhim he would not be fired, according to the boys in the lawsuit.Also in July, USASF sent the coach a report notifying him of the allegations. That same week, theboysallegeinthelawsuit, the coach worked at camps run by the Universal Cheerleaders Association, which was established by Varsity founder Jeff Webb, and remained a Varsity representative. The boys say in their lawsuit that USASF and Varsity endangered athletesbyfailingtoreportthe misconduct to local law enforcement.

At a news conference Tuesday, the plaintiffs' lawyers said that “insular” systems within the cheer industry make it difficult for athletestoreportmisconduct. These institutions, the lawyers said, have set up an intentionally convoluted process. Lawyers noted that local gyms must become USASF members to participate in Varsity competitions.

“Varsity and the companies that it empowers have an endowment that is funded on the backs of these athletes,” attorney Jessica Fickling said. “The athletes andtheirfamiliespaycopious amounts of money to ensure that this sport continues.And forthatmoneytheyaregiven apromisethattheyaregongto besafe,thattheenvironments that they cheer in, the gyms andcompetitions,willbesafe. And yet, those environments are ill-equipped to handle thesekindsofallegations.”

Lawyers with the Strom Law Firm said Tuesday they are aware of other potential victims and seek to expedite this case.AttorneyAlexandra Benevento said the allegations are part of a greater “culture of oversexualization in cheer.”

Attorney Bakari Sellers also said he prepared documents this weekend for an unnamed federal agency The lawsuit comes toward the end of a month that has disturbed families within the cheer industry after similar accusations from plaintiffs represented by Strom Law

“Thisisnotjustsomething that happens in Greenville,” Sellers said. “This is not just something that happens in Knox County This is something that's happening allaroundthecountry.”

Picsaveascheerleading Attorney Alexandra Benevento, center, speaks with reporters during a news conference announcing a cheerleader abuse lawsuit filedinTennesseeonTuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, in Memphis, Tenn.

(APPhoto/AdrianSainz)

( A P ) S p r a w l i n g allegations of abuse against cheerleaders reached Tennessee on Monday in a case that escalates the accusations facing some of thesport'stopinstitutions.

Attorney Alexandra Benevento, center, speaks with reporters during a news conference announcing a cheerleader abuse lawsuit filed in Tennessee on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Adrian Sainz)

F1 to double number of 'sprint' events to six next season

(BBCSport)-Formula 1 will double the number of 'sprint'eventstosixnextyear

F1 and the teams had agreedtotheincreasebackin April but confirmation had been delayed by new FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The FIA had asked for time to assess the impact of the increase on its staff, claiming that the extra shorter 'sprint' race added to theirworkload.

But an agreement has now been reached and on Tuesday the FIA's World Council voted to accept the increase.

The races at which the

sprint events will be held in next year's record 24-race calendar have yet to be confirmed.

'Sprint' events differ from a standard grand prix weekendbyholdingashorter raceonSaturday,theresultof which sets the grid for the grandprix.

The starting order for thesprintissetbyqualifying, which is moved to Friday afternoonfromSaturday

F1 has data from the first two seasons of sprint eventsin2021and2022that shows that the sprints boost bothtelevisionaudiencesand income,andmanyorganisers areinterestedinhostingthem

attheirgrandsprix.

But Ben Sulayem pushed back against F1's plans saying he wanted to "evaluate the impact of the proposal on its trackside operationsandpersonnel".

Several senior sources told BBC Sport that he initiallyaskedF1topaymore moneytotheFIAinreturnfor agreeing to the increasesomething the FIA has denied.

In the end, F1 has not paid the FIA any more in return for its acquiescence, BBCSporthasbeentold.

BenSulayemsaidinan FIA

We concluded a thorough

Wednesday September 28, 2022

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19

What'shappeninginyour community today that attracts crowds, Aries? A parade? A festival of some kind?Somefriendsmaywant youtogowiththem,butyou hesitate for many different reasons.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You may be too free with your money right now, Taurus You're usually careful with it, but the spirit of generosity and abundance isdefinitelyuponyou.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You usually love to talk, Gemini,butrightnowyou've probablyreachedyourlimit.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Have you been indulging intoomanygoodies,Cancer? You might feel under the weather because of all this abundance You probably shouldtakeiteasy

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

It has been said that you can never have too many friends, Leo, but today you mightwonderifperhapsyou do. Your phone could be ringingoffthehook.

Asmallgatheringofsome kindcouldattractyouandyour family tonight, Virgo. Perhaps you will arrange to meet some friendsthere,ifpossible.Youmay feelgoodjustbeingoutwiththose youlove,butyou'relikely to be tiredbytheendoftheevent.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Too many phone calls may be on the agenda today, Libra.Youmightalsohavea few last-minute errands to run in your neighborhood. It won't be easy, probably because of unexpected delays,closuresandtraffic.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Someone close to you may not be totally honest. This person could be avoiding telling the truth or hidingsomethingfromyouin ordertoprotectyou.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Generally, you're a very sociable person, Sagittarius, and today you won’t want to slowdown.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You and other members of your household might suddenly decide to do one

cleaning,Capricorn.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Career interests may be short circuited by gossip, rumor, and office politics. Someone has an agenda and isn't likely to care too much abouttheeffectonothers'lives ofanyunderhandeddealings.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

A lot of creative work may need to be finished by today, Pisces If you're professionally involved with writing,adeadlinemayloom It couldbedifficulttogetitdone becausefamilymembersand

analysis on the impact of additional sprint sessions, and have adjusted relevant parameters of our work to ensure that they continue to be regulated at the very

Cars on the grid before the warm up lap of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix - Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain. (Reuters)

highestlevel.

"S

s provide an exciting dynamic to the race weekend format and have proven to be popular over the past two

seasons - I am sure that this positive trend will continue andampleasedthattheworld motorsportcouncilhastoday givenitsapprovalforthemto goahead."

F1 president Stefano Domenicali said: "I am pleased that we can confirm six sprints will be part of the Championship from 2023 onwards, building on the success of the new format introduced for the first time in2021.

"The sprint provides actionacrossthreedays,with the drivers all fighting for somethingrightfromthestart onFridaythroughtothemain event on Sunday - adding more drama and excitement totheweekend.

"Thefeedbackfromthe fans, teams, promoters, and partners has been very positive and the format is adding a new dimension to Formula1,andweallwantto ensure its success in the future."

The dispute over the sprint events is one of a numberofcontentiousissues this season that have eroded trustbetweentheFIAonone sideandF1andtheteamson theother

F1 and the teams are concerned about the way the sport is being run, with the latest example being the controversy over the failure to restart the Italian Grand Prix after a late safety-car period.

This has followed concerns over a number of other issues, including: a clampdown on driver jewellery and underwear; a dispute over circuit safety at the new race in Miami; a delay in the publication of new engine regulations for 2026, which some sources believe played a role in Porsche's deal to join forces with Red Bull collapsing;

intervention in the row over cars'bouncing'thisyear.

Warriors looking to come back strong tonight

ByZaheerMohamed

best,"headded.

angladesh and

BGuyana Amazon Warriors all rounder Shakib Al Hasan said they will be looking to bouncebackstronglytonight (19:00hrs) following their 87 run loss to Barbados Royals in Qualifer 1 of the HeroCPLT20onTuesdayat Providence.

The win took Barbados Royals into the final, while the Warriors will play the winner between St. Lucia Kings and Jamaica Tallawahs.

(This game took place lastnight).

Speakingwiththemedia, Hasan stated that they are capable of bouncing back andshowingtheircharacter

"We want to come back hereshowourcharacterthat isonethingIbelievethatcan happen in our team, we can come back from any situationandwewilltryour

The Warriors leaked 56 runsinthepower-playovers and Hasan said that they needed to pick up wickets upfront and they didn't do thatinthisgame.

"We have been bowling really well in powerplays and have been picking up wickets, but we did not do that today (yesterday) and this is one area we need to lookinto.

Whether bowling or battingweneedtostartwell andifwegetthemomentum going and with the crowd behindusitwillbeaneasier gameforus,"herevealed.

The Warriors won the toss and opted to bowl, but Hasan believes that wasn't therightdecisionbecausehe felt setting a good target would have been a better planforthiscontest.

“Weshouldhavebowled first;wedidn'tlookgoodon thefieldaswell,becausewe obviously didn't bowl and

bat well, but we have a second chance to get things right tomorrow,” the experienced all rounder pointedout.

Hasan conceded 22 runs and took one wicket from three overs while he was dismissedforone.

He made mention that t

languishing at the bottom of the points table when they arrived home for the final phase and to come out with four straight wins was very satisfactory

“We know where we were and to reach this far it showsourcharacter,"Hasan related. Hasan also credited Rahkeem Cornwall for his knockof91.

Since the start of the Caribbean Premier League T20, the Warriors are yet to lift the coveted prize, but have the distinction of f

a

championship game on five occasions.

Spain snatch dramatic win over Portugal to advance

(BBCSport)-AlvaroMoratagrabbed a dramatic winner as Spain beat Portugal inBragatoqualifyfortheNationsLeague Finals.

The ex-Chelsea striker scored in the 88th minute from close range after Nico Williamsheadedtheballintohispath.

Portugal only needed a point to advance and had chances to score but Liverpool's Diogo Jota and Manchester United'sCristianoRonaldobothmissed.

SpainwillbejoinedinJune'sfinalsby Croatia, Italy and the Netherlands, who areexpectedtohostallthegames.

PortugalbeganthenighttopofGroup A2 and will be wondering just how they failedtobooktheirplaceatnextsummer's four-nationtournament.

They had won the inaugural competition in 2018-19 and were the

better team for most of the match in northern Portugal.

AnexcellentpassfromManchesterUnited's Bruno Fernandes was collected by Jota, who shotatgoalbutwasdeniedbyafineone-handed savebySpaingoalkeeperUnaiSimon.

The hosts continued to create the better opportunities with Fernandes hitting the sidenetting and Ronaldo having a shot blocked by Simonearlyinthesecondhalf.

SubstituteWilliams,whoplaysforAthletic Bilbao, made a difference for Spain and twice hadeffortssavedbyDiogoCosta.

But the Portugal goalkeeper was beaten with only two minutes remaining when Williams' header went past him with Morata hooking the ball into the roof of the net from close range.Spain were runners-up in the NationsLeagueFinalsin2021andnowhavea chancetowinthetournamentinJune.

Shakib al Hasan delivers during Qualifier 1 of the 2022 Hero CPL. (Photo credit: Zaheer Mohammed)

Ronaldo had chances to score a goal to take Portugal to the Nations League Finals but could not convert the opportunities. (Getty Images)

- Shakib Al Hasan

ByZaheerMohamed

Trinidad and Tobago Knight Riders opener Colin Munro said that its disappointing that they didn'tmakeittotheplayoffsofthis year'sHeroCPLT20,buttheywill comebackfightingnextseason.

Speaking with the media following their 37-run loss to the Guyana Amazon Warriors on Saturday night at Providence,

Munro stated that they knew they had to come out fighting.

“We knew we had to come out tonightandplaysomegoodcricket, I thought we started alright but we endedupbehindtherunrate.Ithas beenoneofthosegamesthatdidn't goourway,”headded.

Knight Riders finished at the bottom of the table with seven points and along with St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots with eight points have failed to qualify for the playoffs which commences today

Munro says TKR will come back fighting next season

am not making excuses, we were beatenbybetterteamsthroughout,” herelated.

Munro feels pacer Shaaron Lewis is a good prospect and believes that as long as they can staypositivetheycanbounceback strongly

“Mostofthebattersbecausewe haven't score enough runs played differently,butIcameoutandtried tobepositive,gotadecentstartand gotabitofluck.

But as long as we stay positive and we can enjoy our time off the field.

AsectionofthecrowdatGAW versusTRKmatchon SaturdaynightatProvidence. (ZaheerMohamedphoto)

Munro, who made 30 against the Warriors, noted that its one of the seasons that didn't go well for them. “It's one of those seasonswherewegotourselvesina positiontowin,butwelostacouple ofwicketsanditdidn'tgoourway Championship teams don't always win, we will come back fighting nextyear,”heposited.

Heexplainedthatthepitchwas good for batting, but some of the battersdidn'tgetgoing.“It'sagood pitch this year with good carry It's unfortunate that Russell hurt himself and couldn't get going and Pollardaswell.Heledfromfront,I

TKR skipper, Kieron Pollard, gestures towards the Warriors supporters during the GAW versus TRK match on Saturday night at Providence. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Golf History made by Guyanese students at CSEC

or the first time in

FGuyana's history, Golf was taken at CSECby110learnersandthe results were absolutely fantastic with 84 achieving Grade1sand26Grade2s.

AccordingtoMs.Barker King,headoftheAlliedArts Unit and Kurt Braithwaite, who led the development of the program in the schools, "thisisthefastestwe'veever implementedanewsportinto theeducationsystemandthe ease in which it was taught has taken everyone by surprise.

Theteachersandlearners h a v e r e s p o n d e d magnificentlyandwewantto join with Mr Hussain to congratulate all those who tooktheleapoffaithtowrite golfon short noticeatCSEC and achievesuch a high pass rate."

In was only in January

2021,havingbeenalertedby Ms. Dow Richardson from Ministry of Sports that golf was on the PE syllabus for CSEC, that a seemingly impossible goal was set by Hussain, who stood alone in his belief and desire to transformGuyanaintoaGolf nation.

Adding to this herculean task was the limitations imposed by the covid 19 pandemic and elections turmoil the country was experiencing at the time but those adverse effects were turnedintopositives.

Golf was the only covid compliant sport during the pandemic so Hussain partnered with the Ministry ofEducationAlliedArtsUnit to bring the sport to secondary schools for the first time in the country's history

Theirplanwastoinclude

golf on the PE curriculum and allow students to take it as an elective at CSEC examinations.

TheJourney… Hussain founded the Guyana Golf Association in 2020 but since golf was deemed an 'elite sport' there were no concessions or support for the startup organization and the responsibilities of providing equipment, balls and training fell s q u a r e l y o n h i s shoulders, but despite the odds, the monumental task was accomplished with the strong support of the MOE Allied Arts Unit, donors and overseas supporters.

In March 2021, six schools entered into a pilot program and a 'Train the Trainers' program was

developed along with a syllabus and examination guidelineforteachers.

By the end of 2021, teachersfrom102secondary schoolshadgonethroughthe programandamazingly,over 100 students had decided to takegolfatCSECin2022.

When the results were announcedinSeptember, the incredible efforts by the Guyana Golf Association, Nexgen Golf Academy, Allied Arts Unit, teachers andstudentshadpaidoffas it was evident that not only was the program a success in a very short time but Guyanesestudentshadmade history by taking a never before played sport and excellingatit!

Today,itishardtoignore a sport that has captured the attention and imagination of thousandsaroundthecountry and with an additional 5,000

Trainee Teachers and 6,000 university students set to be exposed to the sport in the coming months, it is anticipated that golf will become one of the most played sports in Guyana, rivalingcricketandfootball.

According to Hussain, the emphasis must now turn to the development of Golf courses and facilities to satisfy the demand as the growing number of local players, expat workers and remigrants will require at least six new courses within the next few years. "Nexgen Golf has created a unique modelthatusesjust6-8acres of land to build a scaled golf course near to populated areas.

T

maintenance costs, thereby reducing the fees for the average players and opening

thesporttoeveryone."

The Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy has drawn tremendous support from companies and donors who are not the traditional sponsors of Golf in Guyana, mainly because of their model of giving back to charitable organizations, Foundations, Orphanages and providing access to the sport for disadvantaged childrenandfamilies.

It is hoped that more companies will use their platform for CSR as they havedemonstratedtheability to deliver results in an incrediblyshorttime.

For more information about golfing in Guyana,

/Instagram pages, call 6450944 or stop by the Nexgen Golf Academy on Woolford AvenueinGeorgetown.

Students at the Golf acadmey following a practice session

Albion CC U-15 Team given a CPL treat by Digicel

Digicel has over the years been giving young and budding cricketers a chancetoexperienceCPLin verytangibleways.

Over the years Digicel has been integral in connecting young people with the sport they love and theirheroes.

This year twenty five youngsters from the Albion Under-15 Cricket Club in Berbice, were given the opportunitytoanallexpense trip to a CPL match at the N a t i o n a l S t a d i u m Providence to watch the GuyanaAmazonWarriorsin theirwinningstreak.

For some of young cricketers, it was their first experience visiting the National Stadium and watchingalivegame.

This long standing initiative by Digicel has given young cricketers from Butxon, West Cost Demerara, Ptolemy Reid,Diamond Special

needs school, Everest Cricket Club and Enmore under 15- club interact with

Matthews moves mo to top of ICC Women's All-rounder rankings in ODIs

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has risen to number one on the ICC's latest women's All-rounder

Internationals.

The Barbadian most recentlyledtheWindiesina home ODI series against NewZealandwhichtheylost 2-1.

Matthewsscored88runs in the three games, the most for West Indies, and also picked up five wickets, which took her to the No. 1

position on the allrounders' table, a jump of three positions past Australia's Ellyse Perry, England's Nat Sciver and South Africa's MarizanneKapp.

Matthews has so far played 72 ODIs since her debut in 2014,scoring1852runsatan average of 27.23 with three hundreds and six fifties. She also has 83 wickets at an average of 24.27 with three

the CPLtournament and the playersovertheyears.

“We are very pleased to be a part of this activity today,simplybecauseweare providing these young people with an 'experience' thatwillignitethatsparkand maybeoneday,oneofthese very young men will have a different view of the stadium, one with them playingfromthepitch.”

“ A n d t h e y w i l l remember when Digicel invited them to watch their

first live cricket match. The essence of this activity is to foster development and growth of tomorrow's sporting generation. CPL exemplifies this not only in Guyana but throughout the regionandDigicelcannotbe any prouder to be a part of this,” Vidya Sanichara of Digicelsaid.

Theyouthsrangingfrom ages 8 - 15 years from the Berbice Corridor were accompanied by their Coach, Simon Naidu, who

expressed his appreciation, “Thanks for Digicel for giving us this opportunity manyofthekidshavenever been to the stadium and it is an experience for them especially

atc

n

Veerasammy Premaul leftarm spinner for the GAW who is a product of The Albion Under 15 cricket club, many of them know himandseeinghimwiththe team is very exciting for them.”

During our last Digicel

youthinteractionin2019we were happy to have the youngsters from Enmore Under-15 club, two of those of participate, Mickel Sharmaand Sasenarine Haricharan Sharma played for the DemeraraUnder-15andwas standby for Guyana Under 15 and Haricharan is currentlyonStandbyforthe GuyanaUnder-17team. (This was an official release from Digicel Guyana)

The ACC Youngsters witnessed one of Guyana's 4 consecutive victories at Providence.

Hayley Matthews

2022 Hero Caribbean Premier League…

Amazon Warriors concede Qualifiers 1 to Royals Ro

- Last chance to make finale tonight

BySeanDevers

Alethal 91 from

Match, Rakeem Cornwall, an explosive 52 fromAzam Khan along with

Barbados Royal to an emphatic 87 run win at Providence yesterday in Qualifier 1 off the 10th edition of the Hero CPL The victory broke Guyana Amazon Warriors' (GAW) fourgamewinningstreak.

However, by virtue of their win over the Royals on Sunday night, they (GAW) now have another chance to face the Royals in Friday night's final if they win against the victor of last night'sEliminatorintonight's

match,Qualifier2.

Watched by a fair-sized working day crowd, the Warriors elected to field despite seeing a good track pinned on a lightning fast

responded with the highest

tournament; 195- 5 off 20 overs.

The burly 29 year-old Cornwall smashed a brutal 54 ba

and Shepherd (1) at 63-6. Hetmyer was running out of partners.

ninthfiftyfrom34ballswhen he deposited Shepherd for six.

91

13 boundaries;11ofthembeing sixes.

TheAntiguanshared ina couple of half century partnerships; 56 for the first wicket with Skipper Kyle Mayers, who hit a four and three sixes in 26 from 20 balls,and90forthirdwicket with Khan, who clobbered foursixesfrom35ballsinhis

scoreof52.

Romario Shepherd took 2-29 from fours over for the Warriors, who replied with a

disappointing 108 all out in 17.4 overs as only Skipper ShimronHetmyer,whomade 37 with three fours and six, offeredanyresistance.

Simmonds (3 17) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Cornwall with two wickets each, helped to hand the Warriors their first lost at Providence since September 8, 2018 when they were beaten by the Jamaica Tallawahs.

WhentheWarriorsbegan their chase, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (1) was bowled by Mayersat1-2.

Shai Hope (16) and Chanderpaul Hemraj took the score to 26 before Simmons dismissed Hope andShakib(1)whileHemraj (10) was bowled by Mujeeb toleavetheWarriorson32-4.

KeemoPaulandHetymer took the score to 61 before CornwallgotridofPaul(13)

He Warriors skipper playedagloriouscoverdrive and dumped Simmonds for six over long-on but when Gudakesh Motie (1) and Odean Smith (3) departed, thescoretickedoverto71-8.

Hetmyer (37) tried to keepthestrikeandcapitalize but lost his wicket before Imran Tahir (7) was the next tofallwhenhewascaughtin thedeepoffofHaydenWalsh Jr, leaving Junior Sinclair unbeatenon13.

Earlier, Cornwall blasted the ball to all parts of the ground and dominated the standwithMayersas50runs came off the six power-play overs before the fast improving Sinclair bowled Mayersat56-1in6.4overs.

HarryTector(0)wassoon trappedLBWbyTahirat632 before the pair of Super Heavyweights (Cornwall & Khan)joinedforcesanddealt in boundaries to compensate fortheirinabilitytorunquick singles.

The 100 came up in the 13th over then Cornwall pulled Smith for six off the nextballtoreachhisfifth50 from39balls.Khangottohis

Cornwall passed his previous highest score of 78 not out but seemed to be running out of gas in the heatedconditions.

With one First Class century and four in List 'A' cricket, Cornwall was nine away from making the third century this season when he was taken at long on as Shakibstruckat153-3inthe 17thover

Najibullah Zadran (2) was removed at 162-4 in the 18th over by Shepherd, who also dismissed Khan in the finalover

The 'Obeah' Lady from Linden was again in the mound but her confusion powder must have landed on the wrong team as the Warriors dropped five catches.

Meanwhile, t

s evening's match commenced at7:00pm.

Match details: Barbados Royals 195/5 (Cornwall 91, Khan 52; Shepherd 2/29, Sinclair 1/8) beat Guyana AmazonWarriors108allout (Hetmyer 37, Hope 21; Simmonds 3/17, Cornwall 2/10)by87runs

Kyle Mayers celebrates the removal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. (Getty Images)

Romario Shepherd claimed 2 – 29 for the Amazon Warriors. (Getty Images)

It was a tough match for the local supporters on Tuesday. (Zaheer Mohammed Photo)

2022HeroCaribbeanPremierLeague…

Tallawahs eliminate Kings to enter Qualifier 2

BySeanDevers

amaica Tallawahs

Jdefeated St Lucia Kings by 33 runs last nightatProvidencetobooka placeintonight'sEliminator2 against five time finalist, GuyanaAmazon Warriors, in the 10th edition of the Hero CPLT20crickettournament.

Sent in the bat on a track that kept a bit low under lights,Tallawahs made 148-8 in 20 overs with Shamarh Brooks leading the way with 47 from 31 balls with a four andfoursixes.

MohammedNabifinished unbeaten on 31 from 15 balls with four sixes while Ramon Reifermade25from23balls withtwofoursandasix.

DavidWeisehad3-10and got support from Alzarri Joseph,whotook2-31forthe Kingsunitthatwaseventually bowledoutfor115.

Only Skipper Faf du Plessis, who crafted 41 from 26 balls,Alzarri Joseph, who made an unbeaten 28 and Adam Hose with 18, reached doublefigures.

FabianAllen(3-28),Imad Wasim (2-21), Mohammed Nabi (3-10) and Mohammed Amir (2-34) were the main wickettakers.

Batting first, Tallawahs were 21-2 after the inform BrandonKing(7)andKennar Lewis (10) were sent back inside five overs. Brooks and SkipperRovmanPowelltook the score to 47 when the captain was given LBW to JeavorRoyal.

The team's 50 was posted

in the 10th over as Reifer joined the stylish Brooks before Wiese had the latter dismissedat99-4.

Shortly after, Allen (0) andWasim(7)wereremoved by Wiese while Reifer (25) fell to Joseph before Chris Green (2) was dismissed by Kesrick Williams as six wicketstumbledfor17runs.

Nabithrewhisbataround towardstheendoftheinnings to lift the Tallawahs to a fightingtotal.

Kings, in reply started badly losing Johnson Charles (10) before du Plessis and Niroshan Dickwella revived their chase but Dickwella (7) felltoWasimat39-2.

After the six power-play overs, Kings were 54-2 but with score on 55, Roston Chase (1) departed as Wasim struckagain.

When Allen bowled the dangerous du Plessis as he missedapullatshortballthat keptlow,theKingswere61-4 in the eighth over with Tallawahs clawing their way backintothefray

At the half way stage Kings were 74-4 but Mark Dyal (9) played a wild swipe at Nabi and was bowled two runslaterwhileMatthewFord was stumped on the third attempt by Lewis off Allen, whobowledWeiseforafirstball duck at 81-7 to end his four-overspellonahat-trick.

Joseph provided a fight with positive batting but it wastoolittletoolateasAmir endedthecontestwhenhehad Williams caught behind for a duck.

Mohammed Nabi's performance earned him the Man-of-the-match award. (Getty Images)

Diroshan Dickwella appeals successfully for a LBW call against Rovman Powell. (Getty Images)

Amazon Warriors

to

Warriors must win to advance to the historic finale. (Getty Images)

Rahkeem Cornwall was effective with bat and ball for Barbados Royals. (Getty Images))

Rahkeem Cornwall top scored for Barbados Royals with 91. (Zaheer Mohammed Photo)

The Jamaica Tallawahs had an excellent evening in the field. FabianAllen and teammates celebrate the wicket of Faf du Plessis. (Getty Images)