Guyana Times - Thursday, January 26, 2023

Man wanted for brutal murder of ECD woman apprehended

– confesses to chopping woman during argument over money

deceased called and asked him for some money, and he left home and went to Hope Lowlands, where they met.

He said he did not have enough money, and this led to an argument during which he chopped her several times about her body with a cutlass he had in his possession.

Shaw explained that after receiving the chops, Mohammed fell into the canal. The murder weapon, he added, also fell into the water.

Deonarine Sawh, called “Boyzie”, for whom an arrest warrant had been issued for questioning in the murder of Nazaleen Mohammed of Belfield Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara, has been arrested on Wednesday.

The Police have said that the 65-year-old Sawh, of Hope Lowlands, ECD, was apprehended after Police had received information that he was hiding in an abandoned house at Mahaica, ECD. The arrest was made at that location. However, during interrogation, the suspect told investigators that the

He told detectives that he went to an abandoned building at Mahaica, where he consumed a poisonous substance. He is expected to make his court appearance before the end of the week.

The battered body of the 47-year-old Nazaleen Mohammed was found floating in a canal at Hope Lowlands Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara on Monday. Police on Monday evening said the housewife’s body was seen by a neighbour in the canal with wounds about her abdomen.

However, when Police arrived on the scene and turned the body, wounds were seen on the head, ear, neck and abdomen, and her intestines were protruding.

According to Police, the murder occurred at some time between 07:00h

and 15:00h on Monday at Hope Lowlands Railway Embankment, ECD. Enquiries disclosed that the woman was living with her daughter and reputed husband, who is presently at sea on a fishing boat.

Mohammed had last been seen alive by a neighbour at about 07:00h on Monday, as she was leaving her home and heading toward her brother’s residence at Hope Lowlands, ECD. “At about 08:05h, the victim’s 32-year-old son received a call from her (his mother’s) cell phone, where he heard a male voice whom he identified as the suspect, who had previously shared a

relationship with Nazaleen Mohammed,” Police have said in a statement. At the time, he also heard his mother’s voice shouting for her phone, but shortly after,

the call ended. However, at about 15:00h on Monday, the neighbour, who did not see her return, left in search of her. He told Police that

while he was walking along Hope Lowlands Railway Embankment, he saw the motionless body of Nazaleen Mohammed floating in a canal.

CANU issues wanted bulletin for Berbice man

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for John Byass, also known as "Gangster", who is wanted for questioning in relation to the discovery of two 12-gauge shotguns while CANU officers were conducting an operation at Dukestown,

Corriverton, Corentyne Berbice on Sunday.

CANU has said its officers discovered the firearms in the living area of a premises from which John Byass was reportedly seen fleeing as CANU ranks were gaining entry thereto. As such, the drug enforcement body has issued a bulletin for his

Wanted: John Byass, aka "Gangster"

arrest.

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of John Byass, aka "Gangster", is asked to contact CANU on telephone number 226-0432.

Man allegedly drops firearm while escaping from Police at Meadow Bank wharf

An investigation has been launched into the history of a firearm retrieved at Meadow Bank wharf in the southern outskirts of Georgetown in the wee hours of Wednesday.

Based on reports received, two Police officers were on a foot patrol in the vicinity of the fourth fish vending stall on the wharf at about 00:20h when they observed a male decked in a black hoodie acting in a suspicious manner. Upon seeing the Police, the man ran towards a clump of bushes and made good his escape.

In so doing, he reportedly dropped an object, which

The gun that was retrieved by Police

was subsequently retrieved and proved to be a .32 revolver with its serial number filed off.

The firearm was tak-

Murder suspect Deonarine "Boyzie" Sawh

Murdered: Nazaleen Mohammed

en to the GPF Ballistics Department to determine if it was used in the commission of any crime. Police are continuing their investigations.

The guns found during the operation

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, Jan 26 – No closure and Friday, January 27 – 09:00h-09:45h & 22:00h -23:30h

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, January 26 – 07:30h –09:00h and Friday, January 27 –08:10h-09:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions are expected during the day, with partly cloudy to clear skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to East North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 07:54h and 20:15h reaching maximum heights of 2.58 metres and 2.56 metres.

Low Tide: 13:47h reaching a minimum height of 0.65 metre.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 |

Hess announces new oil discovery in Stabroek Block …has

development”

– CEO

United States-based Hess Corporation on Wednesday announced yet another oil discovery offshore Guyana in the oil-rich Stabroek Block, where there is an estimated 11 billion-plus barrels of oil equivalent (boe) recoverable resource.

The discovery was made at the Fangtooth Southeast-1 (Fangtooth SE1) well located approximately eight miles southeast of the original Fangtooth-1 discovery.

During the company’s Q4 2022 Earnings Conference Call on Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation, John Hess, explained that the Fangtooth SE-1 well encountered approximately 200 feet of oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs and was drilled to 5397 feet of water.

This new discovery comes on the heels of a January 2022 oil find at the Fangtooth-1 well.

Fangtooth is Hess Corp’s first standalone deep exploration prospect in the Stabroek Block, and according to the CEO, “this area has the potential to underpin a future oil development”.

“By investing only in high-return low-cost opportunities, we have built a differentiated and balanced portfolio focused on Guyana, the Bakken, the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico, and Southeast Asia. Key to our strategy is Guyana… We also will continue an active exploration and appraisal programme in Guyana with approximately 10 wells planned for the Stabroek Block in 2023,” Hess stated during his re-

marks.

Only on Tuesday, the US company announced a 2023 Exploration and Production capital and exploratory budget of US$3.7 billion, of which more than 80 per cent will be allocated to Guyana and the Bakken.

The CEO noted that the company’s capital programme reflected the continued execution of its strategy to invest only in high-return, low-cost opportunities within its portfolio.

“More than 80 per cent of our 2023 budget is allocated to Guyana, which is positioned to be one of the highest-margins, lowest-carbon intensity oil developments in the world, and to the Bakken…,” Hess stated.

Hess Corp has a 30 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block, which is operated by ExxonMobil (45 per cent interest), and with CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holding the remaining 25 per cent interest.

With 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres), the Stabroek Block is considered one of the largest oil

provinces discovered in the world over the past 20 years. Since 2015, more than 30 discoveries have been made in the block – nine of which were found last year.

It is anticipated that there are billions of barrels of exploration potential remaining in the oil-rich block, where production activities have been ongoing since December 2019.

According to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Hess Corp, Greg Hill, the company’s focus in 2023 will be on advancing high-value oil developments and continuing an active exploration and appraisal programme in the Stabroek Block.

“We continue to see multi-billion barrels of additional exploration potential on the Stabroek Block. And in 2023, we plan to drill approximately 10 exploration and appraisal wells that will target a variety of prospects and play types. These will include lower risk wells near existing discoveries and several penetrations that will test deeper intervals,” he stated.

According to Hill, this

latest discovery at the Fangtooth SE-1 well is moving up the field to form the basis for a future oil development in the Stabroek Block.

“So, we are going to continue to appraise that this year, probably get a drill stem test (DST) in it …there are some other channels in and around Fangtooth, there is one called Lancetfish that’s northeast of Fangtooth, and there is a prospect called Basher, which is actually west of Fangtooth and the combination of all that is pretty exciting. And as John [Hess] mentioned in his opening remarks, it could mean a potential future oil development in there. We will also continue to explore the deep as we kind of go through the next couple of years. But I think it’s very encouraging,” the COO posited.

Currently, the Liza phase 1 and phase 2 developments in the Stabroek Block are operating at a combined gross production capacity of more than 360,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) using the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, respectively.

The third development in the Stabroek Block –Payara – is on track to come online by the end of 2023 with a gross production capacity of approximately 220,000 bopd; while the Yellowtail – the fourth development – is slated for 2025 with a production capacity of some 250,000 bopd. Both these development projects have been approved by the Guyana Government.

potential to “underpin future oil

Hess Corporation CEO John Hess

Editor: Tusika Martin

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An apolitical issue

Over time, numerous cases of domestic violence have been reported in the Guyanese media. Many were brutally killed, in some instances. Unfortunately, it continues despite awareness efforts and the muchtouted training of law enforcement officers who are expected to be the first step of recourse in regard to the lodging of complaints.

There is more than a subtle irony in the continuance of this societal scourge in spite of the relentless efforts and the plethora of available mechanisms to inform and educate. The problem is much larger than what appears in the news, including the social media outlets, as many cases go unreported. This therefore gives much credence to the appearance of an underestimated reality.

Many reasons have been made known for what can deter an abused victim from seeking the intervention of the law. Among them, in no specific order of impact, are aspects of culture, shame, dependency and its redounding lack of empowerment for some, and the lack of confidence in law enforcement itself, precipitated from the reported trivialising of the issue, in some instances.

One may posit that education is a primary concern. On the other hand, one can argue that education has been more profound in recent times. Pertinent would be to ask the question if the other factors subvert the heeding of educational messaging. While the answer may be assumed, it would make for interesting and informative research.

As that is contemplated, the magnitude of the impact on children cannot be underestimated. Many have cruelly been made witnesses to the horrific assaults on their mothers, and to a lesser extent their fathers. Those ghastly images, especially for some who watched as life was snuffed out, are not only lasting, but profoundly traumatizing.

When young minds are so broadsided, the impact, if not managed, lingers for life. Not that it is erasable, but with meaningful and sustained interventions, the trauma can potentially be mitigated, thereby aiding in better shaping of lives. The entire spectrum of what therefore constitutes counselling then becomes vital. This naturally raises the question of the availability of adequate intervening mechanisms.

While it is always heartening to hear that surviving victims and witnesses to such horrific incidents would be counselled, it would be very informative for the benefit of all to know the extent of what is available and offered. Realistically, expectations cannot be for what obtains in the Developed Nations; however, there must be something tangible in keeping with available resources, with upgrades foremost in planning.

This is not in any way suggesting that there is not an effective mechanism. However, counselling can be an extensive process for some, depending on the circumstances. Given the plethora of incidents that unfortunately continue, and which would make added demands on the system, the question of adequacy of trained staff, needed facilities, and support systems becomes more pertinent.

Not too long ago, the country had the unenviable tag of the highest rate of suicide per capita. Prior to that categorising, some aspects had made news internationally, prompting a local organization to call for suicide to be made a national priority, given its impact on society and the trauma it imposes on surviving relatives.

It was stated that the declaration would not only bring additional focus, but would have positioned the issue to be afforded the necessary resources for its mitigation.

It was not going to be a panacea to stop suicide, but effectively structured, it increases the potential across the country, with the assistance of stakeholders, to maximize effectiveness of information gathering for targeted intervention. It would also increase confidence in the support system, to help break social inhibitors where necessary, and to better edify.

It is no different for domestic violence.

This therefore must be seen as a serious cause for concern, and a compelling reason for consideration to be declared a national priority. This is an apolitical issue, and is not confined to any one group, thereby making it less difficult to garner national support. In such small societies, the impact permeates throughout and away from just the families.

Children reading and learning about incidents through television and social media are in many ways impacted too, especially if one of their own is affected. In the context herein, the pervasiveness and impact of trauma cannot, and must not, be underestimated. That of road accidents must also be taken into account, for too much is at stake for people and the nation

The Opposition’s budget debate is riddled with hypocrisy

Dear Editor, I felt utterly bemused when I read an article in which Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton described the budget as a “Dead Meat Budget”. The first thing which flashed across my mind was Ramjattan’s “dead meat” prophecy, which came to pass.

And then a question popped up in my mind: Are the PNC next in line? It would seem that Norton has become fixated on that term, since the no-confidence motion brought against him by the Florida Chapter of the PNC/R.

It would seem that Mr Norton and his crew were in hibernation when the PNC-led Coalition presented its Budget from 2015 to 2019. According to him, the 2023 Budget is “void of crucial measures to grow the economy outside of the oil and gas sector”. This is a baffling statement, since it would appear that the Opposition members simply had to condemn the budget on the basis of appealing to the emotions of the people, and deceitfully misguiding them by regurgitating “high cost of living and poverty” as bait.

Ramjattan is fixated on the imaginary ‘kickbacks’ from the huge number of contracts that would be awarded. Many measures were stated by the Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, which would alleviate poverty and indirectly increase the disposable incomes of the people. These numerous measures to combat the high cost of living, which is a global phenomenon, were repeated again and again by all the Government Ministers and MPs in the Budget Debate

so far, especially Ministers Deodat Indar and Priya Manickchand, whilst the Opposition MPs’ contributions were vacuous and without any real substance, just cheap politicking.

This brings me to the crux of the matter. What benefits did this nation receive from over $1.250 trillion which were squandered from the budgetary allocations each year from 2015 to 2019? This is in addition to the billions squandered from the Reserves and the Consolidated Fund. Imagine what would have happened if the Coalition had their hands on the oil money.

During its tenure, the Coalition cared less about the cost of living and the livelihood of the poor Guyanese, as they greatly increased the various taxes year after year, closing down the sugar estates and throwing over 7,000 workers on the bread line. It was tax galore as the backs of the poor people were broken by excessive taxation and ever-increasing costs. I could recall the great Sir Winston Churchill had once said that to try to tax a nation into prosperity is like standing in a bucket and trying to lift it by the handle. This was exactly what the Coalition did.

The sugar industry is still reeling from the negative impact of this unconscionable closure, which destroyed not only livelihoods, but billions in fixed assets, such machinery and equipment and standing cane. The Coalition created the ‘black hole’, a term they have coined to describe GuySuCo. They should never argue about budgetary allocations to the entity. Many workers in other sectors were also dismissed be-

cause they were perceived to be supporters of the PPP.

I could recall that during the Coalition’s tenure, Mr. Lincoln Lewis, the TUC General Secretary, in a Plain Talk programme, told television host Christopher Ram (see chrisram.net) that the TUC had taken to the Minister (Mt Jordan) a novel approach, one that eschewed the usual list of tax reductions and increases in the personal allowance, asking instead for measures to help both the employed and the unemployed by greater emphasis on public health and the environment. In its wide-ranging paper, the TUC asked that attention be paid to communities, the village economy, the cooperative movement, sports, social dialogue, etc.

What wrong was committed in the 2023 Budget, Mr. Lewis? You have been given more than what you wanted, and your Coalition Government failed miserably.

Whilst ‘citizen GHK Lall’, in a letter to the press, called for job creation projects to ameliorate the high and troubling levels of unemployment, funds to deal with the mentally-ill and the addicted, a new jail, and a push for ecotourism, are jobs not being created almost on a daily basis? Since the PPP/C took office in 2020, job creation has been a top priority. How many jobs had the Coalition created when in Government? They did the opposite.

The 2023 Budget ensures that all ailments, both social and economic, are dealt with condignly. This Government has had to deal with, and is still dealing with, the pandemic, and floods which have now

become a regular feature, and deserves to be applauded for dealing with the negative impacts of both. The high cost of living and inflation are global, and this Government has been buffering these impacts to ensure that the standard of living is not eroded. What would have been the action of the Coalition, apart from squandering the oil monies? We have seen them squandering and looting the taxpayers’ dollars as if there was no tomorrow. They were adept at giving less and taking more from Guyanese.

Mr. Ramjattan always sees ‘kickbacks’ from contracts and awards to ‘cronies and families’ of the Government officials and Ministers as a statement, for which he has no evidence. He and his colleagues should attempt to invent a new approach to budget debating. They had nothing to offer this nation when in Government, and they have nothing to offer now as an Opposition. No doubt, they will be permanently ensconced in their new office, incessantly regurgitating marginalisation, racial discrimination, imaginary deprivations, and the misguided utterings of corruption. The Guyanese people know better, the Coalition cannot fool all the people all the time.

Congratulations to the Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh for preparing and presenting the 2023 Budget, which has indeed set ‘the framework for Guyana’s continued growth and development, even amid a challenging global economic climate’.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch on Wednesday participated in a fireside chat with Guyanese women leaders who are part of the Women’s Leadership Programme facilitated by Lyndell Danzie-Black and Michelle A Nicholas. During the meeting, the Ambassador emphasised the importance of defining your mission and purpose, and building on individual values

What does City Hall Budget have in store for the municipality?

Dear Editor,

Now that we have had the National Budget read and analyzed, and found to have a focus on improving lives and creating opportunities for all Guyanese, the citizens of Georgetown now have to wait - and we hope for not much longer - on the presentation of the City’s Budget, to see what the municipality has in store for us.

If I could make a few recommendations in the meanwhile - as there is never any consultation with the citizenry - on the expenditure side, I would like to suggest that they consider rehabilitating and refurbishing the municipal slaughterhouse on Water Street, so that it could be transformed into a modern abattoir and meat processing factory, where scientific and hygienic slaughtering of ani-

mals would take place; with proper waste management, and in compliance with environmental laws, so as to ensure the supply of safe and hygienic meat to the Guyanese consumers, and even for export, with minimum manual handling.

Secondly, they should allocate funds for the construction of a municipal swimming pool. Swimming pools are important facilities for exercise, such as swimming laps and water aerobics. Pools provide opportunities for educational purposes, swimming lessons, lifeguard training, swim teams, and various competitions.

Municipal pools also serve the needs of persons who have medical conditions and/or injuries. Pools offer a means of social interaction, relaxation, and stress relief. Pools

An accurate analysis of the issue

Dear Editor,

Mr. Ravi Dev’s letter (Jan 22) is quite an accurate analysis of the issue of who gets what from whom. However, entitlement is never futile, and while being politically correct, he stops short of declaring that in the Guyana context, the issue of who endured greater suffering and made a greater contribution to national development was blunted by 28 years of PNC dictatorship.

The PNC solidified its power base by control of the 3 pillars of society: The Military, Judiciary, and Public Service exhibited a huge preponderance of African –Guyanese while “dem other people” did not receive similar entitlements. The Declaration of Sophia in 1975 by Forbes Burnham, who later installed himself as Executive President, conveyed direct messages to ‘his’ people in his utterances such as, who used to dig for the gold? Who has it now? What are you doing about it?

Entitlement to rulership was the mindset of the PNC perpetrated through rigged elections, but what people should understand is that he who steals for you will end up stealing from you. The narrative that Indians have more wealth is a fallacious analysis. Perhaps it is this concept that saw the emergence of the dreaded kick-down-door bandits in the early 80s as a form of wealth distribution. It is public knowledge that up to 1988, before the IMFimposed divestments, the state controlled more than 80% of the economy. No prizes for guessing who was in charge, and while the Guyana Constitution guarantees equal rights and opportunities, 28 years of dictatorship embodied the Orwellian con-

have the ability to bring diverse groups of people together. A lot of Guyanese swimming stars got their start at the Luckhoo Pool, which existed for some 25 years. I think we should look forward to the Ubraj Narine Pool being built this year, which would reduce the recent spate of drowning incidents at creeks and beaches.

Thirdly, the Council should put aside sums for the purchase of a modern fleet of garbage trucks, so that they could return to providing refuse collection and disposal services themselves, and stop wasting hundreds of millions of dollars each year on high-priced contractors. This would bring considerable savings and the provision of superior service, like it was when Georgetown was a ‘Garden City’.

Fourth, the municipality should allocate monies in 2023 to restore the City Police Training Centre. The City Police are badly in need of training to be better prepared emotionally, physically, and technically to meet the Herculean challenges of modern-day law enforcement.

Fifthly, money is urgently need to save the Stabroek Market Wharf from totally collapsing into the Demerara River. Sums also need to be allotted to restoring municipal Day Care services; stray animal control; installation of new street lighting; and repair or replacement of old, dysfunctional ones.

A large chunk of the budget needs to be allotted: to rodent, vector, and mosquito control; road building and repair; weeding of parapets, and clearing of drains; towards

We had no money

Dear Editor,

automating and computerising their services, to change from the current archaic procedures that require persons to go inline rather than being allowed to go online to receive them.

And lastly, but certainly not least, financial provisions ought to be made for the transformation of the cemeteries from their current inaccessible, scary, dangerous, jungle-like state into facilities that would allow relatives to visit their deceased loved ones without having to take along

a chainsaw, armed security, and portable bridges.

Should they present a budget to address those issues, and guarantee citizens that every dollar received and expended would be subjected to external auditing, then I am sure everyone, including the business and governmental sectors, would be happy to pay up their property rates and other municipal fees in a most timely manner.

With thanks, Riley Matthews

Conserving waste materials

cept: all animals are equal, but some are more equal. Without any doubt, people of African descent were horribly mistreated by colonial rule, and even today mistreatment is scattered worldwide. It is totally heinous, just like any form of racism; and while all races have the right to protest any wrongdoing, such protests ought not to become a pretext for looting. Anyone can trace the African journey from the inception of the Slave Trade in the sixteenth century through Emancipation, Segregation, Apartheid and, above all, military dictatorship perpetrated upon their own people’s rights in the African homeland. As an example, Sub-Saharan Africa has 53 countries: 34 are military dictatorships and one-party states. Uhuru (the Swahilian clarion call for freedom from colonialism) has not worked to this day.

It was none other than the late President Hoyte who threatened in 1990, while in office, to ‘let loose the dogs of war’, and after losing the 1992 elections to the PPP, later declared to make the country ‘ungovernable’! Talk about entitlement! The funds shunted to Alexander presently there is an organization IDPADA (International Decade of People of African Descent) which received huge funding under the Granger regime; not a single organization in Guyana has come remotely close to the $500 million the IDPADA has received! Why is there no similar organization receiving even a fraction of such a colossal sum? Perhaps only the IDPADA is qualified for such entitlement.

Sincerely, Leyland Roopnaraine

The latest narrative coming from the APNU - because they were the major entity in everything governmental, the AFC was only a servile lackey to their commands - was that they had no money to work with. They are putting forward the argument that central financing was not available to them to carry out the start, far less completion, of any major project. Interesting! The asininity of that statement, simply put, is that nothing by way of financial support was in the treasury to help them fulfill their obligation as a Government.

This is the very same campaign rhetoric they trumpeted to the nation before they entered office: that the PPP/C Government had raided the treasury and bled it dry; “no money” was the cry then. But these fools, who want to make fools out of us, failed to realise that, after two months in power, they raised their salaries and emoluments by 50%, and the question rings clear: Where did that money come from? It did not drop out of the clear blue sky; it was money left in the treasury by a prudent management team called the PPP/C.

So there are no excuses, absolutely none, that they could come up with to prove

to anyone that they could not have carried out capital projects safely through to completion. It was just a case of the fulfillment of the proverb (Caribbean Version) “peeing in our eyes and calling it rain.” The PNC have to face up to the facts that they were busy “thiefing” an election as well as stealing from the People of Guyana; and for that, they must atone.

Even more distressing is the fact that Jordan must give us answers to the whereabouts and/or use of our first oil money. Where is the US$18M, Jordan? We want it! It is our money, not the foolishness you gave that you thought that it was a gift to your party. And must I add we are coming after you to get it? Don’t you, like Mingo when he was rigging the election, feign high blood pressure or diabetes or the other sickness that brings looseness of bowels; we want our sovereign wealth, and we are going to get it!

So, in closing, that foolish talking of the APNU not having funds to get work done needs to be wiped clean out of their thoughts. The people of Guyana are not fools, we can see straight through their evil transgressions.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Dear Editor, With serious increase in the deterioration of the climate in the world, which is causing such drastic change to our weather patterns, making them extreme and disastrous, it is so disappointing to see that no effort is being made locally to conserve the material that we use every day, causing such waste in our resources, as well as pollution of our environment.

It is therefore urgent that we make the effort to effect this conservation by some system of recycling, as is being done in the advanced countries. This is imperative when we realise that we are on the brink of more utilisation of material with increased expenditure in all sectors of our country.

In progressive countries, waste is normally collected in

three different categories – ordinary trash: which cannot be recycled, but is processed to obtain compost; paper and other combustible material: which is converted to compost and other useful material; and plastic and metal items: which are reused by the various manufacturers.

Another benefit of this system is that there is less garbage on the streets and other public areas, which can be so unsightly, filthy, and likely to spread disease.

I sincerely hope that the Government takes early steps to effect this modern system, which would be of immense value to our environment, and also help in this effort at lessening the adverse effects of climate change.

Sincerely, Roy Paul

Page Foundation

How to Make a battery with metal, air, and saltwater

You will need:

4 iron electrodes

4 magnesium electrodes

Super bright LED light

Two pairs of insulated copper wire with alligator clips on the ends

Analogue multimeter with no battery

Three or four large cups

Strong saltwater (Containing about 20% salt)

Hydrogen peroxide

Procedure:

Set the multimeter to 2.5 DCV so it can read DC Voltage. (DC stands for direct current)

Fill up a cup with saltwater to about one inch to the top.

Insert one magnesium electrode and one iron electrode in the cup and make sure they are not touching each other.

Connect one end of the black alligator clip wire to the magnesium electrode and connect the other end of the wire to the black probe of the multimeter.

Connect one end of the red alligator clip wire to the iron electrode and connect the other end to the red probe of the multimeter.

Read and record the voltage (of your first saltwater battery).

In this battery, the magnesium electrode is the negative pole. (that is why we connected that to the black wire that is usually used for negative). The iron electrode is the positive pole. (That is why we connected it to the red wire which is usually used to represent positive).

Disconnect the multimeter and connect the LED light. Connect the shorter leg to the black wire (negative) and the longer leg to the red wire

(positive). Does it light up? Add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide? Is the light brighter?

A battery is made of two different electrodes inserted in a chemical compound. A chemical reaction between the electrodes and the chemical compound produces electricity. For example if you insert a copper rod and an iron rod in a cup of orange juice, that will be a battery. In this example, a copper rod and an iron rod are the electrodes and the orange juice is the chemical compound or electrolyte. The problem is that the electricity produced by such a battery is too little and has no practical use and you cannot use it to light up a light bulb. The saltwater battery described in this project can light up a light bulb for a few seconds. When the light goes off, you can simply empty the used salt water and add fresh salt water to get light again. By adding a small amount of hydrogen peroxide you can get more light and the light will last longer. (miniscience.com)

By The BroThers Grimm

The daughter was still more shocked when she became aware of her father’s resolution, but hoped to turn him from his design. Then she said to him, before I fulfil your wish, I must have three dresses, one as golden as the sun, one as silvery as the moon, and one as bright as the stars, besides this, I wish for a mantle of a thousand different kinds of fur and peltry joined together, and one of every kind of animal in your kingdom must give a piece of his skin for it.

For she thought, to get that will be quite impossible, and thus I shall divert my father from his wicked intentions.

The king, however, did not give it up, and the cleverest maidens in his kingdom had to weave the three dresses, one as golden as the sun, one as silvery as the moon, and one as bright as the stars, and his huntsmen had to catch one of every kind of animal in the whole of his kingdom, and take from it a piece of its skin, and out of these was made a mantle of a thousand different kinds of fur. At length, when all was ready, the king caused the mantle to be brought, spread it out before her, and said, the wedding shall be tomorrow.

CONTINUED FROM WEDNESDAY (TO BE CONTINUED)

When, therefore, the king’s daughter saw that there was

no longer any hope of turning her father’s heart, she resolved to run away. In the night whilst every one was asleep, she got up, and took three different things from her treasures, a golden ring, a golden spinningwheel, and a golden reel. The three dresses of the sun, moon, and stars she placed into a nutshell, put on her mantle of all kinds of fur, and blackened her face and hands with soot. Then she commended herself to God, and went away, and walked the whole night until she reached a great forest. And as she was tired, she got into a hollow tree, and fell asleep.

How the battery is made?

CGX, Frontera spud Wei-1 well offshore Guyana

– aim to build on light oil and condensate discovery at Kawa-1 well

After a postponement back in November 2022, Canadian companies CGX Energy Incorporated and Frontera Energy Corp, joint venture partners in the Corentyne oil block, on Wednesday announced the commencement of drilling activities at the Wei-1 well offshore Guyana.

The Wei-1 well will be drilled in a water depth of approximately 583 metres (1912 feet) to an anticipated total depth of 6248 metres (20,500 feet), approximately 200 kilometres offshore from Georgetown. It is expected to take approximately four to five months for the well to reach total depth.

In a statement on Wednesday, CGX explained that the well will target Maastrichtian, Campanian, and Santonian-aged stacked sands within channel and fan complexes in the northern section of the Corentyne Block.

Frontera and CGX were initially scheduled to begin drilling the well by November 27, 2022. Additionally, the Noble Discoverer semi-submersible mobile drilling unit that was slated to spud the well was expected to arrive in Guyana’s waters in October last year.

However, in November, the two companies had announced that an agreement was reached with the Guyana Government to start drilling no later than January 31, 2023, to allow contractor Noble Corp Plc to complete current obligations in Trinidad.

Wei-1 is one of two wells in Guyana’s Corentyne Block that the companies have committed to drill.

The other well, Kawa-

1, struck light oil and gas condensate in May 2022, though the companies had not said how much oil was found or whether it was commercially viable.

The Wei-1 well is located approximately 14 kilometres northwest of the Kawa-1 discovery.

In fact, the joint venture also announced on Wednesday that the Guyana Government has approved an appraisal plan for the northern section of the Corentyne Block which commenced with the Wei-1 well.

“Following completion of Wei-1 drilling operations and upon detailed analysis of the results, the joint venture may consider future wells per its appraisal programme to evaluate possible development feasibility in the Kawa-1 discovery area and throughout the northern section of the Corentyne Block,” the missive detailed.

It further stated that any future drilling is contingent on positive results at Wei-1 and that the joint venture has no further drilling obligations beyond

the Wei-1 well.

According to Executive Co-Chairman of CGX Energy's Board of Directors, Professor Suresh Narine, the Wei-1 will appraise both the Kawa-1 discovery as well as explore additional opportunities within the Corentyne Block.

“The Wei-1 well is ontrend, and well positioned for success with both Kawa1 and recent peer discoveries immediately adjacent to the northern section of the Corentyne Block. The joint venture is grateful for the Government of Guyana’s ongoing support as we worked towards spudding Wei-1 in accordance with the previously-agreed terms, and we look forward to potentially delivering another discovery for our shareholders and the Guyanese people,” Professor Narine stated.

CGX currently holds a 32 per cent participating interest in the Corentyne Block while 68 per cent is held by Frontera, after CGX decided to sell its majority stake last July.

It was explained that as part of the agreement, CGX

Hess announces new oil...

Uaru is the fifth development and is expected to come online at the end of 2026 with a gross production capacity of approximately 250,000 bopd with first oil anticipated at the end of 2026. The development plan for Uaru was submitted for Government approval in November 2022 and final approval is expected by the end of the first quarter of this year.

Nevertheless, as Hess Corp continues to push oil development, the company has reiterated its commitment to ensuring sustainability remains a top priority.

In fact, this is reflected in the December 2022 forest preservation agreement between the Guyana Government and Hess Corporation. The company agreed to purchase high-quality, verified REDD+ carbon credits for a minimum of US$750 million between 2022 and 2032 from the Government – a move aimed at not only

preventing deforestation but also supporting sustainable development in Guyana

“The Government of Guyana plans to invest the proceeds from our carbon credits purchase agreement in sustainable development to improve the lives of the people of Guyana, with 15 per cent of the proceeds directed to Indigenous communities. This agreement adds to our company’s ongoing and successful emis-

will transfer 29.73 per cent of its participating interest in the Corentyne Block to Frontera in exchange for Frontera funding the joint venture’s costs associated with the Wei-1 exploration well for up to US$130 million.

Additionally, Frontera will provide up to an additional US$29 million for the Kawa-1 exploration well, Wei-1 pre-drill, and other costs.

Only last July, CGX underwent a major shakeup in management. These changes included the naming of a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), George Davis, who took over from Hill York Poon. Poon was retained as CGX’s Director of Finance.

Meanwhile, Paul Langlois was appointed as the new Exploration Manager.

CGX and Frontera Energy Corporation had previously commissioned an independent report which had revealed that they were potentially sitting on 4.9 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) in the Demerara and Corentyne oil blocks under their control.

In February 2022, the partners had announced an oil find of 177 feet of oil-bearing reserves at the Kawa-1 well in the Corentyne Block. Since then, however, the company has been making moves to scale back its presence in the other blocks.

It was announced that CGX had reached an agreement with the Government to relinquish larger sections of the Demerara and Corentyne Blocks. Both the Corentyne and Demerara Blocks have been in CGX’s hands for some time without being drilled.

Back in May 2019, the Strategic Joint Venture between CGX and Frontera was approved to farm in to two shallow-water offshore Petroleum Prospecting Licences for the Corentyne and Demerara Blocks.

These blocks are adjacent to ExxonMobil’s oilrich Stabroek Block, where multiple discoveries have been made.

FROM PAGE 3

sions reduction efforts and is an important part of our commitment to achieve net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions on a net equity basis by 2050. The agreement further strengthens our strategic partnership with Guyana and demonstrates our long-term commitment to the country and its people, building upon the national healthcare initiative we announced earlier in 2022,” CEO Hess noted.

CGX Co-Chairman, Professor Suresh Narine

Corentyne Block Offshore Guyana

Former AG Basil Williams loses bid to have libel suit against him struck out

Free…

…education’s downside

Williams and the Guyana Chronicle for allegedly defamatory words written by Williams and published by the newspaper.

his personal capacity as the first named defendant. He objected to this, and applied to the High Court to have the case struck out against him.

In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) found that former Attorney General Basil Williams, SC, could be sued in his personal capacity on account of his then status as a public office holder.

Williams had essentially argued that the State Liability and Proceedings Act had immunised him from the court process, but the regional court described his argument as a “fallacy”, declaring that “no one is above the law.”

In December 2017, Prithima Kissoon, former Deputy Solicitor General in the Attorney General’s Chambers, initiated defamation proceedings against

The dispute had arisen as Williams, while holding the office of the Attorney General, had believed that Kissoon was sympathetic to the then Opposition PPP/C, and that that sympathy had extended to deliberately undermining court cases involving the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Opposition. After the appeal in the matter of the Attorney General vs Jagdeo, which was under Kissoon’s care and control, was dismissed, Williams had ordered her off all political cases.

According to Kissoon, Williams abused and vilified her in the press.

Ultimately, each of these parties had published in the press their side of this sorry episode, resulting in the proceedings. Williams was joined to the proceedings in

On April 9, 2019, the High Court dismissed his application, but permitted Kissoon to amend her claim to add the office of the Attorney General as a third defendant, which she did.

More than a year later, on June 5, 2020, the Attorney General applied to the High Court for an order striking out the claim against Williams in his personal capacity. It was contended that the joinder of Williams in his personal capacity had breached the State Liability and Proceedings Act.

Then on June 26, 2020, the High Court granted this application and struck Williams out of the claim. Kissoon appealed this decision to the Full Court, which comprised two judges, one of whom was her brotherin-law. The Full Court allowed Kissoon’s appeal and restored Williams as the first defendant in the proceedings. The decision was delivered to the parties via email on March 31, 2021, but Williams alleged that the decision was emailed to an incorrect email address, therefore he did not learn of the decision until April 13, 2021.

Fifteen days later, Williams filed an application for leave to appeal the decision of the Full Court to a judge in chambers in the Court of Appeal of Guyana.

This application was filed outside of the 14 days,

and so he also filed an application to extend the time to lodge that appeal. This application was struck out by the judge sitting in chambers on the basis that he did not have any jurisdiction.

Williams then moved to a full panel of the Court of Appeal, seeking leave to appeal the decision of the Full Court and an extension of time to lodge that appeal. In so doing, he relied on the fact that the decision was sent to an incorrect email address, and that he did not learn of it until April 13, 2021. The Court of Appeal, however, dismissed his appeal, having found that his intended appeal had no merit, as the provisions of the Act did not prevent a person from suing him in his personal capacity.

Williams then applied to the CCJ for special leave to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal. He argued that the composition of the Full Court justified his being granted special leave to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the Full Court’s decision. In essence, Williams was seeking to have the order of the High Court striking him from the claim in his personal capacity restored. His application for special leave was only opposed by Kissoon.

Tuesday was rather serendipitously “International Day of Education”, when Min of Education, Priya Manickchand, rose to make her contribution to the Budget 2023 Debate! And because of this, you’d think the Opposition would’ve given her a round of applause when she announced that, by 2025, UG tuition would be eliminated!! Guyana would once again have FREE education from nursery to university!! And that’s another reason that the Opposition should’ve been dancing in the aisles, since it was Desmond Hoyte who’d introduced tuition - after the PNC’s founder-leader Burnham had continued Jagan’s policy of free tertiary education!!

In all fairness to Dessie, it was part of the bitter medicine he’d been forced to swallow from the IMF in 1989. He had to grovel because the “goadie-inducing” debt he’d inherited from Burnham effectively forced Guyana into international receivership!! The IMF “conditionalities” insisted on privatising the Burnham-nationalised economy - and imposing tuition to attend UG. The PNC has always exalted Burnham for his “visionary” stance on free education –even though this was seen as a basic right by all socialists – including Jagan.

When the latter was returned to office in 1992, he couldn’t very well return free tuition, since we were still being “mannered” by the IMF!! Bharrat Jagdeo, as President, had to perform a Herculean task of getting the PNC’s US$2.1B debt written off. So, when the PNC replaced the PPP in 2015, they could’ve easily removed the tuition from UG, but not only they didn’t – they actually RAISED it!! So, they should’ve ran around the floor of the National Assembly with Priya on their shoulders, no?!!

But now that we’re gonna have free Uni education, your Eyewitness sees some challenges ahead. Right off the bat, the Government gotta find a method to ensure that tertiary educational needs at our stage of development are satisfied. At the moment, half of UG grads come out with degrees in “International Relations” and “Sociology”, and subjects in the Humanities. And they whine about not getting employment as “Uni graduates”!! Tell your Eyewitness, for goodness’ sake, of what use is an IR graduate to a businessman trying to ensure his business pulls in a profit to pay the said graduate!?!

Guyana needs technical personnel for all the jobs opening up in the oil and gas sector and the coming downstream industries. Plus specialists for the diversification of the agriculture sector, that’ll keep us viable after the O&G runs out. Meaning that UG needs a radical makeover in its structure and curricula. It gotta be more like a polytechnic and an agricultural university.

Would you believe that there’s a Tokyo University of Agriculture? Maybe that’s why their Waygu beef sells at US$300 per pound!!

Free must be focused!!

…local Government?

As the Budget Debate drones on, your Eyewitness’s eye was caught by the exchange between the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development (MoLG&RD) and his “shadow” in the Opposition. Save that the “shadow” was ANYTHING but a shadow!! Anyhow, what was revealed did raise some eyebrows - the MoLG&RD is asking for $19B this year. So, what exactly does the Ministry do? Well…the two functions indicated in its name: Local Govt and Regional Development!!

In looking this up on the Ministry’s website, your Eyewitness found an interesting declaration on “Regional Development”: A new model of regional development surrounds the eradication of a colonial compound mentality…It hinges on the realization that the regional system is not an appendage of central government, but rather a driver of local economic empowerment.”

“The eradication of a colonial compound mentality”?? Didn’t that mentality have the workers treated like peons?? So how about using some of that $19B to raise salaries and attract more qualified staff to ensure they’re “not an appendage of central government”??

…friends calling

So, who says money doesn’t make the world go around?? Why else would all these countries who didn’t give us the time of day now line up to open up embassies??

The latest being Guatemala, Colombia & Dominican Republic!!

Basil Williams, SC

Prithima Kissoon

Over $400M in NIS not paid for T&HD staff between 2015 & 2020 – Min Edghill

... slams APNU/AFC for lagging road works ...

down

Budget debates continued on Wednesday with Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, revealing that under the former Government, over $400 million in National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions were not paid for staff at the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD).

According to Minister Edghill, under his tenure, they were forced to pay $470 million in arrears to the Scheme. This is because contributions to NIS were not remitted for Transport and Harbours Department staff between 2015 and 2020.

“When we came to Government, the Transport and Habours Department was one of the departments that were struggling. Let me explain: For the period 2015 to 2020, no NIS contributions were made for the staff of the Transport and Harbours Department. I am pleased to announce, Mr. Speaker, that the arrears of $470 million have been paid off, and any staff at the Transport and Harbours Department can now get their benefits. And that is what the PPP/C Government has done for the people of Guyana,” Edghill further said.

Nor is that all. According to Edghill, even the union dues were not being remitted on behalf of T&HD workers. This, too, has since been corrected by the PPP/C Government. The Minister, meanwhile, also spoke of development. For instance, just last year, 520 kilometres of roads were completed.

“I would not do justice to my team at the Ministry of Public Works if I did not say congratulations to our Special Projects Unit. In 2020, in our Maintenance of Roads programme, we did 175 kilometres of roads,” Edghill explained. “In 2021,

we did 420 kilometres. In 2022, we did 520 kilometres. Are you seeing the magnitude of what is taking place as it relates to Guyana’s development? In terms of rehabilitation of main access roads, we did 6 kilometres in 2020. In 2021, we did 15 kilometres. In 2022, we did 23 kilometres.”

When it comes to the overall roads programme, Edghill laid out how much expenditure on roads has increased under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, as opposed to what was spent under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

“In the Overall Roads Programme, which includes miscellaneous, hinterland, farm to market (and) main access roads, in the 56 months that the APNU/AFC was in office, they appropriated and spent $52 billion… $52 billion in 56 months. The same people who are complaining about roads need to be fixed. In 28 months, the PPP/C has appropriated and expended $83.9 billion.

“While I’m hearing the heckling, it’s the same engineers and people there for 56 months is there for 28 months, but they are delivering because they have visionary leadership. They are delivering because

they understand where Guyana needs to go! They understand that there’s a Government, and not looking after themselves. That’s the difference!” Edghill further said.

Meanwhile, Edghill had a defiant message for the Opposition: that notwithstanding their criticism, the Government has no intention of slowing down. As he put it, “Someone wants to mash brakes, but we mashing accelerator.”

Last week, the PPP/C Government presented its largest-ever budget, a record $781.9 billion budget financed for the first time by both oil and climate funds, which contains a number of wide-ranging provisions.

During his presentation of Budget 2023, Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, had reported that NIS was able to dispose of nearly half of its backlog in some two years. He had commended the NIS and its Board for the large reduction in pending NIS claims since the PPP/C returned to office.

“As of August 2020, the backlog of claims outstanding and on query was 20,106. It is encouraging that as of December 2022, the backlog was reduced to 10,902. Further, of the 1,362,734 [suspended] and invalid

numbers existing in the database, the Scheme was able to resolve 1,103,835 during 2022,” Dr Singh had stated.

The NIS has historically been the provider of social security when earnings are interrupted by illness or accident, for exceptional expenses related to birth or death, and for retirement by age. In fact, for many pensioners, this is their only source of income.

says PPP/C not slowing

The National Insurance Scheme

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Berbice man pleads guilty to stabbing wife to death

– to be sentenced on February 20

Acane cutter of Rosignol, West Coast Berbice (WCB), who had stabbed his wife to death in November 2020, has pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

Taijram Rahim, 33, of Marcy Dam, Rosignol Village, WCB, appeared before Justice Navindra Singh at the Berbice High Court and had read to him a charge which stated that, on November 12, 2020, he murdered his wife Amrita Rahim.

Following his plea, Justice Singh ordered that a probation report be prepared, and set February 20 for sentencing.

It has been reported that the mother of three, who was 28 years old at the time, was stabbed to death by the accused at their home in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) in front of one of their children. The children are aged eight, 10, and 11 respectively.

Police have said the eyewitness told detectives that the couple had attended a birthday party, and had returned home at about 23:45h on the day in question. At that time, the suspect accused the now-dead woman of infidelity. This led to an argument, and the now-dead woman threatened to leave the home. Reports are that

the angry man went into the kitchen and returned with a knife, which he used to stab the woman as she was lying

on the bed. She was subsequently taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital by a relative, who

found her on the bed after hearing the commotion, but she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Reports are that the suspect had gone to the Blairmont Police Station to turn himself in, but found the gate locked, and as such, returned home. Police subsequently arrived at the home and he was arrested. It has also been reported that the now-dead woman had been constantly abused by the suspect, who on numerous occasions had accused her of being unfaithful.

An autopsy performed on the body of the dead woman revealed that she died from a single stab to the heart.

Berbice man busted with over $25M ganja gets $60K bail

Mittelholzer, the 52-yearold Edwards has pleaded not guilty to a charge alleging that on January 20, at Helena No 1 Public Road, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, he had in his possession 28.6 kilograms of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. The drug carries a street value of $25,740,000.

Despite the prosecutor’s serious objections to the defendant being released on bail, Magistrate Mittelholzer placed Edwards on $60,000 bail on ground that the court would not be able to commence his trial in a timely manner. Edwards is required to report to the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam once per week pending the hearing and determination of his trial.

Nabbed with a large quantity of marijuana after the Police had apprehended him following a high-speed chase in Mahaica, ECD, Carlos Edwards of Stanleytown,

New Amsterdam Berbice has been charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Appearing with legal representation on Tuesday before Mahaica Magistrate Marissa

Police in a statement said ranks from the Mahaica Police Station were on duty on the Helena No 1 Public Road when they observed black motor car HD 2099 overtaking several vehicles on the Mahaica Bridge at a fast rate

of speed. The ranks attempted to stop the car, but it sped away, and they gave chase with aid of the siren and loud hailer, indicating to the driver to stop, but he refused.

The vehicle instead sped into Jonestown and hit a utility pole at Belmont, Mahaica. The driver then lost control of the vehicle, and it ended up in a trench. Edwards then exit-

ed the vehicle and attempted to escape with two bulky bags in his possession.

Upon being taken into custody, a total of nine black plastic parcels and three transparent plastic parcels containing ganja were found in his possession.

This is the second time that Edwards has been involved in a daring car chase

with the Police. In December 2017, he was busted with almost 14 pounds of cannabis in his car trunk at Sheriff Street, Georgetown following a daring chase by Police. This publication understands that he had been charged in relation to that drug bust, and had been convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

Former AG Basil Williams...

According to the regional court, in respect of the constitution of the Full Court, it considered the authorities relating to bias and the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, and found that the judge of the Full Court ought to have recused himself, given his close relationship with Kissoon.

“Nevertheless, the Court found that this issue was not determinative of the application for special leave, because this Court must still assess whether Williams has otherwise met the test for being granted special leave, that test being whether the intending appellant demonstrates a realistic prospect of the appeal being successful,” the CCJ said in a summary of its ruling.

The intending appellant, the apex court said, may do so if, for example, there appears to be an egregious error of law, or there was a possible miscarriage of justice. To determine the prospects of success of the appeal, this Court then

considered and interpreted Sections 3, 9, and 10 of the Act, which was modelled after the United Kingdom’s Crown Proceedings Act 1947 (the UK Act).

It explained that the UK Act was enacted to make the Crown vicariously liable in tort for the acts of their servants and agents. “Section 2 of the UK Act and Section 3 of the State Liability and Proceedings Act impose liability on the Crown (the State in the case of republican Guyana) in cases where torts are committed by the agents or servants of the Crown or State, as the case may be, in the course of the execution of their duties.”

The CCJ said it further considered the State Liability and Proceedings Act and found that there was nothing in the Act or any authority that removed the right to sue the actual tort-feasor for acts or omissions in the performance of their duties as agents or servants of the State.

Given its findings, the

CCJ held that the Full Court was entitled and right to restore Williams to the suit as a defendant in his personal capacity, and therefore dismissed his appeal. The parties agreed that no costs would be imposed.

If a public official is vexed by the bringing of unmeritorious suits against them, the rules of court contain adequate provisions for the court summarily to strike out actions that are frivolous or that stand no realistic chance of success, the CCJ noted.

It pointed out: “The fundamental purpose of the State Liability and Proceeding Act is not to immunise public servants from suit for such a public servant’s allegedly tortious acts, but to assure any person who is harmed by such acts, once they are carried out in the due execution of their official duties, that the State will be liable for any damages awarded, and that the public official will not personally have to pay the same.”

Murder accused Taijram Rahim on his first court appearance

Carlos Edwards at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts in December 2017

Murdered: Amrita Rahim

The marijuana that Edwards was transporting in the car

Rose Hall Sugar Estate expected to be reopened later this year – Min Mustapha

...touts progress in agriculture sector, Guyana’s growing regional influence

ulation,” Mustapha said.

“And we in Guyana are very fortunate because, with the prudent management and investments we have created, we are able to produce 60 per cent of the food we are consuming. I am hearing my colleagues saying 100 per cent, we will reach there… I have a plan, unlike them, for the agriculture sector.”

On day two of the budget debates, much was said by the parliamentary Opposition about the sugar industry; and in response, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday updated the house on the developments in the sugar industry.

During his budget debate presentation, Mustapha pointed out that after their five years in office, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) left the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) in a state of disaster.

Several estates were closed, with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) having to reopen estates. One such estate, the Rose Hall Sugar Estate, is now on track to be reopened later this year.

“I want to inform the APNU/AFC that, later on, the second crop of this year, Rose Hall, one of the estates they closed to suffer that area, will be reopened, and smoke will be coming out of that chimney,” Mustapha said.

“That’s the problem. (Opposition Member of Parliament Khemraj) Ramjattan says they wanted to right-size the sugar industry. The Guyanese people have right-sized this country, and put them over there (in opposition) for the rest of their lives. And Mr. Ramjattan will be there for the rest of his political career!

“Today, the sugar industry is in the midst of a turnaround. Of the 7000

persons who were fired under the former APNU/AFC Government, approximately 1500 of those workers were re-employed.

“In 2014, when we left Government, the industry was producing 216,352 metric tonnes. It moved to 92,256 metric tonnes in 2019. In 2015, Skeldon Estate produced 39,157 metric tonnes. In 2016, Skeldon Estate produced 31,782 metric tonnes. They went to Parliament, boasting that they turned around the industry and sugar will prosper.

“In 2017, production fell to 14,000 tonnes. And that was the end of Skeldon Estate. In 2016, APNU/AFC abandoned four sugar estates and put 7000 sugar workers on the breadline. The same time they took their salary increase, they dismissed 7000 sugar workers,” Mustapha reminded the National Assembly.

And at a time when many countries in the world suffered from food shortages and another globally-influenced economic woes, Minister Mustapha also revealed, Guyana is still able to produce the majority of the food it consumes. With Guyana able to produce 60 per cent of food for domestic consumption, Minister Mustapha expressed optimism about the agriculture sector.

“We have seen what took place during the last two and a half years during the pandemic. We have seen many countries that have large sums of money were unable to procure food for their pop-

Mustapha pointed out that the non-oil economy performed well and registered 11.5 per cent Gross Domestic Production (GDP), of which agriculture accounted for almost 9 per cent. He also spoke about Guyana’s influence at the regional level when it comes to food security, and how it has grown in the past few years.

“The entire Caribbean is looking forward to the leadership of His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. And with that portfolio that our President holds, we have seen a renewed interest in agriculture in the region. Countries that depend on tourism are now moving to transform their economies into agriculture because they see the future,” Mustapha said.

After taking office in 2020, the PPP/C Government had also announced, in the Emergency Budget presented in September 2020, that some $5 billion would be injected into the sugar industry for the phased reopening of the closed estates.

GUYSUCO was allocated a further $2 billion in Budget 2021 by the PPP/C Government for capital works to be undertaken at the various estates to help in the turnaround of the sugar industry. Last year, GUYSUCO received $1 billion in supplementary funding from the Government.

And in budget 2023, $4 billion was allocated. According to Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh in his budget speech, the Government remains committed to the revitalisation and restructuring of the sugar industry to support a diversified and modernised sector, ensuring its sustainability and economic viability.

The Rose Hall Estate

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Petroleum company launches $10M UG Scholarship Fund

CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL) on Wednesday made a financial contribution to the University of Guyana (UG) to support education for primarily Indigenous and other students needing assistance.

The gift amounts to $10 million and provides support for at least three undergraduate scholars for five years each.

The contribution would be administered by the University, and caters to scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEM).

UG Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin received the gift on behalf of the University from President of CPGL, Liu Xiaoxiang. The Vice-Chancellor noted that the company already has an existing cooperation programme with the university to fund tui-

tion for 18 students, nine of whom must be drawn from hinterland communities. She lauded the grant of this additional initiative for being a worthwhile contribution toward the education of underprivileged

students and toward the University’s aspirational goal of one graduate per household.

Professor Mohamed Martin noted that CPGL has consistently sought ways of partnering with UG to promote tertiary education, particularly for less fortunate Guyanese students.

She recalled that CPGL is also a partner in the Greater Guyana Initiative under which UG is benefitting from a range of additional initiatives.

President Liu Xiaoxiang thanked the ViceChancellor for her cooperation, which has enabled CPGL to fulfill its corporate social responsibility. He observed that notwith-

standing the rapid pace of development in Guyana, there is ample room for his Company to support the nation’s development.

Liu further stated that, based on experiences in China, education is the best way to transform the lives of underprivileged families. Thus, it is CPGL’s wish to assist students in need to complete their studies and pursue their dreams.

He noted that this latest gift to the University coincides with the 170th Anniversary of the Arrival of Chinese to Guyana, as well as the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit. “This support comes from the bottom of our hearts,” he has said.

CANU intercepts car with $3.5M in ganja in GT

Aresident of Albouystown, Georgetown was on Wednesday nabbed in the vicinity of City Hall with about $3.5 million in ganja in his car.

The operation was carried out by agents of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

During the operation, the ranks unearthed a salt bag

containing several parcels of cannabis.

At the time, 45-year-old Clyde Anthony Barrett, also called ‘Clivy’, proprietor of City Vibes Bar, was the lone occupant of the car. The car and the driver were escort-

ed to CANU Headquarters, where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 11.586 kilograms, which has an estimated street value of $3.5 million.

Barrett has been arrested pending charges.

Fire guts Norton Street home

Aman is now homeless after a fire erupted at his Lot 24 Norton Street, Georgetown home on Wednesday.

The fire, spotted at about 15:15h, engulfed the wooden-and-concrete structure at a time when the lone occupant - who reportedly occupies the bottom half

of the building - was not at home. The cause and origin of the fire are unknown.

According to residents, the man’s family, who used to live in the upper flat of the building, migrated and left the man to live in the bottom flat. Based on information received, as soon as the fire was spotted, the

Guyana Fire Service was summoned to the scene. Upon its arrival, the firefighters sprang into action and contained the blaze, thus preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings.

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire.

UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin receiving the contribution from the President of CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, Liu Xiaoxiang

The aftermath of the fire

The narcotics found in the car

Arrested: Clyde Anthony Barrett, also called "Clivy"

$19M in steel pans handed over to 3 secondary schools

The Three Miles Secondary School in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); the New Amsterdam Secondary School in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and the Tutorial High School in Georgetown (Region Four) have each received a new set of steel pans to boost and enhance their music programmes.

The instruments were handed over to the schools on Wednesday at the Unit of Allied Arts, located in the Queen’s College compound.

Administrator (ag) of the Unit of Allied Arts, Kurt Braithwaite, has said that each school would be receiving a pair of double second pans, a pair of double guitar

pans, one set of triple cello guitar pans, one set of four bass pans, and one set of six bass pans.

He said the schools can expect a drum set to be handed over shortly to complement the pans.

He said the three sets of pans for the schools were procured at a total cost of $19.6 million. According to him, the objective is to have steelpan music back in schools, and this initiative is fully supported by Education Minister Priya Manickchand.

Braithwaite noted that with the three new sets having been handed over, 34 secondary schools in the country are now equipped with steel pans. Additionally, he

said some teachers across the country have been trained in the area of music which encompasses other instruments.

Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr. Ritesh Tularam, has said the Ministry of Education is on the move to put programmes in place to produce rounded citizens. He said that with guidance of the Education Minister, the Ministry is on the path to ensure students leave the school system knowing how to play a musical instrument, a sport, are equipped with knowledge in a TVET subject, have been exposed to a foreign language, and having an appreciation and spirit for volunteerism. He

43 Police ranks complete special foreign language training programme

said the intention is to ensure students are exposed to, and understand, the basics relative to the subject areas.

He said the Unit of Allied Arts would be repurposed

and would reimagine its position to align with the National Agenda of Guyana.

r. Tularam has commended the staff of the Unit for making the instruments

available to the schools. He noted that this marks the beginning of expanding the services and functions of the Unit of Allied Arts to better serve Guyana and the education system.

Payless ShoeSource opens 2nd store in Amazonia Mall

Footwear retailer Payless ShoeSource has opened another branch on the ground floor of the Amazonia Mall at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The brand has been well received since the first store was launched at MovieTowne in 2021, giving shoppers a wide variety of styles from which to choose for the entire family.

The store has 3000 square feet of retail space, which is almost twice the size of a standard Payless Store. It will be located on the East Bank of Demerara within the new expansion of

Amazonia Mall.

This store will offer customers wider aisles, more styles, and sizes. This store is stocked with over 17,000 pairs of shoes, handbags, and accessories for the entire family, providing them with trend right, quality & comfortable shoes at the best possible prices.

“We are proud to expand our store count in the English-speaking Caribbean, and to continue to serve people that have always supported our value proposal, that has believed in our company, our products, and our stores,” Country Manager for

Payless Trinidad, Eastern Caribbean & Guyana, Jerus Mohammed, noted.

He further stated, “The Company’s mission is to become the go-to, get-more payless shoe store for our customers whilst expanding in Latin America and the Caribbean. The burgeoning Guyana market is at the forefront of that expansion.

With this new store, we are confirming our commitment to serving Guyana, and it is a significant step for Payless as we expand our footprint in the rapidly growing Guyanese marketplace.”

Forty-three members of the Guyana Police Force (from sergeants to constables) have successfully completed a specialised training programme in ‘foreign language’ for law enforcement officers.

The ‘forward thinking’ training programme was specifically designed and tailored for law enforcement officers by the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Education and Humanities. It will play an important role in enabling members of the Police Force to interact with the general populace, particularly the increasing

influx of migrants and foreigners who speak different languages.

The programme focuses on Mandarin, Portuguese and Spanish. During the training, participants were required to complete 120 hours in each language’s beginner, intermediate and advanced levels to complete the four-credit course.

In a simple ceremony on Wednesday at the Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Road, the 43 ranks, the first batch to complete the foreign language programme, were presented with certificates to mark their suc-

cessful completion. Among those present at the ceremony were the Head of GPF’s Strategic Planning Unit, W/Superintendent Nicola Kendall; Force Training Officer, Deputy Superintendent Kevin London; Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed; and Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Dr. Roslin Khan; along with the lecturers Gudelio Tavares Sierra (Spanish), Menga Thomas (Portuguese) and Adam Kuo Li (Mandarin).

The graduates with officials at the graduation ceremony

Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr Ritesh Tularam, handing over the instruments to representatives of the schools

A set of steelpans that were handed over on Wednesday

Barama Company Limited – greatly benefitting from the use of the “Made in Guyana” standards mark

Timber remains a crucial forest product used in the construction of furniture, buildings, and other infrastructure. This widely used commodity, which is a renewable and recyclable resource, is also being transformed into value-added products. Locally, Barama Company Limited (BCL) is a leader in this transformation, as it continuously aims to deliver quality.

Established over 30 years ago, Barama Company Limited is Guyana’s largest

investor in the forest sector, with its core product being plywood in various forms. With a complement of over 200 employees, Assistant General Manager Patricia Griffith-Mingo describes the company as the second-largest Foreign Direct Investor in the country.

Barama’s core business includes the sale of hardwood logs, sawn timber, and the manufacturing of plywood. The company manufactures plywood in five different thicknesses: 4mm, 5.2mm, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm,

and 18mm. According to Mrs. Griffith-Mingo, Barama is soon going to be offering additional products and services, to improve and diversify its current product line to roundwood, lumber, quarry, marine, and interior road maintenance.

On October 12, 2022, the company celebrated one of its most memorable days, after becoming the first within the timber industry to achieve the right to use the GNBS-approved “Made in Guyana” standards mark on its tropical hardwood ply-

wood in regular, grooved, and water-resistant types.

“Barama is always keen on standardisation, and will continue to pursue that pathway to enhance its products and services to meet national, regional, and international standards.

Marketing Manager has also proudly advised that forty percent of Barama’s employees are female, as part of the company’s mission to break gender barriers.

When asked how the “Made in Guyana” certification benefits Barama,

ing along with the GNBS’ Certification and Business Development teams proved a great experience. He said the process was well-structured and professionally handled throughout every step.

Jaisingh encourages oth-

Because of this, we pursued ‘Made in Guyana’ certification”, Marketing Manager Daniel Jaisingh noted.

The company, a long-serving member of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association and the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry, among others, indigenously sources ninety-five percent of its raw materials as a commitment to local stakeholders. Barama also exceeds the

Assistant General Manager Patricia Griffith-Mingo proudly relayed, “The certification adds value to our products and the company collectively. It has caused us to improve/ implement systems and controls to ensure quality products and services, and improved customer relations”.

The AGM added, “The company will continue to fulfill the criteria for the certification (in order) to main-

er companies to become “Made in Guyana” certified, to foster growth which would reflect positively on Guyana as a whole. “The certification will provide a competitive edge on the local and overseas markets, and it will increase revenue, consumer confidence, and consistency in the manufacturing process, which auger well for any company” the Marketing Manager has advised.

The “Made in Guyana” standards mark is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products on the national, regional and international levels. It focuses on creating competitiveness for authentic Guyanese products certified under the programme, while creating a framework for the development of quality systems within our local content.

employment requirement of the “Made in Guyana” certification programme, as approximately ninety-five percent of its staff is comprised of Guyanese. The company’s

tain these benefits.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Jaisingh has commended the GNBS for its seamless support during the certification process. He revealed that work-

The certification is valid for one year, during which the GNBS would conduct surveillance visits to ensure the requirements are maintained throughout the certification period, in keeping with the respective terms and conditions.

BCL General Manager Mohindra Chand posing with GMSA President Rafeek Khan and other stakeholders

Barama Co Ltd employees at work

Barama’s personalised “Made in Guyana” standards mark

Plywood manufactured by Barama Co Ltd

26, 2023 |

CoA likely to rule on preliminary issues in Parliamentary Secretaries’ case today

The Court of Appeal is likely to rule on a preliminary issue today before it proceeds to hear an appeal filed by Vickash Ramkissoon and Sarah Browne against the annulment of their appointments as Parliamentary Secretaries and non-elected members of the National Assembly.

Browne and Ramkissoon were appointed respective Parliamentary Secretaries to the Amerindian Affairs and Agriculture Ministries.

At a November 2022 hearing, Justice of Appeal Dawn Gregory, who sits on the court’s panel along with Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud, stated that she wanted to satisfy herself whether she ought to sit in the case.

In cancelling the pair’s appointment, acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC had relied on Attorney General vs Morian, which was first decided by now late Chief Justice Ian Chang.

Justice Chang’s ruling was appealed to the Court of Appeal, where Justices Gregory, Persaud, and Franklin Holder adjudicated and made a certain ruling. Given that she was one of the Judges who heard the appeal against Justice Chang’s decision, Justice Gregory has said she would revisit that decision to determine what position she and the court had taken.

Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, on behalf of Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, had contended that since the Court of Appeal’s ruling in the Attorney General vs Morian was only on the issue of jurisdiction, and not the substantive matter, the case cannot be used as a binding precedent, and so Justice George fell into error when she applied it in deciding to nullify the appointments.

“A court is bound by the ratio decidendi of a case…if the court has not made any pronouncement on the issue, it does not constitute binding authority. Even if the court on some occasions assumes a proposition of law to be correct without actually considering it, the authorities we have put before the court indicate that that does not constitute binding authority either.”

Roysdale Forde, SC, who is representing Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones, the respondent, submitted that his understanding of the appellate court’s decision in Attorney General vs Morian was that

the court dismissed the appeal filed by then-Attorney General Basil Williams, SC, and affirmed the decision of Chief Justice Chang.

According to him, the Court of Appeal’s order specifically stated that it had affirmed Justice Chang’s ruling. He said he took the position that the Court of Appeal had embraced Justice Chang’s decision, and therefore it became a decision of that court and a binding precedent.

Nandlall, now in a different capacity, is contending that Justice Chang’s decision was wrong.

“The [Court of Appeal] did not consider whether Chief Justice Chang was correct in his determination as to the interpretation of the phrase “elected member of the National Assembly,” his lawyer Mendes said, as he maintained that the appellate court only ruled on Justice Chang’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

Background

In 2015, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) member Dennis Morian had filed a constitutional motion against then-Attorney General Williams, challenging the legality of the appointments of former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Technocrat Ministers Keith Scott and Winston Felix.

Felix, who was at the time the Minister of Citizenship, and Scott the Minister with responsibility for Labour, were candidates on the APNU/AFC’s List of Candidates for the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

In 2016, the now-late Justice Chang declared that both Scott and Felix were unlawfully and unconstitutionally occupying seats in the National Assembly due to their status as elected members (named on the Coalition’s List of Candidates).

Applying the reasoning in the Attorney General vs Morian, Chief Justice George had held that Browne and Ramkissoon’s appointments violated Articles 113, 186, and 103 (3) of the Constitution of Guyana. The Chief Justice had pronounced that they cannot be appointed as non-elected Members of Parliament (MPs) since they were named on the List of Candidates presented by the PPP/C for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Back in December 2020, Jones had moved to the High Court challenging Browne and Ramkissoon’s

historically, in Guyana, Parliamentary Secretaries were appointed from among members of the National Assembly, and the category of persons who may be appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries was expanded in the 1980 Constitution to include persons who were qualified to be elected.

appointments.

He had contended that Browne and Ramkissoon cannot be appointed as non-elected parliamentarians since they were named on the List of Candidates presented by the PPP/C for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. This, he had contended, made them elected members of the National Assembly, since their names were extracted from that party’s list.

Among other things, he had asked the Chief Justice to grant an order compelling the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, to prevent Browne and Ramkissoon from sitting and participating in the business of the National Assembly.

The Chief Justice, however, had refused to grant the coercive order, stating that it was left in the hands of the House Speaker to enforce her judgement.

Erroneous

Shortly after Justice George had rendered her ruling, Nandlall had filed an appeal in which he, inter alia, argued that Chief Justice George’s decision that a Parliamentary Secretary cannot sit in Parliament is erroneous and misconceived in law.

“The decision does not accord with the clear and unambiguous binding language of the Constitution,” stated one of the Attorney General’s grounds of appeal.

Public Trustee and Official Receiver Prithima Kissoon, in an affidavit, said she was advised by Nandlall and believes that the Chief Justice erred and misdirected herself in law by failing to appreciate that although there are similarities in the two cases (Technocrat Ministers/Parliamentary Secretaries), there are also differences in the constitutional regime on the appointment of Technocratic Ministers in comparison to Parliamentary Secretaries.

According to Kissoon,

She reminded that in the ninth Parliament, Pauline Sukhai, now Amerindian Affairs Minister, whose name appeared on the List of Candidates for the PPP/C, was appointed a Parliamentary Secretary to assist the Tourism Minister as a non-elected member of the National Assembly, without any objection

for the duration of that Parliament.

The Public Trustee also reminded that during

the tenth Parliament, Joseph Hamilton, now Labour Minister, whose name did not appear on the List of Candidates for PPP/C or any other List of Candidates, was appointed a Parliamentary Secretary as a non-elected member without any objection for the duration of that Parliament.

Having regard to these circumstances, Kissoon submitted that, “It cannot be disputed that the appeal is not only grounded in merit, but raises fundamental issues of interpretation of the Constitution, as well as issues integral to Guyana’s parliamentary and constitutional democracy.”

GUYOIL signs agreement with CCWU to unionise supervisor-level employees

Supervisor-level workers at the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) are now being represented by the Clerical & Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU), following the signing of a twoyear agreement between the two entities on Monday at the Labour Ministry’s Boardroom.

During the simple yet significant signing ceremony, GUYOIL General Manager Molly Hassan said the agreement, which is representative of employees’ benefits apart from fixed salaries, has been in the making for two years.

“At GUYOIL, we see our employees as our number one priority,” she said while emphasising that employees are the greatest assets of any organisation.

“We see our employees as the main idea around our company. It is an asset which, when deployed well, the labour component, if you can get that fixed and

taken care of, you are onto a trajectory that can only be fruitful and productive.”

She assured that the company would continue to put its employees first, and in so doing expects larger profits and good work ethics. While there have been some challenges, Hassan disclosed, GUYOIL has been able to “iron out” most of its problems, including employees’ grievances, by working closely with the CCWU. According to her, the agreement would bring “peace of mind” to the fuel company’s workers, since it cites an upgrade in some of the benefits from which employees would have previously benefitted.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of CCWU, Sherwood Clarke, related that the union has had recognition with other categories of GUYOIL employees since 1994.

He believes that having one union represent a company puts less pressure on

management. Clarke described GUYOIL as a “significant company”.

He highlighted some of the benefits the company offers to its workers, including meals allowance, travel allowance, risk allowance, uniform allowance, night premium, one-month passage assistance, 30 days’ annual leave, and bursary awards for children.

General Secretary Clarke made it clear that the union has zero tolerance for absenteeism, lateness, and frequent medicals, as it has a role to see productivity in the company.

For his part, Chief Labour Officer Attorneyat-Law Dhaneshwar Deonarine noted that the role of the Labour Ministry in collective bargaining is neutral.

That Ministry, he pointed out, is here to ensure the process happens in good faith, and not under duress and threat.

Vickash Ramkissoon

Sarah Browne

GUYOIL General Manager Molly Hassan General Secretary of CCWU, Sherwood Clarke

Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine

Govt in talks with Middle Eastern, European companies on bidding for oil blocks – Min Bharrat

...says Guyana also attracting interest from US, Latin America & Caribbean

Over a month after the bid round for Guyana’s oil blocks was launched, it can be confirmed that major oil companies ranging from Middle Eastern to European have expressed their interest in bidding for the blocks.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times , Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat explained that massive amounts of interest have been received, mostly from companies. Interest has even come from closer to home - the United States (US) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

“The bid round, that has been progressing well. It was launched in December, and will close in April. And we’re looking to award at least by mid-2023. The evaluation, award, and everything, we’ve got a lot of interest. A lot of companies have contacted my staff at the Ministry for further information and clarification.

“And I can tell you major oil companies from all around the world: from the Middle East, from Europe, the US, we’ve been attracting a lot of attention. Even from our hemisphere - Latin America and the Caribbean - we’ve been getting a lot of interest from the bid round,” the Minister further said.

A Reuters report has meanwhile indicated that Guyana is in talks with Qatar, the United Kingdom (UK), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India on direct Government-toGovernment allocation of oil blocks.

In October of last year, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had said that some of the blocks that will be available have been set aside for Governmentto-Government partnerships. “And as you know, we have some blocks that we’re going to auction off. I think very soon we’re going to move to the auctioning of some blocks. And we have some blocks that are set aside for what is termed a Government-toGovernment partnership.

We’re looking at all our strategic partners with these blocks,” the President had said.

In December 2022, President Ali officially launched the much-anticipated first auction of the remaining oil blocks. There will be 14 oil blocks up for tender, comprising 11 in the shallow area and three in the deep-sea area. These blocks will range from 1000 square kilometres (sq km) to 2000 sq km. However, most of the blocks are approximately 2000 sq km. A minimum signing bonus of US$10 million was set for the shallow water and US$20 million for the deep-water blocks.

“We’re hoping that the close of the submission of the bids will be on the 14th of April, 2023, and our timeline is to have contracts awarded by end of May 2023. This, of course, will follow negotiations and evaluation of the bids that we received during this bidding round…,” the President had disclosed.

Each bidder would be charged a participation fee of US$20,000 to join the auction, and according to President Ali, this cost was settled so as to not dissuade interest in the bidding process. The payment of this fee will allow bidders access to a virtual data room which will have all the de-

tails on the blocks, so that interested parties can participate in a competitive bidding process.

Guyana has long been expected to go out and auction oil blocks, both untapped and relinquished. There are relinquishment clauses which are typically included in contracts so that companies can relin-

quish a portion of the block when the renewable period is up, thereby allowing other companies to buy into the respective blocks.

A new model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) has also been developed by the Government to guide participating companies at the auction on what fiscal terms to expect. The new

PSA includes terms like a 10 per cent royalty rate. This is an increase on the previous 2 per cent in the former Government’s PSA it signed with ExxonMobil. The cost recovery ceiling is now 65 per cent, a decrease from 75 per cent. Companies will, for the first time, also pay a corporate tax, 10 per cent.

Govt facilitates discussions with visiting Jamaican trade delegation

The Government’s Office of Investment on Wednesday facilitated a visiting delegation from Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) led by Senator and Industry, Investment, & Commerce Minister Aubyn Hill.

Meetings were held in collaboration with key stakeholders of the Government and Private Sector agencies, with over sixty-nine

(69) companies with backgrounds ranging from Construction, Mining, ICT & Cyber Security, Water Management, Education, Agriculture, Financial Services and Labour, to name a few, being part of this mission.

This mission is being held from January 24 to 27, 2023 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel. The purpose of the initiative is to facilitate busi-

ness-to-business networking through the establishment of linkages with companies from Jamaica.

Key meetings facilitated to address the Jamaican delegation were led by Vice President of Guyana, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Chief Investment Officer of Guyana, Dr Peter Ramsaroop; and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd.

Elderly pedal cyclist killed in Cotton Tree accident

ABerbice pensioner is Guyana’s latest fatality after he was struck down by a minibus at Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice on Wednesday.

The dead pedal cyclist has been identified as 74-year-old William Johnson of Railway Line, Rosignol Village, West Coast Berbice.

Based on reports received, the accident occurred at about 10:30h, and

involved minibus BRR 1805, driven by a 64-year-old man of Zorgen Hoop, Blairmont Village, West Bank Berbice.

The Police have said the minibus was proceeding west along the road at a normal rate of speed when the pedal cyclist suddenly turned into its path, thus resulting in a collision which threw the pedal cyclist onto the road surface, where he received several bodily injuries.

Johnson was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has been taken to the Bailey Funeral Home to await a post-mortem.

A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver, and it showed no trace of alcohol in his system. He has been arrested, and remains in custody.

These sessions underscored the value of this visit and its impact on international cooperation and investment in Guyana’s many sectoral industries.

There were also key addresses from Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, while remarks also came from Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond.

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Private Sector Commission (PSC), and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) also addressed the delegation and organised B2B meetings for the delegation.

Guyana’s Office for Invest facilitated meetings with a number of Government offices, along with companies such

as the Technical, Vocational, Education and Training, National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI), Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO), National Insurance Scheme, Bureau of Stats, Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL), to name a few. This Delegation Meeting is one of the largest Caribbean Private Sector Delegation Missions to Guyana.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

A map of Guyana’s oil blocks

Members of the delegation during a session

In-river construction for Berbice Deep-Water Port to commence soon

Following some setbacks previously, Canada-based CGX Energy Inc is continuing to advance the Berbice Deep Water Port (BDWP) project with in-river construction activities slated to start in the coming months in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

In an update on the project, the company said that the production of concrete piles and other concrete pre-stressed structures for the in-river construction of a 50x12 metre access trestle being built from the quayside yard westward into the Berbice River has begun and is almost completed.

“This will be immediately followed by in-river construction activities, including necessary dredging of the river, in Q1 [first quarter] of 2023,” CGX said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the company, it has spent over US$22 million on the BDWP project thus far, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Grand 2 Canal Industrial Estates (GCIE).

GCIE had previously reported last year that there were some minor setbacks with the project owing to revisions that were needed to the design of its wharf and trestle in the Berbice River.

GAICO Construction and General Services Inc

was selected as the lowest bidder to construct the access trestle and wharf as well as to perform the required dredging operations.

The company is expected to start with the 160-foot access trestle after which the wharf will be built perpendicular to the trestle – parallel to the eastern bank of the river.

In November 2022, CGX said that the cargo terminal aspect of the Port is expected to commence in mid2023 and operation of the oil and gas support base in late 2023, subject to construction schedules and supply chains.

The port facility intends to serve as an offshore supply base for the oil and gas industry and as a multi-purpose terminal to service agricultural import/ export, containerized, and specialised cargo, including aggregates for construction purposes. The BDWP project aims to enable the provisioning of operators and vendors in the territorial waters of both Guyana and Suriname.

The deepwater harbour project is being built on 30 acres of land adjacent to and north of Crab Island on the eastern bank of the Berbice River. It was reported that 10 acres of the plot have been set aside as a living laboratory for the study of mangrove habitats in co-existence with com-

mercial port operations.

Previously, the Guyana Government had expressed concerns over the slow pace of the BDWP project and had given CGX up to September 2022 month-end to submit a plan on how it intends to move forward with the port facility.

Subsequently in October of that year, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat told Guyana Times that he was slated to meet with CGX representatives to intensify discussions on fast-tracking works on the project.

The CGX deep-water harbour project has been in the works since 2010.

GCIE has been engaged in civil works related to the

construction of the US$130 million BDWP.

Initially, it was expected that the offshore oil and gas support shore base would be operationalised by the third quarter of 2022, and the cargo terminal by the end of 2023.

However, in its financial statements in August 2022, CGX informed shareholders that it would be unable to meet the 2022 deadline and that a revised schedule for completion is being discussed with the contractor.

“As a result of certain delays, the company believes it is unlikely that the offshore supply base of the port will be fully operational in Q4 2022 as previously envisioned. A revised

schedule for completion of the offshore supply base of the port is being discussed with the contractor, and the company anticipates providing an updated timeline to shareholders and stakeholders in due course,” CGX said in its Second Quarter Financial Statement.

Given its slow pace of operations, the Guyana Government had CGX relinquish two oil exploration blocks offshore – Demerara and Berbice – to the State, so that the company can focus on operations in the Corentyne Block as well as the deep-water port facility.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has already emphasised the importance of a deep-water harbour in Guyana as

part of his Administration’s push to have the country become a major logistics and trans-shipment hub in the Region.

In fact, back in December 2022, the Head of State indicated that such a facility is needed to link Guyana with Brazil.

“We’re now working, very actively, on ensuring that Guyana will have and must have our own deep-water harbour. That deep-water harbour must be connected to Brazil. And must be built as the premier logistics and trans-shipment hub, for the Caribbean, going up North and connecting Brazil. That is the business model,” he stated.

According to President Ali, he had already reached out, through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, to the new Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva, for a bilateral meeting to discuss this and other issues. While the Guyanese Leader had attended President Lula’s inauguration earlier this month, there were no reports of the two leaders having any in-depth bilateral talks.

Guyana had previously gotten serious interest from Abu Dhabi Ports, a United Arab Emirates-based company that deals in industrial zones and logistics, on establishing a deep-water facility in Berbice.

Mohamed’s Enterprise to construct US$5M concrete production facility at Providence

to international specifications, and will be certified by German engineers.

This recent undertaking will not only cater to the construction needs of the country, but will see the creation of scores of jobs for Guyanese. In addition, this multi-million-dollar facility will contribute to the country’s booming economy with its payments of taxes.

Back in April 2022, Hadi’s World Incorporation, a subsidiary of Mohamed’s Enterprise, partnered with China Harbour Engineering Company Guyana Inc to pursue the US$25M quarry project to cater to the needs of the country’s booming construction sector.

Mohamed’s Enterprise, in partnership with Tepui Group Inc., whose principal is Mikhail Rodrigues, will soon commence concrete production at Providence, on the East Bank of Demerara. Presently, the facility is under construction, and once completed, production will commence.

Businessman Azruddin

Mohamed visited the area on Wednesday to assess and inspect ongoing works. While there, he was briefed on the scope of work to be done, and was impressed at the pace at which work is being executed on the facility.

Upon completion, the facility would produce concrete pre-stressed piles as large as 16X16 in width with a length of up to 160

feet; slabs for bridges, utility poles, and a wide variety of construction services, including state-of-the-art equipment.

In addition, the facility will be accessible by a wharf that is being constructed, which will facilitate the delivery of materials to any part of the coastland by water.

Further, these high-quality materials will be made

The long-term agreement will see the establishment of the quarry along the Mazaruni River, where the Chinese company will produce boulders and quarry aggregates for local and foreign construction markets.

Mohamed’s Enterprise, back in 2018, constructed the first-ever laydown facility at Mc Doom, Greater Georgetown.

The facility, constructed on five acres of land, is estimated to cost US$3 million.

The area was underdeveloped and required massive intervention to get to being one of the best-constructed facilities in modern times.

A total of 7000 tons of crush and run, 500 loads of sand, and approximately 250 loads of red loam were used to construct the facility.

Businessmen Azruddin Mohamed and Mikhail Rodrigues in discussion

Ongoing work at the facility

CGX Energy Inc’s Berbice Deep-Water Port

Regional

OAS backs Peru's President as protests mount

The Organisation of American States (OAS) permanent council expressed its "full support" for Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on Wednesday, following weeks of anti-Government protests that have left dozens dead.

Attending virtually, Boluarte told the council meeting in Washington that she had asked Peru's Congress to approve early elections "as soon as possible".

The Congress is set to hold a second and final vote

to ratify early elections, moving them from 2026 to April 2024.

However, there is mounting pressure to move the elections forward even earlier, as the death toll from weeks of social unrest ticks up. (Reuters)

US arrests of Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan migrants plummet

The number of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela caught crossing the US-Mexico border dropped off dramatically from December to January following new rules that expel them back to Mexico, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said.

US authorities encountered a daily average of just 115 migrants from those countries over a week-long period ending on January 24, down from an average 3367 in the week to December 11, a 97 per cent drop, DHS said on Wednesday.

The Department attributed the decrease to the expansion of a public health order known as Title 42,

which was first implemented by Republican former President Donald Trump to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

On January 5, the Administration of Democratic President Joe Biden announced that migrants from Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua would be expelled to Mexico without the chance to seek US asylum under Title 42. Mexico had previously accepted mostly Mexicans, some Central Americans and, more recently, Reuters reported last week that overall border arrests dropped in January following the new policies.

Biden, who intends to seek re-election in 2024, has struggled both operation-

ally and politically with record numbers of migrants attempting to cross the USMexico border illegally.

His move to expand the Trump-era programme has angered some immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers who point to his pledge to reverse the Republican's hardline border policies.

Biden's Administration has coupled the expulsions with new legal pathways for migrants who enter by air and who have US sponsors, which it says will simultaneously allow up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to enter the United States with a two-year temporary humanitarian "parole".

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Two sons of Panama’s ex-President Ricardo Martinelli are expected to return to the country after completing prison sentences in the United States for their involvement in an international corruption scandal.

Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares and Ricardo Martinelli Linares are slated to arrive in Panama on Wednesday evening after being released earlier in the day, shortly before the completion of their three-year prison sentence in the US.

They were convicted of

conspiring to launder millions of dollars in bribes for the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht.

This August, the brothers are scheduled to go on trial again, this time in Panama, for their involvement in the scandal during their father’s time in office between 2009 and 2014. The brothers admitted to receiving US$28 million in bribes from the construction group, of which about $19 million passed through US accounts.

Their father, the elder Martinelli, is also waiting to

be tried on money laundering charges in the Odebrecht case, but has said he will run for President again in 2024.

Another former President, Juan Carlos Varela, is also scheduled to be tried in the August case, which includes charges against 36 people.

In 2016, the Odebrecht construction company admitted to paying out about US$788 million in bribes between 2001 and 2016 to win contract bids in Panama and 11 other countries. It paid the US US$3.5 billion in penalties. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Sons of Panamanian ex-President released from US prison Venezuelan diplomat convicted of envoy's murder

AKenyan court on Wednesday found a Venezuelan diplomat guilty of murdering the Latin American nation's acting ambassador a decade ago at her home in an upmarket Nairobi neighbourhood.

Dwight Sagaray, who was the first secretary at the embassy, was found guilty of the July 2012 killing of Olga Fonseca, Judge Roselyn Korir said in her ruling.

The court also convicted three Kenyan nationals who had been charged alongside Sagaray, saying they were involved in a common plan to carry out the murder.

Another suspect who fled after the murder is still at large and the court said his arrest warrant should remain in force.

Sagaray, who wore a suit and tie in the dock, clasped his hands and held them against his face when the verdict was read.

Sagaray could be tried for the murder because he did not enjoy diplomatic immu-

nity after Venezuela waived it following the crime, the court ruled.

Fonseca was found strangled in her bedroom less than two weeks into her posting to Nairobi, which followed the abrupt departure of the previous Ambassador after he was accused by his domestic staff of sexual harassment.

Sagaray, who had been heading the mission before

the arrival of Fonseca, was angered by her presence since he wanted to continue overseeing the Embassy, the court found.

He intended to be the main beneficiary of the crime, Korir said, adding there was evidence he had tried to interfere with Fonseca's ability to take over as the head of the Embassy, before she was killed.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Trinidad: Woman steals Police vehicle to kidnap child

Police have detained a 24-year-old woman, after she reportedly stole a Police vehicle from a station in Cunupia in Central Trinidad to kidnap a toddler in Arima, on

Monday.

Police said that the woman, who remains in custody, is known to the parents of the child. They said she had been left briefly with the child when the parents left

PM urges Jamaicans to seek verified financial information as SSL rumours swirl

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged Jamaicans not to fall prey to rumours amid the multibillion-dollar fraud at investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL), pointing out that a country's financial market depends on credible information.

Holness shared the advice on Tuesday at the launch of a US$37-million ship repair and maintenance facility to be constructed on the Sir Florizel

Glasspole Boulevard strip of Kingston Harbour to create economic opportunities for Jamaica and the Region.

The Prime Minister framed his comments against the background that the ship repair project is a sign of victory in Jamaica's quest for economic independence.

"Don't follow rumours. Over the weekend I was bombarded by people who I thought should know better, who have read all kinds of nonsense on social me-

dia, which tells me you really have a problem with not just financial literacy,but information literacy. Verify against sources that are credible before you allow it to form your opinion," said Holness.

"I am not going into any details or specifics. I urge our Jamaican people, particularly when it comes on to financial content, seek verified information before you use that to form your opinion," he said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

the house, but on their return found their daughter missing.

Neighbours informed the parents that the woman had taken the child and the Police were notified.

Police said officers from the North Central Division Task Force West were on patrol on Monday night and saw a Police car being driven along the Eastern Main Road, Tacarigua.

They attempted to stop the car, but it sped off and it was later intercepted and the child rescued. The child was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex Paediatric Department for medical examination.

Investigators said the Police car was stolen from the Cunupia Police Station and the woman remains in custody. She is likely to be charged with kidnapping and theft. (CMC)

OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro heads a session at the OAS 52nd General Assembly, in Lima, Peru, October 7, 2022 (Reuters/Angela Ponce file photo)

A Kenyan police officer arrives at the residence of the Venezuelan Embassy's slain charge d'áffaires, Olga Fonseca, at the Runda neighbourhood in Nairobi, July 27, 2012 (Reuters/Thomas Mukoya file photo)

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Oil prices steady after smallerthan-expected US crude build

Oil prices settled largely unchanged on Wednesday after Government data showed a smaller-than-anticipated build in US crude inventories, countering weak economic data from Tuesday.

Brent crude futures settled at US$86.12 a barrel, down a cent, while the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures settled at US$80.15 a barrel, up by two cents.

The Brent benchmark had dropped 2.3 per cent and WTI futures slipped 1.8 per cent in Tuesday's session after data showed US business activity contracted in January for the seventh straight month, raising concerns about an economic slowdown.

"End of the day here, the market is starting to get a little more anxious about the economy and things along those lines," Mizuho analyst Robert Yawger said. "Main worry at this point is demand destruction due to an economic slowdown."

WTI prices briefly rose by over US$1 per barrel on Wednesday after the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said that US crude inventories rose by 533,000 barrels in the last week to 448.5 million barrels. Analysts polled by Reuters were expecting a one-million-barrel rise.

"The market is taking the report as somewhat supportive," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group.

"If we look at crude, the increase in stocks was much smaller than anticipated, and that is raising concerns about tightness in supply. There is no backup supply, like we normally do, as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is heavily drawn."

Crude prices have rallied in 2023, with global benchmark Brent crude topping US$89 a barrel this week for the first time since early December on the ending of China's COVID-19 controls and hopes that rises in US interest rates will soon taper off.

Elsewhere on the supply side, volume should remain steady as the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, are likely to endorse the group's current output levels at a February 1 meeting, OPEC+ sources said on Tuesday. (Reuters)

Splits emerge as US House Republicans demand Biden negotiate on debt limit

Republicans who control the US House of Representatives are divided over how hard a line to take on the debt ceiling, but were united on Wednesday in demanding that Democratic President Joe Biden agree to negotiate on spending as part of any deal.

Hard-line Republican conservatives, who have the power to block any deal in the narrowly-divided House, want to force deep spending cuts on Biden and the Democratic-led Senate in exchange for an agreement to avoid default on the US$31.4 trillion debt.

Some moderates want

Around the World

Russia slams German tank decision as escalation of conflict, betrayal of history

Russia reacted with fury on Wednesday to Germany's decision to approve the delivery of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, saying Berlin was abandoning its "historical responsibility to Russia" arising from Nazi crimes in World War Two.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a Telegram post that the move was confirmation of Germany's involvement in "a war planned in advance" against Russia.

The Russian Embassy in Berlin said the decision –which paves the way for other NATO members also to send German-made tanks –would escalate the 11-month conflict in Ukraine, which Moscow casts increasing-

ly as a perilous face-off between Russia and the USled alliance.

"This extremely dangerous decision takes the conflict to a new level of confrontation," Ambassador

Sergei Nechayev said. He added it would cause "irreparable damage to the already deplorable state of Russian-German relations".

There was no immediate reaction from President

Vladimir Putin, who shortly after the announcement took part in a long televised meeting with students, but referred only briefly to the "complicated" security situation facing Russia.

Kyiv and its Western allies say Russia's invasion of Ukraine, launched on February 24 last year, amounts to an unprovoked war of aggression aimed at seizing territory. Moscow says the West is using Ukraine to weaken Russia's own security.

Germany's decision on tanks followed weeks of agonising by the Government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, prompted by concerns about escalating the war and provoking Russia. (Excerpt from Reuters)

COVID: Coffins sell out as rural losses in China mount

The BBC has found evidence of a considerable number of COVID-related deaths in China's rural regions, as the virus spread from big cities to more remote areas with older populations.

In Xinzhou region of northern Shanxi province the coffin makers have been busy. We watched the skilled craftsmen as they carved elaborate decorations into the freshly-cut wood. Over recent months, they say, they haven't had time to stop.

One villager, a customer,

told us that at times the coffins have sold out. Laughing with a dose of the black humour you find in the area, he added that those in the funeral industry had been "earning a small fortune".

There has been much debate about the real number of COVID deaths in China, after the virus ripped through its megacities.

Some 80 per cent of the population – more than a billion people – have been infected since China scrapped restrictions in December, according to leading epidemiologist Wu Zunyou.

Donald Trump to be allowed back onto Facebook and Instagram

Donald Trump will be allowed back on to Facebook and Instagram, after Meta announced it would be ending its two-year suspension of his accounts.

The suspension will end "in the coming weeks", the social media giant said.

But because of Trump's past "violations" he would now face heightened penalties for repeat offences.

Republicans have been pressing for Trump to be allowed back on Facebook as he prepares to run for the presidency again next year.

to tread more carefully and avoid any potential damage to the US economy, but even they contend their party will not support a debt agreement without negotiations on spending.

"I know we can't ask for the moon," said Representative Don Bacon, a moderate Republican whose Nebraska district Biden won by six percentage points in 2020.

"But the President also can't refuse to negotiate. I mean, if he refuses to negotiate, you're not going to get any Republican support for anything," Bacon told Reuters. (Excerpt from Reuters)

In a statement, Nick Clegg, Meta's President of Global Affairs, said the public "should be able to hear what their politicians are saying".

The then-US President was indefinitely suspended from Facebook and Instagram after the Capitol riot in 2021.

The firm had taken action following Trump's "praise for people engaged in violence at the Capitol", Clegg said.

"The suspension was an extraordinary decision taken in extraordinary circumstances," he added.

He said a review found that Trump's accounts no longer represented a serious risk to public safety.

Trump posted on his own social media company, Truth Social, in response on Wednesday, saying that Facebook had "lost Billions" after banning "your favourite President, me".

"Such a thing should never again happen to a sitting President, or anybody else who is not deserving of retribution!" he wrote.

Twitter had also banned the former President following the January 6, 2021 US Capitol riot, saying he had broken its rules on the glorification of violence.

But in November, Twitter's owner Elon Musk said Trump's account ban had been lifted, after running a poll in which users narrowly backed the move. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Demand for coffins in some rural areas has spiked

Last weekend China reported 13,000 COVIDrelated deaths in less than a week, adding to the 60,000 deaths it has counted since December.

But these deaths have been in hospitals. In rural areas there are only sparse medical facilities and those who die at home are mostly not being counted.

There is not even an of-

Virginia

Alawyer for the Virginia teacher shot by her six-year-old student has said school officials had multiple warnings the boy had a gun, but failed to take action.

Abigail Zwerner, 25, was released from hospital last week after being shot in the chest in her classroom earlier this month.

"This tragedy was entirely preventable," said her lawyer who intends to file a lawsuit.

Police have not announced any charges.

The January 6 shooting – which authorities have described as "intentional" –rocked the Virginia city of Newport News, and raised questions about what legal consequences may follow and for whom.

"On that day, over the course of a few hours, three

ficial estimate for the number of village deaths. But the BBC found evidence the death toll is mounting.

We visited a crematorium and they too have been busy, mourners dressed in white walking forward carrying the ceremonial box which would eventually contain the remains of a loved one.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

different times – three times – school administration was warned by concerned teachers and employees that the boy had a gun on him at school and was threatening people. But the administration could not be bothered," said attorney Diane Toscano.

According to Ms Toscano, a teacher at Richneck Elementary School told an official she believed the young boy had put the gun in his pocket before he went out for recess.

The official allegedly responded: "Well, he has little pockets."

Another administrator ignored a teacher's request to search the boy and his backpack, Ms Toscano said.

The school board did not immediately return the BBC's request for comment.

NATO enhanced Forward Presence battle group Spanish army tank Leopard 2 fires during the final phase of the Silver Arrow 2022 military drill on Adazi military training grounds, Latvia

school was warned about 6-year-old with gun, says lawyer

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Emotions will surface. Take a step back and think before you say or do something you will regret. Scour the internet for answers, go to an expert and confide in someone you trust.

(March 21-April 19)

Pay attention and do everything according to the rules and regulations. Studying every detail will give you the confidence you require to outsmart anyone trying to hold you back.

(April 20-May 20)

Rely on yourself, your experience and your knowledge to get you where you want to go. A physical move will encourage new beginnings and an opportunity to work alongside inspiring individuals.

(May 21-June 20)

Keep a watchful eye on others. Someone will likely sabotage your plans or make you look bad if given a chance. You may have to step outside your comfort zone if you want to make a lasting impression.

(June 21-July 22)

Do your best, and you'll get the support required to complete your plans. Don't let certain changes unnerve you. Your extra effort will go a long way when trying to impress someone in charge.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Do what works for you. Ignore anyone pushing you in a direction you don't care to travel. Stick to basics and do things by the book. Set a budget and refuse to take on more debt.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

There will be plenty of opportunities, but indecisiveness could cost you. Clear your head and defer to an expert. Protect yourself from physical injury and avoid altercations.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Dodge anyone putting pressure on you. Look for alternate ways to keep the peace and avoid a run-in with someone inconsistent or heading in a different direction. Be true to yourself.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You can be entertaining without overspending. Hosting an event or meeting or starting a discussion with those you live with will help make your life easier.

Change is looming, but baby steps will help you control the outcome. Overseeing everything you want to achieve will eliminate mistakes and lower your costs. Be wary of extravagance.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Be open about what you are willing to do for others and what you expect in return. Honesty will help you get what you want. Take notes, look at the facts and follow through without hesitation.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Confirm details before proceeding. If you say too much or overreact, you will face scrutiny. Don't rely on others or leave anything to chance. Focus on your target and don't look back.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

ARCHIE PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

DILBERT

MI, RCB, DC, Adani Group, Capri buy WPL teams

The owners of men's IPL teams Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, as well as the Adani Group and Capri Global, have won bids to own the five women's IPL teams at the auction ahead of the inaugural edition to be played in March this year.

The tournament will be known as the Women's Premier League (WPL), and the teams will be based in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Lucknow respectively.

The winners were identified after opening sealed bids in Mumbai on Wednesday, with the BCCI fetching a record sum of INR 4669.99 crore (USD 572.78 million approx). The Ahmedabad team was sold for the highest price: INR 1289 crore (USD 158 million approx), followed by Mumbai (INR 912.99 crore/USD 111 million approx), Bengaluru (INR 901 crore/USD 110 million approx), Delhi (INR 810 crore/USD 99.35 million approx) and Lucknow (INR 757 crore/USD 92.85 million approx).

Arun Dhumal, Chairman

of the IPL, said finalising the schedule and itinerary for the first season of the WPL was "a work in progress". A player auction is also to be held, details of which are yet to be released.

The BCCI recently earned a big sum from the sale of the women's IPL media rights, which were bagged by Viacom 18 for INR 951 crore (USD 116.7 million approx.) for a five-year period between 2023 and 2027. Under the revenue-sharing model, the women's IPL will distribute 80% of the media rights money to the five franchises in the first five years. This is significant - as was seen in the men's IPL - in offsetting a major part of the franchises' operational costs.

A total of 16 entities took part in the bidding process on Wednesday, after 17 entities were understood to have submitted their bids.

Jay Shah: 'A red-letter day'

The BCCI was understandably elated at the way the auction went. While secretary Jay Shah called it "another red-letter day", Dhumal called it "a landmark day" for both the BCCI and the IPL

IOC opens door to Russian, Belarussian athletes competing in Paris

Russian and Belarussian athletes could be free to compete as neutrals at the 2024 Olympics, after the International Olympic Committee said it would "explore a pathway" for their participation.

The IOC called on federations to exclude athletes from the countries following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

This week, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian athletes should have "no place" at the Paris Games. But the IOC's statement on Wednesday could clear the way for their return. It said, "No athlete should be prevented from competing just because of their passport".

The move has been criticised in a joint-statement from Athletes for Ukraine and athlete association

Global Athlete. It said the decision shows the IOC "endorses Russia's brutal war and invasion of Ukraine".

"The return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competition, especially the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, will see the Russian state use athletes once more to bolster the war effort and distract from the atrocities in Ukraine on one of the biggest multi-sport stages in the world," the statement added.

brand.

In 2008, the BCCI had fetched USD 723.59 million for selling the first set of eight men's IPL teams. Looking at the conversion rate at the time, the IPL deal was worth approximately INR 28,943.6 crore.

Accounting for the current inflation rate, Dhumal said the WPL valuation was "bigger" than that of the men's IPL in terms of the money derived from the sale of the teams.

Shah said that WPL was the "second-highest-valued" league in cricket, after the men's IPL. While Shah did not explain the basis of his assertion, he was likely combining the franchise sale money with the media rights valuation.

"The responsibility lies on our shoulders to see to it that the faith that has been deposed on BCCI, we work extra hard to make sure that this Women's Premier League turns out to be at par with men's league, if not better," Dhumal said. "We take it as a challenge, and we will leave no stone unturned to make sure that what we are successful in achieving for WPL is what we have done for IPL."

WPL auction likely to be in first week of February

The IOC said participation in competition, which would also include qualification events, would need athletes to take part as neutrals "and in no way represent their state or any other organisation in their country".

The athletes must not have "acted against the peace mission of the IOC by actively supporting the war in Ukraine".

President Thomas Bach said in December the IOC faced a "big dilemma" in ensuring athletes do not suffer as a result of sporting sanctions.

Some sporting federations have ignored the IOC recommendation and allowed individual athletes to compete as neutrals, but others have complied.

Two Belarusian tennis players, Victoria Azarenka and Aryna Sabalenka, could meet in the Australian Open women's singles final this weekend. Both are competing as neutrals.

The Lawn Tennis Association was fined £820,000 for banning Russian and Belarusian players from last summer's grass-court events, including Wimbledon.

The UK Government says Belarus aided and abetted Russia's invasion. (BBC Sport)

Dhumal said the BCCI is hoping for the WPL to start soon after the women's T20 World Cup, which will be played in South Africa between February 10 and 26.

The BCCI also wants the WPL to end around a week before the start of the men's IPL, likely on April 1, to keep the venues fresh.

"With regard to [the venues for the] first season, we are still talking," Dhumal said. "That is work in progress. We will have to see logistical challenges involved in case it [WPL] has to be multicity value or single-city value."

Shah said the players' auction date was not final, but suggested the first week of February as the likely time for it. The WPL has finalised a purse of INR 12 crore (USD 1.47 million approx.) per team for the first season.

BCCI hopes for 'most competitive and most loved' event

The BCCI was confident of selling the five WPL teams for good money despite not setting a base price, unlike in 2008 when the eight men's IPL teams were sold.

"We already sold the [WPL] media rights and they

[franchises] would do their calculations," Shah said. "We were pretty confident that we don't need any minimum price."

Dhumal explained that the market dictated the valuations. "It is not our job to value or create," he said. "Out of five successful bidders, four are existing partners in the BCCI. They have seen and grown with us in the last 15 years, so they are the best guys to evaluate. Our job is to make sure the tournament comes out to be most competitive and most loved and engaging for the fans." (ESPNCricinfo)

West Indies suffer big defeat to powerful England

42) and Callender (17 from 28) through their fifth-wicket stand of 47 runs. However, Anderson returned with a vicious spell to reduce West Indies from 70-4 to 76-8 and complete her five-wicket haul. West Indies finished

with 84-8 in their allotted overs, with Anderson’s figures standing at 5-12 from four overs.

This 95-run win helped England top Group 2 of the Super Six stage, finishing ahead of New Zealand. (ICC)

England have outplayed the West Indies in all three departments to fetch themselves another comprehensive victory in the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup on Wednesday.

Beginning in their usual tempo, the England openers went flat out for runs. They were able to provide a quick start, but Asabi Callender (1-28) dismissed Liberty Heap (13 from 16) before England could run away with the game.

A good partnership between skipper Grace Scrivens (56 from 43) and Niamh Holland (21 from 21) ensured England reached 100 by the 12th over.

After losing Holland and Scrivens in back-to-back overs, England looked like

they might end up short of their expected total. However, attacking cricket from Seren Smale (28* from 19) and Charis Pavely (29* from 16) ensured that they got to a commanding 179-4.

West Indies skipper Ashmini Munisar was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with 2-32.

England new-ball pair Ellie Anderson (5-12) and Alexa Stonehouse (2-15) were too good for the West Indies as the batting side were reduced to 15-3 in four overs. The dangerous Sophia Smale (1-17), fresh off a 3-11 against Ireland, further reduced them to 23-4 by accounting for the key batter Zaida James (5 from 18).

Order was restored by Djenaba Joseph (44* from

(Ashmini Munisar, 18.1 ov), 8-76

(Jannillea Glasgow, 18.2 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Ellie Anderson 4-1-12-5

Alexa Stonehouse 4-0-15-2

Sophia Smale 4-0-17-1

Hannah Baker 4-1-19-0

Grace Scrivens 4-1-19-0

Players including England's Sophie Ecclestone previously played in the Women's T20 Challenge in India

West Indies suffered a heavy defeat to England

Women’s U-19

Abrand-new Futsal tournament will hit the streets in a week’s time, following the launch of the Rocks Auto Trans and Spares Parts ‘Legendary Cup’ Futsal Championship on Wednesday afternoon.

The tournament, which will be hosted at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, is expected to kick off on Saturday, February 4, 2022. The subsequent playing dates in the ‘Legendary Cup’ will be February 7th, 11th, 14th, 18th, with the grand finale penciled in for Saturday, February 25, 2022.

At the company’s Charlotte Street location on Wednesday, the company’s General Manager Yolandia Ross not only expressed the Rock Auto’s intention to ensure the tournament has longevity, but also expressed their intention to pay it forward to communities as part of their corporate social responsibility.

“It’s a pleasure for Rock Auto Trans to be supporting our first futsal tournament, Legendary Cup. This is an event we intend to host every year, moving forward,” Ross told attendees

at Wednesday afternoon’s launch.

With over $1M in prizes up for grabs, 24 teams will compete in a straight knockout format that RefereeOrganizer Wayne ‘Harry’ Griffith is testing out for the first time.

The Champions of the ‘Legendary Cup’ will clinch a $500,000 grand prize, while second place will settle for $250,000. Third place will walk away with $150,000, while fourth place pockets $100,000.

As is customary in the local Futsal arena, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) will ride away with a motorcycle compliments of the tournament’s sponsors, while a patron will also have the chance to ride out on another motorcycle up for grabs.

‘Legendary Cup’ Fixtures Day – 1

Leopold Street vs Campbellville - 19:45hrs

Berbice All-Stars vs Tiger Bay - 20:30hrs

BV vs Tiger Bay21:15hrs

Pike Street vs Linden All-Stars - 22:00hrs

Back Circle vs Melanie22:45hrs

Sparta vs Upsetters23:30hrs

Day - 2

Stabroek Ballers vs West Side - 19:45hrs

Future Stars vs Mocha Family - 20:30hrs

Gold is Money vs Albouystown - 21:15hrs

Conquerors vs Avocado Ballers - 22:00hrs

Showstoppers vs Alexander Village - 22:45hrs

Bent Street vs Vryheid's Lust - 23:30hrs

"This club teaches each one of its cricketers the importance of giving back to those less fortunate; to believe in the God we serve, and to remember that the best way to serve God is to serve humanity. We are taught to assist others to climb mountains when we have reached our summit. Today, I would like to pay it forward to some of my younger teammates by giving two of them a cricket bat each, while I would like to support the Namilco Thunderbolt team to assist another member to move into a new home."

Those were the words of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club all-rounder Kevin Sinclair as he joined his team mates in making a positive difference in the lives of three club mates.

Sinclair, who has been a member of the RHTY&SC for over six years, donated a cricket bat to each of two of the club's most promising players. Those benefitting were Romesh Bharrat and Tamehwar Deonandan of the club’ under-17 and under-13 teams respectively.

Bharrat would, in 2023, captain the under-17 team and has already represented Berbice at the under-15,U17 and U19 levels. Deonandan is captain of the RHTY&SC Poonai Pharmacy Under-13 team, and has also represented Guyana and Berbice at the

same level.

Sinclair, who has to date represented the West Indies in three One Day International matches and six 20/20 matches, also joined his Namilco Thunderbolt team mates to assist a female member with several pieces of household and kitchen items.

The presentation assisted the female cricketer to move into a new home with her family.

RHTY&SC Organising Secretary Robby Kissoonlall has said the different cricket teams of the RHTY&SC are mandated to assist youths, the elderly, and less fortunate via a wide range of activities under the subheadings of culture, sports, charity, educational, social, youth development, community development and anti-drugs, among others. Members who have gone on to the highest levels

are also encouraged to pay it forward by assisting upcoming promising members.

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with Matthews scoring 34 and Gajnabi making 33.

But it was a total well below par. Mlaba finished with 1 for 7 off her four overs, while Tumi Sekhukhune - coming in for Ayabonga Khaka - finished with 2 for 24. South Africa also handed a T20I debut to seam-bowling allrounder Annerie Dercksen, who replaced Delmi Tucker in the XI, but she gave away 21 off her two overs. (ESPNCricinfo)

It went from bad to worse for West Indies in the women's T20I tri-series in East London. After facing back-to-back defeats in the first two games, another meek batting display saw them restricted to 97.

In reply, openers Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt helped South Africa coast to a ten-wicket win with 38 balls to spare. The result knocked West Indies out of the competition.

Wolvaardt, Brits made easy work of the chase. Wolvaardt flicked the first ball of the 98-run chase for four through wide mid-on. Brits, brought in for Anneke Bosch, also showed intent by using her feet to put the bowlers off. She pulled a full toss through square leg to get going, before dancing down and hitting offspinner Karishma Ramharack over mid-off.

In the interim, Wolvaardt played her trademark cover drive off Shamilia Connell to beat the sweeper, before cutting the next delivery well past backward point. The pair then took three fours off legspinner Afy Fletcher's opening over to bring up their fifty-run partnership.

While Wolvaardt stuck to the traditional strokes, which are her strength, Brits was adventurous and used the reverse sweeps and heaves, after charging down the track in order to attack the bowlers. She also hit the only six of the match.

Same old story

Captain Hayley Matthews had won the toss and opted to bat. No side had lost a game in the TriSeries after batting first till then. But the lack of intent from the top order was quite surprising. Left-arm

The other opener, Britney Cooper, was quite happy to play the waiting game and see out seven straight dot balls against Marizanne Kapp before getting off the mark. Soon, Shemaine Campbelle, fresh off a 47 against India, was run out, and the powerplay saw West Indies crawl to 6 for 2.

All in all, the top four batters - including Cooper's 26-ball 10 - scored 17 off 55 balls, and the team was languishing at 29 for 3 at the 10-over mark. It was only through Matthews, walking in at No. 6, and Shabika Gajnabi's 61-run partnership that West Indies reached close to a hundred. They helped West Indies add 30 off the last four overs,

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spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba kept wicketkeeper-batter Rashada Williams guessing before having her miscue one to mid-off.

Tazmin Brits scored a steady, unbeaten half-century

Shabika Gajnabi and Hayley Matthews added 61 together

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Kemol Savory ready to take up middle-order role in Guyana Harpy Eagles team

scored a majestic 170 from 192 balls. Reflecting on that innings, Savory said: "We were fielding, and I saw the wicket was a pretty good one to bat on. I always had it at the back of my mind that when I had the opportunity to bat, I want to make full use of the opportunity. I was confident, because I knew it was a good wicket to bat on. Once the ball presented itself, I just looked to stay positive at all times."

He noted that he has taken away some of the learnings from that level, but firstclass cricket requires more concentration.

By Brandon Corlette

The Guyana Harpy Eagles will be without the services of middle-order batsmen Shimron Hetmyer and Vishaul Singh from last season. In the 2023 West Indies Championships, the Regional Four-Day tournament, Kemol Savory will be aiming to grab his opportunity in the middle order for the Guyana Harpy Eagles.

In an interview with Savory, the 26-year-old Essequibian has said playing first-class cricket is like a dream come true.

"Basically, how it set-up, I think it might be five. That is pretty good for me, because the sheen is off, and I am a batter looking to score. I am busy between the wickets, so five is good for me," he explained.

"It is a great feeling. It is like a dream come true for me. I always wanted to play first-class cricket. The longer format, I always want to challenge myself, especially when it comes to batting for long periods," Savory told this daily publication.

In the recent Guyana Harpy Eagles trial matches at Providence, Savory

Last season, Singh was among the top run-getters in the Guyana side. He will, however, not feature this season. With that middle-order spot up for the taking, Savory is the man eager to score and make that spot his own.

"First thing, if I get the opportunity, I want to grab it with both hands. Some of the senior guys are not around, so it is fair that I grab that with both hands and make it count," Savory has said.

The left-handed batsman has played nine List A matches and has recorded two half-centuries thus far.

"List A cricket is a step close to playing cricket for West Indies. You do not have a lot of bad balls at that level, so when you do have a chance to score, you have to make use of it. the difference between first-class and List A is the longer format, with the red ball where you have to test yourself and technique and mental aspect of the game. All of that comes into the first-class level, the longer format," Savory added.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles squad is: Leon Johnson (Captain), Veerasammy Permaul (Vice Captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Matthew Nandu, Kemol Savory, Tevin Imlach, Anthony Bramble, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith, Ronsford Beaton, Akshaya Persaud, Ashmead Nedd, and Shamar Joseph. The Manager is Albert Clements, Head Coach is Ryan Hercules, Assistant Coach

Guyana team selection on Facebook U13

is Garvin Nedd, Cricket Analyst is Keshava Ramphal and Physiotherapist is Angelica Holder.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles will play Barbados Pride at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua from February 1, 2023

to February 4, 2023, and Windward Islands Volcanoes at the National Stadium in Grenada from February 8, 2023 to February 11, 2023. After the two rounds, the tournament will break for the remaining three rounds in Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyana Harpy Eagles

captain

Leon Johnson made shocking disclosures on Tuesday's Mason and Guest radio programme when he noted that he found out about the team selection on Facebook.

“I saw the team on Facebook!"

When asked again by hosts Andrew Mason and former West Indies batsman Philo Wallace, Johnson said: "Would I make that up?"

The five-time Four-Day championship winning captain said that, for the past two tournaments, he had played no part in squad selection.

“No, I have not been [part of selection] for the last two tournaments…I am not part of selection,” the 35-year-old posited.

The left-handed batsman Johnson said that his input was valued prior 2022. "It has not always been that way…I used to have an input, my opinion was valued," Johnson echoed. “I think the captain should be able to make recommendations into the selection of squads,” Johnson explained.

"Captains should have an input; if not being a selector directly, being able to make a decision, saying I want this player or I want that player. At least some input, if you have been playing the game for the better part of 15 years."

The Guyana skipper, who will lead the team from February 1 against Barbados Pride in Antigua,

also noted that it was unfortunate for Antony Adams not to be selected.

“I thought he [Antony Adams] would have been very close to selection…he was with the team last year, and he has been a very consistent performer for the last decade or so.”

Previously, Adams had to contend for spots with Albion trio Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul and Gudakesh Motie at different times.

to West Indies selection, you thought a player like Antony, who is not experienced at the first-class level, but he is very experienced generally, would have gotten the nod,” Johnson said.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles squad is Leon Johnson (Captain), Veerasammy Permaul (Vice Captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Matthew Nandu, Kemol Savory, Tevin Imlach, Anthony Bramble, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith,

The Guyana Football Federation’s Tiger Rentals- sponsored Under-13 Developmental League will soon be heading into the one- month mark since it’s kickoff. And in that time, coaches have spoken openly about the abundance of talent on show.

Joining the brigade is renowned Coach Vurlon Mills, who is steering the Georgetown Academy Training Center (ATC) team in the competition. In a recent interview with Guyana Times Sport, Mills spoke of the skills he has witnessed thus far.

“When these guys are available, it is always hard for him [Adams] to get into the side; and when you [also] look at the composition of the side, we would play two spinners along with all-rounders and two fast-bowlers; so, it was always hard for him to get into the side,” Johnson has said.

He added, “Now that Motie is unavailable due

Ronsford Beaton, Akshaya Persaud, Ashmead Nedd, and Shamar Joseph. The Manager is Albert Clements, Head Coach is Ryan Hercules, Assistant Coach is Garvin Nedd, Cricket Analyst is Keshava Ramphal and Physiotherapist is Angelica Holder. The team is expected to depart on Sunday January 29 for Antigua. (Brandon Corlette)

“Even though I’m coaching Georgetown, I think some of the better players are from the outer regions. All teams that I’ve seen so far in the tournament, we can select 3-4 players who can be part of a National Under-14 pool,” Mills related to this publication. “I can see a really good level of competition. I can see tremendous improvements, game after game from the teams. We can see inclusion of the play -

ers because, even though the Academy teams might already be selected, it might not be the best team throughout Guyana or the best players throughout Guyana.”

The Coach further stated, “So, what the coaches are doing every week, we are trying to identify those talents who can be part of the Academy teams and can be part of these game, so that we can have the best players in the national pool.”

When quizzed, Mills went on to explain that the Under-13 level may be the most important one to tackle with regard to Guyana’s football development. The Youth Coach opined, “I think this is the most important development level, for me. Because this is an age group where players start transitioning, where they start identifying a position where they want to play, where they really mature as a player and play competitive in games.

“For a long time, I’ve been having this conversa -

tion with coaches who are in football development; and, you know, this is a level that we need to see more of. I think we struggle a lot with under-13 and under-11 football, and this is a level we really need to focus to really start developing,” he added.

As such, Coach Mills has voiced his opinion that for Guyana to be successful on the regional and international stage in years to come, the Under-13 group is crucial.

“I really think for us to have a real chance at being a powerhouse in the world, in the Caribbean, in CONCACAF, we really need to start at this level. For us to make the World Cup, for me, this is my opinion, I think at an Under-13, an Under-15 level, this is the level we need to start at, and build as the years go by,” Mills commented.

The Tiger Rentals U13 league will continue this Saturday at the GFF’s National Training Center (NTC)at Providence.

(Jemima Holmes)

Kemol Savory defending

Kemol Savory has scored heavy for Essequibo locally

Johnson says he found out about

is most important level of development - Mills

A snapshot of the action during the Tiger Rentals’ U13 tournament

Leon Johnson