Kaieteur News

Pres. Ali dissatisfied with GPL’s performance

SEEKING LOAN FROM UK TO BUY TRANSMISSION

After months of incessant blackouts, President Irfaan Ali has finally admitted that he is dissatisfied with the performance of the Guyana Power and Light, but again sought to lay some of the blame on the previous APNU+AFC Coalition Government that had managedtocutblackoutand improved the financial health of the power company

In a terse statement on hisFacebookpagefollowing the meeting with GPL’s board and top management, President Ali said his meeting involved the Board o f D i r e c t o r s a n d management of Guyana P o w e r a n d L i g h t Incorporated, the Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI) and WartsilaatStateHouse.

“Duringthemeeting,the President expressed his dissatisfaction with the entity’s performance while acknowledging the myriad of problems inherited as a result of a lack of m a i n t e n a n c e a n d investments during the period 2015 to 2020. The exponential growth in demand, aged assets, and lack of redundancy in transmission were also discussed.ThePresidenthas scheduled a follow-up meeting later in the day It’s important to note that the Government has already engagedUKExportFinance (UKEF)toexplorefinancing optionsforthetransmission.

Additionally, the President asked the utility to consider alternative options to provide bridging energy to meet the demand while waitingforthecompletionof the gas-fired power plant. The utility expects a further growth in demand this year of around 30MW,” the statementended.

However, in a swift response to the President, former Public Infrastructure Minister in the coalition governmentDavidPatterson said the head of state’s comments that: “We inherited a system that was in total collapse. We are rebuilding that system” is untruthful.

Patterson recalled that themanagementofGPL–in 2015, the former PPP

administration had lost confidence in the then CEO Bharat Dindyal, refusing to renew his contract. In a report prepared by GPL’s board, dated December 22, 2014, Patterson said his performance was listed as “belowexpectations”.

According to Patterson on assuming office, the Coalition administration’s appointed board of GPL launched an international recruitment exercise, spearheaded by the internationally renowned firm of Price Waterhouse Coopers Advisory Services Ltd, who after extensive interviews, recommended the appointment of Albert Gordon-aCaricomnational withextensiveexperiencein thepowerutilitysector

“On assumption of duties, Mr Gordon commenced reorganizing and revitalizing the then ailing company On their return to office in 2020, the PPP dismissed Mr Gordon with immediate effect, and returnedtheprevious“below expectations” CEO, talking aboutdoingthesamethings, yet expecting different results.”

Patterson recalled that theGPL’sboardreportonthe performance of the pervious CEO stated that “GPL has over the last few years writtenoffover10generator sets which were destroyed due to poor operation, catastrophic failure due to the lack of proper maintenance,andfire.”

“That was the status of

theGPLgeneratingcapacity in2015.Duringthenextfour years, GPL under the coalition administration procured 63MW of brandnew generating sets, increasing the generating capacity of the company by 50%, a never-before-seen expansion in generating capacity in such a short period–withnooilrevenue. Contrast that to the PPP’s four years, the company has procured 17 third hand containerized sets of unknown quality and procurementmethodology.”

Patterson said five months after this purchase, only four sets are operational, it is understood the remaining sets have several defects, which has renderedthemineffective–a

prime example of poor technicalmanagement.

On the issue of transmission, Patterson said the above-mentioned GPL’s boardreportstatedthatthere was “low utilization of planned budget; poor planning” thus resulting in frequentblackoutsduetothe lack of maintenance to the company’s Transmission & Distributioninfrastructure.

He said during the Coalition’stenure,300kmof high voltage transmission lines were repaired or upgraded, 16km of new feedercableswereinstalled, the express feeders on the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) were completely upgraded,anewsubmarine

Continuedonpage14

President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Mark Phillips engage the board and top management of the power company

Former EPA Head to sue Teixeira over misleading statements at UN hearing

Attorney-at-Law, Khemraj Ramjattan has said that the former Executive D i r e c t o r o f t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams will be proceeding with legal action against Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, GailTeixeira.

The Minister while appearing before the United Nations Human Rights Commission on March 19, 2024 told Commissioners thatDr Adamswasinvolved in signing the lopsided oil contract with American oil giant,ExxonMobil.

She was responding at the time to questions on the competence of the existing Executive Directior, Kemraj Parsram compared to Dr. Adams when she told the body, “The issue of the formerDirector,heoversaw, he was part of the secret Production Sharing Agreement of 2016 and nobody knew about it

(and)thesignaturebonus.”

Hours after the Minister’s remarks, the former EPA Head issued a letter to the UN Human Rights Commission where he dispelled Teixeira’s comments.

Subsequently,Dr Adams demanded an apology from t h e M i n i s t e r a n d compensation for demotion. In a letter addressed to the government official, dated March 22, 2024, Attorney-

Teen placed on bail after allegedly robbing man at knife-point

PrincipalMagistrateJudyLatchmanonTuesdayplacedan 18-year-old man on $200,000 bail, when he appeared at the GeorgetownMagistrates’Courtonachargeforrobberyunder arms.

The charge states that Carlito Williams, a resident of the East Coast Demerara (ECD) on March 27, 2024 at Cornhill Street,Stabroek,GeorgetowninthevicinityoftheParliament Buildings, robbed Pleasso Vanlewi of his SamsungA02 cell phonevalued$38,000andabrownwalletvalued$3000.

ThefactsrelatedthatWilliamsandVanlewiarenotknown toeachother OnSaturdaylastaround21:40hrs,Vanlewiinthe company of his wife was walking north on the pavement, whichrunsalongsideCornhillStreet,Stabroekinthevicinity oftheParliamentBuildings.Williamsandanotheraccomplice who were reportedly liming at the time held them at knifepoint and relieved Vanlewi of his cell phone and wallet. A reportwassubsequentlyfiledandonedaylater,thevictimsaw Williams and contacted the police, which later led to the apprehensionofhim(Williams).

Williams pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was representedbyAttorney-at-LawBeulahWilliams,whomade applicationforbail.Theattorneyrevealedtothecourtthather clientisemployedatGuyanaWaterInc(GWI),andifhedoes notreturn,hewouldmostlikelylosehisjob.Thelawyeradded thatWilliamsisnotaflightriskandaskedforbailtobegranted inareasonablesum.

Notwithstanding the lawyer’s claim, the prosecutor objectedtobailbasedontheseriousnessandprevalenceofthe offence, which Williams is before the court with. It was also highlighted by the prosecutor that Williams was identified positively before for a different incident of similar nature; however,hewasnevercharged.

Thereafter,MagistrateJudyLatchmanplacedWilliamson $200,000 bail and the court case was adjourned. He is scheduledtoreturntocourtonApril29,2024forstatements.

a t - L a w , Khemraj Ramjattan explained that he was retained by Dr Adams to communicate the notice of intention to file legal action fordefamation.

Teixeira in an invited comment told this newspaper on Tuesday that she never received such a lawyer’s letter from the

former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency She explained, “As ofyesterday,Iamnotaware that I received a lawyer’s letter with reference to Dr Adams.” The Minister was keentonote,“Idon’taddress letterssupposedlyaddressed to me that are published in the media and I haven’t receivedasyet.”

Meanwhile, Ramjattan

in response told Kaieteur News that the lawsuit will proceed as he is in the positionofevidencethatthe Minister’s Secretary received the document

According to Ramjattan, “My libel action does not depend on her receiving the letter in any event but I just wantedtogiveherawayout andsheknowsthattheletter was sent to her She is very wellawareoftheletter.”

Dr Adamsinhisletterto theUNbodyhaddetailedthe embarrassment caused to him by the Minister’s misleadingcomments.

He explained, “It would have been a very serious violation of the US laws, national security, and my oath of office to be working f o r a n o t h e r Government...not only is this Minister’s accusation falseanddisrespectfultothe

Committee, but it also puts me at risk of being branded as conducting illegal and unpatriotic acts against the USA.”

Hewaskeentopointout that he retired from the US Government on December 31,2016,anddidnottakeup employment as Head of the EPA until October 1, 2018, some years and 3 months afterthePSAwassigned.Dr Adams told the UN Human Rights Commission that he was one of the first to publicly criticize the PSA andcontinuedtodoso,even while serving as Director of theAgency

Moreover, he explained, “The EPA has absolutely nothing to do with the craftingand/ormanagingthe PSA, for that would be an obvious conflict of interest. It was crafted, and is managed by the Ministry of NaturalResources.”

Former EPA Boss, Dr. Vincent Adams Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

EDITORIAL

Guyana’s oil good for everybody

Chevron’sCEO,Mr MikeWirth,isnowfirmlyrootedin thebandwagon,thelatestmemberofthechoirsingingtothe glitter of Guyana’s oil. In fact, attentive Guyanese should notice how careful corporate executives like the Chevron CEO go the extra kilometer with assurances that Guyana will be a big beneficiary in its oil wealth. They don’t ever make the mistake of leaving out Guyana in their public pronouncements, for that would leave them open to all mannerofdenouncements.

Speaking at the annual CERAWeek gathering in the oil capital of the world, Houston, Texas, Mr Wirth had a mouthful of sweet-sounding words to share. “Look, a couple of things. Number one, this transaction is an important one. It’s good for Chevron shareholders. It’s good for Hess shareholders. It’s good for the country of Guyana. I think it’s good for US energy security Good for the industry So we think it’s an important deal and a good deal.”

Forstarters,Mr JohnHess’ssaleofhisHessCorporation to Chevronis a good one for everybody, accordingtoWirth. WhatshouldstrikeGuyaneseiswhereGuyanafeaturesinall his doling out of great gobs of goodness with their wealth. Chevron’s shareholders are first in the good news and good times line. Hess Corporation’s investors come next in the windfall of what is good from the pending sale of their company Weatthispaper,therefore,shouldbeexcitedthat Guyana features in third spot when the good from this country’s massive oil wealth is distributed. For the record, we are not, because when the oil wealth of Guyana is divided, it has been only a trickle that dribbles to the Guyanese people. Guyana should not be third in line in Chevron’s Mr Wirth’s (or Exxon’s Mr Woods’) vision and consideration Guyana must be first, and this is nonnegotiableinourthinking,nonnegotiablebyconviction.

Study the record of multinational oil companies like Chevron, it is a major step up for countries like Guyana to have any place at all in the public expressions of such corporate marauders. We are surprised that Mr. Wirth was carefulenoughandcorrectenoughtoincludethe“countryof Guyana” in his symphony about what is good. Places like Guyana are not seen as countries in the estimation of people likeMikeWirthandDarrenWoods. Instead,theyareseenas treasure houses to be raided at will, with the help of dirty local leaders. In addition, the people are not seen as human beings,butasobstaclesthatmustbecrushediftheygetinthe wayoftheplundering.

But there was the newest full-mouthed corporate hypocriteMichaelWirthofChevrontellingtheCERAWeek audiencethathisdealisgoodforGuyana. Hehassignedon to handover the equivalent of US$53B to grab a piece of Guyana from Hess Corporation. Meanwhile, there are visions dancing in his head (and his people) of reaping 10, maybe as much as 20, times that amount when Chevron has exhausted what was once the inheritance of Guyanese. The experience to date of Guyanese is that everyone can get to know, can enjoy, what is good from Guyana’s oil, but the same experience (knowing and enjoying) has not applied to them. The foreign oil industry suppliers get the good of Guyana, their subcontractors relish the good coming from Guyana, and their shareholders and workers celebrate the good that is embedded in Guyana. The ordinary Guyanese citizen is a stranger to all of this. Guyanese may even be considered in many quarters of ExxonMobil, and the probably exiting Hess Corporation, and the unmoving CNOOC,andthehoping,pushing-for-incomingChevronas noisemakers and nuisances that should neither be seen nor heard. Wirth is telling the world that the local oil wealth would be good for Guyana. But only after his own constituency at Chevron is taken care of first. Where is PresidentAli,VicePresidentJagdeo,andOppositionLeader Norton representing the same priority (the highest) for their own people? When a leader like Jagdeo could always be speakingfirstandforemostofwhatisgoodforExxonMobil, thenitisinevitablethatGuyanesewillfinishlast.

The status of our power sector remains a matter of national concern

DEAREDITOR, l i s t e d a s “ b e l o w about doing the same things, period – with no oil revenue. I have noted that the expectations”. On assuming yet expecting different Contrast that to the PPP’s infallible ones are at it again, office, the Coalition results.

four years, the company has this time the President was administration’s appointed Generation of power – procured 17 third hand reported to have said “We board of GPL launched an theGPL’sboardreportonthe containerized sets of inheritedasystemthatwasin international recruitment performance of the pervious unknown quality and total collapse. We are exercise, spearheaded by the CEO stated that “GPL has procurementmethodology. rebuildingthatsystem.”This internationally renowned over the last few years Five months after this is in response to the totally firm of Price Waterhouse written off over 10 generator purchase, only four sets are abysmal performance by Coopers Advisory Services sets which were destroyed operational, it is understood Guyana Power and Light Ltd, who after extensive due to poor operation, the remaining sets have Inc. (GPL).Nothing can be interviews, recommended catastrophic failure due to several defects, which has further from the truth, so as I the appointment of Albert t h e l a c k o f p r o p e r renderedthemineffective–a have done on numerous Gordon - a Caricom national maintenance, and fire.” That prime example of poor occasions, permit me the with extensive experience in was the status of the GPL technicalmanagement. opportunity to restate the thepowerutilitysector generating capacity in Transmission – The factsonceagain.

On assumption of duties, 2015.During the next four above-mentioned GPL’s ManagementofGPL–in Mr Gordon commenced years, GPL under the board report stated that there 2015, the former PPP reorganizingandrevitalizing coalition administration was “low utilization of administration had lost the then ailing company On procured 63MW of brand- planned budget; poor confidence in the then CEO their return to office in 2020, new generating sets, planning” thus resulting in Bharat Dindyal, refusing to the PPP dismissed Mr. increasing the generating frequentblackoutsduetothe renew his contract. In a Gordon with immediate capacity of the company by lack of maintenance to the report prepared by GPL’s effect, and returned the 50%, a never-before-seen company’s Transmission board,dated December 22, p r e v i o u s “ b e l o w expansion in generating &Distribution 2014 – his performance was expectations” CEO, talking capacity in such a short (Continued on page 6)

Guyana Consulate in NewYork

taking government to the people

DEAREDITOR, beautiful Lakshmi Narayan abirthcertificate,aPowerof hours to serve all the After a dreary and rain- Mandir The next outreach is Attorney, or an Emergency applicants. They finished at filled day on Easter Friday, scheduled forApril 13, 2024 traveldocument. 4pm The Guyanese the sun stamped its authority at upstate Schenectady Thestaffwerecompetent community expresses their on the weather charts by According to Ambassador and respectful Observed gratitude to the Consulate showering its brilliant Michael Brotherson, prominent Community staff for their fine radiance the following day, Guyana’s Consul General, Leader and Scholar Dr performance.

Saturday March 30, 2024. the other venues are Dhanpaul Narine: “Hats off One community activist onto the residents of New scheduled for Connecticut to members of the Guyana calls upon the Consulate to York. This was the day that andNewJersey Consulate who worked conduct more outreaches in the Guyana Consulate in The response from the round the clock…the staff Richmond Hill, Queens New York also decided to Guyanese community in was knowledgeable, and This allows them to feel make an equally powerful New York to the Saturday treated everyone well. I was connected to government statement. outreachwassuperb. happy to sit with this operations.

Theyresolvethat“taking Groups of Guyanese distinguished group.” Also The New York Guyana government to the people entered the building and observing the proceedings D e m o c r a c y P r o j e c t “has become the norm of the were given a number to were well known social congratulates Ambassador NY Consulate. They prefer ensure that no one can worker and community Michael Brotherson and his tolettheevidencespeak.The “jump”theline. activist,MrVishnuMahadeo staff for executing a last Consulate’s community The staff worked andradio/TVtalkshowhost, community based service engagement (outreach) was assiduously to process OCRogers. delivery program of in Brooklyn. The one in everyone’s application(s): Because of the high immensesignificance. Easter Saturday was in whether that was for a new number of applicants, staff Sincerely, RichmondHillQueensatthe passport, a passport renewal, had to work an additional 2 Dr Tara

Singh

Guyana needs foreign healthcare workers

DEAREDITOR, workers who are constantly Guyanese. What was the Who cares if the soon to No one should be upskilled; otherwise, the main criterion for selecting arrive healthcare workers surprised that nurses and well-to-do will still leave to such a massive number of vote for the PPP, as some healthcare workers are go overseas for better care. healthcare workers whose imply The PPP has leaving for a better standard W e w a n t t o s e e firstlanguageisnotEnglish? accomplished more in of living and better salary, knowledgeable workers obviously none. Would they government than the former with the first choice of when we go to hospitals. get training classes in military man’s government destination, if possible; Who cares where they are English Language so they that once was at the head of beingtheUnitedStates. from? cancommunicateeffectively this country The Opposition

It does not matter how With that said, any andquickly? will not be in power in the much oil Guyana has, medical doctor will say that As for the opposition’s near future, regardless of citizens are still migrating every minute counts when it complaints,whichtheydoso where the healthcare out of Guyana for better comes to life and death. The well about everything-was workers come from and if pastures. The fact is the n e w r e c r u i t s f r o m the government encouraged they vote or not It’s standard of living here will Bangladesh don’t speak to get English speaking irrelevant. Everyone knows neverequatetotheAmericas English as their first recruits, say from Africa? that. The question to ask the ortheUK. language, so there will be WhyAfrica? Because it’s an Opposition is: where were Neither will the salary issues with translation and overpopulated continent, youandwhatwereyoudoing offered to healthcare m o s t i m p o r t a n t l y with a high number of w h e n y o u w e r e i n workers. With all the new communication and unemployed youth with few governmentafewyearsago? hospitals slated to be built, probably delays in getting job opportunities in most Sincerely, we will need healthcare the correct diagnosis of fields. Chi Kansi

5th May 2024 should be designated Indian Arrival

Day

DEARSIR/MADAM,

I hereby call on the President and the Minister of Home Affairs to ensure that come 5th of May this year that the Holiday will be correctly and properly designated as Indian Arrival Day In addition, the month of May must now be designatedasIndianorEastIndianHeritagemonthtoproperly celebrate and commemorate the monumental contributions of ourEastIndianBrothersandSisterstothebuildingofGuyana.

Editor, surely this is a no brainer for the authorities and I trust and hope that the Government will correct the past ignominious travesty of naming it Arrival Day. I call on East Indian organisations to raise their collective voices to ensure that this simple request is promptly dealt with by the Governmentsothatourancestorscanbeatpeaceknowingthat their descendants are advocating for their rights and attaining sameinthelandoftheirbirth.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Persaud

Lying then bribing... a deadly combination

DEAREDITOR,

The big question in the matter of the visiting Guyanese caught with an illegal weapon, as he tried to gain entry to the horseracemeeting,is:howwasheallowedtoenterthecountry withtheillegalweapon?

Onwhatbasisorpremisedidthepolice,ondutyattherace event,decidedtoconductasearchonthevisitingperson? Was there a tip off? Lied then resort to offering a bribe...a combinationthatwouldseeyoulockedawayfortheholiday Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

Dr. Asquith Rose heaps praise on President Irfaan Ali, PM, Phillips

DEAREDITOR, promoting unity, non- triumph of good over evil. nation not to harbormalice,

Asweallknow,wearein discrimination, tolerance He therefore called on all bias or vindictiveness, but to the 21st century and as and inclusivity of everyone Guyanese to live in unity, embrace inclusivity,

Guyaneselivingathomeand regardless of race, status or respect and love for one equality, respect and abroad,thetimehascomefor party affiliation. We must another and not to judge or diversity The president has us to unite and be our free ourselves of vindictive, discriminate against anyone skillfully pointed out that the brothers’ and sisters’ acrimonious or spiteful based on their race, social enormous significance of keepers. The truth is, we, behavior and the bigotry and status, skin color or religion. Phagwah extends beyond especially Indo -and-Afro partiality that is being He stressed that the spirit of religionandHindusbuttoall Guyanese have been divided practicedailybymanyofus. inclusivitymustprevailinall Guyanese of every religion forfartoolong.Thisdivision This was the message of us and in our blessed in that it represents the between the two major heralded by His Excellency, society which endowed with dissolution of cultural and ethnic groups began almost Dr IrfaanAlitoallGuyanese oil, gold, bauxite and racial barriers into vibrant seven decades ago, in the in celebrating Phagwah on minerals of all sorts and a images of color, signifying 1950s and continues today Monday March 25, 2024. richculturalheritage. unity and harmony and the despite the fact the we are The Head of State has stated HisExcellencyhasurged pursuitofhappinessforall. neighbors, friends and that discrimination, hatred the nation to reaffirm their The Head of State relatives. and intolerance has no place commitment to end highlighted the fact that And even though many in society and that the discrimination and hatred Phagwah holds immense are involved in interracial colorful and joyful Phagwah and instead, foster goodwill significance in that its marriages,yetunityseemsto festivities should remind us and unity with the ultimate symbolizes the arrival of eludethenation.ForGuyana of the deep-rooted love, goal of building a united and Spring, which is a season of to develop, prosper and be affection, respect and successful Guyana in which renewal and rejuvenation, respected by other nations, fondness that bind together Guyanese of all ethnicities, where nature bursts forth in wemustdoeverythinginour as a peace-loving people. social backgrounds, and vivacious colors, thus power to end the hatred. President Dr Ali cheerfully cultures can prosper . reflecting the adorns of i n t o l e r a n c e a n d told the nation that the President Dr Mohamed Phagwahcelebrations. discriminatory practices celebration of Phagwah, Irfaan Ali has implored the (Continued on page 6) against one another and which was brought to adhere to the national motto Guyana (formerly British of “One People, One Nation, Guiana)nearlytwocenturies One Destiny or President Dr ago on May 5th, 1838 by Ali’s “One Guyana” I n d i a n i n d e n t u r e d initiative which is aimed at immigrants signifies the

Power Failure seems to be a Chronic Problem in Guyana

DEAREDITOR, EngineersatGPLinformmethatthesame Reference is made to electricity failure Trinidadcompanyisproposingtosupplyfour editorialonGPL. used generators from Brazil for US$40

Both governments have failed to address million. The very four used generators from electricity problems and the poor leadership Brazil were last week going for only US$3 that have characterized the company. The million as the engineers told me. That is a public demands better but no government difference of $37M that goes into people’s wasorislistening. pockets. Who are the beneficiaries? Clearly,

As rightly pointed out, GPL contracted a the Trinidad company is milking GPL in companythatsupplied17usedgeneratorsfor partnership with individuals in Guyana. A US$27million.Iaminformedthecompanyis high government official is pressuring fromTrinidadandtheactualvalueoftheused engineers to approve the purchase of the US dysfunctional generators is less than nine $3M generators for US $40M. That same million. New efficient generators were going highofficialpressuredtheengineersandGPL forthesamepriceastheusedgenerators.The to approve the purchase of the 17 generators generators were not in use for an extended attripletheprice. period and in disrepair They were to be Now the four generators are being repaired and brought to Guyana to produce considered at thirteen times the actual value. 1.5 MW of power each. None was working Someone is benefiting from these deals. when they arrived in Guyana last October Who? Can the VP look into this? An GPL engineers managed to fix six. Each investigation is needed in this scam could produce only 1 MW of power, well Meanwhile, the Trinidad company is short of the agreed 1.5 MW One broke down scavenging around the region for used afterwards. Only five are working. There is a generators to pass on to Guyana through a shortfall of more than 12 MW to meet basic partnershipwithahighofficial. needs, resulting in rolling or sustained Yours truly, blackoutsalloverthecountry Rudesh Jodha

The status of our power sector...

From page 4 example of the Government throwing away infrastructure. During the Coalition’s tenure, the baby with the bath water in the name of 300km of high voltage transmission lines politics. were repaired or upgraded, 16km of new The status of our power sector remains a feeder cables were installed, the express matter of national concern, I would readily feeders on the Demerara Berbice admit that by June 2020, there were several Interconnected System (DBIS) were outstanding challenges still to be resolved, completely upgraded, a new submarine cable however the company was heading in the linking Vreed-en-Hoop and Princess Street right direction with a very limited budget. was installed, 486km of new secondary With Guyana’s increased resources and the distribution lines were installed, 19km of importance of this sector to our national secondary distribution lines were upgraded, development,onewouldhaveexpectedsome 87,717 service lines were replaced, 502 new increased momentum in fixing GPLs transformers were installed and 2,292 problems – in contrast, significant progress defective transformers were replaced – four hasallbeenreversedinrecentyears. years on, with five times the annual budget, Instead of seeking to address these the PPP’s GPL has not achieve a quarter of challenges, the PPP administration tries to thesemilestones. hidetheirmismanagementofthesector They Future development plans–in 2018, via the havesoughttoplaceal then Ministry of Finance, Guyana gained l their eggs in a single basket, the elusive access to a US$900M line of credit from the Wales Gas to Shore project, which on its IslamicDevelopmentBank(IsDB). current trajectory is likely to become another

Thefirstrequesttoutilizethesefundswas projectfallingsignificantlyshortofpromises aloanofUS$110MforGPLtoconstructnew andexpectations. substations, a new additional transmission No amount of plasters, fluff, bluff, fancy and distribution network, as well as speechesandhigh-pricedPR,willmoveGPL upgrading the existing power infrastructure. forward, it is clear that the Government is As expected, on assuming office, the PPP sailing up a creek without a paddle. Solving canceledtheloanapplicationwithoutreason. Guyana’s problems requires all citizens, Without a doubt, if this application was creating a meritocracy and facilitating a real allowed to progress to implementation, democracy several of the challenges now facing GPL Regards, would have been eliminated – another David Patterson

Israel kills seven Int’l aid workers in three separate attacks on vehicles in Gaza

(BBC NEWS) Israel investigation from Israel Israelidefenceministrybody f a c e s g r o w i n g Katz, his Israeli counterpart. inchargeofcivilianpolicyin internationalpressureover Canadian Foreign Minister the Occupied Palestinian an air strike which killed Mélanie Joly said she Territories, WCK is seven aid workers for e x p e c t e d “ f u l l responsible for 60% of the charity World Central accountability” for the non-governmental aid Kitchen(WCK)inGaza. killings, adding that strikes getting into the territory A

The UK, Poland, on humanitarian personnel secondcharity,theAmerican Australia, Canada and the w e r e “ a b s o l u t e l y Near East Refugee Aid US, whose nationals died in unacceptable”. “Someone (Anera), which was working the attack, demanded Israel going about providing aid closely with WCK, told the investigate. and humanitarian assistance BBC it was also freezing its Humanitarian aid to should [never] lose their operationsinGaza. Gaza is now in doubt, with life,” Australian Prime According to the charity, WCK - one of the main Minister Anthony Albanese the aid convoy was hit while providers of aid to the Strip - said. leaving the Deir al-Balah suspending its operations. M r N e t a n y a h u warehouse, “where the team Israeli President Isaac acknowledged that Israel’s had unloaded more than 100 Herzog apologised for the forces hit “innocent people” tons of humanitarian food deaths. Three of the killed and pledged an independent aid brought to Gaza on the aid workers were British i n v e s t i g a t i o n maritimeroute.”Theconvoy nationals. A Polish national, “Unfortunately,inthelast24 was made up of three an Australian, a Palestinian hours there was a tragic case vehicles, including two that and a dual US-Canadian of our forces unintentionally were armoured, which citizen were also killed. The hittinginnocentpeopleinthe clearly displayed the IDF has promised an GazaStrip,”hesaid. charity’slogo.Allthreewere independent investigation “It happens in war, we hitduringthestrike. intotheincident. check it to the end, we are in WCK said it had coUK Prime Minister Rishi c o n t a c t w i t h t h e ordinated the convoy’s Sunak spoke to Israeli Prime governments, and we will do movements with the IDF M i n i s t e r B e n j a m i n everything so that this thing More than 196 aid workers Netanyahu on Tuesday On does not happen again ” have been killed in Gaza the call he described the WCK - founded by celebrity since October, according to situation in Gaza as chef José Andrés - said four the US-funded Aid Worker “increasingly intolerable” daysagothatithadserved42 Security Database, which and “demanded a thorough millionmealsinGaza. records major incidents of and transparent independent The charity said it would violence against aid investigation” into the pause its operations in the personnel. killingoftheaidworkers. region immediately “We Not all have been killed

Mr Sunak added that will be making decisions in the line of duty Much of Israel needed to end about the future of our work the Gaza Strip has been restrictions on humanitarian soon,” the charity said in a devastated during the Israeli aid and protect civilians, statement. It said on 29 military operations that according to a Downing March that it had served began after Hamas gunmen Street statement White more than 42 million meals attacked southern Israel on 7 House spokesman John in the Strip, making it one of October, killing about 1,200 K i r b y s a i d h e w a s the main suppliers of aid to people and seizing 253 “outraged” at the strike. US Gaza. The charity said that it hostages. About 130 of the President Joe Biden was had dispatched a total of hostages remain in captivity, “heartbroken” , Press more than 1,700 food trucks at least 34 of whom are Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre totheStrip. presumed dead. More than told reporters Polish The charity added that it 32,916 people have been Foreign Minister Radoslaw had sent close to 435,000 killed in Gaza since then, the Sikorski said he had meals by sea to Gaza Hamas-run health ministry demanded an independent According to Cogat, the says.

Dr. Asquith Rose heaps praise on...

From page 5 colorful festival of Holi (Phagwah), they According to President Dr Ali, the festival re must reflect not only on the colorful images, minds us that we must share with others the but on its true meaning which embodies the bounty that nature has bequeathed to us and spirit of unity, forgiveness, and renewal and that we must embrace our shared humanity most importantly, the triumph of good over and reaffirmed our commitment to build a evil. As is always the case, Prime Minister united Guyana. He said Phagwah reminds us Phillipswashonestandstraightforwardwhen that despite our differences, we are all part of he said that we have long embraced Holi as a a common humanity on earth. As such, the testament to our unity and diversity and that President urged all Guyanese to continue to all Guyanese, regardless of race, class and promote harmonious relations with each creed have been blessed to celebrate together other, and create the conditions that will the festivities of every religion. He called on continually yield a bountiful harvest of Guyanese at home and abroad to work benefits for everyone to partake in and together to build a One Guyana where celebrate our collective prosperity and everyonecanflourishandprosper diversity

Both President DrAli and Prime Minister

Remarks by the Honorable Prime Mark Phillips extend their warmest wishes to Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on the nation’s Hindu brothers and sisters and to the occasion of Phagwah were similar to every Guyanese to embrace the spirit of those of His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Phagwahandworktogethertofosterasociety Ali, which explains why they are a genuine thatisinclusive,equal,andrespectableasthe team that the nation is blessed to have.In a countryadvancedtowardsabrighterfuture. jubilantmood,PMPhillipstoldGuyanesefar Sincerely, andwidethatastheycelebratethejoyousand Dr. Asquith Rose

Japanese ship builder issues IFB for flotel to support Exxon’s project

Company earned US$823M from Guyana last year

Japanese ship builder, MODEC who earned some US$823 million from its contract with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) last year has launched a tenderprocess.

MODEC is responsible for the construction of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) for Exxon’s Uaru

developmentintheStabroek Block.ThefifthFPSO,Errea Wittu is MODEC’s first project in Guyana that represents a significant addition to the company’s portfolio.

Upstream Online recently reported that MODEC recently issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for a flotel equipped with an accommodation block for at

least 150 berths The Japanesefloaterspecialistis looking to contract an accommodation vessel for the Uaru project in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana Contractors are invited to submit offers on April4.

Construction on the vessel commenced earlier this year The Errea Wittu FPSO is scheduled for first

oil in 2026. The vessel will be designed to process approximately 250,000 barrelsofoilperday(bpd),it also has the capacity for gas treatment(540millioncubic feetperday),waterinjection (350,000 barrels per day), and handling produced water (300,000 barrels per day).

Notably, MODEC will also provide the operation and maintenance services forthisunitatleast10years from its first oil production. MODEC said it is solely engaged in construction of floating,production,storage and offloading systems for oil and gas productions and various related services as singlebusiness.Lastyearthe company earned a total of US$3.6billion.

In its 2023 financial presentation, the company noted that profit increased significantly due to good progress in the construction work of new engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) projects,andimprovedasset integrity of its older Brazil FPSOvessels.

It said that EPCI works recorded good progress, includingFPSOsawardedin

2023, namely ExxonMobil Uaru and Equinor Raia in Brazil.

Exxon’s Uaru project is the top EPCI revenue generator for the Japanese ship builder In addition to the Uaru project in Guyana, MODEC’s 2023 financials were supported by three other significant EPCI projects, namely the Raia, Bacalhau, and Sangomar FPSOs, contributing to a total EPCI earnings of approximately US$2 5 billionfortheyear

From Raia, Bacalhau, and Sangomar projects, MODEC earned US$532 million, US$516 million, and US$450 million, respectively The Raia and Bacalhau projects were commissionedbyEquinorin Brazil, and the Sangomar project was ordered from MODEC by Woodside EnergyforSenegal.

The Guyana FPSO also has the highest oil production design capacity of them all The FPSO Sangomar is designed to produce 100,000 barrels of oil per day, with a storage capacity of 1.3 million barrels and a gas production capability of 130 million

Field development: MODEC Chairman, Takeshi Kanamori. (Photo: MODEC)

standardcubicfeetperday

In Brazil, the FPSO Bacalhauissetforfirstoilin 2025, with a capacity to produce 220,000 barrels of oil and 500 million standard cubicfeetofgasperday The Raia FPSO, aiming for first oil in 2027, will have a similarstoragecapacitywith anoutputof125,000barrels perday

Moreover, MODEC has contracted three Guyanese companies–GuyanaOiland Gas Support Services (GOGSS), Asequith Guyana, and ZECO Group of Services – to provide fabrication services for the vessel, with the prospect of further local collaboration, partnership, and multiple spin-offbenefits.

The FPSO will be deployedapproximately200 kilometersoffshoreGuyana, at a water depth of 1690 meters and it will be able to store around 2 million barrelsofcrudeoil.

The belated COI

Theperiodpanning2002 era has announced the succumb to earlier pressures

If and when a COI is c h a l l e n g e s l i e s a n to2006wasaneramarredby launch of a Commission of to have such an inquiry One launchedintotheviolenceof opportunity–anopportunity a harrowing spate of Inquiry But we shall have to reason is that the PPC has the 2002-to 2006 period, the for the Opposition to homicides, massacres, and wait and see whether this only been interested in COIs challenges will be daunting. substantiate their claims of robberies in Guyana. It is a d e c i s i o n w i l l b e that are advantageous to it The passage of time would state-directed extrajudicial period which many implemented by the time the andtherewasalwaysthefear have blurred memories, killings. But the PPPC will Guyanese would choose to present PPPC term ends in that a COI would reveal the scattered witnesses, and also be keen to use this COI Guyana’s history that forget because of the terrible 2025. palpable state of internal perhaps buried crucial to perpetuate the narrative witnessed a bloody orgy of scar its etched deep into the Commissions of Inquiry security under Jagdeo evidence Summoning that the violence as part of a killings, including the nation’scollectivememory are costly exercises. And no regime which left the people witnesses after such a political insurrection in slaughterofchildren. But the period was also a sums have been budged this helpless against the criminal prolonged period will which the PNCR was (The views expressed in period of political year for such an exercise. gangoperatingmainlyoutof present logistical and involved. this article are those of the contestation over the The government however Buxton. practical hurdles. Many may Such a COI is long a u t h o r a n d d o n o t violence The then c a n s t i l l g o f o r The PPPC should not be have migrated, passed away, overdue But given its necessarily reflect the government saw the hand of supplementary funding for selective when it comes to or simply struggle to recall extreme lateness, it is opinions and beliefs of this a political insurgency using theCOI. responding to international eventswithclarity doubtfulwhetheritcanbring n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s criminals as a front line The timing of this COI is demands. While seemingly Yet, amidst these closure to a period in affiliates.) force The Opposition notable. It comes on the now eager to probe the accused the government of heels of scrutiny from violence of the 2002 to 2006 condoning and being international bodies like the period, the PPPC is resistant complicit in extra judicial United Nations Human to having an independent killingsusingdeathsquads. R i g h t s C o m m i t t e e investigationintoallegations

The Jagdeo government (UNHRC) Their recent of corruption against the of 1999-2011, stubbornly concluding observations PPPC. The mantra of “no refused to launch a highlighted concerns over report, no investigation” Commission of Inquiry into the lack of substantive echoes resoundingly It the violence of that period. progress in investigating stinksofdoublestandards. Under pressure from the allegations of extrajudicial A report to the police United States, the PPPC killings during that turbulent should not serve as the sole government was however period. But it is hardly likely determinant for initiating forcedtoestablishaCOIinto that an intransigent PPPC i n v e s t i g a t i o n s i n t o whether the then Minister of could be moved by the allegations against political Home Affairs, Ronald UNHCR’sappealforsuchan figures, as doing so risks Gajraj, was involved with investigation. perpetuating impunity and any death squads of that One cannot overlook the eroding faith in the fairness period. political undertones of the investigative process.

The inquiry, by a intertwined with this Political figures, especially m a j o r i t y d e c i s i o n , decision of the PPPC to those in positions of exoneratedGajraj.Butitwas promisesuchaninquiry The authority, may wield a limited inquiry and left current volte-face by the significant influence over lingering questions about PPPC government comes lawenforcement.Italsofails who was behind the against the backdrop of to account for scenarios orchestration of violence whispers of political where individuals may fear post-2001 elections The advantage, especially one reprisal or lack trust in the failure to hold an inquiry yearbeforeelectionsaredue. impartiality of the police. madethetruthacasualtyand Afinding that the PNCR had The gravity of allegations denied justice to those a finger in the violence against political figures affected. would be extremely demands a higher standard

Now, Vice President advantageoustothePPPC. o f s c r u t i n y a n d Jagdeo, almost 18 years on But if this was the case accountability beyond a from the end of that bloody why did the PPPC not merepolicereport.

Dem Boys Seh...

Kite-flying and life

Many people think that kite-flying is kitewahtailtooshort. about the Resurrection. It has nothing to do Let us not forget the tail! It is the most withtheResurrection.Butdatisasubjectfor important part the kite. Long and flowing, it anotherday dances gracefully behind your kite, Kite-flying holds many lessons for life. stabilizing its flight and guiding its path. Itisametaphorforlife.If,forexample,your Muchlikethefriendshipswecultivatealong kite is too small, then you’re merely a theway,thetailofferssupportanddirection, whisper in the wind, easily overshadowed ensuring that we stay grounded even as we by the boisterous giants soaring high above. reachforthestars. Too large, and you risk being whisked away And finally, the loop. Ah, the loop! A into the unknown, lost amidst the clouds of simple twist of fate that can send your kite ambition. spinning into a dizzying spiral or gracefully

Finding the perfect sized kite is much gliding towards the heavens. Life, my like finding your place in the universe: a friends, is full of loops and twists, delicatebalanceofhumilityandaudacity unexpected turns that can either send us

Now, hold on to your twine or “balla”. reeling or propel us forward with newfound Strong, resilient, the lifeline between you momentum. and the heavens It symbolizes the So, as you stand there in the middle of a connections we forge in life, the bonds that fieldraisingyourkite,remembertoembrace tetherustorealityevenasweyearntobreak the size of your dreams, strengthen the ties free.Butbeware,foreventhesturdiesttwine that bind you, let your tail guide you, and can fray under the weight of our dreams, when life throws you a loop, don’t be afraid leaving us plummeting back to earth in a totwistandturnwithit. whirlwind of disappointment, just like dem Talk Half! Leff Half!

TelltheGuyanesepeople,Mr.Routledge

Mr Alistair Routledge is more than Exxon’s Country head in Guyana. Mr Routledgehasearned awell-deservedreputationasbeing the company’s chief propagandist The only one who can match him, evensurpasshiminthisdepartment, is Guyana’s clever Vice President BharratJagdeo

Now, Mr Routledge has been invited,ispushed,Iwouldsay,even challengedbyMr ChrisRam,noted Guyaneselawyerandnumbersman, toprovideanswersfortheGuyanese people on 30 oil-related questions Oil-related,notanythingtodowith the kind of democracy or government or leadership that Guyanese live with but what is foundedonanddrivenbyoil

Now, Mr Ram may be a tad peevedatme,butIwillgoeasyon Mr Routledge. TakeitasanEaster giftfromoneAmericantoanother. IfthemanfromExxonfeelsthathis company is better served by sidestepping some of those 30 questions,thenthatgenerousleeway is afforded He, however, is not extended the luxury of picking and choosingwhichoneshecananswer

Whatever he answers, the ExxonGuyanaCountryHeadmust come forward early with answers that tell Guyanese what they need

toknow BecauseMr Routledgeis recognized by me as the total package, a complete oilman, Mr Ram’squestionsoughttobesmooth sailing for him I just said he must tell this nation early, and there is a reasonfordoingso

For the longer he hides behind Exxon’s skirts, or makes himself invisible, or lets his voice not be heard, then the swifter and more pronounced the discredit will be There are some people (including a handful of Guyanese) who do not have much regard for esteemed corporate icons, those who are of guilewithasmile Iamoneofthose Tell the Guyanese people, Mr Routledge. With characteristic American aggressiveness and audacity, I stand before him, and wish that I don’t have to get his face. ButIwill,ifhedoesnotcome clean,andcomestraight.

For me, these are the important-mustanswer-questions.

First, how much did Shell pay Exxon for those farm-ins (Q1)?

Next, why is there, how does he explain [away], that US$92M gap inExxon’sexpensesreprecontract costs (Q3)? Then, how can there notbequestionsorconcernsabout theethicsofcollectingtaxreceipts fortaxesnotpaid(Q9)?

Moreover, and this is the burly granddaddy,howmuchhasthelack of ring-fencing provisions diminished Guyana’s share of Profit Oil since 2020 (Q18)? Further,howmuchnewoil(billions ofbarrels)hasbeenfoundinthelast eight discoveries that Exxon itself announced(Q26)?

If Mister Routledge cannot answer these few that I have selected, how can he answer anything? How can Exxon not be seenaspreciselywhatitis? Thatis,a rapacious corporate predator? An American vampire? And now a Texas Chainsaw operator out for blood(andmoney)stalkingGuyana?

Not fully answering Mr Ram’s questionsleadstothoseconclusions

Ponder this: at different times, the patrimony of the Guyanese people has been heralded as a ‘crown jewel’, and ‘world class’, a n d ‘ u n p r e c e d e n t e d ’ . Conspicuously, all those superlatives are only in the context ofwhattheymeanforExxonandits ownpeople Allthingsconsidered, this oil is Guyanese patrimony, not that of Exxon first, and its people next In the beginning, it was 55 billionbarrels,then11billion

Thus, I have more questions of my own: how many more billions

of barrels are in those eight new discoveries? If the people’s oil cannotbedisclosedinitsfullnessto them,thenhowdoesitnotamountto nothing but a dark conspiracy betweenExxonandthePPP[govt]?

Also, how does Exxon call itself a trusted partner when it conceals and wiggles, when it behaveslikesomecheapprostitute in running through the pockets of this country to raid every damn penny from it? Partners don’t do that, Mr Routledge; low end corporateprostitutesdosuchthings If prostitute is too offensive to Mr Routledge’s tender Florence Nightingale sensitivities, then I do him another favour: I replace prostitutewithacorporateparasite, a corporate plague, foisted on Guyanese, devouring their hopes, anddilutingtheirrights.

When Ram’s 30 questions are segregatedintosmallhandfulsonly, each handful condemns Exxon for itsparasiticsuckingandpestilential drainingofthebloodofeverycitizen ofthisrichlyendowedcountry Even thewell-rewardedinsidersintheAli andJagdeocampswouldbeabletodo better, notwithstanding how richly theydopresently

Finally, Mr Routledge, don’t arrange for some dubious letter

writer or friendly pundit (heard to bepaidontheqtbyExxon)torush to the forefront with answers to those 30 questions of Mr Ram’s Further, I offer one more piece of free advice, Mr Routledge: respondingisnotajobforanypublic relations department They are detectedforwhattheyare:snowjobs and con jobs. Sugarcoating and honey dripping productions that onlyfoolthegullible.

I urge Mr. Routledge to answer all 30 questions in his own words, withhisownwisdom,andfromthe warehouse of Exxon’s Guyana archives Heshouldknowthemlike thescentofhisownsweat Mostof all, I am looking forward to Mr Routledge coming forward and standingasanhonourableAmerican, in his delivering (hopefully) of the truthsaboutGuyana’soil Thosethat aresohavewhatisuniversal,whatis inarguable,aboutthem

(The views expressed in this articlearethoseoftheauthorand do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper )

Oil is doomsday for Guyana without ring-fencing and the renegotiation of Exxon contract -

Environmental Activist, Vanda Radzik believes that the oil and sector spells doomsday for Guyana without a renegotiation of the lopsidedoilcontractandtheimplementation ofring-fencingprovision.

Radzik made these comments while responding to questions posed by journalist and host of the BBC’s Hard Talk, Stephen Sackur

During the interview with Hard Talk which was aired on BBC on March 27 last, RadzikexplainedthatGuyanaliketherestof the Caribbean is vulnerable to the effects of climate change; effects that are exacerbated bypetroleumactivitiesbybigoilcompanies

LOCAL ACTIVIST TELLS BBC

such as ExxonMobil Guyana’s main contractorinthesector

From an environmentalist’s perspective, sheopinedthattheGuyaneseauthoritieshave beenturningablindeyetotheimpactsthatoil production and fossil fuel have had on the environment.

“Iamnotconvincedanditseemsasifour authorities,thepowersthatbe,politicallyand otherwise are like oblivious to these facts…They are oblivious to the fact that Guyana and the Caribbean are one of the

most vulnerable places on the whole wide worldandonplanetearthintermsofclimate change…andyet,weareploughingahead…”

Sackur then enquired from Radzik whether she believes that the Government shouldforegoexplorationoftheresourcethat hasthepotentialofearningtensofbillionsof dollars. “So, what’s your alternative suggestionthegovernmentwalksawayfrom tens of billions of dollars of income that comes with oil production. Simply, doesn’t allowanyofthatoilandgastobeexploited?” theBBCjournalistqueried.

Inresponsetoaquestion,Radziksaidthat Guyanahasveryfewoptions. Sheasserted: “I think there is a spectrum of opinions on this. On one end of the spectrum, you have thosethatsayleavetheoilinthegroundand on the other end of the spectrum, you have people in Guyana who are vociferously saying renegotiate the contract, put in place the ring-fencing provision let us get the best dealwecangetoutoftheseresourcesinstead oftheworsedealandletthepeopleofGuyana includingcivilsocietyhavearealstakeanda say in how this is to be done, otherwise I believeitsdoom’sday.”

Publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall has been on the forefront of calls for a renegotiation of the repulsive agreement GuyanasignedwithExxonMobilforseveral years.Thepublisherhasalsobeenappealing to Guyanese politicians to ensure future StabroekBlockprojectsarering-fenced.

Last December, while speaking on his radioprogramme,Lallsaidthiswashisonly Christmaswish.Thebusinessmansaid,“AllI want is for the Guyanese politicians to ring-

fence each new oil project, starting with the 6th one. If that is done, the trauma, the burden, and hardships will no longer be on theGuyanesepeople’sbacks.”

HereasonedthatGuyana’s83,000square miles can be transformed with better wages and increased old age pensions and the country can also upgrade its water and electricity supply and assist Guyanese with combatingthehighcostofliving.

Importantly, Lall pointed out that the revenuestobeearnedbyring-fencingtheoil projectscanbuildandupgradehighwaysand transformthecountry’smedicalfacilities.

Tothisend,thenewspaperPublishersaid, “Fence those new oil projects and our childrenwillhavethebestqualityeducation, in comfort and style. Fence the oil projects andGuyanawillneverhavetoruntoforeign banksforloans,Guyanacanbecomelenders rather than borrowers, fence every new oil project and our present and our children’s future is secure and set for generations to come.”

Environmental Activist, Vanda Radzik

TroyResourceswashandedcontractthat deliberatelyhidproductiondatafrompublic

Australian-owned Troy ResourcesGuyanashuttered itsoperationsbackinAugust last year, over a plethora of problems but during its operations since signing its Mineral Agreement with governmentbackin2014,all of its accurate production data were kept hidden from thepublic.

Thismuchwasenshrined in the Agreement when it comestothe,“completeand accurate production statistics, including

information on the cut-off grade and quality of gold, silver, precious stones and other valuable minerals mined.”

In that agreement signed back in 2014, the contract specifically outlined that during the duration of the agreement, within 90 days after each fiscal year, the companywouldfilewiththe Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the substantive Minister key data, including its annual

report. Compounding the situationhowever,isthefact that these reports are to be made on a Confidential basis. As such, it would meanthattheproductionand other data, provided by the companyweretobekeptout ofthepublicdomain.

Among the information to be kept confidential between GGMC and the company were copies of maps,profiles,diagramsand geological reports. This, in

Man dies after run over by speeding minibus

A51-year-oldmanwaskilledinthewee hours on Tuesday, after the driver of a minibus swerved into him on the Public Road at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (W.C.D.).

Dead is Nicholas Khelawon of Lot 155 OceanView,Uitvlugt,W.C.D.Accordingto a report issued by police, the fatal accident occurred at about 03:19hrs. Police related that the accident involved minibus #BZZ 1192, driven by a 29-year-old of Kaikan Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and pedestrianKhelawon.Theoccupantsofthe minibuswerefourteenagersanda20-yearold.

Investigationsrevealedthattheminibus was proceeding east along the northern drivelaneofUitvlugtPublicRoad,atafast rate,whenthedriverallegedthatamotorcar (numberunknown)madeasudden‘U-turn’ fromsouthtonorthinfrontofhim.

Theminibusdriverreportedlytoldranks thatthiscausedhimtoswerverighttoavoid a collision and, in the process, the bus collidedwiththepedestrianstandingonthe southerngrassparapetalongsidetheroad.

As a result of the collision, the pedestrianwaspickedupinanunconscious condition by public-spirited persons at the scene and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital along with the minibus driver and itsoccupants.Thepedestrianwasexamined by a doctor on duty, who pronounced him dead on arrival. The occupants of the minibus were admitted to the Leonora

Dead: Nicholas Khelawon

Hospitalforobservation.

Meanwhile, the driver was treated and sentaway Policestatedthatheispresently placed in custody assisting with investigations. The body of the deceased was escorted to Ezekiel Funeral Home for storage, awaiting a Post-Mortem Examination(PME).

addition to complete and systematic records showing full and fairly all costs and revenues including income statements, tax payments, duty payments, foreign exchange transactions and budgetplans.

Poignantly,thecompany was also supposed to have filed annually information regarding its environmental management practices in addition to information regarding exploration and development. Additionally, the company was also mandated to file on a confidential basis, information and statistics regarding occupational health and safety and workrelated accidents and injuries.

Troy Resources had commenced operations in Guyana in 2015 and in October, 2019 after geologist, Ryan Taylor, died

after a cave that he was working in collapsed, the t h e n A P N U + A F C governmentcausedthemine to be closed for an investigation and hundreds ofworkerswerelaidoff.

Despiteplanstoreturnto gold mining and production at its Smarts Underground Site in the fourth quarter of 2023,thisdidnotoccur This publication yesterday reported that foreign mining companies operating in Guyana were essentially handed carte blanche exemptionontaxesandfees on anything brought into Guyana, in addition to pay Customs Officers to clear their imports at port of their choosing.

It was noted at the time thatsmallandmedium-scale miners have been at pains, lamenting the conditions under which government policieshindertheirprogress

in developing the industry and the unfair advantages being handed to foreigners. Aperusalofcontractssigned with at least two mining companies suggested essentially carte blanche exemptions on imports, giving credence to the local lamentations.

The contracts, all of which this publication was told are crafted in similar fashion, not only give clearance to the companies to import any kind of equipment, it also gives foreigners carte blanche exemptionontaxesandfees on anything brought into Guyana.

Compounding the situationfurther,theMineral Agreements also allow for the foreign mining companies to pay Customs Officers to clear their imports at a port of the company’schoosing.

“THOU SHALL NOT STEAL”

—MagistratetellsBrazilianafterimposing50-monthjailsentence

A 29-year-old Brazilian who had escaped from his country’s prison was sentenced to 50 months imprisonment, when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to answer to a break-and-enter-and-larceny charge.

ValdoCezaFrikhomade his first court appearance before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, where he answered to the charge laid before him through a translator

The father of three pleaded guilty to the charge that stated between March 20,2024andMarch21,2024 at Charlotte Street, Georgetown, he broke into and entered Charlotte Hotel and stole two drills valued $70,000, one handbag valued$15,000,onespeaker valued$50,000,aquantityof beef valued $20,000, three bottles whiskey valued $45,000, one wrist watch valued $30,000 and $150,000 cash, total value being$380,000,allproperty ofSarahDeCosta.

The court heard that the accused is a Brazilian national, who arrived at Guyana via Lethem On March 20, 2024 around 20:00hrs, the victim secured

the items and cash mentioned in the charge in the kitchen located at the lower flat of her hotel and left,leavinganemployeeon duty At about 22:00hrs, the

said employee secured the door and went into a room andsleptaway

Around 06:00hrs, the employeeobservedtheitems in the charge missing. A Close Circuit Television (CCTV) camera was then searched and the accused was seen on the footage, breaking into the hotel and stealing the items. Frikho waslatercontacted,andtold of the allegations leveled

against him. Whilst being arrested and cautioned, he (Frikho) admitted to police that he stole the items Following that, the accused took ranks to a location where a portion of the items wereretrieved.

As court proceeded, it was later revealed by the prosecutor that Frikho is a Brazilian prison escapee

Accordingtotheprosecutor, the accused himself told investigatorsthatheescaped from prison in Brazil. The prosecutor added that whilst in Brazil, Frikho was in jail for offences of similar nature. In light of this, the Magistrate considered the early guilty plea and the previousantecedentsaswell.

As such, Magistrate Latchman imposed 50 monthsimprisonmentonthe accusedandtoldhim:“Thou shallnotsteal.”

Pres.Alidissatisfiedwith...

Frompage2 cable linking Vreed-en-Hoop and Princess Streetwasinstalled,486kmofnewsecondary distribution lines were installed, 19km of secondary distribution lines were upgraded, 87,717 service lines were replaced, 502 new transformers were installed and 2,292 defective transformers were replaced – four years on, with five times the annual budget, the PPP’s GPL has not achieve a quarter of thesemilestones.

Patterson reminded that in 2018, via the then Ministry of Finance, Guyana gained access to a US$900M line of credit from the IslamicDevelopmentBank(IsDB).Thefirst request to utilise these funds was a loan of US$110M for GPL to construct new substations, a new additional transmission and distribution network, as well as upgradingtheexistingpowerinfrastructure.

“As expected, on assuming office, the PPP canceled the loan application without reason. Without a doubt, if this application was allowed to progress to implementation, several of the challenges now facing GPL would have been eliminated – another example of the Government throwing away the baby with the bath water in the name of politics.”

Patterson said the status of our power sectorremainsamatterofnationalconcern.“I wouldreadilyadmitthatbyJune2020,there wereseveraloutstandingchallengesstilltobe resolved,howeverthecompanywasheading in the right direction with a very limited budget. With Guyana’s increased resources and the importance of this sector to our national development, one would have expected some increased momentum in fixing GPLs problems – in contrast, significant progress has all been reversed in recent years. Instead of seeking to address thesechallenges,thePPPadministrationtries to hide their mismanagement of the sector They have sought to place all their eggs in a singlebasket,theelusiveWalesGastoShore project, which on its current trajectory is likely to become another project falling significantly short of promises and expectations. No amount of plasters, fluff, bluff, fancy speeches and high-priced PR, will move GPL forward, it is clear that the Government is sailing up a creek without a paddle. Solving Guyana’s problems requires all citizens, creating a meritocracy and facilitatingarealdemocracy.”

NEWGENERATORSNOTWORKING

Only last week this newspaper reported that nine out of the seventeen generators recentlyacquiredbytheGPLarecurrentlyon the grid. This was disclosed by Minister withintheMinistryofPublicWorks,Deodat Indar Even with these added sources of

electricity frequent blackouts and power outages continue to plague this oil-rich nation.Theministerwasaskedtoprovidean update on the new generators that GPL recently acquired and if they were already addedtothegrid.“Notallofthem,notallof themonthegrid,actuallynineofthemonthe grid,allareontheplanksletmeclearit…All of them are on the planks, because I want to makesureyougetmyinformationcorrect.So allaresetupandareontheplanks(but),nine ofthemareonthegrid,fiveofthemshouldbe addedagaintothegridsometimeduringthe newweek,”hesaid.

“There were some electrical works that have to be done and the exhaust and everythinghavebeeninstalled.Thefueltanks and so just some electrical works need to be done to have five more. And then we have threemorethatwillcompletethe17shouldbe donebeforetheendofApril.Thatisthelatest update as of Tuesday afternoon at four,” the ministeradded.

He was also asked about the frequent blackout being experienced across the country Indarsaidthat,“Yesthatisthecase,I askedGPLtoputoutastatement,therewere threelastweekthatiswhyIaskedyouwhen. Early last week, it would have been because we had two engines at the Power Producers DistributionInc,(PPDI)twoenginestotalling 13 megawatts were down. Both engines experienced failures, one with a bearing and onewithanotherissueandthosewereoutof PPDI.”

The GPLInc. in 2023 recorded a total of 96 countrywide power outages, signaling an increase from the previous year This revelationcameduringahearingofthePublic Utilities Commission (PUC) last week when thepowercompanycameupforreviewofits 2023 Operating Standards and Performance Targets(OSPT).

In 2022, there was a 10% reduction recorded in the outages’ frequency GPL’s Divisional Director for Loss Reduction, Parsram Persaud explained that the interruptionswereduetoanumberofreasons ranging from planned maintenance to emergencies.

Persaud disclosed that the prolonged dry season contributed significantly to the demand for energy in November and December 2023, hence, demand outstripped supply in several instances. He said the company was able to grow its generation capacityby14.5percentin2023butthepeak demandforpowerincreasedby21.4percent.

As such, Persaud said that the agency’s Smart Grid pilot project at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was yielding results that may see an increase in power for householdsandcommercialentities.

Valdo Ceza Frikho at the Georgetown Magistrates’Court

One month after trillion-dollar budget…

Presidenthintsatsupplementaryspending

Just one month after, g o v e r n m e n t announced its mega $1.146 trillion budget, the HeadofState,PresidentAli, is already hinting at additional supplementary spending.

H e m a d e t h e announcement during an outreach to the Nappi Village in Region Nine (9).

According to the President, thisobtainssince–inlightof an extended dry season–the government would have to injectinexcessof$100Min theRegion.

He told residents during an outreach over the weekendthatsome$20Min cassavahadbeenprovidedto the region, in light of the prevailing weather conditions that has decimated the crops in the locale To this end, he reminded that this expenditure had not been budgeted for Additionally, he informed residents that given the dire situation, an additional $20M worth of the produce would be shipped into the region to helpalleviatethesituation.

The President used the occasion to also announce theconstructionofacassava refining factory at a cost of another$20M.“”Tosupport you in these villages and to ensure that you have sustainability, excess production, and valueadded, without you asking, we are going to install a cassavamillandwewillstart itwithin14daysrighthereto service these communities around here ” Altogether, taking into account transportation and other logistical expenses, he said the government would be

swiftlytostartimplementing suchprogrammesincluding, “supportinthesumofUS$4 million for the National Toshaos Council’s (NTC’s) capacity to oversee the implementation of projects identified in the Village Sustainability Plans (VSPs)

of 242 Amerindian Communities, Villages and

Satellites which have already received funding (US$22.5 million) for VSP implementation from Guyana’s historic sale of carboncredits.”

It should be noted that, under Guyana’s Statutes, while theApproved Budget for the Year is withdrawn from the Consolidated

Fund, or Treasury, there is provision for accessing the Contingencies Fund, in cases of emergencies and unforeseen circumstances

The $1 146 trillion fiscal plan was presented to the National Assembly on January15,2024,underthe theme,“StayingtheCourse: Building Prosperity for

All ”

This year’s budget represents a 46.6 percent increase over 2023’s budget whichwas$789.1B.Despite the increase in revenues to thecountry,some40%ofthe fiscalplanistobesupported byloans,withtheremaining 60% to be financed through staterevenue.

spending an additional $100Mintheregion–money thathadnotbeencateredfor in the budget. This, despite thefact,thegovernmenthad alreadysetaside$7billionin this year’s Budget for measures aimed at improving the lives of Guyanese, to be determined after consultations with stakeholders.

According to President Ali,thegovernmentisinfact gearing to spend over $1 billion in the Rupununi region,exceedingthebudget allocation Additionally, during his Region Nine outreach while meeting w i t h r e s i d e n t s i n Karaudarnau Village (Deep South Rupununi) and Potarinau Village (South Central Rupununi), the President disclosed the Government’s plans for the present and future developmentoftheregion.

He also committed to supplying the villages with water tanks and highlighted the roadways being upgraded.

It should be noted that during his budget presentation in January by the Minister within the OfficeofthePresident,with responsibility for Finance, Dr AshniSingh,inspeaking about the Rupununi, had said, the Government will continue to support the development of its tourism product.

He had also indicated that, “one of our most immediate priorities was to ensure that the resources earned under the original LCDS are deployed for the purposes envisaged. To this end,itwouldberecalledthat our Government moved

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali addressing residents of the Rupununi on Saturday

ExxonMobil refused to show auditors location

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of Guyana’s resource-rich Stabroek Blockhadrefusedtoprovide amapofthemeteringpoints on the Liza Destiny, the country’s first Floating Production Storage and Offloading(FPSO)vessel,to the auditors reviewing the company’s US$7.3B expenses, incurred between 2018and2020.

According to the report p r e p a r e d b y V H E Consulting (Ramdihal & Haynes Inc , Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc.), the oil company was requestedbutdidnotprovide a schematic showing all metering points on the DestinyLizaFPSO.

The auditors said the schematic would provide a visual representation of the physical flow of production as it is produced onto the FPSO, through the various types of production equipment, and into the storagetanks.

Notably, ExxonMobil also refused to provide the raw production data to the

auditteam.Thisinformation isusedtocreatethemonthly production data it provides to the Government of G u y a n a ( G o G ) ExxonMobil reportedly told theauditorsconsistentlythat “production information was outside the scope of the costrecoveryaudit.”

The report done by H a y n e s a n d t e a m recommended: “For future audits, a schematic would assist in validating the volumetric data provided in the monthly statements s u b m i t t e d t o t h e GovernmentofGuyana”.

Although the auditors were unable to access this information, they were satisfied that data presented by Exxon was accurate.The report states, “We have no reason to conclude the data presented in the monthly statementswoulddifferfrom the raw measurement data utilized by EEPGL (now EMGL) for production management.”

Auditors added that Exxon also indicated that personnel from the GoG are fully aware of all measurement points and are

President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge

present for calibrations and offloads.

The refusal of the oil gianttosharerawproduction data and provide the metering points to the audit teamraisesseriousconcerns, especially as more than four years after production activities commenced Guyana is yet to implement an independent system to verify the volume of crude oil being extracted by the company

Exxon is reportedly producing over 640,000 barrels per day currently in the Stabroek Block. Three FPSOsarenowinoperation. More than 11 billion barrels of resources have been discovered offshore by the company since 2015. The company officially began production activities in December2019.

Former Head of MaintenanceandReliability at BP Trinidad and Tobago,

Kuarlal Rampersad had cautioned Guyana against making the mistakes made by the twin island by failing toindependentlymonitoroil production.

Inanexclusiveinterview with this newspaper earlier this year, Rampersad stressed that for Guyana to reap the true benefits of its rapidly developing oil and gas sector, the country must employ the use of its own meters.

Insharingtheexperience of Trinidad and Tobago, the specialist explained that in the early days of oil production, dating back to the 1970’s, BP, formerly Amoco Trinidad Oil Company, was producing over200,000barrelsperday (bpd) without a metering system to independently verify the daily rates of production.

Intheabsenceofthis,the Consultant said the twin island republic accepted an averageofhowmuchoilwas being shipped away by the tankerstorefineries.

“The average would be accepted by the captain and the other team who would

say we believe this is 500,000 barrels of oil and Amocohadnorecordofhow much oil went across,” he explained.

About a decade later, Rampersad said Trinidad and Tobago realized that there were discrepancies in thereportedamountofcargo that was leaving and how much oil was being shipped fromthecountry.

At that time, Trinidad w a s p r o d u c i n g approximately 260,000 bpd and determined that it wanted value for money according to the former Head Engineer He said the country moved to install a meter on the pipeline that leaves BP’s facility in Trinidad and goes across to thetanker

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had announced in September last year that government will be moving to tender to find a suitable company to monitor the daily volume of crude oil produced. It has now been two months since the country’s first trillion-dollar Budget was passed with no progressontheoilmeters.

The Liza Destiny FPSO

— offering non-stop flight between Texas-Guyana United Airlines touches down in Guyana

UnitedAirlines inaugurated its non-stop flight from Houston, Texas to Georgetown, Guyana, operatedbyaBoeing737-MAX8.

The airline’s 737 MAX 8 has a capacity of 166 passengers and is equipped with 16 United First seats, 54 Economy Plus seats and 96 United Economy seats, and features United’s NEXT interior withlargeroverheadbins,seatback entertainment in every seat and industry’sfastestavailableWi-Fi.

The new service, which runs four times a week, will give customerseasyanddirectaccessto bothdestinations,theCheddiJagan InternationalAirport(CJIA)saidin a press release.This also enhances the relationship between the two countries and opens up exciting newopportunitiesforbothbusiness andleisuretravelers.

United now has the largest and most diversified international route network among U S airlines, offering non-stop service to 134 international destinations across 67 countries United offers flights to moredestinationsacrosstheAtlantic and Pacific than all US carriers combined, and continues to expand itspresenceinLatinAmericaandthe Caribbean, growing its summer schedule by over 10% throughout the region Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United Airlines,highlightedthecompany’s commitmenttotheregion

“We are excited to connect Houston, as well as the broader United network, with one of the fastest growing economies in the

United Airlines on the runway at the CJIA

world,”saidPatrickQuayle,United Airlines Senior Vice President of GlobalNetworkandAlliances

“This new route will offer our customersconvenientaccesstothe natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Guyana and United is proud to remain the top airline to Latin America and the Caribbean from Houston, offering service to 52uniquedestinationsintheregion – more than all other carriers combined.”

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, emphasized the importance of strengthening the US/Guyana partnership with the development of such business ventures.

“United Airlines’new flight to Guyanaismorethanjustaflight;it represents yet another significant milestone in our bilateral relationship. It’s a clear and exciting message that our

commercial linkages are deepening, as we witness the growingnumberofU.S.companies coming to do business in Guyana. Moreover, this new route will unlock incredible tourism opportunities by inviting even more travelers to experience the many offerings of both of our countries. Simply put, it’s a winwin for our economies, our cultures, and our close people-topeopleties.”

Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, is enthusiastic that this new route will catapult tourism prospects in Guyana and the United States. “This is a significant development for Guyana’s tourism industry. It underscores the increasing interest in travel between Guyana and the UnitedStates,akeysourcemarket for us. This new service will not only provide our citizens with

greatertraveloptionsbutalsoserve as a major catalyst for further enhancing Guyana’s connectivity totheglobaltourismmarketplace.”

She further underscored, “This directflightwillmakeiteasierand moreconvenientfortravelersfrom the United States to experience Guyana’s unique beauty and diverseofferings.Weexpectthisto lead to a significant increase in visitor arrivals, which will have a positive ripple effect throughout our economy, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the overall growth and development of the tourism sector.”

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, hailed the inaugural flight as a tangible symbolofthegovernment’svision forexpandedairtraveloptions.

“This is a concrete example of our government’s vision for

increased airlift and positioning Guyanaasasignificanthubforthe Caribbean and beyond. It also serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing infrastructural development taking place within thecountry,whichwillfurtherfuel interest and investment in Guyana’simmensepotential.”

The Minister further stated, “This venture also demonstrates that the international community has confidence in our nation’s growth and potential. This new connection will not only facilitate travel and trade but also catalyze furthereconomicdevelopmentand investment in Guyana. We are committed to fostering a thriving aviation sector that connects Guyanatotheworldandpropelsus towards a brighter future.” Upon arrival at the Cheddi Jagan InternationalAirport,theinaugural flightwasmetwithawatersalute.

UN report points to absence of laws, procedure to protect refugees in Guyana

The United Nations Human Rights Committee has noted in its report the challenges faced by Guyana owing to the influx of a highnumberofasylumseekersand people in need of international protection from neighbouring countries.

In its concluding observations on the third periodic report of Guyana, the UN Human Rights Committee said that is concerned about the absence of a national refugee law and asylum procedures.

The report outlined that “the Committee is deeply concerned about the vulnerable situation of asylum seekers, those in need of international protection and refugees in the State including those arriving from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Haiti, particularly about the obstacles to the acquisition of legal status and access to basic social services, as well as the imposition of visa restrictionsonHaitians.”

It is also concerned about the absence of legal provisions recognizing the principle of nonrefoulement.

TheCommitteesaidthatitnotes thattheStatehasnotyetratifiedthe internationalinstrumentsrelatingto the protection of refugees and asylumseekers.

The Committee is further concerned about the information

regarding the legislation on the acquisition of nationality, which would prohibit Guyanese citizens born abroad from handing down Guyanese nationality to their children, which has led them to becomestateless.

KurupukaritoLethemprojectadvanced asPiraraBridge50%complete

The construction of 32 concrete bridges from Kurupukari to Lethem is advancing rapidly, with the final bridge at Pirara approachingcompletion.

Currently,thePirarabridgestandsat50% completion. Its conclusion will signify the overall conclusion of the project along the KurupukaritoLethemcorridor

This was disclosed by the Ministry of Public Works following a series of site inspections led by the subject minister, Bishop Juan Edghill last Wednesday In addition to the Pirara bridge, inspections werealsoconductedoninternalroadsproject in Lethem and St. Ignatius in Region Nine (UpperTakutu-UpperEssequibo).ThePirara bridge project is being executed by Vals Constructiontothetuneof$410.2million.

Itisbeingbuilttointernationalstandards and forms part of a larger project that links the13bridgesfromLindentoMaburaroad. This initiative is part of the President Dr Mohamed IrfaanAli led PPP/C government

strategy to advance hinterland development throughenhancedinterconnectivity

Whileoverseeingtheprojectinspections, MinisterEdghill,emphasisedtheimportance of contractors executing projects promptly and in accordance with their contract specifications Contractors were also reminded to effectively manage the generation of dust and debris during project execution. Residents in the areas where projectsareunderwayarealsoencouragedto activelymonitortheprogressandreportany relevantcomplaintstotheMinistry

Meanwhile, the Minister convened a meeting with representatives of the Aranaputa Village Council, including the vicechairman,overseer,councillors,andthe contractor responsible for the rehabilitation of the Aranaputa Valley village road. The purposeofthemeetingwastoensurethatthe village council and residents are satisfied with the progress of the infrastructure project.(DPI)

As a result, the committee recommends that the State should adopt, without delay, a national legislation to protect the rights of refugeesandasylum-seekersandto adopt relevant procedures in compliance with its Covenant and

other international norms and standards; ensure procedural safeguardsagainstrefoulementare inplaceandthateffectiveremedies with respect to refoulement claims in removal proceedings are available, including reviews of rejections by an independent judicial body, in particular on appeal; redouble its efforts to regularize the situation of persons inneedofinternationalprotection, inparticularbysecuringtheirlegal status, and providing access to formal employment and basic services, while responding to the specific needs of those in a vulnerable situation; consider reviewing its nationality legislation, to guarantee that no children, including those of Guyaneseparentsbornabroad,can becomestateless.

The committee also suggests thattheStateconsiderratifyingthe 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, and the 1961 Convention ontheReductionofStatelessness.

Elderlywomangoesmissing duringEasterMondayouting

The relatives of 78-yearold Beryl Bruce also known at Teresa of Diamond, East BankDemeraraarecurrently seeking the public’s assistance to locate her after she went missing from a family outing on Easter Monday

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Tuesday, the woman’s brother, Randolph Braithwaite said that she went missing from Vlissengen Road in the vicinity of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Base Camp Ayangannaaround15:00hrs.

Braithwaite explained that on Monday around 13:00hrs,hewascalledtodo a taxi work for a friend but didnotwanttoleavehissister at home alone who has dementia (memory loss) so he took her along with him. After he finished the job, he decided to take her on an outing to see the kite flying activities.

A c c o r d i n g t o Braithwaite, while on Vlissengen Road, Bruce told him that her knees were hurtingandrequestedtositin the car He placed her in the back seat and locked the doors but left the windows halfopened.

Braithwaitesaidhestood in front of the car where his sister was and occasionally looked back at the back seat

forher Hesaidhewastalking with friends near the car He said soon after when he turned to check on his sister, shewasnowheretobefound.

Thereafter, he began searchingandaskingpersons whowerearoundiftheysaw her The man said he further made checks to the Kitty Seawall, National Park and along Sheriff Street but he has been unsuccessful thus

far He also made a report at the Alberttown Police Station.

Bruce was last seen wearingaredtopandapairof blue tights Anyone who mighthaveseenBerylBruce also known at Teresa or knows her whereabouts is asked to contact her brother on mobile number: (+592) 691-5696 or the nearest policestation.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, engineering team and contractor inspecting works on the Pirara Bridge

Missing woman: Beryl Bruce

Migrants entering Guyana through nearby border communities

HEALTH MINISTRY UNVEILS NEW TB TREATMENT

With comprehensive services and treatment in place for personslivingwithtuberculosis(TB),theMinistryofHealthis makingmajorstridesinreducingTBincidenceinthecountry

Already,theministryhasachievedafewofitsgoalsforthe TBstrategy,oneofwhichisthereductionofTBincidenceby20 percent,puttingthehealthsectorontracktoendTBby2030 Duringtheministry’slatesteditionofits‘HealthMatters’show, the Director of the TB Programme, Dr Jeetendra Mohanlall, disclosed that a new plan will soon be in place to treat TB patients. Currently, patients are being administered their pills through the Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) strategy This strategy is used to ensure that TB patients adhere to and can toleratetheprescribedtreatment

Healthcare worker watches the TB patient swallow each doseoftheprescribeddrugsforsixmonths Thenewregimen

that will soon be introduced consist of the use of rifapentine and moxifloxacin. Dr Mohanlall elaborated, “And you can achieve the same as the six months of therapy with just treatmentforfourmonths.So,wearehopingtointroducethat regimensometimethisyear,”

Withtheuseofthisnewtreatment,theco-infectionratewith otherdiseasessuchasHumanImmunodeficiencyVirus(HIV) will also decrease It also decreases the burdens of having patients being monitored on how they take their pills and the timeperiodinwhichtheydo “Overtheyearswehavemanaged todroptheburdenofHIVco-infectionwithalotofprevention.

Andwestillneedtodomoreasitpertainstoprevention,”he noted Dr Mohanlall further elaborated on plans to introduce newmedicationsforlatentTBinfection,whichreferstoTBgerms thataredormantandnon-transmissible Hesaidtheministryhas

acquiredacombinationpillcontainingrifapentineandisoniazid, whichwillsoonbeincorporatedintotreatmentprotocols

Justliketheothers,thiswillalsoreducetheintakeofpills These pills will be given to the patients once a week for 12 weeks Currently,totreatlatentTBinfection,patientsareusing onlytheisoniazidpillonadailybasis Uponimplementationof these strategies, patients will experience a reduction in pill intakeandtreatmentduration,enablingthemtomanagetheir conditionmoreefficiently

Dr Mohanlall emphasised that, similar to existing approaches,thisnewregimenwillstreamlinepillconsumption Patients will receive a once-weekly dosage of these combinationpillsoveraperiodof12weeks,markinganotable improvementoverthecurrentdailyadministrationofisoniazid pillsforlatentTBinfection (DPI)

WANTED

Sales Representative, canter Drivers & Porters to work in warehouse. Call: 673-7373.

Urgently want to purchase at least half acres land, commercial plot. Call: +1(868) 620-5742.

One Typist/ Clerical Assistant. Apply at St John Association, 110 Cowan Street Kingston, Georgetown. Call: 225-9082.

Urgently needed dried carilla bush (any quantity). Call: 609-8281/ 693-3003.

Wanted! Male & Female workers preferably from WBD, for packaging pasta and chowmein. $4100 per day. Call: 611-7839.

Night Guard at Soesdyke area, Handyman & 1 Accountant Clerk with NIS/ payroll experience. Call: 2192170/ 708-4374.

One Handy person to work in the Interior. Call: 677-0869.

Female Domestic $4500, male labourer $ 5000 daily ,Semi skilled worker $6000 daily, Skilled worker $7000 -$8000 daily to work at Vreed EnHoop #682 5230,615 4414.

One Handyman and Driver/ Expeditor needed. Call: 2310363.

One Welder and Handy boy needed. Living accommodation and meals provided. Call: 627-5043/ 639-1315.

Domestic needed, live-in or live-out. Call: 623-6383 7am7pm.

FOR RENT

Place to rent at Vreed-enhoop junction, for lessons, church, office, storage bond, other. Call: 603-6400.

Newly constructed two bedroom apt in a safe and healthy evironment. Call: 698-6496/ 622-6512.

One, two and three bedroom Apt at Providence, Diamond & New Road Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 682-6238, 216-2299/ 6046664.

One single room apartment for rent @ 21 street, Diamond E.B.D.$45,000 monthly. Call: 628-2412, 601-0889/ 6889315.

VACANCY

One Painter needed. Call: 615-9132/ 645-8443.

One Plumber needed for Eccles. Call: 645-8443/ 6159132.

Waitress/ Room Attendant to work shift in bar at Soesdyke, EBD. Call: 644-6551/ 661-3608.

Receptionist, Deskstaff, Room & Laundry Attendant & Security Guard needed at 233, South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.

Vacancy exists for one Daf truck Driver to work for a Construction Company. Call: 624-9505/ 656-0603/ 225-5818.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

Leyland DAF single Axle, model m with winch, Nissan 4 door Pathfinder. For more information Call: 644-6551/ 661-3608.

Toyota Hiace van panel for sale, price $ 2.7 mil neg. Call: 609-8281.

Tractor foreign used Massey Ferguson 283 $2.6M, Massey 165 $1.8M, Massey 135 $1.2M, Massey loader tractor $2.4M. Call: 6825230, 6154414.

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Contact: 649-0956.

1 Toyota Allion, Pioneer DVD, CD & USB deck, reverse camera, alarm, low milage. Call: 649-0956.

SERVICES

Business/ residential PFSGYD$58M, Visa Application, advertisements, graphics design, passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 626-7040.

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. For more information Call: 619-0007, 629-5526. We repair & install fridge, freezer, washer & dryer, AC units, stove, etc. Whatsapp/ Call Omar: 683-8734/ 6549711.

FOR SALE

House lots & commercial plot for sale available at blankenburg W.C.D. Call: 652-0251/ 650-0402.

1 Mitsubishi canter enclosed 4d35 engine, $1.5 mil, 1 Toyota Dyna Enclosed 15b engine $1.3 mil & open tray 14b engine 1.1 mil neg. Call: 626-1403, 649-9011, 223-5273.

FOR SALE/ RENT

1 Lexus SUV, forklifts 3.5 tons diesel truck weigh scales (60 tons,40 ft) . (new installed at your site) Low bed trailers-60 tons,triple axle. Call: 665-3880

All sizes loaders, excavators & rollers, concrete pump & mixer trucks, mobile crane and Howo 30 ton dump trucks. Call: 650-0402/ 652-0251.

SERVICES

For low cost repairs for AC units, refrigerators, freezers, gas stoves, washing machine, dryers, etc. Call: 6294946, 225-4822.

NDIA to spend $130M to build concrete bridges in Mahaica and Mahaicony

TheNationalDrainageandIrrigationAuthority(NDIA) is set to spend approximately $130 million on the construction of four concrete bridges for Mahaica and Mahaiconyareas.

This was revealed at the opening of tenders on Tuesday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office. The bridges will be constructed at Esau&JacobinMahaicony,YankeeExtensioninDeHoop, Mahaica, Kurban in De Hoop Road, and at Perseverance Perth in Mahaicony Over 40 contractors have submitted bidsforthecontracts.

Below are the companies and their bids: National Drainage and IrrigationAuthority (NDIA) Rehabilitation of drainage structure and revetment at Brickery, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Construction of concrete bridges in Mahaica and Mahaicony, Region 5 for Lots 1 to 4 – (Lot1 –Esah & Jacob, Mahaicony, Lot2 – Yankee Extension, De Hoop No.1 Mahaica, Lot3 – Kurban, De Hoop Road, Lot4 – Perseverance Perth, Mahaicony)

A

truck that was damaged in the strike

Deadly air strike shows system to protect aid workers in crisis, agencies say

(BBC NEWS) A UN with co-ordinating with official says the Israeli humanitarian organisations, attack which killed seven “doesn’treallyhaveagrip”. staff of the charity World What’s known as Central Kitchen (WCK) is “deconfliction” is a system either a “dreadful failure that allows aid organisations of deconfliction” or to work in some of the evidence that the system world’s hottest conflicts, that exists now is not fit for including Yemen, Ukraine, purpose. SyriaandGaza.

The official, who has It generally takes two extensive experience in forms.Oneis“notification”Gaza and asked not to be makingsurethattherelevant identified, said that the military powers know where greatestfearofaidworkersis humanitarian organisations vehicles are expected to be

A trip from Rafah in the UNWRAofemployingmore that the Civilian Liaison are located (including moving at any given time on

southern Gaza Strip to Shifa than 2,000 members of Administration, the branch providing GPS co-ordinates anygivenday. communication with the Hospital in Gaza City, he Hamas, the Palestinian of the Israeli military tasked of all facilities) and where “Co-ordination” is a CLA while humanitarian said, could involve as many armed group which attacked teams are actually on the as eight conversations to Israelon7Octoberlastyear. move. make sure the journey goes WCK,whichhasbeenon

It’s designed to make smoothly the ground for months and sure that all military Jan Egeland, head of the which had just brought in a personnel along the route Norwegian Refugee second 400-tonne shipment knowexactlywherevehicles Council, told the BBC the of aid by sea from Cyprus, are. relationship between aid had been playing an

NDIA to spend $130M to build concrete...

From page 23

“The whole apparatus, groups and the Israel increasingly prominent and whetherit’sadroneoperator, Defense Forces (IDF) important role in preventing a radar operator, a guy in a neededtobereset. Gaza from sliding into tank,aguy atacheckpoint,a “Iftheyshootatanything famine. sniperontheroof,they’reall moving as it seems here, Israel has trumpeted the aware that in the next 20 with a deconflicted and role of WCK and other aid minutes, five white cars are notified convoy, there has to organisations as proof going to come down the be a complete reboot in the UNRWA is no longer road So no-one is relationship between the needed. At a recent briefing, surprised, ” Giorgios Israeli war machine and all Israeli diplomats said WCK Petropoulos, head of the of us aid groups,” he said. had “come out of nowhere Gaza sub-office of the UN Israel has acknowledged it and has become around 13% Office for the Co-ordination killed the WCK staff. “We of the food story inside of Humanitarian Affairs will do everything so that Gaza”. Israel also says it is (OCHA)toldme. this thing does not happen doing everything in its again,” Prime Minister power to facilitate the Benjamin Netanyahu said. distribution of aid Aid workers in Gaza agree throughout the Gaza Strip. that the area is one of the B u t W C K h a s n o w most challenging places in suspended its operations in the world for humanitarian Gaza.

workers to operate. “Gaza is Meanwhile, Mr Egeland a shitty place to work,” one said that movement between told me. The aid worker said Gaza’s south - where most the existing deconfliction aid enters, via two crossings system was not working from Israel and Egypt - and properly its north “will again be “The notification system completely paralysed. And essentially doesn’t work,” that is extremely serious, they added “It’s not a because it’s in the north that disciplined system from the famine is already taking a Israeli side.” Kitchen) as it grip.”

headed up the coast road He added that the WCK towards the north The suspending operations incident forced the UN to “means more famine, more suspend aid convoys to the dead children, more north. The IDF said at the epidemic disease because time that it was looking into peoplearesomalnourished”. theincident,inwhichno-one Mr Egeland urged Israel to was hurt However, open more crossing points Monday’s deadly incident is into Gaza. “Let me remind a disaster: for WCK, the all that there are two border people of Gaza, and Israel’s crossings minutes away image. As Israel moves to from the north, they are ban UNRWA - the main UN called Karni crossing and organisation responsible for Erez crossing, and Israel has thewelfareofPalestiniansin refused to open them for aid the Gaza Strip - it has come convoys,” he said. “Israel to rely heavily on other can open the borders for humanitarianorganisations. organised relief and safety M r N e t a n y a h u ’s They are not willing to do government has accused that.”

Guyana Water Inc.

Water supply improvement project at Chionweing and Wax Creek, Region Seven. Water supply improvement project at Parishara, Region

Drilling of potable water well at Kimbia and Wikki Calcuni, Region 10.

Effects of the deadly Israeli strike

NBA roundup: Suns ride Devin Booker’s 52 to win

From page 26 expired, and Orlando Cade Cunningham had Atlantawonforthefifthtime 18-3 run that Haliburton points and six rebounds, their race for playoff survived after coughing up a 36pointsandeightassistsfor insixgames. finished with a three-point while Aaron Nesmith positioning by holding off 15-point, second-half lead. the Pistons, who took their Chicago was led by play to give Indiana an 18-7 chipped in 11 points for visitingPortland. Ayton led the Trail Blazers ninthlossin10games.Jaden DeMar DeRozan with 31 lead with 7:41 left in the first Indiana. Cam Thomas paced

And then from my back with 20 points and 12 Iveytossedin20points. points, while Coby White quarter The Pacers never the Nets with a team-high 22 porch I could see Dodger rebounds. Hawks 113, Bulls 101 added 22 points Ayo lookedback. points. Stadium. Grizzlies 110, Pistons 108 Visiting Atlanta got 20 Dosunmu scored 15 as the Pascal Siakam had 15 (Field Level Media)

Portland came into Jaren Jackson Jr poured points from Bogdan Bullslostforthefifthtimein Orlando on a nine-game in 40 points as visiting BogdanovictobeattheBulls sevengames. losingstreak,includinga60- MemphisedgedDetroit. and move to within a half- Pacers 133, Nets 111 point blowout its last time Jackson also contributed game of Chicago, which TyreseHaliburtonposted out at Miami. However, the seven rebounds, three holds the No. 9 spot in the a 27-point, 13-assist doubleBlazers had a shot at assists, three steals and two Eastern Conference playoff double to lead host Indiana stunning the Magic as the blocksfortheGrizzlies,who race.

p a s t B r o o k l y n i n buzzersounded. had lost seven of their The Hawks shot 47.5 Indianapolis.

Deandre Ayton’s 12-foot previous eight games. Luke percent on 3-point attempts, After giving up a pair of jumper after a scramble for a Kennardadded19pointsand 19 of 40, and had six players Brooklynbaskets,thePacers loose ball fell short as time eightassists. score in double figures settled into the game with an

16 RHTYSC youth cricketers...

From page 31

Esau Crandon, Sean Grant, Neil Williams, Delbert Hicks, Khemraj Mahadeo, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Clinton Pestano, Jonathan Rampersaud, Sylus Tindall, Shamine Campbell, Shabiki Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond,PlaffianaMiltonandErvaGiddings.

Wednesday April 03, 2024

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

How hard you have to work to achieve your purposes! It's as though you carry around an overstuffed sandbag and each steprequiresahugeeffort!This wouldbeagooddaytoidentify thesourceofthetrouble.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You could have an urge to invent new things You feel compelled to create something in the artistic, technical, or philosophical field If only you'd give yourself enough timetopursuetheseideas!

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Generally, you come up with the perfect, witty answer one day too late. Impulse and intuition take a back seat to yourexcellentself-control.

CANCER(June21–July22)

You think of yourself as fairly moderninyourthinking,don't you, Cancer? But have you really been able to reject tradition entirely? Have you rid yourself of all the outmoded conventions that confinedearliergenerations?

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

There is some likelihood of a slight career conflict, Leo. You might have to deal with a co-worker who steps on your toes or runs roughshod over yourgentlenature.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

For a few weeks now you've understood that each day brings its share of constraints. For example, today you could feel doubts about your physical appearance. Are you q u e s t i o n i n g y o u r attractiveness or your ability to make an impression on someonespecial?

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

This is a day to think about your private life, Libra. Expect to be particularly sensitive to all kinds of demands from those close to you. You have the power to create greater harmony at home, specifically inyourrelationship.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Today can be a relaxing day, provided you make the necessary effort to deal with material constraints, Scorpio. You would like nothing better than to spend much of the day planning fun activities for the future.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

There is a lot on your mind today Overthelastthreeweeks you've analyzed your relationships on a deep and profound level New people withattractivequalitiescouldbe temptingyoutomakeachange

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

After a few days that were a bit serious, today you awake with a light heart and boundless energy! Your seduction will be at its peak, so why not use it to youradvantage?

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

If you have children, you could be feeling a bit overworked and overwhelmed If you don't have children,perhapstheconstraints and demands of your professional life are weighing heavilyonyourmind

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Feeling grumpy lately, Pisces? Don't fret, because your bad mood won't last. This attitude is unlike you Co-workers notice your change in personality but still treat you withconsiderationandrespect.

Kissoonlall also stated that the club has to date won 121 crickettournamentsatalllevelssincewinningitsfourthtitle in1992.Thecricketteamshavealso3nationaltitlesin2004, 2005 and 2009, Five Guyana Cricket Board Club of the year awards,whiletheRHYSCSalsoreceivedanationalaward. Feroze Islam stated that, as a former resident of the Township, he was happy to assist the youth in a small way He urged them to listen to the advice of club management andtoavoidsocialills.NationalUnder13playerTameshwar Deonadan expressed gratitude to Islam on behalf of himself andtheothers.

Jamaica triumphs with sweep of 4x400m relays amidst final drama at 51st Carifta Games

SportsMax - Jamaica clinching victory in all four session, the Jamaican teams Boys 4x400m relay, was not surged to victory in 3:41.84. Jamaica emerged as the asserteditsdominanceonthe 4x400m relays on Monday showcased their class, without its share of drama. The Bahamas secured silver overall victor of the Carifta track as the curtains closed W i t h c o m m a n d i n g bringing the Games to a As Trinidad and Tobago, the in a time of 3:47.13 while Games. on the 51st Carifta Games at performances reminiscent of thrillingconclusion. Bahamas, and Grenada set Trinidad and Tobago The Bahamas finished the Kirani James Athletics their sprint hurdles However, the final race off in the race, they halted claimedbronzein3:54.49. second overall with 35 Stadium in Grenada, dominanceearlierinthefinal of the night, the Under 20 unexpectedly, anticipating a Similarly, in the Under medals; nine gold, 13 silver recall that never came. They 20 Girls 4x400m relay, and 13 bronze medals with were allowed to re-run for Jamaica’sformidablequartet Trinidad and Tobago third time during which Trinidad of Abigail Campbell, with27medals,fourgold,11 and Tobago ultimately Shanique Williams, Kitania silverand12bronzemedals. emerged victorious, with the Headley, and Shanoya Guyana won eight Bahamas crossing the line Douglas clocked a time of medals; four gold, three second. 3:34 69, securing another silver and a bronze medal

However, neither team gold medal for the nation. while Guadeloupe finished were able to eclipse Trinidad and Tobago and the fifth with five medals, two Jamaica’s winning time of Bahamas clinched silver and gold, a silver and two bronze 3:10.58 from the original bronze, in times of 3:47.51 medals.

race. Trinidad were and3:49.82,respectively. Hosts Grenada had an eventually awarded silver Jamaica’s U17 Boys outstanding Carifta Games having run a time of 3:11.10. executedflawlesslytowinin winning one gold, six silver Guyanawasthirdinatimeof dominantfashioninatimeof andsixbronzemedalswhich 3:14.05. Bahamas were 3:18.43. Trinidad and placed them seventh in the disqualified. Tobago won the silver standings.

In the Under 17 Girls running 3:21.24 with the Trinidad and Tobago’s 4x400m relay, Jamaica’s bronze medal going to Janae De Gannes won the team, led by Britannia Grenadawhoran3:21.92. prestigious Austin Sealy Bailey, Nastassia Fletcher, With an impressive Award for her recordKevongaye Fowler, and medal haul of 45 gold, 23 breaking jump of 6.50m in Tresha Lee Sutherland, silver,and16bronzemedals, theU20GirlsLongJump.

NBA roundup: Suns ride Devin Booker’s 52 to win

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) celebrates with Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. (Matthew Hinton -USA TODAY Sports)

Reuters- DevinBookerscored52points Celtics 118, Hornets 104 against the New Orleans Pelicans for the Jayson Tatum scored 25 points and Sam second time this season and the visiting Hausersankseven3-pointersoffthebenchto Phoenix Suns tightened the Western also score 25 as Boston completed a solid Conference playoff race with a 124-111 roadtripwithawininCharlotte. victoryonMondaynight. Advertisement·Scrolltocontinue Kevin Durant added 20 points, Jusuf KristapsPorzingisadded20pointsforthe Nurkic had 19 points and 19 rebounds, and NBA-leading Celtics, who went 4-2 on their Bradley Beal scored 13 points as the Suns last multi-game trip of the regular season. pulled within one game of the Pelicans for They outscored the Hornets 57-39 from sixth place in the conference — the final beyondthearc. guaranteedplayoffspot. MilesBridgesscored26 pointsandGrant The Suns, who defeated the host Pelicans Williams, who was in the starting lineup, had 123-109 back when Booker first dropped 52 23forCharlotte,whichfellfortheeighthtime points on Jan. 19, clinched the season series inninegames. with one game remaining. The teams will Magic 104, Trail Blazers 103 meetonSundayinPhoenix. AllfiveOrlandostartersscoredatleast14 Zion Williamson scored 30 points, Trey points, led by Franz Wagner’s 20, and the Murphy III had 21 and CJ McCollum had 15 Magicavoidedapotentiallymajorblowin forNewOrleans.

(Continued on page 25)

CARIFTA Games athletes greeted with a red carpet welcome

Guyana’s CARIFTA U17 200m, and Kaidon justified the investment we athletes’ performances, monthstodecidewhetherwe break. Games athletes were greeted Persaud excelling in the are making in sports,” emphasizing the AAG’s will go through after Those who have secured with a red carpet welcome at BoysU17800m. MinisterRamsonsaid. satisfaction. She also hinted attending these games for 51 their spots for the World t h e C h e d d i J a g a n Attoya Harvey grabbed He added, “When you at Guyana’s eagerness to years and never hosted it,” U20 Championships will International Airport bronze in the 3000m event, win those medals, and hang host the 2026 CARIFTA Hermonstine said while soon commence their yesterday by representatives whilethe4x400mrelayteam them up in your homes, Games. adding, “we want to go for it preparations for the event fromtheMinistryofCulture, finished third in the U20 you’re putting them up in “We were given all the (hostthegames).” scheduled to take place Youth and Sport, and the finals. every home in this country necessary documentation Meanwhile, the athletes fromAugust 27-31 in Lima, Athletics Association of The tally marks the When you’re running, we’re and we were given three will enjoy a well-deserved Peru Guyana(AAG). highest number of medals running with you…so it’s a Minister of Culture, ever achieved by Guyana huge opportunity that you Youth and Sport, Charles since the inception of the have.” Ramson Jr, along with other gamesin1972. Meanwhile, AAG AAG officials, warmly E x t e n d i n g p r e s i d e n t A m a n d a received the athletes back to congratulations to the Hermonstine commended Guyana following their athletes on behalf of the the Government of Guyana remarkable performances at people of Guyana and for its support and the51steditionoftheGames President Irfaan Ali, acknowledged other in St George’s, Grenada, Minister Ramson underlined contributors to the where Guyana ended with that their remarkable CARIFTAGamesteam. eightmedals. achievements further S h e s p e c i f i c a l l y Their outstanding validate the government’s recognized renowned track achievement included four investmentinsports. and field manager and agent gold medals, earned by “NextCARIFTAGames, Cubie Seegobin and Tianna Springer (U20 we’re letting all the other RayfieldBeaton. 400m),MalachiAustin(U20 countries know, that we are Additionally, the AAG 400m), Athaleyha Hinckson coming for more medals. president highlighted the (U17 100m), and the Significantly, we were able dedication of the coaches 4x400mMixedRelayteam. to succeed in the sprint races and the support of the Guyana also clinched which we didn’t do for many athletes’parents. two silver medals, with decades, so it said to us from Hermonstine expressed Hinckson shining in the girls the government side, and it immense pride in the

(L-R) Individual medal winners Kaidon Persaud, Malachi Austin, Tianna Springer and Athaleyha Hinckson.

Barbados sees economic boost of US$40M from CPL

SportsMax - The

Pete Russell, Republic Republic Bank Caribbean Bank CPL’s CEO, said: “It Premier League (CPL) and was fantastic to be back in Massy Women’s Caribbean Barbados after four years Premier League (WCPL) away and the atmosphere at generated a total economic Kensington Oval was impact of US$40,446,754 brilliant, highlighting the for Barbados during the local and international 2023tournament. appetite for CPL cricket.

2023 was the first time These results are great news that the CPL had returned to for Barbados and we are Barbados since 2019 and the looking forward to making first time the country had an even bigger impact in hostedWCPLmatches. 2024.”

There were six men’s GrahamClarke,Director matches and three Women’s Caribbean for Barbados matches played in Barbados TourismMarketingInc,said: between 30 August and 3

“It is great to see the iconic September with the games Kensington Oval - the taking place at the world- cricketing mecca of the famousKensingtonOval. Caribbean - hosting CPL

Barbados won the last Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League.

The total event impact is matches again, after a brief calculated by world h i a t u s d u r i n g a n d r e n o w n e d r e s e a r c h immediately after the Covid organisation, YouGov Sport 19Pandemic Cricketismuch with the final figure being more than a game, it is an based on a number of key the CPL cohort, who were event management teams. from the tournament being promoted Barbados as the economy For every dollar of metrics, including organizer responsible for filling Other visitor groups broadcast around the world unique holiday destination revenue earned through the and visitor spends on Island 10,951 hotel room nights in associated to the tournament with CPL’s audience we all know it to be. These purchase of Bajan goods and media as well as the Barbados,madeupbyCPL’s also made a significant reaching 853.5million total exclusive features and services by visitors to our commercial value generated p l a y e r s , c o a c h e s , contribution to on Island viewers in 2023. As always, vignetteswereshownduring island during the week of fromtheextensiveglobalTV administrators, TV and spending during the the tournament worked the CPL matches, further CPL, there is a direct and distribution. One of main media crews, team owner tournament. closely with BTMI to create promoting the tourism multipliereffectonthepeople contributing elements was groups, league and franchise Barbados also benefited world class content which message. andeconomyofBarbados.”

Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant handed fine for IPL Code of Conduct breach

Independent - Delhi D e l h i ’ s o w n at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Capitals captain Rishabh performance was set up by Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Pant was fined for his side’s the exploits of Pant and Stadium, Visakhapatnam on slow over rate during their David Warner with the bat. March 31,” said a statement Indian Premier League clash At the top of the innings, the from the IPL. “As it was his against the Chennai Super Australian opener smashed team’s first offence of the Kings at Visakhapatnam on 52 from just 35, while Pant season under the IPL’s Code Sunday The Capitals went on to hit 51 from 32, of Conduct relating to clinched the contest by 20 establishing a solid platform minimum over rate offences, runs, but the game itself was inthefirstinnings. PantwasfinedRs12lakhs.” overshadowed by the H o w e v e r, i n t h e Their first win of the longstanding hero of Indian aftermath of the game, the season lifted the Capitals up cricket, MS Dhoni, and his league issued a statement into seventh place, while the unbeaten 37 from just 16 and fined Pant 12 lakhs Rajasthan Royals continue deliveries. (£1,026). to dominate at the top of the

The Super Kings were “Rishabh Pant, the Delhi table, although the Kolkata chasingthegameandneeded Capitals captain, has been Knight Riders are also 192 runs to win, and despite fined after his team unbeaten in the 2024 edition Dhoniturningtheclockback maintained a slow over rate ofthetournament. on his years, it was the during their Indian Premier Intheirnextmatch,Delhi Capitals who claimed their League (IPL) 2024 match will take on the Knight firstwinoftheseason. againstChennaiSuperKings Riderson16thMarch.

Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant. (AP)

Slingerz and Guyana Defence Force record wins on Sunday KFC Elite League Season Six

Play in the contest featuring the Guyana Defence Force FC and Fruta Conquerors FC.

Slingerz FC and Guyana Defence Force

The second half started with Sheldon FC notched sensational wins in Sunday’s Holder from Slingerz FC swiftly finding the fixtures of the KFC Elite League Season Six back of the net twice at 52 and 56 minutes, at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) substantially extending his team’s lead. NationalTraining Centre in Providence, East Curtez Kellman sealed the deal with the final BankDemerara. goalofthenightatthe85thminute.

In the March 31 matchups, Western

The two matches marked the end of Tigers FC endured a challenging 4-1 loss March’s action for the ten elite clubs, against including Guyana Police Force FC, Slingerz FC, while Guyana Defence Monedderlust FC, Ann’s Grove United FC, ForceFCrecordedacommanding5-0victory Den Amstel FC, Santos FC, and Buxton overFrutaConquerorsFC. UnitedFC.

Intheopeningclash,theGuyanaDefence To kick off the April fixtures, Force FC’s offensive strategy was on full Monedderlust FC went head-to-head with display as they found the net through Delroy DenAmstelat Fraser at the 31st Olvis Mitchell at the 22nd, 6:30 p.m., followed by Santos FC taking 30thand45+1stminutes,DelroyFraseratthe onPoliceFCat9:00p.m.yesterdayApril2at 31standChrisMaceyatthe43rdminute. NTC.

Later in the evening, Andrew Murray of The league started on February 25, with a Western Tigers FC kicked off the scoring for totalof23matchesplayedtodate. his team with a goal at the 25-minute mark in The top ten clubs are competing for firstthehighlyanticipatedclashoftheseason. place cash prize of G$2,000,000, with cash Slingerz FC’s Daren Niles then equalised rewards of G$1,200,000, G$800,000, and the score at 42 minutes, setting up an intense G$500,000 up for grabs for the second, third, halftimedeadlock. andfourthpositions,respectively

Action in the match between Slingerz FC and Western Tigers FC.

AIU hands down two-year ban to Tiffany

James-Rose for Whereabouts violation

Tiffany James-Rose

SportsMax - Jamaica’s two-time World by James-Rose following her marriage to Championships 4X400m relay silver Jamari Rose in 2019, is listed among 22 medallist Tiffany James has been slapped athletes, who were handed suspensions in the with a two-year ban for an anti-doping rule month of March. By virtue of the sanctions, violation by the Athletics Integrity Unit James-Rose, a former world Under-20 400m (AIU). champion, was banned from June 19, 2023,

According to the AIU, James’ sanction andwillbeineligibleuntilNovember4,2025. stemsfromthreeWhereaboutsfailureswithin James-Rose recently gave birth to her son 12 months. The 27-year-old, who now goes Jair

Asher-Smith, Adeleke, Thomas and Alfred combine to establish new world’s best in 4x200m

at Texas Relays

SportsMax - An international quartet of Lucia’s world indoor 60m champion Alfred DinaAsher-Smith, RhasidatAdeleke, Lanae- rantheanchor,hersplittimereportedas20.8. Tava Thomas and Julien Alfred combined to While the mark cannot count as a world clock a new world’s best 1:27.05 4x200m at record as the athletes represent different theTexasRelaysinAustinonSaturday nations, their 1:27.05 is faster than the world Britain’s 2019 world champion Asher- recordof1:27.46setbyUSAin2000. Smith ran the first leg before handing the “I think it was just a matter of trusting baton to Ireland’s Adeleke Jamaica’s each other and running our own race,”Alfred Thomas took on the third leg and then Saint saidaftertherace.

Cayman’s Jillian Crooks on her way to 100m Butterfly gold.

Bahamas hold massive 309.50-point lead after day three at Carifta Aquatic C/ships

SportsMax - The Bahamas ended day amassed an impressive 73 medals over three three of the 2024 Carifta Aquatics days of competition including 26 gold, 26 Championships at the Betty Kelly-Kenning silver and 21 bronze. Trinidad & Tobago are Aquatic Centre in Nassau on Monday with a nextwith17gold,10silverand14bronzefor massive 309.50-point lead over their rivals in 41 medals in total. Cayman Islands are third thebattlefortheteamtitle. with14gold,10silverand15bronzefor39in The Bahamians currently have 804.50 total. Barbados are fourth with 11 gold, 11 pointsafter98events.Thetopfiveisrounded silver and six bronze for 28 in total with out by the Cayman Islands (495 points), Jamaicafifthwith11gold,eightsilverand12 Trinidad & Tobago (466 points), Jamaica bronze for 31 in total. Barbados are ahead of (405points)andBarbados(362.5points). Jamaica because they have more silver

In terms of medals, the hosts have, so far, medals.

From left: Lanae-Tava Thomas, Julien Alfred, DIna Asher-Smith and Rhasidat Adeleke.

Pele FC Alumni two-day Youth Seminar witness massive turnout on opening day

Scenes from yesterday at Marian Academy as Pele FC Alumni rolled off its two-day Youth seminar.

Prominent Dentist, Dr Colin Watson (with mic) engages with a female participant yesterday during his Oral-Hygiene presentation.

The Pele FC Alumni to win six high-end laptops and Chairman, alongside his fellow pilot.According to Patrick ‘Labba’ presentations on the final day, Corporation, in collaboration with otherprizes. executive members including Eric Barton, a senior executive and followed by a segment on Social the local stakeholder, Lions Club, Theprogrammeismeticulously Smith, Paul Chan, Linden Carter, former national footballer, the Etiquette and lunch during the commenced a prestigious two-day crafted to provide young Lawrence Stoby and several past paramount focus remains on the morning session. Participants will Youth seminar yesterday at the individuals with an avenue for fun andpresentplayers,expressedtheir children. He reiterated that the also enjoy a tour of the Caricom MarianAcademySchoollocatedon and interactive activities while enthusiasm in perpetuating this event’ssuccessisevidentwithover Headquarters in Lilliendaal before CarifestaAvenue. imbibing the essence of football esteemed tradition Carrington ninety percent attendance on the culminating the 2024 programme The event drew over 150 andthesignificanceofeducationin highlighted in a brief interview the opening day, emphasizing the goal withabriefclosingmessage. children, encompassing both boys sports Participants will be fruitful outcomes of their of imparting new knowledge and Additionally, the Pele Alumni and girls aged between the ages of acquainted with the objectives of longstanding investments, citing skill sets to enrich the lives of Corp. organised a commemorative six to seventeen, engaging in the Pele Alumni, which primarily the example of a former participant participants over the course of the day of events last Thursday at the interactive programmmes. At the focus on utilizing sports as a means whoreceivedmonthlyscholarships seminar. GFCground,honouringthelivesof conclusion of each programme, toexcelineducation. through their secondary education The seminar, slated to conclude the 22 fallen soldiers, all former random participants stood a chance Dennis Carrington, the Alumni and is now pursuing a career as a today, April 3, features additional membersofthePeleFootballClub.

Timehri United, Cougars FC book spots into Easter Cup semis

Cougars Football Club (FC) and Timehri United FC have clinched spots in the highly anticipated ‘Skills Cash and Gold’ Football Championshipsemifinalson Saturday after thrilling victoriesoverAiryHallStars andIthacaFC,respectively

The tournament heated up with an electrifying doubleheader at Paradise Ground in West Coast Berbice (WCB) Timehri United secured their place in the semis with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ithaca FC, while Cougars FC clinched their spot with a nail-biting 6-5 victory over Air Hall, determined by a penalty shootout.

2024 CWI Rising Stars U15 50-Over Championships… Guyana vs.Windward Islands

Hetmyer, bowlers sink Windwards by 91-runs

Richard Ramdehol grabbed 3 wickets and was a part of the run-getters for Guyana.

Timehri’s goal scorers Joseph DeFreitas and Tyrel Khan.

T h e c o m p e t i t i o n promises high stakes, with teams vying for the grand Saturday’s matches exchange of goals, Cougars prizeof$500,000,alongwith included, Timehri United FC emerged victorious with trophies, medals, and 20 thwarting Ithaca’s hopes a 6-5 win, securing their Gold Championship rings with a 2-1 victory, courtesy place in the semis after a forthewinners.Therunners- ofgoalsfromTyrelKhanand tensetwo-hourwait. up will receive $300,000, Joseph DeFreitas. Despite T h e e x c i t e m e n t along with trophies, medals, Gammy Solomon’s last- continues on Friday,April 5, and 20 Silver rings. Even the minute goal for Ithaca FC, it at Golden Grove Ground, third and fourth-place was not enough to overturn with Buxton Stars taking on finishers will not go empty- thedeficit.

Beterverwagting (BV) handed, earning $150,000 In the other match, Airy United in the first and $50,000 respectively, in Hall Stars and Cougars FC quarterfinal, while Mahaica addition to trophies and battled to a 1-1 draw, leading Determinators clash with medals. to an intense penalty Golden Stars FC in the H i g h l i g h t s f r o m shootout. After a thrilling secondquarterfinal.

Adrian Hetmyer stroked a classy half-century

Guyana skipper Adrian OpenersKhushSeegobin through the Island side for Hetmyer struck a winning (35) and Parmeshwar Ram just160under40overs,with half-century while Rivaldo (30) laid the foundation with Earsinho Fontaine (35) their Pereira and Richard their half-century opening mainscorer Ramdehol shared 6 wickets stand. Other useful knocks Today’s round will to hand Windward Islands a camefromEmmanuelLewis feature the red-hot Guyana 91- run loss this past (22) and Darvir Seegobin looking to maintain their weekend when action (18) and Richard Ramdehol winning ways, when they continuedacrossAntigua. (12). battle Leeward Islands today Taking first strike, Windwards bowling at the Liberta Sports Club Guyana dominated the suffered with Aravinda Ground. batting innings as they Bishop emerging as the only W i n d w a r d s f a c e posted a whopping 251-6 at star with returns of 3-35, as Barbados at Bethesda the end of 50 overs. Captain the Guyanese feasted on Ground, while Trinidad and Hetmyer led with a classy 52 somelacklusterbowling. Tobago lock horns with the (3x4 2x6) while Shamar Guyana upped the ante Jamaicans at Coolidge, with Apple continued his form when spinner Pereira (3-35) all games bowling off from with43notoutoff46balls. and Ramdehol (3-7), sliced 9:30h,respectively

Guyana skipper

Race of Champions set for April 28; Bossalina, Spankhurst to battle

Spankhurst is set to return to the Rising Sun fortress on April 28.

Bossalina and Stolen Money could challenge Spankhurst on April 28.

The score is one each, and the Sun one month later, leveling the dead-heatfortherunner-upslot. claimed he was fouled by With this hard luck in running return ‘bout’ of Jumbo Jet scoreline. Stolen Money, a recent YouvinCheefoon riding Beckman Stolen Money will also get his Thoroughbred Committee Race of However, Deleep Esreepersaud Canadian-bred import owned by James coming out of the gates. He chance to avenge that defeat to Champions will be the ‘Rumble at owner/trainer of Bossalina SimplyRoyalRacingstablesonthe added-passingthefirstturnhewas Spankhurst on Sunday April 28, theSun.’ revealed prior to that clash his other hand built his confidence kept,and only mid-way up the 2024,atRisingSun.

Theexcitingone-dayhorserace Canadian-bred mare had a setback, recording his first career success at backstretch he got his mount in the The organisers of the day’s meetwilltakecenterstageatRising and she was not supposed to race. Judge Kennard racecourse last clear,buttheracewasover. event Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Sun Turf Club (RSTC), Rising Sun He admitted he made a mistake month. That success installed Cheefoon admitted coming out Racing Committee (JJTRC) West Coast, Berbice on Sunday racing her in that race. He made StolenMoneyastheconsideredthe of the gates his mount did contact revealed they have drafted a sevenApril28,2024. amends by purposely missing Port biggest threat to Spankhurst Stolen Money, but it was not race card that was supposed to be

It will be the revenge Mourant Easter Cup on Sunday headingintotheEasterCup. intentional, while Appadu claimed advertised tomorrow They showdown between heroine Esreepersaudsaidthetimeoutgave However, the roan/grey met that he was also fouled at the first promisedtomeettheircommitment Bossalina, who will represent him the time to prepare Bossalina with interferences in the race, and turn passing the finish line by but is tentatively looking at adding Mahaicony, and Spankhurst from forherreturnclashwithSpankhurst still managed to finish in eye Cheefoon Cheefon explained, making the program an eight-race Armadale. She inflicted the lone onSundayApril28atRisingSun. catching fashion to share the “The horses on my outside was card. defeat to 2023 Horse of the Year Spankhurst, owned by Jumbo runner-upslotwithJessica’sPride. comingdownonme,atthecorner I The feature event will be over winner, Spankhurst in the feature Jet Racing Stables, trotted up - The gelding came from last, could not do anything other than 1,600meterswhichwillcarryarich event on NewYear’s Day at Rising scoring unchallenged in gate to becauseofhistroubledruntofinish try, and remain on my horse, and purse of $3 7 million local Sun. wire fashion in the Easter Cup at jointsecond. Stolen Money got tightened. I currency,andpursesforalltherace Spankhurst bounced back Port Mourant from Jessica Pride Ronaldo Appadu, the rider of suffered a cut on my foot from the amounting to $10 million in local beatingherintherematchatRising and Stolen Money, both of whom Stolen Money in the Easter Cup railalso.” currency

16 RHTYSC youth cricketers benefit from $500,000 worth of cricket gear from Feroze Islam Trust Fund

Sixteen youth cricketers from included 10 cricket bats, batting Kamaraj Bharat, Dave Seepersad, fullycommittedtomakingsurethat cricket field. The club, he stated, the Rose Town Youth and Sports pad, batting gloves, wicketkeeping Kemo Samran, Nicholas Cameron, its members are allowed to fulfill has assisted hundreds of its Club on Saturday last benefited pads, wicketkeeping gloves, gear Kulmalchan Ramnaris, Balraj their potential despite their members with their own personal from over $500,000 worth of bagandcricketballs. Narain, Mukesh Rampersaud, financial status at home The cricket gear, uniforms, bicycles, cricket gear under Feroze Islam The cricketers benefiting from Leon Reddy, Tameshwar former Berbice Cricket board laptops, school equipment, Tablets Trust Fund The players each the trust fund were Matthew Deonadan, Raphael McKenzie and president stated that RHTYSC amongotherthings. received a piece of cricket Pottaya, Ramzan Kobir, Darwin Ganpat. since 1990 has invested heavily in The long serving secretary equipment from the trust fund as McKenzie, Mario Butcher, FosterstatedthattheRHYSCis its membership on and off the expressedgratitudetoFerozeIslam the club continues to assist its for his timely gesture of assistance memberstofulfilltheirpotentialon and reassured him that the gear thecricketfield. would be used for its intended

Club secretary Hilbert Foster purpose. stated that in January, overseas

RHYSC cricket manager based former resident of Rose Hall Robby Kissoonlall reminded the Town Feroze Islam contacted him club members that they have a to express interest in the proud 34 year tradition of success development of your cricketers of to uphold and reminded them to the club. It was agreed that the trust remaindedicatedandfocused. fund would be established with The club since its formation in Islam providing cricket gear that 1990 stated has produced a total of would be shared out to promising 122 players for Berbice and playersintheclub’syouthsystem. Guyana while 14 have gone on to

The USA resident fulfilled his play for the West Indies and the commitment, while the club also United States of America. Among provided some support for the theplayersproducedbytheclubare presentation that was done at the AssadFudadin,RoystonCrandon, Area H ground. Gear distributed (Continued on page 25)

The young cricketers pose with RHTYSC executive Robby Kissoonlall and Tyrone Pottaya after the ceremony.