Kaieteur News

Israel’s Iran attack carefully calibrated after

Internal splits, US pressure

Dumpsite quickly running out

-Exxon’sEIAreveals …Govt. will need to develop new facility soon

Teachers’ strike was legal; salaries must not be deducted

· Govt. acted unlawfully and discriminatory

· Govt. sidelined and undermined Union

· Strike by the GTU was legal and justified

-Justice Kissoonrules

· CEO‘s evidence was inaccurate and self-serving

· Govt. failed to engage the GTU in collective bargaining of space for Exxon’s waste

Law provides for cancellation of $865M pump station contract – Ramjattan Govt.tospend $607million torebuildfour policestations 3 covered after mining tunnel collapses at Marudi Mountain …1dead,2narrowlyescape

Govt.’s management of Exxon contract disgraceful-Opposition

th

…as 6 project slips by without additional benefits for Guyanese, reserves last updated 2 years ago

Law provides for cancellation of $865M pump station contract

ThelawsofGuyanaallow for the cancellation of the $865M Belle Vue pump station contract that was awarded to TEPUI - the company closely linked to Mikhail Rodrigues also known as 'Guyanese Critic', Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC) KhemrajRamjattansaidonFriday Ramjattan was at the time addressing reporters at his party's weeklypressconference.

The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) earlier this week revealed that TEPUI failed miserably during the evaluation process for bids at the level of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), but was still handed a $865 million contract to build a pump station at Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

In fact, Rodrigues' company beat off 26 other bids, 13 of which were described as “substantially responsive,” to win the lucrative deal. This was revealed in a report released by the PPC—the body legally mandated to with oversight and investigative capabilities to monitorpublicprocurement.

The PPC, in its report released on Tuesday highlighted several procurement breaches committed by TEPUI and overlooked by NPTAB in awarding the contract. According to the document which was perused by Kaieteur News, NPTABignoredseveralkeydetails when it came to the company satisfyingtheevaluationcriteriafor theawardofthe$865Mdeal.

Theinvestigationwaslaunched into the award of contract after a complaintwaslodgedatthePPCby opposition Member of Parliament, David Patterson who raised concerns over the questionable circumstances under which the contract was awarded. For its part, NPTAB had previously defended

the contract award to TEPUI claiming that it follows the systems, processes and procedures enshrined in the Procurement Act and its regulations in the award of contracts.

The Tender Board had explained that in any bid, there are administrative, technical and financial criteria to be followed which are assessed by the Evaluation Committee in making itsrecommendationtoNPTAB.

“These criteria are all fully enshrined in the specific tender documentapplicabletothespecific procurement, whether for goods, works or services,” the tender boardsaid.

However, in its report, the PPC underlined the fact that the company failed to satisfy several technical criteria for the specific award but was still given the contract. According to the report, the contractor-TEPUI – did not demonstrate that it had construction experience or “[completed] projects of a similar nature” as the Belle Vue pump

stationproject.

Thecommissionnotingthatthe works for which the contracts were submitted by TEPUI were neither for a “pump station, sluice and or drainage structure” as specified in theevaluationcriterianorwereany, by TEPUI's own admission, completed, also as required by the saidcriteria.

Another requirement for the successful bidder is to provide evidence of financial capacity representing(30%)ofthebidprice. Bidder must provide a bank statement or LINE of credit from a bank or a recognized financial institution. The criterion has a numberoflevelswithinitwhichare to be satisfied. The first, being a bank statement or line of credit from a “recognized financial institution”. The record reflects the submission by TEPUI of a line of credit issued by Puran Brothers 'TopMix.'

The PPC noted that in the absence of bank statements, which are not reflected in the record as having been submitted, a line o f

credit from a “bank” or “recognized financial institution” is required. What is a “recognized financialinstitution”isnotdefined.

Notwithstanding, the issuer must at least be a “financial institution”. What is a financial institution is defined by law, pursuant to the Financial Institutions Act, Cap. 85:03 and in accordance therewith, must be licensed by the Bank of Guyana (Sections2and3).[Abankmustbe similarly licensed by the Bank of Guyanainaccordancewiththesaid Act.]Notwithstanding, the contract was not cancelled or no recommendation for remedial actionputforward.

“The law provides for the Public Procurement Commission under Article 212 (A) (A), after its i n v e s t i g a t i o n o f a n y mismanagement or in relation to any procurement complaint, the power to propose remedial action,

Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) party, Khemraj Ramjattan

and in that context it has the power and jurisdiction and duty,” Ramjattansaid.

He added, “We in the Constitution… as a constitution framer never intended that you can't propose some remedial action.” Meanwhile, in a statement issued by the AFC, the party described the recent majority recommendation of the PPC as “shamelessly objectionable, unfair and yet another knockdown of a guardrail of our fragile democracy.”

“What has been hidden from the public is that the purported SummaryofFindingscomprisesof onlyamajorityrecommendationof Ms. Chase, Mr Bhagwandin and Mr Singh The minority recommendation of Ms. Rajcumar andMr BerkleyWickhamisvastly different. All five Commissioners agreed that Tepui on all counts was been guilty of serious evaluation disqualifications. Tepui's bid failed grievouslyoneveryevaluation

(Continued on page 10)

Mikhail ‘Guyanese Critic’ Rodrigues

Govt.’s management of Exxon contract disgraceful-Opposition

th …as 6 project slips by without additional benefits for Guyanese, reserves last updated 2 years ago

In its 2020 General Elections' Manifesto, the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) promised not only to renegotiate oil contracts but to engage “immediately” in better contractadministration.

Closetofouryearsafterit was sworn in to govern the country however, the administration has failed to keep this commitment to its supporters. In its evaluation of the government's performance, the Opposition described the PPP's management of the 2016 P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil and its CoVenturers, Hess and

CNOOC, as abysmal Shadow Minister of Natural Resources, Shurwayne Holder and Opposition spokesman on the Oil and Gas sector, Elson Low gave an assessment of the government's management of the Exxon contract during Thursday'spressengagement in response to a question posedbythisnewspaper Kaieteur News asked the Opposition members whether there was a move towards better contract administration by the government, since it is now refusingtoengageExxonina renegotiation.

For his part, Holder told this newspaper, “It is quite t h e o p p o s i t e T h i s administration, first and foremost, rather than to put the information out there to let us know what is

happening in the oil and gas industry, they have taken a positionofsecrecy.”

The Shadow Natural Resources Minister pointed outthatthecountry'sreserves for instance have not been updated by the government since2022,thoughitclaimed that it receives quarterly reports from the operator of the Stabroek Block on the volumesofcrudeoil. Holder argued, “We are still stuck at 11 billion barrels, something as simple as that. Oil discoveries are

being made ever so often and we are still stuck there and they are not making any movetoinformthenation.”

The Parliamentarian believes that the information is being withheld by the government on specific aspects of the industry which confirms the management of the sector is “going downhill” rather than improving. He was keen to note this was “just on an information basis” adding, “we are not even talking about taking certain actions

withintheindustrysothatwe canrealizemorebenefit.”

T h e M e m b e r o f

Parliamentexplainedthatthe government often boasts of t h e c a p p i n g s t a c k r e q u i r e m e n t i n t h e Environment Permits to mitigate impacts of an oil spill;howeverthetimelinein which that equipment can be deployed offshore has been increased by the PPP A capping stack is a device placed over a blown out well to prevent the flow of hydrocarbons Permits

granted by the previous administration required that the capping stack be deployed within three days but that has since been increasedtoninedays.

Meanwhile, Low pointed out, “What we are looking at isanabysmalmanagementof this particular sector.” He said the administration has failed to adequately train and develop the skills of Guyanese to be able to meet the demands of the sector even as more projects continue to be approved for theoperator

According to him, budgetary allocations for the training of Guyanese should havebeenmoreaggressive.

Moreover, he said the administration has refused to engage the operator of the Stabroek Block for additional benefits for Guyanese, and has allowed another project to slip by without engaging Exxon in thisregard.

Low said, “That is on top of not speaking to the operator at all regarding the additional benefits, or a

better way to approach this contract given that you have yet another approval that has slippedby

This is as damning evidence as you can find of the quality of their contract management which they claim was going to be good m a n a g e m e n t ” T h e Opposition spokesman on the oil sector therefore noted thatGuyanaisnotbenefitting as it should as a result of the poor governance and contract administration by the PPP Low in a previous engagement with Kaieteur News said government should engage Exxon, using the terms of the new PSA to seek greater benefits for the country

ThenewPSArequiresoil companies to pay two percent royalty, 10% taxes and caps cost recovery at 65%eachmonth.

This is significantly improved compared to the Exxon deal which only gives Guyana 2% royalty, no taxes and allows 75% of all monthly earnings to cover costs.

Shadow Minister of Natural Resources, Shurwayne Holder

Opposition spokesman on Oil and Gas, Elson Low

EDITORIAL

How much for Guyana’s Country Head?

ExxonMobil’s CEO, DarrenWoods, is doing cartwheels: 5.4% and 10% salary increases for 2023 and 2024 respectively CFO Katryn Mikells is in heaven: she hit the jackpot with a mind-blowing 150% pay raise in 2023 and a relatively puny 11% in 2024.SVP Neil Chapman cashed in with 15.1 in 2023 and 9% for 2024. The Brahmins in Texas hadtheirdrawdownsandhaveeveryreasontocelebratetheir good fortune in which Guyana’s oil made a significant contribution. What did Guyanese get for their oil wealth ownership? WhatdidExxonMobil’sGuyanaCountryHead, Mr Alistair Routledge get as his reward for steering the heavyandungainlylocalship?

By any standard of reasoning, fair financial compensating for his donkey’s work on behalf of ExxonMobil, Routledge had to come in for his own sweet pieceoftheGuyanapie. HehasGuyaneseunderthetightest control, save for a few rebels without a cause. Most importantly, ExxonMobil’s man on the ground, Routledge, has Guyana’s leading politicians going around in circles, talking from all sides of their mouths, and looking to him to see if they can speak and how they should configure their words. There is control, then there is total control, and the latter is where Country Head Routledge has from the president to the vice president to the pundits of the PPPC GovernmenttotheOpposition. Thereisonlyasmallcircleof exceptionsthathaseludedRoutledge’scontrollingpresence, noteatingoutofhishand,andspeakingfreelynomatterhow muchitunravelshim.

Again,weputthequestiononthetable:byhowmuchdid Mr Routledge’s compensation jump in 2023 and 2024? He hadtohavebeenrewardedforallhistirelessworkinGuyana, so what were his percentage increases in 2023 and 2024? Guyanese have every right to know because they are paying him. Hispayispartofoilexpensesdeducted,forifthereisno Alistair Routledge, there is none of the same quality of oil operations and tricky oil communications. To proceed from this in reverse order, take that same tricky oil communications. We urge Guyanese to recall those farces that ExxonMobil putout under the banner of public consultations on upcoming projects. Somebody in the companydidsomedeepthinkingtodreamupwhathavebeen out and out shams. Those public consultations had to have considerable input and hands-on guidance from Mr Routledge. Now look at the state of ignorance and fear in which they leave Guyanese. From Mr Routledge’s perspective, his efforts in the communication field alone shouldbegoodforagorgeousandvoluptuous20-25%salary increase in 2023 and 2024. He has not given away one extra word away, been a most loyal soldier for ExxonMobil, and created a variety of corporate tricks to get the better of Guyanese.

The secret life of expenses is one, the capture of governmentleadersisanother,andtherigidlineheldagainst any whisper about renegotiation of the 2016 ExxonMobilGuyana oil contract all recognize Mr Routledge’s prowess. Whatever the others (Woods, Mikells, Chapman) got, Routledgehadtohavegottenmoreforthefinejobheisdoing here. Given that Guyana’s oil pays for his raises, it is all for the better He is the man in the trenches and facing the Guyanese firing line, which can be too close for comfort at times. He is always making some speech about how much GuyanesearegettingfromExxonMobilfortheiroil. Thereis onlyonehole,onecontradiction:whereistherichnessthatis supposedly flowing into Guyanese hands? Guyanese have heardaboutmaximizationofrevenues,andmassiverevenues in the future, and cash flow revenues. They all have a good soundtothem,sowhereareallthesesweetpieces? Whyare most in the Guyanese population scraping the bottom of the barrel to get by from one day to the next? There is no doubt that everyone that has some portion of Guyana’s oil business isontopoftheworldwithmoreprofitsandmorepay While all this is happening, there has been one consistent loser, one laggardleftfarbehind:theGuyanesepeople.

Guyana receiving overwhelming support from the International Community on border controversy

DEAREDITOR, 1962 after which Venezuela pursued through a Mixed economic blackmail against It is good to know that tried to stall Guyana’s Commission. Guyana. In March 1918, Guyana is getting the support independence on the These included a 12-year Guyana filed the case to the of the international spurious ground that the moratorium with the aim of International Court of community on the border 1899 Award was ‘null and allowing both parties to Justice (ICJ) based on a issue with Venezuela which void’. It is important to note promote cooperation and determination by the UN has laid claim to some two- that on 17th February 1966 understanding and another SecretaryGeneral. thirds of Guyana’s sovereign the Geneva Agreement was twenty-eight years of the The above is intended to territory The land boundary signed between the Good Offices Process under demonstratethatGuyanahas between the two countries UK/British Guyana and the aegis of the United over the years explored all was settled by the Arbitral Venezuela. NationsSecretary-General. reasonable and peaceful Award of October 3, 1899 U p o n g a i n i n g Consistent with the means to address the matter T h e b o u n d a r y w a s independence, Guyana provisions of the Geneva Guyana has the rule of demarcated following an became a party to the Agreement, Guyana in 2014 international law on its side. agreement signed in 1905 by Agreement which provided approached the United I t h a s r e c e i v e d theBoundaryCommissioners several mechanisms for Nations Secretary General overwhelming support from of the United Kingdom of Guyana and Venezuela to after the process failed to theInternationalcommunity GreatBritainandVenezuela resolve Venezuela’s yield any significant results ItisnowfortheICJtoruleon Of significance to note is contention of nullity and due mainly to Venezuela’s thematterwhichseemsmore that successive governments invalidity of the Award i n t r a n s i g e n c e a n d than likely to go Guyana’s of Venezuela respected the Under the Agreement intimidatory tactics which way Award for sixty years until several measures were included the use of force and HydarAlly

Rely on the truth, diplomacy and allies to protect Guyana from Maduro’s threats

DEAREDITOR, controversy. Venezuela, Venezuela to comply with mineral resources in the When last, on 22nd under Maduro’s rule, has the rulings of the ICJ and Essequibo and its offshore March, 2024, I publicly violated every agreement to goes on to remindVenezuela waters. commented on Venezuela’s which he has penned his of the Argyle Declaration to M a d u r o , i n t h e claim to the Essequibo signature. keep the peace and, further, meantime, has driven his region of Guyana in a letter Immediately following a to respect the Geneva own country’s economy into to the media, I concluded by request by President Irfaan Agreement. the ground, resulting in pointingoutthatVenezuela’s Ali to the United Nations Nicolas Maduro is a millions of his own people President, Nicolas Maduro, Security Council to facilitate dictator He rules Venezuela, fleeing to other countries, “has obviously become a a meeting to address the not by the choice of includingourown. desperate man, cannot be matter of Venezuela’s Venezuelans, but by the In defence of this naked relied upon to honour his promulgation of the Organic enforcement of military aggression against our word nor his signature on Law as a direct threat to powertokeephiminoffice. country, Maduro has falsely any agreement and that Guyana’s sovereignty, Maduro has rejected the accused Guyana of Guyana must now be Ambassador, Carolyn authority of the International harbouring secret US prepared to address the R o d r i g u e s - B i r k e t t , Court of Justice (ICJ), military bases, an accusation consequences of any action PermanentRepresentativeof t h e r e b y r e j e c t i n g whichisentirelyuntrue. whichMaduromaydecideto Guyana to the United Venezuela’s recognition of The Venezuelan dictator take”. Nations, addressed the the UN Charter and the has also extended his I was, of course, right. meeting on the 9th April, decisions of the United aggression to the point of Maduro’s government has 2024. Nations Security Council threatening the operations of now pronounced, on 3rd TheAmbassador pointed itself. the US and Chinese oil and April, 2024, a new “Organic out that “without prompt It is Maduro’s clear, gas companies which are Law for the Defense of action by the Council, our unvarnished, undisguised licenced by Guyana to Guayana Esequiba”, clearly nextreportisverylikely,and intention to re-elect himself operate offshore our country aimed at annexing the tragically, to be that and his regime in the in compliance with the Essequibo Region of our Guyana’s territory has been forthcoming July Venezuela United Nations Convention country invadedbyVenezuela”. election, by denying and/or ontheLawoftheSea.

In fact, beginning with She called upon the imprisoning the democratic Maduro’s madness is not the 1899 Arbitral Award, Council “to denounce opposition from contesting merely a threat to Guyana. It including the demarcation in Venezuela’s illegal and in a free and fair elections, isathreattothemaintenance 1905 of the boundary shown reprehensibleaction”. regardless of the promise to ofpeaceandsecurityinallof on all the official maps of The Security Council conduct free and fair South America and the Guyana and Venezuela until issued a Statement, on elections previously signed Caribbean and with the the 1960s, followed by the 15thApril, 2024, which did byVenezuelainBarbados. wider implications of Geneva Agreement in 1966, not denounce Venezuela, but The Maduro regime drawingintosuchaconflict, which empowered the chose, instead, to call upon commands the third largest theUnitedStatesofAmerica, United Nations Secretary- both Venezuela and Guyana military force in all of South the United Kingdom, Russia General to choose the means to “exercise maximum America and the Caribbean, and China, all of which have of the settlement of the restraint”,remindingthemof after Brazil and Columbia. It direct investments and controversy over the validity their obligations to comply is at Maduro’s disposal to interests in both Guyana and of the 1899 Arbitral Award, withtheOrderofProvisional enforce a historically Venezuela. and then the Declaration of Measures issued by the illegitimate and illegally We know, indeed the Argyle on 14th December, InternationalCourtofJustice unfounded claim to take worldknows,that,inspiteof 2023, committing Venezuela on1stDecember,2023. possession of two-thirds of the kind of foolishness to not threaten nor use force

This is in spite of the fact ourcountry advanced by former Chiefagainst Guyana and to that Venezuela is the only Madurobelievesthatthis of-Staff, Rear Admiral Dr refrain from escalating any aggressorinthematter will give him the right of Gary Best, Guyana cannot conflict or disagreement Nevertheless, the access to our oil and gas, defenditselfagainsta withGuyanaarisingfromthe Council has now directed gold, diamonds and other

(Continued on page 6)

An Open Letter to the GRA and the Commissioner General (3-Wheeled Motorcycles)

some cases where for the with seating for more the seats to be measured and passenger Trike where we persons.Andadditionalseats letters to be prepared, which had seven (7) seats, in some could be installed as per law we were to uplift and take DEAREDITOR, we had the intervention of SpainandItaly cases we had nine (9) seats Our customers have been into GRA. Before we could I wish to record that I former president Bharrat These Trikes Sir are according to the seating affected, we have been have uplifted the letters believe the GRA is doing an Jagdeo, Prime Minister made to empower the small capacity which could be affected,andsaleshavebeen someone in the traffic exceptional service to the Samuel Hinds and Police men and women and give constructed at 18 inches per affected. This has caused department forwarded them nation in ensuring VAT, Commissioner Fraser This them an opportunity to live passenger while some come tremendous annoyance and to the Motor Vehicle Income Taxes and all taxes wasapioneeringvehicleand theirlivesfruitfully from the makers with 7-12 frustrationnotknowingwhat Department causing another are properly remitted. These business in the country The According to the laws seat capacity GRA staffers to do. My guidance to the bugbear We have had many taxes are imperative for the then GRA Commissioner that we inherited from the were doing an exceptional GRAandanyinstitution,like cases in the Motor Vehicle development of our country Mr Khurshid Sattaur was Britishtheyaremotorcycles, job with inspections and the Guyana Police Force is D e p a r t m e n t w h e r e and service to our peoples. I guided accordingly, and a they are three-wheeled registration according to the that they need to call in the documentswentmissing. recognize the magnitude and system was established for motorcycles: there are three- seating capacity They did stakeholders. We do not know the importance of the Guyana registration,whichfromthen wheeled motorcycles for make mistakes at times, So, Commissioner status, it is tiring and RevenueAuthority, which is to now was excellently cargo and there are three- insteadthethree(3)wheelers General, my suggestion is annoying. Further, I believe well administrated by the managed. wheeled motorcycles for were being documented as that when making these it is unnecessary Your Commissioner General, Mr As far as we know there passenger/cargo These t w o ( 2 ) w h e e l e d decisions it’s a good PR inspecting officers were Godfrey Statia and the team have never been any major kinds of designations have a motorcycles, and we took guidancetocallusinandask extremely competent All of Deputy and Assistant accidents, loss of lives by tendency at times to confuse thatashumanerror us our viewpoint instead of a that happens here is a bigger Commissioners, Officials drivers, workers or the the minds of Guyanese who Suddenly we noticed unilateral decision being part of bureaucracy, a and staff. It is an/immense/a public. It is a most practical might not have been much without advice that they made internally, and in this frustration that leads to the massive institution and calls vehicle made for harsh experienced. were being registered as one case, even the police was not inconveniencing of our f o r e x t r a o r d i n a r y economies, poor people, bad In Guyana things have (1) seater A cargo i n f o r m e d w h e n t h e marketing,salesandmoreso a d m i n i s t r a t i v e a n d roads, good roads, hills, been going very well with three–wheeler with built in undersigned personally tothedelayofourcustomers. managementskills. dams etc. They are very registration and processing. capacity for the driver plus intervened and tried to It came to a point where

I am writing this letter famous, in crowded When we have three (3) three passengers registered follow the trail I was customers would say leave it particularly in reference to a countries like Vietnam, seats, it would be three (3) asaone(1)seater,whichwas provided with certain with the one seat, but we small business we manage Thailand, India, and seats plus the driver (total of for the driver only The information after much know what frustration they called RK’s Eco-Star Motos, Pakistan, Central America, four seats) which would be three-wheelers come with fatigue and inconvenience would go through as this is which we started over a Ghana, Nigeria. They are stated on the registration built in seats for three from the Motor vehicle likeasmallLorry Theyneed decadeago.Inordertostartit also famous in Holland, documents. We have had persons, while some come Department, the staff there workers/staff. If they are were very respectful and grave diggers, they need two supportive. I know it is not additional staff, if they are theywhomaketheserules. venders they need at least

Aubrey Norton and gang visiting Black Bush Polder is a comedy show

DEAREDITOR, from the flood relief cash of a clear agriculture plan. Bush Polder have provided Please permit me space grant distribution and in These people cannot be residents and farmers with in your section of the addition to that, we have serious! What agriculture the opportunity to express newspaper to refer to a been offered assistance plan does the opposition themselves and highlight purported visit by the through the Ministry of have or have ever had? concerns while being Opposition Leader Aubrey Agriculture extension Farmer’s complaints were provided with short-term to Norton and team to Black services to alleviate our never addressed under the long-termsolutions. Bush Polder in Region Six. I issuesastheydevelop. PNC/APNU and we were The opposition who I must note that I must have Atnotimewereweleftto certainly never taken consider one of the weakest missed this visit although I stand alone when it came to seriously but these people opposition I have ever seen have been living in the assistance and the frequent only know the value of cannot manage their internal farming community for visits during the flooding farmers when it is time to backbiting and issues within several years, was this a and after by the Minister of build their portfolio for the their party but want to secret visit? How many Agriculture Zulfikar next elections, it is then that manage an entire country I farmers were engaged? Did Mustapha and his team is a we hear all the promises of refuse to believe that there they only speak to two testament to what good they will do and what plans are people in this country “allegedfarmers”?Thisisall governance and concern for theyhave,utterhogwash. who still listen to the empty so baffling to myself and itspeoplemean. Norton and his followers promises made by these others within Black Bush I recall in 2017 under cannot walk a day in the people. The people of Black PolderbecausePNC/APNU, then Minister of Agriculture shoes of Minister Mustapha Bush Polder reject the whatever they refer to Noel Holder, cattle farmers and his government even if opposition! themselves as, has never lost hundreds of cattle in the they try He has done more Yours Sincerely, taken a keen interest in the Cookrit Savannah as a result for farmers than they have Tameshwar Boodhoo, agriculture sector As I of heavy flooding and the under their administration. Farmer/resident of recall, agriculture and then administration did Minister Mustapha has Black Bush Polder f a r m e r s s u f f e r e d nothing! How dare the always been inclusive when tremendouslyduringtherule opposition try to appear as it comes to providing ofPNC/APNU/AFC. though they are the saviours assistance and relief to They noted that there when they are clueless when farmers and has never handwere “key concerns raised” itcomestoagriculture? picked who to help or not. during their so-called visit The opposition leader His numerous visits to the and that the PPP/C were alsosaidthattherewasalack communities within Black accused of discriminatory practices for the cash grant distribution.

I would like the mention that thousands of farmers including myself benefitted

InapproachingthePolice one staff. This is why the Department,theyweretaken manufacturers understood bysurprise.Theywerenever andputthreeadditionalseats officially informed it would for workers along with the appear, except that we driver suddenly showed up with a In Guyana our people letter from GRA for this. seem to have a problem Traffic Chief Senior understandingthis.Whenwe Superintendent Mahendra told our suppliers in China Singh met with us, listened and India what we were very intently with other going through they laughed officers and dealt with the a n d s a i d w e h a v e matter with extreme i n e x p e r i e n c e d a n d professionalism and caution. unexposed people in our However, we had to deal country with a sergeant at police With this in mind I am Headquarters, whose name I requesting that you will not disclose at this time. honorable Commissioner He was uncooperative and General who means well in was extremely rude and all that you do, in future unwilling to listen according kindly invite all the to my Transport Manager stakeholders and also revert He could not seem to to the system of having faith understand the instruction of inyourinspectingofficers. the GRA, which as stated Bestwishes. above was clarified by the Sincerely, TrafficChief. Dr Roshan Khan

N e v e r t h e l e s s , Founder- RK’s Eco-Star instructions were passed for Motos

Rowley defends foreign travel

Trinidad Express - The misleading people... “None He said Moonilal should Prime Minister seemed to of that is fazing me because spend his time responding to have reached the end of his the record that I can stand on the courthouse where he has patience with the Opposition today is a record of getting to put in a defence (in the yesterday benefits for the people of EMBDcase).

He did not mince words Trinidad and Tobago,” he “And I didn’t see any as he took the Opposition to said. headline saying ‘scandal’ taskonanumberofissues. Saying the country had that a minister’s name was “ T h e s e p e o p l e earned billions of dollars in called 13 times in judgment (Opposition) just make me revenue as a result of his (of Justice Aboud)”, the feeltopuke,”hesaid. direct intervention through PrimeMinistersaid.

He described Opposition his direct meetings with He recalled that on members as “ghouls” for not corporate heads overseas, Monday, January 29, 2024, wanting to participate in the the Prime Minister said he he went to meet US Joint Select Committee on was able to negotiate Secretary of State Antony health sector reform, while successfully better revenue Blinken. “crying crocodile tears” as forthecountry’sgas. “You (think) Mr Blinken they seek to make political “I am here talking about coming to meet with us mileage out of the deaths of billions of dollars that would because he have nothing to 11babiesatthePortofSpain come to us (T&T), and you do? You know how difficult GeneralHospital. (Moonilal) come talking my it is to get a meeting with the

He said the Opposition name(talking)aboutscandal Secretary of State?” the members were “ghouls” over $10 million to get that PrimeMinisterasked. when it came to deaths from done. Yuh ain’t see yuh Apart from Persadcrimeandhealthincidents. crazy! And for the country’s Bissessar’s $12 million

But the Prime Minister main newspaper (the travel bill to India in 2012, began his lengthy post- Express) to be an echo Rowley also cited her $2.6 Cabinet news conference at chamber for foolishness million bill to travel to Whitehall, Port of Spain, from people whose hallmark Australia in 2011, saying he with a robust defence of his is theft and corruption that had never incurred a bill of foreign travel, which had got them out of office and $2.6 million to go anywhere cost $10.6 million for 19 you (the Express) who during his tenure as Prime tripsinthelastthreeyears. carried the original (stories) Minister

Opposition MP Dr oftheirprofligacy,”hesaid. He said he did not recall Roodal Moonilal had Highlighting then-prime s e e i n g a n y b a n n e r labelled this expenditure as minister Kamla Persad- newspaper headlines “scandalous” in a front page Bissessar’s $12 million bill screaming “scandalous” for article in the Express on to travel to India in 2012, the any of these trips made by Tuesday Prime Minister said: “Big Persad-Bissessar

The Prime Minister said string band going to Bihar Asking what the country he was unfazed by because the Prime Minister gained from PersadMoonilal’s criticism of the is going to her roots in Bihar Bissessar’s expensive trips, travelbill. and (Moonilal) have the gall the Prime Minister

“I don’t care if it is $10 to be asking today what juxtaposed this with his millionoritis$1millionorit benefits this Prime achievement in negotiating is $1. As long as you and Minister’s (Rowley) travel the gas contracts in a way your friends cannot hashad(forthiscountry). thatbrought$18billionmore truthfully say that I stole War Thunder to the country “If I have to money, I have nothing to say “I didn’t go to meet my invest$10millionintravelto to you (Moonilal) and your ancestor nowhere and drink get $17 billion, I’ll do it friends because you are nowhere,”hesaid. everyday,”hesaid.

Government must urgently pursue payment for Guyana’s climate services

DEAREDITOR, shouldbeusedasguidancein climate crisis prevention

Recently we have an incentive package that financial package, which experienced drought, also places a realistic value appropriately values and flooding, and now in the on the world’s Amazon pays for the climate services northern part of the world Rainforest. provided by the Guiana they are experiencing a This value should also Shieldasapermanentpartof substantial increase in incorporate the cost of not its agenda until a financed sequentialhurricanes. having these climate solutionisreached.

“Forthefirsttime,global services. Climate disasters As a permanent member warming has exceeded 1.5C areincreasingandfirstworld of the Guiana Shield, across an entire year, countries are loosing wealth Guyana must use its according to the EU’s due to the increasing opportunity on the UN c l i m a t e s e r v i c e ” destruction that is being Security Council to (Reference: BBC News unleashed. continually make the February2024). When the world is ready argumentforsuchafinancial

This brings to the surface to act responsibly to prevent package, and work towards the urgent need to thespreadingdestructionour achieving a binding continually pursue payment path towards a sustainable agreement for the payment for our climate services. The e x i s t e n c e w i l l b e for the climate services Guiana Shield has to strengthened. provided by the Guiana continue to speak with one On this year’s earth day Shield. There is no greater voice to the United Nations weshouldalltakethetimeto threattopeaceintheworld! i n p u r s u i t o f a reflect on the current climate With concern, c o m p r e h e n s i v e crisis and act accordingly Mr. Jamil Changlee compensation package for The United Nations’ Chairman theclimateservicesprovided Security Council should T h e C o o p e r a t i v e bytheAmazon(Thelungsof have the establishment of a Republicans of Guyana theEarth).

Such a package must be of the magnitude that incentivizes the members of the Guiana Shield to pursue only renewable energy sources while also allowing f o r t h e i r n a t i o n a l development. The threat to the world remains clear, and thepetroleumandgaswealth of the member nations of the Guiana Shield is becoming moreevident.

The value of which

Rely on the truth...

From page 4

Venezuelan military, thousands of times more powerful than Guyana’s. A military equipped with fighter jets, attack helicopters,tanksandwarships.

Wemust,therefore,relyonthetruth,ondiplomacy,onour allies in democracy, the USA, the UK, Canada, France and, closertohome,BrazilandourCARICOMpartnerstocometo our protection from Maduro’s threat to declare war against Guyana.

Christopher (Kit)A. Nascimento

Public Communications Consultant To The Government

of Guyana

Release all Gas-to-Energy documents - Opposition

“As it stands, Guyanese are concerned that Jagdeo has once again neglected to seriously assess critical elements of a major national project. If this project is severely delayed...the nation will face a severe blackout crisis throughout 2025 and beyond. Jagdeo must not be allowed to dodge and duck these critical questions and grave issues. A delayed project could lead to an escalating budget and harmful unforeseen consequences. A power plant built on unsuitable soil or inadequate foundations is a recipe for disaster. As natural gas can be explosive, the people of Guyana must demand reassurances on the engineering and operational safeguards to be put in place to prevent any disaster. Such a project must not be cloaked in secrecy and uncertainty.”- Elson Low, Opposition press conference, April 18, 2024.

Dumpsite quickly running out of space for Exxon’s waste

-Exxon’sEIAreveals …Govt. will need to develop new facility soon

The main dumping ground for waste generated bythestillnascentoilandgas industry is the multi-billiondollar Haags Bosch dumpsite, but with each new ExxonMobil led project, its capacity is quickly being depleted. So much so that the w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t infrastructure capacity is expected to be sufficient to support project operations in theshortterm—upto4years.

This much is spelled out in the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) that was s u b m i t t e d t o t h e Environmental Protection Agency for its US$12.7B Whiptail Development Project.

According to the o p e r a t o r , o n g o i n g coordination with the government and waste management providers is necessary to ensure the longterm waste management needsaremet.

In the meantime, the EIA documents state that the

planned project activities

could impact waste management infrastructure capacity for current users of Georgetown-based waste treatmentfacilities.

AccordingtotheEIA,the ExxonMobil led consortium and other oil and gas operators are the primary users of hazardous waste management facilities and “since 2019, there has been a substantial expansion of third-party commercial hazardous waste handling,

storage, and treatment facilitiesinGeorgetown.The general Georgetown community (inclusive of all residential and nonresidential users) is the primary user for nonhazardouswastelandfills.”

To this end it was noted that the construction of a second cell at the Haags Bosch site was completed in 2021andcontinuedupgrades and improvements are ongoing.

“ W i t h t h e s e

improvements and the construction of two additional cells, the HBL facility has capacity for the next 10 years,” the document said.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , ExxonMobil outlined in its EIA that subsequent decisions regarding further expansion of existing or new municipal waste landfills will be undertaken by the Government of Guyana with the input and support of the M i n i s t r y o f L o c a l Government and Regional Development and the EPA, and participation of the p u b l i c a n d o t h e r stakeholders.

ExxonMobil said the projected project waste generation represents a significant portion of the t o t a l d e m a n d f o r G e o r g e t o w n - b a s e d hazardous waste treatment f a c i l i t i e s a n d i t s contributions of nonhazardous solid waste volumes sent to the dumpsite already represents up to seven (7) percent of the total annual volume received by thefacility

The Haags Bosch site is government-owned and is operated by a third party contractor and is at present the only engineered sanitary landfillinGuyanaandstarted operationsinearly2011.

That dumpsite is at present the current destination for most municipal and commercial solid non-hazardous waste generated from the greater Georgetown area, including wastes generated from the 25-plus Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) between Mahaica, the Seawall, Timehri, and Parika.

Thisinadditiontothefact

that all of the non-hazardous solid waste generated to date from the ExxonMobil projects is being disposed of there.

The original disposal cell (Cell 1) is closed, and Cell 2 started operations in late March 2021. The remaining estimated life span of Cell 2 depends on how much the waste volumes received at the landfill increase with the e x p a n d e d e c o n o m i c development expected in the Georgetown area over the next5years.

However, the EIA said there remains space for additional cell(s) at the HBL location to be developed in thefuture.

ExxonMobil Guyana's non-hazardous solid wastes that are not recyclable are disposed at the Haags Bosch site.

The EIA also states the site will be used for the “disposal of the treated residues and other nonhazardous wastes that would be expected to be generated during a spill response,” for itsWhiptailProject.

“ N e w l a n d f i l l development in the region may be appropriate for consideration going forward,” the oil company said.It was explained that in the absence of other oil and gas/industrial operations exerting a significant increase in the demand on G e o r g e t o w n - b a s e d hazardous waste treatment facilities, the cumulative projected peak hazardous waste generation at approximately 550 tonnes per month, would represent a significant portion of the t o t a l d e m a n d f o r G e o r g e t o w n - b a s e d hazardous waste treatment facilities.

When in Guyana, make sure you wipe before you wash

Once a habit has been the yard. I was back at home clear the water was that wash. There was none. I power comeback on and drilled into you, it returns and knew that when you flowed through the pipe and playedaroundagainwiththe pressure build up before you almost automatically when wanted to shower, you first shown the lavatory cistern tap, hoping that it would bathe.” you return to the setting neededtofetchthewater which now had water, fresh, workthistime.Itdidnot. The power did not return where it took root. This was A voice halted me in my clean water, ready for a I shouted out for help. until hours later However, I very much the case on the tracks just as I was about to flush. The voice returned. “You was able to eventually wipe, first night of my return to place the bucket under the “You don’t have to wipe cannotbathenow flushandthenwash…thanks Guyana. standpipe.“Noneedforthat; alone anymore; there is Blackout just hit. The tothegoodoldstandpipe. necessarily reflect the

The journey from the youdon’thavetofetchwater water now in the bathroom, pump station can’t wuk (The views expressed in opinions and beliefs of this airport was tedious The anymore We are having you can wipe and then wash when they have blackout. this article are those of the n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s roads were fine but the drive waterupstairs!” and wash again,” the voice You have to wait until the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t affiliates.) took a long time. After the I looked around. The boasted. longflight,Iwastoospentto standpipe seemed in the

I decided that perhaps it stayupandchat,whichwasa samecondition.Itstoodover was time that I did my usual disappointment to the a large elevated slab of morning cleaning and asked household that must have concrete.Inthemiddlewasa to be excused. I made a U spent all day cooking the hole about four inches by turn and headed for the delicacies that they laid out four inches covered with a washroom, did what I had to onthetable. metalsieve. do and then realized that

Itwasaroyalfeast.Duck Through this hole the despite all the elaborate curry, mutton curry, chicken waste water ran to a drain at preparations that were made curry, stew goat, cook-up the back of the yard and for me, little attention was rice, fried rice, chowmein emptied into main sideline paidtoreplenishingthetoilet and a variety of side dishes trench. The top of the slab paperinthewashroom. too numerous to mention. was rough, almost as if I did not bother since I They all looked appetizing sheeted with pimples. It was knew that now I could wash but despite being hungry the bonedryfromdisuse. after I had wiped and since tiredness of the long journey I turned around slowly the washing would take care dictated that I should hit the and faced the voice which of things there was no need sack. said, “Dem days of fetching to wipe, if the paper was not

When I awoke it was water finish. We are having there. morning, a new day I was waterrightupstairsnow.” As I headed off for the surprisedathowdeeplyIhad I was glad to see that bathroom, I felt like an old slept and how rejuvenated I progress has come to my Victorian. I stepped in and felt. I immediately jumped area. This was good news. I turned the tap on. A gushing outofbedandheadedforthe looked around and saw that sound, then a choking sound bathroom. the water line ran all the way came out. But no water I saw what I wanted: an totheupperstorey came. empty bucket nearby and I was given a tour of the

I looked around to see picked it up Without improvements, shown how a whethertherewereanyother missing a beat, I headed for tap was now installed over knobs that needed to be the standpipe at the back of the kitchen sink and how turned on so that I could

Dem Boys Seh...

Dem Generators friken de competition!

Eheh,medearpeople,if sore candles? But lo and faster dan Santa wit’ his yuhhaven’tnoticedbynow, behold, before dem sleigh. letmeenlightenyuh‘ponde generators even dock, But wait! Before yuh latest hullabaloo ‘round suddenly de blackouts could say “Jingle Bells,” de these parts. De hullabaloo, decide to take a vacation! blackouts startin’ to fade meh dear friends, is none It’s like magic, but de kind away like de morning mist. odder than de dance of de yuh can’t find in no wand, Andwhatdoyuhknow? Generators! Yes sah, dem only in dem twisted tales of Dem generators ain’t generators wit’ de ourpowerwoes. even been plugged in yet! supernatural powers to And don’t yuh be tinkin’ It’s as if de mere mention of scare blackouts right outta dat dis be some one-time new competition sends de town! shindig. Oh no, meh dear ol’ generators into a panic, It’s like dis, yuh see. friends, dis be a recurring hustlin’to keep de lights on Every time we start bawling dramafitfordestage. lestdeylosedeirmonopoly ‘bout de lack of ‘lectricity Last year, ‘round de So de next time de ‘round here, someone from Christmas season, we were blackouts start back, all we high above decides to let all in a tizzy ‘bout de needtodoistoannouncedat slip de news of a fancy boat blackouts. But fear not, for how new generators are on filled wit’generators, sailin’ dey tol’ us dat emergency their way Yuh gan see how ourway generators were on their quickdeblackoutsganend. Now,ain’tdatasightfor way, comin’ to save de day Talk half. Leff half.

H@RD TRUTHS

Foreign currency shortage – the usual half story

There is Mr Fixit and there is Mr Answerit. The latter is Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana's chief policymaker and, of more recent vintage, this country's chief English Language skipper The issue was foreign currency shortage, and the response fromthedoctoralonewasthe usual sketching and stretching. Mr Jagdeo had some good points, and then there were those that he left hanging.

There is no “sustained shortage” of foreign currency Restrict self to US dollars and leave British pounds and Japanese yen alone Mighty Yankee currency, it is. The VP may be correct with his carefully chosen “sustained” But there is tacit admission or recognition that a shortage of greenbacks there is. In the short-term there is shortage, as opposed to the long-term (sustained), where the big man with big responsibilities says there is no such thing. By way of digression, where is Dr Ashni Singh and the

BankofGuyana,andwhyare they not pronouncing on things like these? Perhaps, the expensive State media apparatus should be dismantled, and let the chief spokesman of the PPP Government, Jagdeo, do all the talking. He does so, anyway

There is a shortage in the streets and banks, which is why the price of US to Guyana has climbed past $220 and flip-flops around that threshold. Demand and supply, Mr Jagdeo, which is what he himself identified.

Aggregate demand and aggregate supply do have a niceacademicringtothem. I would never have thought thattheytaughtsuchthingsat PatriceLumumbaU.Thereis a shortage in the present, which is why people are lining up at their banks and told to come back another day Tohiscredit,economist Jagdeo didn't dodge that, but how does he reconcile the short-term (shortage) with the long-term (no sustained shortage). On the aggregate

demand side, who are the playersthataresuckingupall that aggregate supply? I think there is a tough story there. For there are those smaller people with their formsandtheirfeetsorefrom beating about from bank to bourse for the precious US dollar

No question that lots of outside money coming into Guyana(supply). ButIthink that I discern a case of the regular Guyana in action. The big people get to bag the dough, with constricted amountsofUSdollarsleftfor the lesser fry to fight over Thisgoesontoolong,i.e.,the short-term goes on without any sustained ease, and there is the prospect of US$1: GY$230 and beyond. Yes, I deliberately borrowed and recycled Dr Jagdeo's selectionof“sustained.” Itis theleastIcandotoflatterthe man, show him some regard. We are told that the Bank of Guyana has currency depth andstrength. Ifthatisso,and it is closely monitoring the situation and injecting

currency accordingly, then there is another factor that couldbeinmotionrelativeto thecurrencyshortage. Toput this harshly, who the hell is cornering and squeezing the local currency market leading to artificial shortages? Who are the ones being allowed to do so, have the insider status that gives themsuchclearance? Iknow that the foreign people put in plenty of American money locally, but they take more than that right back out, via special dispensations But accounting for this still does not make the shortage evaporate.

The tumults have to quiet down to make some headway By application of commonsense, the little buyers and sellers, though fairly numerous, do not amount to much in the big currencypicture. Then,there are the big importers and players, who are sure to overrun, like an army, a significant swath of foreign c u r r e n c y t e r r i t o r y Considering the level of

activityinthiscountryin recent times in both directions (demand and supply), there should not be these suspicious on and off circumstances of normalcy and then urgency There are only certain characters, movers and shakers, in this c o u n t r y c a p a b l e o f influencing the local foreign currency mart to the extent that there is this chatter and concern about currency shortage. Like everything else here, there are insiders and the rest who make up the lines that are visible and rowdy I think that this is what the chief policymaker, Dr. Jagdeo, was clever enough to duck, as a contributor to the shortage that he states is not of “sustained” energy Dr Jagdeo should do like the PNC's Amna Ally, who is now the latest inspiring nursemaid for equanimity and equity in dealing with w r o n g d o i n g a n d wrongdoers, regardless of their political pedigree Jesus Christ, this can't be happening But when developments like these emerge into the public square, I am reminded about why I find this country so endearing. The push, therefore, is for the Vice President to call out the vice lords who run all manner of

rackets in this town, including currency ones. He knows them, for they are among some of his closest people. Trusted too; and look at where currency mattersstand.

So, where does all this leave currency shortage that is not of a “sustained” variety? My take is that the Central Bank has its cushion, but it is neither thick nor heavy Two: the big infusions from incoming foreign presence are a wash, even a drain, because they go back home. Three: local heavyweights (legit ones) account for a considerable fraction of the foreign currencypoolbutneedmore. Four: this squeezes the medium and smaller foreign currency consumers. And five: there are the, ah, speculators, who create their ownopeningsandmaketheir own markets. Still, this may not be the full story But it is more than Barry Jagdeo's halfstory

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s newspaper.)

Law provides for...

From page 2

c r i t e r i a a s f o u n d u n a n i m o u s l y b y 5 Commissioners,” the party said noting that the minority recommendation is that, and which is not captured in the Summary of Findings, the Tepui bid must be deemed non-responsive and should beretendered.

“The AFC finds it amazing that a bid which did not meet any of the evaluationcriteriacouldhave been passed by the Evaluation Committee, then NPTAB and then find blessings and approval by Cabinet,”thestatementsaid.

Additionally, the party s a i d t h a t t h e P P C recommendation that it cannot propose any remedial action pursuant to a massive misapplication of privity of contract ruined the situation more.

“ T h i s k i n d o f misconceived “lenience” oughttohavecomeonlyfrom the interested parties who want to see the award go to a friend. It should never have

come from a constitutional body which was fought long andhardfortobeacheckand balanced against Executive lawlessness in procurement matters.

The AFC finds the legal device of privity of contract (bythethreeCommissioners) to allow the award, which oughttohavebeenvitiated ab initio, as an abomination and an abdication of their duty to protect against fraud and corruption in procurement matters.”

The party reiterated that t h e C o m m i s s i o n e r s abandoned their power under thelawbyfailingto“propose remedialaction”.

In light of the posture t a k e n b y t h e t h r e e Commissioners, the AFC “demands the immediate resignation”.

“Additionally, NPTAB must be reconstituted. The irony of it all is that they are being paid hundreds of millions t

a $865 million contract. This certainlydisqualifiesthem.”

Ask Vick, Jagdeo says…

As EPA, ExxonMobil dodging scrutiny from Parliamentary Committee

VJ a g d e o o n Thursday directed a Kaieteur News reporter to ask the Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat t o s t a t e w h e n t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will respond to the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources' invitation to appearbeforeit.

T h e E P A a n d ExxonMobil Guyana were invited to appear before the Parliamentary Committee twice – the last occasion beingonApril12,2024.Both entitieshavefailedtodoso.

On Thursday, Kaieteur News' reporter asked the VP to comment on the EPA's failure to appear before the Committee to which he responded, “So have you asked Vickram Bharrat who is not only Minister…he chairs (sits on) the Committee? Have you s u b m i t t e d a n y statements...writtentohim?”

The VP, at his weekly press conference held at Freedom House, Robb Street suggested, “Catch him at a corner somewhere and ask him. He goes everywhere. Askhim,whendoyouplanas Chair to have these people before you? Have you given them notice? What do you to have to say whether they showed up or not? What do you have to say, you find it acceptable?Pleasedothatthe nexttime.”

In response, the reporter remindedVPJagdeothatona numberofoccasionsrequests were made to the minister whoneverresponded.

“Yes, but I believe my colleagues and I would have come here multiple times with other issues [after] reaching out to Minister Bharrat. He doesn't respond and,thenwhenwecomehere you send us back to him,” the

reportersaid.

However, the Vice President insisted that the Minister be contacted. “But then ask him (Natural Resources Minister) that one specially, let him respond to that one. I will (reach out to him) but make an attempt to talktoVickramfirst.Askhim that specific question and if he doesn't respond I'll reach out,”Jagdeosaid.

Kaieteur News reported that ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) failed to attend the Natural Resources Parliamentary Sectoral Meeting on April 13, 2024 and provided no reasons for theirabsence.

Deonarine Ramsaroop, an AFC Member of Parliament (MP) and member of the Natural R e s o u r c e s S e c t o r a l Committee told members of the press onApril 13 that the organizations have been providing consecutive letters of excuses to avoid being grilled at the level of the NationalAssembly

Minister of Natural Resources who is also Vice Chairman of that Committee wasalsoabsent.

Ramsaroop argued that the Opposition had compiled approximately 15 questions for the Minister relative to the findings of the auditors and the developments in the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project.

“Parliament is not a cakeshop and if the governmentbelievesthatthis is a cakeshop and not having therelevantagenciestocome to us to the sectoral committee, we are not gonna take it lightly…we're gonna execute the Standing Orders where we gonna summon these agencies directly to cometoParliament,”hesaid.

At the AFC's press

conference,theparty'sleader KhemrajRamjattanwaskeen to note that Standing Order 86 of the National Assembly states that the Committees can summon individuals and organizations to provide evidence and provide answerstoquestions.

“They can call for their papers and they can call for their records and documents and they are to give evidence in accordance with the Legislative body's Evidence Act whereby they can be forced to answer questions,” heexplained.

ice President (VP) Dr Bharrat

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Remanded: William Goodasaul

Sophia teen remanded to prison on armed robbery charge

Ateenager was on Friday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court to answer a Robbery Under Arms charge.

The accused, 18-year-old William Goodasaul, appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly to answer the charge of which hepleadednotguilty

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that Goodasaul, while armed with dangerous weapons and in the company of another allegedly robbed Rodwell Reece of a red and white 125 Lindy Motorcycle CM2311valued$322,000on April3,2024.

He was initially arrested onApril13,2024.

According to a police report, Reece and Goodasaul do not know each other The incident reportedly occurred at around 20:55h in South Sophia while Reece was riding his motorcycle. The victim was reportedly heading home and while crossing a bridge, he saw Goodasaul and another male sittingonthebridge.

Theduowhippedouttheir weapons, a gun and an ice pick and approached the victim and demand that he gets off his motorcycle. He compliedandwasattackedby the two men before falling on

thebridgeandinjuringhisleft wrist.

Themenfledthesceneon hismotorcycle.

They attacked the victim causing him to fall on the bridge and injure his left wrist. After the attack, they fled the scene with the victim'smotorcycle.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understandsthatonthedayof Goodasauls'arrest,hetoldthe police that he and his accomplice took Reece's motorcycle and sold it for $80,000.

“Offisa I along with Alex take the bike and I sell it to one Don for $80,000,” the manreportedlysaid.

Additionally, police said that Goodasaul escaped from lawful custody when he was first arrested He was however, recaptured onApril 18andcharged.

D u r i n g t h e c o u r t proceedings, the prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds of the defendant being previously charged with offences of a similar nature and that he was recentlyreleasedfromprison.

Goodasaul, of Lot 494 'C' Field Sophia, was denied bail based on the seriousness and prevalence of the offence as wellashiscriminalhistory

He is scheduled to return tocourtonMay24,2024.

Teachers’ strike was legal; salaries must not be deducted

· Govt. acted unlawfully and discriminatory

· Govt. sidelined and undermined Union

· Strike by the GTU was legal and justified

-Justice Kissoonrules

· CEO‘s evidence was inaccurate and self-serving

· Govt. failed to engage the GTU in collective bargaining

By Rehanna Ramsay

High Court judge Sandil Kissoon on Friday ruled that the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) led strike was legal. As a result, Justice Kissoon prohibited the government from acting on its decision to deduct the salaries of teachers who participated in the month-long strike in February.In a marathon judgment which lasted severalhours,theHighCourt Judge also slammed the government's decision to discontinue deducting union dues from the salaries of teachers for the union describing the move as “arbitrary, unilateral, and discriminatory”.Alluding to a number of landmark decisions and judicial reports from several Commonwealth nations, in addition to the Constitution of Guyana and evidence presented to the Court, the jurist declared that teacherswerenotonlywithin their right to strike but that “right is enshrined in the Constitution.”

“no work, no pay” was justifiably applied by the government. Rejecting the argument in its entirety, Justice Kissoon explained that “the right to strike, like the right to engage in collective bargaining, is firmly embedded in the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to every citizen of Guyana under the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana”.

The judge noted, inter alia, that the letter written by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar dated February 6, 2024, which was addressed to the President of the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU) Dr MarkLyteincludedanumber of “grave allegations of criminalnature.”

requestedbytheUnion.

TheJudgeconcludedthat the Government, including by the actions of the Chief Labour Officer, had created the condition for industrial action, given its refusal to engage in collective bargaining, and matters directly related to wages and salaries.

wereunilateral.

“The teachers lifted their voices and they asked for bread and they were given stones,”theJudgeadded.

The Court noted that the said letter communicated Government's decision to discontinue the deduction of Union dues from the salaries of teachers and contained allegations made against the General Secretary of the GTU,withoutanyevidence.

“Those allegations, those contentions,thoseassertions, erroneously, arbitrarily and unilaterally informed a decision based on a false premise, which is unlawful

Kissoon made this determination despite arguments by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC--the government's legal representative---that the teachers enjoy a “freedom to strike” but no right to strike undertheConstitution.

Nandlall argued that the Common Law principle of

JusticeKissoonfoundtoo that the government had sidelinedandunderminedthe GTU. He noted in his view that the Ministry of E d u c a t i o n a n d t h e Government failed to engage in Collective Bargaining as it relatestotheproposedmultiyearagreementfortheperiod 2019-2023, which includes the critical issue of wages and salaries This was despite the best efforts of the G T U t o e n g a g e i n negotiations.

According to the judge, the evidence revealed that from 2020 and the days leading up to the strike in February, “letters were sent to every conceivable person in authority” by the Union, includingthePresident. He noted that there was no evidence of a response, with the exception of the belated letter of response by the Permanent Secretary of Education Ministry, and the ChiefLabourOfficer

and has to be struck down,” theJudgesaid.

In the case of the Chief Labour Officer, the Judge said there was no evidence that he conducted a single inquiry to ascertain when the multi-year proposal was submitted by the Union, and whether the two sides had initiatednegotiations.

The Judge said instead, the Chief Labour Officer, r e l y i n g o n l y o n correspondences from the Government, concluded that t h e c o n d i t i o n s f o r conciliation and arbitration had not been met, when

The Judge noted too that even the President's meeting with teachers in the absence of union representatives, couldnotbeseenasanyform of collective bargaining. He said many of the decisions taken by the Government

As it relates to the evidence presented by witnesses in the trial, the judge made several determinations He noted that in his testimony, the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Saddam Hussain was not “full and frank” with the Court; instead he attempted to justify the actions of the M i n i s t r y o f Education According to Justice Kissoon, Hussain's

evidence “bordered on tarnishing the reputation of his office, constituted a misrepresentation of the facts, and was found to be inaccurateandself-serving.”

Further, he concluded that the CEO intended to deceive the Court with his testimony and as a result his “evidence cannot be acted upon or relied upon by the Court.”Incontrast,theCourt found that the evidence presentedbytheSecondVice President of the GTU, Julian Cambridge was “credible anddirect.”Outsidethe

(Continued on page 18)

President of GTU Mark Lyte and Executive members of the Union, along with Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde and GTUC President, Lincoln Lewis at High Court following the decision on Friday.

Justice Sandil Kissoon

Power ship will cost Guyana more than US$200M for 2 years - Patterson

The power ship recently rented by the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated will likely run the country in excess of US$200M over the two-yearperiodforwhichthe contractwasinked.

This, according to former subject minister David Patterson, who yesterday in a widely broadcast interview, said that an interrogation of the information released, reveals that it would in fact cost the country some 55 US cents to generate a megawatt ofelectricity

He prefaced this position by casting blame at the mismanagementof the utility company in tandem with the modus operandi of the incumbentadministration.

Patterson said that the blackout woes plaguing the country was created by the incumbent administration since it did not install new generation equipment and / failed to adequately maintain thefacilities.

“When you interrogate it, yourealizethatwewillpayin excess of 55 US cents per

m e g a w a t t w h i c h i s exorbitantly high; (and) we obviously have to supply the fuel,”Pattersonsaid. In an invited comment, the Member of Parliament in seeking to clarify that this publication had in fact undervalued the reported payments being made for the power reminded that agreement states that Urbacon Concessions InvestmentWLLwillbepaid US$ 0.0662 per KWh as monthly rental and US$0 0098 per Kwh as operation and maintenance charges–atotalofUS$0.076 per kWh for the of 36MW, “a seemingly minuscule amount, however the devil has always been in the details.”

Expounding further Patterson reasoned that the 36MWplantx24hours=864 MW at maximum daily generation and with its projected availability 96 percent of this would mean a projected daily generation of the equivalent of 830,000 kilowatts.

According to Patterson, 830,000 kilowatts x US$0.076 = US$63,080 per dayandassuchUS$63,080x 3 6 5 d a y s x 2 = US$46,048,400 00 (2-year contract).

The former minister believes that it would be more appropriate to say the company would be paid closertoUS$23foreachyear for the rental and operational costs.

AccordingtotheMember of Parliament, the recent disclosure by GPL on the rental of the power barge and applicablerates“shouldbeof graveconcerntoourcitizens, having created the problem, by their poor planning and maintenance of the existing generating stock, their knee jerk solution is to rent a power barge at unnecessarily high costs in comparison to industrystandards.”

The recently inked contract by the power company with Urbacon Concessions Investments, W.L.L(UCI) is to charter the vessel with a total installed

capacity of 36 Megawatts (MWs) for a period of two years.

The contract, according to GPL, includes the provision of operation and maintenance services as part oftheagreement.

According to the utility company in a public missive on Thursday, “the contract requires GPL to pay UCI a feeof6.62UScentsperkWh as a monthly charter fee for thepowershipandamonthly operation and maintenance feeof0.98UScentsperkWh, based on electricity generated.”

A36MWcapacityplantis expected to generate some 315,360,000-kilowatt hours per year This in addition to t h e 0 9 8 U S c e n t s maintenancefee.

According to the power company, the power ship is expected to operate at 96 percentavailability

Additionally, it was pointed out that GPL has already paid a total mobilization fee of US$1M and is not required under the c o n t r a c t t o p a y a demobilizationfee.

As had been indicated earlier, under the contract, GPL is responsible for providing Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for the operation of

thegenerators.

According to the power company the power ship was lastoperatedinCubaasapart of a contingent of similar generation assets and is expected to arrive in Guyana on May 1, 2024, subject to weatherconditions.

According to GPL the power ship will be located at Everton, Berbice and will be interconnected with GPL's Gridat69kV

The company said it has a l r e a d y c o m m e n c e d preparatoryworkatthesiteto accommodate the power ship and the interconnection to GPL'sGridandisexpectedto be fully operational and delivering electricity by May 8,2024.

GPL on April 13, 2024, GPL Inc. inked the contract with UCI, a subsidiary of UCC Holdings, a company incorporated in the State of Qatar UCC Holdings has a strategic alliance with Karpowership International, aTurkishcompany Meanwhile, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips, convened a special meeting with Parliamentary Committee members, private sector representatives and executives of GPL at the Office of the Prime Minister,

Opposition Member of Parliament, David Patterson

where he was provided an o p p o r t u n i t y f o r a comprehensive update by G P L ' s e x e c u t i v e management on the company's current capacity and its short to long-term measures for reliable energy supply.GPL's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Kesh Nandlall explained that the number of customers grew from around 140,000 in 2008 to over 227,000 currently, with a total annual gross generation increasing from 600 million megawatt-hours to1.2billionmegawatt-hours and the peak demand g r o w i n g f r o m 7 3 . 5 megawatts to 186.4 for that period.To meet the rising demand Nandlall said that GPL is making efforts to increase its generation capacity to address the currentpeakdemandof

(Continued on page 22)

Israel’s Iran attack carefully calibrated after Internal splits, US pressure

DUBAI/JERUSALEM,

APril 19 (Reuters) - Israel's apparent strike on Iran after daysofvacillationwassmall and appeared calibrated to dial back risks of a major war, even if the sheer fact it happened at all shattered a taboo of direct attacks that Tehranbrokedaysearlier

P r i m e M i n i s t e r

Benjamin Netanyahu's war

cabinet had initially approved plans for a strike on Monday night inside Iranian territory to respond forcefully to last Saturday's missileanddronesfromIran, but held back at the lastminute, three sources with knowledge of the situation said.

Bythen,thesourcessaid, the three voting members of the war cabinet had already ruled out the most drastic response - a strike on strategic sites including Iran's nuclear facilities whose destruction would almost certainly provoke a widerregionalconflict.

Facing cabinet divisions and strong warnings from partners including the UnitedStatesandintheGulf not to escalate, and aware of the need to keep international opinion on Israel's side, the plans to hit back were then postponed twice, the sources said. Two war cabinet meetings were also

delayed twice, government officialssaid.

Netanyahu's office did not respond to requests for comment for this story Before the attack, a spokesperson for the government's National Public Diplomacy Directorate cited Netanyahu as saying Israel would defend itself in whatever wayitjudgedappropriate.

Reuters spoke to over a dozen sources in Israel, Iran and in the Gulf region, as well as the United States, who described six frantic days of efforts in the Gulf, the U.S. and among some of Israel's war planners to limit the response to Iran's first ever direct attack on its arch rivalafterdecadesofshadow war

"We warned against the grave danger inherent in further escalation," Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told Reuters, saying a wider regional conflict would have catastrophic consequences and risked diverting global attention from Israel's ongoing war in Gaza.

Safadi said his country, which borders Israel, had "madeitcleartoallitwillnot be a battleground for Israel and Iran. This firm position was unequivocally delivered toall."

Most of the sources

asked not to be named to speak about sensitive matters.

The eventual strike on Friday appeared to target an Iranian Air Force base near the city of Isfahan, deep inside the country and close enough to nuclear facilities to send a message of Israel's reach but without using airplanes, ballistic missiles, striking any strategic sites or causingmajordamage.

Iran said its defence systems shot down three drones over a base near Isfahan early on Friday Israel said nothing about the incident. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States had not been involved in any offensiveoperations,

An Iranian official told Reuters there were signs the drones were launched from within Iran by "infiltrators," whichcouldobviatetheneed forretaliation.

A source familiar with Western intelligence assessments of the incident also said initial evidence suggested Israel launched drones from inside Iranian territory. Iran's foreign ministry did not respond to a requestforcomment.

"Israel tried to calibrate between the need to respond and a desire not to enter into a cycle of action and counter

reaction that would just escalate endlessly," said Itamar Rabinovich, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington.

He described the situation as a dance, with both parties signalling to each other their intentions andnextsteps.

"There is huge relief across the Gulf region. It looks like the attack was limited and proportionate andcausedlimiteddamage.I see it as a de-escalation," veteran Saudi analyst Abdelrahmanal-Rashedtold Reuters.

BIDENCALL

The decision to hold back from broader and immediate action this week underlined the competing pressures on Netanyahu's government in the aftermath of the more than 300 drones and ballistic and cruise missiles fired by Iran on Saturdaynight.

As Iran's barrage unfolded, two members of the war cabinet, Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, both former armed forces commanders, wanted to respond straight away before agreeing to hold off following a call with U S President Joe Biden and in the face of differing views from other ministers, two

Israeli officials with knowledge of the situation said.

A spokesperson for Gantz, a centrist who joined Netanyahu's emergency government following the Hamas-led attack on Israel last October, did not respond toarequestforcomment.

Oneofthefirstsignalsof the impending Israeli strike was communicated by Netanyahu's aides to senior U.S. officials in a virtual meeting on Thursday to discuss Rafah and Iran's attack, according to a person familiarwiththematter

The Israelis made clear that retaliatory action was imminent but offered no specifictimingortargets,the source said The U S participants stressed the needtoproceedcautiouslyto avoid escalation, the source added.The White House and U S State Department declinedcomment.

The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to Reuters'questions.

Wa s h i n g t o n w a s working to de-escalate tensions, Blinken said on Friday.Aryeh Deri, the head of one of the ultra Orthodox parties in Netanyahu's coalition, who has observer status in the war cabinet and whohasgenerallybeenwary

of drastic moves, was firmly opposed to an immediate strike against Iran, which he believed could endanger the people of Israel given the risk of escalation, a spokespersonforhispartysaid.

"We should also be listening to our partners, to ourfriendsintheworld.Isay thisclearly:Iseenoshameor weakness in doing so," Deri told the Haderech newspaper Israel's options ranged from strikes on strategic Iranian facilities, including nuclear sites or Revolutionary Guards bases, to covert operations, targeted assassinations and cyber attacks on strategic industrial plants and nuclear facilities, analysts and former officials in Israel havesaid.

Gulf countries had been increasingly worried the situation would spill into "a grave regional conflagration which might be beyond anyone's control or ability to contain," said Abdelaziz alSagher, head of the SaudibasedGulfResearchCenter Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had publiclycalledformaximum "self-restraint" to spare the regionfromawiderwar Sagher said Gulf countrieshadwarnedthe

(Continued on page 19)

Iranians attend an anti-Israel rally in Tehran, Iran, April 19, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS in

ultrasound machines and digital X-ray viewing stations

The government of Guyana has spent a total G$49.2M to supply ultrasound machines and digital x-ray viewing stations to three regions, the Ministry of Health said in a statement issued on its Facebook page onFriday

Minister of Health Dr FrankAnthonyhandedovera number of portable and fixed ultrasound machines along with digital X-ray viewing stations to Regional Health Officers for Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (DemeraraMahaica), and Five (Mahaica-Berbice) at the Ministry

“Region Three received two Fixed Digital X-ray Machines amounting to GY$26.8M,alongwithanXray Viewing Station, valuing GY$1M One Portable Digital X-ray Machine was handed over to Region Four at a cost of GY$3.5M, with a Digital X-ray Viewing Station amounting to GY$500,000. Region Five, on the other hand, received one Fixed and one Portable Digital X-ray Machine valuing GY$16.9M, with a GY$500,000 Digital X-ray Viewing Station,” the

Ministrysaid.

Dr Anthony said his Ministry's initiative to upgrade healthcare services in Guyana by replacing all analogue X-ray machines with digital machines and providing both portable and fixed ultrasound devices to all regions. This move aims to enhance healthcare deliveryacrossthecountry

Further, the minister said s o o n an u ltr as o u n d technician's programme will belaunched.

"We are also starting a training programme for Ultrasound Technician, this will be done by Mohawk College in Canada, 16 persons have already identified from different regions to be trained for the first batch. Ultrasounds are mostly done by doctors, and training these technicians, will free up the doctor's time,”hesaid.

DirectorofStandardsand Technical Services, Dr J u l i a n A m s t e r d a m ; Hinterland Coordinator, Michael Gouveia; Regional Health Officer Region Five, Dr Theresa Sarju; Regional Health Officer, Four Gavinash Persaud and other Health officials also attended thehandingoverceremony

Teachers’ strike was legal...

From page 15

courtroom, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, who represented the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), welcomed the decisiondescribingitasa“significant”and“landmark”onethat further strengthens the rights of workers in Guyana. Forde represented the interest of the GTUC in association with attorneyDarrenWadewhorepresentedtheGTU. However,the AttorneyGeneraldeemedthedecisionasdangerousandhaving far reaching effects. He said that the government will definitely appealthedecision.

He maintained that Guyana's constitution provides a freedom, not a right, to strike though doing so may incur sanctionssuchaswithholdingpayments.Insuchcases,Nandlall saidtheissueof“nowork,nopay”arises.

“Nowyouaregoingtohavestrikingworkerswhoaregoing tobecompensatedforworknotdone.Whatyouhavedonethere isyouhaveturnedthelawupsidedown,”Nandlalllamented.

He added, “… You can't use the tool of interpretation to expandthemeaningof words beyondtheirnaturalgrammatical meaning…. You can't convert the term freedom into a right usinginterpretativemechanismsandprinciples.”

InasubsequentstatementissuedonFriday,theGovernment of Guyana noted the High Court has completely dismantled a salutary principle which has struck a vital balance between the employerandtheemployeeinindustrialrelationsforcenturies.

“The Court ruled that the 'no work no pay' principle no longerappliestoGuyana–apositionthatdoesnotobtaineither intheCommonwealthCaribbeanorindeedthishemisphere.

The repercussions that will flow from this ruling will have devastatingimpactonindustrialrelationsbothintheprivateand the public sector Workers now can strike with impunity and they will have to be paid. In so ruling, and in an effort to find a constitutional right for the worker, the Court simultaneously is depriving the employer of his property (wages) ” the Governmentsaidinitsstatement.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and other officials during the handing over ceremony.

Woman charged with assaulting Cops at Stabroek Market

A23-year-oldwomanwas on Friday charged with two counts of assault against p o l i c e o ff i c e r s a n d threateningbehaviour

The accused, Shaniah Melville, made her first appearance before Senior MagistrateLeronDaly.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the incidents occurred at the Stabroek Market on the Stabroek Back RoadonApril15.

Melville is accused of assaulting Lance Corporal Elizabeth Daniels, with the

intent to cause physical harm on the Stabroek Back Road.

On the same day, she assaulted another officer at theStabroekMarket.

Theaccusedhadalsoused threatening behaviour towards Lance Corporal Daniels.

She pleaded not guilty whenthechargeswerereadto herbyMagistrateDaly.

The woman was granted $80,000 bail for the three charges and is scheduled to appear in court again onApril 29,2024.

Israel’sIranattack carefullycalibrated...

From page 17

United States of the risk of escalation, arguing Israel should conduct only a limited attack without casualties or significant damage that could provokeamajorreprisal.

This messaging "was relayed forcefully" in the last few days by the Jordanians, Saudis, and Qataris through direct security and diplomatic channels, one senior regional intelligencesourcesaid.

The governments of Qatar, SaudiArabia and UAE did not immediately respond torequestsforcomment.

By Thursday, four diplomatic and government sources in the region were expressing confidence that theresponsewouldbelimited andproportionate.

Ahead of the overnight Israeli strike, one regional source, who had been briefed on Israel's thinking, said the response would aim to minimizeorcompletelyavoid casualties and was likely to targetamilitarybase.

Flying F-35 fighter jets from Israel to Iran, or launchingmissilesfromIsrael would almost certainly violate the airspace of

neighbouring countries, angering Arab states who Netanyahu has long sought to cultivate as strategic allies, said a Gulf government source with knowledge of the issues.

He couldn't "just fly F-35 fighter jets across the region and bomb Iran or its nuclear sites,"thesourcesaid.

Iranian officials had warned a major Israeli attack would trigger immediate retaliation.

Iran's options to respond included shutting down the Strait of Hormuz through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes, urging proxies to hit Israeli or U.S. interests, and deploying previously unused missiles, a seniorIranianofficialsaid.

While satisfying Israel's moderates at home, its neighbours and international partners, the measured strike, when it came, was met with dismay from hardliners in Netanyahu'scabinet.

National Security

Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, whoseultranationalistpartyis a key prop in Netanyahu's coalition, posted a single wordonX,“Feeble."

Shania Melville at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court

3 covered after mining tunnel collapses at Marudi Mountain

…1dead,2narrowlyescape

Twomenmiraculouslysurvivedwhile another was killed after a mining tunnel collapsed at Marudi Mountain, Region Nine and covered them up around midday onThursday

The dead man was identified as 58year-old Peter Smith while the survivors wereidentifiedashisyoungersiblings.

Smith's relatives told Kaieteur News that he lives in Brazil but travelled to Aishalton recently to help his mother “cut

afarm”.

Low on funds, he decided to go to Marudi Mountain to earn money to buy fuel and other supplies needed to set-up hismother'sfarm,relativessaid.

Smith'syoungersiblingsaccompanied him but while searching for gold, tragedy struck in one of the tunnels. The tunnel cavedinandcoveredthemen.

Reports are that Smith ran to the main entrance of the tunnel to escape but was

not fast enough and was crushed by huge boulders.Initially,personsthoughtthathis brothers were killed but they narrowly escaped with bruises and minor injuries. Kaieteur News was told that the duo emergedfromanotherexitofthetunnel.

Smith's body has since been dug free fromthetunnel.

Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing into the incident.

Dead: Peter Smith

WANTED VACANCY

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

One night Watchman needed. For more information Call: 612-2125.

Wanted! Workers for packaging pasta and chowmein. $4100-$5000 per day. Workers paid weekly. Call: 6117839.

Porter needed for truck. For more information Call: 6611000.

Cook, Pastry Maker and Kitchen Assistant needed. Call: 223-5020/ 223-5021/ 223-1531 between 9am-3pm.

Wanted one experienced Cook. Call: 654-1535.

One male able- bodied Staff. Call: 231-2029, 616-5954.

Wanted: Skilled Masons, Carpenters and Labourers to work in Linden. Call: 6029469, 660-6385 or 625-7642.

Two SUV Lexus for sale @ 8.9 mil each. Call: 650-0402/ 652-0251.

LAND FOR SALE

River side land for sale in Timehri & Parika, Plantation Berg. Call: 653-2477.

LFS at Soesdyke. Call: 7000797.

Male Sales Representative, Age 20-30 years old. Apply or Contact: 619- 1237.

Primary level Teachers needed. Submit applications to smartmindseducation @gmail.com

Vacancy Exist For two Experienced Dispatcher At Confidential Cabs. Call: 231-5784, 231-4001, 231-4000.

One Clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics, grade 2. Email application: techserigy@yahoo.com or Call: 615-9132.

Maid to cook & clean for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

Painter needed. Call: 6159132 or 645-8443.

Male Cleaner needed for Eccles. Call: 645-8443/ 6159132.

Experienced Accounts Clerk to assist in administrative function that company may require. Email: bakshwork @gmail.com

Experienced Lorry Driver, must have a valid licence.

WhatsApp application: 6092220, 725-4360, Email: donnal @sosgy.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE

River side property for sale at East Bank. Call: 653-2477.

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.

LEGAL NOTICE 1

Filing Attorney:

MS. Tonza A. Sarrabo

GUYANA LEGAL AID

CLINIC

“Maraj Building” 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 225-9238/ 225-9246

Labourer needed, must have good attitude and reference. WhatsApp application: 6092220, 725-4360, Email: donnal @sosgy.com

Operations Coordinator, must have 5 cxc, including English & Maths. WhatsApp application: 609-2220, 725-4360, Email: donnal@sosgy.com

Vacancy exist for two Nannies. Must be 40 Years or older. Call: 654-1535.

Vacancy for Cashier and Sales girl. Lot 4 Robb street Georgetown. Call652-9576 or 656-1234.

Male & Female workers needed to work at a Carwash in Campbellville. Call: 6694676.

Living and Business Quarter for rent at James and Hunter Street. Call: 674 0614. FOR

Email: legalaid@networksgy.com 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD938

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION

Petition No. FD-938

Between:(THOMAS) CHERYLANN

nee WENT Petitioner/ Applicant -and(THOMAS) JOHN JOSEPH Respondent

TO: JOHN JOSEPH THOMAS

Grand Roy, S. John’s Grenada.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 15th day of June, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by CHERYLANN THOMAS nee WENT the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 10th day of April, 2024 the

Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of Local Newspaper, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 30 (thirty) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Thursday the 6th day of June, 2024 at 11:30am before the Honourable Mr Justin Gino Persaud via Zoom Meeting ID: 733 558 9086 and Password: Court3. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 11th day of April,2024.

Tel#: 592-680-4489/ 6426369.

528

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY

DIVISION Petition No. FD-2024-528 Between:(ARCHER) ELVON ANDRE Petitioner/ Applicant

-v(ARCHER) TISHA LUSHANA nee DUKE Respondent

TO: TISHA LUSHANA

ARCHER nee DUKE Formerly of Lot 113 Haslington East Coast Demerara TAKE NOTICE that on Wednesday the 10th day of April, 2024 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by ELVON ANDRE ARCHER the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 11th day of April, 2024 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web (online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 12th day of June, 2024 at 10:45am before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge via Zoom Meeting Applicant in person: Elvon

Power ship will cost Guyana more than...

From page 16

180MW as of April 2024. He pointed out that in order to sustain system stability; the company has to maintain a spinning reserve of 14MW, which requires an availability of 194MW at the current peak demand.

He stated that currently, the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System has an available capacity of 177 megawatts, including 20 megawatts from the Columbia Plant, which has a total capacity of 28.9 megawatts.

Once fully operational, this plant will operate at 85% capacity by the end of April. GPL’s capacity will be further boosted with the arrival of a 36-megawatt net capacity power ship, which will come online at Everton, Berbice, in May. These additions will bring approximately 218 megawatts of firm generation capacity.

Additionally, it is expected that in May, a 6.9 MW generation unit will be added, and in July 2024, a 5.5 MW generation unit will come online at Kingston after maintenance, making an estimated total of 230.4 MW available to GPL.

Meanwhile, based on demand estimates, the Government plans to procure an additional 30-40 megawatts by the end of 2024. Additionally, the Gasto-Energy project will add another 300 megawatts in two phases by the end of 2025.

LEGAL NOTICE 2

ID: 845 1426 6584 and Password: 786 445. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 15th day of April,2024.

Govt. to spend $607M to rebuild four police stations

ThegovernmentthroughtheMinistryofHomeAffairsis preparingtospendanestimated$607,481,460toreconstruct fourpolicestationsacrossthecountry

At a recent reading of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, it was revealed that the police stations are located at AnnaReginainRegionTwo, NorthRuimveldtandMahaica inRegionFourandOreallainRegionSix.

Kaieteur News understands that $138 million is estimated for North Ruimveldt Police Station, $153 million for Mahaica Police Station, $119 million for Orealla Police Station,and$195millionfortheAnnaReginaPoliceStation. In addition to this, the ministry has set aside $138 million to upgradetheHighwayPatrolBasetoapolicestation.

Withover$44billionapprovedinthe2024budgetforthe HomeAffairs Ministry, the agency intends to use part of the allocation to reconstruct a number of police stations across the country and complete ongoing works at other police stationsthatbeganlastyear.

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

Ministry of HomeAffairs

Reconstruction of North Ruimveldt Police Station.

Reconstruction of Mahaica Police Station.

Reconstruction of Orealla Police Station.

Reconstruction ofAnna Regina Police Station.

Upgrade of Highway Patrol Base to Police Station.

Tempers Flare at GBB Face off event ahead of WBASuper Flyweight Title Showdown

- Elton Dharry and Dexter Marques to headline tonight’s card

TheEverestCricketClub (WBA) Super Flyweight

A t t h e w e i g h - i n displaysofintensity pavilion crackled with GoldTitle. ceremony,tensionsescalated Tonight’smaineventwill tension yesterday as the I n a d i s p l a y o f dramatically between see Dexter ‘D Kid’Marques, Guyana Boxing Board international prowess, the Laured Stewart and Iran tipping the scales at 114.8 hosted its traditional face-off event boasts eight thrilling Khan, culminating in a lbs, pitted against USAevent, proceeding tonight’s bouts featuring fighters from h e a t e d e x c h a n g e based Elton ‘The Bully’ much-anticipated fight Barbados, Suriname, characterizedbyshovingand Dharry, weighing in at 115 night. All eyes are on the Panama, the USA, and the punchesthrown.Meanwhile, lbs, in a 12-round clash for headline event where Elton host nation, Guyana headlining contenders Elton the coveted WBA Super Dharry and Dexter Marques However,itwasthepre-fight Dharry and Dexter Marques Flyweighttitle. are slated to battle for the drama that stole the maintained their composure, A d d i n g t o t h e World Boxing Association spotlight. engaging only in subtle excitement, Guyanese debutant Keevin Allicock will step into the squared circle against Barbados’ Jushawn Shepherd in a JuniorLightweightcontestat 130 lbs over six rounds. Additionally, Laured Stewart is set to square off against Iran Khan in a fiery 180 lbs Catchweight matchup.

Saturday April 20, 2024

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Dreams and visions about your family paint a rosy picture of your future, Aries. These dreams could well be prophetic, but don't jump to that conclusion without first analyzing the symbols and discerning what your dreams aretryingtotellyou.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

onight you might decide to attend a social gathering held in your community that involves a lot of people who are into psychic or spiritual matters,Taurus.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

If you've been uncertain about the possibility of a raise in your salary, today you could finally be told for certain that it's coming. This is definitely causeforcelebration.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Love and romance take top priority with you today You might be feeling a little insecure about the stability of your current relationship, but you'rewastingyourenergy

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

If you play your cards right, you just might be able to turn what you're picking up psychically into an exalted creative effort. The emotions and images flowing into your brain might be obscure, but they're significant in some way

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

Expect to exchange a lot of phone calls and emails with friends today, Virgo Communication with others is your top priority You have a lot of news to deliver and you'llreceivealotinreturn.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Financial good fortune continues, Libra, although old habitsarehardtobreakandyou might have difficulty adjusting to it. You could alternate betweenwantingtobuyoutthe store and continuing to pinch penniesthewayyouusedto.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Are you going on a trip or possibly moving, Scorpio? Is education involved in some way? Whatever your reasons forgoingaway,you'regoingto gain whatever you hope forandmore.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

You tend to be intuitive by nature, Sagittarius, but today you could receive psychic impressions by the dozen. You might even experience visions or hear voices. Don't worry –youaren'tgoingcrazy!

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Communication with friends and partners should be clear, open, honest, and supportive today Camaraderie flows freely, and affection is shown withoutrestraintoroverkill.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Have you been reading about how a positive mental outlook creates a healthy body and a happylife,Aquarius?Ifso,you mightjustfindthatthisattitude brings results. You're feeling strong,fit,andmentallysharp.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Researchthatyou'vebeendoing for a particular project may finally be completed Now you'rereadytofinishyourwork Your mind is especially sharp right now, so this is a good time to work on any

The evening’s lineup further includes Jean Carlo Rodrigues facing Rafael Marquez in a Flyweight bout at 112 lbs, while Terrence Adams takes on Pedro Sanchez in a Super Bantamweight showdown at 124 lbs. Barbados’ Edmond DeClou will also engage Charwin Estwick for the Middleweight/Super Heavyweight title Natley Delgado of Panama will also tackle Surinamese Johana Zuniga in a Female Super Flyweighttitlematch.

Scheduled to kick off at 8:00 pm at the ECC ground, the event will commence with four electrifying bouts b e f o r e a o n e - h o u r intermission, featuring guest appearances by local musicians. The evening will culminate with the highly anticipated headline clash between Dharry and Marques, promising an unforgettable night of boxingaction.

Keevin Allicock weighing 132 LBS ahead of tonight’s bout against Barbados Jushawn Shepherd.

Concacaf confirms details for fourth edition of Concacaf Nations League

Miami, FL – Concacaf Quarterfinals)

- Group Stage draw will take place on May 6 in Miami at 7:00 pm ET

March31,2024. has confirmed important League A includes 16

ThepotsforeachLeague details about the 2024/25 teams and a quarterfinal are as follows (listed in Concacaf Nations League. round.ForGroupStageplay, rankingorderperpot): The fourth edition of the the12lowest-rankedLeague LeagueA competition will continue to A national teams (based on Pre-Seeded in the feature all 41 men’s senior the Concacaf Rankings) will Quarterfinals: Mexico, national teams in the region besplitintotwogroupsofsix United States, Panama, and andwillbeplayedduringthe teams each and play in a Canada FIFA Match Windows of “Swiss style” league system,

Pot 1: Jamaica and Costa September, October, and with each team playing a Rica November 2024. The Finals, total of four games (two at

Pot 2: Honduras and where a new champion will homeandtwoaway). Guatemala be crowned, are scheduled After Group Stage play

Pot 3: Trinidad and forMarch2025. during the FIFA Match TobagoandMartinique The competition’s Windows of September and Pot 4: Cuba and official draw, which will October, the first and second Guadeloupe determine the groups for all place finishers of each group

Pot 5: Nicaragua and centralized venue instead of groups of three teams Islands, Cayman Islands, three leagues, will be (four teams in total) will Suriname the previous home-and- During the FIFA Match Saint Kitts and Nevis conducted on Monday, May advancetotheQuarterfinals,

Pot6:FrenchGuianaand away format. This format Windows of September and (relegated), Turks and 6, in Miami, FL, at 7:00 pm where they will join the four Guyana changewillalleviatesomeof October, each team will play Caicos Islands, and the US ET The made-for-tv live top-rankedLeagueAteams. League B the travel challenges that everyteaminitsgrouptwice, VirginIslands. event will be widely The Quarterfinals will be

Pot 1: Haiti, El Salvador, Member Associations face foratotaloffourmatchesper PROMOTIONAND available for fans across the played in a home-and-away Curacao, and Dominican due to our region’s unique team.

RELEGATION region to follow and enjoy format, with the aggregate Republic geographyandallowthemto Similar to League B, P r o m o t i o n a n d through the Confederation’s score winner in each

Pot 2: Bermuda, Puerto focus on delivering the best matches in each group will relegation between Leagues TV partner networks and matchup advancing to the Rico, Montserrat, and Saint possiblefootball. be played at a centralized will take place at the YouTube channel. Fans can Concacaf Nations League Lucia The third-best-ranked venue. The second-highest- c o n c l u s i o n o f t h e also follow live updates on Finals.

Pot 3: Grenada, Saint teamsineachgroupwillhost ranked teams in each group competition,asfollows: Concacaf’s Social Media League B: 16 teams Vincent and the Grenadines, the September matches, the will host the September League A: Fifth and platforms. (GroupStage) Antigua and Barbuda, and second-best-ranked teams matches, and the highest- sixth-place finishers will be

COMPETITION League B will feature 16 Aruba will host the October ranked teams will host the relegatedtoLeagueB. FORMAT teams divided into four Pot 4: Dominica, matches,andthebest-ranked Octobermatches. League B: Group

The Concacaf Nations groupsoffourteams.During Bonaire, Saint Martin, and teams will host the decisive LEAGUES winners will be promoted to League will continue to be the FIFAMatch Windows of SintMaarten November matches If a The distribution of teams League A and fourth-place played in a three-league September, October, and League C team is unable to host in Leagues A, B, and C has finishers will be relegated to format (A, B, and C), with November, each team will Pot 1: Saint Kitts and matches, Concacaf will been determined based on LeagueC. theteamsdistributedintothe play every team in its group Nevis,Belize,andBarbados reserve the right to select a the 2023/24 Concacaf League C: Group Leagues according to the twice, for a total of six Pot2:Bahamas,Cayman venue. NationsLeagueGroupStage winners and the best secondresults of the preceding matchesperteam. Islands, and Turks and League C: 9 teams results, which include a place finisher will be edition(2023/24). For each FIFA Match CaicosIslands (GroupStage) promotion and relegation promotedtoLeagueB. League A: 16 teams Window, matches in each Pot 3: British Virgin League C will include system.

SCHEDULE

( G r o u p S t a g e a n d group will be played at a Islands, US Virgin Islands, nineteamsdividedintothree League A (16 teams in The 2024/25 Concacaf andAnguilla alphabetical order): Canada, Nations League will be The draw will be Costa Rica, Cuba, French played during the FIFA executed using a single- Guiana (promoted), M a t c h Wi n d o w s o f blind system and one league Guadeloupe (promoted), September, October, and at a time Starting with Guatemala, Guyana November2024.ForLeague LeagueC,thefirstteamfrom (promoted), Honduras, A, the Quarterfinals will Pot 1 will be drawn and Jamaica, Martinique, occurinNovember2024. assigned to Group A, M e x i c o , N i c a r a g u a The Concacaf Nations positionA1, followed by the (promoted), Panama, League Finals, where the second team in Group B, Suriname, Trinidad and competition’s fourth position B1, and the third Tobago, and the United champion will be crowned, team in Group C, position States. will take place in March C1.

League B (16 teams in 2025 at a venue to be

The same process will be alphabetical order): Antigua announced. followed for the remaining and Barbuda, Aruba Group Stage: September League C Pots and Leagues (promoted), Bermuda, 2-10, October 7-15, and B and A, using the Bonaire (promoted), November11-19,2024

predetermined number of Curacao (relegated), Quarterfinals:November groups and pots for each Dominica (promoted), 11-19,2024 League. At the end of the Dominican Republic, El Semifinals: March 20, draw, each group will Salvador (relegated), 2025 contain no more than one Grenada (relegated), Haiti Final and Third Place teamfromeachpot. (relegated), Montserrat, Match:March23,2025

2025 CONCACAF Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, OFFICIALDRAW

GOLD CUP Saint Martin (promoted), On Monday, May 6, A s p r e v i o u s l y Saint Vincent and the Concacaf will conduct the announced, the 2024/25 Grenadines, and Sint Group Stage draw The draw Concacaf Nations League Maarten. involves six pots for League will serve as the qualifiers League C (9 teams in A, four for League B, and for next summer’s 2025 alphabetical order): three for League C. The Concacaf Gold Cup A n g u i l l a , B a h a m a s teams participating in the Concacaf will announce the (relegated), Barbados Group Stage have been exact qualifying criteria at a ( r e l e g a t e d ) , B e l i z e allocated in a pot based on laterdate. (relegated), British Virgin the Concacaf Rankings as of

RahulleadsLSG’scruisepast CSKdespiteDhonifireworks

ESPNcricinfo - The with eight wickets in hand Mustafizur Rahman back in was to send out Jadeja at No. Ekana Stadium crowd in andanovertospare. the next over And when de 4. Lucknow was served the Rahul and de Kock set Kock and Rahul combined Soon after they were put perfect buffet on Friday things up for 6, 4 and 6 across the fifth in, they had lost Rachin night: spectacular MS Dhoni The LSG batters have and sixth overs to take them Ravindra for a golden duck fireworks that powered copped criticism this season to54inthepowerplay,itwas and, three overs later, Chennai Super Kings to a foreithernotscoringquickly fairly evident that LSG were Ruturaj Gaikwad edged a competitive 176 for 6 and at the start, or for throwing in pole position to get home Yash Thakur outswinger then the home team their wickets away, or for comfortably behind. Lucknow Super Giants leaving too much to do for LSG were helped further Losingtwowicketsinthe chasingitdownwithaclassy Nicholas Pooran. On Friday, when de Kock miscued powerplay, perhaps, made 82 off 53 from captain KL Rahul and de Kock didn’t do Jadeja in the ninth over but CSK save Shivam Dube for Rahul. any of those things, putting Pathirana shelled the chance laterandsendoutJadeja,and LSG’s chase was set up up a century stand in just at short third. De Kock made he played a key hand in CSK by a dominant century 10.5 overs to set up the CSK pay in Jadeja’s next getting to a competitive opening stand - the first for chase. over with a boundary on the score. pitch to Krunal but couldn’t w i t h t h e m o s t u nthem this season - between Rahul led the partnership leg side before Rahul A j i n k y a R a h a n e , get close to the ball and was Dhoniesque six you’ll see: Rahul and Quinton de Kock, with strokes dripping with inflicted more pain with meanwhile, made CSK tick stumped CSK were walking across because which didn’t allow any CSK class. back-to-back fours, which along nicely with a regular suddenly 93 for 5 after 13 Mohsin had been bowling bowlertosettlein. He middled his pulls tookhimpastfifty flow of boundaries, his crisp overs. them wide outside off and T h e y c o l l e c t e d against the short balls, drove With 74 to get from 54, timing in full display The The LSG bowlers stifled lapping him over the boundariesregularlytoscore confidently down the the two slowed down briefly pick of those was a six over Moeen Ali and Jadeja - they keeper’s head. It was a 1454 in the powerplay, they ground, played the pick-up before de Kock also got to midwicket off Matt Henry went 34 balls without a run over that included three didn’t let CSK fight back in shots like he usually does, his fifty He fell for 54, and an exquisite drive off boundary Jadeja broke the wides. themiddleovers(whichthey and even used the pace of caught by Dhoni trying to Thakurforfour drought in the 16th over, and Thefans-almostentirely have done often this IPL), Matheesha Pathirana to ramp a Mustafizur Rahman CSK slip in reached his fifty in the 17th yellow - were having the theydidn’tlettheaskingrate uppercuthimforsix. slowerball. the middle overs with a six off Mohsin Khan timeoftheirlives.Andwhen touch ten, and by the time de Rahul often plays such

But Pooran came out Rahul brought on spin that Deepak Hooda should Dhoni got the strike in the Kock fell for 54 in the 15th strokesinT20sbutitwasthe with the aim of hitting frombothendsassoonasthe havetakenbutonlymanaged last over, he clobbered a six over, they needed a frequencywithwhichhewas boundaries and finished the field spread out and it totipover over cow corner Thakur comfortable 43 from 30 hittingthem on the night that game off with his third four workedwhenKrunalPandya The Moeen attempted wide yorkers that balls. was different. After that sealed the chase with six hit Rahane’s leg stump to and Dhoni show resulted in two more fours Rahul also fell before the collecting 12 off Deepak ballstospare. sendhimbackfor36off24. Moeen set things up for off the last three balls and close, to a stunning catch by Chahar’s second over - the Jadeja walks out at No. 4

Dube walked out at No. Dhoni with three sixes in a Dhoni finished on 28 off just Ravindra Jadeja at backward third of the innings - that CSK are known to pull 5, but it was Jadeja who row off Bishnoi in the 18th nine balls that helped CSK point, but that didn’t stop included a six over rabbits out of the hat from collected boundaries in over, and Dhoni came out to smash63inlastfourovers.It LSG from romping home midwicket, he drilled time to time, and the latest consecutive overs by hitting a rapturous reception when was fun but not nearly with the spin of Krunal and Moeen holed out attempting enough.

RaviBishnoi. a fourth six off the same Scores: Lucknow Super Jadeja, however, did not bowler Giants 180 for 2 (Rahul 82, get the company of CSK’s After a single off his first de Kock 54, Pooran 23*, big hitters for long. Dube ball, Dhoni was facing two P a t h i r a n a 1 - 2 9 ) b e a t first miscued a Marcus inexperienced bowlers in Chennai Super Kings 176 Stoinis short ball, bowled at Mohsin and Thakur He first for 6 (Jadeja 57*, Rahane 125.4kph, to be taken by bashed Mohsin to the extra- 36, Moeen 30, Dhoni 28*, Rahul, and Sameer Rizvi, cover boundary for a one- Krunal 2-16) by eight soon after, danced down the bounce four, and followed it wickets.

McKeown breaks Australian all-comers record in 50 metres backstroke

(Reuters) - Kaylee McKeown continued her excellent form, swimming the fifth fastest 50 metres backstroke of all time to win the Australian Open Championships yesterday, where Ariarne Titmus also impressed.

Australia’s Kaylee McKeown. (REUTERS/ Issei Kato/File Photo)

The 22-year-old had Olympic 100 and 200m metres freestyle and already set Australian backstroke champion, broke backstrokeattheevent. records in both the 200 and the world record in the same Titmus, world record 400 metres individual event in Budapest last year holder and Olympic medleys in the last two days, withatimeof26.86seconds. champion, impressed when and swam 27.07 seconds in Mollie O’Callaghan set a winning the 400 metres the 50 metre backstroke to personal best of 27 16, freestyleinatimeof3:59.13, set a new all-comers record, matching McKeown’s thebesttimeintheworldthis thefastesttimeeverrecorded previous all-comers record, season, and the Australian’s inAustralia. to take the silver medal, first sub-four minute McKeown, the reigning having won gold in the 100 performanceoftheseason.

MS Dhoni slammed 28 off nine at the death. (BCCI)

KL Rahul was the aggressor in the powerplay. (AFP/Getty Images)

Ashley Moyer-Gleich becomes second woman ever to be selected to officiate in NBA playoffs

Pennsylvania – described herselectionas“surreal.”

“I worked four games as an alternate last year, so obviously, my goal was I wanted to be an alternate again because that’s just sustaining the growth that I’ve had in my career,” she said, per NBA.com. “And then to see my name on list ofworkingfloorofficials… I mean, my mom was with me, she came with me on my last two games for a little trip, and to open that email and have her there with me and share that news, it was really quite amazing ”

Per the National Basketball Referees

Moyer-Gleich, pictured here speaking to Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Donèiæ, has built up six seasons of refereeing experience in the league. (Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters)

CNN - Ashley Moyer- Violet Palmer became Association, Moyer-Gleich The 36-year-old is one and receive a coveted white on the floor, maybe going Gleich will become only the the first woman to be joined the NBA’s full-time of three officials making warmup jacket, something from the referee to a crew second woman to referee an selected for a postseason officiatingstaffinNovember their playoff debut, that Moyer-Gleich has made chief at some point and then NBA playoff game after assignment,featuringinnine 2018, having previously alongside Marat Kogut and along-termambition. hopefully getting to the being selected as one of 36 games between 2006 and refereed in the NBA’s G- J T Orr

“Obviously that’s an finals—theepitomeofwhat first-round officials, the 2012. League as well as in the As the playoffs progress aspiration and that’s a goal wedo. league announced on Moyer-Gleich – a former WNBA. She worked over and the field of teams is way far down the road,” she “Whether I’m the first or Thursday Division II college 200 regular season games trimmed down, so is the said. “And hopefully I can not, I think just a female It has been over a decade basketball player at across six seasons before officiatingcrew continue on the same breakingthroughandgetting sinceawomanlastofficiated Millersville University in receivingthepostseasonnod Only 12 referees are trajectory, continue to that opportunity would be aplayoffgame. her native state of thisyear selected for the NBA Finals increase my responsibility monumental.”

LandoNorrisonsprintpoleaheadofLewisHamilton Chinese Grand Prix 2024:

BBCSport-LandoNorrisbeat split the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz “To end up on top is exactly the pace of the Red Bull in outright “But so happy As soon as I saw Lewis Hamilton to take pole and Charles Leclerc, who took what we wanted and it’s a nice conditions, especially in the dry, the rain coming, I was getting position for the sprint race at the seventh despite a crash on his first surprise. but in the wet surprisingly very excited because in the dry Chinese Grand Prix in a hectic wet lap that required a pit stop to “Good day, tricky conditions, quick. I could get good tyre temps conditionswe’renotquickenough, session. replace a damaged front wing and alwaysnicetodoitlikethis.Tough, andpushhard.” so when the rain came I thought I The McLaren driver had his lefthimwithbentsteering. especially with the rain in Q3. Hamilton’s lap was a pleasant would have a better opportunity fastest lap time deleted and then McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was Conditions I’ve always loved and surprise for Mercedes, who were andthat’swhenitallcamealive.” reinstatedinthefinalminutesofthe eighth ahead of the Sauber of alwaysdonerelativelywellin.” struggling for pace in dry The conditions made for a session as he beat Hamilton by Valtteri Bottas and, delighting his Thesprintracewilltakeplaceat conditions. helter-skelter session with drivers 1.261seconds. homefans,ZhouGuanyu. 04:00 UK time today in a tweak to The seven-time champion clearlystrugglingforgriponatrack Hamilton’s Mercedes headed Norrissaid:“Igotabitnervous. the scheduling of these weekends managed to just sneak through into whereF1hasnotheldaraceforfive Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin They were conditions where you forthisseason. the top 10 shootout in ninth place years.Verstappen would have been by 0 714 seconds as Max have to risk a lot and push. I was Norrisadded:“Thepaceisgood before the rain started and team- expected to be on pole - the Red Verstappenmanagedonlyfourth. quickbutIkeptcatchingtheFerrari whether it’s wet or dry The car is mateGeorgeRussellfailedtodoso Bull is the fastest car and he is

The Red Bull driver made andhadtokeepbackingoff. feeling good and so am I, and it’s in11thplace. usuallysoimpressiveinthewet. errors on two laps before sneaking “Igotagoodfinallapanditwas payingoff.

“Tricky conditions,” Hamilton But he made errors on his first inattheend. enough for pole. Sad it’s not a “Even in the dry we were pretty said. “Not a lot of grip as you saw two laps, which led to his times RedBull’sSergioPerezinsixth properqualifyingbutgoodenough. good. I don’t think we maybe have foreveryone.

being deleted, and he had to string one together just as the session was ending.Evenso,2.088secsoffpole position is unfamiliar territory for the man who has dominated F1 for thepasttwoyears.

Starting fourth, though, Verstappen may still be tough to beatover19lapsinthesprint.

“Itwasincrediblyslippery,”the worldchampionsaid.“Istruggleda lot to get the temperature in the tyres. That’s why it was just very difficulttokeepthecarontrackand itneverreallyswitchedonforme.

“It was like driving on ice and that’s why it’s deserved, where we are in qualifying. It was not really working for me in the wet even though in the dry it looked quite good.”

Referee Ashley Moyer-Gleich (13) waits for play during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks, Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

Lando Norris beat Lewis Hamilton to take pole position for the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix in a hectic wet session. (Getty Images)

Sabalenka knocked out of Stuttgart Open by Vondrousova, Swiatek into semis

(Reuters) - World number two Australian Open champion looked crucialmoments.” Aryna Sabalenka’s hopes of oncoursetoprogress.

Butyouknow,theonethingthat reaching a fourth consecutive Wimbledon champion the Olympics gives that no other StuttgartOpenfinalendedaftera3- Vondrousova led 4-1 in the second event gives is the kind of the 6 6-3 7-5 quarter-final defeat by set before Sabalenka pulled it back community,thefactthatitbringsso Marketa Vondrousova yesterday, to 4-3 but the Czech sixth seed many people into one place at one while champion Iga Swiatek brokeforathirdtimeandheldserve time. maintainedherperfectrecordatthe toforcethedecider

Sabalenka reached the quarterevent. Sabalenkawent5-4aheadinthe finals after her good friend Paula

World number one Swiatek finalsetbeforeVondrousovareeled Badosawasforcedtoretirethrough extended her run at the tournament offthreegamesinarowtoreachthe injury on Wednesday, with the to 10-0 and is now two wins away semi-finals where she will meet matchtiedatoneseteachand3-3in from claiming a third successive either American third seed Coco thedecider Stuttgart title following her 7-6(2) Gauff or Marta Kostyuk of Fourth seed Elena Rybakina 6-3 win over Briton’s Emma Ukraine. also reached the semi-finals after Raducanu. “It was a very tough match, and overcoming the challenge of in-

Aryna Sabalenka hits a forehand against Anhelina Kalinina (UKR) (not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.

(Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo)

After winning the opening set, Rybakinasaid. She will face fourth seed Elena I think a great one, too,” formJasminePaolini6-35-76-3.

Rybakina had let slip a 4-2 lead in “Of course, I had chances in the Rybakina for a place in Sunday’s Vondrousovasaid. Paolini won the Dubai Tennis the second and came back from an second set where I could have final.

“She’s a great player so I just Championships in February and earlybreakbytheItalianinthefinal closed it out but overall, I think it’s Sabalenkahadwonherlastfour tried to stay in the rallies. She hits rose to a career-high 14th in the set.

justamatterofmatchesandfeeling matches with Vondrousova, and very fast so it’s tough to do world rankings and reached the last

“I’m happy with my energy,” betterandbetteronthecourt.” after winning the opening set, the something. But I stayed calm in the 16atIndianWellsinMarch.

Shimona Jok embraces new opportunity with Melbourne Mavericks amid controversy

SportsMax - Shimona Jok, the Jamaican netball star, has emerged from a tumultuous year with renewed optimism and a fresh opportunity in Super Netball, having signed with the Melbourne Mavericks as their 11th player Jok’s journey to this point has been markedbychallenges,controversy, and personal growth, as detailed in arecentinterviewwithABCSport.

The 2023 season was a testing period for Jok, navigating the collapse of the Collingwood Magpies, enduring financial struggles due to a CPAdispute, and experiencing an 11-week period without pay Amidst this adversity, she found solace in marrying basketballplayerBuayJok. her potential representation of

Federations critical of World Athletics...

From page 31 “Awarding this prize money to an Olympic gold medal,” it said. gold medallists in Paris 2024, and “Not all sports could or should then extending it to all medallists replicate this move, even if they in LA2028, is about underscoring wanted to. Paying prize money in our unwavering commitment to a multi-sport environment goes empowering the athletes and against the principle of solidarity, recognising the critical role they reinforces a different set of values play in the success of an Olympic across the sports and opens up Games. manyquestions.”

“It is impossible to put a It added that “there has been marketable value on winning an consensus that Olympic revenues Olympic medal. But we think it is should, at least for the more important to make sure some of commercially successful and the revenues generated by our financially independent athletesattheOlympicGamesare international federations, be directly returned to those who invested as a priority into make the Games the global development and integrity spectaclethatitis. matters… it appears that World “This is the continuation of a Athletics’ latest initiative opens journey World Athletics started rather than solves a number of back in 2015, which sees all the complexissues. money received every four years

“ASOIF will raise these from the IOC’s revenue share concernswithWorldAthleticsand allocation (approximately $40m) will continue to promote dialogue godirectlybackintooursport.” amongst its members and the It added “80% of all World IOC.” Athletics’ income goes directly

Given the Olympics’ origins backintothesport”.

With the possibility of making

Despite these hardships, Jok’s Australia, she remains focused on her debut for the Mavericks in fortune turned when she was the present. “My priorities have upcoming matches, Jok looks selected by the Mavericks, albeit switchedbecauseIdon’twanttobe ahead with confidence, under controversial circumstances. in this position ever again,” Jok underscoringhergrowthasaplayer Thesigningraisedeyebrowsdueto explained. “Representing the and her readiness to contribute to the league’s criteria for the 11th national team will not always be hernewteam’ssuccess. player, which appeared to favour there; once the international games The Melbourne Mavericks emerging Australian talent eligible aredone,it’slikewhat’syouractual eagerly anticipate integrating Jok for the Diamonds However, job?Whatdoyoudobeyondthat?” into their roster, recognizing her Mavericks coach Tracey Neville

Regarding her future with potential to bolster their attack and leveraged Jok’s permanent Jamaica versus potential eligibility make a significant impact on the residency to secure the seasoned forAustralia, Jok admitted to being court. internationalshooter. “50-50” but emphasized the

As Jok prepares for the next Reflecting on the unexpected importance of keeping an open phase of her netball career, she opportunity, Jok expressed mind. embodies resilience and gratitude and determination. “All I

As Jok embraces this new determination, poised to seize the needed to do was just show up to chapter with the Mavericks, she opportunitiesthatlieaheadwiththe training,workhard,bepositiveand reflects on personal growth and Mavericks. show them that last year’s resilience amidst professional “I feel like defenders aren’t hardships are not going to define challenges. Her journey serves as a goingtoknowwhattoexpectifIdo me,” said Jok, who will now earn testament to perseverance and the get the chance to play Super the six-month league minimum of unwavering support of loved ones Netball, because the Shimona $22,000. While Jok’s eligibility and mentors who stood by her Nelson last year is different to the sparked debate around World duringdifficulttimes. ShimonaJokthisyear,”shesaid. Netball regulations, particularly

as an amateur sports event, the Earlier this week, David I n t e r n a t i o n a l O l y m p i c Lappartient, the head of cycling’s Committee (IOC) does not award governing body the UCI, said prize money but distributes World Athletics’ decision went funding through international againsttheOlympicspirit. federations, and national Andy Anson, the head of the Olympiccommittees British Olympic Association

World Athletics’ move, which (BOA), was also critical, saying will be extended to silver and he did not think it was bronze medallists for the 2028 “particularly appropriate or Games, was widely praised by helpful”, and risked creating a former athletes when it was two-tierOlympics.

announced by its president Lord Some national Olympic Coe. committees offer financial

In response to ASOIF’s rewardstotheirmedallists,though statement, World Athletics said: theBOAdoesnot.

Shimona Jok

Cyber Trading on board with Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”

This joint initiative of

coach Travis Persaud (one Kishan Das of the USA and box of red cricket balls), Anil Beharry of Guyana male and female teams

Muhammad Afzal (left) and Anil Beharry at the presentation.

continues to attract support playing the traditional with Muhammad Afzal of hardball and softball in the Cyber Trading, Georgetown Upper Corentyne area, being the latest to come on No.65 Young Titans with 30 board The sports store, T-Shirts, youths of Just Try which also has business in Cricket Club, Wakenaam Sialkot, Pakistan, donated Cricket Academy (one box five pairs of cricket shoes of white balls), Shemar and twenty eight footballs at J o s e p h , N e h e m i a h a simple ceremony held Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple, recently The footballs were Leguan Cricket Committee, immediately handed over to Tucber Park Cricket Club the Guyana Police Force and Malteenoes Sports Club which is to be used in their (ninecricketballseach). community outreaches. “We Cricket related items, are grateful for your kind used or new, are distributed assistance and the role free of cost to young and played by Ramesh Sunich in promising cricketers in Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, Parmanand Dhaniram, footballs. In addition to the wicketkeeping pads and the process,” Beharry said in Guyana. Skills, discipline Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Reshma Mathura, Booman above, gear worth more than three pairs of wicketkeeping expressing gratitude, while and education are important Harkishun, Allan Mangru S i n g h , K r i s h n a $600,000 was donated by gloves Many others Deputy Superintendent characteristics of the and Dennis Mangru, Vishal Rengensamy, Ishwar Singh, Sheik Mohamed, former benefited indirectly. In Ronald Ali of GPF echoed recipients. Talent spotting is Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Ricky Deonarain of 4R N a t i o n a l w i c k e t addition, two clubs in the thesamesentiments. being done across the Huburn Evans, Rajendra Bearings, Terry Mathura of keeper/batsman All cash Pomeroon area benefited Total cricket related countryandclubleadersalso SadeoandRameshSunichof TDMJ Inc , Kennard collected is being used to from two used bats items received/purchased so assist to identify talent Trophy Stall, Sheik VerapenandNYPioneerCC, purchase cricket gear Pomeroon, Leguan and far: $460,000 in cash, Progressive and well Mohamed of Star Sports A n i t a a n d D e r e k requested and not available W a k e n a m C r i c k e t thirteen colored cricket managedcricketclubswitha Awards and Trophies, Ajay Kallicharran, Subhas atthetime. Committees and CottonTree uniforms, two trophies, youth programme will also G a i n d a o f C r i c k e t Powan Persaud of DX To date, seventy two Die Hard also received one twenty five pairs of cricket benefit. Equipment Guyana, Sports,RamjitSingh,Kumar young players, male and box of red cricket balls each, shoes, thirty three pairs of We take this opportunity Gajanand Singh, Peter Dindial, Shazam Hussain, female, from all three Cold Fusion Cricket Club batting pads, thirty five to thank Javed and Imran of Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Ravi Lutchman of JIS&L counties of Guyana have thirteen color uniforms cricket bats, twenty nine West Indian Sports Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, NY and Cyber Trading, benefited directly from while RHCCCC received pairs of batting gloves, Complex, Option Group of Ameer Rahaman, Chin Georgetown. We thank the seven gear bags, two fourandahalfboxesofballs, twenty five thigh pads, three USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Singh, Denesh Chandrapaul, media for the role they are trophies, four arm guards, fifteen white cricket shirts, pairsofwicketkeepingpads, Panday of P and P Insurance Davo Naraine of UK, Dr playing in promoting this thirty one bats, three boxes, one pair of junior batting six arm guards, two chest Brokers, Sean Devers, Cecil Beharry, Raj Mathura, venture Distribution will six helmets, twenty seven pads, one pair of wicket pads, two boxes, twelve Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Raj Bharrat, Latch Mohabir continue. Anyone interested pairs of cricket shoes, keeping gloves, a set of cricket bags, six bat rubbers, Aaron Beharry, Leanna and family, Suresh Dhanai, to contribute can contact eighteen pairs of batting stumps and bails Other six helmets, one fiber glass Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Vishal Nagamootoo, Moses AnilBeharryon623-6875or pads,twentyfourthighpads, beneficiaries are The bat, thirteen boxes of white Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Nagamootoo Jnr, Regal Kishan Das on 1-718-664- one bat grip, thirty one pairs Essequibo Cricket Board, cricketballsandtwentyeight Singh,RomashMunna,Ravi Sports Store, Omkar Singh, 0896. of batting gloves, one pair of the Town of Lethem, youth

ECB launches historic junior academy at EBE

Executives and participants take time out for a photo.

The Essequibo Cricket Board, academies in Wakenaam, Leguan, certified level two coach, is head coach as part of drive to enhance Pomeroon, South Essequibo and North oftheAcademy

the growth of cricket in the Essequibo. ThisisthebrainchildofPresidentof county, has launched yet another The academies cater for aspiring the Guyana Cricket Board, Mr. academy cricketers from age 7 to 17, both male BissoondyalSingh.

This time the East Bank of andfemaleandsessionslastfor10to12 President of ECB Mr Deleep Essequibo is the beneficiary of such hours weekly where students are being Singh, Coordinator of the academy Mr venture; the academy was launched tutored on the basics of the game, Kumar Dass and representative of the recentlyatCinderellaPark,Zeelugt. disciplineandcricketawareness. GCB Mr Anthony D’ Andrade were The ECB had only latterly launched Pastor Terry Newton, who is a amongthosepresentatthelaunch.

(Photo Ian Allan Whyte)

Afzal (left) and Ronald Ali during the presentation.

Banks DIH on board for Jumbo Jet Race of Champions

Beverage giants Banks igniting Rising Sun. A total metres race will see the top DIH Limited is the latest purseofG$3,750,000willbe horse cashing in on sponsor for the Jumbo Jet divided for the feature race G$350,000. Thoroughbred Racing while the entry fee is The I Class, J Class and Committee Race of G$232,500. West Indian-bred three-year champions horse race meet, Other races carded maidens, the K Class horses setforSundayApril28atthe include West Indian-bred and Lower and the L Class Rising Sun Turf Club. More four-year old West Indies horses and open to J3 first than ten million dollars in and three-year-old horses at time starters will complete cashandprizeswillbeupfor 1,600 metres. The top horse theprovisionalprogramme. grabs and eight races are on in that race will be awarded All races will run under thecards. G$600,000. the guidance of the Guyana

The feature race, which The three-year-old horseracingauthorityrules. will be open to all imported Guyana bred horsesrace will Races are subject to and locally bred horses also run at 1,600 metres and change and entries for the running at 1,600 metres, will the top horse will also be April 28 Race of Champions see the top horse walking awarded$600,000. will close on April 22. away with G$2,000,000. In The F Class & Lower & Horses must be properly addition to banks DIH, the E Class non-earners in last entered via Fazal Habibula other sponsors are AJM two starters race will be ontelephone611-1141,Buju Enterprise, Jumbo Jet, Sino running at 1,400 metres; and 658-7037, Shazenna/Rose TruckandXCMG. the winner of the race will on 322-0789, Glen on 1 C h a m p i o n h o r s e walkawaywithG$400,000. (868) 368-5192 or Ginjo on Spankhurst, rival Bossalina, H3 & Lower and H 1&2 618-7278. Easy Time, John Bull, and horses non-earners in their The race will run off at Stolen Money are among the last two starts & first time 12:00h and admission is top horses that will be starter in Guyana – 1,400 G$2,000.

The athletics events run between 1-11 August at this summer’s Olympics in Paris. (Getty Images)

Federations critical of World Athletics Olympic Games prize money

BBC Sport - A group of international earn$50,000(£39,400). sports federations say World Athletics’ In a statement, the Association of decision to award prize money at the Paris Summer Olympic International Federations Olympics “undermines the values of (ASOIF), said it was “neither informed nor Olympism and the uniqueness of the consulted”, despite World Athletics being Games”. oneofitsmembers.

Last week World Athletics announced it It said that the federations it represents will become the first federation to offer prize have“expressedseveralconcerns”. moneyatanOlympicsthissummer “Onecannotandshouldnotputapriceon Gold medallists in athletics events will (Continued on page 29)

2024 CWI Regional 4-Day C/hips Round 7…GHE vs. CCC Perez 79*, Imlach 50, pilot Eagles to 8-wicket win with a day to spare

Back-to-backhalf-centuriesfromGuyana Harpy Eagles captain Tevin Imlach and opener Raymon Perez solidified the champs 8-wicket assault over CCC, with a day to spare.

What looked like a competitive game turned out to be a lopsided affair as Guyana trounced their opponents to keep them winlessthisseason.

Fast-bowler Nial Smith finished with 5 wickets (3-45 & 2-35) and Isai Thorne (2-45 &1-45)joinedthepartyonthelastday.

- Smith, Permaul finish with 5 wickets apiece

Fast-bowler Nial Smith had another good game.

But it was the combination of the Eagles trio of Test spinners in; Gudakesh Motie (240&2-42),VeerasammyPermaul(3-51&2- of the game; 79* with 5 fours and a pair of 44)andKevinSinclair(2-29),whorattledthe maximums. oppositionlateonThursday Imlach, who had 55 in the first innings,

Asaresult,CCCwerebowledoutfor203 settled in alongside Perez and scored a brisk inthe2ndinningswiththeircaptainShamarh 50 off 51 with 6 fours and a six, as the duo Brooks (59) and opener Odain McCatty (56) tookthescoreto148-1attheteainterval. thetwotryingbatsmen. Needing just 33 runs to continue their

TheEagleswouldsoarto182-2inthe2nd winningways,thechampsgothomesafelyin innings chase, with a 93-run opening stand the 35th with Perez and Imlach adding 89 between Tagenarine Chanderpaul 42 (3x4 beforethelatterwasremoved. 1x6)andPerezsettingthetone. Earlier,CCCwerebowledoutforaneven

Theright-handerconsolidatedforhislack 200 before knocking over Guyana for 223 ofrunsthisseason,makingastrongstatement runs, which put the champions in a solid on debut for Guyana as a Test player, by position to complete what would be a crunchinghissecondsuccessivehalf-century landslidewin.

Banks DIH Special events Manager Mortimer Stewart presents the cheque and trophy to Jumbo Jet Representative Navendra Ramnauth.