Kaieteur News

‘Left to bleed out’:

Israeli forces kill two Palestinians in West Bank

TwoPalestinianyouthsshotdeadand20arrestedasIsraeli forcescontinuedeadlycrackdownintheoccupiedWestBank

summoned to court by GRA over inflated

US$12.1 billion invoice

Prove gas will supply cheaper electricity than solar or halt Gas-to-Energy Project -Int'lLawyerchallengesGovt.

VP Jagdeo denies being beneficial owner of Kaieteur, Canje oil blocks

Miner chopped by employer after quitting job

One shot as gunmen snatch payroll from Cevons’ workers

Two die after motorcycle crashes into utility pole

billions being lost from

…couldhaveendedblackouts,doubled publicservants’salaries-Glenn

Consider domino effect of gold fields

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

TsunamirisktoGuyanaisreal,thoughminimal-EIA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday downplayed a Kaieteur News reportpublishedonApril21,2024, that said seismic activities being carried out in the Stabroek Block have the potential to cause a tsunamiinGuyana.

In its response, the EPA said that the public Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document referenced by this newspaper contextualizes the activities in the Production Development Area (PDA) in relationtovariousnaturaldisasters, including Tsunamis, as part of a comprehensive futuristic EIA assessmentofrisk.

The EPA said that under the heading ‘Natural Hazard Risk Ratings for Guyana’findings from the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) assessments in 2014 werementioned.

“Theseassessments,conducted as part of a global initiative, identified floods, droughts, and landslides as the most significant riskstoGuyanabasedonhistorical records.Notably,historicaldatadid not indicate tsunami risk to Guyana.

Nevertheless, futuristic assessmentsbyUNISDRtookinto account the potential impact of tsunamisonGuyana.Accordingto UNISDR 2014, while floods pose the most significant risk, the risks from earthquakes and tsunamis

were deemed not significant enough to be included in the economic analysis due to their predicted low recurrence interval,”theEPAsaid.

However, the EPA’s rebuttal does ignore the section of the EIA that specifically says “Guyana could experience tsunamis generated from seismic activity outside Guyana if such activity propagated waves of sufficient magnitude and in the required direction. Most of the available research on seismic risk in the region has focused on three potential locations where seismic activitycouldoriginate.”

This is documented in Clause

“7.4.4.3. Assessment of Tsunami Risks to Guyana” of the EIA. Additionally, the EIA that was vetted by the EPA states, “Additionally, the World Bank Group’s ThinkHazard! tool, an online,naturalhazardriskdatabase foremergingmarketcountries,was queried to assess relative risk ratings for a suite of potential natural hazards for Guyana. The results of the assessment are generally consistent with the UNISDR assessment, ranking floods as high risk, tsunamis as medium risk, and earthquakes as very low risk for Guyana (World Bank2020).”

Alsocontainedintheapproved

EIAisthatthecompanyfoundinits modelling surveys, “the same would be true of seismic activity along the western portion of the PuertoRicoTrench.Guyanacould theoretically be exposed to a tsunami that arose at the extreme eastern end of the Puerto Rico Trench and propagated southward.”

AsintimatedbytheEPA,inits response, the EIA does indicate that,“theareaoffshoreofGuyana has a very low risk of exposure to seismic events; therefore, the Project is considered to have a negligible potential to result in seismic risk Guyana is naturally buffered from the effects of a

potential tsunami originating at most of the known seismically activezonesintheregion,evenin the extremely unlikely event that suchaneventoccurred ”

According to the EIA conducted by ExxonMobil, the Whiptail Project’s drilling activities would not have a reasonable potential to affect seismic stability at the areas identified in the region as the nearest areas having an elevated seismicriskareapproximately294 kilometers away from the ProductionDevelopmentArea.

The EPA however contends definitely the EIA for ExxonMobil’s 6th oil project (Whiptail Development Project) doesnotindicateanylinkbetween the proposed project’s activities andTsunamis.

It insists that Tsunamis are natural events resulting from undersea earthquakes caused by movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates.

However, the environmental body does concede that the EIA informs that the likelihood of natural events such as tsunamis impacting the Development Projectisminimal.

According to the EIA, “The Project has very low potential to affect seismic risk—the risk of earthquakes,submarinelandslides, tsunamis, and other natural events relatedtomovementsintheearth’s crust.”

Asection of the EIAwhich speaks to the potential risk of a tsunami.

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Millions coming in, millions going out

Millionsuponmillionsoftaxpayers’dollarsareshuffled around like monopoly money The millions are spent as if theequivalentofplaymoney,withvisionsofthethrillsthey generate. The Den Amstel Police Station reconstruction is one example of the fun that is being had with the oil money andborrowedmoneyfundingthebudget.

In essence, Guyanese taxpayers incur four slaps on their heads. The first are the schemes behind the national budget allocation mechanism for capital projects and overall infrastructure. Thesecondisthroughthepracticesthathave cast a shadow over the contract award system. The third is how oil money that is taken out makes things possible for friends and family, and the network of agents to provide covers for the inexplicable. And, the fourth slap is the probable misuse of loans, like oil money withdrawn, on which interest must be paid and, in the case of the latter, earningsarelost,andthecomfortofacushionfordistressed timesgone.

Acontractfor$82Mwasapprovedin2022toreconstruct the Den Amstel Police Station in Region Three. Now two years later, the National Procurement and Tender AdministrationBoardhasjustdisclosedthatbidshavebeen submitted for $94M for additional work to fully complete the project. The initial reaction was that there must be an errorintheamountidentified,atypoineitherthedocuments submitted, or somebody’s tongue got tangled up in the announcementitself.

It is unbelievable that a police station building/contract award that started out at $82M now needs $94M more to finish. Foremphasis,itisnot$9.2Mbut$94M. Itisnot1015% more, but the grand figure of 115% more that is being considered to make this Den Amstel police building seaworthy and public ready According to the supporting information, the extra $94M is for infrastructural works. In Guyana, most things that have to do with infrastructural workhavebecomeacontractbonanzaforthewinnersthatis almostashugeastheoffshoreoilpatrimony

If$94Mmoreforworkstilltobedonesoundslikeaoneoff replication of that other long taxpayer hemorrhage, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, there is something that can be said about that belief. Cheddi Jagan must be feeling the fires of hell for what is being done with his name mentioned. To go from $82M for reconstruction to $94M moretocompletefullycanbecomparedtobuildingahouse for a certain amount, only for the fence and drains and concreting the yard cost over a 100% more. This raises severalquestions.

Whoever made the plan for the Den Amstel station rebuild,howcouldanaspectoftheprojectthatissoobvious and so big, as in such a heavy hit on the taxpayers, elude consideration? Was it a case of the required skill and attentiontodetailnotbeingpossessed? Howisitthatnoone who was overseeing the first $82M contract failed to catch the infrastructure deficit? For $94M more to be the figure now being bandied about, does this mean that there was no infrastructure before, and that the old police station may have existed in some cattle yard? Even if such was the reality,howcomeitissomuch,asin$94M? Isitpartofthe Guyanesebiddingculture,wheremillionsmustbebuiltinto what is submitted, so that the people who need to be rememberedandtakencareofareaccommodated?

Inthegeneralprogramofnumerouspublicprojects,and the hundreds of billions allocated in recent years, $94M moreisatrivialamount. Itisonethatmanywouldskipover, not be too concerned over There are bigger and sexier projectswithamountstomatchtogeneratesomeexcitement in the local environment. The concern is that these small amounts add up into what becomes more of a crisis than a problem. With hundreds of contracts to be awarded, it only takesatinypercentageofthemgivingoffthatfamiliarodor, and taxpayers are cheated in the billions. Whether police station or pump station, the insiders and influencers are havingawonderfultime.

Boycott of Guyanese-owned businesses within the diaspora is misguided, self-destructive, and counterproductive

DEAREDITOR, has sparked controversy and Instead of such a call, Instead of fostering division The president of division within the there should be advocacy for through myopic and Guyana’s recent visit to community dialogue, and constructive irrational foolishness, we Brooklyn underscores the It is in this regard I pen engagement as the path must strive to build bridges importance of engaging with this missive to posit that it is toward addressing all that connect us and promote diaspora communities and imperative for fellow grievances, and matters of u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d r e c o g n i z i n g t h e i r Guyanese in the diaspora to interest to respective collaboration. contributions to national rejectsuchaboycott. communities, and our Boycotting Guyanesedevelopment.

Boycotting Guyanese country, and fostering an owned businesses not only

His visit however has businesses “we own” people agendaforprosperityforall. hurts and undermines the seen some fellow Guyanese in a foreign land is just plain The strength of any economiclivelihoodofthese individuals calling for stupid. How is that going to community lies in its individuals but also boycotts of those Guyanese achieveanythinggood? diversity and unity The perpetuates division and businesses that welcomed

We have hundreds of Guyanese diaspora, animosity within the the President into their foreign-ownedsupermarkets comprising individuals of community establishments This call, popping up in every part of various ethnicities, Boycotting Guyanesepurportedlyaimedatholding Guyana and no Guyanese is backgrounds, and beliefs, ownedbusinessesservesasa President Irfaan Ali’s calling for a boycott of their embodies this diversity that d e t r i m e n t t o administration accountable businesses so why the self- makes us Guyanese, that e n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p , for alleged injustices, hate and intended hurt on makes us unique with the employmentopportunities, discrimination, and abuses, ourselves? potential to be strong.

(Continued on page 6)

Urgent need for National Disaster Centres in Guyana

DEAREDITOR, disasters have only escalated result, response efforts are r e s i l i e n c e i n o u r construction of national and safeguard livelihoods, I am writing to express due to climate change, often fragmented, leading to communities and reduce the disaster centres will thereby fostering a more my deep concern about the posing a grave threat to our delays in providing vulnerability of our contribute to the economic resilient and prosperous urgent need for the communitiesandeconomy assistance to affected population to natural d e v e l o p m e n t a n d society Moreover, the Government of Guyana to In light of these c o m m u n i t i e s B y hazards.

sustainability of our nation. establishment of disaster initiate the construction of escalating risks, it is establishingnationaldisaster Furthermore, national By investing in disaster centres will create job several national disaster imperative that the centres equipped with state- disaster centres will serve as resilience and risk reduction opportunities, stimulate centresacrossthecountry Government takes proactive of-the-art technology and focal points for providing measures, we can protect local economies, and attract As a citizen deeply measures to enhance our trained personnel, we can essential services and critical infrastructure, investment,thereby invested in the safety and disaster preparedness and ensure a more coordinated support to affected preserve natural resources, (Continued on page 6) well-being of our nation, I response capabilities. The and efficient response to p o p u l a t i o n s d u r i n g believe that establishing establishment of national disasters, thereby saving emergencies. These centers these centres is crucial for disaster centres will serve as lives and minimizing will be equipped with mitigating the devastating crucialhubsforcoordinating damage. m e d i c a l f a c i l i t i e s , impacts of natural disasters emergency operations, Moreover, national emergency shelters, food and safeguarding the lives providing shelter and disaster centres will play a and water supplies, and and livelihoods of our assistance to affected vital role in enhancing our communication systems to people. populations, and facilitating capacity for disaster ensure that affected

Guyana, located in the rapid response and recovery preparedness and risk individuals have access to vulnerable zone of the efforts. reduction.Thesecenterswill lifesaving assistance when Caribbean, is no stranger to One of the primary serve as hubs for conducting disaster strikes By prethe destructive forces of reasons for the urgent need riskassessments,developing positioning resources and nature. Over the years, our for national disaster centres contingency plans, and establishing effective nation has experienced its is to centralize and implementing measures to logistics systems, we can fair share of hurricanes, streamline disaster response mitigate the impact of ensure a more timely and floods, and other natural efforts Currently, our disasters. By investing in effective response to calamities, causing immense country lacks a centralised early warning systems, disasters, thereby reducing loss of life and property In system for coordinating public education campaigns, human suffering and recent times, the frequency emergency operations a n d i n f r a s t r u c t u r e promotingrecovery and intensity of these during times of crisis. As a improvements, we can build Additionally, the

Decisive action needs to be taken for GGMC to enforce regulations

Urgent need for National Disaster...

From page 5 disasters,therebyensuringamoresecureand contributing to the overall development of sustainablefutureforgenerationstocome. ournation. I urge the Government of Guyana and

DEAREDITOR, tasked with regulating the troubling Despite its criticalareas. underminesthecredibilityof address the systemic failures I am writing to express miningsectorinourcountry mandate to oversee mining One of the most pressing theagencyanderodespublic plaguing the agency my deep concerns regarding The recent failures of the activities and ensure issues is the evident trust in its ability to regulate Political interference must the troublingperformanceof G G M C t o e n f o r c e c o m p l i a n c e w i t h influence of political the mining industry fairly be eradicated, and the the Guyana Geology and regulations effectively and environmental and safety interests on the GGMC’s andeffectively GGMC must be empowered M i n e s C o m m i s s i o n address breaches within the standards, the GGMC has decision-making processes. Moreover, the GGMC’s tooperateindependentlyand (GGMC), a statutory agency mining industry are deeply been falling short in several It is clear that political inadequate resources and enforce regulations without i n t e r f e r e n c e h a s ineffective monitoring and fearorfavor compromised the agency’s evaluationmechanismshave As concerned citizens, a b i l i t y t o o p e r a t e e x a c e r b a t e d t h e s e we urge the government to i n d e p e n d e n t l y a n d challenges, making it prioritize the restoration of impartially This undue difficult to address emerging the GGMC’s integrity and influence has led to a lack of issues and hold violators effectiveness. Our natural consistent enforcement of accountable. resources are too precious to regulations, resulting in This lack of capacity has be squandered by political widespread non-compliance also contributed to poor interests and regulatory a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l communication with failures It is time for degradation. stakeholders and a failure to decisiveactiontoensurethat

In conclusion, these national disaster Civil Defence Commission to prioritize this centres are not just a matter of convenience criticalinitiativeandtakeimmediateactionto but a matter of necessity for the safety and initiate the construction of national disaster well-being of our nation. By investing in centresacrossthecountry thesecenters,wecanenhanceourcapacityto Sincerely, prepare for, respond to, and recover from Wayne Lyttle

Furthermore, there have a d d r e s s p u b l i c the GGMC fulfills its been alarming instances of dissatisfaction with the mandate to protect our regulatory capture, where agency’sperformance. environment and promote the GGMC appears to It is imperative that the sustainable mining practices prioritize the interests of relevant authorities conduct for the benefit of all certain mining companies or a comprehensive review of Guyanese. individuals over the public the GGMC’s operations and Sincerely, good.Thisblatantfavoritism take immediate action to Marvis C Halliman

Boycott of Guyanese-owned...

From page 4 by any stretch of the we must channel our and economic growth within imagination, a rational or collective energies and the diaspora and in Guyana. constructive approach to resources toward initiatives Many of our countrymen, one’s fellow countrymen on that uplift marginalized women, and our economy account of their actions that communities, promote benefit from remittances may have provoked real or economic development, and receivedfromourdiaspora. contrived offence. Instead, create pathways for social These businesses are we must promote dialogue, mobility often the backbone of local engagement, and peaceful I say again that the call economies, providing activism as means of for a boycott of Guyaneseemployment opportunities, effecting positive change. owned businesses within the goods, and services to the By engaging in open and diaspora is misguided, selfcommunity especially our respectful discourse, we d e s t r u c t i v e , a n d fellow Guyanese, giving create opportunities for counterproductive Instead them a piece of home. By u n d e r s t a n d i n g , of fostering division and supporting these businesses, reconciliation,andprogress. a n i m o s i t y a m o n g s t we contribute to the Moreover, holding ourselves, we must strive to economic prosperity of our President Irfaan Ali’s build bridges that promote fellowGuyaneseandfostera administration accountable unity, dialogue, and sense of collective for alleged injustices collaboration. empowerment. requires a multifaceted As we navigate the M o r e o v e r, M a n y approach that goes beyond complexities of our shared Guyanese-owned businesses boycotting our businesses. It history and collective have overcome numerous necessitates engaging with aspirations, let us remember challenges to establish policymakers, advocating that it is through equitable themselves in their for policy reforms, and distribution of resources and respective services in a supporting grassroots opportunities, bipartisanship foreign land. By patronizing initiatives that address on what is best for Guyana, thesebusinesses,wenotonly systemic issues such as having respect for the rule of support their growth but also discrimination, injustice, law,unity,andsolidarity,that celebrate their achievements inequitable distribution of we can achieve true and contributions to the state contracts, and human prosperityandprogress. community rightsabuses.

Yours respectfully, Guyanese boycotting

Instead of perpetuating Hon. Jermaine Figueira Guyanese businesses is not division through boycotts, MP

ExxonM and broker summoned to court by GRA over inflated US$12.1B invoice

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) and its former broker Ramps L o g i s t i c s G u y a n a Incorporated, have been summoned to court by the Guyana Revenue (GRA) over a US$12 1 billion invoice.

It was recently reported that Exxon and Ramps are facing similar charges over a November 2023 declaration made by Ramps on behalf of ExxontoGRA.Rampsacted as the broker for Exxon's i m p o r t i n g o i l w e l l e q u i p m e n t v a l u e d US$4,467,662, but declared to Customs that the equipment was valued at US$12,192,103,923.91.

This inflated declaration is of significant concern as it couldimpactoilprofitshadit been approved. According to the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA)

Guyana signed with the Exxon-led consortium for the Stabroek Block A provision in the PSA allows Exxon to deduct 75% of the revenues earned towards costrecoveryorrepayingthe investmentsbythecompany The remaining 25% is then shared with Guyana as profit, meaning the country receives 12.5% along with a 2%royalty

According to copies of the summons filed by the Commissioner General of GRA, Mr. Godfrey Statia, both Exxon and Ramps were summonedtoappearincourt in relation with the false declaration made to the RevenueAuthority.

It was stated that Exxon on the 16th day of November, 2023 at Lot 2002 0 1 C a m p S t r e e t , Georgetown, a place in the Georgetown Magisterial District, caused to be made

and subscribed a false declaration to the Revenue Authority, to wit the defendant caused the value declared on invoice n u m b e r I N V

dated on the 16th day of November, 2023 for a quantity of oil well equipment and supplies to b e v a l u e d a t

USD$12,192,103,923 91 Similarly, Ramps' summons stated that on the same date Ramps made an untrue declaration to the Revenue Authority

According to a GRA document, Exxon was informed that during the investigation Ramps submitted a missive to the Revenue Authority stating that it was contracted by Exxon to provide brokerage and freight forward service and attributed the erroneous declaration to information obtained from Exxon's KABALsystem.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that on December 11, 2023, Exxon

Miner chopped by employer after quitting job

A24-year-old miner was on Wednesday chopped by his employer at Toroparu Backdam, Mazaruni River, Region Seven after quitting his job.

The victim has been identified as Indeo Miguel of Karawab, Pomeroon, Region Two.

Reports are that after Miguel indicated that he was leaving the job, his employer was offended and armed himself with a cutlass and allegedly chopped the miner about his belly

The incident reportedly occurred at about 19:00h. Miguel was rushed to the infirmary of a foreign mining company in the said area and was treated by a Medex on duty before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The matter is being investigated by the police.

representatives visited GRA t o a s s i s t w i t h t h e investigation, where enquiries were made in relationtoExxon'sconduct.

Further, In response, Exxon in a letter dated December 13, 2023 claimed that it learned that Ramps, “incorrectlyinputtedUSDas the currency of the commercial invoice on the referenced Customs declaration, in place of GYD; and the error resulted in an overstatement of the value of the items listed on the commercial invoice and consequently on the

C u s t o m s d e c l a r a t i o n submitted by your broker.”

In response to this, the Revenue Authority indicated t h a t E x x o n ' s claims/explanation cannotbedeemedas accepted in law, particularly since a statutory duty is imposed on Exxon to verify and ensure that all information declared to GRAbyitsbrokeristrueand correct.

“In addition, evidence was obtained to prove that the untrue declaration was caused to be made and subscribed to the Revenue Authority by your company

As such, be guided accordingly that this act constitutes a breach of Section 217 (1) (a) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01,” GRA told the

company

Exxon was given an opportunity to show cause why proceedings should not be instituted against them in accordance with the CustomsAct.

Notably, it was stated thatifExxonfailstorespond within 14 days of the letter, the Revenue Authority will be forced to take the necessary action against the company

Additionally, according to another document submitted to the Revenue Authority by Exxon stated, “Wethankyouforyourletter of 18th March, 2024, in which you have invited ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) to show cause why proceedings should not be instituted againstEMGLinaccordance with the provisions of Section 217(1)(a) of the Customs Act Cap. 82:01 in connection with Customs Declaration GY 410 2023 C2612 dated November 16, 2023.”

Exxon response to the Revenue Authority made severalclaims:thatitwasnot the declarant and has not made any false declaration, that the declaration was made by Ramps, that it (Exxon) has not made and subscribed or caused to be made and subscribed any false declaration, that any error made by Ramps was a typographical error which didnotinuretothedetriment of or cause any loss to the Revenue Authority, that to the best of EMGL's knowledge all information that was available to Ramps

Two die after motorcycle crashes into utility pole

Two young men died on Saturday morning after the motorcycle they were traveling on crashed into a utility pole while on the Diamond Public Road, East BankDemerara(EBD).

Dead are Philbert Charles, 24, a truck driver of Lot 5 Fellowship Village, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Chris Daniels, 20, an automechanic of Lot 6 Section C Block 'Y' Golden Grove, ECD.

According to the police, the fatal incident occurred around04:10hrinthevicinity

of DSL Supermarket and involved motorcycle #CN 1649 owned and driven by Charles.

Investigators learned that the motorcycle was heading south along the western drive lane of the Public Road, allegedly at a fast rate when the driver lost control of the motorcycle and collided with a utility pole. Neither the driver nor pillion rider was wearing a helmet at the time oftheincident.

As a result of the collision, both the driver and pillion rider fell onto the roadway,receivinginjuriesto

from the KABAL platform was accurate and any error wasnotcausedbyExxon.

Moreover, the oil company also told GRAthat under its contract, Ramps had an obligation to review and verify all inbound shipping documentation (such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc) and work to ensure that all such documentation was accurate and correct and met customs requirements of the Cooperative Republic of G u y a n a R L G I w a s contractually obligated to review and verify all r e l e v a n t s h i p p i n g i n f o r m a t i o n b e f o r e preparingandsubmittingthe declaration.

“In these circumstances there are no apparent c i r c u m s t a n c e s w h y proceedings ought to be institutedagainstEMGLasa matter of fact or law. EMGL is ready to engage with the Guyana Revenue Authority in the spirit of dialog and cooperation to address any remaining concerns that the Authority may have on this matter,” Exxon further stated.

Additionally, back in 2 0 2 2 G R A ' s L a w E n f o r c e m e n t a n d Investigations Division instituted 10 charges in the Georgetown Magistrates' Court for false declarations madebyRampsLogistics.In April 2023, Ramps in a statement said that it had been cleared of all charges brought by the Revenue Authority

bodies.

Technician was summoned to the scene, and both men were picked up in an unconscious condition and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre for treatment.

Police reported that Charles was pronounced dead on arrival, while Daniels was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. He, however, succumbed to his injuries whilereceivingtreatment.

EMGL's Guyana President, Alistair Routledge Ramps Logistics Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaun Rampersad

Dead: Philbert Charles

The Promise Deferred or Abandoned?

At a recent press the decision-making process instrumentsofoffice,Jagdeo government. to the gas required for the conference Vice within the government. The chose to engage with Jagdeo’s pledge on the gas-to-energy project, or P r e s i d e n t , absence of Cabinet guidance ExxonMobil on such a campaign trail to renegotiate does it encompass all future

Bharrat Jagdeo, prior to such an important crucial matter without the oil contract had gas needs of the country? made a startling revelation. undertaking suggests a awaiting the establishment resonated deeply with The lack of clarity He indicated that days after disregard for the principles ofCabinet.

Guyanese citizens who by surrounding this aspect only the government took office of collective decision- More germane however then were convinced that the adds to the uncertainty and and even before Cabinet had making and serves to is what happened to the

c o u n t r y h a d b e e n skepticism surrounding the been established, he met reinforce the growing promise of renegotiating the shortchanged. There was a government’sactions. While such a briefing may with ExxonMobil and made perception that the Cabinet’s oil contract? Prior to the yearning, and there still is, Jagdeo owes the not fully compensate for the clear that the country would role within the PPPC elections, Jagdeo had forafairerdeal. G u y a n e s e p e o p l e a perceived backtracking on not be paying for the natural administration is being publicly stated that the T h e p r o m i s e o f comprehensive explanation the renegotiation of the oil gas. diminished to that of a mere APNU+AFC had sold the renegotiation must have of his government’s actions. contract, it would signify a

The disclosure made by rubberstamp. country out and that the oil been one of the reasons He must address the glaring positive step towards Jagdeo regarding the early For major decisions c o n t r a c t w o u l d b e contributingtothesuccessof inconsistencies between his improving governance d i s c u s s i o n s w i t h regarding the oil industry to renegotiated. the PPPC’s election campaign promises and his practices concerning the ExxonMobil sheds a glaring be being made without the But no sooner had the campaign However, the early actions in office. He energysector light on the inner workings input or oversight of Cabinet PPPC settled into office, ‘swift about-face’by Jagdeo alsomustprovideassurances The energy sector is too of the PPPC administration. members, calls into question Jagdeo made a U-turn and begsthequestions:Whendid thattheinterestsofthenation crucial for Guyana’s Thefactthatsuchsignificant the nature and effectiveness began to speak about the t h e c o m m i t m e n t t o will be safeguarded in future economic development for decisions regarding the of the government’s sanctity of contracts. The renegotiationevaporate? dealingswithoilcompanies. the PPPPC not to at least country’smostcrucialsector d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g stark contrast between The principle of

During the previous seeking some bipartisan were being made before the framework. Jagdeo’s campaign rhetoric renegotiatingcontractsinthe PPPC’s government attempt consensus in relation to establishment of a Cabinet is It is perplexing that mere andhisearlyactionsinoffice best interest of the nation togarnerOppositionsupport governance and decisiondeeplyconcerning. days after assuming office, raises concerns about the seemed to have been for the Amalia Falls making Therefore, It raises questions about withtheinkbarelydryonthe true intentions of his conveniently abandoned in Hydroelectric Project, a improving the governance favour of embracing the Briefing was arranged for framework to facilitate notion of the sanctity of the then parliamentary bipartisanengagementisone contracts However, this Opposition which then held way for ensuring the best sudden shift in stance the majority in the National decisions in such a critical warrants a thorough Assembly sector explanation from Jagdeo This precedent raises The Guyanese people Whytheshift? pertinentquestionsaboutthe deserve nothing less. The

Dem Boys Seh...

Even Cats’ Collars Aren’t Safe!

Meh heart nearly drop when meh hear children, vanishin’ like dey part of some seh dem thieves nah limit demselves to twistedmagicshow Imaginededistress!De pickin’ pockets and snatching phones no children cryin’dey eyes out, wonderin’why more. Dem nah even spare dem poor lil’ demhadtolosedempuppy animals.Imaginedis,acatwalkin’‘roundde Now, meh know we Guyanese, we corner,proudlysportin’itsshinycollar,only always find a joke even in de darkest times. to find it gone, vanished, like a magician’s Butdisain’tnojoke!Disisdaylightrobbery, trick! literally! Soon, we gon’ have to put alarm

Thefailuretorenegotiate current government’s future of Guyana’s oil the oil contract cannot be commitment to transparency industry and the prosperity dismissed merely as a and inclusivity If the PPPC ofitspeopledependonit. brokenpromise.Itrepresents was willing to engage with (The views expressed in anactofbetrayal. the Opposition in a briefing this article are those of the

The specifics of the deal session regarding a major a u t h o r a n d d o n o t over natural gas need to be energy project, why is there necessarily reflect the scrutinized. What exactly hesitancy to extend the same opinions and beliefs of this does “supplying natural gas courtesy in the case of the n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s for free” entail? Is it limited gas-to-energy project? affiliates.)

So, meh say dis to dem cat-collar

De cat, lookin’ more shocked dan me systems on our pets, fingerprint scanners on whenmehrealizemehdoneforgetmehown dey food bowls, and GPS trackers on dey birthday, wonderin’where de heck its bling tails! gone.

Dis ain’t just ‘bout hard times, it’s ‘bout snatchers and doggy disappearers: Stop de brazenness of dem thieves! Stealin’ cat playin’gameswit’people’shearts!Leavede collars like it’s dey birthright! Dem fellas petsalone! need to take a look in de mirror and ask If yuh wanna steal somethin’, steal demself, “Wha’ meh becomin’? Cat-collar somethin’ useful, like politicians’ promises crooks?” or traffic jams! But lay off de furry friends,

An’denwegotdemfolkstryin’tofindde elsewegon’sicdeneighborhoodwatchcats humor in dis madness, askin’, “Least de cat onyuh! nah cat-napped!” But meh tell yuh, don’t Meh heart goes out to dem families speak too soon! Soon enough, dem thieves missin’ dey beloved pets. Stay strong, might be thinkin’, “Why stop at de collar people, and keep an eye on yuh critters.And whendewholecatupforgrabs?” to dem thieves, watch out! We may laugh at Butdat’sjustdetipofdeiceberg,people. yuh antics today, but tomorrow, we comin’ Wegotreportsofpoodlesdisappearin’faster for yuh with more than just a rolled-up dan yuh can say, “Fetch!” Dem poor newspaper! doggies, beloved companions of our Talk half. Leff half

TRUTHS

GHK LALL

Petroleum Commission – be careful

Many learned Guyanese have made repeated calls for a Petroleum Commission (PC) to come onboard and guide the oil sector forward.

A PC that functions independently would be a great boon to this country When that is the supreme vision-a national boon-then a PC would be the best thing thatcouldhappentowhathas all the hallmarks of an American trillion-dollar prospect. The people are the ones that will make the difference The people before it, the people in it, and the people that watch the people involved in it. When therightpeopleareinplace,I am firmly for a PC that proves itself, gives Guyanese

hope and pride. If not, then the PC in place would be a farce, another joke at the expense of citizens. Now, I proceed to state why I am where I am.People: I start with the ones behind the presenceofaPC. Itisonlyonesuchperson, really, a character with many known components. Locals hunt for the finer ones; more often than not, almost always, they come up empty handed. If the visions of the onewiththesteeringwheelin his hand, foot on the pedal, are for the cleanest and clearest and richest to flow from the oil sector, then there will be a viable PC. One in which Guyanese can place their confidence. He will get

the right Guyanese men and women, those where purity ofpurposeisparamount.

A decision maker of proven integrity would searchtirelesslytodeliverthe proper people for this vital PC. It is my unequivocal positionthatGuyanesedonot have such a person, such an overseer, before (making the decisions for) the formation ofaPCofstature. Iftheydid, they would not have the Public Procurement Commission, as constructed. If they did, there would be a different set of stewards near the Natural Resources Fund. If they had, the Madhia Commission of Inquiry would have done what was right by Guyanese, and not

what accrued to their reputations, now speckled, strained.

In summary, and these three precedents-realities-in Guyanese life confirm what goes into the thinking of those responsible for their existence. Who will do what makes the PPP Government look the best in a bad situation What will be delivered to shield PPP Government leadership and grant its leading performers insulation from public outcry Who will get the job done,anyjobregardlessofits poor quality and derelict nature and have what it takes insidetoabsorbthescornthat follows. Is this not what Guyanese have had, have lived with, have wrung their hands, and cursed at length about? I sum this up: when Machiavellian minds monopolize the creation of the bodies identified, then what results is men with no minds to do what is demanded,expectedofthem. M o r e d e v o t e d fundamentalists are difficult to find. Guyanese get what they get. Just examine the PPC, the NRF itself and how it breathes, and that COI about a dormitory fire involvingascoreoffatalities. If children can be sacrificed at the altar of political and leadershipexpediencies,then

what about a trillion in US moolah?I go deeper, this time focusing more keenly on the men and women that could be appointed to a PC if there is the quality of leadership just traced The foremost consideration is that they be honest and care about personal honor The next is thattheymustbeoftheirown mind, where political patronageorleadershipdebts owed, as interpreted, are of no value,no meaning,and no standing to them. The last is that they must know what they are doing, and to whom their first duty is due. Do we havetheminGuyana? Afew, definitely; many, highly unlikely To be straight and sharp: how many Guyanese of the caliber that is laid out here have been encountered in those selected to represent the people, be for the people, and only for the people? Guyanese have lost on this score more times than they can count, care to remember. On the formation of, and appointment to, the national PC, theoutlookisratherdim, considering what has happened before. What has been the norm is that the watchdogs themselves must be watched, and despite the people watching (and them knowing it), the outcomes of checks and balances, filters,

and screens, have been revelations. How the nation has been shortchanged first, and shafted next How citizenshavebeensetupfora fall, and fall they do. When the people responsible for putting people who think as trickily as them, are as of the same mind as them, then there is only one loser: I steer those who care to the sorry state of Guyanese men and women.

The disillusionment and the dismay that are now p e r v a s i v e n a t i o n a l characteristics.

The calls have been for a national Procurement Commissiontobeinplace. It is a justified one. As to what kind of justice Guyanese would get out of it, that's another story that they will regret. Not may regret but will regret. I am that certain. The works that men do not live after them. They live withthem,definethem.

(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.)

Sunday

6thoilprojectposes Tsunamiriskto Guyana’scoastline

ExxonMobil’sEIA reveals…

An earthquake is generally caused by the shifting of the earth’s tectonic plates and with the

E x x o n M o b i l l e d

consortium’s latest

US$12 7B Whiptail Development Project being located in the vicinity of the fault line close to the South American and Caribbean Plates, the activity poses increased seismic activity that could potentially see Guyana’s coastline being ravagedbyatsunami.

This is documented in the recently approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), that was s u b m i t t e d t o t h e Environmental Protection Agency(EPA).

T h e W h i p t a i l Development Project is locatedsome294kilometers awayfromanareathatposes increased risk of seismic activity at the boundary between the Caribbean and SouthAmericanplates.

The document also outlines that with regards to the Whiptail Development Area “deep-seated faults on the outer shelf, some of which appear to offset the seabed, may indicate a slightly higher risk of seismic activity than has p r e v i o u s l y b e e n considered.”

As such, it was reported that “Guyana could experience tsunamis generated from seismic activity outside Guyana if such activity propagated waves of sufficient magnitude and in the requireddirection.”

According to the document, “major earthquakes frequently occur along the Lesser Antilles subduction zone, where the South American Plate is subducting beneath theCaribbeanPlate.”

TheWhiptailProduction Area,accordingtotheEIAis located approximately 294 kilometers from the boundary between the Caribbean and South American plates and more than 1,050 kilometers from the nearest area of active seismicity (in the vicinity of PuertoRico).

According to Exxon basedonitsstudies,“thereis a2percentchanceinagiven 50-year period that a very

small seismic event (which might not even be perceptible if someone were at the exact location of the event) would occur in the P D A ( P r o d u c t i o n Development Area) Referring to the map, the nearestareaidentifiedonthe map as having an elevated s e i s m i c r i s k i s approximately 294 kilometers away from the PDA, at the boundary between the Caribbean and SouthAmericanplates.”

VPJagdeomanaging oilsectoraloneasGovt. refusestoappoint PetroleumCommission–Opposition

Despite promising to establish an independent commission to manage the country’s oil and gas sector, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has made no move in this direction and has instead allowed a lone individual, accused of bribery and corruption, to control the industry

This is according to Opposition members, Shurwayne Holder and ElsonLow

TheduoduringaLeader of the Opposition press conference on Thursday shared concerns regarding the lack of independent professionals managing the sector, arguing that the country can only obtain maximum benefits through thisbody

Shadow Minister of Natural Resources, Shurwayne Holder explained, “We believe that such a commission should exist to take away the political element to remove politicians from having that direct management of the sector

Rather, we want to see professionals lead it so that we can obtain maximum benefitforthepeopleofthis country.”

T h e M e m b e r o f Parliament pointed out that the subject of a Petroleum Commission is not new, as thePPP/Canditsincumbent General Secretary had championed calls for the establishment of the body while in opposition, but has failedtodosowithjustafew months remaining for their term.

TheParliamentarianisof the view that this key management body has not been established since the rulingparty“believesintotal domination and control ” According to him, “They don’t believe in putting

Reform (PNC/R), the main Opposition party told reporters, “We have made a promise to the nation that when we get government nextyearatthenextregional andgeneralelections,weare going to set up that PetroleumCommission,that isoneofthegoalswesetout withintheoilandgassector.

Meanwhile,Lowpointed out that VP Jagdeo was accused of corruption involvingoilcompanies,ina Vice News documentary; however,heremainsthekey decision-maker for the rapidlydevelopingindustry

“We are concerned that we are seeing such significant, such serious, suchgraveallegationsabout someone paying a bribe for an oil company and at the

bribes in the oil sector and for the planned Amaila hydroproject.

In the 24-minutes documentary, released by Vice News, a New York based under cover reporting agency that exposes corruption by political leaders,Jagdeowasrecorded in his home having a conversation with two Chinese; one was his friend Su and the other, an undercover reporter, Chan, posingasaninvestor

In the recording, Jagdeo was heard saying, “You’ll getthesupport.

Su is my friend; he gets all the support…Su deals with all the agreements. I don’t, I don’t…the thing is that my thing is that I’m in governmentsoIcan,Iassist from government side. That’sit.”

Su then interjected in Mandarin, urging Mr. Chan not to talk about the bribe there but was assured by Su in the foreign language, “Don’tworry,Iwillgivehim [Jagdeo] the money with you.”

Thediscussionshowever tookamoredamningturnas the Chinese duo left the home of the Vice President. In the hidden camera that continuedrecording,Suwas heardtellingthereporterthat the Vice President’s hands are“veryclean”.

He went on to tell Mr Chan, “Other amounts of moneywe’vehandledbefore have been much bigger, like from the oil company The

professionals in certain positions and allowing them to do their jobs. They don’t believe in transparency and accountability and so Bharrat Jagdeo wants to have his claws deeply sunk into the oil industry and control every single aspect ofit.”

He said the Opposition has been pushing for the Commission to be establishedatthelevelofthe National Assembly; however, these calls have fallenondeafears.

Holder, Chairman of the People’s National Congress

same time, no movement towards a petroleum commission that would removetheoilindustryfrom the hands of political interference,”heargued.

Low added, “This to me is troublingand untilwe see an investigation on these allegations (it) should continuetodistresseachand every right-thinking Guyanese.”

Jagdeo’s corruption allegations

Jagdeo was accused by hisfriend,SuZhiRonginan exclusive Vice News documentary of accepting

interviewwithViceNewson February7,2022.

It wasn’t until later that yearthatViceNewsreleased its documentary See link below (The conversation quoted above can be found 14:00 into the video ) https://youtu be/sOOFSJqB YTY

Monday

Govt.signsUS$1M miningcontractwith Canadiangoldcompany

The Government of Guyana(GOG)hassigneda US$1 million mining contract with Canada-based ReunionGoldCorporation.

Theagreement,signedin collaboration with the government and the Guyana

Rick Howes, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Reunion Gold

Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), paves the way for the e x p l o r a t i o n a n d development of the Oko Westgoldproject,locatedin Guyana’s Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

hydroelectric power plant needs tens of millions of dollars. He’ll never admit thathe’sinvolvedinthis.”

InSu’sconversationwith theVicereporter,heclaimed to have brokered among otherdeals,theAmaliaFalls Hydro project reportedly wonthroughthepaymentof amassivebribe.

Vice News reporter, I s o b e l Ye u n g h a d interviewed Jagdeo in February 2022 to question his involvement in corruption and bribe-taking as alleged by his friend. Jagdeolaterupdatedthefull

Under the terms of the Mineral Agreement, Reunion Gold Corporation and its wholly-owned Guyanese subsidiary are granted stable fiscal and operational conditions throughout the project’s lifespan. These conditions align with the prevailing standard terms established by the country, ensuring a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties involved.

Rick Howes, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Reunion Gold, expressed his satisfaction with the milestone, stating, “I am pleased to have executed our Mineral Agreement with the GovernmentofGuyana. This significant milestone marks an important de-risking step towards the development of the Oko West Project and underscores the robust supportextendedbythe

(Continuedonpage13)

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Opposition Spokesman on Oil and Gas, Elson Low and Shadow Minister of Natural Resources, Shurwayne Holder

Afile photo taken on January 5, 2005 of the devastated district of Banda Aceh inAceh province located on Indonesia's Sumatra island in the aftermath of the massive December 26, 2004 tsunami. ChooYoun-Kong/AFP/Getty Images

Frompage12 Government of Guyana towards the project’s development.”

Aspartoftheagreement, the company has committed to prioritising the employmentofqualifiedand suitable Guyanese individuals and to supplement this by i m p l e m e n t i n g a comprehensive training program to develop the additional skills required to facilitate the employment of Guyanese personnel at all levels of operations. This initiative is expected to contribute to the long-term growthandprosperityofthe nation.

Moreover, as part of its c o r p o r a t e s o c i a l responsibility efforts, Reunion Gold will establish a financial support program dedicated to environmental and social projects. With an annual funding of US$1 million, the program will focus on initiatives promoting environmental sustainabilityandaddressing social needs within the surroundingcommunities.

This commitment will startuponcommencementof commercial production or within 24 months from the issuanceofamininglicense, whicheverwouldcomefirst. Reunion stated that all of these initiatives highlight its dedication to sustainable mining development, which minimizes environmental impacts, positively impacts thecommunitiesweworkin and creates lasting benefits forGuyana.

The Company said it is moving forward with development studies to advanceOkoWesttowardsa construction decision As partofthiswork,itexpectsto complete a preliminary economicassessment(PEA) by mid-2024, which will provide an estimate of the key economic parameters of theproject.

Moreover,ReunionGold is actively considering both open-pit and underground mining. The company aims to reach a construction decision by 2025, marking another crucial milestone in its journey toward operational readiness in Guyana’sgoldindustry.

The Canadian mining company has firmly set its eyes on reaching gold production at its Oko West Gold Project by 2027. The company has an estimated 4.2millionouncesofgold.In February 2024, Reunion announced an updated Mineral Resource Estimate

(MRE) containing a total of 4.3Moz.ofgoldinIndicated Resources grading 2.05 g/t and 1.6 M oz. of gold in Inferred Resources grading 2.59 g/t. The February 2024 M R E i n c l u d e s a n underground Resource containing1.1Moz.ofgold at a grade of 3.12 g/t Au in theInferredcategory

This publication had reported that the company’s CEO, during an interview disclosed that they are on a fasttrackedtimelinewithits Oko West project. In 2020, the Company announced a new greenfield gold discovery at its Oko West project and announced its maiden mineral resource in June 2023 after just 22 months of resource definitiondrilling. Since discovery, Howes noted that the resource estimate continues to grow, and that the deposit offers ample scale to underpin a meaningful mining operation. Last June, the company announced its maiden resource estimate of 2.5millionouncesofgold.

Sevencountriesnowfully poweredbyrenewables …butJagdeoclaimssame cannotbedoneinGuyana

The Government of Guyana (GoG) is adamant that renewable energy cannot be used to supply stable electricity for the country; however seven states are now using these sources to supply nearly all oftheirelectricityneeds.

A recent report by the ‘Independent’ highlighted that the countries, Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, Paraguay, Iceland, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo produced more than 99 7 per cent of the electricity they consumed

Nearly 50 countries now generate more than 50% of their electricity from renewable energy sources (The Independent)

using geothermal, hydro, solarorwindpower

As the global transition to net zero picks up pace to slowthenegativeimpactsof climate change, more countries are incorporating the use of renewable energy toreduceharmfulemissions.

D a t a f r o m t h e InternationalEnergyAgency (IEA) and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) revealed that a further 40 countries generatedatleast50percent of the electricity they consumed from renewable energy technologies in 2021 and 2022 – including 11 Europeancountries.

ProfessorMarkJacobson of Stanford University was quoted by the Independent saying, “We don’t need miracle technologies we need to stop emissions by electrifying everything and providingtheelectricitywith Wind, Water and Solar (WWS), which includes onshore wind, solar photovoltaics, concentrated solar power, geothermal e l e c t r i c i t y, s m a l l hydroelectricity, and large hydroelectricity.”

Figures released by the IEAinJanuaryshowthatthe UK generated 41.5 per cent of its electricity from renewablesourcesin2022–up 10.5 per cent from the yearbefore.

In Scotland, renewable energy technologies generated the equivalent of 113 percent of the country’s overall electricity consumptionin2022.

“These record-breaking figuresareamajormilestone onScotland’sjourneytonetzero, clearly demonstrating the enormous potential of our world-class renewable energy resources,” Claire Mack, chief executive of ScottishRenewables,saidat thetime.

While Scotland’s electricity generation was dominated by wind power, researcherspredictthatsolar willcometodominateglobal electricity supplies over the comingdecades.

T h e r e h a s b e e n significantprogressinrecent years with improving efficiency rates for solar cells, primarily boosted by the so-called ‘miracle material’perovskite.

Commercial costs have also fallen, which led scientistsattheUniversityof Exeter and University CollegeLondontoclaimlast year that solar energy has reached an “irreversible tippingpoint”thatwillseeit become the world’s main sourceofenergyby2050.

Their 2023 paper, published in the journal Nature Communications, foundthattechnologicaland economic advances meant thetransitiontocleanenergy is not just reachable, but inevitable.

While countries around the world transition to renewable energy, Guyana has taken a different approach and said it would provide the electricity needed through the use of naturalgas-acleanerfuelin comparison to the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) presently used to generate the country’selectricalneeds.

The Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project is likely to cost the country over US$2B,withthethreemajor components, the pipeline, Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and power plant current pegged at US$1.7B. There are also plans to upgrade the transmission anddistributionnetworkand buildanewcontrolcenter Stakeholders previously shared concerns about the

cost of the project and its potential to deliver more affordable and stable power for the country In fact the government had faced criticisms for failing to conduct a thorough feasibility study on the project, evaluating or comparing the use of gas to other renewable options suchassolar Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has however dismissed the possibility of solar as a base load supply for the country, arguing that it would not be stable without the use of batteries which would then prove uneconomical.Therewasno independent study done to confirm theVice President’s assertion, even as reports indicate that solar power is now cheaper than other sourcesofenergy,especially gas.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in a 2022 Report titled: “Uncertain Times, Unsettled Lives: Shaping ourFutureinaTransforming World”, revealed that power generationthroughsolarhas become far cheaper than whichisbeingreported.

In the document which was released on September 8, the organisation explained, “Contrary to the projected average annual costreductionof2.6percent between 2010 and 2020, solar photovoltaics costs declinedby15percentayear overthesameperiod.”

Thismeansthattheprice of electricity from solar declined by 89 percent in these 10 years. Read more h e r e : https://wwwkaieteurnewso nline.com/2022/09/11/solarpower-supply-costsdeclined-by-15-yearlybetween-2010-and-2020undp-2022-report/

Tuesday

Oilspillprovisionsin6th projectspelldoomsdayfor Guyana–Ramjattan

TheAllianceForChange (AFC) is warning of a doomsday that awaits this country as the Government of Guyana (GoG) continues to make strategic moves against full protection from oilspillcosts.

ExxonMobil, the operatorofGuyana’sprolific Stabroek Block was granted a Permit for a sixth deepwater development, Whiptail, on April 10, 2024 which includes a provision that will force Guyanese to fight for compensation from aspillintheCourts.

The Whiptail Permit makes it clear that the insurance and financial assurance provided by Exxonshallbe“guidedbyan estimate of the sum of the reasonably credible costs, expenses, and liabilities that mayarisefromanybreachof

theActandthisPermit.”This meansthattheassurancewill not be a signed “unlimited guarantee” but will be capped at a specific sum. Section14.3ofthedocument goes on to note, “Liabilities are considered to include costs associated with responding to an incident, clean-up and remediation and monitoring Such cumulative amount required is not expected to include costs which may be a s s o c i a t e d w i t h compensation for loss and ongoing damage to other parties,andwhichareableto be pursued through civil proceedings.”

Former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams believes the inclusionofthisclauseinthe Permit is part of a grand schemebythegovernmentto overturnarulingbytheHigh

(Continuedonpage14)

Leader of theAFC, Khemraj Ramjattan

Dr Adams, a Petroleum andEnvironmentalEngineer during an AFC press conference last week reasoned, “There should be no limit. You can’t tell me that a company is gonna come in here and make hundreds of billions of dollars and if they get an oil spill, they could walk away free.Nowyoutellmeifthat isreasonable.”

He continued, “You (government) talking about the reasonable and credible (cost) and whatever words they (Exxon) want to use. Youwanttotellmethatthey comeheretoexploitustoget richoffourpatrimonyandif an oil spill occurs, they are not wanting to commit and the government is agreeing with them. That’s the most egregious and disloyal thing thatanybody,anyreasonable personcouldsee.”

The former EPA head thereforepointedoutthathe believes the clause in the Whiptail Permit will be insertedintothenewoilspill legislation presently being drafted by the GoG to overturn the Court’s ruling for an unlimited parent companyguarantee.

Dr Adams was keen to note that Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall previously hintedthatoilspillcoverage should be determined by government rather than the courts when international lawyer, Melinda Janki argued otherwise in an extensive missive to this newspaper

Doomsday

Meanwhile,Attorney-atLawandLeaderoftheAFC, Khemraj Ramjattan explained that the lack of an unlimited parent company guarantee can spell doomsdayforthecitizensof thiscountryintheeventofan oil spill, since the government has made it mandatoryforcompensation to be sought through the Courts.

The Lawyer explained, “when you put in that citizenshavetherighttoseek compensation…citizenswill come up against a powerful company when they are seekingcompensationandto (put) a small meagre unit called citizens against a transnational corporation called ExxonMobil to seek compensation is but a strategyliterallyreallytonot grantit.”

Ramjattan argued that government should have

instead made it clear that an unlimited parent company guarantee is required to cover all damages including compensation to citizens since the public will now be leftatthemercyofalimited liabilitycompany

“When you say that the citizenshavetherighttoseek compensation, where will they go and seek the compensationfrom?Itisthe local company which does not have any assets so it is pitiful thing that they are nowpropagandizingthatthe citizens got the right. It wouldbearightwithoutany remedy quite frankly,” he pointedout.

Notably, Dr Adams h i g h l i g h t e d t h a t multinational companies such as Exxon would establish limited liability companiessuchasEMGLto insulate the parent company from any liabilities. This therefore means that the country would only be able t o s e e k l i m i t e d compensation from the company

HowExxonMobilfought against compensating citizensafteranoilspill

On March 24, 1989, an oil tanker owned by ExxonMobil Corporation and dubbed the “Exxon Valdez” ran aground in a body of water in the Gulf of Alaska. It was heading to LongBeach,Californiawith over50millionbarrelsofoil but had hit a well-known navigation hazard in Alaska’swaters.

The impact of the collisiontoreopentheship’s hull, causing some 11 million gallons of crude oil to spill into the ecologically sensitive location. The state of Alaska had sued Exxon overthespill,andthefederal government indicted the company for violating the Clean Water Act. The oil company was forced to dish out US$1 billion in settlements to the state and federal governments, and US$300millioninvoluntary settlements with private parties.

A lawsuit was also filed against ExxonMobil on behalf of more than 32,000 fishermen, native Alaskans andlandowners,resultingin an award of US$5 billion in punitive damages. Exxon’s fullstrengthinthecourtswas demonstrated here. In 2008, it appealed the case and got the judgment reduced to $507.5million.(Seelinkfor

FormerAuditor General (AG),Anand Goolsarran and Social Media Commentator, Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as “Guyanese Critic”

spill/2017/03/14/d131b630-

f 8 7 6 - 1 1 e 6 - 9 8 4 5576c69081518 storyhtml)

Importantly, the case would drag out for 26 years, showing just how tedious a n d e x p e n s i v e environmentallitigationis.

Read more about the s t o r y h e r e : https://wwwkaieteurnewso nline com/2023/02/22/exxo n-beat-down-us5b-courtjudgment-for-fishermennatives-landowners-tous507m/

CabinetandNPTABare accountableforapproving $865Mpumpstation contractto‘Guyanese Critic’–FormerAuditor GeneralAnand Goolsarran

Former Auditor General (AG),AnandGoolsarranhas noted that given their oversight role, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), and Cabinet should both be held accountable for overlooking evaluation breaches in the $865 million pump station contract.

The contract handed to Tepui, the company closely linked to social media personality, ‘Guyanese Critic’was the subject of an investigation by Public Procurement Commission (PPC) over the past six months.

Goolsarran’s comments come days after Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo at a press conference, blamed the evaluation team for the procurementbreachesfound in the handing out of a $865M pump station contract to Tepui. However, Goolsarran in his column ‘Accountability Watch,’ published in the Stabroek News on Monday pointed out that while the blame is

approving the company’s bid, both NPTAB and

procurementprocedures.

“That apart,” the former Auditor General noted that “Section 51 (1) requires Cabinet and the PPC to review annually the cabinet’sthresholdovertime so as to promote the goal of progressively phasing out theCabinetinvolvementand decentralising the procurementprocess.”

“[However] after almost eight years since the PPC became operationalised, there is no evidence of any caution taken to implement thisrequirement.”

Cabinet also hold similar functions.

He pointed out too that the procuring entity- the National Drainage and IrrigationAuthority (NDIA) turned a blind eye to the breaches of the company In his review on the report by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), the former AG pointed out that while the PPC made 13 recommendations as a form ofremedialaction,however, therewasnomentionofany recommendation as regard sanctions being imposed on member if the evaluation committeefortheirfailureto adheretotherequirementsof documents relating to bidders’experience.

Goolsarran questioned NPTAB’sroleintheprocess of approving the bid. “And what of NPTAB, which is responsible for exercising jurisdiction over tenders the valueofwhichexceedssuch an amount prescribed by regulations, appointing a pool of evaluators for such period as it may determine and maintaining efficient record keeping and quality assurancesystems?”

Goolsarran continued “SurelyNPTABisnotapost office accepting evaluation reports without examining them to ensure that all the laid requirements have been f o l l o w e d a n d t h e determination as to the lowest evaluated bids can standthetestofindependent scrutiny” He added that “This is especially so, considering that NPTAB is required to prepare a streamlined tender evaluation report to cabinet to enable it to issue its no objection to the proposed award.”

As it regards Cabinet, Goolsarran noted that Section 54 (2) requires Cabinet to object to the award of the procurement contract if it determines that theprocuringentityfailedto comply with applicable

Additionally, the former AG said that the procuring entity NDIA also failed to object to evaluation given thebreaches.“BySection39 (3) if the procuring entity does not agree with the evaluation committee determination as to the lowest evaluated bid requiredtoissueanadvisory recommendation to the evaluation committee regarding which bidder should be the lowest evaluated bidder which recommendation the evaluation committee must observe.”

Jagdeo at his press conference while noting the report by the PPC said that the entity did not recommend the cancellation ofthecontract.

The VP responded, “It didn’t say breach, however, itpointedouttheapplication for evaluation criteria; an evaluationcriterionthatwas outlined in the bid that there was not a perfect kind of application or in this bid’s case,theevaluationcriteria.”

Jagdeothensoughttodefend the awarding of the contract toTepuibysayingmostofit was transparent and that the findings show that there is a functioning PPC under his government than was under thepastadministration.

“Onethingwasclearand that is there was a public tenderforallofthe19pump stationsthatwerebeingbuilt across the country including the one under review by the PPC,” Jagdeo said before adding “that an evaluation committee consistent with the Public Procurement Act was established. It was a multi-agency evaluation Committee”.

“So I asked who the evaluators were today and theysentmethisdocument,” he continued before naming the evaluators “The evaluators were Randy Beckles, he was the coordinatorfortheparticular project and he is the procurementofficerfromthe

GNBS (Guyana National Bureau of Standards), Miss Shabbana Omar, a civil engineer at the BNTF, Ministry of Finance and Mr LarryKarrelattheASDU(a unit at the Ministry of Agriculture).Thesewerethe three evaluators so they completed their evaluation report and then the report wassenttoNPTABandthen itwenttotheCabinetforano objection,” Jagdeo said. He alsotoldthemediathatwhile it is good that it focuses on the transparency of the handing out of contracts, it must also shed light on the implementation and completionofprojectsbyhis government along with the benefits it brings to the populaceofGuyana.

Wednesday

Guyanalosingmorethan whatit’sgainingwithout renegotiationofoil contract–Ramjattan

Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) party, Khemraj Ramjattan has reiterated the need for the lopsided oil contract with ExxonMobil and partners to be renegotiated, noting that failure to do so will see Guyanalosingmorethanitis gaining.

Leader of theAFC, Khemraj Ramjattan

The former Minister of Public Security told reporters during his party’s weekly press conference on Fridaylastthatthecountryis losing more by refusing to renegotiatethecontractthan it has gained through the enactment of the Local Content Law for instance. It wasreportedthatsince2015, ExxonMobil has only spent some US$1 5 billion in contracts procured from Guyanesesuppliers.

ThePeople’sProgressive Party Civic (PPP/C) had promised to renegotiate the oilcontractandengagealloil andgascompaniesforbetter

(Continuedonpage52)

Frompage13 Courtforanunlimitedparent companyguarantee.

Consider domino effect of billions being lost from gold fields

…could have ended blackouts, doubled public servants’ salaries - Glen

Guyanese leaders continue to allow foreign investors into the country and provide them with substantialconcessionsonly for them to turn around and flip it for a profit, even before making any substantial investments, Publisher of Kaieteur News Dr GlennLallsaidrecently

Lall was responding to recent statements by MinisterwithResponsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh.Dr SinghataPrivate Sector Commission (PSC) function announced that the bringing on board of three n e w g o l d m i n i n g operations–largerthanOmai gold mines–and called on stakeholders“toconsiderthe dominoeffects”.

“You know how significant Omai was, contemplate for a moment t h r e e l a rg e s c a l e developments, each of which is larger than Omai, consider for a moment that each one of these would probablybeemployingmore than1,000persons,consider the food and other supplies they will need, the transport services, the construction services, the equipment supplyservicesandallofthe multiplierbenefitsthatthree large scale gold mining operationsinGuyana,”(will have)hesaid.

However, considering Dr Singh’s statements, Lall rhetorically asked his radio andsocialmediaaudienceto consider the effects of not only the lost resources but the billions more to be extracted.

Lall was at the time referencing the sale of two largegoldconcessionstothe tune of almost US$1B and proposed that, the foregone revenue could have alleviated many of the woes presentlyfacingthenation.

“Consider the domino effect and multiplying benefits of not only what they have walked out with from that two sale, but how much more US billions the peoplethatbuyin,willwalk out with in years to come,” hesaid.

According to Lall, “that money could not only end blackouts and that stink water ayuh drinking people, butitcouldgiveeveryhome free electricity and water; that money can double all

the public servants’ salaries fortwoyears.”

With this in mind, the activistposits“weareatthe most dangerous place ever, inthehistoryofthisGuyana with these sellouts, con artists, scamps, swindlers, rogues,misfits,incompetent or corrupt Politicians, you chose which category you wanttoputthemin.”

Qualifying his position further Lall said, “59 years we been suffering from this plague of blackouts created by the PNC (Peoples National Congress) and the PPP (People’s Progressive Party), in which there is no cure in sight,” and again questioned, “I don’t know when you people will wake up in this country, or what willittakeforyoutogetout ofthatdeepsleepayuhin. I reallydon’tknow.”

He described the status quo as akin to every Guyanese sitting with a winning lottery ticket in hands, valued millions of US$, “and look how ayuh living, hand to mouth, in blackouts, stink water coming from the pipes year after year, and ayuh still silent, running behind these parasites parading themselves as politicians who, every day selling out ayuh, to one foreigner after another, and then begging fuhloans.”

In light of the situation, he also proffered “just imagine the figures… the threelargestgoldcompanies will walk out with in the yearstocome.”

This publication had on Thursdaylastpublishedthat days after disclosing the signing of a US$1 million MineralAgreementwiththe Government of Guyana (GoG), Canada-based mining company Reunion G o l d C o r p o r a t i o n announced that it sold 57% shares of its Guyana gold project for some US$638 million(C$875million).

On April 18, Reunion announcedthesigningofan agreement with government andtheGuyanaGeologyand Mines Commission (GGMC), which paves the way for the exploration and development of the Oko West gold project located in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Guyana. Under the terms of the Mineral

Agreement,ReunionGoldis granted stable fiscal and operational conditions throughout the project’s lifespan.

In December last this

n Lall

publication had also reported that G2 Goldfields Inc , a Canadian-based company, disclosed an agreement with AngloGold Ashanti(AGA),aUS-based firm, to finalize a strategic investment deal. AGA has committed to purchasing an 11.7 percent stake in G2’s Guyana mining project for CDN$22,050,000.

Publisher of Kaieteur News, Dr. Glenn Lall

Melicia Partab-A lli

Theglamourousandmultifaceted MeliciaPartab-Alliisacreativemarketingprofessional inGuyanaandthediaspora.Thisweek’sbeautyisamomtrepreneur whospecializesinbeauty,fashionandentertainment.Amongher accomplishments,MeliciaistheproudownerofEyeCandyShoppe. Sheisalsoa wifeandfemaleempowermentadvocatewhourgeswomentotakeupandcreatemore spacestothrive.Givenherknackforfemaleempowerment,MeliciaalsoservesasVice PresidentofMiss/Mrs/Teen/Mr.IndiaGuyanapageants.SheisaTVPresenterandProducerof BollywoodHitsonNCN,CreativeDirectorofNachleProductions,FashionDesignerandStylistof NachleDesigner. Today,thisboldbeautyremindsusofthegentlewordsofMotherTeressa“Ialone cannotchangetheworld,butIcancastastoneacrossthewaterstocreatemanyripples.”

Photography:@pics.by.pi/PetalInshan|Hair:Miguel’sBeautyCreation/MiguelRamS Makeup:MeliciaPartab-Alli

Country Profile Hungary

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Spanning 93,030 square kilometres (35,920 sq mi) of the Carpathian Basin, it is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast,Serbiatothesouth,Croatiaand Slovenia to the southwest, and Austria to the west. Hungary has a population of 9.6 million, mostly ethnic Hungarians and a significant Romani minority Hungarian is the official language, and Budapest is thecountry’scapitalandlargestcity

Prior to the foundation of the Hungarianstate,variouspeoplessettledin theterritoryofpresent-dayHungary,most notably the Celts, Romans, Huns, Germanic peoples, Avars and Slavs. The Principality of Hungary was established in the late 9th century by Álmos and his

14th-15th century After a long period of son Árpád through the conquest of the Ottoman wars, Hungary’s forces were Carpathian Basin King Stephen I defeated at the Battle of Mohács and its ascended the throne in 1000, converting capital was captured in 1541, opening his realm to a Christian kingdom. The roughly a 150 years long period when the medieval Kingdom of Hungary was a country was divided into three parts: Europeanpower,reachingitsheightinthe

Royal Hungary loyal to the Habsburgs, part of the Carpathian Basin, which Ottoman Hungary and the largely includes today’s west of Hungary, was independent Principality of Transylvania. recognised by emperor Augustus in the The reunited Hungary came under Res Gestae Divi Augusti as part of the Habsburg rule at the turn of the 18th Roman Empire. The area south-east of century,fightingawarofindependencein Pannonia was organised as the Roman 1703–1711, and a war of independence in province Moesia in 6 BC.[An area east of 1848–1849 until a compromise allowed the river Tisza became the Roman the formation of the Austro-Hungarian province of Dacia in 106 AD, which Monarchyin1867,amajorpowerintothe included today’s east Hungary It early 20th century Austria-Hungary remained under Roman rule until 271. collapsed after World War I, and the From 235, the Roman Empire went subsequent Treaty of Trianon in 1920 throughtroubledtimes,causedbyrevolts, established Hungary’s current borders, rivalry and rapid succession of emperors. resultinginthelossof71%ofitshistorical The Western Roman Empire collapsed in territory, 58% of its population, and 32% the 5th century under the stress of the ofitsethnicHungarians. migrationofGermanictribesandCarpian HISTORY pressure.

The Roman Empire conquered the

This period brought many invaders territory between the Alps and the area into Central Europe, beginning with the west of the Danube River from 16 to 15 HunnicEmpire(c. 370–469) BC, the Danube being the frontier of the ThemostpowerfulruleroftheHunnic empire. In 14 BC, Pannonia, the western

(Continued on page 37)

Coat of Arms of Hungary

Fisherman’s Bastion

Gellért Thermal Bath Hungarian foods.

Catherineville

The sign at the beginning of the village.

Some of the snacks available at the snackette.

ByAnasa Williams History

This area was once a plantation

The Waterfalls has spent quite as well and after its purchase it some time in the Berbice areas, so served as a home for freed slaves. this week we headed to a village on The areas was inhabited sparsely the outskirts of the Mahaicony for much of the earlier days and DistrictintheCountyofDemerara. sported dense foliage and lots of Quite often mistaken as a part of its cattle. Farming has always been an sister village Calcutta, integral part of Catherineville and Catherineville, or Catherine as it’s as time progressed other person commonly known, is a little village inhabitedthearea. tucked away in the county of

The lands were owned by Demerara. certain families like the Maisons,

As it is with most countryside the Williams and the Inniss but communities, peace and quiet are outsiders joined the area, lands characteristics that this gem holds. weresoldtothemandinsomecases The community has approximately leased to erect their homes and 250-300 households and its businesses. residents are mostly of African Present Day descent.

Present day, Catherine looks

The Waterfalls visited on a nothing like the stories told of its Saturday and though there wasn’t olden days. The residents have a much activity since most persons strong religious convictions and were either at church or still asleep those who aren’t Seventh Day afteralongnightatoneofthemany Adventists, attend the Catherine bars scattered throughout the Ville Methodist Church in neighboring villages A trek Sundays. through the village gives a sense of Passing by the church and nostalgiaasitsfamiliarterritory stopping to snap a quick

photographyoucangetaclearview

church. The bell tower also served of the bell tower A kind villager another grim purpose. If a villager explained that back in the day and passedaway,thisbellwasrung,but up until a few years ago when the the sound coming out can be last ends of the frayed rope rotted described as somber and haunting. away, this bell was used to send Therewasadistinctioninthesound messages. ofthebelloneachoccasion.

If there was a meeting it was A little distance away from the rung and folks would gather at the church was a snackette and a square of the church yard to hear grocery store. The grocery store what needed to be said. It was also wasclosedsinceitwastheSabbath used to usher newlyweds out of the

(Continued on page 40)

The Catherine Ville Methodist Church

A section of the village.

The Blue Dolphin Disco

Heather Wilson’s General Store

EXERCISING SAFETY - STANDARDS AVAILABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ROAD USER HELMETS

One of the most (TC10) – Personal Safety, certified safety helmets and in compliance, road users’ promoting occupational standards and regulations. i m p o r t a n t Protective Clothing and the potential risks associated helmets that meet the safety and health in a rapidly Together, we can build a f a c t o r s o f Equipment to ensure the with non-compliance As requirementsarereleasedfor evolvingworld. c u l t u r e o f s a f e t y

Occupational quality and performance of such, interested employers sale. The monitoring of B y a d h e r i n g t o consciousness and ensure SafetyandHealthisPersonal these helmets, thereby are urged to ensure helmets these protective helmets by e s t a b l i s h e d S a f e t y the well-being of every Protective Equipment (PPE) safeguarding the lives of in use on their worksites the GNBS provides road Standards, businesses can worker in Guyana’s which includes gloves, workers. conform to the requirements users with the assurance of mitigate risks, protect workforce. helmets, safety boots and The National Standard oftheGYS563Standard. qualityandeffectiveness. workers’ well-being, and For more information, otheritems. specifies physical and M e a n w h i l e , w i t h In light of the theme for c r e a t e s a f e r w o r k contact the GNBS on

As we continue to performance requirements, motorcycles being a OSH Month this year, environmentsforall. telephone numbers: 219observeOccupationalSafety methods of testing and c o m m o n m o d e o f “Ensuring Safe and Healthy The GNBS urges 0064-66 or WhatsApp: 692and Health (OSH) Month marking requirements for transportationinGuyanaand Work Now in a Changing employers and workers alike 4627. You can also visit the 2024, the Guyana National industrial safety helmets head injuries ranking among Climate, ” the GNBS to prioritize safety by G N B S w e b s i t e : BureauofStandardsturnsits Additionally, the standard the leading causes of reaffirms its commitment to adhering to established www.gnbsgy.org focus on the National encompasses various fatalities and severe injuries Standard – GYS 563:2020 – criteria, including impact in road accidents, the GNBS Requirements for Industrial resistance, stability, and monitors Road Safety Safety Helmets This retention systems. Helmets helmets in accordance with standardwasdevelopedwith that meet these criteria the National Standard GYS the primary intention on undergo rigorous testing to 9-17:2004 “labelling of protecting workers from ensurecompliance. commodities – Part 17: headinjuries.

During OSH Month, the Labelling of protective Industrial safety helmets GNBS is actively creating helmets for road users.” A serve as a crucial line of awareness and promoting comprehensive monitoring defenceagainstheadinjuries adherence to this and other and inspection regime is i n t h e w o r k p l a c e , related standards among employed by the Product particularly in high-risk employees, workers, and Compliance Department of sectors such as construction, other industry stakeholders. the GNBS to ensure that manufacturing, and mining. Through social media posts, RoadSafetyhelmetsusedby R e c o g n i s i n g t h e i r awareness sessions, and motorcyclists and other road significance, this National articles, the Bureau aims to users meet the specified Standard was developed by educate the workforce about requirementspriortosale. the Technical Committee the importance of wearing Oncetheyarefoundtobe

HAITI

IS A CLOSE AND RESPECTED BROTHER TO EVERY CARIBBEAN TERRITORY AND WE

REJOICE AT ITS EMERGENCE FROM ITS

PRESENT CRISES

PAT DIAL century, it supplied Europe succeeded in having a syndrome. closed. Haitiwasinchaos. Transitional Presidential withmostofitssugar. cordon sanitaire around Criminal gangs have C A R I C O M , U N Council and stands ready to In the Anglophone The planter class were H a i t i . I n s u c h alwaysbeenapartofHaitian Secretary General Guterres supportthemandtheHaitian Caribbean,especiallyamong rich and many of them were circumstances,Haitifellinto life but they were always and Haitian counterparts, people in their efforts to put younger people, Haiti is cultured and its system of a tailspin of decline which smallandneverimpingedon especially the latter, have Haiti back on the road to regarded as a country which slaverywasnotasharshasin weseetoday the mainstream of Haitian established the Presidential c o n s t i t u t i o n a l a n d h a p p e n s t o b e other parts of the Caribbean. Itshouldbeobservedthat life. In February, however, Transitional Council (CPT) democratic legitimacy, geographically in the West Indeed, many plantations up to the 19th century both after the assassination of which will put in place stability and sovereignty and Indies but which is very wereownedbyMulattoes. the Spanish and English- President of Jovenal Moise transitional governance to ensure the proper d i f f e r e n t f r o m t h e Haiti’s decline began speaking Caribbean the gangs grew in number arrangements and have functioning of the State’s Anglophones. with the Haitian Revolution. regarded Haiti as a brother and size and purported to appointed an interim Prime institutions”. Indeed, the stereotype of In the 1790’s the slaves in Caribbeancountryandthisis attach a political agenda to Minister and a Provisional It is expected that by the Haiti is an adoption of the Haiti rebelled and were able manifested when the French their aims and by March, ElectoralCouncil. end of 2025 almost full NorthAmerican, that is, it is to successfully defeat the planter class left Haiti after 2024 they were in control of They will urgently normalcy would have the most impoverished French administration and the Revolution and settled in 80% of the capital Port-au- address the security returned to Haiti and the country in the world with a established the second various Caribbean countries Prince. They opened the situation, the population’s country would have been semi-barbarous population Independent state in the where they were welcomed jails, burnt the pharmacies, access to food, water and abletoembarkuponthepath whose religion is witchcraft Americas after the United and integrated. In Trinidad, terrorized hospital staff, and medical services and ensure of social, economic and with a slight overlay of States. for example, French Creoles prevented the movement of that children can return to political development Catholicism and which has The Revolution was led becameanimportantclassin food causing famine among school. By this positive There is now more optimism never had a stable and non- by talented leaders such as every field of endeavour - In millions with children involvement in Haiti, of this new beginning corrupt government and Toussaint L’Overture and business, in the Arts and suffering the most. All CARICOM countries have coming to fruition since administration. Petion. France, the defeated e v e n i n P o l i t i c s essential services had drawn closer to Haiti and othercountriesareinterested This stereotype belongs colonial power, took CARICOM, led by Guyana, collapsed and the Prime now truly feel it to be part of and committed to supporting to the latter half of the 19th whatever measures it could isreestablishingthatsenseof Minister Ariel Henry who the Caribbean fraternity Haitiandamongthemarethe and 20th centuries since, to destabilize the new brotherhood and this is seen had gone to Kenya in This is emphasized in CARICOM territories before that time, Haiti was republic both economically in the part CARICOM is connection with having a C A R I C O M ’ s f i n a l Guyana, for example, may regarded as the richest andpolitically,preventedthe playing in endeavouring to Kenyan Peacekeeping Force statement: “CARICOM is beabletoprojectelementsof European colony in the e x p o r t o f H a i t i a n help Haiti emerge from its was stranded in Puerto Rico

r e m i n d e d o f t h e its Agricultural Revolution world and in the 18th agricultural products and present “failed state” because the airports were commitments made by the toupliftHaitianagriculture.

InterestingCreatures... Nudibranch Sea Slug

With over 3,000 different species on record, the nudibranch is an extremely versatile kind of sea slug. Nudibranchs belong to the order Nudibranchia, a group of soft-bodied marine gastropod molluscs that shed their shells aftertheirlarvalstage.

These little guys are found pretty much everywhere, in bothshallowanddeepwaters,fromtheNorthandSouthpoles and into the tropics. There are two distinct kinds: dorid nudibranchs,whicharesmoothwithfeather-likegillsontheir back to help them breathe; and aeolid nudibranchs, which breaththroughadifferentkindoforgan,alsolocatedontheir backs,calledcerata.Becausethetinynudibranchlacksashell, it instead protects itself with bright camouflage, meant as a warningsignal.

Butperhapstheirwildestadaptationofallistheabilityto quite literally swallow, digest, and reuse stinging cells from prey

FLAMBOYANCE

Nudibranchs come in a staggering variety of shapes and sizes.Theyarenotedfortheiroftenextraordinarycoloursand strikingforms,andtheyhavebeengivencolourfulnicknames tomatch,suchas“clown”,“marigold”,“splendid”,“dancer”, “dragon”,and“searabbit

Many accumulate toxic or bad-tasting chemicals from their prey,causingpredatorslikefishandcrabstolearnthattheflashy colorsmeanthenudibranchwouldn’tmakeagoodmeal

Mostareaboutthesizeofhalfofyourlittlefinger,somea bitlarger Someofthemlooklikeseaweed,whileothershavea branchingpatternthatresemblesabird’sfeather

Liketheirfree-swimmingcousins,hydroidshavetentacles armed with stinging cells to catch tiny plankton out of the water Each one of those stinging cells contains a structure called a nematocyst that resembles a microscopic harpoon, tetheredtothetentaclebyalonghollowtube.It’swhatgives jelliestheirsting.

When triggered, stinging nematocysts that coat the surfaceofahydroid’stentaclefiretinyharpoonstocatchprey anddefendfrompredators.

Nudibranchs come in a variety of sizes and colours

Nudibranchs or sea slugs

Raina

Raina Thomas, 18, crowned queen at 2024 Miss Guyana Teen with a purpose pageant

By Shania Williams

In a night filled with elegance, talent, and purpose, Raina Thomas,aged18,emergedastheradiantqueenofthe2024Miss GuyanaTeenwithaPurposepageant Theprestigiousevent,held on April 20th at the Pegasus Savannah Suite, witnessed ten delegates competing head-to-head under the theme “The Metamorphosis butterflies: breaking stereotypes in pageantry, whileshowcasingbeauty,intelligence,andtalent”

The competition unfolded through various segments including costume, talent, evening gown, and question and answer, showcasing the diverse skills and passions of the contestants. Amidst the glitz and glamour, Raina Thomas shone brightly, captivating the audience and judges alike withherexceptionalperformance.

Representingthepoignanttopicoffamilyneglect,Raina Thomas’sjourneytothecrownwasmarkedbyherprofound dedication and creativity In the costume segment, she paid homagetoherhomeland,Guyana,drawinginspirationfrom the national flower, the Victoria Amazonica Lily Her portrayal symbolized Guyana’s resilience and growth, resonatingdeeplywiththeaudience.

It was a night of triumph for Raina as she clinched not onlythecovetedtitleofMissGuyanaTeenwithaPurposebut also garnered accolades for Best Costume and Best Talent. Her stunning attire, meticulously crafted by the renowned designer Roberto Teekah, further underscored her exceptionalgraceandstyle.

Reflecting on her transformative journey, Raina shared, “Although getting ready for this pageant was challenging, I’ve learned perseverance pays off in the end. I’ve become bolder and more confident. I am also proud of myself for beingthereigningMissGuyanaTeenwithaPurpose.”

With her eyes set on the future, Raina Thomas is now poisedtorepresentGuyanaattheprestigious“HaynesSmith CaribbeanTalentedTeen”pageantinSt.KittsthisDecember Beyondcarryingacrown,shecarrieswithheramessageof purposeandinspiration,ignitinghopeinheartsfarandwide.

Continued on page 43

Raina Thomas pays homage to national flower, the Victoria Amazonica Lily

Another outstanding costume piece by one of the delegates of the pageant.

Thomas the new Miss Guyana Teen with a Purpose (centre) flanked by Denesea Freeman 1st Runner-up and Sheneka Peterkin, 2nd Runner-up.

Sean Paul Wins First Latin American Music Award

Niña Bonita, Sean Paul's 2023 collab with Colombian singer Feid, has earned the Dancehall superstar his first LatinAmericanMusicAward.

The song won the award for “Collaboration Crossover OfTheYear”atthe2024Latin AmericanMusicAwardsgala, which was held on Thursday (April 25) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The other songs nominated in thecategorywereDientesbyJ Balvin,Usher,andDJKhaled; El Merengue by Marshmello and Manuel Turizo; Ojala by The Rudeboyz, Maluma and Adam Levine; and Vocation byOzunaandDavidGuetta.

Paul was also nominated for'BestCrossoverArtist,'but losttoMarshmello.

“It feels good,” Sean Paul told DancehallMag. “A lot of times you do somethings outside the norm and you not surewhereitwillleadyoubut youjusthavefaithandstep.”

“Me working within the Latin genre is something I've done from the early stage of my career I remember the early days going to NY and it was evident I had a strong Latin crowd and I did over a song Punkie in Spanish and from there my fan base in that market started to grow,” he added.“I'm always looking to diversify my fan base and to r e c e i v e t h i s acknowledgement is a great

feeling,Hardworkreallypays off.”

In August 2023, Niña Bonita topped the Billboard Latin Airplay Chart, Sean Paul'sfirstsongtodosoinsix years Previously, he accomplished that feat with his 2017 collaboration with Enrique Iglesias, Súbeme La Radio (Turn Up The Radio). Additionally, the song's official video has racked up over 57 million views on YouTube.

Paul's other Latin collaborations include Dem Time Deh with Manuel Turizo, Passion Whine with Farruko, No Me Controles with Rvssian, and Danny Ocean, El Vibe with Farina, andKarmikawithKarolG.

During the gala on Thursday, Ky-Mani Marley joined Farruko during his performance of Rasta Reggae (Jamming), an original song released earlier this year on the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack.

Feid took home a total of six awards, including 'Streaming Artist of the Year', 'CollaborationoftheYear'and 'Global Latin Song of the Year'.Karol G also earned the most wins for the night with six awards, including 'Artist of the Year,' 'Best Urban Artist,' 'Global Latin Artist of the Year,' 'Album of the Year', and'BestUrbanAlbum.’

Singers: Feid, Sean Paul

Country Profile

Hungary

From page 19 Empire was Attila the Hun (434–453), who later became a central figure in Hungarian mythology After the disintegration of the Hunnic Empire, the Gepids, an Eastern Germanic tribe, who had been vassalised by the Huns, establishedtheirownkingdomintheCarpathianBasin.Other groups which reached the Carpathian Basin during the Migration Period were the Goths, Vandals, Lombards, and Slavs.

CULTURE

Hungary is home to the largest synagogue in Europe, built in 1859 in Moorish Revival style with a capacity of 3,000 people; the largest medicinal bath in Europe, completed in 1913inModernRenaissancestyleandlocatedintheBudapest city park; one of the largest basilicas in Europe; the secondlargest territorial abbey in the world; and the largest early ChristiannecropolisoutsideItaly Notablearchitecturalstyles includeHistoricismandvariantsofArtNouveau.Incontrastto Historicism, Hungarian Art Nouveau is based on national architectural characteristics. Taking the eastern origins of the Hungarians into account, Ödön Lechner, the most important figure in Hungarian Art Nouveau, was initially inspired by Indian and Syrian architecture and later by traditional Hungarian decorative designs. In this way, he created an original synthesis of architectural styles. By applying them to three-dimensional architectural elements, he produced a version ofArt Nouveau that was specific to Hungary Turning awayfromthestyleofLechner,yettakinginspirationfromhis approach, the group of “Young People” (Fiatalok), which included Károly Kós and Dezsö Zrumeczky, used the characteristic structures and forms of traditional Hungarian architecturetoachievethesameend.

CUISINE

Traditional dishes such as the world-famous goulash (gulyássteworgulyássoup)featureprominentlyinHungarian cuisine. Dishes are often flavoured with paprika (ground red peppers), a Hungarian innovation. The paprika powder, obtained from a special type of pepper, is one of the most common spices used in typical Hungarian cuisine. Thick, heavy sour cream called tejföl is often used to soften the flavour of a dish. The famous Hungarian hot river fish soup calledfisherman’ssouporhalászléisusuallyarichmixtureof severalkindsofpoachedfish.

Other dishes are chicken paprikash, foie gras made of goose liver, pörkölt stew, vadas, (game stew with vegetable gravyanddumplings),troutwithalmondsandsaltyandsweet dumplings, like túrós csusza, (dumplings with fresh quark cheese and thick sour cream). Desserts include the iconic Dobos torte, strudels (rétes), filled with apple, cherry, poppy seed or cheese, Gundel pancake, plum dumplings (szilvás gombóc), somlói dumplings, dessert soups like chilled sour cherry soup and sweet chestnut puree, gesztenyepüré (cooked chestnuts mashed with sugar and rum and split into crumbs, topped with whipped cream). Perec and kifli are widely popularpastries.

ThecsárdaisthemostdistinctivetypeofHungarianinn,an old-style tavern offering traditional cuisine and beverages. Borozó usually denotes a cosy old-fashioned wine tavern, pince is a beer or wine cellar and a sörözõ is a pub offering draught beer and sometimes meals. The bisztró is an inexpensive restaurant often with self-service.The büfé is the cheapest place, although one may have to eat standing at a counter Pastries, cakes and coffee are served at the confectionerycalledcukrászda,whileaneszpresszóisacafé.

Conferred on the Doctor are Being Sector

JamaicanGovt.toPayCostsinVybzKartel'sPrivyCouncilAppeal

Dancehall artists Vybz Kartel and Shawn Storm and two other men won a major victory last month when the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council overturned their murder convictions Now, they're set to be reimbursed for costs associatedwiththesuccessful appeal.

An April 10 report from the UK-based court, obtained by FOX5NY journalist Lisa Evers, stated, among other things, that “The Respondent

accused) are aware that costs are to be paid to them,” she said. “Andofcourse,thatisa satisfactoryoutcomethatthey willbeabletorecoupsomeof the money they would have spenttobringthemattertothe PrivyCouncil.”

The Privy Council is Jamaica's final court of appeal. King Charles III is also the island's current Head Of State—at least until 2025, according to recent statements by the nation's foreignminister

(The King) should pay the Appellants' costs, the amount ofthosecoststobeassessedif notagreed.”

Theorderoncostswasnot included in the Privy Council's judgment handed down on March 14, when Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, Shawn 'Shawn Storm' Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John had their murder convictions overturned due to jurormisconduct.

These costs typically encompass attorney fees, court fees, and potentially even travel expenses related to the UK proceedings. The exact amount will be d e t e r m i n e d t h r o u g h negotiations between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) andthedefenseteam.

According to Evers, Kartel's attorney, Isat Buchanan, confirmed that the Government of Jamaica will have to “pay all costs related tothePrivyCouncilAppeal.”

Alessandra LeBeach, another attorney for Kartel, also told IrieFM on Thursday that her client was aware of the order and that he's satisfied that there will be compensation.

“They (Kartel and co-

Kartel and his codefendants' legal team includedthreeKing'sCounsel lawyers from England and several senior attorneys from Jamaica. His attorneys were David Hislop KC, Isat Buchanan, and Alessandra L a B e a c h , w h o w e r e instructed by Simons Muirhead&BurtonLLP

Shawn'Storm'Campbell's attorneys included Julian Malins KC, Bert Samuels, Thalia Maragh, Linda Hudson,BiancaSamuels,and IsatBuchanan.

AndreSt.JohnandKahira Jones were represented by Hugh Southey KC, John Clarke, James Robottom, and Anirudh Mathur In March, the Privy Council also recommended that Jamaica's Court of Appeal determine whether a retrial is necessary for the four men, who are accused of murdering Clive “Lizard”Williams.

The Court of Appeal has since scheduled a five-day hearing, beginning June 10, wherelegalargumentswillbe presented before it issues a decision.

Kartelandhisco-accused, who have served over 12 years in prison, have denied involvement in Williams' death.

Diddy files motion to dismiss some claims in a sexual assault lawsuit

Lawyers for Sean The music mogul’s with several friends in the pointed out a few others “Diddy” Combs pushed lawyers want certain statues music industry, the suit including the New York back against a woman’s from Dickerson-Deal’s alleges He denied the Services for Victims of lawsuit that accused him of claims such as revenge porn allegations, accusing her of Human Trafficking Law, sexual assault, filing a and human trafficking to be seeking to exploit the New which came into effect in motion on Friday (April 26) dismissedwithprejudice. York law that temporarily 2007. to dismiss some claims that In a filing last year, she extended the statute of The Associated Press were not under law when the said Combs “intentionally limitations. does not typically name allegedincidentoccurred. drugged” her then brought Dickerson-Deal’s claim people who say they have The motion filed in a her home and sexually came nearly three decades been sexually abused unless New York court claims assaulted her after a date in after his alleged misconduct they come forward publicly, Combs cannot be sued Harlem when she was a 19- and the New York State asDickersonhasdone. because certain laws didn’t year-oldcollegestudent. Revenge Porn Law was not Last month, Combs’ exist when Joi Dickerson- Without her knowledge, codified until 2019, Combs’ properties in Los Angeles Deal made the allegations Combs videotaped the lawyerssaid. andMiamiwereraidedby againsthimin1991. assault and later shared it His attorneys also

(Continued on page 43)

Rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Catherineville

From page 21 but the snackette was open and the

owner sitting outside awaitingcustomers.

The owner explained that her business is opened everyday from around 10:00hrsandclosedaround 20:00hrs, depending on how business went this couldbeearlierorlater

There is a wide range of snacks available daily including,

mittai, eggball, pholourie and peasball.

Fridays and Saturdays saw the additionofsouse,rotiandcurryand food.Shealsosellsbeverages.

The villager noted that Blue Dolphin Disco has been a party hotspot for as long as it has been around.

Besides the occasional fete thrown there by promoters in the

...premiere creates major buzz in Jamaica

area, there are other annual events held here that everyone looks forwardto.

The month of May and June bring the Maypole and June pole competitions to the area July –August is Soiree season and there will be a lot of

um p s t a r t s a n d w a s h

owns before and after

Hopetown Village West Coast Berbice—- the home of traditional Soiree.

Besidestherareoccurrenceofa squabble the village is a fantastic place to live and it appears to be a place where everyone knows their space.

Next time, you need a break head up to Catherine Ville and be suretohaveafewsnacks!!!

What you should and should not do if you get burned

Dr. Zulfikar Bux Emergency Medicine Specialist

overtheburn. totheburns. Remember to keep the Chemical burns personwarm.Afirstaidburn Achemicalburnisaburn gel may be used if water is to internal or external organs notavailable. of the body caused by a

Burns occur when Remove any tight corrosiveorcausticchemical someone gets exposed clothing, watches, rings or substance that is a strong directly to a source of heat. jewelry from the burned acid or alkali. Chemical This causes damage to skin, area, if possible, because of burnsareusuallytheresultof tissues and organs and can the risk of swelling and an accident and can occur in cause death if severe or not tightening. the home, at school or, more properly treated. Prompt and 3. Cover the burn commonly, at work, correct interventions are key After cooling the injured p a r t i c u l a r l y i n in helping to save lives when area for up to 20 minutes, manufacturing plants that it comes to burns. One can apply a sterile dressing. Use use large quantities of cause more harm when a dressing that doesn't stick chemicals. trying to help if they do not to the skin. Clean plastic If someone has a know what they are doing. kitchenwrapcanbeusedasa chemicalburnyoushould: Today, I will share some tips temporary dressing. Cover Quickly remove any on what to do and what you the burn but don't wrap the c o n t a m i n a t e d should avoid to help save the dressingaroundthearea. clothing.

Don't break blisters

Burns that cause the because this may life of someone that is Electrical burns Avoid touching orremovepeeledskin skintolookleathery cause further tissue burned. An electrical burn is the yourselfortheperson Don't apply creams, Burns that appear damage. Whatarethemaincauses result of electricity passing with the chemical as ointments, lotions, charred or have What are signs that one ofburns? through the body It may be youdothat. toothpasteorbutterto patches of black, maybeatimminentrisk? caused by a number of If the chemical is a a burn.This will have brownorwhite

Many things can cause a

The following signs are sourcesofelectricity,suchas powder, brush it off to be removed later Burns caused by burn but below are the most indications that one may be household current, power without touching it and may cause an c h e m i c a l s o r commoncauses: at risk of organ damage or lines and lightning. The type yourself and before infection and delay electricity Thermal sources are deathfromaburn: of burn or damage depends flushing the burned healing. Difficulty breathing the most common Burns that cover the on the amount, type and areawithwater Don't put small orburnstotheairway causesofburns. hands, feet, face, strength of the electrical Floodtheburnedarea childrenorbabiesina (nose,mouthorface)

Chemicals, such as groin, buttocks, a current.Anelectricburnmay with lots of water and cold bath or shower Now that you have a cement,acidsordrain major joint or a large appear minor or not show on continue for at least for a full 20 minutes. better idea of what to do, the cleaners. areaofthebody the skin at all but may have 20 minutes. First aid This can cause next time you encounter Radiation. Deep burns, which caused more extensive for alkali burns can hypothermia. someone with burns, be sure Electricity m e a n s b u r n s internalinjury take up to an hour to Don't use adhesive to act fast and avoid pitfalls Sun (ultraviolet or affecting all layers of If someone is suffering return skin pH to tape on the skin that may cause harm to you UVlight). the skin or even from electrical burns you normal. around the burn orthepatient. Thermal burns deepertissues should: If a chemical solution

A thermal burn is a type Look first Don't has splashed into of burn resulting from touch The person their eyes, hold the making contact with heated maystillbeincontact eyelids open so that objects or liquid, such as with the electrical w a t e r w a s h e s boiling water, steam, hot source. Touching the thoroughly under the cooking oil, fire and hot person may pass the lids to remove any objects. When a burn is currentthroughyou. trappedchemical. caused by contact with hot Turn off the source of Get the person to a liquid,itiscalledascald.Hot electricity if possible. hospitalimmediately water scalds are the most If not, move the Sunburn common type of thermal source away from Sunburn is a burn to the burn affecting children. In both you and the skin caused by excess adults, thermal burns are injuredpersonusinga exposure to ultraviolet (UV) most commonly caused by

non-conducting radiation in the sun. It can fire.

object made of also be caused by other

What do I do if someone cardboard, plastic or sources of UV, such as sun hasathermalburn? wood. beds. Usually the skin is red

There are 3 key steps to Checkforsignsoflife and painful and may blister a follow if someone has a burn such as the person littlefromsunburn. injury: breathing, coughing If someone has severe Stoptheburn.

or making any sunburn: Cooltheburn. movement If they are Run a cool shower or Covertheburn. not there, begin cool running water

1. Stop the burn cardiopulmonary over the burn area for Remove the heat source resuscitation (CPR) 20minutes. fromthepersonortheperson immediately Keep Don't burst large from the heat source, doing CPR until blisters. whichever is easiest and m e d i c a l U s e s u n b u r n safest. If any clothing is wet professionals can ointment for minor with hot liquid or a chemical takeover burns that are not splash,removeitquicklyand If CPR is not severelyblisteredand carefully as part of stopping required, prevent havenobrokenskin. the burn. Do not remove shock by lying the Drink plenty of fluid clothes that are stuck to the person down with the (non-alcoholic). burn. head slightly lower Common mistakes to

2. Cool the burn than the trunk and the avoid when someone is Immediately cool the legselevated. burned affected area for up to 20 Cover any burned You should avoid doing minutes using cool running areas with sterile the following when treating waterfromataporshower If d r e s s i n g s o r someonewhoisburned: there is no water, use any temporarily with Don't apply ice to the cool clean fluid that will not clean plastic kitchen burn. irritate the skin. The burned wrap. Don't use a Don't try to remove part can be put in a bowl or blanket or towel. fabric that is stuck to bucket of cold water if this is Loosefiberscanstick aburn. easier than pouring water

Raina Thomas, 18, crowned queen at 2024 Miss Guyana Teen with...

Diddy files motion to dismiss...

From page 39

federal authorities in a sex trafficking investigation. The criminalinvestigationisamajorescalationinthescrutinyof Combs, who has been the defendant in several recent sexual abuselawsuits.InalawsuitCombssettledthedayafteritwas filed in November, his former protege and girlfriend, the R&BsingerCassie,suedhimallegingyearsofsexualabuse, including rape. The lawsuit said he forced her to have sex withmaleprostituteswhilehefilmedthem.

In February, a music producer filed a lawsuit alleging Combs coerced him to solicit prostitutes and pressured him to have sex with them. Another of Combs’ accusers was a womanwhosaidherapedhertwodecadesagowhenshewas 17.

From page 34 also celebrated the graced the stage with their pageant experience ” She Designs, Stiletto Fetish and Makeup, Guyana Marriott “I was always a shy girl remarkable achievements of beauty, intellect, and expressed admiration for the GlamDust, Dahlia L’artista, Hotel, Grand Coastal Hotel, growingup.Ihadahardtime its runners-up Denesea purpose were applauded craftsmanship of one Aurora Rush, Kera’s Beauty Austin’s Bookstore, and The making friends. But this F r e e m a n , a g e d 1 8 , Their impactful platforms contestant’s costume, Bar, Dagron Tours, Guyana Teen with a Purpose pageant gave me the advocating for disability serve as beacons of describing it as “such a 592Tours, Chantels Hair and pageantcommittee. opportunitytobethegreatest rights and accessibility, inspiration for the aspiring beautiful piece and a sight to version of myself, more secured the position of 1st pageant enthusiasts of look at.” “We had 10 brave and confident, and to Runner-up. Sheneka Guyana, embodying the contestants from all across meet friends as well. I’ve Peterkin, aged 15, focusing spirit of positive change and G u y a n a B a r t i c a , seen my own growth. I was on child abuse, claimed the empowerment. Soesdyke, East Coast, etc.,” neverthetypeofpersontobe title of 2nd Runner-up Pamela Vaughn, the she noted adding that the seen in heels, as everyone DerriannAnderson, aged 18, pageant coordinator, has diversity extended beyond who knows me would attest. championing teen mental lauded the progress and geographical boundaries, This is because I was teased health awareness, stood as development exhibited by encompassingarichtapestry repeatedly for being skinny the 3rd Runner-up, while the young ladies over the of cultures, including and tall in school. I can now Keziah Leacock, aged 18, course of their pageant Amerindians, East Indians, accept my height and wear a d v o c a t i n g f o r t h e journey Reflecting on their and individuals of mixed heels with confidence.” The importance of education, initial lack of pageant heritage. queen expressed on her secured the position of 4th experience, Vaughn The sponsors of the Facebookpost.Inadditionto Runner-up. remarked, “When they all pageant include Mr Raina’s triumph, the pageant All the delegates who came, they did not have Azruddin Mohamed, CAP

The Nightingale & the Rose

The haunting story of a nightingalewhocreatesared roseforalover She said that she would dance with me if I brought her red roses,” cried the youngStudent;“butinallmy gardenthereisnoredrose.”

From her nest in the h o l m - o a k t r e e t h e Nightingale heard him, and she looked out through the leaves,andwondered.

“No red rose in all my garden!” he cried, and his beautiful eyes filled with tears. “Ah, on what little things does happiness depend! I have read all that the wise men have written, and all the secrets of philosophy are mine, yet for want of a red rose is my life madewretched.”

“Here at last is a true lover,” said the Nightingale. “NightafternighthaveIsung of him, though I knew him not: night after night have I told his story to the stars, and now I see him. His hair is dark as the hyacinthblossom, and his lips are red as the rose of his desire; but passion has made his face like pale ivory, and sorrow has set her seal upon his brow.”

“The Prince gives a ball to-morrownight,”murmured the young Student, “and my love will be of the company. If I bring her a red rose she will dance with me till dawn. IfIbringheraredrose,Ishall hold her in my arms, and she will lean her head upon my shoulder, and her hand will be clasped in mine. But there is no red rose in my garden, so I shall sit lonely, and she will pass me by She will have no heed of me, and my heartwillbreak.”

"Here indeed is the true lover," said the Nightingale. "What I sing of, he sufferswhat is joy to me, to him is pain Surely Love is a wonderful thing. It is more precious than emeralds, and dearerthanfineopals.

Pearls and pomegranates cannot buy it, nor is it set forth in the marketplace. It may not be purchased of the merchants, nor can it be weighed out in the balance forgold."

"The musicians will sit in their gallery," said the young Student,"andplayupontheir stringed instruments, and my love will dance to the sound oftheharpandtheviolin.She will dance so lightly that her feet will not touch the floor, and the courtiers in their gay dresseswillthrongroundher But with me she will not dance, for I have no red rose to give her"; and he flung himself down on the grass, and buried his face in his hands,andwept.

"Why is he weeping?"

askedalittleGreenLizard,as heranpasthimwithhistailin theair

"Why, indeed?" said a Butterfly, who was fluttering aboutafterasunbeam.

" W h y , i n d e e d ? " whispered a Daisy to his neighbour, in a soft, low voice.”He is weeping for a red rose, " said the Nightingale.

"For a red rose?" they cried;"howveryridiculous!" andthelittleLizard,whowas something of a cynic, laughedoutright.

But the Nightingale understood the secret of the Student's sorrow, and she sat silent in the oak-tree, and thought about the mystery of Love.Suddenly she spread her brown wings for flight, and soared into the air She passedthroughthegrovelike a shadow, and like a shadow shesailedacrossthegarden.

In the centre of the grassplot was standing a beautiful Rose-tree, and when she saw it she flew over to it, and lit upon a spray "Give me a red rose," she cried, "and I will sing you my sweetest song."

But the Tree shook its head. "My roses are white," it answered; "as white as the foam of the sea, and whiter than the snow upon the mountain. But go to my brother who grows round the old sun-dial, and perhaps he will give you what you want."

So the Nightingale flew overtotheRose-treethatwas growing round the old sundial.

"Give me a red rose," she cried,"andIwillsingyoumy sweetestsong."

But the Tree shook its head."My roses are yellow," itanswered;"asyellowasthe hair of the mermaiden who sits upon an amber throne, and yellower than the daffodil that blooms in the meadow before the mower comes with his scythe. But go to my brother who grows beneath the Student's window, and perhaps he will giveyouwhatyouwant."

So the Nightingale flew overtotheRose-treethatwas growing beneath the Student'swindow

"Give me a red rose," she cried,"andIwillsingyoumy sweetestsong."

But the Tree shook its head.

"My roses are red," it answered, "as red as the feet of the dove, and redder than the great fans of coral that wave and wave in the oceancavern. But the winter has chilled my veins, and the frost has nipped my buds, and the storm has broken my branches, and I shall have no rosesatallthisyear."

"One red rose is all I want," cried the Nightingale, "only one red rose! Is there no way by which I can get it?"

"There is away," answered the Tree; "but it is soterriblethatIdarenottellit toyou."

"Tell it to me," said the Nightingale, "I am not afraid.""If you want a red rose," said the Tree, "you must build it out of music by moonlight, and stain it with your own heart's-blood. You must sing to me with your breast against a thorn. All night long you must sing to me,andthethornmustpierce your heart, and your lifeblood must flow into my veins,andbecomemine."

"Death is a great price to pay for a red rose," cried the Nightingale, "and Life is very dear to all. It is pleasant to sit in the green wood, and to watch the Sun in his chariotofgold,andtheMoon in her chariot of pearl. Sweet is the scent of the hawthorn, and sweet are the bluebells thathideinthevalley,andthe heatherthatblowsonthehill. Yet Love is better than Life, andwhatistheheartofabird compared to the heart of a man?"So she spread her brown wings for flight, and soared into the air She swept over the garden like a shadow, and like a shadow shesailedthroughthegrove.

The young Student was stilllyingonthegrass,where shehadlefthim,andthetears were not yet dry in his beautifuleyes.

"Be happy," cried the Nightingale, "be happy; you shall have your red rose. I will build it out of music by moonlight, and stain it with my own heart's-blood. All that I ask of you in return is that you will be a true lover, for Love is wiser than Philosophy, though she is wise, and mightier than Power, though he is mighty Flame-coloured are his

(Continued on page 46)

Junior page

Photo Holder for Mom

If you are looking for something sentim craft up for Mother's thisisyourcraft.

Supplies

Pinerectangleplaque

·14”widex11”

“MOM”Artminds letters

·4.75”high Set of 3 metal photoclips

·inrosegold

·1”flatpaintbrush

·Finetippaintbrushes assortedsizesandshapes

·Woodglue

Picture h hardware

Americana Surface Acrylic Paints: T Green, Soft Jade Birch, Flaming Cadillac

DecoArt Extreme Paint:PinkTourmaline

Instructions

1.Paintthesurface wood plaque using

Birch. Let it dry and add an

Centerthebinderclips the letters and glue in with a generous of wood glue. Let drybeforeusing. Lastly, attach picture hanging hardware to the side of the plaque to onthewall.

Attach photos to display ExpertTips&FAQs ou do not have to or seal the wooden before/after painting

Allow at least a few after finishing your photo holder for the paint to drybeforewrappingup gifting. The longer you to dry and set, the

FUN WITH POETRY

Help others ou help

by Uncle Roy

I know I feel nice when someone gives me something, And when others help me in some way; I know it feels good when people smile at me, And tell me words that make me feel gay

This means that I should also try To do the same for others what I can, I should not only seek to get for myself, But do my best to help everyone.

First I must obey my parents at home, And try to keep brothers and sisters happy Next do what I can from my friends, And then seek ways to help anybody

The great thing is that when I try To help others and make them feel the best, I find that I myself gain so much That it makes me feel the greatest.

Prepare for the Future by adopting Right Principles

Now that you have identified the personal qualities with which you are gifted,youneedtodetermine how you must make use of thesetosucceedasyoumove forward to achieve your life goals. Thetimecomeswhen every young person has to leave school and go out into the wider world to start life as an adult citizen and worker As you would obviouslybehopingthatyou will begin in the right way, youmustrealisethatyouwill need to think about this beforemovingforward.

Therearemanypeople who feel that they can achieve success and happiness by means which are not honest and fair to others, even to the point of making them suffer The unfortunate thing is that these people may appear for some time to be prospering inlife,somuchsothatothers

are tempted to follow their example and likewise forget theprinciplestheyhavebeen taught, and resort to their typeofbehaviour Butifyou have the opportunity to check on these same people later, you will always find that they have reaped the same kind of reward that theyhavesown. Treat people in a bad way,anditwillcomebackto you when you least expect. Neglect your duty to others in the various situations in

Uncle Roy is again appealing to our readers to make a contributiontothiscolumnbyeithergivingafeedback on what is published, asking for some help with some personal problem, offering some advice to fellow teenagers, or sharing the news of what is happening in his/her community Please send your contribution to roypaul2002@yahoo.com

which you live, be dishonest in your dealings with others, and you will eventually suffer the consequences, perhapsatthetimewhenyou canleastaffordit.

It is a fact that one of the laws of nature is that what goes around comes around,andthisisjustastrue of our actions as the earth moving around the sun Whatever you do in this worldwillworktodetermine your future progress and happiness. Sometimes we feel that doing good will not be observed, but you can nevertell. Justknowingthat you have done a right thing can be reward enough, and

moreover the reward will surelycome. Whenever you are faced with a challenging situation remember that the wayyoureactwilldetermine what you will reap. This must surely prompt you to ask yourself what is the right thing to do, and make a real effort to identify the principles which will guide your life, and always try to act according to these in whatever you do. Then you can rest assured that all will turnoutrightintheend. Look out next week when we start discussing the principles that you will need toguideyourfuturelife.

by Uncle Roy, from his book

“Shape up your Personality”

(soon to be published in Guyana)

Sometimes I sit and think in awe On the wonder of my being, Of the countless gifts I am endowed with, That make my life such a blessing.

My physical self is so well equipped, With organs that can accomplish every function, I only need to choose to act, And my body responds with precision.

My mental faculties are even more awesome, Enabling me to reason and think, I can use my imagination to envision and create, And my memory to recall any previous link.

Still these don't compare with my wondrous spirit, That engenders various feelings and emotions, Granting me the power to hope, desire and love, In true likeness of the God of creation.

Moreover my birthright has bought for me Aspecial place among all creatures; My features, genetics and special qualities Make me unique in the whole of nature.

This must certainly make it clear to me That I was born for a special mission, Apurpose meant for only me to fulfil, Which I need pursue with determination.

Why then should I display any dissatisfaction, When I have such richness in my power? Not only must I celebrate these gifts divine, But I am bound to use them in the service of others.

All of us human beings determine our own future by the manner in which we make use of our special qualities.

This puzzle is like a crossword, but with numbers. Each digit occupies a hexagonal cell and can be a part of a "word" in the across, up, and down directions.

Rules:

1. "Words" may not start with a zero.

2. "Words" in the 'across' direction read from left to right.

3. “Words" in the 'up' direction read along the upward diagonal to the right.

4. "Words" in the 'down' direction read along the downward diagonal to the right.

5. There is one unique solution which satisfies all the clues given below

Some "words" may not have clues. They will be determined by the "words" which intersect them.

Solutions to last week’s

How to Take Care of Your Skin

Skin care involves more than just cleaning it and using lotion. It also involves having a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and exercise, and managing stress levels. Your unique skin type may also determine any additional treatments as well, such as using exfoliating scrubs or moisturizing masks.

Keeping Your Skin Soft, Clean, and Moisturized

1. Wash your face twice daily to keep it oil-free, improve complexion, and prevent breakouts. You should wash your face in the morning when you get up, and in the evening before going to bed. Use lukewarm water and a facial cleanser suitable to your skin type. You can wash your face with clean hands, a washcloth, or a soft sponge.

Follow up with some toner and moisturizer

If you wear makeup, remember to remove it as well. Don't forget about the skin on your neck! This is often overlooked.

2. Skip the hot water when bathing or showering, and use lukewarm water instead. Hot water can feel relaxing, but it can also strip your skin of its natural oils. This can lead to dry, patchy skin.[1]

If you have dry skin, use a moisturizing body wash with natural oils, such as almond, coconut, or olive oil.

3. Gently pat your skin dry with a towel. This applies to both the skin on your face and on your body. It would be even better to leave your skin slightly damp. This way, your skin can absorb the excess moisture and re-hydrate itself.[2]

4.Apply moisturizer or lotion while your skin is still damp. Use facial moisturizers and creams on your face, and lotions or body butter on your body. Change the type of moisturizer or lotion you use depending on the season. Use a heavier, richer one during the winter, and a lighter one during the summer

Consider a moisturizer that contains SPF to guard your skin against the sun's harmful rays.

All skin types benefit from moisturizer, including oily! Opt for a lightweight or gel-based moisturizer intended for oily skin.

5Exfoliate your skin once a week. This will help buff away those dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling silky-smooth. You use scrubs, loofahs, and exfoliating sponges. Be sure to use a gentler exfoliator on your face than on the rest of your body. Remember, the skin on your face is much more delicate than the skin on your arms and legs.

Choose exfoliating scrubs carefully The larger the grains, the more abrasive the scrub will be.Avoid scrubs with walnut shells if you have sensitive skin.

If you have dry skin, you may want to exfoliate daily. Be gentle about it, and always moisturize afterwards.

6. Don't be afraid to wear makeup, but do it with care. Use makeup that is suitable for your skin type, and remove it before going to sleep to prevent breakouts.[3] If you wear makeup daily, avoid wearing any makeup for a day or two to give your skin a break.

Powder-based makeup is great for oily skin, but liquid or cream-based makeup is more suitable for dry

Clean your makeup brushes regularly to prevent the buildup and spread of acne-causing bacteria.

Read product labels carefully, especially if you have sensitive skin. Not every ingredient in skincare products is safe for skin.Avoid products containing the following ingredients: paraben, phthalates, propylene glycol, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Keep in mind that "paraben" doesn't always appear by itself. It usually is part of a longer ingredient, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.[4]

If you have sensitive skin, consider products that are fragrance-free.

https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Your-Skin

The Nightingale...

From page 44 wings, and coloured like flame is his body. His lips are sweet as honey, and hisbreathislikefrankincense."

The Student looked up from the grass, and listened, but he could not understand what the Nightingale was saying to him, for he only knew the things that are written down in books. But the Oak-tree understood, and felt sad, for he was very fond of the little Nightingale who had built her nest in hisbranches.

"Sing me one last song," he whispered; "I shall feel very lonely whenyouaregone."

SotheNightingalesangtotheOaktree, and her voice was like water bubblingfromasilverjar

Whenshehadfinishedhersongthe Studentgotup,andpulledanote-book andalead-penciloutofhispocket.

"She has form," he said to himself, as he walked away through the grove"that cannot be denied to her; but has

shegotfeeling?Iamafraidnot.Infact, she is like most artists; she is all style, without any sincerity She would not sacrifice herself for others. She thinks merely of music, and everybody knowsthattheartsareselfish.

Still, it must be admitted that she has some beautiful notes in her voice. What a pity it is that they do not mean anything, or do any practical good." And he went into his room, and lay down on his little pallet-bed, and began to think of his love; and, after a time,hefellasleep.

And when the Moon shone in the heavens the Nightingale flew to the Rose-tree, and set her breast against the thorn.All night long she sang with her breast against the thorn, and the cold crystal Moon leaned down and listened.All night long she sar and the thorn went deeper and deeper into her breast, and her life-blood ebbed awa fromher

Shesangfirstofthebirthoflovein theheartofaboyandagirl.Andonthe topmost spray of the Rose-tree there blossomed a marvellous rose, petal

following petal, as song followed song. Pale was it, at first, as the mist that hangs over the river-pale as the feet of the morning, and silver as the wings of the dawn.As the shadow of a roseinamirrorofsilver,astheshadow of a rose in a water-pool, so was the rose that blossomed on the topmost sprayoftheTree.

But the Tree cried to the Nightingale to press closer against the thorn "Press closer, little Nightingale," cried the Tree, "or the Day will come before the rose is finished."

So the Nightingale pressed closer against the thorn, and louder and louder grew her song, for she sang of thebirthofpassioninthesoulofaman andamaid.Andadelicateflushofpink came into the leaves of the rose, like the flush in the face of the bridegroom whenhekissesthelipsofthebride.But thethornhadnotyetreachedherheart, so the rose's heart remained white, for only a Nightingale's heart's-blood can crimson the heart of a rose.And the

(Continued on next Sunday edition)

PAC launches Restoration and Enhancement Project for Zoo

The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) launchedarestorationandenhancementjourney for the Zoological Park. The restoration and enhancementprojectkickedstartedonSaturday under the theme ‘Wildlife Warriors: Unite for Conservation’.

The Commission is inviting our valued stakeholders and partners as the team embarks onanimportantendeavour Inastatementtothe media, PAC noted that they are eager to share their efforts with members of their community who have in one way or another contributed to theupkeepoftheZoologicalPark.

Therehabilitationofthisspacesignifiesour continuous commitment to wildlife conservation, sustainability, and community engagement.

PAC launches Restoration and Enhancement Project for Zoo

Additionally, the enhancement exercise, which will serve as a demonstration of our dedication to

creatingacleaner,healthierenvironmentforallwildlife,will featurekeyactivitiessuchaswhitewashingoftrees,painting

of structures, raking, tree planning, and other activities to enhancetheenvironment.

Firedestroysbusinessman’shome,boutique,vehicles

TheGuyanaFireService(GFS) is investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a businessman’s home, boutique, mechanic shop and three of his vehicles at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, RegionFiveonFriday

The victim has been identified as52-year-oldSureshLatchman.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat thefirestartedataround15:00hand quickly destroyed the two-storey concrete building which housed a boutique in the lower flat while he livedintheupperflatwithhiswife, two sons, grandchildren and daughter-in-law

Additionally, one of

Latchman’ssonsoperateda Continued on page 50

Fire consuming the businessman’s property on Friday.

ChinesemanganesecompanyinMatthewsRidge finallyrebuildsdamitdestroyed

The current state of the dam after the manganese company finally decided to rebuild it.

ByShervinBelgrave

It took more than five stories reported by Kaieteur Newsoveratwoyear-period for the Chinese owned manganese company operating in Matthews Ridge,RegionOnetofinally adhere to the demands of residentstorebuildadamit had reportedly destroyed in 2021duringitsoperations.

The dam was the main access road for residents living in Pakera, Matthews Ridge and it was rebuilt by the company late last year, according to one of the c o m m u n i t y ’ s representatives.

Although the residents are grateful that the Chinese companyfinallycrumbledto theirdemandsandrebuiltthe dam, they are still not satisfiedwiththestandardof work and fear that it could collapseagain.

The representative who requested anonymity told Kaieteur News in a recent interview that, “The bridge fixsincelastyearbutitisnot the right bridge, we are still trying to get them to replicate the original structure, it is just a short bridgetheyusethere”.

Kaietuer News was able to look at the work that was done and although it might notbeuptoparitrepresentsa

winbecauseschoolchildren can safely walk across the bridge, pensioners too no longer fear breaking a limb or falling overboard when they go to collect their pensionorvisitthehospital.

The situation was troublingfortheresidentsof PanerasinceSeptember2021 when the dam first broke away causing severe floods inMatthewsRidge.

Residents had alleged that the previous Canadian owners of the company registered as the Guyana ManganeseInc. (GMI) had constructed the dam for the purpose of getting water to their washing plant but it was reportedly constructed with a small koker underneath for the water to flow out when it starts to “buildup”.

When the Chinese took over, the residents said they decidedtoblockthekokerto make a huge reservoir This allegedly caused the water pressure to build up and it eventuallysplitthedaminto two, washing away a huge section.

The company after the disaster had promised to assess the situation and rebuild the dam but it never didanythinguntil2022.

In August that year they erectedaconcretestructure

Continuedonpage57

Frompage49

mechanicshopatthesouthernsideofthebuilding.

Reports are that the businessman was returning to his home from Georgetown when he received a telephone call informinghimthathispropertywasonfire.Latchman’swife saidshesawanelectricalwiresparkingontheeasternsideof thebuildingbeforeitbecameengulfed.

The woman said she only had enough time to grab her grandchildren, alert her daughter-in-law and leave the premises. Both the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana PoliceForcewerecalledin.

The Onverwagt Fire Service responded and was able to extinguish the flames with assistance from a fire truck attached to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). However, Latchman’s property was completed gutted, and hisvehiclesalsodestroyed.

Theestimatedlossasaresultofthefireisunknown.

Investigationsareongoing.

The broken dam before it was rebuilt.

‘Pixie Hollow Makes' for creative fashionable crochet clothing

of

“I believe young entrepreneurs encourage the younger generation to be a bit more open minded to starting their own business as it could be a scary thing to think of. There are a lot of risks with starting your own business but seeing others overcome those challenges, and at such a young age at that can be very inspiring to the youths.”

By Allyiah Allicock

There is an idiom that says the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. AndthisissointhecaseofFelicity AlexiaSonaram,ayoungdesigner who is on the verge of taking the fashion industry by storm just like her talented mother Olympia Small-Sonaram

Tw e n t y - t w o - y e a r- o l d Sonaram is the proud owner of 'Pixie Hollow Makes' (PHM), a budding crochet clothing business which she officially launched in Marchthisyear

In an exclusive interview with The Waterfalls, Sonaram said the business all started as a mere hobby of hers. After landing her firstpieceofcreation,“mymother andIrealizedIhadquitetheknack for the craft and right off the bat she encouraged me to make it into abusiness,andsoIdid.”

Being a creative and hands-on person for as long as she can remember, Sonaram said the love for arts did not just came out of nowhere,itheavilystemsfromher mother, who she mentioned has a background in fashion and costumedesign.“Alotofmyskills and knowledge in the arts and crafts I must thank her for From making dollhouses from all the scrap cardboard I could find, then

making friendship bracelets with both rubber bands and embroidery floss, to now crocheting full outfits from balls of yarn and a hook, my creativity was always growing and my love for the arts will never cease, it will just keep on flourishing,” the young woman expressed.

Sonaram noted that not being surrounded by persons who are familiar with crocheting; she learned to crochet through many YouTube videos and tutorials. All her creative pieces to date are pretty much through self taught. She recalled when she first started crocheting her very first items wereskirtsets,then,soonaftershe started diving into other pieces of clothing.

She shared that PHM can be describedasacrochetgarmentand accessories business with the accessories being a secondary product she has to offer through her business. When questioned about the support and response been for her works, our featured entrepreneur highlighted that the support “has been through the roof!” She added that her family, specifically her mother has been her biggest supporter from the beginning. She noted too that her friends have played a tremendous role, since they helped boost her business by sharing her work, which helped grow her social mediapresence.

“As much as I would like to do everything myself and shoulder

responsibilities of starting and

running a business, they didn't even give me a chance, they were all there for me from the very beginning. They taught me that having loving and trustworthy people around you is the best support you can ever have,” she commented.As much as the support has been good, she however admitted that 'Pixie Hollow Makes' did have a few challenges, but it was nothing that dimed her light since it is all still a learningprocess.

According to Sonaram, being self-taught and not being surrounded by persons who are seasonedinthecraft,shehadmade many mistakes before she could master the art, and still, she noted she has a far way to go before she cantrulycallherselfamasteratit.

She further stated that the challenges with her business were all technical stuff and can be fixed with time and experience Sonaram said while there were many challenges she has already found solutions to, she acknowledged that there will always be new challenges since herskillsareevergrowingandthat this craft is basically limitless in possibilities.

Looking at the brighter side of things, Sonaram related to this magazine that her ultimate longterm goal for her business is for it to become internationally known and favoured. “I would love to see my pieces being worn by celebrities, music stars and those of similar influential standing,” she revealed Apart from the financial and physical growth of

her business, the young woman saidshealsohopetogrowvastlyin staff as she is currently the sole designer and worker of her business.

Meanwhile, when asked what she thinks the role young entrepreneurs in our society plays, Sonaram disclosed that they are encouragement to others in showing them that they can achievetheirdreamsoncetheyput their mind to it. “I believe young entrepreneurs encourage the younger generation to be a bit moreopenmindedtostartingtheir ownbusinessasitcouldbeascary thing to think of.There are a lot of risks with starting your own business but seeing others overcome those challenges, and at such a young age at that can be very inspiring to the youths,” she

expressed. Not only that, she noted that they can also receive guidance from those people that inspire them It is with this, Sonaram stated that there can be a lot done in society to help boost small businesses The young entrepreneursuggestedthatagreat initiative that can be put in place for small businesses would be to havemonthlyminiexpositions.

“Many small businesses don't have the means to put themselves out there and these mini expos would do just that, and given that they don't require much finances to host, they can be done more frequently which allows more exposure for said small businesses,”shecommented.

If you or anyone you know is interested in the creative pieces made by Felicity Alexia Sonaram or would like to know more about her work, you can contact her on telephone number (592) 600-8434, or on Facebook and Instagram at PixieHollowMakes.

Founder of ‘Pixie Hollow Makes’, Felicity Sonaram (dressed in her own created clothing).

Some

the unique crochet clothing created by Felicity Sonaram.

The young entrepreneur displaying her creations at the WeLift4 - Women in Business Expo at the National Aquatic Centre last weekend.

Frompage14

contract management, howevertheAFCbelievesit failed to deliver in both instances.

According to Ramjattan, “It is obvious that the country is losing more and thatiswhyweindicatedthat there ought to be a renegotiationandbecauseof the conduct and utterances whilst they were in opposition that the contract is rotten, that they will renegotiateit-thatisthePPP and Jagdeo and all of themthey have now found sanctityofcontracttohaltall the nonsense that they then said.”

T h e M e m b e r o f Parliament in an invited comment by Kaieteur News was keen to note in his response,“Iftheycareabout Guyanese and want more monies for Guyanese, they oughttogoandrenegotiate.”

Hepointedoutthatwhilethe administration has now turned its back on the promise to renegotiate the Exxon contract, it has also failed to better manage the existingcontract.

Ramjattan said that governmenthasreversedthe requirement of an unlimited parentcompanyguaranteeto protect Guyana and the Caribbean Region from the costs of an oil spill, and to date have made no progress to independently verify the number of barrels being produced per day by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited(EMGL).

The politician argued “therehasbeenaweakening ofallthescaffoldingthatwe had put around the framework”ashereferenced the urgent need for the government of Guyana to renegotiate the deal for the country to receive greater benefitsfromthesector

Guyana has been repeatedly warned by international energy institutes that the country may never see the promised annual revenues from its oil sector, as the ‘one-sided’oil contract gives ExxonMobil and its partners the benefit, leaving Guyana and its peopleoutoftheirfairshare ofthewealth.

The contract allows Exxon to deduct 75 percent of the resources each month tocoverexpensestodevelop oil and gas projects The costs that are not covered each month go over to the followingmonth.

Presently, Guyana only receives a meagre two percent royalty, as agreed to in the 2016 PSA. This has

been described as one of the lowest rates in the World. Royalty is a percentage of total production on any commodity, paid to the owner of the resources and are free and clear from any costs whatsoever Notably, the country also does not receive taxes from Exxon anditssub-contractors.

Frenchcompanygiven US$1Bcontractby ExxonMwasfinedseveral timesinUSandUKfor bribingGovt.officials

French-US firm Technip FMC recently secured a contract for subsea works in Guyana’s 6th oil project W h i p t a i l , w o r t h approximately $US1B, however over the last few yearsthecompanyhasfaced multiple lawsuits and fines forcorruptionandbriberyof government officials, in the UnitedStatedandtheUnited Kingdom.

In June 2019 the Office of Public Affairs, US Department of Justice released a statement saying that TechnipFMC plc (TFMC) a publicly traded company in the United States and a global provider of oil and gas services, and its wholly-owned U S subsidiary, Technip USA, Inc (Technip USA), had agreed to pay a combined total criminal fine of more than US$296 million to resolve foreign bribery charges with authorities in theUnitedStatesandBrazil. TFMC is the product of a 2017 merger between two predecessor companies, Technip S.A. (Technip) and FMC Technologies, Inc (FMC).

The charges arose out of two independent bribery schemes: a scheme by Technip to pay bribes to Brazilian officials and a scheme by FMC to pay bribes to officials in Iraq Technip USAand Technip’s former consultant pleaded guiltyinconnectionwiththe

charging him with conspiracy to violate the FCPA.

A few months later in September, 2023 The Wall Street Journal reported that TechnipFMC PLC, a U.K.based oil-and-gas services company, agreed to pay US$5 1 million to settle foreign bribery charges and improve its compliance proceduresunderadealwith theU.S.securitiesregulator

resolution.

In2010,Technipentered into a US$240 million resolution with the Departmentoverbribespaid inNigeria.

Pursuanttoitsagreement with the Department, TechnipFMC had to pay a total criminal fine of over US$296million,includinga US$500,000 criminal fine paid by Technip USA As part of the deferred prosecution agreement, TechnipFMC committed to implementing rigorous internal controls and to cooperate fully with the Department’s ongoing investigation.

In connection with the scheme to bribe Brazilian officials, Technip’s former consultant also had pleaded guiltyintheEasternDistrict of New York to a one-count

criminal information

Those charges stemmed from US$794,000 in payments made between 2008 and 2013 by FMC Technologies Inc , a predecessor company to TechnipFMC, to an unnamed third-party consultant, the Securities and Exchange Commission saidMondayinafiling.The consultant used the funds to bribe Iraqi government officials with the goal of winningcontractstoprovide oil-and-gas metering services,theSECsaid.

L o n d o n - b a s e d TechnipFMC was formed in 2017 through a merger between Technip SA and FMCTechnologies.

I n J u n e 2 0 2 3 SPLASH247 com reported that Subsidiaries of TechnipFMC and Technip Energies had to pay fines of nearly €210m ($230m) to avoid lawsuits regarding subsea projects undertaken between 2008 and 2012 Technip UK Limited, a

subsidiary of TechnipFMC, andTechnipEnergiesFrance SAS,asubsidiaryofTechnip Energiessettledmatterswith France’s national financial prosecutor or Parquet NationalFinancier(PNF).

PNF said that the resolution encompassed the corruption of foreign public officials between 2008 and 2012 related to subsea projects undertaken by the former Technip S.A. group, mainly in Africa This settlementtooktheformofa convention judiciaire d’interetpublic,orCJIP The CJIP settlement was not an admission of liability or guilt,norwasitaconviction of Technip FMC or Technip Energies but it did result in avoidingprosecution.Under the terms of the CJIP, Technip UK and Technip Energies France paid a fine of €154 8m and €54 1m, respectively, for a total of €208.9m.

Kaieteur News reported last week TechnipFMC had been awarded a contract in Guyana’sStabroekBlockby US supermajor ExxonMobil to supply subsea production systems for the Whiptail project.TechnipFMCwillbe responsible for providing project management, e n g i n e e r i n g , a n d manufacturing to deliver 48 subsea trees and associated tooling, as well as 12 manifolds and associated controls and tie-in

equipment.

Exact financial details for the deal were not revealed but TechnipFMC did say that it was a “large” contract which means that it is worth between US$500M and $1B. According to the company, the award will be included in inbound orders in the second quarter of 2024.

TechnipFMC currently employs nearly 140 Guyanese workers and will continue hiring and training additional local staff in supportofthisaward.

The contract was awarded a few days after Exxon announced the final investment decision for the project.

The US$12.7B Whiptail is the sixth project on the Stabroek block and is e x p e c t e d t o a d d approximately 250,000 barrels of daily capacity by theendof2027.

Thursday

Canadiancompany handedmassivegoldfield inGuyana,sells57%ofits sharesforUS$638Mdays afterinkingagreement withGovt.

Daysafterdisclosingthe signing of a US$1 million MineralAgreement with the Government of Guyana (GoG), Canada-based miningcompanyReunion

(Continuedonpage53)

French-US firm Technip FMC recently secured a contract for subsea works in Guyana’s 6th oil project Whiptail, worth approximately $US1B

Frompage52

G o l d C o r p o r a t i o n announced that it sold 57% shares of its Guyana gold project for some US$638 million(C$875million).

On April 18, Reunion announced the signing of an agreement with government andtheGuyanaGeologyand Mines Commission (GGMC), which paves the way for the exploration and development of the Oko West gold project located in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Guyana. Under the terms of the Mineral Agreement,ReunionGoldis granted stable fiscal and operational conditions throughout the project’s lifespan.

W i t h h o p e s o f establishing its presence in South America, Montrealbased, G Mining Ventures Corporation(GMIN)issetto acquirethemajorityshareof Reunion’s Gold Oko West project According to Monday’s announcement, the Canadian companies entered into a definitive agreement to combine the two companies, with hopes of setting the stage for the creation of a leading intermediate gold producer, particularly in the Guiana Shield region. The all-share deal, is valued at a substantial US$638 million. The acquisition represents a 29% premium to Friday’s closing share prices of Reunion, underlining the strategic importance of Oko West to G Mining’s expansionstrategy “ T h r o u g h t h e transaction, GMIN will acquire RGD’s [Reunion] flagship Oko West Project located in Guyana, within the Guiana Shield region, one of the most attractive miningjurisdictionsinSouth America Oko West has emerged as a globally significant gold discovery over the last few years, with excellent potential to becomeatoptierdepositthat could support a large, longlife mine complex to accelerateGMIN’svisionof building a leading intermediategoldproducer,” itwasstated.

To this end, it was explained that the GMIN team including through the Gignac Family-owned G MiningServices(GMS),has an impressive track-record of executing world-class projectsintheGuianaShield region to generate industry leading returns for its stakeholders. GMIN says it plans to move Oko West quickly through technical

studies to a construction decision, leveraging the considerable amount of exploration, development, andpermittingworkthathas already been completed by Reunion, supported by the expectedfreecashflowfrom the Tocantinzinho Gold Project in Para state, Brazil whichisonscheduleandon budget for commercial productioninthesecondhalf of2024.

Upon completion of the transaction,GMINwillhold the majority stake in a new combinedentity,witha57% ownership, while Reunion shareholders will retain a 43%stakeonafully-diluted in-the-money basis; prior to the concurrent US$50 million equity financing Notably, the number of common shares issued by New GMIN to GMIN and Reunion shareholders will be equivalent to the combined company undergoing a 4-to-1 share consolidation upon closing

of the transaction In addition, Reunion shareholders will receive common shares in a newly

created gold explorer (SpinCo)thatwillholdallof Reunion’s assets other than Oko West. Notably GMIN has agreed to fund SpinCo withC$15million.

Louis-Pierre Gignac, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), President of GMIN, stated:“OkoWesthasallthe key attributes GMIN is looking for in its next leg of growth We are wellpositioned to accelerate value creation at Oko West leveraging our unique expertise in building and operatingminesonschedule andonbudgetintheGuiana Shield, deep knowledge of and network in the region, and over US$480M anticipated near-term free

c a s h f l o w f r o m Tocantinzinho The acquisition of Oko West is the second step towards our visionofbecomingaleading intermediate gold producer, building on the team’s success at Tocantinzinho We look forward to continuing to advance our Buy Build.Operatestrategy to create and unlock further v a l u e f o r G M I N shareholders.”

Rick Howes, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of Reunion stated:“Weareverypleased toannouncethisTransaction today, which we believe is a testament to the outstanding work our team has done rapidly discovering and advancing Oko West over

the last few years We believe that this Transaction

not only delivers our shareholders an attractive upfront premium, but also theabilitytoparticipatewith significant ongoing ownership in the combined

company, having the opportunity to participate in an expected future re-rating as Oko West is advanced towardsproduction.”

He continued, “The transaction significantly derisks the advancement of OkoWestgiventhefinancial strength, free cash flow, and development capabilities that GMIN brings to the table Importantly, we believe this is a great outcome for the country of Guyana, with Oko West being taken forward by a companythatwillbeagreat steward of the asset for the benefitofthecountryandits communities.”

M o r e o v e r , t h e transactionisexpectedtobe completed in Q3 2024, subject to the receipt of required securityholder, court and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) approvals and other closing conditions

customary in transactions of this nature Also, the agreement includes reciprocal deal protections and a reciprocal C$31 2 million termination fee payable under certain circumstances.

As the deal awaits approval from both sets of shareholders,themarkethas alreadyrespondedpositively to the news, with Reunion’s stock rising by 8% and G Mining’s stock, albeit experiencingaslightdecline initially Kaieteur News had reported that Reunion Gold is actively considering both open-pit and underground mining. The company aims to reach a construction decision by 2025, marking another crucial milestone in

operational readiness in Guyana’sgoldindustry

The Canadian mining company has firmly set its eyes on reaching gold production at its Oko West Gold Project by 2027. The company has an estimated 4.2 million ounces of gold. In February 2024, Reunion announced an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) containing a total of 4.3Moz.ofgoldinIndicated Resources grading 2.05 g/t and 1.6 M oz. of gold in Inferred Resources grading 2.59 g/t. The February 2024 M R E i n c l u d e s a n underground Resource containing1.1Moz.ofgold at a grade of 3.12 g/t Au in theInferredcategory

China’s Zijin Mining said on Friday, it would acquire Guyana Goldfields for C$323 million ($238 million),bringinganendtoa protractedtakeoverbattlefor the Canada-listed gold miner Toronto-based Guyana Goldfields announced on June 3 that it had received a binding proposal from an unnamed overseas-based miner to acquire the company, valuingitaround35%higher than a previously accepted offer from Silvercorp Metals.

Friday

Oilcompanies’profits triplein1stQuarter

US oil producer, Hess Corporation saw its profits leap by $626M in the first quarter of 2024 thanks to higher production volumes intheBakkenshaleintheUS and the Stabroek block offshoreGuyana.

This according to the company’s most recent first quarter report for the year Hess’ net income, the company said, was US$972M in the three months ended 31 March, comparedto$346millionin the first quarter of 2023, according to the company’s latestearningsreport.

This would mean that Hess’s profits have almost tripled over the previous reporting period. According to Hess, its overall net productionofoilandgaswas 476,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, up 27 percentfrom374,000barrels ofoilperday(bpd)in2023.

The Bakken production surged by 27,000 (bpd), according to Hess, “while Guyana offered up an additional 78,000 (bpd) this quarter.”

The first quarter results

“ s u b s t a n t i a l l y outperformed”expectations, according to a report from analyst firm TD Cowen Overall production beat projections by 9 percent, while Hess’ Guyana output

beat consensus by 28 percent, Cowen noted. Hess is still in line to be acquired by US supermajor Chevron for $53 billion, though that deal could be upended by arbitration challenges by ExxonMobil and CNOOC Internationaloveraright-offirst-refusal debate in the prolific Stabroek field, whichExxonMobiloperates witha45percentstake.

Hess’30percentstakein Stabroek would wind up in Chevron’s hands if the merger is still completed CNOOC International owns 25 percent The merger however is expected to drag out until the end of the year

owing an arbitration challenge by ExxonMobil Guyana and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), over the 30 percent stake held by the company in the lucrative S t a b r o e k B l o c k . ExxonMobil Corporation is slated to release its first quarter 2024 financial results today (Friday, April 26,2024).

Meanwhile CNOOC, yesterday reported that its first-quarternetprofitsurged 24% to a record, driven by higherrealisedoilpricesand output growth. Net income

for January-March, accordingtoCNOOCroseto 39.7 billion yuan (US$5.48 billion) from 32 1 billion Yuaninthesameperiodlast

year This much is

documented in the company’s filing with the HongKongStockExchange on Thursday “CNOOC’s total net production during theperiodwas180.1million barrels of oil equivalent (bpd), up 9 9 percent, credited to increased output

from the company’s international operations

which increased by 16 9 percent, “lifted by higher production in Guyana and Canada.”

As such, the company in January revised its 2024 productiontargetbyabout8 percent to a record 700 million to 720 million bpd, while raising the annual capital spending target to new highs. ExxonMobil in presenting its last report, for the fourth-quarter 2023, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods had reported earnings of US$7.6B for the last quarter of the year For the full year 2023, the company reported earnings ofUS$36B.

To this end, Woods had observed “…our consistent strategy and execution excellence across the business delivered industryleadingearningsandenabled us to return more cash to shareholders than our peers in 2023 ” According to Woods, at the time of the release of that report in Februarylast,“Theseresults d e m o n s t r a t e t h e fundamental improvements we’vemadetoourbusiness, reflecting our progress in high-grading our portfolio through investments in advantaged projects and select divestments, while, at the same time, driving a higher level of efficiency andeffectivenessthroughout thebusiness.Thefoundation of our success comes from theresiliency,hardworkand commitment of our people. As I reflect on our industryleading results over the past year, I have a great sense of pride in what our people accomplished.”

VPJagdeosayssections ofJusticeKissoon’s rulingonteacher’s strikepresumptuous

Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has describedsectionsofJustice

(Continuedonpage54)

Chief Executive Officer of Hess Corporation, John Hess

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo and Justice Sandil Kissoon

Frompage53 Sandil Kissoon’s ruling in the case brought against the Government by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) as n o t h i n g s h o r t o f “presumptuous.” Last week, Justice Kissoon ruled in favouroftheGTU,affirming the legality of their monthlongstrike.

As a result of his decision, Justice Kissoon prohibited the government fromactingonitsdecisionto deduct the salaries of teachers who participated in the strike in February Speakingathisweeklypress conference held at Freedom House on Thursday, the VP criticised the decision describing the outcome as defyinglogicandhavingthe potential to cause chaos “The ruling defies common sense…If a person doesn’t workandthatpersonhasthe righttoreceivepaythenwho will work…We believe that thiswillleadtochaosinany society,”theVPsaidvowing that the government will appealthedecision.

Of note, Jagdeo said he found parts of ruling particularlyappalling.“Ican onlygobywhatIreadinthe newspaper I asked the Attorney General for the written judgment because we need it for the appeal. It was promised by the judge. Hesaidhehasnotreceivedit but from what I see here in the newspaper; Stabroek News …‘of particular note was President Ali’s meeting with some teachers at State House which Justice Kissoon criticised as not constituting collective bargainingwitharecognised union.’

“Now the President never claimed that this was collective bargaining but I think it’s presumptuous of a judge to tell the President, whoheshouldmeetandwho heshouldn’tmeet.

This is the elected President of Guyana of the Executive branch of the government which is separatefromthejudiciary,” asserted Jagdeo Jagdeo stressed that PresidentAli is accountable elected by the peopleofthiscountryandas such, he is accountable to them.

He continued that “For whatever reason not to have a judge; any judge for that matter tell him what he shoulddoorheshouldn’tdo andwhatitconstitutesornot. ThePresidentneverclaimed i t w a s c o l l e c t i v e bargaining.”Assuch,theVP saidthat“It’spresumptuous’ to criticise the President

“Purelypresumptuous!!”

Another issue raised by Jagdeo was what he called the “vilification of pubic officers” in the decision Alluding to the ruling, the VP noted that the public officers cannot respond because they are fearful of beingcalledbeforethecourt for contempt. “Now if they could have responded in kind, I’m sure they would have some choice words to sayhere.Thevilificationand misrepresentation of their role ” In his decision, Justice Kissoon had pointed to a number of instances where the government evaded engaging the Union in collective bargaining on salarymatters.

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, including the President. He noted that there was no evidenceofaresponse,with the exception of the belated letter of response by the Permanent Secretary of Education Ministry, and the ChiefLabourOfficer

The judge noted, inter alia,thattheletterwrittenby 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 Mark Lyte included a numberof“graveallegations ofcriminalnature.”

The Court noted that the said letter communicated Government’s decision to discontinuethedeductionof Unionduesfromthesalaries of teachers and contained allegations made against the General Secretary of the GTU,withoutanyevidence. The Judge noted too that eventhePresident’smeeting with teachers in the absence of union representatives, couldnotbeseenasanyform of collective bargaining. He said many of the decisions taken by the Government w e r e u n i l a t e r a l Additionally, in his ruling, Justice Kissoon noted that Chief Education Officer (CEO), Saddam Hussain wasnot“fullandfrank”with the Court; instead, he attempted to justify the actions of the Ministry of Education. He noted that Hussain’s evidence “bordered on tarnishing the reputation of his office, constituted a misrepresentation of the facts, and was found to be

inaccurateandself-serving.”

Saturday

Guyana’soilrescues ExxonMfromsellingoff moreassetsworldwide–1stQuarterReport reveals

Strong advantaged volume growth primarily

from Guyana and the

Beaumont refinery expansion, and structural cost savings helped to offset lower base volumes from divestments, unfavourable

e n t i t l e m e n t s a n d

government-mandated curtailments, and higher expenses from scheduled maintenance, ExxonMobil Corporation said on Friday in its first-quarter report on itsfinancialreturns.

divestments, governmentmandated curtailments and unfavourable entitlement effects.”

A c c o r d i n g t o ExxonMobil, excluding the impacts from divestments, e n t i t l e m e n t s , a n d government-mandated curtailments, net production grew 77,000 oil-equivalent barrelsperdaydrivenbythe start-up of the Payara developmentinGuyana.

“Payara reached nameplate capacity of 220,000 barrels per day in mid-January, ahead of schedule, demonstrating

excellence in project execution and operations,” thereportsaid.

Additionally, the company reported that “advantaged asset volume

Exxon, unlike its Stabroek Block consortium partners,reportedlowerthan expectedearningsglobally

In declaring revenues earned in its financial report yesterday, the corporation said its “first-quarter earnings were US$8 2 billion versus US$11 4 billion in the first quarter of 2023.”

To this end, it was explained that its upstream first-quarter earnings were US$5.7billion,adecreaseof US$797millioncomparedto the same quarter last year while the prior-year period was also negatively impacted by tax-related identifieditems.”

A c c o r d i n g t o ExxonMobil, “excluding identified items, earnings decreased US$955 million driven by a 32 percent decrease in natural gas realisations and other primarily non-cash impacts from tax and inventory adjustments as well as divestments.”

To this end, it was observedthatnetproduction was 47,000 oil-equivalent barrels per day lower than the same quarter last year

“with the growth in advantagedGuyanavolumes more than offsetting the earnings impact from lower base volumes due to

Stabroek Block reported net income, the company said, was US$972M in the three months ended 31 March, compared to $346 millioninthefirstquarterof 2023, according to the company’s latest earnings report.

Assuch,thiswouldmean that Hess’s profits have almost tripled over the previous reporting period

According to Hess, its overall net production of oil and gas was 476,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, up 27 percent from 374,000 barrelsofoilperday(bpd)in 2023.

The Bakken production surged by 27,000 (bpd), according to Hess, “while Guyana offered up an additional 78,000 (bpd) this quarter.”

The first quarter results

“ s u b s t a n t i a l l y outperformed”expectations, according to a report from analyst firm TD Cowen Overall production beat projections by 9 percent, while Hess Guyana’s output

beat consensus by 28 percent,Cowennoted.

Guyana provided a partial offset to l o w e r n a t u r a l g a s realisations and lower base volumesduetounfavourable sales timing and entitlement impacts.”

A c c o r d i n g t o ExxonMobil,netproduction in the first quarter was 3.8 million oil-equivalent barrelsperday,adecreaseof 40,000oil-equivalentbarrels per day compared to the fourth quarter In Guyana specifically, the company reported achieving quarterly gross production of more than 600,000 oil-equivalent barrelsperday

A s i t r e l a t e s t o ExxonMobilfourthandfifth developments in the Stabroek Block, the company in providing an update said construction is underway on the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels for the Yellowtail and Uaru projects, with Yellowtail

anticipated to start productionin2025andUaru targetedfor2026.

O n F r i d a y, t h i s publicationindicatedthatthe ExxonMobilStabroekBlock Consortium partners reported better than projected returns on their first-quarterreturns.

Hess Corporation 30 percent stakeholder in the

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), that the project poses a potential Tsunami risk to Guyana’s coastline- the Government of Guyana through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Friday evening,soughttodownplay thewarning.

It is instructive that the EPA’s statement was issued one day afterVice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo, was questioned about the findings at his weekly press conference and also downplayedtheissue.

Thispublicationreported that an earthquake is generally caused by the shifting of the earth’s tectonic plates and with the E x x o n M o b i l l e d consortium’s latest US$12 7B project being located in the vicinity of the fault line close to the South

M e a n w h i l e , o n Wednesday China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), reported that its first-quarternetprofitsurged 24percenttoarecord,driven by higher realised oil prices andoutputgrowth.

Net income for JanuaryMarch, according to

CNOOC,roseto39.7billion yuan(US$5.48billion)from 32.1billionYuaninthesame periodlastyear Thismuchis documented in the company’s filing with the HongKongStockExchange onThursday

“CNOOC’s total net productionduringtheperiod was 180.1 million barrels of oil equivalent (bpd), up 9.9 percent, credited to increased output from the company’s international operations which increased by 16.9 percent, “lifted by higherproductioninGuyana andCanada.”

As such, the company in January revised its 2024 production target by about 8 percent to a record 700 million to 720 million bpd, while raising the annual capital spending target to newhighs.

EPAdownplaysTsunami riskinExxonMobil’sEIA

One week after Kaieteur News reported, while quoting from ExxonMobil Guyana’s Whiptail Development Project (the 6 t h o i l p r o j e c t )

American and Caribbean Plates, the activity poses increased seismic activity that could potentially see Guyana’s coastline being ravagedbyatsunami.

The EIA speaks about a tsunamithatcanbetriggered inExxon’s6thoilproject.In fact, it is documented in the company’s recently approvedEIAbytheEPA.

This newspaper reported that the document outlines that with regards to the Whiptail DevelopmentArea “deep-seated faults on the outer shelf, some of which appear to offset the seabed, may indicate a slightly higher risk of seismic activity than has previously been considered.” As such, itwasreportedthat“Guyana could experience tsunamis generated from seismic activity outside Guyana if such activity propagated waves of sufficient magnitude and in the requireddirection.”

earthquakesfrequently

(Continuedonpage55)

Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram

Frompage54 occur along the Lesser Antilles subduction zone, where the South American Plate is subducting beneath theCaribbeanPlate.”

Whereas, the EPA said the following in its statement:

EIA Shows No Link between Whiptail Project ActivitiesandTsunamis

TheEIAfortheWhiptail Development Project does notindicateanylinkbetween the proposed project’s activitiesandTsunamis.

Tsunamis are natural events resulting from underseaearthquakescaused by movement of the Earth’s

tectonicplates.TheWhiptail Development Project EIA informsthatthelikelihoodof natural events such as tsunamis impacting the Development Project is minimal. The EPA said it finds the information presented by the Kaieteur Newson21stApril,2024,to be highly misleading. The public EIA document referencedbythenewspaper contextualises the activities in the Production DevelopmentArea(PDA)in relation to various natural disasters, including Tsunamis, as part of a comprehensive futuristic EIA assessment of risk. To

provideclarityforthepublic, the Agency presents a summary of the findings of the EIA for Whiptail Development Project –published in August 2023 and updated inApril 2024 –in order to address the misleading assertions in the KaieteurNewsarticleof21st April2024.

Firstly,thesectionofthe EIA titled “Natural Hazard Risk Ratings for Guyana” highlighted findings from the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) assessments in 2014. These assessments, conductedaspartofaglobal

initiative, identified floods, droughts, and landslides as the most significant risks to Guyana based on historical records. Notably, historical datadidnotindicatetsunami r i s k t o G u y a n a Nevertheless, futuristic assessments by UNISDR took into account the potentialimpactoftsunamis on Guyana. According to UNISDR2014,whilefloods pose the most significant risk, the risks from earthquakes and tsunamis were deemed not significant enoughtobeincludedinthe economic analysis due to their predicted low recurrenceinterval.

Secondly,theProduction DevelopmentArea(PDA)is situated approximately 294 kilometers from the boundary between the Caribbean and South American plates and over 1,050 kilometers from the nearestareaofactiveseismic activity(nearPuertoRico).

Moreover, Guyana lies within the stable interior portion(craton)oftheSouth American tectonic plate, indicating minimal seismic riskstothecountry Lastly,a seismic hazard map developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hazard Mapping Program illustratesthatthereisonlya

2 percent chance within 50 yearsofaveryminorseismic event occurring in the PDA. Such an event would likely not even be perceptible to individuals at the exact location. In conclusion, the EPA emphasises that the information provided by Kaieteur News was deliberately presented in a mannertomisleadthepublic anddidnotaccuratelyreflect the findings of the EIA regarding the risks associatedwith theWhiptail Production Development A r e a . I t m u s t b e emphatically stated that the Whiptail EIA does not indicate.

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VP Jagdeo denies being beneficial owner of Kaieteur, Canje oil blocks

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EDUCATION

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has denied being one of the beneficial owners of the Kaieteur and Canje oil blocks. The Vice President was at the time responding to a question posed by Kaieteur News at his April 12, 2024, press conference.

The leader was told that there are allegations that he is a beneficial owner to which he replied, “I am not one of the beneficial owners in the Kaieteur and Canje block,” before suggesting a headline for Kaieteur News’ story.

He said, “You see this is what so they do ask a very outrageous question like this and then tomorrow’s headline will be Jagdeo denies being an owner in the Kaieteur and Canje oil block.”

Jagdeo himself had promised to reveal to the public who the beneficial owners of these blocks are but never did.

In 2020, it was reported that the Vice President, who has oversight responsibility for the oil and gas industry, disclosed that his government will be making efforts to ascertain the beneficial owners of Guyana’s resources, with first priority being given to the owners of the nation’s oil blocks.

He had made the bold statement during a press conference held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

Jagdeo had said that the government intends to have a greater understanding of the ownership structure of the companies with the said licences.

He had noted that this is important for transparency and for taxation purposes.

He had even pointed out that while a number of the companies which are operating Guyana’s oil blocks are registered in tax havens, including Barbados and the Cayman Islands, the government will ensure it goes after their information to ensure they pay their fair share of taxes.

However, he never delivered on his promise.

The following year another article was published with the headline, ‘PPP yet to honour promise to release list of beneficial owners of oil blocks.’

The article reminded that

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International Lawyer, Melinda Janki

Government has failed to honour its promise to release the beneficial owners of the oil blocks offshore which include but are not limited to the Kaieteur, Canje, Orinduik, Kanuku, Demerara, Corentyne, and Berbice concessions.

Despite the article calling out the government for failing to keep its promise it did not respond and to date Jagdeo is yet to release the names of the beneficial owners.

The government’s posture has led to some oil and gas experts concluding that maybe the vice-president might be one of the beneficial owners of the blocks.

The Kaieteur and Canje oil blocks were awarded under questionable circumstances. They were handed out under the Donald Ramotar- led PPP administration just before the 2015 General and Regional elections.

The award had raised major red flags about the potential presence of corruption because the blocks are said to worth billions of US dollars but were given to two companies for meagre sums that in turn sold huge portions of these blocks for billions to major oil companies.

Mid-Atlantic was awarded the Canje oil block.

There were questions about the experience and wherewithal of the company to manage a deepwater block like Canje.

Another concern was about the amount of work Mid-Atlantic did after receiving the block, and before selling shares.

Companies obtaining licences and quickly selling them to third parties without doing substantial work themselves, is considered a red flag.

After Mid-Atlantic got Canje, JHI Associates had acquired a stake in the Canje Block. JHI’s website listed a Canadian, John Cullen, as the CEO and Director. Global Witness (GW) had said that Cullen founded the company. It also noted that public documents from JHI do not list its shareholders. However, GW did state in its rescinded ‘Signed Away’ report that Edris Dookie and Cullen “have a history together of holding Guyanese oil licences, but not a history of finding any oil in the country.”

JHI said that it purchased seismic data packages on the basin after it acquired its share of the Canje Block, though 35 percent of the licence was sold to Exxon less than a year after Canje was awarded, according to GW. The public never learned how much Exxon paid for the share. Total Energy held a 35 percent stake in the block. Such blocks require experienced, capable companies with deep pockets, like ExxonMobil and Shell.

Like the Canje oil block, the Kaieteur block was first awarded to a company called Cateleya energy Limited (CEL), in 2015 by former President, Donald Ramotar. That company then sold one-fifth of its 25 percent working interest in the offshore concession to Hess Corporation.

As a result of the transaction, Hess’ working interest moved from 15 percent to 20 percent, while Cataleya was left with 20 percent.

Meanwhile, the other partner on the block, Ratio Guyana Limited, held a 25 percent stake while ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), held 35 percent, thereby making it the operator of the block.

The sale between Hess and Cataleya was reported by Westmount Energy Limited, a UK investment firm that gives overseas firms opportunities to buy shares in the licenced operators of Guyana’s offshore blocks.

One shot as gunmen cart off with Cevons’ payroll

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is investigating the shooting of a Cevons’ Waste Management employee on Saturday afternoon.

Though details of the incident are sketchy, Kaieteur News understands the employee was also relieved of the company’s payroll. Investigations are ongoing.

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

$38M contracts for new water distribution network, well in Aishalton

Investigate growing cases of sexual abuse in Indigenous communities

…LeaderstellGovt.as‘coverups”preventjustice

The government of shesaid. Guyana on Friday inked a The minister affirmed $38.8M contract to install a that the activation of the new new water distribution wellandtheexpansionofthe networksysteminAishalton, water network are crucial Region9. steps towards ensuring

From page 50

partially repairing the dam, instructionhadfallenondeaf butitbrokeawayagain. ears.

Since then, the company, Driven by frustration, according to the residents, affected individuals invited never paid any more Kaieteur News to visit attention to the dam despite Pakera and have a firsthand knowing that it was severely look at how the broken dam affecting the residents of wasaffectingthem. Pakera. Kaieteur visited in May

Indigenous leaders from relivedbythehorrorsoftheir acrossthecountryarecalling experience, while they lack on the government to launch psychological support, an impartial investigation genuine representation and into the growing number of legal aid, coupled with other sexual abuse acts committed challenges in these on young women in their c i r c u m s t a n c e s , ” h e villages.

explained.Rodrigues shared

Head of the Indigenous that this present state of delegation, Mark Rodrigues affairs violates what is of St Ignatius Village, enshrined in the United Region Nine at a press Nations declarations on the conferenceheldonThursday rightsofIndigenousPeoples, made this call. Rodrigues of which Guyana is a said that acts of sexual abuse signatory perpetrated on Indigenous He noted that the the women and children are fast press conference was aimed becominganormandinmost at having the matter treated instances are allowed to go with priority, so the relevant unnoticed by the relevant authorities can use their authorities, when these acts constitutional powers and are carried out by known bodies to address the matter persons in the remote areas withurgencyandrespect. ofthehinterland. “So,inthiscircumstance, According to him, when our mothers, sisters, reports are made to the daughters of the indigenous police, “it is hampered by communities can put to rest political interference the fears that are instilled in resulting in cover ups, from them by these predatory prosecution by the courts, elements in our once while denying justice for the peaceful existence of our victimsinthisprocess.” villages in the hinterland

He said when this regions of Guyana,” he happens it places Indigenous stated. people in a more vulnerable While urging other position for continued organizations to come assaults on human rights, onboard in fighting for resulting in prejudice, justice, Rodrigues stated that discrimination and invoking the delegation “would like to stereotype. suggest a call out on the “More so, our women government to launch an suffer the brunt of impartial inquiry into these psychological scars inflicted a l l e g e d l y s e x u a l on their well being of which misconducts, committed in remain with them through- the confines of our out their lives, only to be Amerindianvillages.”

Morethan1000residents access to clean and reliable are expected to benefit from waterforallresidents. thenewsystem.

Aishalton’s water supply

At a simple ceremony system currently comprises held at the Village’s benab, of two drilled wells that are 3D Construction signed a the village’s main water $23.8Mcontracttoconstruct source These two wells the new distribution network sustainapproximately70per while D&R Construction cent of the community signed a $15M contract for through an extensive the drilling of a new well in distribution network. thecommunity. Additionally, the secondary Minister within the school and hospital benefit Ministry of Housing and from independent water Water, Susan Rodrigues was supply systems, a statement present at the event along issued on the Ministry of with Minister of Health, Dr Housing’s Facebook page Frank Anthony, Hinterland said.

The residents, however, 2023 and published a report did not back down and in June of its findings with expressed their demands in photos to support the themedia. residents’claims.

W h e n P r e s i d e n t That news report Mohamed Irfaan Ali visited highlighted that the damage M a t t h e w s R i d g e i n was so severe that it had cut December 2022 they off Lower Pakera from the complained to him about the rest of Matthews Ridge. The company’s reluctance to road that connected the two rebuildthedam. communitieswascompletely

Service Director, Ramchand Further, to facilitate the Jailall and other technical increased demand for water, officers of the GuyanaWater Minister Rodrigues said that Incorporated(GWI).

t h e G u y a n a Wa t e r

In her remarks, Minister Incorporated (GWI) began Rodrigues said that the the drilling of a third well in government is committed to 2023,withplanstoactivateit improving water supply soon. systems in remote areas like Due to the prolonged dry Aishalton. “We have never weather, there has been n e g l e c t e d o u r decreased production levels responsibilities in the causing water shortages in housing sector, and all of the the area. However, residents sectors…We are guided by receive sectional deliveries the overall vision of the daily to ensure fair water government, and our party,” distribution.

MOE partners with World Bank to modernize TVET sector

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced its collaboration with the World Bank to modernise the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sectorinGuyana.

ThisinitiativeaimstoalignTVETprogramswithcurrent and future labor market demands, spanning both secondary andpost-secondaryeducationlevels.

A key component of this partnership is the implementation of a tracer study, conducted in conjunction withtheCouncilforTVET

The tracer study seeks to assess the employment status and evaluate the quality of education received by TVET graduatestwelvemonthsaftercompletingtheirprograms.It will encompass graduates from various vocational streams, including the Secondary Competency Certificate Program (SCCP) and the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) program, as well as graduates from public post-secondary TVETinstitutions.

To ensure the success and comprehensiveness of this study, the Ministry has enlisted the expertise of Groupe Cayambe, a distinguished consultancy firm. Cayambe will conduct a series of surveys, focus groups, and individual meetings with key stakeholders to gather valuable insights andfeedback.

The Ministry emphasises the importance of stakeholders’ involvement in this endeavor. Organizations areencouragedtoprovidetheircontactinformationfortheir focal points to facilitate communication and collaboration. Moreover, for inquiries or to share contact details, please contact Deputy Chief Education Officer Technical, Dr. RiteshTularam,atdceo.technical@moe.gov.gyorbyphone at +592-231-8815. MOE extended its gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and cooperation in advancing the TVET sector, ensuring its alignment with the needs of ourevolvinglabourmarket.

Kaieteur News reported washed away after the dam the story. According to the used by the Chinese miners article published, during broke and eroded the access President Ali’s visit, the tothecommunity. residents said that they had A body of water had asked the company to fix it separated the road into two because there are elderly halves and the only access to people and little children the community was by living in that area that can be walking a few meters down injured while crossing over a steep slippery steps carved makeshift bridge that was out in the mud of the broken placed across the broken dam and then across a small dam. metal bridge that was not

They claimed that the anchoreddown. companyrefusedtodosoand Aftercrossingthebridge, further alleged that the then one still had to climb another General Manager of the fewmeters,thistimeupmore company,JasonWongwould slippery mud steps before tell them, “You can’t tell us getting over to the other half whattofix”. of the road to continue their

When confronted by the journey President at the meeting According to Desmond Kaieteur News understands (onlynamegiven),oneofthe that the General Manager residents, the makeshift told the president that his bridge was only placed there company is only required to by the company after fix areas that are part of its repeated complaints, but it contract, but President Ali wasnohelp. reportedly replied, “If you Because when the water break the people dam then rose it would cover the yougottofixit”. bridge making it dangerous

A statement by the tocross Department of Public After this report was Information (DPI) had published Kaieteur News reported that the President followedupontheissuewith had also expressed his the country’s Vice-President disappointment with the Dr Bharrat Jagdeo at one of Manganese Company for not his weekly party press maintaining the roads in the conferences and it was then area. thathegaveassurancethathe

President Ali was quoted would engage the company as saying, “I would not forthemtorebuildthedam. accept the company not He was quoted saying fulfilling its corporate social that the foreign company has responsibilities. I am making to fulfill the commitments itveryclearthattheinvestors that it had signed on to when need to step-up their game it was granted the mining andfulfilltheirresponsibility licenses. tothiscommunity”.

Not long after the GMI had reportedly company rebuilt the dam and promised to fix the dam and the Pakera residents no honour its responsibility, but longer fear being injured monthspassed,anditseemed becauseofthebrokendam.

Minister Susan Rodrigues at Aishalton, Region 9

Prove gas will supply cheaper electricity than solar or halt Gas-to-Energy Project - Int’l Lawyer challenges Govt.

A damning international failure to publish coherent US$646M loan to fund a issaidtobeintheconcluding fuelindustryisindeclineand ratepayers, hire more reportreleasedsinceOctober and convincing financial naturalgas-firedpowerplant phase of its independent is likely to leave Guyana Guyanese workers from 2023 cited solar as a cheaper analysis to support the and natural gas liquids plant analysisoftheproject. with stranded assets and an localbusinesses….” alternative to the US$1.8B businesscasefortheproject. to be constructed by Janki said on Saturday adverse impact on Guyana’s She was keen to note that Gas-to-Energy (GTE) In her April 25, 2024, contractor CH4-Lindsayca. that publicly available economy.” Guyana’s development and however, the Government of letter to the President of the The plants, to be constructed information on this project T h e r e n o w n e d the prosperity and wellbeing Guyana (GoG) is yet to US-EXIM Bank, Reta Jo at Wales, West Bank indicates that it could cost international Lawyer of Guyana’s citizens depend provide any evidence to Lewis, Janki indicated that Demerara are part of the US$1.9B. She was keen to pointed out that economic upon cheap, safe reliable refute these findings and is the financial institution GTE project, which also point out this estimate could development requires robust renewable energy providing instead pushing ahead with might wish to obtain this includes a pipeline being increase as big infrastructure financial analysis of the indigenous jobs and thecontroversialproject. information before further built by ExxonMobil projects are notable for arrangements for the stimulating indigenous A w a r d w i n n i n g c o n s i d e r i n g t h e Guyana Limited to transport exceedingbudget. proposed project and sound economicgrowth. international Lawyer, g o v e r n m e n t ’s l o a n the gas from offshore to the “The cost of this Project management of power Consequently, the Melinda Janki in a recent application. site. will be borne by the sector According to Janki, Lawyer argued, “Why has letter to the United States It was reported in April The US-EXIM Bank has Guyanesepublicbecausethe “ T h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s the government failed to Export Import (US-EXIM) 2023 that the GoG applied to not yet approved Guyana’s governmentwillhavetotake performance in the power provide any evidence to Bank flagged government’s the US-EXIM Bank for a application for the loan and money from the public purse sector today is exemplified rebut IEEFA’s conclusion? or use public assets such as by blackouts and the Why does the government oil in order to pay Exxon ludicrous arrangement in intend to burden Guyanese Mobil Guyana and the other which GPL has to pay a taxpayers with unnecessary contractors. Similarly, any Qatari company for a debt? Why should Guyanese loan from Eximbank will Turkish owned ship which is pay higher rates for have to be paid back from apparently registered in electricity from gas instead public money,” the Lawyer Liberia to burn oil which of lower rates for electricity reasoned. To this end, she GPL has to purchase and from solar power? Why explained that the people of supply. Whyleaseashipthat should Guyanese workers Guyanaarethereforeentitled is said to be capable of lose out on the jobs that a to see that the proposed gas providing 450MW of solar power industry would project is financially viable power? Why not do as provide? Where is the sense before the government seeks former President Sam Hinds in locating this Project in an toborrowmoneytoproceed. didandgetagenerator?” area that is likely to be under She argued, “It is not The Lawyer pointed out water to supply people sufficientforthegovernment that the global energy think- whosehomesandbusinesses tomakepromises.Economic tank Institute for Energy are projected to be under development is not a matter Economics and Financial waterby2030?”

of wishful thinking Analysis(IEEFA)concluded Janki added, “Perhaps, Economic development that,“Forlessthanthecostof the government has good requires robust economic the Gas to Energy project, solid answers to these analysis of the global energy solar energy can reach every questions but if so they must market The proposed Guyanese household. It will provide those answers. If projectwilllockGuyanainto cost less to taxpayers, lower not, the government should gas at a time when the fossil the cost of electricity to haltthisProject.”

‘Left to bleed out’: Israeli forces kill two Palestinians in West Bank

- two Palestinian youths shot dead and 20 arrested as Israeli forces continue deadly crackdown in the occupied West Bank

ALJAZEERA - Israeli forces have shot monitortheraids,”hesaid. dead two young Palestinians and injured two ‘Sixmonthsfeltlikesixyears’ others as they continued their military At least 20 Palestinians were arrested incursionsintotheoccupiedWestBank. during the Israeli raids on Saturday, among Mustafa Sultan Abed, 22 and Ahmad themchildrenandformerprisoners,according Mohammad Shawahneh, 21, were shot dead to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society NGO In neartheSalemcheckpointinthecityofJenin, Tulkarem, Israeli soldiers arrested a young and ambulances were prevented from man after they beat him and ransacked his reaching the area to recover the bodies of the familyhouse,accordingtoWafa twoslainyouths,thePalestiniannewsagency SincethestartofthewaronGazaafterthe WafareportedonSaturday October 7 attacks by Palestinian groups,

“What we know is that they were left to Israel has arrested 8,480 Palestinians bleed out for about an hour before throughout the occupied West Bank, about ambulanceswereallowedtoarriveandattend 3,660 of them held illegally under to them,” said Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi, administrative detention with no charges reporting from Ramallah in the occupied broughtagainstthem.Israeliarmedforcesare West Bank “This is a violation of poised to arrest many other Palestinians international law Israeli soldiers are illegally as they have been conducting daily obligated by international law to give life- raidsinoccupiedareasoverthenearlysevensaving aid, even in an instance such as this.” month period. Omar Assaf, a Palestinian Two moderately wounded Palestinians were activist who was jailed by Israel for six rushed to Jenin city, a PalestineRed Crescent months, says conditions in his cell were so SocietymedicwasquotedassayingbyWafa. dire and food portions so meagre that he lost Al Jazeera’s Basravi said across the 29kg(64lbs)whilebehindbars.“Theamount occupied West Bank, there have been four of food we would get in prison was not raids on cities and seven on villages from enough.Itwasmerelyenoughtokeepusfrom Friday night, with a village west of Ramallah dying,” Assaf, from Ramallah, said upon his being the latest to be targeted, and an release. “Israeli guards would give us two incursionintoTulkaremendinghoursago. piecesoftomatofor10people.

“We know that Israeli forces went in and “These six months felt like six years. My tooksecuritycamerasoffthestreetinfrontof fellowPalestiniansandIweren’tdetaineesor Palestinian homes that residents use to politicalprisoners.Wewerehostages.”

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

Incaseyouhaven’theard,pleasebeinformedthataspartofourcontinued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our Publisher, Dr Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about ongoing indecenciesinourlandthatshouldmatter,notonlytousatthispublication, buttheentirenation.

SUNDAY–

APRIL21,2024

ReleaseallGas-toEnergydocuments–Opposition

“As it stands, Guyanese are concerned that Jagdeo has once again neglected to seriously assess critical elementsofamajornational project.

Ifthisprojectisseverely 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.Apowerplant built on unsuitable soil or inadequate foundations is a recipefordisaster Asnatural gas can be explosive, the people of Guyana must demand reassurances on the engineering and operational safeguardstobeputinplace topreventanydisaster Such aprojectmustnotbecloaked

in secrecy and uncertainty.”

– Elson Low, Opposition press conference, April 18, 2024.

MONDAY–

APRIL22,2024

Divideandconquer

Our own Guyanese politicians have made the mostuseofraceandpolitics to weaken, divide, and dominateandhavingclosely s t u d i e d t h e l o c a l environment, the foreigners coming to prosper from our many patrimonies make fools out of us by encouraging the pitting of one group of Guyanese againsttheother If any Guyanese harboursthebeliefthattheir racial and political polarization is all local in strength, and local in momentum, then they feed intowhatservestheinterests of those who divide us, so thattheycanflourish. Whenwearedivided,we aredistracted.

W h e n w e a l l o w

ourselves to be distracted, thenoureyesarefocusedon the perceived enemy before us. Whenwearesofocused, the real enemies of the Guyanese people are having thebestofenrichingtimesin hauling away unstopped wealth and draining our prospectsunchallenged.

WEDNESDAY–

APRIL24,2024

Aperversedecision

“The ban on former Prime Ministers accessing theVIPloungeattheCheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)isablatantaffrontto theprinciplesofequalityand fairness.

In a democratic society, all individuals, irrespective oftheirpoliticalallegiances, should be treated with dignityandrespect.

Asisevidentthebanwill only presently affect former Prime Ministers of oppositionparties.

By issuing this edict, the ruling PPPC government is setting a dangerous

precedent that can backfire onit.

It also exposes the government to criticism of political vendettas take precedenceoverprinciples.

The decision reflects a myopic understanding of internationalbestpractices.

International best practices often dictate that individuals holding highranking official positions, such as current and former Presidents, Prime Ministers, Vice Presidents, and other senior government officials, should be treated with courtesy and respect when traveling through airports.

VIP treatment, particularly at airports, is not merely a matterof protocolbut also a reflection of a nation’s commitment to upholding standards of hospitality and respect ” (Peeping Tom

April24,2024)

THURSDAY–APRIL25,2024

Acriminalcontract

Guyana’s 2016 oil contractwithExxonMobilet alisone-sided,lopsided,and wrong-sided.

ExxonMobil used circumstances favourable to itselftoblindsideus.

All of this is written in the contract, through its terms and conditions, and every clause that puts handcuffs on us, while freeing the American oil company to run any racket that it can think of, to cheat us and drain our wealth away

Every addition for ExxonMobil is a horrifying subtraction for Guyanese, alreadyyokedtosubtraction

uponsubtraction.

These are among the reasons why this criminal

c o n t r a c t m u s t b e renegotiatednow

FRIDAY–

APRIL26,2024

Whoisthatman?

Thereisonepolicymaker in Guyana. One man is the chief spokesman for the GuyanaGovernment.

Oneleaderhasthefullest say, the only say, in the oil patrimony

All the other rich patrimonies.

Onecitizenmakesnews, is in the news, is the sum of thenews.

There is one man controllingalltheministerial portfolios in this country Let these be dealt with one byone.

CPLopen ‘to look’at 50-year deal with CWI

(Newsday TT) - Amid However, he is also open CPL, saying, “The lopsided the CPL comes at a aroundtheworld. from now the financial c a l l s b y r e g i o n a l toworkwithallstakeholders contract with CPL must significant cost, sometimes He said the launch of the landscape may be so governments to renegotiate to ensure everybody is end.” running into millions of Women’s CPL in 2023 different that signing such a its 50-year contract with satisfiedwiththecontract. West Indies legend and dollars. shows its commitment to lengthycontractisarisk. Cricket West Indies (CWI), Russell was speaking on former captain Sir Clive Russell said, “Over the developing the regional “TosaywewillgetUS$5 Caribbean Premier League day two of the Caricom Lloydtookumbragewiththe past 11 years cumulative game. million between 2053 and (CPL) CEO Pete Russell has R e g i o n a l C r i c k e t termsofthecontract. losses over both the league RussellsaidCPLhasalso 2062 when we don’t even denied allegations that his C o n f e r e n c e – Lloyd said, “It isn’t and franchises stands close sponsored many regional know what US$5 million is organisationisthesoleentity Reinvigorating West Indies funny Now, if we were toUS$40million.” events including, most goingtobeworththen;orwe benefiting from a “lopsided” cricket, at Hyatt Regency running our own CPL we He said the CPL suffers, recently, the TT Cricket don’t even know if US is arrangement. Hotel in Port of Spain on wouldhavebeenabletogive butnottheplayersandCWI. BoardT20Festival. going to be the reserve Russell said the CPL April26. moremoneytotheplayers… Russell said Caribbean I n a n i m m e d i a t e currencyintheworld. takes the brunt of any On day one, the Prime “Again, how can a board players have taken home response, Dr Rowley said he “Let’s get real. We are financial losses, not the Minister took issue with sitdownandnegotiatethat?” US$27.7 million in salaries was happy with what he livinginaworldwithserious playersorCWI. CWI’s contract with the But Russell said running since the tournament’s heard. geopolitical instability...I inception in 2013, all paid “I am satisfied with the hope that coming out of this forbythefranchises. issuesonthetableandonthe conference, giving the

Sunday April 28, 2024

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Today is likely to be another busy one for you, Aries. You might have a volunteer activity in the morning and then get roped into running errandsintheafternoon.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You have a strong spirit of cooperation today, Taurus. It inspires you to pitch in and help others without being asked. Your romantic partner could be surprised to see you showupandhelpwithachore.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Keep your eyes and ears open to all new possibilities, Gemini. Even if it isn't your habit to read the "Help Wanted" section of the newspaper,dosotoday.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Today your strong sense of nostalgia likely has you leaning toward all things old. If you do some furniture shopping, you'll be drawn to antique shops rather than contemporary stores. There is something about the patina thatonlycomeswithage.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

This is bound to be a wonderful day, Leo, as everybody seems to be in a warm and congenial mood.

You and your romantic partner, in particular, are feeling especially close and connectedtoday

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

You have much to be grateful for, Virgo. Why not go out tonight and celebrate with friends? Forget about work and family troubles and kick upyourheels.Haveahighold time.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You're eager and optimistic today, Libra, which works well with your strong, capable nature.You'relikelytofindthat things begin to click into place at work. Something that has been troubling you for some timesuddenlybecomesclear

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Today should be devoted to paperwork and getting your financial affairs and budgets in order Once this is done, you can relax in the evening with friends and loved ones. You're especiallyintuitiverightnow

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

All financial undertakings have good aspects today, Sagittarius.Itcouldbethatyou havebeenthinkingofstartinga new business venture. If so, you're likely to meet the ideal businesspartner

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Thisisboundtobeawonderful day You're lookingand feeling greatanditshows!Thisisaday of kindness and cooperation. Youcouldfindthatyourfamily pitches in to help at home withoutbeingasked.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

This is a good day for you to analyzeinformation,Aquarius. You have an especially acute business sense, which you shouldusetoyouradvantage.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

You're a conscientious, hard worker, Pisces, but today your thoughts are more on home than work. You feel especially close to your family and friends.They mean the most to you. Jobs and even careers come and go, but friends and familyareforever

Giving more details frontburner,”Rowleysaid. willingness expressed by about the challenges in Prime Minister of CPL...and given the need for making profits, he said, Barbados Mia Mottley said trust to be built, the quickest “Thereisnofinancialburden she was happy to learn that way to trust (is to) open the on CWI or the territorial CPL is willing to talk about (financial)books.” boards, so the risk is 100 per thecontract. Rowley said there has centours.Thatisourstarting “I am glad to hear that been an “absence of point each and every year, so they are prepared to discuss transparency” at times you could imagine our aspects of the contract. I during the administration of challenges just to break think that is the right spirit,” West Indies cricket and with even.”

Mottleysaid. more dialogue this can be

CWI is a five per cent Mottley said in decades avoided. owner of the CPL, Russell said.

Asked if CPL would be open to renegotiating the contract, Russell said, “We are part of CWI. If people think it is a problem with the 50-year deal, of course we’ll lookatit.

“It works both ways CPL doesn’t necessarily want to be in a 50-year contract where we are losing money. I think everyone just gottoworktogether.”

Hesaidthereisa“break” inthecontractafter30years.

Russell said CPL has done its utmost to keep its product Caribbean-centric, eventakingafinancialhitby nothostingmatchesat10am – ideal for the lucrative Indiantelevisionaudience.

He said CPL is a wonderful platform for p l a y e r s t o e x p r e s s themselves and showcase their skills for other leagues

‘Multi’

defends

ExxonMobil...

From page 64

Locked in a 2 – 2 deadlock, the match hung in the balance until Pharez Nobel, in a moment of sheer brilliance, unleashed a majestic shot just before the final whistle, sealing ‘Multi’s’ fate with a sensational match-winning goal.

Meanwhile, in a heated contested battle for third place, Kwakwani Secondary emerged victorious, edging outLindenFoundation2–1.

Mackenzie High School meremomentslater

Nepal earn historic win over Windies ‘A’ in 1st T20

Rohit Paudel struck an impressive 112 against Windies ‘A’ (AFP/Getty Images)

KIRTIPUR, Nepal: An Caribbean side raced to 77 consolidated with Chase in a remainingintheinnings. energetic 74 from their for two at the close of the stand of 60 for the fourth The tour to Nepal is a captain Roston Chase was Power Play, but lost opener wicket before he was caught firstforanyWestIndiesside, trumped by a dynamic Johnson Charles bowled for on the cover boundary, and according to lead hundred from opposing a two-ball duck in the first slicing a drive off pacer selector Desmond Haynes captain Rohit Paudel, and over, andAndre Fletcher run Abinash Bohara in the 15th serves as another phase in West Indies “A” endured a outfor13inthefourthover over preparation for the ICC four-wicket defeat against Athanaze drove the early Chase reached his 50 Men’s T20 World Cup to be hosts Nepal in the first momentum for West Indies from36ballswhenhepulled staged in June in the Twenty20 match of their “A”withabrisk47beforehe Bohara over mid-wicket for Caribbean and the United seriesonApril27. was caught at fine leg from a hisfifthboundaryinthe17th States.

Chase cracked nine fours top-edged slog-sweep off over, and he shared 57 with He added it is an and two sixes from 46 balls Paudel,bowlinghisoff-spin, Alleyne before he was invaluableopportunitytoget and was the cornerstone in the seventh over, and the caught in “cow corner”, World Cup hopefuls and uponfortheCaribbeanside’s visitorswere86forthree. swingingafulltossfromoff- emerging prospects playing total of 204 for five from A throw from Johnson long-off for a boundary to Carty came to the crease, spinner Dipendra Singh competitive T20 matches. theirallocationof20oversat Charles at square leg to put the hosts within reach of cruised to 38, and Airee with two balls (CMC) the Tribhuvan University wicketkeeperAndreFletcher thehistoricwin. International Cricket to run out Kushal Malla for Chunky pacer Oshane Ground. 16 meant that the Nepalease Thomas was entrusted with

But the visitors had no were 82 for three at the the final over with the answer for Paudel, whose halfway stage, and the Nepalese requiring nine to 112off54ballsthatincluded balance was firmly tilted in win, but he conceded back10 fours and six sixes, led a favourofWestIndies“A”. to-back boundaries to successful chase for the But the Caribbean side Gulshan Jha after only Nepalese on a flat pitch and came under the hammer giving away singles off the enabled them to reach their fromthefearlessPaudel,and first two balls to seal the fate target with two balls he dominated a stand of 64 ofthevisitors. remainingandtakea1-0lead for the fourth wicket with The second match of the inthefive-matchseries. Dipendra Singh Airee that series will be played on

The new-ball pair of transformed the complexion Sundayatthesamevenue. Matthew Forde and left-arm of the match and reached his Earlier, Chase shared pacer Obed McCoy landmark from 47 balls with successive half-century accounted for the Nepal a deuce through square leg stands with Keacy Carty and openers Anil Sah caught at offMcCoyinthe18thover fellow Barbadian Kadeem mid-wicket for five and When Forde got the 21- Alleyne, after a lively start Kushal Bhurtel caught year-old Nepal captain from left-hander Alick behind for 16 respectively, caught behind, his side Athanaze, that paved the and the home team stumbled needed 13 from 11 balls, and wayforthechallengingWest to 43 for two at the close of Pratis GhartiChhetrientered Indies“A”total. thePowerPlay and drove the next ball to Put in to bat, the

Title hunt climaxes today at MoE ground

- Waramuri attempts to

The 10th Edition of the Petra/Milo S

Championship reaches its climax today attheMinistryofEducationground.The tournament is poised to witness exhilarating clashes as Georgetown’s Chase’s Academic Foundation squares off against Waramuri Primary Top from region one for the coveted title Meanwhile, President’s College (PC) will engage in a battle with Dolphin Secondaryforthethird-placehonour

The journey to the final has been nothing short of electrifying. Chase’s Academic Foundation stormed into the ultimateshowdownwitharesounding40 triumph over PC, stamping their authority as formidable contenders. Conversely, Waramuri Top displayed tactical prowess, orchestrating a remarkable comeback from a 2-0 deficit againstDolphininthefirsthalftoforcea 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time. Their impeccable will saw them clinch victory with a 4-3 triumph in the penalty shootout, earning them a well-deserved spot in the final against Chase’s AcademicFoundation.

Yesterday, the Petra Organisation set thestagefortheimpendingclashwiththe customary face-off exercise at the Brandsville Hotel. Captains and coaches third-place playoff between Dolphin engaged in a cordial exchange with SecondaryandPC,leadinguptothepinnacle organisers and media representatives, event at 7:00 p.m. where Chase’s Academic reflecting the eager anticipation surrounding Foundation and Waramuri Top will battle for today’sfinalshowdown. supremacy

Captain and leading goal scorer of The stakes are high, with the tournament Chase’s Academic Foundation, Bryan winners set to claim the $300,000 cash prize Wharton, lauded the tournament’s platform alongwithmedalsandtheprestigioustrophy for young talents to shine Expressing Runner-up and third and fourth place confidence in his team’s abilities, he finishers will also be rewarded handsomely, acknowledged Waramuri’s impressive form with all prize money contributing towards but affirmed their readiness to rise to the projectsattherespectiveschools. challengeandclinchvictory The tournament is sponsored by Massy

Echoing similar sentiments, Waramuri’s Distribution under the Nestle ‘MILO’ brand captain, Odel Homes, exuded confidence in and endorsed by the Ministry of Education his team’s capabilities, vowing to deliver an with approval from the Guyana Football enthralling performance and emerge Federation (GFF), the tournament enjoys victorious. With both sides brimming with unwavering support from various entities, confidence, spectators can anticipate a including the Ministry of Sport, Ministry of rivetingclashofskillsandstrategies. Local Government, Yellow Steel Inc., and The action kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with the MVPSports.

Captain of Waramuri Primary Top, Odel Holmes (left) and Chase’s Academic captain Bryan Wharton at yesterday’s face at the Brandsville Hotel

More PE Students onboard GGA programme, as preparations heighten for this year’s exams

TAssociation and Nexgen Golf Academy has borne fruit as hundreds of students across the country, from Regions 2, 4, 5, 6, and 10 aretakinggolf as theirPE electiveatCSEC.

This year’s CSEC exams will feature even more students from across schools in Guyana.

Rosignol, Bush Lot, Friendship, Wisburg and Anna Regina Secondary schoolswerejoinedthisyear by Tucville Secondary, Freeburg Secondary, Bladen Hall Multilateral Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, AbramZuilSecondaryasthe numbers of students continue to increase, all with Head of Unit of Allied Arts sportinGuyana. W i t h t h e expected that CSEC PE education. theintentionsofmaintaining Nicholas Fraser, the GGA “In 2022, 116 students implementation of the Five numbers will also increase It’simportanttonotethat Grade I pass rate of 90% or and Nexgen Golf Academy made history by taking golf Priority Programme by inthecomingyears Belladrum Secondary also higher trained 155 PE teachers in astheirPEelectiveandsince M i n i s t e r P r i y a As seen from the photos, implemented a PE Golf According to GGA eight regions and provided then, the sport has captured Manickchand in 2023, golf morethan60%oftheplayers program and were trained by president Aleem Hussain, equipment and balls to over the imagination of students, quickly grew to reach over are female, a category that is the Lusignan Golf Course in “2021, in collaboration with 82 schools with a goal in teachers and parents across 22,000learnersinGrades7- usually difficult to promote preparation for their the Ministry of Education, mind of making Golf a top thecountry.” 9 and with that boost, it’s in both golf and physical practicalexamination.

Pele executives and members mourn the loss of former coach Gulliver

The executive and members (home and aboard) are

hereby extending its deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to the immediate families, relatives, friends and entire Football Fraternity, upon the untimely death of the club’s former Coach and Mentor, Peter Michellin Gulliver, who died on the 22nd day of A pril, 2024 at the G e o rg e t o w n P u b l i c Hospital, where he was hospitalized after a brief boutofillness.

Hisdeathwouldhaveleft the entire Pele FC Family (locally and overseas) in a deep sense of shock, overcome with emotional thereafter his next ofplayersfromtheclub,also grief and sadness. While not assignment was with the donned national colours. A foregoing Black Pearl also club’s male junior players’ night of reflection will be anaffiliateoftheGFA,along where tremendous success held at the GFC Ground, with numerous other ballers was achieved, churning out Bourda on the 28th day of thathadpreviouslybenefited numerous junior national April,2024. from “Michellins” coaching players many of whom

AViewingwillbeheldat in various parts of this graduated to the senior the GFC Ground, from country nationallineup. 09:00hrs-12:00hrs, followed

An astute disciplinarian His defending moment by the Church Service at the and father figure, the late with relief, was his same venue and then to individual simply “ate, slept appointment as the Senior Mahaica Cemetery for and dreamt of Football Coach, and would have burial. Coaching, an astounding contributed to the club’s rich It would be remiss of the quality”. legger of never being club not to mention the

Michellin’s previous relegated from the first to numerous championship association with Pele, Second Division, within the titles that were won under began in the mid-70s while GFL\GFA. the tutelage of the late Peter his coaching career Additionally, during his “Michellin” Gulliver, commenced in 1979, with tenure as the Senior Head moreover at the junior level. the club’s female team, with Coach, a significant number MayhisSoulRestinPeace. a lull in female football he third year of hard work by the Guyana Golf

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Berbice Zone...

Trafalgar, East Bank Gunners, Big Ballers earn semifinal tickets

Trafalgar, East Charles and Jaden Thom Ballers-4 Bank Gunners, recordedonegoaleach. BigBallersscorers

Big Ballers, and The winner of the EconSmith-(2) East Bank Young Guns tournament will earn an DemarioGabriel-(2) secured semifinal berths automatic berth to the Paradisescorer when the Guinness ‘Greatest national championship in DeonMoriah-(2) of the Streets’ Berbice Zone August. In excess of one Roundof16section commenced on Friday night million dollars in prizes will Game-1 at the NewAmsterdam (NA) be awarded to the top four NA Lions-0 vs East basketballcourt. finishers. BankGunners-2

Witnessed by a large To date, the Georgetown Game-2 gathering, former two-time championship has been Hopetown-1vs.Ithaca-0 champion Trafalgar crushed concluded. Game-3

Hopetown4-0.

CompleteResults BallersUnitedvs.Canje

N. Bobb bagged a brace, Quarterfinals Ballerswonviawalkover while Teon Mackenzie Game-1 Game-4 talliedadouble. East Bank Gunners-0 vs. Trafalgar-2 vs. Black

On the other hand, Big BallersUnited-0 Sharks-0 Ballers also bested Paradise East Bank won 1-0 on Game-5 4-2. Evon Smith and penaltykicks Futuro Boys-0 vs. East Demario Gabriel recorded Game-2 BankYoungGuns-1 respectivedoubles.Ontarget T r a f a l g a r - 4 v s . Game-6 fortheloserwithabracewas Hopetown-0 Paradise-3 vs Back DeonMoriah.

N.Bobb-(2) Street-0

Meanwhile, East Bank TeonMckenzie-(2) Game-7 Gunners squeaked past Game-3 NA United vs Street Ballers United 1-0 on East BankYoung Guns-2 Warriors penalty kicks after full time vs.StreetWarriors-0 The Street Warriors won endedscoreless. SherwinCharles-(1) viadisqualification.

Also, the East Bank JadenThom-(1) Game-8 Young Guns defeated the Game-4 Rising Stars-0 vs. Big Street Warriors 2-0. Sherwin Paradise-2 vs Big Ballers-1

Peter “Michellin” Gulliver with members of the Black Pearl Football Team.

Dolphin Secondary School Benefits From GGA/Nexgen Golf’s Equipment Donation

Dolphin Secondary school became the now join the thousands of learners who have mostrecentadditiontothelistofschoolsthat been given access to the sport as a result of hasreceivedgolfequipmentfromtheGuyana donations of equipment and balls by the GolfAssociation and Nexgen GolfAcademy Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf in the drive to ensure that as many Guyanese Academy The donation was requested by studentshaveaccesstothesportaspossible. Ms. SaskiaDavid,theCPCEPEteacherwho Deputy Head Mistress Ms. Annabelle completed the initial golf training program Charles, who was joined by PE HOD Mr coordinated by CPCE Registrar Ms. Kevaun Ranole Bourne said, “We are grateful to Mr Sears and Sports Coordinator Mr Alque Hussain and the organizations for this Stanley where the 2022 graduating PE contribution to the school’s sports Majorsweretrainedongolf. programme and all our learners, PE teachers According to Mr Hussain, “Former andmyselfareextremelyexcitedandlooking Prime Minister and current Ambassador to forward to learning more about the sport. the US Sam Hinds has been a strong Definitely next year we will have learners supporter and advocate of our golf takinggolfastheirPEelectiveatCSEC!” development program and has pushed for Nexgen Golf Academy has trained and inclusion of inner-city schools. As a former provided coaches for the Ministry of student of the school (when it was Dolphin Education Unit of Allied Arts Priority Primary), on behalf of my entire family, we Programme in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 since are happy to give back to our community September2023andDolphinSecondarywill wherewegrewup.”

‘Multi’ defends ExxonMobil

Linden Inter-school football title

Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (Multi) electrified the crowd as they clashed fiercely with Mackenzie High School, delivering a heart-pounding spectacle that culminated in a 3 – 2 win, successfully defending their ExxonMobil Linden Inter-School Footballtitle.

New Archery Club ‘Oasis Archers’ affiliates with AG

Oasis Archers’ Committee, comprising Centhia Cross as President, Quincy Clarke as Vice President, Aaron Taylor as Treasurer, Lalita Lachman as Secretary, and members Michael Benn, Colin Higgins, Samuel Arjoon, Esau Ishmael, and Vishal Ragoobeer, stand ready to lead the club into this new chapter of affiliation with Archery Guyana.

Archery Guyana proudly O n c e a p p r o v e d , compliance with our announces the affiliation of affiliatedclubsgainaccessto affiliationrequirements. “Oasis Archers,” a dynamic a wealth of resources and Thisprocessmayinvolve addition to the archery support to enhance their a review of the club’s communityinGuyana. operations and promote the structure, activities, and

Vidushi Persaud- sport of archery within their alignment with our McKinnon, President of communities. federation’s values and Archery Guyana warmly Affiliation with Archery objectives.”Uponsuccessful welcomed President Centhia Guyana offers clubs, like review and approval, the Cross and the Executive Oasis Archers, access to a club will receive official Committee of Oasis Archers wide range of benefits, confirmationofitsaffiliation into its fold, congratulating including participation in withArcheryGuyana.

them on marking a sanctioned events, coaching This confirmation opens significant milestone in the and development programs, the door to a wealth of sport’s growth and and other benefits through benefits and opportunities development within the Archery Guyana’s affiliation for the club and its members nation. with World Archery, the including:

The President expressed international governing -Participationinnational her enthusiasm for the bodyforthesport. a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l affiliation, stating, “We are President of Archery competitionsandevents. delighted to welcome Oasis Guyana Mrs. Vidushi -Access to coaching and Archers into the Archery Persaud-McKinnon took the trainingresources. Guyanafamily opportunity to give an - N e t w o r k i n g

Their dedication to the overview as to the affiliation opportunities with other sport and commitment to p r o c e s s w h i c h i s affiliated clubs and fostering a thriving archery straightforward and organizations. community align perfectly designed to streamline the - Recognition and with our mission and integration of clubs into the visibility as part of the values.” federation She indicated nationalarcherycommunity

From the tournament’s kick-off on April 13, hosted exclusively at the Wisburg Secondary School ground, theintensitywaspalpable. Every match was a battleground, each team vying for glory, but it was ‘Multi’ the beloved the 19th minute, igniting the spectators on the edge of favourites—who showcased fervent hope for Mackenzie theirseats. unwavering determination High School in the soggy Upontheresumption,the to secure their spot in the conditions. battlefield only intensified, final showdown against a Yet, in a breath-taking with Jaheim Baird (48’) relentless Mackenzie High turn of events, Amani King unleashing a thunderous School. swiftly retaliated, equalizing strike to grant ‘Multi’ the The game exploded into thescorejustaminutelater lead, only to have Keoma action when Azanio As halftime approached, Lowerespondinkindfor Benjamin struck the net in thetensionmounted,leaving

(Continued on page 61)

Ms Centhia Cross, that Clubs interested in - Support and guidance President of Oasis Archers, affiliating with Archery from the federation’s shared her excitement about Guyana are invited to leadershipteam. joining Archery Guyana, express their interest by According to Mrs saying, “We are thrilled to contacting the federation P e r s a u d - M c K i n n o n , become part of Archery directly “Affiliation with Archery Guyana and look forward to This can be done via Guyana not only strengthens contributing to the growth of email, phone, or through the the bonds within our archery archery in our country With website or the various social community but also access to resources and platforms. Upon expressing empowers clubs to play an support from the national interest, clubs will be active role in shaping the governing body, we are provided with the necessary futureofthesportinGuyana. confident in our ability to documentation and forms Together, we can work provide opportunities for requiredforaffiliation. towards a shared vision of archers of all levels to These documents excellence, inclusivity, and thrive ” The affiliation include inter alia an growth in archery I urge all process with Archery application form, club clubs passionate about Guyana is straightforward constitution, a list of archery to take the first step and accessible to all clubs e x e c u t i v e m e m b e r s towards affiliation with interested in joining the democraticallyelected. ArcheryGuyana. association. Once the completed Together, let us unlock Clubs can initiate the documentation is submitted, the full potential of our sport affiliation process by Mrs Persaud-McKinnon and create a brighter future contacting Archery Guyana indicated that “our for archery in our nation. directly and submitting the federation will review the Welcome to Oasis Archers necessarydocumentation. application to ensure Club.”

Deputy HM Ms. Annabelle Charles; HOD Ranole Bourne and CPCE PE Teacher Saskia David Receives Golf Equipment From GGA President Aleem Hussain

GCB T10 Blast tournament…

Caimans, Piranhas & Pitbulls notch up wins in triple-header

- Sinclair, Algoo, Sampson cop MVP awards

Saturday’s triple-header at Meten-MeerZorg Ground finished with victories for the Berbice Caimans, Berbice Piranhas and the Demerara Pitbulls. Berbice Caimans defeat DemeraraHawksby29-runs

Algooledhisteamwitharobust80off27 balls clobbering 9 maximums with five fours while Kevin Sinclair had 33, Captain Kevlon Anderson16andStevenSankar(12*).

Caimans finished nicely on 148-3 as the Hawks bowlers Zeynul Ramsammy (1-32), Aryan Persaud (1-22) and Ronaldo Alimohamed (1-18). The Hawks would then beleftstrandedon119-6despiteRampersaud Ramnauth (40), Joshua Persaud (16), Ramsammy (12) and Alimohamed (11), puttingupafight.Sinclairledwith2-7,while Guyana Harpy Eagles duo of Sylus Tyndall otherrun-gettersfortheEssequibofranchise. and Steven Sankar along with first division Spin wizard Veerasammy Permaul had players Bernard Bailey and Devon Lord; another good match, bagging 3-27 with help chippinginwithawicketeach. from Garfield Phillips (2-7) while Berbice Piranhas beat consistency continued from Ricky Sargeant, Essequibo Jaguars by 50-runs NigelDeodatandafewotherswhograbbeda Piranhas racked up 148-3 from 10 overs wicketeach. after an assault led by Quentin Sampson who Demerara Pitbulls beat nailed 83 from 23 not out with 11 sixes and Demerara Hawks by 8 wickets just3fours.RegionalspinnerAshmeadNedd Hawks final score batting first saw them pickedup2-20whilefast-bowlersNialSmith end on 73-7 with lone top-scorer Aryan (1-32) and Dwain Dick (1-12) alongside Persaudbeating46off27deliveriesinclusive Dimitri Cameron (1-24) were the wicket- of 6 fours. Pitbulls skipper Chris Barnwell takers for the Jaguars. The Jags could only had another good game with 2-11. Leon muster 93 all out in the chase with Guyana Swamy, Malcom Hubbard and Junior Harpy Eagles wicket-keeper Kemol Savory Sinclaireachfinishedwithascalp. giving his team some hope with 24 from 10 Sinclair then hammered three fours and (1x43x6). two sixes in his 34 at the top of the order Opener Chandrapaul Hemraj (17) and Hubbard (17) and Sachin Singh (12) saw the Dick (14) and Carlos Larose (11) were the Pitbullsto77-2.

One of Saturday’s MVPs, Junior Sinclair