Kaieteur News

Omai to produce 2 million ounces within 13 years from one mining pit only

Unlimitedparentcompanyguaranteeforoilspills….

them from joining

USNavymakes hugecocainebust onsubmarineoff Guyana'scoast

Guyana borrowed to buy two air planes for the price of four Govt. secretly moved to CCJ to reverse Appeal Court’s decision blocking

The 2,370 kilograms of cocaine seized off Guyana's coast

Exxon in fight against Guyanese

Unlimitedparentcompanyguaranteeforoilspills…. Govt. secretly moved to CCJ to reverse Appeal Court’s decision blocking them from joining Exxon in fight against Guyanese

The Government of Guyana (GoG) secretly moved to the Caribbean CourtofJustice(CCJ)overa monthagoinabidtoreverse the decision of the local Appeal Court blocking the state from fighting against the citizens of Guyana, seeking an unlimited parent company guarantee from ExxonMobil to cover all oil spillcosts.

Theapplicationwasfiled since February 29, 2024 by the Attorney General (AG) andLegalAffairsMinisterof Guyana,AnilNandlall,SC.It was only made known yesterday

Guyana's Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)and citizens Godfrey Whyte and FrederickCollins,alongwith Esso Exploration and

Production Guyana Limited (now ExxonMobil Guyana Limited) are the named respondentsinthematterthat will be heard before CCJ Judges Justice A Saunders, President, Justice W Anderson and Mme Justice MaureenRajnauth-Lee. According to the Notice of Application for Special Leave to Appeal, seen by Kaieteur News, theAttorney Generalwasinstructedbythe CCJtofileandservewritten submissions and a list of authorities on or before 11 March2024.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e respondents were instructed each file and serve written submissions in response and a list of authorities on or before 25 March 2024

Nandlall was granted until April1,2024tofileandserve

writtensubmissionsinreply, if needed The Court of Appeal on December 19, 2023, unanimously rejected theapplicationbyNandlallto join the case of two GuyanesetogetExxonMobil to furnish the nation with unlimited liability coverage foroilspills.

The Court of Appeal unanimously upheld the submissions made by Seenath Jairam ,SC, leading Ms Melinda Janki and Mrs. Abiola Wong-Innings on behalfofCollinsandWhyte, strenuously objecting to the joinder of the AttorneyGeneral The AttorneyGeneral had sought to join the side of Exxon Guyana which opposed the orders made by High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon for theretobeafullcoveragefor

all oil spill costs. Jairam, SC made a number of legal arguments as to why theAG shouldnotbeallowedtojoin but in particular pointed out

thattheAttorney-Generalhas no place in judicial review proceedings – a legal position that has now been judicially endorsed by the CourtofAppeal.

The Collins and Whyte caseiscurrentlyintheCourt of Appeal following the internationally renowned and historic decision by Justice Sandil Kissoon on May3,2023.TheHighCourt JudgehadorderedtheEPAto obtain from Exxon Guyana, environmental liability insurance as is customary in the petroleum industry and anunlimitedparentcompany guaranteetocoverallcostsof an oil spill, in accordance with the environmental permit issued to Exxon Guyana.

In his judgment, Justice Kissoon was very clear and

had castigated the EPA for abdicating its statutory responsibilities stating that theEPAhad“relegateditself to state of laxity of e n f o r c e m e n t a n d condonationcompoundedby a lack of vigilance thereby putting this nation and its people in grave potential danger of calamitous disaster” Justice Kissoon also found in the evidence that Exxon Guyana, “was engaged in a disingenuous attemptwhichwascalculated to deceive when it sought to dilute its liabilities and settled obligations stipulated and expressed in clear unambiguous terms” in its environmentalpermit.

Both the EPAand Exxon Guyana appealed the decisionwhichisnowbefore theCourtofAppeal.

Guyana borrowed to buy two airplanes for the price of four

The Government of GuyanahasborrowedaUS$ 23 27 million loan from IndiatobuytwoDornier228 airplanes from an Indian AeronauticsCompanywhen they could have gotten four forthesameprice.

Accordingtoreports,the twoaircraftarrivedonEaster Monday, some 16 days after aloanagreementwassigned between Guyana's Ministry of Finance and the Indian EXIM (Export-Import) Bank. The airplanes were purchased from Hindustan AeronauticsLimited(HAL).

On March 10 last year the Indian government purchased six similar planes foritsairforcefromthesame company at a price of US$31 9 million The Defence Ministry of India was the one who made the announcement and it was widely reported on Twitter andmultiplemediahouses.

One excerpt from the Economic Times, a media company, said, “The Defence Ministry on Friday (March 10, 2023) sealed a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure six Dornier aircraft at a cost of Rs 667

Twitter- now names X Reports of the Indian Government purchasing 6 of the same aircraft for US$31 million

crore for the Indian Air Force Rs 667 Crore is equivalent to US$31 9 Million and that means that the Indian government had purchased 6 of the same aircraft from the same company at a price of US$5.3 million for one. At thispriceGuyanacouldhave purchased four of these aircraft with US$23 27 million and still have over U$2 million left over for otherexpenses.

Opposition Member of

Parliament and General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald on Tuesday during her online show a called “Advancing Cause” had alleged that perhaps the Indian government might have purchasedtheseplanesfrom thecompanyandthenresold them Guyana Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo at his weekly party press conference on Thursday refuted her claims calling it

false.

According to him Guyana bought the aircraft directlyfromthecompanyat priceofUS$8milliondollars for one (US$16 million for the two) and spent the remaining U$7.27 million on spare parts, training of Guyanesepilotsanddelivery of the planes to country A cost of US$8 million is still almost three million US dollars more than what the Indian Government had purchased the same aircraft

for “These are aircraft that are new”, Jadeo said before giving a breakdown of how Guyanaspenttheloanthatit hastopaybackwithinterest.

“That is 16 million dollars, we then bought 6.3 million dollars in spares for these two aircraft including reserve engine propellers etc. and then about another milliondollarsintrainingof 19 persons including the pilots, engineers, etc., technicians”

Hecontinuedthatpartof

the loan was also spent to delivertheplanestoGuyana and bring a team from India to work with Guyana DefenceForce(GDF)pilots. According to Jagdeo the government got a good deal from India with a “cheap interestrate”.Hesaidtoothe planes are suitable for Guyana's needs. “They can carry 19 passengers, and fly directly to Barbados… you don'thavetoevenrefuelcan theycanlandonalmostallof ourairstrips”,Jagdeosaid.

Attorney General (AG) and LegalAffairs Minister of Guyana,Anil Nandlall, SC

The two aircraft Guyana purchased from the same company with a US$23.27 million loan.

Delays in release oil audits

Whatcouldbetheproblem? Whythelengthydelaywith thereleaseoftheseauditreportsofoilcompanyexpenses?

We mean the US$1.6 billion in ExxonMobil’s expenses for the period 1999-2017 and then US$7.3B for the period 2018-2020. Why is it that audits involving ExxonMobil claimed spending seems to give the PPP/C Government the combination of a paralyzing migraine and an unbearable toothacheatthesametime?

Four years is a long time for an audit to be delayed, almost an eternity, and the longer it is suspended between possible manipulations and arrangements, the more the height of suspicions rises. Vice President Jagdeo, who has taken it upon himself to be Guyana’s leading voice and leadingexpertonallthingsoilinGuyanahasgoneonrecord to assert, “The [audit] report has been concluded and it is now with the technical people…I am not interfering.” All Guyanese should be thankful for that ray of clarity from the Vice President on “I am not interfering.” Given, however, Jagdeo’s history of making it his duty to be everywhere and in everything, this is a little on the difficult side to swallow Our experience with this leader has been that of someone who says one thing, with the brightest of practiced expressions,onlyfortheoppositetooccur

Notwithstanding what Jagdeo said, the concern is that these audit reports are too long overdue. For a poor country like Guyana, if the inspiring statistics and narratives floodingthiscountryfromallovercouldbeheldinsuspense for a moment, US$1.6 billion and US$7.3B are huge sums. It is not amounts that should be taken lightly, or played around with, or be subject to this type of unending circling around, like some overhead aircraft waiting for permission to land. Who is holding this audit up, and for what reason? the “technical people”, some of them most likely from the Guyana RevenueAuthority (GRA. We go further and insist thattheycannotbesoobliviousabouttheimportanceofthis US$1.6 billion and the US$7.3B and the urgency to have it completedsoonerratherthanlater

Many Guyanese do not place a store of trust in ExxonMobil, or Vice President Jagdeo, given the thick secrecies surrounding the expenses that the American oil supermajor says that it spent, and is ready to drain from our oil revenues. So, when audits of this magnitude, and for the extended periods of 1999-2017 and 2018-2020 are suspended between time and space, and Jagdeo’s attempt at comfortingwords,arealltakenintoconsideration,thereare good grounds to fear the worst. As much as we at this publication would like to give ExxonMobil (and Bharrat Jagdeo) the benefit of the doubt, neither has helped their cause. Put in the simplest manner, there has been too many developments that do not make any sense, or offer any cushion for the many anxieties of Guyanese. As one example, when completed reports on other reviews are withheld from the Guyanese public, then both ExxonMobil and the Government of Guyana are viewed skeptically As another, when something as fundamental as the interest rate charged by ExxonMobil for the billions it claims to have investedinouroffshoreoilfieldsisamystery,thenthedistrust deepens So, when need-to-know information relative to our oilsectorisacloselyguardedsecretforboththeAmericanoil supergiant, and the Guyana Government (Jagdeo), then this four-yearauditdelayismoreofthatpattern.

Though Jagdeo is sure to rant at our observations and positions, he has not left either us or the Guyanese public with much choice. ExxonMobil has not been the quality partner that Guyanese once expected, with the result being that a good fraction of its billions in expenses suffer from being kicked into the can. Similarly, our oil leader, Jagdeo, has left Guyanese with too many unanswered questions about his management of this oil wealth. When he has responded to questions, he has done so most cagily, and has given every indication of being heavily on ExxonMobil’s side, with Guyanese hanging. Four years to finish the audit andreporttotheGuyanesepeopleisacrime.

Guyana’s storage and emissions of carbon dioxide greenhouse gas

DEAREDITOR, of standing forest as higher- Winrock International with replied that Guyana’s trees I offer the following resolution satellite imagery the GFC estimated in 2018 had higher density than the clarifications to apparent and better trained GFC staff anaverageof1,213tonnesof tropicalaverage. misunderstandings by have enabled fresh looks at stored (sequestrated) carbon How do these figures fit President Mohamed Irfaan older imagery The baseline dioxide (CO2) per hectare; into the frequent claims by Ali in his encounter with was re-set in 2012, 2018 and see page 121 in LCDS 2030. Guyanese leaders that BBC ‘Hard Talk’ journalist 2022. The average annual loss of Guyana is providing an Stephen Sackur (KN, ‘Bring Also, the estimate of CO2 from deforestation in enormous ecological benefit itin–PresidentAli’sseminal natural rainforest area has Guyana is 5046x1213= 6.12 to the world from the carbon defence of Guyana’s road been revised by the GFC to milliontonnes. in its standing forest? As I map’, 01April 2024) and by eliminate the areas of forest There are other losses of explained in the 10-part General Secretary Bharrat which are cleared, farmed forest carbon from forest series on ‘Carbon in the Jagdeo in his weekly Press and regenerated in the degradation which are also forests of Guyana’published encounters (DPI, ‘Guyana ecologically-appropriate estimated and explained in by S t a b ro e k N e w s in will remain a carbon sink traditional rotational the annual GFC/MRVS 2009(July 27-August 18), even at maximized oil a g r i c u l t u r e o f t h e reports, but we can ignore this claim is based on a production – GS Jagdeo’, 29 Amerindiancommunities. It them for the purpose of this misunderstanding by the March 2024). Doubts about was agreed in 2009, in the letter leaders The standing these PPP claims have been early stages of the first Howdoestheannualloss natural tropical rainforest is expressed many times version of the Low Carbon of forest carbon compare in dynamic equilibrium before, most recently by Development Strategy with the amount left in the Like all living things, the Peeping Tom in KN, ‘Is (LCDS), that Amerindian standing natural tropical trees grow and die. During Guyana’s forest carbon what forest clearing for farming rainforest? The LCDS 2030 daylight hours, the trees the government says it is?’, would not be considered as a usestheMRVS2020year10 accumulate carbon through 01April2024. component of national estimate of 18,001,790 photosynthesis. During the

Starting with the stored deforestation, so this hectares of remaining night, most of that carbon is forest carbon: our natural adjustmentbringstheMRVS natural forest and 1213 respired back to the tropical rainforest covers an andLCDSintoalignment. tCO2/ha of sequestered atmosphere. Andmostofthe area estimated as about 18.5 If we add up the carbon to give a national stored carbon retained in million hectares (Mha) in successive areas of total of 21.8 Gigatonnes. each tree is also lost back to 1990 and 17.8 Mha in 2022; deforestation in the same Even if we take 10 years of the atmosphere when trees source = Guyana Forestry MRVS table 7-1, the total average deforestation (61.2 decay and die; some adds to Commission (GFC) ‘MRVS over 32 years is 161,460 ha million tCO2), this a tiny stored soil carbon, but this Interim Measures Report for instead of the 198,780 ha by fraction of the carbon stored also is subject to natural Year 12 = 2022, table 7-1. simple subtraction in the standing forest. We carbon cycling unless buried MRVS is the acronym for Deforestation varies from a should note that the expert under anaerobic conditions ‘Monitoring, Reporting and high of 14,650 to a low of reviewers of the UN and, over tens of millions of Verification System’ 6,470 ha per annum. The Framework Convention on years, becoming coal or –Subtraction between these high figure is usually Climate Change (UNFCCC) indeed–petroleum. two areas would suggest that associated with a high gold were doubtful about the So the standing forest is we have lost nearly 0.2 Mha price,thelowfigurehasbeen carbondensityperhectareof carbon neutral because the in just over 30 years, mainly associated with low gold forest claimed by Guyana forestareaisnotincreasing–from uncontrolled mining. price and mine closures (much higher than previous on the contrary, it is Butthatwouldnotbecorrect because of the COVID-19 estimates by Hans terSteege d e c l i n i n g t h r o u g h because consultants Indufor pandemic. Average annual in 2000 and Denis Alder & uncontrolled deforestation with the GFC have re- deforestation over the 32 Marijke van Kuijk in 2009 anddegradation–and estimated the baseline area years has been 5,046 ha. fortheGFC). Winrock/GFC (Continued on page 6)

PM Phillips needs to know actions speak louder than words

DEAREDITOR, Coalition’s administration - This letter seeks to onourfailuretocomplywith Please permit me to when he acknowledged that highlightthatworkwasdone Section 67 of the Public thank the Prime Minister for GPL was able to purchase and plans were developed to Corporation Act and submit his response as well as his generating sets from its own manage the challenges at reports annually to the public acknowledgement resources. GPL and the growing National Assembly – the that contradicts the untruths Further, I thank the PM demandofourcountry explanation is simple – GPL whichclaimthatnothingwas for highlighting a major This letter further seeks is a limited liability done during 2015 – 2020. omission in my previous to ask our government to company, established under The Prime Minister’s letter, where the figures appreciate that PR does not the Company Act, No 29 of response finally clarifies the listed for Transmission and provide much needed 1991, the company’s bylaws deception with regards to Distribution upgrades were electricity,nordoesitreplace were adopted and ratified on GPL’s 2015 – 2020 those undertaken and funded equipment destroyed by October 8, 2010, the main performance, the facts are by GPLONLY If the works c o n t i n u o u s v o l t a g e s h a r e h o l d e r i s t h e that 60+ MWs of power was executed under the Power fluctuations. Families and Government of Guyana procured under the Coalition Utility Upgrade Program businesses need the Hence, the company does within four years, which is a (PUUP) during the 2015 – Government to make not fall under the Public clear indication that the 2020 period are included improvements within a Corporation Act, however Coalition was aware of our there would be evidence of a properly constructed plan GPL is audited annually and increasing power demand more impressive record, and provide a stable, reliable publishes an annual report and made adequate since under the PUUP service for customers, which which is available to the provisions to address these program the following is foundational to our public. needs. additional to works were country’sdevelopment. Actions speak louder The PM unwittingly also completed - upgraded Finally, in another letter than words; citizens need to dispelled another untruth 404km of low and medium in your newspaper, Mr Joel feel the outcomes of actions thatwasbeingpeddledbyhis voltage network, installed Bhagwandin has demanded ontheirlives. administration - that GPL 231newtransformersaswell an explanation from me (and Regards, was cash strapped under the as23,493newAMImeters. former President Granger), David Patterson

BROTHER EUSI KWAYANA IS 99YEARS OLD TODAY!

Stupid actions must carry sensible consequences

DEAREDITOR,

It seems reason has taken flight and the mental condition has deteriorated to such an extent that the senseless act, in the matter of the drag race accident which took place in an East Coast community between two vehicles, one, allegedly driven by a fifteen year old, reeks of pure and utter madness. Now three children are fighting for their lives and their world andthatoftheirfamiliesturnedupside-down.

Whenwillthemadnessontheroadwaysend?

How could vehicles be racing in a community, and how could a fifteen year old be allowed to take the wheel of a vehicle?

DEAREDITOR, politicallifeandwork. leaders. Ironically, he has landed troops in the country, Jagan’srighttoremainasthe New Nation until he was Today, April 4, 2024, Eusi Kwayana, formerly also been one of the most Kwayana was one of the leader His simple reason expelled from the party in Eusi Kwayana turns ninety- SydneyKing,wasborn1925 c o n t r o v e r s i a l a n d leaderscitedbythegovernor was that Jagan had done 1961 for publicly engaging nine. He is the only living and has been involved in misunderstood public as the “ringleaders” of the nothing to warrant removal theethnicproblem. member of the class of Guyana’s national politics personalities communist conspiracy He from the position When He co-founded in 1961 1953—the foremost leaders since 1947 He has been He entered the political and other ringleaders were some members proposed the African Society for of the original PPP It is referred to as the “Sage of arena as a supporter of arrested and detained for Kwayanaasthecompromise Racial Equality (ASRE), difficult to properly analyze Buxton,” Renaissance Man” Cheddi Jagan in his close to three months. It was leader, a suggestion which was dedicated modern Guyanese politics and “Guyana’s Gandhi,” successful bid for a seat in whilehewasministerthathe supported by Burnham, primarily to raising cultural without taking into among other descriptions. the Legislative Council in uttered the famous words to Kwayana turned down the consciousness among c o n s i d e r a t i o n E u s i His public life is multi- 1947. He soon joined the thethengovernor—Iwillnot offer on the grounds that he African Guyanese and Kwayana’s wide ranging faceted– political activist, Political Affairs Committee stand for this confounded did not want to be seen as championing the cause of contributions. His political educator, writer, journalist, (PAC), a small left-wing nonsense. It has since been wresting the position from ethnic equality As ethnic career has spanned the eight dramatist, folklorist, and group that was the precursor translated into popular Jagan Burnham made insecurity by both groups decades, which mirrors the historian. But it is as a to the People’s Progressive f o l k l o r e a s “ T h i s another bid for the became more manifest, period normally referred to political activist that Party (PPP), the country’s confounded nonsense must leadership after the electoral Kwayana, on behalf of as the modern phase of Kwayana has made his most first mass-based political stop.” victory in 1953, but once ASRE, proposed a power Guyanese and Caribbean telling contribution and is party He served asAssistant While Cheddi Jagan and again Kwayana came to sharing arrangement or politics. This article pays best known to Guyanese. He General Secretary of the Forbes Burnham, the party’s Jagan’s defense. Burnham “joint premiership” between tribute to Kwayana by has become one of Guyana’s PPP, Kwayana, who easily primary leaders quickly eventually withdrew his the leaders of the two ethnic offering an overview of his most distinguished political won his parliamentary seat, became identified with the c h a l l e n g e a f t e r a parties with partition of the becameMinisterofWorksin East Indian and African compromise on the makeup country into three zones –the new government which communities respectively, ofthecabinet. African,Indian,andMixed–lasted for 133 days. By this Kwayana an African was When, in 1955, the PPP as a last resort. Both leaders time, he was regarded by the seenasneutral.Whilehewas split generally along ethnic rejected the proposal. ASRE British as a staunch aware of the ethnic lines, Kwayana was one of a was disbanded a year later, communist. This perception rumblings among the party’s group of Africans that amidst fears of dividing the was based largely on his supporters, he felt that remained with the Cheddi A f r i c a n - G u y a n e s e m i l i t a n t s t a n c e o n i n d e p e n d e n c e w a s Jagan faction. However, he community and the country independence During his paramount. This balancing lefttheJaganfactionin1956 descended into open ethnic short tenure as Minister of act by Kwayana was largely over the party’s conflict that lasted from Works he improved the evidenced when there were refusal to take Guyana into 1961 to 1964. Kwayana’s country’s transportation two challenges to Jagan’s the West Indies Federation. Joint Premiership proposal system. His militancy was leadership of the party After unsuccessfully was the first power sharing captured in a statement Forbes Burnham, the party’s running as an independent initiative placed on the which has since become part chairman, first challenged candidate at the 1957 national agenda In that of Guyana’s political Jagan for the leadership of electionhejoinedthenewly- regard, he is the Guyanese folklore. When after a mere the party before the 1953 formed People’s National and Anglophone Caribbean 133 days of the PPP election. Most of theAfrican Congress (PNC) led by pioneer of power sharing or government the British leadership supported Forbes Burnham and served sharedgovernance. suspended the constitution, Burnham, but Kwayana as General Secretary and Amidsttheethnic fired the ministers, and vehemently defended the editor of the party’s organ, (Continued on page 6)

The older driver saw it fit and proper to inculcate bad and poor road and driving habits in a young, prospective driverspeeding,disregardinglife,property,rulesoftheroadandsafe driving practices. Now the younger one, because of a single moment of recklessness and gay abandonment, is scarred for life. Both young men must face the full force of the law Stupid actions must carry sensible consequences. Their actions were not only outrageous but downright irresponsible and foolish. For that there can be no negotiation or compromise. I wish the children a full and speedy recovery and hope they are able to overcome this traumatic event in theirlives,evenastheirfamiliesfindthestrengthtocopewith theagonizingsituation.

Regards, Shamshun

Mohamed

BROTHER EUSI KWAYANA IS 99YEARS OLD TODAY!

From page 5 became one of its severest has taken on issues of aspect of Kwayana’s astheforemostmessengerof In addition to his violence that engulfed the critics In the process fairness and justice, even political praxis is his African cultural pride and journalistic writings, country, Kwayana,in 1964, Kwayana and ASCRIA when it is not politically engagement of the concrete. regeneration in Guyana and Kwayana has written many co-founded the African began to develop relations correct to do so. In this A l t h o u g h h e w a s an advocate of multiracial books, academic papers and Society for Cultural with other radical anti- regard,hisconcernisalways ideologically grounded in working-class solidarity and policy papers. Most of his Relations with Independent government organizations whether it is fair or just. the left wing of Caribbean unity He is as committed to writings have addressed the Africa (ASCRIA), which, such as Moses Bhagwan’s Second, he has been fiercely politics, he avoided the the working-class liberation concrete issues of the like ASRE, committed itself I n d i a n P e o p l e ’ s independent; his bottom line dogmatism that has as he is to African progress particular time, but others to the promotion of African Revolutionary Associates has always been what best sometimes immobilized his a n d f r e e d o m T h i s have addressed broad issues pride, dignity, and culture (IPRA and Clive Thomas’ for the people and the fellow travelers. Because his engagement of ethnicity and such as race and ethnicity, among African Guyanese. RATOON which in 1974 country rather than for the pointofdeparturehasalways race in an ethnically divided governance, and culture. He He served as Coordinating merged to form the Working partyorleader. beentheconcreteconditions, country has earned him the has also written the party Elder of ASCRIA and People’s Alliance (WPA). This independent he drew lessons from them status of both hero and songs of the PPP, PNC and changed his name to Eusi He has been a 1eading thought and action have rather than imposing lessons villain. But in the final WPA. Kwayana,which,inSwahili, memberofthepartyandwas contributed to carving out an onthem. analysis, his political life I end this overview of means “Black Man of its presidential candidate in independentorthirdspacein This in turn has reflects the persistent Kwayana’s work with a Guyana.” 1985 and parliamentarian in a political process that is contributed to his broad dilemma of race, ethnicity personal note. I have had the

Oneofthefirstactsofthe leadership impasse in the branch for just 133 days and new PNC led government PPP, he was proposed as in the legislature for a little was to send Kwayana on a leader of the party Forbes over five years, he has had a visit to Africa on its behalf. Burnham pledged his majorimpactoneverymajor He visited thirteen African willingness to serve under political episode in countriesandmetwithheads him, but Cheddi Jagan did Guyana.Kwayanahasbeena of government and other not, Kwayana promptly s t r o n g b e l i e v e r i n state officials. He explained declined, and the rest is o r g a n i z a t i o n a n d the ethnic situation in history Fourth,heistheonly movements. From his entry Guyana and urged support major Caribbean politician into national life in the late for the new government. He whohaspubliclyadmittedto 1940s to the present he has also met with leaders of the mistakes on important always belonged to at least liberation movements issues. Fifth, his political one major national fighting against apartheid in practice has been grounded organization. He is the only South Africa and Rhodesia; inpoliticalmorality major political leader in he had taken a donation of An important aspect of Guyana to play leading roles twenty pounds sterling Kwayana’s political life has in the three defining which was collected at an been his ability to influence movements of the last seven ASCRIAmeetinginBuxton. politics outside of formal decades—theIndependence,

In1971hebrokewiththe political office. There are Black Power, and ProPNC over the issue of two major factors that Democracymovements. government corruption and contributed to this. First, he Another important

Guyana’s storage and emissions of carbon...

From page 4

E n d o w m e n t because forest growth is not being (https://carnegieendowment org/2016/02/09 accelerated by silvicultural treatment under /breaking-down-barrel-tracing-ghgGFCadministration. emissions-through-oil-supply-chain-pub-

Although he never theyears1986-90. dominatedbyduality praxis which is sometimes andclass. good fortune of working rejoined the PNC he Critically, during this His independence was wrongly projected as More than any other with and learning from some supported the party, which period he directly and manifested not only by changesinhisapproach. political person of his of the best intellectuals and rose to power in 1964 as part indirectlymentoredanentire actions outside of the two W h i l e M a r x i s t s generation, he has managed political minds in Guyana. ofacoalitionwiththeUnited group of political activists major parties but when he generally avoided the issue tosynthesizethethree. My experience as a member Force (UF).He held several who have continued to serve functionedinsidetheparties. of race and ethnicity, Kwayana has a long trail of the WPA for the last five influential positions in the in public life in Guyana and This independent or third Kwayana did not. No public of writings, beginning with decades has been the finest government— head of the beyond. space accommodated person since 1961 has his writings in the PPP’s education in politics and National Land Settlement There are five aspects of ASCRIA in the 1960s, the written and spoken more on Thunder in the early 1950s public engagement. In all of Committee; chairman of the Kwayana’s political life that WPA from the 1970s and Guyana’s persistent ethnic during which time he wrote this, the persistent example G u y a n a M a r k e t i n g stands out…First, for him more recent organizations problems. He was the first many articles and editorials of Eusi Kwayana has been Corporation (GMC); politicsisnotapathtopower such as the Alliance for political leader to raise the that did not carry his byline. pivotal. chairman of the Cooperative butamediumforserviceand Change (AFC) The issue of race as a central He would later serve as He is the finest human Insurance Committee; and collective liberation i m p o r t a n c e o f t h i s problem in the political editor of the PNC’s New being I have encountered in chairman of a committee Second, while he has held independent space is its process and offered a Nation, ASCRIA’s ASCRIA mylife’sjourney charged with converting the strong ideological positions, ability to constantly provide solution. Since then, he has Drums and WPA’s Dayclean Sincerely, Guyana Cooperative Credit hehasnotbeendogmatic.He a critique of the dominant functioned simultaneously andOpenWord. David Hinds Society into a Cooperative preferred to be guided by tendencies that have had Bank He was also fairness rather than political both radicalizing and instrumental in developing correctness. Third, although democratizing effect on the the country’s foreign policy he has held leadership political process Walter towards Africa. In addition, positions in three major Rodney’s direct impact on it was he, Kwayana who politicalparties,hehasnever the politics of the 1970s was suggested to Burnham that sought the top position. He facilitated by this third our republic be named the turned down such positions space. “Cooperative Republic of several times. Notably, in Although Kwayana Guyana.” 1953 when there was a functioned in the executive

Thus Guyana’s forests have no nett 62722) provides a guide to show how Scopes positive effect on global atmospheric carbon, 1, 2 and 3 emissions from ‘conventionally contrary to the claims by Guyanese leaders. managed light oil’ generate a total of almost Also, uncontrolled deforestation, plus the halfatonne(475kg)ofCO2eperbarrelofoil. generation of carbon dioxide from burning Multiplying our 227.500 barrels/year by fossil fuel for generation of electric power 475 kg of CO2e emissions = 108.063 million and transport, especially on the coastland, tonnes of CO2e, from the 3 FPSOs. As 10 mean that Guyana has been a nett emitter of FPSOs are planned, and using the 10-year atmosphericcarbonfordecades. timeperiodinthequestionraisedbytheBBC

Now let us look at the carbon emissions journalist, Guyana’s emissions are 108.063 x resulting from Exxon’s extraction of (10/3) FPSOs x 10 years = 3.6 Gigatonnes. Guyana’s offshore deep-water oilfields So Stephen Sackur’s question about 2 Average daily extraction is around 650 Gigatonnes for total emissions over 10 years thousand barrels per day (Kbpd) and rising, was indeed an underestimate by 1 6 from 3 FPSOs. 10 FPSOs are planned, and Gigatonnes.This is quite the opposite of the they will be twice the size or larger than the conclusionsofbothPresidentAliandGeneral first, FPSO Liza Destiny 650 Kbpd x 350 SecretaryJagdeo. days/year = 227.500 million barrels/year Guyana’s predicted total emissions are Scope 1 emissions are from extraction and enormous, on a per capita basis by far the preliminary processing (including the flaring largest in the world. And Guyana’s nett of associated gas); Scope 2 emissions are emissions from uncontrolled deforestation from the refinery processing into a also contribute to global climate heating, multiplicity of petroleum products. Scope 3 althoughinarelativelytinyamount. emissions are mainly from consumer Your truly, combustion of fuel The Carnegie Janette Bulkan

Aircraft, not aircrafts

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo for several press conferences now has been adding an 's' to the word aircraft to make it plural.

Yesterday he was at his 'aircrafts’ best butchering the English Language as he commented on the purchase of two aircraft from India.

So Mr. VP, we at KN want to offer you some free language lesson.

'Aircraft' is the same in both singular and plural. Singular example: There is one aircraft left on the runway. Plural example: There are two aircraft in the sky today. There is no 's' EVER!

Omai to produce 2 million ounces within 13 years from one mining pit only

Ca n a d i a n g o l d company,OmaiGold Mines Corporation has announced a significant milestone with its Wenot Project, located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) Guyana reaching a staggering valuation of US$556million.

Earlier this year, Omai unveiled an enhanced Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its gold project locatedinGuyana.

Omai holds a 100% interest in the gold project, which encompasses two gold deposits: the shearhosted Wenot Deposit and theadjacentintrusive-hosted GiltCreekDeposit.

The results from its first Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Wenot Project revealed that the project is slated to yield over142,000ouncesofgold annuallyovera13-yearmine life.Atitspeak,productionis anticipated to soar to 184,000 ounces in a single year, with a total estimated production of 1,840,000 ouncesofpayablegold.

Key highlights from the PEAincludeanafter-taxNet Present Value5% (NPV5%) of US$556 million and an after-tax Internal Rate of

Return(IRR)of19.8%based on a gold price of US$1,950/oz. Elaine Ellingham,

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Omai said, “We are extremely pleased with this

firsteconomicthistime.

ThisPEAisanimportant step forward as it converts our successful exploration programsassessmentforthe new Omai that incorporates only our Wenot open pit deposit at into a baseline production scenario that shows potential for robust economic development for Omaitoonceagainbecomea large-scale gold producer, supported by the many benefits of a brownfields project including good road access, a nearby skilled workforce and the strong support of government for re-development.”

Notably, it was stated that while the adjacent Gilt Creek Deposit was not factored into the current economic evaluation, Omai remains confident in its future contribution to the overallmineplan.

In fact, the CEO said, “Gilt Creek would be an underground mine, it would have required significant additional engineering, time and cost, and our priority was to establish a baseline valuation for our shareholders.

We have fast-tracked the advancement of this project over the past two years and are pleased to deliver these tangibleresults.”

Looking ahead, Omai

sees immense potential for expansion and enhanced economics.

Identified gold zones along strike and at depth withintheWenotdepositare expected to bolster mineral r e s o u r c e s , w h i l e incorporating the adjacent Gilt Creek Deposit could extend the mine life to over 20years.

Additionally, plans to exploit high-grade nearsurface zones promise to elevateprocessingplantfeed quality and boost economic returns.

ThePEAmarksapivotal stepforOmaiasitprogresses towards a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS), signaling a steadfast commitment to advancing theOmaiProjectin2024and beyond.

OnFebruary8,2024,the Company announced an updated MRE for the Omai Property

The combined estimates from the Wenot and Gilt Creek deposits stands at 2 0 million ounces of gold grading at 2 15 g/t gold in the indicated category and 2 3 million ounces of gold grading at 2 26 g/t in the inferred category

Thisrepresentsanotable increase compared to the previous resource estimate

conducted in October 2022, withindicatedouncesseeing a 4% uptick and inferred ounces experiencing a substantial28%surge.

In2020,Omaire-entered Guyana's mining industry The company had said that their work completed thus far, has put them on track to become the next large-scale gold mine to open in Guyana.

Notably, by 2026, Omai and three other Canadian mining companies are expected to start gold production in their respectiveminingprojectsin Guyana.

This was revealed by Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh during his 2024 budget estimates presentation.

Happy Birthday Kaieteur News!

Thirty years ago, against in Trinidad and flown into KaieteurNews. Yet the very persons, who reporters in an attempt to the run of play so to speak, Guyana. It was against this For the first 10 years of benefitted from that victory, ruinit. this newspaper was born. backdrop of a history of its existence, this newspaper today are attacking this With the rise of online G l e n n L a l l t o o k a state-dominated media and was deprived of government newspaper After the news sources and the courageous decision to attacksonpressfreedomthat advertisements One elections, this newspaper demandforskilledreporters, venture into what was for Glenn Lall took a huge political figure told Lall that took a decision to advocate Kaieteur News faces its himunchartedterritory gamble and with some if he wanted government ads for a better oil deal for sternesttestyet. nogovernmentads.

Someone once said that, partners started this hehadtogetridofoneofhis Guyana, something that But if there is anyone Happy Birthday “Success is not for the timid. newspaper editors That person was even the ruling party agreed who can steer Kaieteur Kaieteur News! It requires the boldness to Many questioned also perceivedbythegovernment with when in Opposition. through these challenging venture into the unknown, whethertherewasspacefora asanti-government. But now Lall is being times, it is Glenn Lall. He

(The views expressed in the courage to embrace third newspaper in such a Lall refused to betray his deemed a villain and labeled built a newspaper from this article are those of the uncertainty, and the small economy and at a time editor. The newspaper all manner of things because scratch into the nation’s top a u t h o r a n d d o n o t willingness to take great when the country was just continued to be deprived of of the stance he and his daily publication and he did necessarily reflect the risks.” beginning to recover from a government ads despite newspaper has taken in so while fending off attacks opinions and beliefs of this

Againstthisbackground, prolonged period of becoming the daily with the relation to the oil contract. and victimization, including n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s not many gave the Kaieteur economicdifficulties. highest circulation. Ads Forces are now stealing calls for a boycott of the affiliates.) News a chance of surviving. These difficulties eventually came but would away the newspaper’s newspaper and a decade of Many told Glenn that he was included shortages of later be withdrawn after the throwing his money down foreign exchange which had demi-Gods within the PPPC the drain and that he would meant restrictions on the government felt the paper regret deeply what he was importation of newsprint. It was exposing too much getting into. In post-colonial was not that there was not a corruption. At Babu Jaan a societies, newspapers are need for another newspaper callwasmadefortheboycott risking financial ventures. butwhetherthemarketcould of this newspaper That call Private newspapers have sustainanothercompetitor was made by a man who historically had a short shelf Lall however was a risk- once ate from the same plate life in Guyana In fact, taker Despitetheoddsbeing as Lall. The public stood by Guyana’s first newspaper, stacked against him he KaieteurNews.Theydidnot the Courant van Essequebo launchedhisnewspaper,first adheretothatcall. en Demerary, barely lasted a asaweekly,thenabi-weekly Horrific attacks were year Others followed and andlaterafull-fledgeddaily launched against the crumbled. Today Kaieteur News is still newspaper, including the Even more discouraging standing. murders of pressmen, the was the fact that Guyana did It has done so because of firebombing of the printery not at the time have an the sheer determination and and the throwing of a established tradition of courage of one man, the grenade under the vehicle of s t r o n g i n d e p e n d e n t publisher, Glenn Lall. But it the publisher But even newspapers. During the era has come at huge price: the these horrendous acts of of cooperative socialism, the loss of thirty year of his live intimidation could not deter state assumed domination of exclusively devoted to Glenn Lall and Kaieteur the media. Only a few non- running a newspaper when News. government publications, he could have been One politician once said with minuscule circulation, undertaking less demanding that this country needs more were being published. The and more rewarding Glenn Lalls. Today he is government dominated the ventures That says s a y i n g s o m e t h i n g print and broadcast something about his completely different. At one newspaper, including characterandcourage. time, the paper was accused nationalizing newspaper and Weaker men would have of being in the camp of the the main private radio crumbled. But not Glenn APNU+AFC but when the station. Lall. No other newspaper, in attempt was made to rig the

The Stabroek News the history of the Caribbean, 2020 elections, the would eventually be birthed hasfacedsomuchrepression newspaper took a principled in 1986, published initially and victimization as the stance against the rigging.

Dem Boys Seh...

The Buse-out

“Welcome to this Press Dictation, sorry, you know that another person said this and ImeantPressConference.Ithankyouallfor that about me? Now this person has no coming. Is Kaieteur News here? Ok good! credibility But who gave that person the Wecanstart. right to say these things about me? And

Firstofall,Iheardthatthispersonsaidso when last that person looked in the mirror? andsoaboutme.Thisiswhathesaid,Listen. Let me give you a little history about that Ihavetherecordinghere.Thepersonsaidso person. and so. But did the person say what he did? Did you know that he used to go to Didhetalkabouthimself? school barefoot and today he driving fancy

How did he know those things about me car? He did not tell y’all that! How can that and not about what he did? Let me tell you person then accuse me of these things when about him. I know his whole story He tell thatpersonhassucharecord? you he like eat tennis rolls? He tell you he You reporters are not doing your jobs. can afford nut butter on his bread? But he Why are you not following up on what I am wants to criticize what I am eating when he saying?Iamtellingyou,anytimetheycome usedtoeatsaltandrice.HeknowswhatIdid to criticize me and my family, I will expose but he forget what he did. So how can we who these persons are and what they have take this person seriously? I can tell you beendoing.Iwantyoutofollowuponthese what he did, what he used to do, what he is things and not come with the same old doingnowandwhathewilldointhefuture.I questionseveryweek.” knowitall! Bytheway,whatweekarewein? But forget about him for the time. Did Talk half. Leff half.

H@RD TRUTHS

Blessing or curse, or curse disguised as blessing

Asmall storm has boiled here with that New York Times headline about Guyana's oil wealth. We mustthankFrederickCollins et al for their energy and devotion to this national cause. Isitalostcause,even as these first baby steps are made into the new world of oil? So much to know, so much pushed ahead with, despite not knowing, not having the capabilities to stand tight guard over the treasure.

Though I have lost track of how often and where the exact same visions of blessing or curse have been shared, it is worthwhile to continue exploring which oneitis:blessingorcurse.

Billions of barrels of a well-priced commodity that the world needs have every element that make them a blessing So many doors

could be opened, so many elusive possibilities more palpable, with that distinctivefeelingofdrawing closertohand. Howcanthat notbeablessingbyeventhe m o s t r i g o r o u s o f measurements, any fair judgment? With the added blessing of a small population, the blessing can be spread across all, with some still left over, with honest husbandry. Honest husbandry and prudent midwifery. Thisiswherethe firsttraces,thefirstshadows, of Guyana's perpetual curse lengthen,deepen,andsicken. Whither honorable husbandry of this greatest, most promising of national assets? Management, it is.

Leadership comes into play On each of those countshusbandry, management, leadership-this has been the cancerinthegut,thetoxinin

the blood, that bends this countrydouble. Thepeople, apart from the few, groan withmuchpain. Why,when there is this underwater storehouse that could make suchagreatdifference? The answer is simple: put profligatesinchargeofhuge lottery winnings and before long penury rushes to the doorstep. Putcowardsatthe helm and battle lines collapse. Put the corrupt close by and the promise of blessings evaporate. Is this not what has happened with thisoilblessingnowsouring, increasingly embittering? Now try chewing on this. Thosewhoneverknewthata word like honor exists, suddenly makes that their breastplate When that surfaces, Guyanese began theirlong,slowdescenttothe inevitable drowning awaiting. Notonlyprinciple

andpromisearedistorted,but thereisalsothedissipationof trust,thedeathofhope. And with the fall of those, there begins the exhuming of all the tribal and racial and social memories that never let Guyanese go Go forward Go up Go somewhereotherthanwhere theyhavebeen.

Oil is the passport and entry visa to the blessings of the Promised Land that is increasingly and undeniably a mirage. At least, there could be, and should have been, blessings already to someagreeabledegree.Well, what and where are those blessings? Stone monuments? Great glass towers? Long stretches of sandheldintightembraceby cement and asphalt? Some maylaudthoseasamongthe miracles facilitated by the national patrimony; countless others behold mausoleums to hold them right where they are. At the bottomofthestairwaythatis neither inviting nor climbable. In the economic dungeons to languish in naked hunger about what should have been but isn't. When products take precedence over people, and whicharebeyondtheirreach, thetalkofoilblessingsstarts to get lost among the thickening clouds. Will this oil ever mean something? Can those elected ever be trusted to be honest at rockbottomminimum? Willthey everfightforGuyanese? Or

will their most potent energies (and passions) be harnessed to fight Guyanese? Ishouldnothave to identify what is what and who has been what way in this country since the arrival ofoil.

What an arrival it was! Hailedwithfanfare,thelongawaited blessing finally appearing. More and more, myconclusionisthatithasa fiendishly apocalyptic face. Ever examine our leaders in any sector? If among them are not the gods of cunning and addictive plundering, then Guyanese who still believe in the local cornucopia of blessings are worseoffthantheyknow It is harrowing enough to consider the current crop of players and their chronic deviousness It is unimaginable to think of those who lurk in the wings, and harbor even more destructive ambitions and calculations about the blessings that this oil wealth encompasses For themselves first and above all,tobebluntlypointed. For sure, the oil itself represents the luster of a wondrous blessing. It is in the uncapping if it, the putting of national arms aroundit,andthesharingofit that the curses fight for freedomtoravageGuyanese. Study the attitudes and actions of Guyana's oil trustees, and when they can talk straight, walk straight, and be straight with this

gargantuan oil inheritance, thenitwouldbethetimefora real national celebration The blessing of full participation. The joy of a credibleleadershipcharacter, condition. Oil has its own character:viscous,sulfurous, and dangerous, too. Nigeria and Iraq have lived with all three Venezuelans and Trinidadians know this too: all that is dangerous in oil is pushed beyond the outer limits, when barbarous leaders stand over it. Guyanese in bigger and broader clumps are now coming to grips with this indigestibleknowledge.

As circumstances congregate, as the unacceptable flows from the insupportable with this oil, the issue and inquiry remain and stare in the face. They are neither thinning out nor fading away Blessing or curse, what is this oil of Guyana? I will make this tough call Blessings, maybe. Curse, definitely; thesurestofbets. Guyanais well on its way with the curse. Check out those who surround it, control it, and corruptit.

(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.)

Several residents evacuated as wildfires ravages Santa Mission

The ongoing fire

crisis in Santa Mission (also known as Santa Aratak) in Region Three has led to the evacuation of several residentsintheareainthewee hoursofThursday

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the ongoing fire in the Mission has reached a critical point, rendering it impossible for firefighters to access the affectedareas.Asaresult,the focus has shifted to ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents through swift evacuationmeasures.

The Fire Service said too that the dense smoke emanating from the fire has promptedtheevacuationof38

individuals from Santa Missionandtheneighbouring village.Duetotheseverityof the situation, 34 evacuees foundtemporaryshelteratthe Timehri Primary School which was established and managedbytheCivilDefence Commission (CDC), while the remaining four were accommodated by their relatives Kaieteur News understands that the evacuation was done with support from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who is part of the Joint Service missiontoresponsetothefire there.“Thesafetyandsecurity of the affected residents remain our top priority Firefighters,membersofthe (Continuedonpage16)

Residents being evacuated on Thursday morning as fire rages in Santa Mission.

US Navy makes huge cocaine bust on submarine off Guyana's coast

On March 21, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Georgetown C o u n t r y O f f i c e collaborated with the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATFS), Guyana Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to seize a SelfP r o p e l l e d S e m iSubmersible (SPSS) approximately150milesoff the coast of Guyana carrying2,370kilogramsof cocaine. The U.S. Navy's guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf interdicted the SPSS,resultinginthearrest of four individuals and seizure of the cocaine.This landmarkSPSSseizurewill be prosecuted in the United States The U S government remains committed to its support of the Government of Guyana and its Caribbean partners in developing ever-greater capacity to disrupt illicit t r a f f i c k i n g a n d transnational crime to advancecitizensecurity

GPSU threatens nationwide strike

...says money lost in bad oil deal can sustain pay increase for all public servants

The Guyana Public

Service Union (GPSU) on Thursday dispatched a letter to the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton calling for a return to the bargaining table or facenationwideindustrialaction.

Among the list of demands for members in the Public Service, is an across-the-board pay increase of 50 percent which Union President, Patrick Yarde insists is sustainableinlightoftheexorbitant amount of money being lost through the controversial oil contract.

Yarde gave this position following the conclusion of GPSU Executive Meeting, in which Vera Naughton recalled that even since 2020, “we submitted proposals for

salaries,wagesandallowancesetc., to the government,” all of which havesincebeenignored.

In light of the year's long breakdown in talks between the union and government, Naughton reminded that back in September last, the union wrote to the Chief Labour Officer, requesting conciliation in light of this, reiterating its position that the matterwasatadeadlock.

IntheGPSUmissivegivingits, 'NoticeofUltimatumtoProceedon Industrial Action,' the union submits that “Public Servants of Guyana have had enough, they havebeenpatientandcannolonger accept the present situation under the yoke of starvation wages.As a consequence of the present

circumstances, the Guyana Public Service Union hereby informs you of its intention to commence industrialactioninconformitywith the Union's obligations under the Laws of Guyana without further noticeintheprotectionoftherights ofPublicServiceEmployees.”

Prefacing its position GPSU qualified its demand saying it “is being forced to pursue this action since it has exhausted all available avenues to safe guard and protect the rights of Public Sector Workers.”

It was recalled that the matter was specifically dealt with under theMemorandumofAgreementfor the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes between the Government of Guyana (GOG) and Guyana

PublicServiceUnion(GPSU),and reaffirmed in the 1987 Public Service Rules, despite the commitments agreed to in the bindingtermsoftheMemorandum of Agreement signed on June 23, 1999 between the GPSU and the GovernmentofGuyanaontheway forwardintheeventofadeadlock. That bilateral Memorandum, and agreement signed by the then Secretary of Cabinet, the late Dr Roger Luncheon on behalf of the Government of Guyana, states in Article 8 `In future, where salary and wages negotiations fail to result in agreements and third-party conciliation of 30 days'fails,itis agreedthatuntilentrenchedintothe collective agreement, the parties

will in respect of future disputes adopt the same methods of arbitration.

Executive Member, Indira Thakurdeen, during the press engagement had placed on record that the union “rejects President (Irfaan) Ali's position that Public Sector Employees must wait another two years to benefit from improved remuneration “These improvements are overdue and must be immediately addressed. They are merited-affordable and sustainable.”

She was adamant “those who suffer under the yoke of starvation wages, injustices and widespread discrimination at the hands of this government must be given justice speedilybyallmeans.”

The 2,370 kilograms of cocaine seized off Guyana's coast

The seized semi-submersible

GPSU members brief media operatives on its ultimatum

‘Caribbean investment

forum will not be a talk shop’- organisers say

Less talk and more business- that's what global investors, along with regional business leaders, and innovators can expect from the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2024 when it is held from July 10 - 12, 2024 in Georgetown,Guyana.

CIF, now in its third year, is an annual forum created by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) that draws global investors to the Caribbean, and presents them with exciting, bankable investment opportunities from across the region, organisers said in a press release. During the launch event held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, and streamed online, over 300 investors, business leaders and journalists heard how this year's event has been designed to help secure major investments for regional projects in the critical areas of Technology & Innovation, Sustainable Agriculture, and the transition to a Green Economy Whenaskedwhat makestheregionalucrative investment hub for global investors, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, Deodat Maharaj, explained, “People think of the Caribbean as being small, individual island states Actually, together with the Dominican Republic, we have a market size of 30 million people, that's one. Secondly, in the year 2019 before COVID, and we're seeing the numbersreturn,wehadover 32 million stay over tourist arrivals - this is non-cruise ship visitors. So, when you look at our market size, you'relookingatamarketof 60 million. We have free trade agreements with Canada, with the United States ofAmerica, with that lucrative half a billion market in Europe, with Colombia, with Costa Rica, with Cuba Take the Caribbeanasabeachheadto accessthesemarketsaswell. People who are here in Guyana, and viewing us from overseas and thinking

about coming to the Caribbean Investment Forum, think size, think scale, think using the Caribbeanasabeachheadto access fantastic new markets.”

Head of Cooperation of the European Union's Delegation to Guyana, Suriname and Caribbean OCTs, Joan Nadal Sastre, said the EU fully supports the forum and its mission. HenotedthattheEU's2022 Global Gateway Strategy was helping to bridge the Caribbean's investment gap by using EU public financing to “leverage private capital and investment for projects that deliver on key public policy objectives” He added, “One thing is clear - the EuropeanUnionwantstodo more business with the Caribbean. We want more EU companies to see the Caribbean as an investment opportunity Wewanttobea keybusinesspartnerforyou and we have a lot to put on thetable.”

Meanwhile, Guyana's Minister of Tourism, IndustryandCommerce,the Honourable Oneidge Walrond, who gave the featureaddressatthelaunch, told attendees and viewers thattheregionwasseekinga particularkindofinvestor

“We wish to attract the investorwho'scommittedto thesustainabledevelopment of the countries and communities within which he or she operates and from whichtheyderivevalue.We seek those who will remain with us through thick and thin and as we experience those inevitable external shocksthataretherealityof our Caribbean existence. In short,wewishtoseepatient investmentwhichprioritises long term returns that emanate from the sustainable, resilient economies that we hope to build, rather than cashing in onshorttermwindfalls.Our ideal investor has a longterm horizon for return on capital as opposed to the infamous quarterly earnings targetswhicharemanifestly ill-matchedtotherealitiesof our economies and our existence,”shesaid.

CIF Guyana 2024 will featureaspecialappthatwill allowattendeestobookB2B sessions with investors and business leaders. Attendees will participate in plenary sessions, gain insight into thoroughly vetted, bankable projects, and learn more about regional products and services through an investmentvillageand expo which will include booths from companies and startupsfromacrossGuyanaand thewiderCaribbean.

CIF is designed to unlock potential investment opportunities within the Caribbean across several sectors.Itsobjectivesareto: raise the visibility of the region as an investment

destination; attract investment into the priority sectors identified with a focus on those needed to support the transition of the region to a greener and smarter economy; assemble the international investment community so that agreementscanbeforgedon key priorities that will fasttrack the region's transition and work towards attaining thesustainabledevelopment goals focused on poverty, zerohunger,goodhealthand well-being,decentworkand economic growth, life on landandpartnerships.

The event is held in collaboration with respective country governments, the European Union, the CARICOM

Secretariat, and the Caribbean Development Bank, with Republic Bank asaplatinumsponsor.

Caribbean Export is the leading regional trade and investment promotion agency in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group We are focused on accelerating the economic transformation of theCaribbeanandworkwith theprivatesectortoincrease exports, attract foreign direct investment and create meaningful jobs. We are currently executing the Regional Private Sector ProgrammeIIIfundedbythe European Union under the N e i g h b o u r h o o d ,

D e v e l o p m e n t a n d International Cooperation instrument(NDICI).

WANTED VACANCY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vacancies for Maintenance/ Semi- Skill Workers, One Cleaner, Welder and Labourer. Call: 621-6969/ 615-7784.

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

One Driver/ Purchaser to work for a private company. Must have 10 years driving experience and Motor lorry license. Call: 625-1413/ 6290037.

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

VEHICLES FOR SALE FOR RENT

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

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Elderly man gets $100K bail for causing death of pedal cyclist

A 71-year-old man was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 when he appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court and was charged for causing death of Garfield Bridgemohan a pedal cyclist due to dangerous driving.

Anthony Ramsahoye made his first court appearance before Magistrate Tamieka Clarke, where the charge was read to him. Ramsahove pleaded not guilty to the charge. The accident occurred on January 19, 2024 on the public road at Queenstown, Essequibo Coast.

Garfield Bridgemohan (now deceased) a 35-year-

old pedal cyclist and logger of Queenstown Village, Essequibo Coast was riding his bicycle and was struck down by Ramsahoye’s motorcar PXX 9235. Kaieteur News understands that the motorcar was proceeding at a fast rate of speed going north along the western side of the public road, the same direction Bridgemohan was riding and collided with the rear wheel of the pedal cycle. The cyclist fell on the road as a result of the incident and the vehicle allegedly ran over him, injuring his neck and other body parts severely. After that, the car drove a short distance before stopping.

Notably it is also alleged

that the driver suddenly saw a man who was riding a bicycle and made a “sudden lean” and collided with the front left side of his vehicle. Bridgemohan hit the windshield, and was picked up by Ramsahoye and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Ramsahoye appeared in court on Tuesday (April 2, 2024), where Magistrate Clarke granted bail in the sum of $100,000, with conditions that he lodges his passport with the Court and report to the Station Sergeant at the Anna Regina Police Station every last Friday of the month. The case was adjourned to April 23, 2024.

Forest preservation integral to building sustainable development – President Ali

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has once again highlighted that the preservation of the forest is integral to building sustainable development for many countries, as the Amazon Basin is the key to the existence of humanity globally.

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The rainforest which is located in the Amazon basin is known as the ‘lungs of the world’ and is a key asset for the livelihoods of people and the economies. The rainforest serves as a massive carbon sink, storing more than 150 billion metric tons of carbon, or more than ten years’ worth of worldwide emissions from fossil fuels. The president made the remarks during his featured address at the 6th Annual Security Challenges in Latin America Forum, on Thursday.

According to President Ali, a framework is required immediately for the world to understand the importance of forests and their role in preserving the globe. “So, we have to understand that some of the consequential effects of what is taking place there is to deal with the livelihood of people and the livelihoods of the economies. If the world values what the lungs of the world are, then what are we willing to do? What are we willing to invest? We have to attach a value to this basin if we are going to protect the basin,” he stressed.

Many islands in the Caribbean have lost over 90 per cent of their natural forest cover due to hurricanes, agriculture, urbanisation, and infrastructure related to tourism, among others. He continued by saying that the

Several residents evacuated...

From page 11

Joint Services and volunteers are working tirelessly to manage the situation and provide necessary support to those impacted by the fire,” the GFS noted.

During his Thursday press conference, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo noted of the health problems arising from the numerous fires and related that the Health Ministry is fully aware and has since mobilized to address the situation. The VP urged that anyone experiencing any health problems as a result of the smoke should seek medical attention immediately.

Kaieteur News had reported that within the last week the Berbice area (Regions Five and Six) have experienced 1000 wildfires. The GFS had reported that having done an aerial assessment in Region Three and Four on Wednesday, the Joint Service team observed several small pockets of active fires in various areas, including La Bonne Intention, Buxton, Perseverance, and a large fire at Friendship.

It was reported by the Home Affairs Ministry that these fires, stemming from spontaneous combustion, humaninduced land clearing, and waste destruction, have prompted urgent calls for citizens, particularly land developers, contractors, and farmers, to cease burning garbage and other waste materials. As the dry season prolongs, the risk of fires escalating quickly and becoming uncontrollable heightens. The ministry stated that forecasts indicate the dry spell will persist until the end of April, so citizens are urged to take all necessary precautions to prevent fire outbreaks

biodiversity aspect of the basin is not only about protecting the forest but also its contents. The president highlighted that cross-border collaboration, policy integration, defense structure coordination, cooperative monitoring, shared values, and a unified goal are necessary to secure five million kilometres across nine nations.

The head of state explained that to address the climate crisis, over 19 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) of each nation in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) must be aligned with sustainable, resilient, and decarbonised development goals.

This amounts to US$1,300 billion in annual spending on defence, infrastructure, and social spending in 2030. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that the cost of mitigation and adaptation alone for LAC might reach $90 to $100 billion annually. The predicted financing gap between 2021 and 2030 is $18 billion for losses prevention and response, and $51 billion for adaptation, as a result of these expenditures surpassing the region’s financial inflows.

“If we are not valuing the asset that we have to safeguard, where is the resource coming from? That is why Guyana has made the case that we need to have a market model that values the asset and generates revenue for the asset…So that these resources that are critically needed for the safeguarding of the society can be raised,” he said.

President Ali further explained, “It is within our reach. We need to collectively find that willpower to change the attitude of the world

toward forests and to move this asset to the market for monetisation…So that we can work now on securing it and investing in the regrowth of this asset.” Guyana is uniquely positioned in the Caribbean and the Amazon Basin, where it can use its abundant oil resources to achieve sustainable growth that is both responsible and environmentally friendly.

The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which is currently in its second phase of implementation, serves as the foundation for Guyana’s growth.

The LCDS for Guyana presents a vision for achieving environmental sustainability and economic development simultaneously. Guyana also has one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world. Guyana’s forests sequester more carbon than they generate therefore making Guyana a ‘net carbon sink’. Guyana’s forests sequester approximately 154 million tons of carbon annually.

President Ali highlighted that countries should consider implementing some of the measures Guyana has already implemented to effectively protect its forest and marine ecosystems. These measures include the sustainable use, management and conservation of terrestrial and ocean resources, construction of institutions to support sustainable development at all levels including in human capacities and actively pursuing innovative climate finance mechanisms and other initiatives. The forum was themed, ‘Environmental Protection: Land Use in the Amazon Basin and Marine Conservation.’(DPI)

Anthony Ramsahoye

Govt. and Opposition rebuke Venezuela as Maduro signs law to annex Essequibo

President Dr. Irfaan Ali exchanging gifts with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, in St Vincent and the Grenadines

ExxonMobil signals weaker oil and gas prices to hit first-quarter profit

HOUSTON,April 3 (Reuters)

- Exxon Naturalgaspricesfelltomulti-yearlows

Mobil on Wednesday signaled first-quarter during the quarter Overall weaker oil and operating results would drop over the prior gaspricesalonecutExxon’sprofitsbyabout quarter on weaker oil, gas prices and a big $600 million compared to the fourth quarter loss in fuel derivatives, a securities filing of2023. showed.

The company also said fuel derivatives

The drop follows two years of strong oil undercut gains in gasoline and diesel andfuelpricesthatturnedthelargestU.S.oil margins, costing it about $1 1 billion company into one of the most profitable compared to the fourth quarter Refining energy companies globally Last year, it maintenance costs also jumped last quarter, posted a record profit for a first quarter at thefilingshowed.Lastyear’sfinancialgains $11.4billion. led Exxon to pursue all-stock deals for U.S.

Guyana on Wednesday Republic of Venezuela to enshrined in the United 2023 in St Vincent and the rejected Venezuela’s latest promulgate “the Organic Nations Charter, the Charter Grenadines,” the Ministry of action to annex the Lawfor of Foreign Affairs said Essequibo Venezuela on the Defense of Guayana the Organisation of A c c o r d i n g t o t h e Wednesday promulgation a Esequiba.” “This attempt by American States and government this unlawful law for the defence of Venezuela to annex more customaryinternationallaw act calls into question GuayanaEsequiba. than two- thirds of Guyana’s It also contradicts the Venezuela’s obligation to In a statement the sovereignterritoryandmake letter and spirit of the Joint abide by the principles of Government of Guyana said it part of Venezuela is an Declaration of Argyle for that Declaration. “In this ithastakennoteoftheaction egregious violation of the DialogueandPeacebetween light, the Government of the taken on Wednesday by the most fundamental principles Guyana and Venezuela Cooperative Republic of President of the Bolivarian of international law agreed to on December 14, Guyana wishes to put on noticetheGovernmentofthe Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,theGovernments Guyana have not gone “Accordingly, the o f t h e C a r i b b e a n unnoticed. It is unfortunate Parliamentary Opposition Community and the Latin thatthecommitmentmadeat not only rejects this organic American and Caribbean Argyle to “the pursuance of law but condemns it as a Community of Nations, as good neighborliness, flagrant violation of wellastheSecretaryGeneral peaceful coexistence, and International Law, the oftheUnitedNationsandthe the unity of Latin America Geneva Agreement and the Secretary General of the and the Caribbean” is now letter and spirit of the recent Organisation of American again seriously threatened joint Declaration of Argyle States, that it will not by President Maduro’s for dialogue and peace countenance the annexation, wordsandactiontoday.” agreed to on December 14, seizure or occupation of any M e a n w h i l e , t h e 2023. Also, the “Organic partofitssovereignterritory Parliamentary Opposition Law” is in clear violation of Guyana has always stood by said it views with deep therecentdecisionoftheICJ the principles of the United concern, and alarm, the which enjoined that Nations Charter, the rule of action taken by Venezuela to “Pending a final decision in law and the peaceful promulgate “the organic law the case, the Bolivarian settlementofdisputes.” for the defense of Guayana Republic of Venezuela shall

The biggest impact in the latest quarter shale oil producer Pioneer Natural came from weak natural gas prices and fuel ResourcesandcarbonstoragefirmDenbury derivatives,whichreversedcourseafterrun- Its shares were up 16.2% during the first ups last year Overall, the snapshot shows quarter and finished at $119 30 on about$6.65billioninoperatingprofitforthe Wednesday quarter, compared to $11.6 billion in the The company also claims a preemptive same quarter a year ago and $7.63 billion in right over Hess Corp’s Guyana assets, the the fourth quarter Investors expect the prize in Chevron’s US$53 billion offer for company to post an adjusted per share profit Hess. That claim is being considered by an of $2.21, compared to the year-ago $2.83, internationalarbitrationpanel.Thecompany according to financial firm LSEG’s is expected to post full results for the period consensusestimate. onApril26.

Haiti gangs: More than 50,000 flee capital after surge in violence

(BBC NEWS) Tens of already severely restricted, from the capital,” the UN’s thousands of people have has become even more International Organization fled the Haitian capital, difficult after armed men for Migration (IOM) said on Port-au-Prince, to escape a looted a hospital in the Tuesday surge in gang violence over Delmas 18 neighbourhood While Haiti has been thepastweeks. and the Saint-Martin health facing a humanitarian crisis

UN figures suggest more centrelastweek. for years, the recent surge in than 53,000 left the city of Criminal gangs control violence started at the end of 3m between 8-27 March. notonlythemainportinPort- February when Prime The UN is warning that the au-Prince but also many of Minister Ariel Henry rural regions to which many the city’s access roads, travelled to Kenya to seal a havefledarenotequippedto makingitdifficulttotransport deal for theAfrican nation to deal with such a large influx medical supplies While the lead a multinational security of displaced people situation in the capital’s force. The capital’s warring Meanwhile, gangs are hospitals is dire, the UN has criminal gangs united in an attacking businesses in the warnedthatthearrivaloftens uneasy alliance to oust the capital, torching pharmacies of thousands of displaced prime minister Mr Henry and vandalising schools people in rural areas poorly was prevented from Haiti’s national police equipped to deal with it also returning to the country as succeeded in repelling an posesseverechallenges the gangs attacked the attack on the presidential Most of those fleeing international airport, forcing palaceonMondaybutarmed Port-au-Prince have headed its closure. He agreed last men stormed the nearby south,toareaswhicharestill month to step aside as soon State University of Haiti ravaged by the 2021 as transitional presidential hospital, known by its earthquake, which killed council was created. The initials HUEH, to use it as more than 2,000 people. “It council issued its first their command centre. The should be emphasized that official statement last week, hospital had already been [these] provinces do not promising to restore “public forced to close due to gang havesufficientinfrastructure and democratic order”, but it violence. and host communities do not has yet to take any concrete

The damage caused by have sufficient resources actions. Meanwhile, violent the gangs is likely to further that can enable them to cope attacks in the capital delay its reopening. Access with these massive resumed this week after a to healthcare, which was displacement flows coming relativelulloverEaster

Thegovernmentsaiditis Essequiba” intotalviolation refrain from taking any as a result of the 1966 of international law “The action which would modify Geneva Agreement, to Parliamentary Opposition is the situation which currently which Venezuela and constrained to note that this prevails in the territory of Guyana are parties, that the illegal act has come at a time d i s p u t e ” T h e International Court of when the Bolivarian Parliamentary Opposition Justice has ruled that it has Republic of Venezuela further notes that the jurisdiction to make a continues to take belligerent government and people of decision on the case brought a c t i o n a g a i n s t t h e Guyana have not engaged in before it by Guyana Cooperative Republic of any aggressive action regarding the validity of the Guyana, including, the against the government and 1899 Arbitral Award which fraudulent referendum of people of the Bolivarian definitively settled the land December3,2023;thebuild- Republic of Venezuela, but boundary between the two upoftroopsalongtheborder ratherhassoughttosolvethe countries The Court’s and other provocative acts. territorial controversy decision will be final and These measures will neither through peaceful and legal binding on both parties. “If contribute to the peaceful means, including the resort Venezuela wants to contest relations between the two to the International Court of title to the territory in countries nor the overall Justice which is now question,theproperforumis peace of the region. A zone considering a final decision the International Court of of peace can hardly survive in this matter The Justice, which will decide in these circumstances. The Parliamentary Opposition the issue objectively and Bolivarian Republic of finally urges the Bolivarian according to the law Venezuela will therefore be Republic of Venezuela to act Furthermore, the offensive responsible for the further responsibly and not further and undignified statements decline in the relations inflame the geo-political made by President Maduro between the two states and fault lines of the region, and about the President of the any breach in the peaceful thereby threaten its further Cooperative Republic of developmentoftheregion.” peacefuldevelopment.”

Man found with illegal gun next to police station

An Essequibo Coast man was on Thursday taken into police custody after he was found with an unlicensed firearm in the vicinity of the Anna Regina Police Headquarters,RegionTwo.

According to the police, 32-year-old CleonAlphonso, a resident of Henrietta, was arrested at around 09:15 hrs by Police on mobile patrol duty Police reported that he was observed walking on the road and was stopped by the patrol ranks. A search was carried out on him, and ranks found in his possession a firearm with one magazine (withoutammunition). thentoldoftheoffencecommitted,cautioned Alphonso was asked if he was a licensed and arrested. He remains in custody pending firearm holder, and told ranks “no”, he was charges.

The unlicensed firearm which was found on Cleon Alphonso.

BidengivesstrongwarningtoIsrael

- TELLS THEM TO PREVENT CIVILIAN HARM IN GAZA TO KEEP US SUPPORT

(BBCNEWS)TheUShastold

support for “Israel’s self-defence party to place conditions on arms interrupted. Israelthatitsongoingsupporton remains iron-clad The United transfers. Delaware Senator Chris Mr Biden on Tuesday said that the Gaza war is dependent on States isn’t going to walk away Coons, a Biden confidant and he was “outraged and heartbroken” “specific,concretesteps”toboost from helping Israel defend itself”. member of the powerful Senate by the deaths of the seven WCK aidandpreventciviliandeaths.

“That said, you can say all that Foreign Relations Committee, said workers, but added that it was “not President Joe Biden spoke to and... still believe that the manner thathewould“votetoconditionaid a stand-alone incident” in a war Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu in which they’re defending to Israel” if Mr Netanyahu where many aid workers had been in the wake of the deaths of seven themselves against the Hamas launched his long-threatened killed. He said Israel’s promised World Central Kitchen (WCK) threatneedstochange.” offensive on Rafah, where 1.5 investigation into the strike “must staffonMonday Israelhasyettocommentonthe million displaced Palestinians are be swift, it must bring

Israel apologised for a “grave US statements. However, Raquela camped, and made “no provision accountability, and its findings mistake” but WCK founder José K a r a m s o n , g o v e r n m e n t for civilians or for humanitarian mustbemadepublic”. Andrés said his workers were spokeswoman said before the aid”. Democratic congressman Jim systematically targeted. Mr Biden Biden-Netanyahu call that Israel “I’ve never said that before, McGovern, of Massachusetts, said faces pressure to rein in would “certainly adjust our I’ve never been here before,” Mr that Mr Biden’s calland warning to unconditional military aid for practices in the future to make sure Coons told CNN on Thursday Israel on Thursday was “quite Israel. In a readout of the telephone thisdoesnothappenagain”. “I’ve been a strong supporter of frankly insufficient” “Simply callbetweenthetwoleaders,which The US statements are the most Israel the whole time I’ve served in expressing your deep concern over lasted less than 30 minutes, the strident issued so far on Israel - Congress. “The challenge is to the terrible tragedy quite frankly WhiteHousesaidthatthepresident reflecting President Biden’s make it clear that we support the is insufficient. I welcome the shift “emphasised that the strikes on “outrage”atthekillingoftheWorld Israeli people... but that the tactics in tone by President Biden. I think humanitarian workers and the USdidnotseechangesfromIsrael, Central Kitchen workers, and bywhichthecurrentprimeminister he’sdeeplytroubledbythisbutI’m overall humanitarian situation are thentherewouldbeachangeofUS signalling that there is a limit to US is making these decisions don’t not sure Benjamin Netanyahu will unacceptable”. “He made clear the policy Responding to a question of support. The statement however reflectthebestvaluesofIsraelorof be moved by words. President need for Israel to announce and whether that could affect arms does not set out which “US policy” theUnitedStates.” Biden has leverage and he ought to implement a series of specific, shipments to Israel, the White areas will be affected - but the Mr Biden has sharpened his use that leverage.” According to concrete, and measurable steps to House National Security Council bedrock to the US-Israel rhetoricoverIsrael’sconductinthe Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, a d d r e s s c i v i l i a n h a r m , spokesman John Kirby said he did relationship is the supply of nearly six-month-old war sparked more than 33,000 people - mostly humanitarian suffering, and the not want to “preview the steps and weapons. by Hamas’s 7 October attack, and women and children - have been safety of aid workers,” the decisions”thatwereyettobemade. Mr Biden’s call with Mr voiced his growing frustration with killed in the war The conflict was summarysaid. He added that the US expected Netanyahu came as the president Mr Netanyahu. However, military sparkedbyHamas’skillingofmore Secretary of State Antony Israel to improve conditions in faced rising domestic anger at supplies including bombs, missiles than 1,200 people in Israel and the Blinken mirrored the White House Gaza within “hours and days”. Mr Israel’s conduct in Gaza, and and ammunition have continued to taking of 240 hostages in its attack statement when he said that if the Kirby however stated that US growing demands from within his flow from the US to Israel on7October.

US President Joe Biden

Referees Parchment, Hamilton to fly Jamaican flag in football tournaments at Paris Olympics

SportsMax - While among89matchofficials–21 The women’s tournament and during the Olympic Jamaica’sfootballteamswill referees,42assistantreferees, will commence on July 25, Games by a team of FIFA be absent from Paris 20 video match officials and and conclude with the gold technical trainers, including OlympicGames,thecountry sixsupportreferees–from45 medal match at the Parc des referees and video assistant will be represented countries appointed by the Princes August 10 The referee (VAR) instructors, as otherwise, as referees FIFARefereesCommitteefor men’scompetitionwillbegin well as match analysts, Daneon Parchment and the football tournaments at July 24, with the gold medal f i t n e s s c o a c h e s , Odette Hamilton have been theGames match scheduled for August physiotherapists and sports selected by FIFA to officiate Parchmentwillworkasa 9,atthesamevenue. scientists, all of whom will at the global multi-sport Video Match official (VAR), The match officials’ provide the officials with the spectaclethissummer while Hamilton has been preparation will be regularly best possible guidance and The two Jamaicans are selected as support staff. andcloselymonitoredbefore support. While the Olympic football tournaments are this year’s flagship football competitions, for Parchment andHamilton,amongothers, they represent the next important step on the road to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, as well as the FIFA Women’s World Cup scheduledfor2027.

Friday April 05, 2024

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

A person with whom you work, probably a woman, could leave suddenly without notice or stated reason, Aries. This could be confusing, and you might find yourself wonderingiftherearechanges within the company that you knownothingabout.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Someone you've wanted to hear from for a long time, perhaps an old friend who lives far away, could ring you uptodaywhileyou'reout.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

A rather upsetting dream could disturb your sleep tonight, Gemini. When you wake up and focus on the real world,itcouldseemsobizarre as to not be worthy of serious consideration.

CANCER(June21–July22)

A colleague or possibly a romantic partner could be in a rather touchy mood today, Cancer Therefore, you might find this person difficult to dealwith.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You tend to be very intuitive, Leo, but today you could find your psychic abilities shortcircuit. If you give readings, don't schedule any for today This isn't to say your abilities are blocked, but they aren't as dependable as they usually are.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

Some rather upsetting news about a friend could come to you today, Virgo, probably over the phone. This could be the truth, but more likely the factshavebeendistortedinthe retelling.

Dolphin Speed Swim Club’s Swim Meet & Fun Day set for April 14

The Dolphin Speed Swim Club is gearing up to make waves once again, with their flagship event, the Annual th SwimMeetandFunDay,scheduledforApril14 (Sunday)at theNationalAquaticCentre(NAC).

This thrilling one-day extravaganza dedicated to celebrating the sheer delight of swimming and igniting the spiritofhealthycompetitionamongparticipants.

The gates of the pool will graciously open at 11:20 am, welcoming all aqua aficionados to dive in and relish some pre-competitionaquaticpleasures.

Inaspiritofinclusivityandcommunityengagement,the Dolphin Speed Swim Club warmly extends its invitation to participants from the Teach Them Young Learn to Swim programme. Join us for a day where champions are molded, andbondsofcamaraderieareforged.

Secure your spot at this spectacular event by purchasing ticketspricedat$200,availableforsaleatboththeColgrain PoolandtheNAC.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Today you could receive a lucky career break of some kind that brings some extra money your way, Libra. The downside is that you might havetoputinmanyextrahours

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

An unexpected visit from someone who lives far away is likely to throw your schedule offkilter Eventhoughyou'llbe gladtoseeyourfriend,thevisit could require a lot of calls to break appointments and postponemeetings.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

An unexpected financial setback could have you reeling at first, Sagittarius. Perhaps an emergency,suchasatoothache or car breakdown, requires a substantial expenditure that youhadn'tplannedfor

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You could be feeling restless and frustrated due to a temporary separation from a partner, Capricorn, perhaps a business partner but more likelyaromanticone.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

A rather disconcerting rumor about your job could reach your ears. Perhaps you'll hear that the company is being sold or undergoing a shakeup in the hierarchy Youmightgetcaught up in a frenzy of worry about whetherornotyou'llstayon.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

A number of great ideas either for new creative projects or enhancing ongoing ones could pop into your head during the day, Pisces. If you don't write them down immediately, they could just as easily pop right outagain,nevertoreturn!

7 athletes, 2 relay teams...

From page 23 met the qualifying standard for the World U20 Championship, but, given her age of just 15, Hermonstine mentioned the necessity for consultation with the athletics World Governingbody

On the relay front, Guyana’s 4x400m Mixed Relay team, posting a blistering time of 3:23.51 at the CARIFTA Games this year, currently boasts the world’s fastest time. They are strongly positioned to secure one of the 24 spots available.

Guyana’s 4x400m relay time of 3:14.05, achieved at the recently concluded CARIFTA Games, ranks them as the ninth-fastest in theworld.Theyarecurrently well-positioned to secure qualification for the U20 WorldChampionships.

Sincetheinceptionofthe U20 World Championships, Guyana holds only one medal, courtesy of Kadecia Bairdinthewomen’s400m.

Baird crossed the finish line in 51.04s, claiming the silver medal behind the USA’s Ashley Spencer and ahead of another American, ErikaRucker

Baird’s remarkable time remains the fastest U20 performance by a South Americanathlete.

Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who later achieved distinction as a two-time Olympic gold medallist and World Champion in the 400m, finished fourth in the samerace.

JulienAlfred launches foundation to empower St. Lucian youth

- WORLD CHAMPION RETURNS HOME WITH VISION OF HOPE AND OPPORTUNITY

SportsMax - St. Lucia’s Reflecting on her own would be a good idea to give beloved track sensation, humblebeginnings,the2023 back to the youth, just doing Julien Alfred, World Indoor Bowerman Award winner things that I wish I had at a 60m champion, is poised to expressedaburningdesireto young age, to help them make a triumphant return to provide opportunities she growinthesportorwhatever her homeland today, Friday, l a c k e d d u r i n g h e r theywanttodo.”

April 5th, 2024, for a deeply upbringing. “I just wanted to Her journey from significant purpose - the give back to the youth,” she running barefoot to launch of the Julien Alfred explained, “whether it’s becoming the second-fastest Foundation. academically or sports-wise, woman of all time over 60m Driven by a deeply I want to provide them with has instilled in Julien a rooted commitment to give opportunities I wish I had at p r o f o u n d s e n s e o f studies, I learned a lot about theoverwhelmingsupportof Hewanorra International back to her birthplace, theirage. responsibility to uplift her starting a foundation and herfellowSt.Lucians. Airport, Julien will be Alfred, in an exclusive “Igrewupwithoutmuch, community Drawing working with the youth as “Iwashopingtogohome greeted with an official i n t e r v i e w w i t h sometimes running without inspiration from her studies well. Lots of children from and launch silently but now welcome, followed by a Sportsmax.TV, revealed her shoesorhavingtodependon in Youth and Community my community who attend that everybody knows that I motorcadetoCastries,where heartfelt motivation behind like (Commonwealth Studies at the University of Leon Hess really struggle,” am coming home, it’s she will meet with Prime the foundation’s creation champion) Levern Spencer; Texas in Austin, she is she revealed She also completely different. It is a Minister, The Honourable Supported by her generous likeonetimeshedonatedher determined to make a intends, through the bit overwhelming. Getting Philip J Pierre, and his sponsors, Puma and First shoes to me and some meaningful impact, starting foundation, to support local the amount of support I get Cabinet at the prime National Bank, along with equipmentaswell. with her alma mater, Leon trackclubswithequipment. from St Lucians, I really minister’s official residence. her personal funds, the “Growing up in poverty, Hess Secondary School, Originally intending a appreciateit,”sheremarked. The foundation’s official foundation aims to provide you have some children that where many children face quiet launch, Julien’s plans “It’s kind of hard to launch is scheduled for critical support to the struggle with going to dauntingchallenges. were swiftly altered as news believe what has been Saturday morning, marking island’s youth, addressing school; they are not able to “It was something I of her impending arrival happening in my life, the beginning of a new pressing needs for school go to school or seeing their always wanted, studying spread across the island knowing where I came chapterinJulien’sjourneyto supplies and athletic companionswiththingsthey Youth and Community Despitethesuddenspotlight, from.” uplift and empower the equipment. don’t have, so I think it Studies. Doing community Julien remains humbled by Upon her arrival at youthofSt.Lucia.

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) shoots a jump shot over Orlando Magic guard

Jalen Suggs (4) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports)

NBA roundup: Pistons fall to Hawks despite Malachi Flynn’s 50

per game, and Williams is 9-of-12shooting. averaging19.5pointspercontest. The starters’contributions gave Timberwolves 133, Raptors 85 Los Angeles its eighth win in the Anthony Edwards had 28 past nine games while comfortably points and six assists and keeping the Lakers in a Western Minnesota pulled away for a Conference play-in spot, five demolition of Toronto in games ahead of Houston, the first Minneapolis. teamoutsideplay-inposition.

Naz Reid added 23 points and Grizzlies 111, Bucks 101 seven rebounds for the Jaren Jackson Jr put up 35 Timberwolves, who won their pointsasMemphisearnedavictory second game in as many nights. atMilwaukee.

Rudy Gobert finished with 11 GG Jackson added 15 points pointsand15rebounds. and 12 boards for the Grizzlies, Immanuel Quickley, Gradey who completed a sweep of the twoDick and Javon Freeman-Liberty game season series with the Bucks.

Reuters - Jalen Johnson by Malachi Flynn. He was 18-for- blockedshotstohelpBostonclinch scored 16 points apiece to lead the Jordan Goodwin contributed 13 recorded the first triple-double of 25 from the field, hitting five 3- the No. 1 overall seed and secure Raptors, who lost their 15th game points, 12 rebounds and seven his career and the Atlanta Hawks pointers, and set a franchise record home-court advantage throughout in a row The franchise’s worst skid assists. clinched a spot in the play-in formostpointsscoredbyareserve. the playoffs, beating Oklahoma wasa17-gamerunduringthe1997- Brook Lopez led Milwaukee tournament with a 121-113 win The Hawks, winners of six of Cityathome. 98season. with 25 points and 10 rebounds. over the visiting Detroit Pistons on their past seven games, moved into Porzingis, who was 11 of 14 Lakers 125, Wizards 120 Giannis Antetokounmpo finished Wednesday atiewiththeidleChicagoBullsfor fromthefield,hasscoredatleast17 AnthonyDavishad35pointsto with 21 points, seven rebounds and Johnson scored a career-high- ninth place in the Eastern points in each of his past 13 games. go along with 18 rebounds and all eight assists as the Bucks played tying 28 points on 10-for-14 Conference The victory gave Jayson Tatum added 24 points and five Los Angeles starters scored in without Damian Lillard, Khris shooting while grabbing 14 Atlanta a three-game sweep of the JaylenBrownadded23forBoston. doublefiguresastheLakerscapped MiddletonandPatrickBeverley rebounds and dishing out a career- season series with the Pistons and Oklahoma City played without a 5-1 road trip with a win at Inotherresults: high 11 assists. Dejounte Murray extended its winning streak vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quad Washington. Suns 122, Cavaliers 101 wasthelastHawktorecordatriple- Detroittosevengames. contusion) and Jalen Williams Reserves only accounted for 12 Nets 115, Pacers 111 double,doingsoonNov 5,2022. Celtics 135, Thunder 100 (ankle sprain), the team’s top two of Los Angeles’ points, with Trail Blazers 89, Hornets 86 The Pistons stayed close Kristaps Porzingis had 27 scorers Gilgeous-Alexander is LeBron James supplying 25 points Magic 117, Pelicans 108 because of a 50-point performance points, 12 rebounds and five averaging a team-high 30.3 points and Rui Hachimura posting 19 on (Field Level Media)

Alfred with the Bowerman Award she won in December 2023.

Jamaica set to host inaugural Athletics Invitational, May 11

The Jamaica Athletics Invitational (JAI) promises to captivate audiences with a dazzling showcase.

SportsMax - Track and field enthusiasts spectators. The event’s timing couldn’t be worldwide have reason to rejoice as a more opportune, serving as a crucial warmthrillingnewinternationalmeetissettograce upforathletesaheadoftheSummerOlympic Kingston on Saturday, May 11, 2024. The Games in Paris, scheduled for July JamaicaAthleticsInvitational(JAI)promises Additionally, the JAI will provide a platform to captivate audiences with a dazzling for athletes to showcase their prowess before showcase of elite athleticism, alongside an their respective National Championships, infusion of entertainment to delight sports slatedfortheendofJune. andmusicaficionadosalike. The event lineup boasts a entertaining Featuring 14 prestigious events, the JAI arrayofcompetitions,includingstapleevents will draw top-tier athletes from Jamaica, the such as the 100m, 200m, 400m, 110m USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, and hurdles, 400m hurdles, discus throw, high Europe to compete on the hallowed grounds jump, and triple jump for male athletes, and of Kingston With World Athletics the 100m, 200m, 400m, 100m hurdles, 400m designating the event as a Silver Continental hurdles,andtriplejumpforfemaleathletes. Tour,anticipationisrunninghighforaworld- The Jamaica Athletics Administrative classspectacle. Association (JAAA) has outlined three Ludlow Watts, Chairman of the Local primary objectives for the meet: to bring Organizing Committee (LOC), expressed his quality competition to the fans, provide a delight at welcoming this event to Jamaica’s platform for athletes to excel, and promote shores. “Fans will be in for a treat with some Jamaicaasapremiersportsdestinationonthe of the world’s best on show,” Watts globalstage. exclaimed. “Jamaica’s dominance in the Scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM, the worldisunquestionable,andweareintenton Jamaica Athletics Invitational promises an puttingonagreatshowashosts.” electrifying fusion of athletic prowess and With ambitions to pack the stadium to entertainment, setting the stage for a capacity,Wattsandhisteamarecommittedto memorableeveningofsportingexcellencein delivering an unforgettable experience for theheartoftheCaribbean.

Ram, Pereira, Apple among top performers following CWI Rising Stars Championships

Despite narrowly missing out on the scorers for Guyana, chalking up 124 runs at CWI Rising Stars Under-15 Championship an average of 51.66, notching up scores of title, runners-up Guyana had an exceptional 24,52and48. tournament, dominated by a few of their All-rounder Shamar Apple carried his upcomingstars. team’s middle/lower-order throughout the

The Bajans finished with 22.0 points stretchofthetournament,ashefinishedwith including4.0pacepoints,winning4oftheir 126 runs at a whopping average of 63.00 5 games with a draw Meanwhile, the includingscoresof;65,43and18. Guyanesealsofinishedunbeaten,winning4 Apart from Khan, the show belonged to games with a tie as they finished with an the Guyanese spinners led by the magical aggregateof20.8points. Ravaldo Pereira, who was by far the best

Two of their 2.8 points came from the Guyanesebowler. efforts of their fast-bowlers, primarily Arif Pereira ended with a total of 10 wickets Khanwhofinishedwith7wicketsincluding including best returns of 5-29, as he ended abestof5-18versustheTrinidadians. 4thoverall.TheGuyanesecouldhaveeasily

Ironically, winners and runners-up ended with the most wickets in the gained their 2 respective points from the No competition, blowing past the number 1, 2 result contest after their first round and 3 spots, occupied by bowlers who are encounterwasplaguedbybadweather tied or have 1 wicket more than the Leading run-getter for Guyana, opener Guyanese Other honorable mentions Parmeshwar Ram racked up 135 runs at an includeRichardRamdehollwhoendedwith average of 45.00, from the 4 games played, 5 wickets, batsman Khush Seegobin, glovewithscoresof;37*,8,30and60. man Sohail Mohammed who had an Vice-captain Emmanuel Lewis tallied exceptional series behind the stumps, 129 runs to end as the second best scorer landing in third spot with 3 dismissals with knocks of; 31*, 16, 22 and 60. Captain among others who at some point helped to Adrian Hetmyer came in third amongst wingamesforayoungGuyanasquad.

GFF President Wayne Forde says FIFA Series in Saudi Arabia

was a historic experience and moment of national pride

The Guyana Football younger generation of can build a sturdy Federation (GFF) President footballershereinGuyanato partnership for football Wayne Forde has given a aim higher. I wish to development.” glowing assessment of the commend President For Guyana, the 2024 national team’s recent Infantino and the FIFA FIFA Series marks a experience in Saudi Arabia Council for introducing this continuation of progression as part of the 2024 FIFA remarkableinitiative.” onandoffthepitch.Heading Series, crediting Guyana’s WhilstcreditingFIFAfor into the Jeddah-based series, participation as “a true i n t r o d u c i n g a n e w the Golden Jaguars secured momentofnationalpride”. international competition p r o m o t i o n t o t h e

Organised by FIFA, the withteamsfromallsixof CONCACAF Nations n e w i n t e r n a t i o n a l FIFA’s continental League A with five invitational competition governing bodies, Forde successive victories. With featured a series of friendly hailed SAFF as an the building blocks in place matches as 24 nations went “exceptional host” whilst forapromisingfuture,Forde head-to-head across six discussing the impact of shed light on what could seriesandfivehostcountries Guyana’s experience in potentially be in waiting for from21-26March. SaudiArabia. both the national team and

Hosted by the Saudi Forde continued: “We GFF

Arabian Football Federation wish to thank SAFF for He added: “We most ( S A F F ) , G u y a n a steppingforwardandbeinga definitely hope to participate participated in the FIFA generous host to our beloved infutureeditionsoftheFIFA Series: Saudi Arabia A in Golden Jaguars Our Series. We have generations Jeddah alongside Cambodia, experience in the Kingdom of young footballers who I Cape Verde, and Equatorial has allowed our players, am sure are inspired by this Guinea. A 1-0 defeat against staff,andeveryoneatGFFto opportunity, and it is eventual group winners discover an entirely new therefore my hope that they Cape Verde was followed by football culture and, in commit to working hard a 4-1 win against Cambodia particular, the warmth of the t o w a r d s p r e p a r i n g – securing a second-place Saudi people. They have themselves for similar finish for the Golden been an exceptional host and opportunities in the future. Jaguars. I do look forward to hosting At the same time, we are Reflecting on Guyana’s one of their teams in Guyana working to create strong experience in FIFA’s new intheverynearfuture.” bilateral relationships with tournament, Forde was keen For Forde, competing in SAFF and other nations with to point out the many Saudi Arabia could well be the aim of playing more benefits of competing in an the springboard towards a friendlies across women’s international tournament new era of collaboration football and youth levels alongside nations from between GFF and SAFF whilst exploring other around the world. He said: When asked if the FIFA o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r “This has truly been a Series could be a catalyst for collaboration.” moment of national pride for strengthening collaborative Saudi Arabia was one of our country and news of our ties between the two fiveFIFASerieshostnations selection to participate in the federations, he revealed: a l o n g s i d e A l g e r i a , inaugural FIFA series was “President Al Misehal and I Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Sri received with great have already exchanged Lankawithtwoseriesheldin excitement The Golden correspondence and I am the Kingdom and hosted by Jaguars are loved and confident that beyond SAFF National teams from admired by the entire football, there is a huge AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, Guyanese society and our opportunity for us the learn CONMEBOL, UEFA, and fans have been attentive to moreaboutourcultures.Iam OFC competed in six series every aspect of this historic therefore confident that overall with the 2024 edition experience.Theplayershave through our ongoing serving as a pilot phase for b e e n e x e m p l a r y discussions, GFF and SAFF the competition. Many sides ambassadors while, at the will discover many areas of also faced each other for the same time, inspiring the mutual interest on which we firsttimeintheirhistory

Cotton Field cricketer Dharam Raj remembered by club-mate Ramcharran Singh

Three years have gone permanently the field,” the 58-year-old Field Sports Club; his death since the passing of former “He [is] definitely SinghstatedfromhisFlorida is still shocking but I know Cotton Field Sports Club missed; he was a great home. heleftalegacyandhewillbe cricketer Dharam Raja via a cricketer and sportsman; we Singh enjoyed Raja’s remembered forever,” Singh Construction accident, but had some memorable times friendliness off the field as mentioned. his team-mate, Ramcharran for Cotton Field and I loved well but would have given Cotton Field Sports Club Singh, remembered him for hispassionthathebroughtto 120 percent when he was on played competitive cricket his passion for the game and thegame,”Singhrevealed. thefield.CottonFieldSports and competitions under the hiscontributions. Raja met his demise at Club had few members who auspices of the Essequibo

Singh, who captained the age 60. He represented went on to represent CricketBoard. Essequibo Senior Inter- Essequibo in a solitary one- Essequibo at various levels Singh is very optimistic Countyteamandwasalong- day Inter-County game but including ex-skipper that the club will honour standing opening batsman, his service for Cotton Field Lennox Alves and Dinesh Raja with cricket matches stated that Raja was an Sports Club during his days Joseph along with Raul and andhealsowillingtomakea absolutely talented player wasmagnificent. Romain Khan (brothers) contribution towards any He was always considered a “ H e w a s a h u g e Wazeeda Bacchus also endeavours. Raja was an superb all-rounder having contributor of the game and played for Guyana’s female honorary member of batted left-handed and to Cotton Field Sports Club. team. Reliance Hustlers Sports bowledcleveroff-spin. He loved the game and “I know he was a die- Club. On two occasions, the

He is certainly missed played it with immense hard player and we shared Clubheldmemorialmatches according to Singh, who is passion and he was always some wonderful times off for Raja. Raja’s only son now residing in the United w i l l i n g t o m a k e a the field during our Timo sponsored the cricket S t a t e s o f A m e r i c a contribution, both on and off cricketing days for Cotton games.

Raja, centre, with Ramcharran Singh, right, share a moment in 1993.

KFC ELITE LEAGUE SEASON SIX

Den Amstel and Guyana Police force victories earn 3 points apiece

Action from Tuesday night in the GFF KFC Elite League Season Six matches.

Den Amstel FC and the Guyana Police comeback by thwarting several close Force FC players exited the field on Tuesday attemptsatgoal. night with another valuable win boosting The matches were the first two April their standings in the KFC Elite League fixtures for the league, which kicked off on SeasonSixpointstable. February 25. This elite competition features

In an intense out-of-town clash, Den ten powerhouse clubs, including defending Amstel FC defeated Monedderlust FC 3-0 in champions Guyana Defence Force FC, the first match onApril 3. Following that, the former titleholders Fruta Conquerors FC and Guyana Police Force FC secured a solid 2-0 Slingerz FC, along with Western Tigers FC, win against Santos FC, another Georgetown Guyana Police Force FC, Monedderlust FC, club. Ann’s Grove United FC, Den Amstel FC, Den Amstel FC came out swinging, SantosFCandBuxtonUnitedFC. launching a relentless assault on The league serves as a national platform Monedderlust FC’s defence. Andrae Hector for players to showcase their talents, aiming broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, with for spots in national team programmes, Anthony Benn adding two more goals in the scholarships,andpotentialcontractsabroad. 68th and 78th minutes to secure a convincing

In the race for glory, the top ten clubs are victory eyeing the first-place cash prize of In the second game, Nicholas McArthur G$2,000,000. of the Guyana Police Force FC found the net Cash rewards of G$1,200,000, in the 17th minute, followed by teammate G$800,000, and G$500,000 await the teams Neron Barrow’s goal in the 35th minute, securing second, third, and fourth positions, securing a comfortable lead for the team as respectively. theyheadedintohalftime.

Last evening Buxton United FC went Once again, the Guyana Police Force FC head-to-head with Fruta Conquerors FC at showcased their defensive maturity, denying 6:30p.m., followed by Slingerz FC taking on a frustrated Santos FC any chance of a Ann’sGroveFCat9p.m.attheNTC.

Tucber Park Cricket Club benefits from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”

Tucber Park Cricket Club out of New fromthisjointinitiative. Amsterdam, Berbice is the latest to benefit Total cricket related items from this joint initiative of Kishan Das of the received/purchased so far: $460,000 in cash, USAandAnil Beharry of Guyana They were thirteen colored cricket uniforms, two therecipientof6whiteand3redballs Thefast trophies, twenty pairs of cricket shoes, thirty growing club is the home of West Indies all three pairs of batting pads, thirty five cricket rounder Romario Shepherd, Shamar Joseph, bats,thirtypairsofbattinggloves,twentyfive the latest fast bowling sensation, national fast thigh pads, three pairs of wicket keeping bowlerNialSmith,TremayneSmartandmany pads, six arm guards, two chest guards, two junior and senior national cricketers The club boxes, twelve cricket bags, six bat rubbers, wasformedbyCarlMoore,aformerGCBand six helmets, one softball cricket bat and BCB long serving cricket administrator, who thirteen boxes of white balls. In addition to migrated and it is now run by his son Julian the above, over $600,000 worth in gear was Moore,anationalcoach donatedbySheikMohamed,formerNational This project is very impressed with the wicket keeper/batsman. All cash collected is nursery programme of the club. They give beingusedtopurchasecricketgearrequested opportunities to many youths from a few and not available at the time. Cricket related depressed communities, including Angoy’s items,usedornew,aredistributedfreeofcost Avenue where West Indies all rounder Kevin toyoungandpromisingcricketersinGuyana. Sinclairgrewup.Thisinitiativewillcontinue Skills,disciplineandeducationareimportant to assist TPCC and other clubs who have a characteristics of the recipients Talent strong youth program. The aim of this spotting is being done across the country and initiativeistohelpkeepouryoungpeopleoff club leaders also assist to identify talent. the streets where they are exposed to drugs Progressive and well managed cricket clubs and crimes and get them constructively withayouthprogrammewillalsobenefit. occupied. “There has been a recent surge in Anyone who wishes to make a teenage criminals and let’s work together to contribution can contactAnil Beharry on 623 eliminate this from our society,” a statement 6875orKishanDason17186640896.

Floyd Benjamin (left) hands over the balls to Orlando Tanner in the presence of young cricketers.

Dharam

18-year-old jockey Kishawn Pereira aims to rise

Eighteen-year-old jockey Kishawn Pereira (Front right) script a sensational win in race five, the H and Lower race. He won with Jagdeo’s Racing Stable horse, Here Comes Heidi while Amicable Kate came second at Port Mourant’s Easter Cup.

7 athletes, 2 relay teams qualify for U20 World C/ships

- team size contingent on finance

Malachi Austin is currently the 3rd fastest U18 400m athlete.

By Rawle Toney

T h e A t h l e t i c Association of Guyana (AAG)isaimingtosenda

of seven athletes and two

to the 20th edition of the U20 World C h a m p i o n s h i p s , scheduled forAugust 26 –31inLima,Peru.

President of the AAG, Amanda Hermonstine, expressed that the team’s size is subject to financial considerations.

Tianna Springer is currently the world’s fastest U18 400m athlete.

FreshfromawinintheH&Lowerraceon of Trinidad and Tobago. “I was happy, Sunday last at Port MourantTurf Club Easter excited I got the win at Port Mourant. I Cup, 18-year-old jockey Kishawn Pereira is workedhardforit,”Pereirasaid. aiming to continue his rise to the top. The He added: “My goal as a jockey is to rise youngsterpilotedHereComesHeidifromthe tothetopandbethebest.”

Jagdeo Racing Stables to a sensational win, The Port Mourant Turf Club was treated aheadofstablematesRedRubyandTheoryof to delightful run from champion horse for the Colors;andAmicableKate(whoransecond). year 2023, Spankhurst, who extended its

This win was Pereira’s first major win, as dominancewithanothercrushingwin. he rode Here Comes Heidi to a G$400,000 The Jumbo Jet-owned horse piloted by win.Theteenagersaidhewasinspiredtoride Jockey Colin Ross stormed to a G$ 2 million horse by a friend; Godfrey, but he enjoyed win in the feature race, finishing ahead of watchinghorseracingonYouTube. Jessica’sPride,StolenMoneyandCremore.

“IlikewatchinghowFrankieDettoriride. The next race day is set for April 28, the He is an Italian jockey but dominated horse Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Committee at racinginEngland.”Pereirasealedthetopspot Rising Sun Turf Club. Jockey Pereira will be in a race that featured seasoned jockey, aiming to make a further name for himself including his teammate, Rico Hernandez out whenheheadstoRisingSunTurfClub.

world’s third fastest U18

However,ifsuccessful,it athlete in the 400m, has will mark the largest secured his place in his contingent of athletes specialty event. Joining him representing Guyana since are Narissa McPherson the inauguration of the (200m/400m), Nalica Glen Championshipsin1986. (200m), Ezekiel Newton

Leading the charge for (100m/200m), and Jermaine Guyana’s team is Tianna Crummewing (100m), all of Springer, the reigning whom have successfully world’s top-ranked U18 qualified. athlete in the 400m category

Athaleyha Hinckson, Springer has qualified to whoclinchedGuyana’sfirst- compete in the 100m, 200m, ever 100m gold at the and400mevents.

CARIFTAGames,hasalso M

s t i n , (Continued on page 19) presently ranked as the

delegation

relay teams

AAG president, Amanda Hermonstine