Kaieteur News

Former EPA head slams Govt. for putting

Exxon’s pockets above safety of citizens

“How could they be fighting against the people asking for Exxon, who is gonna be making hundreds of billions probably even trillions... we are getting 14.5% they are getting 85.5% they are making all of this money and just to ask them to cover any liability from an oil spill, what is so unreasonable about that?” – Dr.Vincent Adams

The recent move by the of Guyana, seeking an Government of Guyana unlimited parent company (GoG) to the Caribbean guarantee from ExxonMobil Court of Justice (CCJ) to tocoveralloilspillcosts. appeal a ruling, blocking it

Theapplicationwasfiled f r o m j o i n i n g w i t h since February 29, 2024 by ExxonMobil to fight against the Attorney General (AG) citizens for an unlimited andLegalAffairsMinisterof parentcompanyguaranteeto Guyana, Anil Nandlall, SC. protect the country from all Guyana’s Environmental oil spill costs has been Protection Agency (EPA) roundlycondemned. Caribbean with a million The Engineer continued, and citizens Godfrey Whyte

Former Head of the barrels- not 35,000, one “They don’t care whether it and Frederick Collins, along Environmental Protection million barrels of oil every devastates our economy with Esso Exploration and Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent single day,” the former EPA because that is what’s gonna Production Guyana Limited Adams said the move is a bosselaborated. happen, we will go bankrupt (now ExxonMobil Guyana reckless act. Dr Adams a Dr Adams also pointed because we cannot cover Limited) are the named P e t r o l e u m a n d reporters, “I do not believe Hesaidthattherecentoil out that a spill can be caused (those costs). For example, respondents in the matter Environmental Engineer and I don’t think that any spill just off the coasts of due to a blow out at thewells the British Petroleum Spill thatwillbeheardbeforeCCJ during an Alliance For Guyanesewouldbelievethat Tobagowasagoodlessonfor but government is more cost US$145B. The entire Judges Justice A Saunders, Change (AFC) press thisgovernmentissorabidto the government, though it is concerned about protecting Caribbean would be wiped President, Justice W conference on Friday told goagainstitsownpeople.” just a small incident the pockets of Exxon than its out with the fisheries and the Anderson and Mme Justice compared to the damage that country tourism, etcetera so I cannot MaureenRajnauth-Lee. could be done in Guyana. He reasoned, “How believe that they are going The Court of Appeal on “It’s about 30,000 to 35,000 could they be fighting down this direction of December 19, 2023, barrels of oil or fuel that was against the people asking for fighting against its own unanimously rejected the leaked and we can see the Exxon, who is gonna be people.” application by Nandlall to devastation that was caused making hundreds of billions O n F r i d a y t h i s join the case of two inTobagoandwecanseethe probably even trillions...we newspaper reported that the G u y a n e s e t o g e t issues that its even causing are getting 14.5% they are GoG secretly moved to the ExxonMobil to furnish the the Tobago government in getting 85 5% they are Caribbean Court of Justice nation with unlimited terms of who is liable for makingallofthismoneyand (CCJ) over a month ago in a liability coverage for oil covering that cost but here just to ask them to cover any bid to reverse the decision of spills. The Court of Appeal we have within the next year liability from an oil spill, the local Appeal Court unanimously upheld the or so, we will be having one what is so unreasonable blocking the state from submissionsmadeby ship travelling through the aboutthat?” fighting against the citizens (Continued on page 10)

Former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams

Final Investment Decision or not, Exxon delivering gas pipeline - Project Manager

Although ExxonMobil is yet to He explained, “The company is execute the project successfully make a Final Investment Decision completely confident that we will Likewise, it’s the phase for the (FID) on the disputed pipeline to deliver this project, we will deliver investors to calculate the project’s transportgasfromtheLizaFieldsin it on time, we will deliver it safely financial viability and put their the Stabroek Block to the Wales and we will operate it for the future moneyintoit. Development Site, the company of Guyana Whether we have After assessing those factors, said it will be delivering the project declaredFinalInvestmentDecision projectownersorinvestorsagreeto toGuyana. or not, I’m not even sure, it really either go ahead with the funding or The pipeline is a component of doesn’t matter to me. I’m here, my backout.Ifthebudgetissanctioned the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project team is here, we are building it and and investors decide to move that is expected to cost the nation wearedoingitforGuyana.” forward with the project, it is US$2B Even though the gas The FID is a crucial stage in knownasFID. projectisthesinglelargestfinancial mega energy projects as it’s the F o r m e r h e a d o f t h e investment in the history of the final stage to decide whether to go Environmental Protection Agency country, a feasibility study was ahead with the project or not. In (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams never conducted to determine other terms, it is the final stage to previously told Kaieteur News that whether it will be beneficial to the determine if the investment in the suchakeystepshouldhavealready nation. projectwouldbebeneficialornot. been completed for the massive

ExxonMobil’s GTE Project Before investing such an project. He believes the lack of an Manager, Friedrich Krispin during enormousamountintheproject,the FID and failure by government to a recent interview with Kaieteur company or group of companies secure funding from the US-EXIM News saidthecompanyisconfident assesses all possible outcomes, Bank for the project questions the itwilldelivertheproject. including the capital required to feasibilityofthefacility

PAHO reaffirms its commitment to the right to health for all people

Washington, DC, 5 April 2024 basic services expose people to a (PAHO) - For World Health Day, higher risk of disease,” he said. celebrated on April 7, the Pan “Financial, geographic and American Health Organization cultural barriers also hinder access (PAHO)reiterateditscommitment tocareforsomepopulations.” to the right to health for all people, PA H O r e c o m m e n d s without discrimination of any transforminghealthsystemsbased kind. on primary health care (PHC), a “At PAHO, we strive to fulfill model centered on people and thisrighttohealthbyworkingwith communities, which focuses on our Member States to advance health, not disease. It also calls for universal health for all, including addressing the social and for those populations living in environmental determinants that situations of vulnerability,” PAHO condition the health, well-being Director,Dr JarbasBarbosa,said. and health equity of individuals

The theme of this year’sWorld and communities through Health Day is “My health, my intersectoralaction. right,”and seeks to promote the Other recommendations to right of all people, everywhere, to ensure equitable access to services access to quality health services, include educationandinformation,aswell increasinginvestmentinhealth as to safe drinking water and to at least 6% of GDP, investing sanitation, clean air, good 30% of these resources in the first nutrition, quality housing, decent level of care, and eliminating environmental and working directpaymentsatthepointofcare conditions, adequate social T h e PA H O D i r e c t o r protection and freedom from emphasized that the Organization discrimination,amongothers. continues to make progress in the

In 1948, the World Health implementation of its initiative to Organization (WHO) recognized eliminate more than 30 infectious health as a human right in its diseases and to promote actions Constitution. However, in the against non-communicable Americas, almost 30% of the diseases, such as cancer and population has unmet health care diabetes. needs, a situation that is He also emphasized PAHO’s exacerbated in low-income work to strengthen the region’s countries and in the most health services by introducing impoverished and vulnerable innovations and technologies to communities. enable them to respond more

To ensure the right to health, effectively and equitably to health Dr Barbosa stressed the threats. importance of addressing the “Health and well-being are historical inequalities that prevent central aspects of living a full life many from exercising this right, and should not be regarded as a which were exacerbated by the privilege, but rather viewed as the C O V I D - 1 9 p a n d e m i c foundation from which society “Socioeconomic conditions such develops, grows, and prospers,” as poverty and limited access to thePAHODirectorsaid.

Despite calls for a thorough type of business plan or models the slashed by 50 percent. Dr Adams independent study to be completed investors are seeing Are they said, “It could mean that it doesn’t to determine the project’s viability, uncomfortable with what they are look that lucrative to the investors government is adamant that this is seeing?” withthecostandreturns.” notnecessary Hewaskeentonotethatthecost The EPA approved Exxon’s

The former EPAboss reasoned, of the project has now more than application for the gas pipeline “If this here has been touted as doubled from its initial estimate of since November 25, 2022. The 225 being so economical and lucrative, about US$500 million, but kilometers offshore and onshore why wouldn’t an investor quickly government is still convinced that pipeline is expected to completed jump on it? It goes back to what the cost of electricity will be bytheendofthisyear

Court refuses lawyer’s bid for extension to file response in matter against Environmental Board

The High Court on Thursday tardiness or non-compliance in the orauthority;and/orcontrarytoorin refused an application filed for schemeofthecivilprocedurerules. breach of the provisions of the Act extension of time, in the matter in Additionally, the judge noted and/ortheregulations. which was filed by activist, Danuta when the matter was heard on In addition, the Court is being Radziktochallengethedecisionthe March 1, the court drew to Ali’s asked to issue an Order of Environmental Assessment attention its observation that no Mandamus directed to the EAB, Board’s(EAB’s)decisiontouphold application in reply had been filed. that the board reinstate the appeal a waiver of an Environmental She noted that the lawyer merely against the decision of the Impact Assessment (EIA) for the confirmed that this was so but did Environmental Protection Agency two gas plants to be constructed at notfileanyapplicationforleave.In (EPA) to exempt the gas facility Wales,WestBankDemerara. the context of the facts, Justice from an Environmental Impact Radzik’s lawyer, Mohamed Ramlall said there is no good Assessment (EIA) and to hold new Ali’s application for time to file an explanation for them not filing the hearings in compliance with the affidavit in reply to the defence reply or for the belated application EnvironmentalProtectionAct. brought by the lawyer for the other forextensionoftimetofilewithout The grounds of Radzik’s side, Mr Arud Gossai was the leave of court. As a result, the application outline that the dismissed by Justice Simone judge refused the application and Environmental Assessment Board RamlallonThursday ordered that the lawyer to file (EAB)isempoweredbySection18 In her decision, Justice Ramlall submission on or before April 15, of the Environmental Protection notedthatshefoundthatthelawyer 2024. Act Cap. 20:05 to conduct hearings was disingenuous for claiming that In the case, Radzik is inter alia intoappealslodged. he was unaware that the Court had seeking an Order of Certiorari to Thedocumentnotesfurtherthat considered the application for an quash the decision to exempt the the composition and operation of extension of time to file the gas facility from a thorough impact the Environmental Assessment affidavit in defence. “It is quite assessment. She argues that the Board (EAB) is set out in the Third alarming that Counsel would plead decision of the EAB is flawed Schedule of the Environmental that he only became aware of such and/or contrary to, or in breach of Protection Act, Cap. 20:05. The service on March 1 upon being thelaw application outlined that, “…The informed by counsel for the Radzik is asking the Court to disclosure of interest and recusal of respondent during the Court declare the decision a nullity; is any member of the Environmental proceeding.Thefactofthematteris void and of no legal effect; was Assessment Board (EAB) is set out that he did not dispute that service made without or want of or in in the Section 8 of the third was affected at his chambers on the excessofjurisdiction;isultravires; schedule of the Environmental dayofthefiling.” is unreasonable or irrational, Protection Act (EPA) Cap

The judge noted therefore that arbitrary,capriciousorerroneousat 20:05…” the administrative blunder for law; is illegal; disproportionate; in It noted that, “The project is counsel’s chambers do not suffice defiance of logic; without any legal strategicallyaimedatutilizing as good explanation for the foundationorbasisorauthorization

(Continued on page 10)

EMGL Gas-to-Energy Project Manager, Friedrich Krispin

KaieteurNews

Opposition tightening the screws

OppositionLeaderAubreyNortonhashitthenailonthe head. Regarding the ExxonMobil relationship, it is the PPP/CGovernmentthathasthepowertobringaboutchange for the better from the nation’s wealth. The Opposition is limited in how much it can do, but Mr Norton’s group can pressurethegovernmentanditsleaderstomakethemoves that compel ExxonMobil to respond positively, be more generoustoGuyana.TheOppositionLeaderisrightandhis roleistointensifythepressurethathespokeabout.

We understand that ExxonMobil is first about profit maximization,butGuyanesecannotbethelosers. Themore thisAmericanoilsupergiantgrabsforitself,thelessthereis for citizens. In truth, a growing number of Guyanese harbour doubts about this so-called oil partner of Guyana. Whenbillionsinexpensesaretreatedlikeespionagesecrets, it is the duty of the sitting government to share what it has withthepublic. WhateverthearrangementbetweenPPP/C GovernmentleadersandtheleadingmenofExxonMobilin Guyana, it is a less than wholesome one when secrets rule the day Secrets blanketing the interest rate(s) paid to the company for the funds loaned to Guyana to finance oil projects. Secretsinfestingoverahundredbilliondollarsin depreciation and amortization expenses, and about which Vice President Jagdeo prefers not to speak. He prefers offering the ridiculous solution that interested Guyanese (the media) should raise their questions with the company Whenthegovernmentofasovereignnationanditsleaders take comfort in coiling themselves into snakes to defer dealinginthefulltruth,thenthesnakelikeiswhatresults.

TherealityisthatGuyaneseareforcedtooperateinarealm of impenetrable darkness and left to play one guessing game afteranother Onsmallermattersthismaybeignored,butnoton somethingasmassiveasoil,andaboutwhichthereisnothing thatevencomesclose Nogovernment,noleader,shouldbea partytokeepingneedtoknowinformationfromcitizens When secrets take precedence, then suspicions of conspiracies betweenthegovernmentandExxonMobildeepen Whenthere isthelimitedandcraftyinformationsharingemanatingfromthe manintheforefrontoftheoilsector,Jagdeo,thenitistimeforthe political Opposition to up the pressure and apply more heat constantly It is revealing that when ExxonMobil must be backed against a wall and made to listen to reason (and economics), Jagdeo is at his weakest, sloppiest, slyest, and slipperiest. The same Jagdeo who can be such a forceful presencelocallytransformsintoasplitpersonality,whenhis obligations to the Guyanese people should come first. Before ExxonMobil, he revels in being the helpful and fearful figure that he cuts. Before Guyanese, he resists straight answers, is a loud bundle of secrets. He and President Ali claim to have no power, because they are handcuffedbythecontract. Theyhavethesledgehammerof new oil projects craved by ExxonMobil to feed its shareholders’expectations but have effectively retired that powerful asset. When the pressure must be applied to ExxonMobil, Ali and Jagdeo are pleased to pressure Guyanese. Ifitisnotthroughtrickylanguage,itisthrough policy and procedural tricks. And, as if all those are not enough to devastate the oil promise of Guyana, the PPPC Governmentensuresthatitgetstrickypeopleatkeydecision points,sothatExxonMobilisnotdelayedatall.Anyneutral observationofPresidentAliandVicePresidentJagdeoand their stewardship of this fabulous national oil gift would confirmthatbotharecommittedtodancingtoanytunethat ExxonMobil plays. All that Darren Woods and Alistair Routledgehavetodoisgivethemahardstareandtheyrush toobeythebiddingoftheirforeignoilmasters. No vibrant Opposition could afford to be voiceless or distantinsuchcircumstances.AnOppositionofmeritmust be resourceful enough to find ways to squeeze the governmentrelentlessly.AdeterminedOppositiondemands and delivers. Guyana’s political Opposition has much ground to cover with oil, it has to be muscular, it must be regardedasfightingforGuyanese,andnotitself.

Guyana proud of its achievements in Civil and Political Rights

DEAREDITOR

The United Nations Human Rights Committee considered Guyana’s third Periodic report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) during the 4097th, 4099th and 4101st meetings held in hybrid format from March18to20,2024.

The ICCPR is one of the eight core United Nations Human Rights Treaties which Guyana has ratified, outofatotalofninetreaties. This is nothing short of a major achievement for a small developing country since

many developed countries have not ratified several of the UN Human RightsTreaties,andassuch, have not submitted themselves to be scrutinized and held accountable to the standards of those covenants,

conventions, and treaties.

TheICCPR,whichforms part of the Universal Bill of Rights(acombinationofthe Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the ICCPR)providesforarange of protections of civil and political rights. States that have ratified this treaty are bound to protect and preservebasichumanrights, such as: the right to life and human dignity; equality before the law; freedom of speech, assembly, and association; religious freedom; freedom from torture, ill-treatment, and arbitrary detention; gender equality;therighttoafair trial; right to family life and family unity; and minorityrights-theserights are enshrined in the Guyana Constitution and several statutes The Covenant requires the State Parties to takeadministrative,judicial, and legislative measures to protect the rights enshrined in the treaty and to provide effectiveremedies.

As a state party to the ICCPR, Guyana has a legal obligation to progressively undertake measures to implement the provisions to protectthecivilandpolitical rights included in the Covenant. Under Article 40 of the ICCPR, Guyana is required to submit periodic reports to the UN Human Rights Committee on the measuresadoptedorthosein progresstogiveeffecttothe

rights the Covenant establishes. In other words, the review process is fundamentally a “progress report” on good faith efforts made by State parties to implement the rights and standards enshrined in that covenant.

On August 30, 2021, Guyana submitted its ‘Third Periodic Report’ on the ICCPR,underthesimplified reporting procedure, responding to the List of Issues Prior to Reporting (LOIPR)itreceivedfromthe UN Human Rights Committee, in accordance witharticle40oftheICCPR. It should be noted that the LOIPRwasofficiallysentto GuyanaonAugust31,2020, only a few weeks after the PPP/C government assumed officefollowingtheattempts bytheAPNU/AFCandtheir operatives to thwart the will of the Guyanese people in the 2020 General and RegionalElections.

The newly established Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, being the agency with the mandate for human rights and anti-corruption treaty reporting on behalf of the State, promptly began to assesstheLOIPRandsetup a National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up (NMRF). The Ministry then collected available information, data and statistics, consolidated information and data, prepared numerous draft versions of the report in collaboration with various agencies, and the final versionofthe third periodic report within the stipulated word limit was submitted to the UNHRC on August 30, 2021,aspreviouslystated. Guyana submitted the report being fully aware of the standard review process that is invoked upon the submission of any treaty report.

That is, the report would bepublished,shadowreports wouldbeaccepted from civil society organisations, and the UN’s Human Rights Committee wouldeventuallyreviewthe reportandinviteGuyanatoa “constructive dialogue” to assess the contents of the reportandtoseekanswers toadditionalquerieswith the aim of better understanding the situation in Guyana to inform the committee’s concluding observations. Notably, the

emphasisison“constructive dialogue” and not “Shame andBlame” as the UNHRC knows that not one country in the world has fully complied or implementedtheICCPRnor any other human rights treaties - all are at different stages of implementation or compliance.Thecountries which have ratified the ICCPR commendably subjectthemselvestoreview and this has traditionally been viewed as a valuable process in the evolution of human rights in a rapidly developing global landscape.

This was emphasized in the two briefings with Guyana by the UNHRC Secretariat staff and the Commonwealth Small States Division in Geneva, priortothereview

The Human Rights Committee, a treaty-based mechanism of independent experts, is mandated to monitor the implementation of the ICCPR by state parties, and expectations are that the Committee considersand examines State party’s report using the public constructive dialogue methodology

Guyana’sdelegationwas officially identified to the UNHRC and notably was comprised primarily of members of the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up (NMRFU), a mechanismadvocatedby the UNHRC for countries to adopt. This too was part of the Ministry’s continuous efforts to expose young professionals to the human rights treaty reporting process to strengthen institutional capacityacrossvarious ministries and agencies within Guyana’s human rightsarchitecture.

Duringthesessionsfrom March 18 to 20, 2024, the Guyana delegation engaged withmembersoftheHuman RightsCommitteeonthelist of issues as well as other information they sought basedonwhatthey called“crediblesources” including information received from CSOs’ “shadowreports”.

Itshouldbenotedthatfor decades, Guyana has engagedinsuchconstructive dialogues with various UN Treaty bodies and their review processes, and there has been a commendable trackrecordofhealthyand

respectful engagement with these bodies under the numerous treaties which Guyana has ratified. This methodology is not novel to Guyana since the State has been reviewed by various suchCommitteeson several other occasions undertheUniversalPeriodic Review and numerous Conventionsincluding:

• Convention on the RightsoftheChild(CRC)

• Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading TreatmentorPunishment (CAT)

• Convention on the Elimination ofAll Forms of Discrimination against Women(CEDAW)

• I n t e r n a t i o n a l Convention on the Elimination ofAll Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD)

• International Covenant on Economic, Social and CulturalRights(CESCR)

• I n t e r n a t i o n a l Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Membersof TheirFamilies(CMW)

• Convention Against Corruptionand

• Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

However, the recent inimical and unbending expectations adopted by the 2024 Human Rights Committee are quite worrying as Guyana has never been subjected in previous reviews to such an adversarialengagementwith an apparent objective to “shame and blame” the State.

The State brought to the attention of the Committee, and members of the C o m m i t t e e a l s o acknowledged and concurred,thattheshorttime frame did not permit the State to comprehensively respond to questions which required very detailed responses and, in some cases, very detailed statistics Surprisingly, however, members of the Committee went on to further upbraid the Hon Minister Gail Teixeira, head of delegation, for not providing more detailed responses or not addressing the abundance of questions posedtotheState.

Subsequent reviews of the questions revealed that therewereover140

(Continuedonpage06)

President should take blame for GPL’s failures, cost overruns

DEAREDITOR

Despite the government and GPL being exposed of the Trinidad company planned selling to GPL of four used generators for US$40 Million, the cabinet is proceeding with the purchase. An engineer told methatthepowergenerators havenotworkedforthirteen years and that GPL engineers are pressured to approve the purchase. The actual cost of the four used power generators is US$3 million,adifferenceinprice of US $37M that is being soldtoGPL.

The President read the riot act to GPL staff on its

failure to provide reliable electricity

Why isn’t he holding himself accountable in approvingthepurchaseof17 used generators from Honduras by the same Trinidadcompany Onlyfive of the 17 were fixed and generating below capacity power

And now there is the planned approval by the President of the three used generators from Brazil overpriced by $US37M. A source at GPL said management issued a strict warning to staff not to divulge information on the purchase of used power

generators and their failures and not to talk to the media.

But information is obtained fromaconfidentialsourcein the cabinet of the planned purchase of the used Braziliangenerators.

Why is money being wasted on used generators when we can purchase new generators for less from Texas? Something smells fishy

T h e H o n d u r a n generators were overpriced by $18 M and the Brazilian by $37. That’s is a total of US$55 million that can be usedtoraiseteachers’salary

Yourstruly,

RudeshJodha

Climate change and agriculture

DEAREDITOR,

Over the past few years, Climate Change has caused unexpectedshiftsinweather patterns, particularly a prolonged period of drought.

This has had a significant impact on both thedailylivesofpeopleand thelivelihoodsoffarmers.

However, thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture's extension services, these affected farmers are receiving and will continue to receive the necessary support to ensure the sustainability of agriculture now and in the future Previously, we experienced heavy rainfall that led to severeflooding.

However, itis important to note that efforts to improve drainage and irrigation systems are ongoing.

Taking a proactive approach, rather than a reactive one, is crucial in effectivelymanagingsucha vitalindustry.Withabudget allocationof$97.6Bforthe Ministry of Agriculture, $29.4Bhasbeendesignated for drainage and irrigation projects.

This includes the construction of two canals similar to the Hope canal and the acquisition of 40 mobilepumps.

Additionally, $72 3 B has been allocated for the m a i n t e n a n c e a n d

enhancementofthenational drainage and irrigation network.

This demonstrates the government's proactive stance in addressing these issues.

The work carried out by the National Drainage and IrrigationAuthority(NDIA) may seem straightforward, but it plays a crucial role in rehabilitating the drainage system and ensuring proper irrigationforfarmers.

Astheagriculturesector introduces new high-value crops, it is essential that the infrastructure keeps pace and does not remain stagnantinthepast.

Sincerely,

DavidBenn

Latest Govt. statement on border controversy utterly useless

DEAREDITOR

The recent statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation onApril3rdconcerningthe serious and escalating situation with Venezuela wasutterlyuseless

The dictator of Venezuela is about to visit Russia to solidify himself and ensure support for his regime’s efforts against Guyana, and the Ministry has yet to recall our a m b a s s a d o r f r o m Venezuela Guyana must take a definitive position on this matter by also expelling the Venezuelan ambassador to Guyana and closing their embassy in Georgetown

It is utter nonsense for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continually issue

statements with no actions being taken to push back on the Venezuelan dictator and hisregime.

Maduro has shown the world that he has no respect for the Guyanese government

Is it that the Ministry lacks leadership? Or is it that the inexperience shown earlier with the Ministry’s blunder on Guyana’s position on Taiwan is once again beingwitnessed?

Some Guyanese are even more concerned that the new surge of illegal narcotics linked to Venezuelans in the country is also causing a lack of objectivity amongstkeyofficials

Hopefully,thisisnotthe case.

CRGurgestheMinistry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to recall our Ambassador and to also ask their Ambassadortoleave Thus, closing the Venezuelan embassy in Georgetown and our embassyinCaracas

The Ministry should also reach out to the Russian Government and ask them to take a neutral position if not a supportive one on the border c o n t r o v e r s y w i t h Venezuela

Regards

It is time for all Guyanese to place the sovereignty of our motherland over any other benefit that could be had by maintaining ties with Venezuela’s dictator and his regime.

Mr.JamilChanglee

GuyanaproudofitsachievementsinCivilandPoliticalRights...

Frompage04 questions asked, each requiring extremely detailed information and statistics. This task is undoubtedly impossible for any State partywhich is only provided with 40 minutesperdaytorespondto the questions each day One Committee member, for example,asked17questions at one time. Thus, the time allocated for this large amountofquestions was simply not enough foranyStatepartytoprovide comprehensiveresponses.

Many of the questions were beyond the mandate of the Committee, particularly those where the State party had been reviewed by the InterAmerican Convention against Corruption and its reportadoptedonMarch 14, 2024, or was pendingreviewbyanother UNtreatybodysuchasthe UN Convention against Corruption

Guyana is of the firm belief that State parties can only engage in constructive dialogue when a system or methodology is fair and impartial and where e x p e c t a t i o n s a r e practicable

Guyana also indicated inwriting to the UNHRC that whilst there is an opportunity for the State partytoprovideadditional information to the committeewithin48hours after the completion of the hybrid review, this information would never be seen by persons who were tuned into the live webcast The State party firmly believes that this is unfair as it does not allow the viewers to learn of the S t a t e p a r t y ’ s comprehensive responses toquestionswhichmay have gone unanswered due to the limited and strict timeallocations.

Itshouldberemembered that in the preamble to the reviewprocessonMarch18, 2024,theChairperson made it clear that the Committee would use crediblesourcessuchasUN documents, academia, and civilsociety

However,theStateparty hadcausetoexpressconcern about the credibility and validity of information including numerous pieces of fractured (or at best anecdotal) information that theCommitteesought responses on, which

were only then being brought to the attention of theState.However,thiswas quickly dismissed by a committee member who indicated that, in her opinion, all information had beenthoroughly cross-checked, and all information received are available on the OHCHR website.

This was proven to be false since matters pertaining to the failure to investigate allegations of corruption by the Vice President, allegations of corruption by the judiciary, cybercrime allegations againstRickford Burke and allegations of children being held in adult prisons, for example, were never mentioned in any of the nine civil society “shadow reports” available online Further, one committee member alleged with conviction that 90% of the local media was owned and operated by the state or were supporters of the government.

This allegation is the furthest from fact and is a manifestation of the blatantmistruthswhich t h e c o m m i t t e e u n a p o l o g e t i c a l l y entertained

Any Guyanese would be able to validate that this information is blatantly untrue and baseless

There were numerous sources of credible and verifiable information which were ignored by the Committee, including G u y a n a ’ s m a n y submissions over the last three years in response to UN special rapporteurs and independent experts’ calls for information, the annual UNDP Human Development Index, reports from other UN agencies including UNFPA, UNICEF, the Inter-Parliamentary Union,theIMFArticle4 statements on Guyana, World Bank and IDB reports which refer to Guyana, Guyana’s reports on its anticorruption measures in its 2nd self-assessment to the UN Convention Against Corruption and Guyana’s report to the IACAC MESICICin2023and2024, itsreportstotheEITIaswell as Guyana’s 2023 Voluntary National Review Report to UN,allofwhicharepublicly postedonwebsites.

It should be emphasized that members of the Committee serve in their personalcapacity,andnotas representatives of their governments, which is intended to allow for the proceedings of the Committeeto be politically impartial.

However, Guyana is perplexed that a member of the Committee would seek answerstomattersthatwere currently related to a citizen of that country which the Committee member is a national.

Even after over 100 pages of additional information with data was provided within the 48 hours (March 22nd) as required, the Committee went ahead with preparing the Advance Unedited Version (AUV) of its ConcludingObservations,in what appeared to be a complete dismissal of the additional information providedbytheState.

According to the methodology of the Human Rights Committee, Guyana was given 24 hours (March 27th) to comment and identifyonlyfactualerrorsin this draft document Although the State provided detailed information regarding factual errors within the stipulated time, it was disheartening to see these numerous errors, which were already addressed during the review process,andeachidentified again in the March 27, 2024,document,wereagain included and published in t h e C o n c l u d i n g Observations

One can only conclude that the Committee refused toconsiderthefactualerrors identified by the State Guyana is cognizant that no country’s record of protecting and promoting civil and political rights is perfect nor free from criticism.

In the same round of reviews by the Committee, vastly more developed countries like the United Kingdom also received recommendations for s t r e n g t h e n i n g i t s commitments under the ICCPR, and in the previous round of reviews, countries like the United States of America were also reviewed.

Interestingly, the Committee never made comments in its Concluding Observations to the USA aboutthereversaloftheRoe V Wade judgment which

jurisprudence and directly affected the right to choose forwomen.

In contrast, Guyana was bombarded with false accusations of “clandestine abortions”, for which, the committeenoritsinformants could provide any source or evidence Further, with regards to the death penalty, Guyana is proud to report that no individual has been executed bytheStatesince1997in keeping with an informal moratorium on the death penalty, which was repeatedly stated during the review. Whereas other developed countries which were reviewedareactively implementing the death penalty using some of the most gruesome means of execution in the modern world, and yet they only received“aslaponthewrist” fromtheCommittee.

These are just a few examples of the grave inequalities which continue to affect small developing countries like Guyana at the globallevel.

Guyana, as one of the poorest in the western hemisphere in 1992, has worked to overcome the enormous obstacles that have encumbered our potential for development, f r o m s l a v e r y a n d indentureship, colonialism, political and civil interference, restoration of democracy, attempts to undermine democracy, and new and modern threats to our democracy and sovereignty

Guyana is proud and our people should be applauded for the significant legislative and policy achievements we have made as a small developing country, particularly when one remembers the struggles torestore democracy and the traumatic and difficult challenges to build a democraticnationoverthe last30years

This was explicitly outlined during the presentation made by the head of delegation throughoutthereview process The State party did identify the challenges that we continue to experience as a small country with a small population and extremely diverse geography and t e r r a i n , b u t a l s o highlighted some of the mechanisms implemented

and being sought to o v e r c o m e t h e s e challenges Many of these were Guyana “home grown” and provide unique models globally such as the LCDS 2009 and LCDS 2030, the Guyana Constitution, the Amerindian Act etc , Regrettably, these were completely overlooked by theCommittee

It is understood that the reviewprocessisintendedto streamline the reporting procedure and improve the quality of the dialogue with Statesparties.

H o w e v e r , i t i s unfortunate that the Human RightsCommittee review processes which arecustomarilyconductedin a constructive manner was forthefirsttimesteeredinto unconstructive engagement. Thiswasunfortunatelyquite distinct from the other processeswhich

G u y a n a h a s subjected itself to, including the most recent 6th cycle review of Guyana’s anticorruption framework by the OAS MESISIC, and its review by the Caribbean Financial Action task Force (CFATF/FATF) which

i n c l u d e d r o b u s t dialogue and extensive reviews including on-site r e v i e w s i n w h i c h government agencies, constitutional bodies, and civil society organizations participated.

T h e S t a t e i s c o m m i t t e d t o i t s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political R i g h t s a n d w i l l continue to invest resources to ensure the rights of all Guyanese a r e u p h e l d u n d e r Guyana’s Constitution and the Covenant

This is even more evident as the government moves forward with the constitutional reform process in which the Guyanese people through e x p a n s i v e p u b l i c p a r t i c i p a t i o n a n d consultation will decide on their concerns and any of those raised by the Committee. As a sovereign state, theGuyanesepeoplewill decide.

Weareimmenselyproud of the progress that Guyana in last three years has made and the trademarks that we continue to make globally, and the Government will continue to spare no efforts

inensuringthat development for the bettermentof thelivesof all Guyanese people is paramount.

The Government will continue to make critical i n v e s t m e n t s a n d advancements to enhance the constitutional and legislative framework of Guyana, strengthen the institutional capacity of constitutional and statutory bodies, improveaccesstoeducation, healthcare and social services, advance the rights ofindigenouspeoplesandall vulnerable groups, further diversify the economy, capitalize on its resources, address discrimination wherever it appears frontally, ensure that the rightsofthemostvulnerable groups are protected, and promote equal rights, equal opportunities and equitable accesstogoodsandservices i n a t r a n s p a r e n t , accountable, inclusive and participatorymodel.

T h i s w i l l b e implemented despite those miniscule elements who appear to have a distastein seeing their own small developing country and other small developing countries, and their citizens, reachtheirtruepotential.

I n d o i n g s o , Guyanarecognizesthatitis part of a global landscape, a n d t h a t i t h a s responsibilities to play a meaningful role in engagements with its neighbours, its region, and its international partners, including t h o u g h t h e m e c h a n isms of the covenants, conventions, and treaties which the State has ratified As such, the Government of Guyana is committedtocontinuebeing transparent in its reporting process and avails itself to engage in dialogues with both regional and international institutional systems that genuinely seek to constructively examine and even learn from the experiences of an emerging globalleaderinnumerous crucial sectors Our mantra remains equal rights, equal opportunities and equitable accesstogoodsandservices for all our people to ensure that“nooneisleftbehind.

Sincerely

M i n i s t r y o f Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Guyana will not tolerate a seizure of any part of its territory

“This attempt by Venezuela to annex more than two-thirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory and make it part of Venezuela, is an egregious violation of the most fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the Charter of the Organisation ofAmerican States and customary international law. It also contradicts the letter and spirit of the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela agreed to on December 14, 2023 in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

This unlawful act calls into question Venezuela’s obligation to abide by the principles of that Declaration. In this light, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana wishes to put on notice the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Governments of the Caribbean Community and the LatinAmerican and Caribbean Community of Nations, as well as the Secretary General of the United Nations and the Secretary General of the Organisation ofAmerican States, that it will not countenance the annexation, seizure or occupation of any part of its sovereign territory.”

- Government of Guyana, April 4, 2024

Govt. moves to CCJ to fight against a case it had won while in Opposition

The Government of court. The court found that the qualifications for being They also challenge the Guyana (GOG) has taken its Browne and Ramkissoon elected as Parliamentary interpretation of Article case to the Caribbean Court were not lawful members of Secretaries, incorrectly 186(3) of the Constitution, of Justice (CCJ) to appeal a the National Assembly as determining the status of which governs eligibility for July 2023 ruling by their names were on their individuals on a successful appointment as elected Guyana’s Court of Appeal party’s list but were not list of candidates for a members. Additionally, they regarding the appointments amongthe33namesselected general election, failing to contest the interpretation of ofparliamentarysecretaries. to take up seats in the follow earlier decisions in Article 160(3)(a) and The appellants named in Assembly, making them relevant cases, and not Section 99A of the the appeal are Attorney ineligible to serve as adhering to the decision of Representation of the People General, Anil Nandlall, SC, ParliamentarySecretaries. the Court of Appeal in a Act, arguing that these Sarah Browne, and Vikash Justice of Appeal Dawn previous case involving provisions support their Ramkissoon The appeal Gregoryhadhighlightedthat similarissues. eligibilityforappointment.

Christopher Jones MP, p r e v i o u s d e c i s i o n , document outlines the the Appellants could not Central to the appeal are The Government seeks who filed the action concluding that Browne and grounds for challenging the qualify as non-voting assertions regarding the thefollowingreliefsfromthe c h a l l e n g i n g t h e Ramkissoon could not serve decision of the Court of members of the National eligibility of Browne and Caribbean Court of Justice: appointments, argued that asParliamentarySecretaries. Appeal, which deemed the Assembly, as Parliamentary Ramkissoon as elected reversal or setting aside of the Court of Appeal’s According to reports, the appointmentsofBrowneand Secretaries. Addressing members of the National thedecisionandordersofthe affirmation of Morian appointments in question R a m k i s s o o n a s whether the ruling in Assembly. The Court of CourtofAppeal,judgmentin extended to all issues were made in September Parliamentary Secretaries Desmond Morian constituted Appealhadruledthatdespite favour of the appellants, presentedinthatcase,apoint 2021underArticle186ofthe unlawful. The Court of binding precedent, the Court their presence on the list, costs incurred in the reaffirmed by the appellate Constitution, which allowed Appeal affirmed Chief of Appeal confirmed it did, they were ineligible for non- Caribbean Court of Justice court. For his part, Senior for the appointment of Justice (ag) Roxane George, reaffirming its previous voting membership due to and lower courts, and any Counsel Douglas Mendes, Parliamentary Secretaries SC ruling nullifying the decision in the Morian case. their appointments as other relief deemed just and who represented Nandlall, from among qualified a p p o i n t m e n t s o f Former Chief Justice (ag), Parliamentary Secretaries appropriate by the CCJ argued that the Morian case N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y Ramkissoon and Browne as Ian Chang had ruled in the This decision is being According to reports, Chief did not set precedent for his members.Despitetheruling, Parliamentary Secretaries in Morian case that individuals contested along with the Justice George’s April 20, clients’situation,contending Browne was appointed to July2023. onthecandidates’listbutnot l e g a l i t y o f t h e i r 2021 judgment found the that it was only considered a s s i s t M i n i s t e r o f

Oneofthekeyarguments extracted, are considered appointments, which the a p p o i n t m e n t s o f regarding jurisdiction, not Amerindian Affairs, Pauline of the Appellants had been elected Members of the appellants argue were Ramkissoon and Browne the substantive issue of Sukhai, while Ramkissoon that Chief Justice George NationalAssembly lawful. unlawful, ordering the candidacy was appointed to assist erred by relying on the A t t h e C C J , t h e Moreover, the appellants Speaker to prevent them

S e n i o r C o u n s e l , Minister of Agriculture, Desmond Morian v Government contends that disputetheCourtofAppeal’s from participating in the R o y s d a l e F o r d e , Zulfikar Mustapha Jones Attorney General case as the Court of Appeal erred in reliance on previous House’s business Justice representing Jones, had arguedthattheappointments precedent, a contention several aspects of its decisions, contending that George noted that while argued that the Court of were unlawful, emphasizing dismissed by the appellate judgment: misinterpreting suchreliancewasmisplaced. Attorney General Nandlall Appeal’s affirmation of t h a t B r o w n e a n d hadpreviouslysupportedthe Morianextendedtoallissues Ramkissoon were not Morian case when in raised, suggesting Justice extracted from the party’s Opposition, he abandoned Georgewasrightlyboundby candidate list, thus ineligible those principles when that decision. Ultimately, the for membership in the applied to Ramkissoon and Court of Appeal affirmed its NationalAssembly Browne.

Vikash Ramkissoon Sarah Browne

The problem goes beyond the GPL

No foreigner can fix GPL.Wetriedthatinthepast with IDB support; we tried that in the past with privatization. All attempts havefailed.

In the meantime, while the country is being saddled with daily power outages, outageswhichappeartobea combination of breakdown ofequipmentandgeneration shortfalls, the narrative of thegovernmentischanging.

The government first claimed that the blackouts wereasaresultofthereturn of some large electricity users to the grid.This led to existing generation not meeting demand Threats were even made that these persons would be charged a punitive tariff for returning to the grid. Then it was claimed that there has been an exponential increase in electricity demand and this has worsened an inherited situation in which no new investments in power generation by the APNU+AFC.

Butevenasitwassaying there was no investments in generation were made between 2015 and 2020, the government was conceding that that the former government did install a small plant atAnna Regina. The government is now conceding further that the APNU+AFC did install additional generating capacity of around 14 2 megawatts at Canefield, Anna Regina and Bartica and that the said APNU+AFC had procured an additional 46 5 megawatts of generating capacity but that this

remained uninstalled by the time the coalition demitted office. The government has moved from saying that the APNU+AFC made no new investments in generating capacitytoonlyasmallplant in Anna Regina to now saying that more than 60 megawatts were procured but that the majority of this remained uninstalled by August2020.

Throughoutthisshifting narrative, the PPP/C government has lamented that the present spate of blackouts would not have existedhadtheAPNU+AFC not canned theAmaila Falls Hydroelectric Project. But that is mere speculation because there were serious concerns about the hydrology of the river that was supposed to supply the project with water The PPP/C seems to be getting nowhere with the Amaila FallsProject.

In any event, the PPP/C cameintoofficefourmonths shy of four years ago and wouldhave,soonafter,been fully aware of the problems with generating capacity It has had almost four years to fixtheproblemandithasnot fixedit.

Last year, it hurriedly imported additional generating capacity which, shockingly,hasnotyetbeen fully installed. Who and whatisresponsibleforthis?

Now we are hearing about bringing in technical personnel to assist GPL. So is the problem management orisitgeneratingcapacityor isitboth?

Bringing in technical personnel will not improve

the situation if generating shortfall is the primary problem. You have to fix that. And if you cannot fix that then all the technical support will matter little. That technical support comes at a huge price tag. It would be much better for those sums to be invested in additional generating capacity

The PPP/C government saysitisontrackwithplans for the natural gas energy project that it launched Incidentally, it was the APNU+AFCwhichcameup with the idea of natural gas as a transitional fuel. The GSDShadtoutednaturalgas is a cleaner and transitional energy source and could in themediumterm,enablethe country’s renewable energy transition as a cheaper base fuel(replacingHFOs).

Under the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), there was the recognition that natural gas could supply around 200300megwatts of power. Despite adopting the APNU+AFC’s plans for the useofnaturalgas,thePPP/C government has however tried to shift the narrative concerningelectricityplans.

Jagdeo continues to be childishly critical of the GSDS, refusing to accept t h a t m u c h o f h i s government’s present plans, including the graduation to an energy mix are copycatted from the GSDS.

The GSDS had a realistic graduation to renewables of 63% by 2035, far more realistic that the PPP/C’s present plans of reducing emissions in the electricity

DEM BOYS SEH

Enjoy de blackouts!

Oh, the irony of it all! Guyana,isnowthefastestgrowing economy in the world. But yet we find ourselves literally stumblinginthedark...Yes, we’re talking about those power outages, which we does call blackouts, plaguingourbelovedland.

But dem boys seh opportunity lies in the darkness.Ifyouknowwhat ahmean!

So let us embrace the blackout blues with open arms.Thinkofitasaforced vacation from the glare of smartphone and television screens and the hum of appliances No more

through social media or binge-watching Netflix It’s time to rediscover the lost art of conversation! Gather your loved ones around a flickering candle orkerolampandengagein some good old-fashioned chit-chat.Who knows, you mightevenlearnsomething newabouteachother Guyanese like talk jumbiestory Blackoutsisa nice time to talk jumbie stories. Yuh gan see how quick dem children gan ketchdembed. With power in short supply, it’s high time we brushed up on our survival skills. Kero sales can hit the

sector by 70% by 2030. Without the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project, Guyana will fall short of its nationally determined contributions under the UNFCC.

The PPP/C’s flagship hydroelectric project cannot be ready by 2030. In fact, it nowappearscomatose.

The PPP/C, therefore, has to cease this silly game of blaming theAPNU+AFC for the present woes of the country For almost four

years now, it knew what it inherited. It has not fixed it and now the people of Guyana are reaping the results of that failure Blaming theAPNU+AFC is not going to fix the problem but neither will recruiting foreigntechnicalpersonnel.

The problem goes beyondGPL.Theproblemis theabsenceofprogressatthe level of the government in meeting national electricity demand, present and future.

For that, the PPP/C should

lookmorecloselyatthevery plan it dismisses – David Granger’s Green State DevelopmentStrategy

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

roof and so too will the price of candles and batteries. And if the house feeling hot, think about pitching a tent in yuh backyard! Spend the night underthestarsandwiththe mosquitoes. It’s a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. So, my fellow Guyanese, let’s embrace these blackouts with open arms and make the most of our time in the dark. Who knows, we might just discover a newfound appreciationforthesimpler things in life. After all, in the darkest of nights, we often find the brightest of stars. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Press Shindigs-Bharrat style

I had warned Guyanese the chief feature of the process,thendestroysit. monopolies in what is membership in the local about pushing for press weekly Jagdeo Press Shows. Get a load of this. Ask supposed to be the give and Theater Guild, since it is gatherings involving one He is the featured performer the man a short and simple take of a press meet. In his consideredagooddayifheis Bharrat Jagdeo. I saw a in what is a combo of question, say oil or F r e e d o m H o u s e done with one question in The worst question that a double-edged sword. Some carnival,circus,comedy,and governance, and get ready extravagances, more one hour Before the main press person could bring specks of information that communication specials It is the beginning of the end familiar as strutting sitting culpritsattackedintheman’s before Jagdeo at his press could scale the truth bar, a Thelatterismysubstitutefor of his press conference. He down, he is the one who press conferences were brawls is one that has to do world of propaganda that ‘cussing’, busing down, and jumps on a racehorse and is gives what he feels like COVID-19andthePNC. Of with oil When will could not be harnessed, and assorted instances of off running. The sensible giving and takes away the more recent vintage, the Guyanese get some then the rest. The rest is the boorishness. IfJagdeohada who follows his tracks substances that have any PNC still holds a cherished understanding? They must best. reputation for being a quickly realizes that his trail relation to reality, even spot in his loving PPP heart, know by now that the man

Permit me a frank boozer,Iwouldsaythatheis isspotted. Soishistale. For routine accuracy For those and dissenting citizens have from Exxon, Alistair question. When was the last all boozed up for his press Jagdeo is so swift (slick) on who struggle with putting a replaced COVID-19. The Routledge, is watching, is timethatJagdeotoldawhole powwows. But he is not. the racecourse that he finger at what Jagdeo is up virus used to kill Guyanese listening. One hair out of story? The full truth and Truth be told, Guyanese shoulders aside any to,Irendersomeassistance. by the truckload Now place, and the party is over nothing but the truth on asked for press conferences, reasonable regard for facts

‘Coke’ seller remanded

A 42-year-old construction worker was remanded to prison on Friday, when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with possession of narcotics forthepurposeoftrafficking.

Think of a debate with a citizens are being killed one It would be curtains for the matters of national and Dr. Jagdeo was only too and figures, or both sides of difference. That is, a one- byonebyapoliticalvirus. PPP. Since Jagdeo doesn’t importance? I scratch my delighted to respond with a anissue. Whathisaudiences man debate. To call these Dare to press for an have a follicle or comb head and come dangerously helping hand. It is how the get in his press confabs are affairs press conferences is answer from the supreme concern, then he must be close to the scalp in no time. democraticsystemworks. It monologuesinthemannerof an insult to the intelligence, master,andthecircusmaster ever so careful with his Time to try a different tack. is how Jagdeo first distorts a Demerara Hamlet (the some stripping of the dignity emerges, goes in top gear. words. Oneslipanditisinto But this is what has become and disrupts the democratic PNC tied his hands); of citizens, and an assault Asked before and answered the deep skinny dip. So, the with battery on the English before. But how, bub? This Vice President does what he Language. Consider the is how Jagdeo is mighty does best: he transforms into following. Somepressgrunt pleased with himself. If he a mean machine. Snarling. speaks for a minute, and Big were a CXC official, he gets Lunging. Clawing. Kicking Bossman Jagdeo hogs the to choose the questioner, he and screaming. He is the rest of the hour It’s selects the questions, he living daytime embodiment showtime A nice, decides on the answers, and o f G u y a n e s e w o r s t comforting romp down he has already concluded nightmares. Yeah, this is memory lane, a barrage of that there can be no other Jagdeo’sdefinitionofapress curses at manufactured answers. Otherthantheones conference. What is there enemies, and nothing he finalizes in his head, not to applaud about them. relevanttotheinquiryraised. deignstosupply Itwaswhat Look how well the big Forallthesereasons,itismy brought Patrice Lumumba U president is so awed by his recommendation that immortal fame. From my vice president that he Bharrat Jagdeo be renamed. perspective, that is not a imitateshim.

He was nabbed with cocaine at James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown. Hindat Dookie, who claims he has no fixed address but resides in the vicinity of James Street Albouystown, made his first court appearance before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse,wherethechargewasreadtohim.The charge stated that on April 2, 2024 at James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, Dookie hadinhispossession12gramsofcocaine,for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that the accused does not have a fixed place of abode, which can pose as a difficulty in locating him on his requireddatefortrial.Itwasalsorevealedby the prosecutor, that prior to the present offence,Dookiewaschargedwithanoffence of similar nature, which resulted in him servingtimeinprison.

Given the facts presented in court, Magistrate Nurse remanded Dookie to prison. He is scheduled to return to court on May3,2024.

Instead of Bharrat, he should monopolyonmadness,itisa (The views expressed in be Oscar, to signify the puttering princeling with a this article are those of the quality of his acting. A profusion of problems. An a u t h o r a n d d o n o t lifetime award should be in overlordofobtuseness,some necessarily reflect the the offing, and honorary mayventuretosay opinions of this newspaper.)

Former EPA head slams Govt. for...

From page 2 position that has now been judicially Seenath Jairam ,SC, leading Ms Melinda endorsedbytheCourtofAppeal. Janki and Mrs. Abiola Wong-Innings on TheCollinsandWhytecaseiscurrentlyin behalf of Collins and Whyte, strenuously the Court of Appeal following the objecting to the joinder of the Attorney- internationally renowned and historic General.TheAttorney-Generalhadsoughtto decisionbyJusticeSandilKissoononMay3, jointhesideofExxonGuyanawhichopposed 2023. The High Court Judge had ordered the theordersmadebyHighCourtJudge,Justice EPA to obtain from Exxon Guyana, Sandil Kissoon for there to be a full coverage environmental liability insurance as is for all oil spill costs. Jairam, SC made a customary in the petroleum industry and an number of legal arguments as to why theAG unlimitedparentcompanyguaranteetocover shouldnotbeallowedtojoinbutinparticular allcostsofanoilspill,inaccordancewiththe pointed out that theAttorney-General has no environmental permit issued to Exxon place in judicial review proceedings – a legal Guyana.

Court refuses lawyer’s bid for...

From page 3

Meanwhile, touching on the piped natural gas from the Floating appointments of members of the EAB, the Production Storage and Offloading application seeks to highlight the conflict of (FPSOs), which will be processed by a interest by its members as a ground for the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility which request. will generate lean gas that will be used to According to the application, three fuel a power plant that will generate and public servants, i.e., Dr Mahender Sharma, deliverelectricityintoGPL’sexistingpower Head of the Guyana Energy Agency and grid. member of the Board of Directors of the

The completed project is expected to Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), Mr deliver every month 187 56 GWh of Joslyn McKenzie, Permanent Secretary of electricity into the Demerara Berbice the Ministry of Natural Resources, and Dr Interconnected System to support Guyana’s Garvin Cummings, Chief Meteorological c

rrent and projected economic Officer were appointed members of the development.” EAB.

Hindat Dookie

Thief begs magistrate to spend birthday out of jail

Remanded:

A 24-year-old man while appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday to answer to a charge of attempt to commit a felony against a woman, pleaded with the court to not send him to jail because of his upcoming birthday sometimethismonth.

Daniel Williams appeared before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse, where the charge of attempt to commit a felony was read to him. The prosecutorstatedtothecourtthatWilliamsandthe victim are known to each other, however they are notfriends.

It was related that the victim, operates a small business, which is situated a house away from where Williams resides. OnApril 2, 2024 at about 20:10hrs, the victim closed her shop and went out. While driving off, she reportedly saw Williams ridingbehindher Assheapproachedatrafficlight at Mandela Avenue Georgetown, he signaled for her to stop. Williams also stopped alongside the vehicle.

He then proceeded to pull a knife out of his waist and continuously hit the window of the motorcar, while pulling the handle of the car door in order to get it opened. The victim managed to drive away and a report was subsequently filed, and Williams was later arrested and placed in custody,hencethechargebeforethecourt.

Williams entered a guilty plea to the said charge. The magistrate then asked the reason for him pulling up to the defendant and he said: “I just wanted to see her.” Williams told the court that he looksoutforthevictim.Hesaid,“Ididjustlooking outfuhshe.”Amidhisclaims,healsopleadedwith the magistrate not to send him to jail, due to his birthday that is coming up sometime later this month. The magistrate requested a probation report on Williams before sentencing is imposed. As such, the court case was adjourned toApril 19, 2024.

Man gets bail on larceny charge

A55-year-old construction worker was granted bail in the sum of $50,000,

after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’Court to answer a charge that alleged hebrokeintoawoman’shouseandstoleaquantity ofitems.

Leon Brown made his first court appearance before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse, where the break-and-enter-and-larceny charge was read to him.

Hepleadednotguiltytothechargethatalleged, he between March 31, 2024 and April 2, 2024, at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, while in the company of others, broke into and entered the home of Rhandan Singh, stealing a quantity of cement valued $102,000, 192 steel rods valued $93,000, six plywood valued $28,000, 12 aluminium windows valued $193,000 and 120 docks valued $120,000, total value being $536,000.

Notably, the prosecutor did not object to bail, however he requested that if bail is to be granted it shouldbeatasubstantialamount.Assuch,bailwas grantedtoBrowninthesumof$50,000. He is scheduled to return to court on May 3, 2024.

No charges for teen accused of killing primary school boy

Dead,

The parents of the late 11-year-old Mark slammedthegateintoherson’shead.Hewas Harrypaul have threatened to picket the reportedly knocked unconscious and was Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions treatedattheschool. (DPP),itadvisedthatnochargeshouldbelaid Instead of taking him to a hospital, against the teen allegedly responsible for the Harrypaul was sent home to rest He deathoftheirson. reportedly walked one mile to his home in

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Friday, Vigilance North, ECD where told his mother the dead child’s father, Roy Harrypaul said, whathadtranspired.

“Tuesday, we planning fuh do a protest in He reportedly complained of having a front of the primary school, we planning to headache and his mother gave him a hold a protest there first and then the other painkiller and he went to bed. Around day,weplanningtogoinfrontoftheDPP”. 20:00hrs, she decided to wake him up for

Granted bail: Leon Brown

The younger Harrypaul, a former student dinner but he was unresponsive and of the Strathspey Primary School located on convulsing. the East Coast Demerara (ECD), reportedly He was rushed to the Georgetown Public died from a fractured skull on November 27, Hospital Corporation where he died while 2023, just hours after a 14-year-old boy from receiving treatment. An investigation was the Buxton Secondary School allegedly launched since then and it was only last week slammed a metal gate into his head. Reports police decided to close the case after the DPP in the media are that the alleged perpetrator advisedpolicenotthechargetheteen. wasdescribedasaschoolbullyandontheday Harrypaul’s father said that the inquestion,hevisitedtheStrathspeyPrimary investigators called them into the police School between 14:30hrs and 15:00hrs. stationtoinformthemtheallegedperpetrator While there he allegedly pulled away will not be charged and that it was Harrypaul’s rag and the young child chased recommended that he undergoes counseling afterhim. sessions. Harrypaul’s parents said that they Harrypaul’s mother had claimed that she are not satisfied with the decision and will was informed that during the chase, the teen continuetopubliclydemandjustice.

Granny jailed for ‘coke’, fined $17 million

Jailed: Lena Narine

Sixty-four-year-old Lena Narine also known as ‘Aunty Lena’ was on Friday sentenced to five years in jail and fined $17,100,000 after some 11.4 kilograms (kg) ofcocainewasfoundinherpossessionforthe purposeoftrafficking. Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown which According to the Custom Anti-Narcotics was said to be owned by Narine. During the Unit (CANU), Narine appeared before search, a parcel containing a quantity of Magistrate Rhondell Weever at the whitish, powdery substance suspected to be Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where she cocaine was discovered in a room where was found guilty in relation to the offence of another suspect was sleeping.As a result, the trafficking in narcotics to wit 11.4 kg of other suspects, along with the suspected cocaine. narcotics, were escorted to CANU

CANU said the woman is currently on Headquarters where it was tested and High Court bail in relation to a separate case weighed. The substance tested positive for whereshewasfoundwith1.050kgofcocaine cocaine and its weight amounted to 1.050 kg. in January 2023. Reports state that during CANU in their release had said that the January 2023 CANU ranks conducted an narcotics had an approximate street value of operation at a house at Lot 295 Shantiniketan $1.1million.

Daniel Williams

Mark Harrypaul Harrypaul’s father, Roy Harrypaul

- AS GDF BOAT COLLIDES WITH CIVILIAN VESSEL 2 teachers dead, baby and others survive

A three-month old baby and its aunt survivedaboataccidentintheMorucaRiver, that claimed the lives of two teachers on board,includingthechild’smother

The incident which occurred around 06:30hrs on Friday morning involved a Guyana Defense Force (GDF) Coast Guard vessel and a civilian boat. The GDF Coast Guard Radar Craft RC 17, was under the commandofaSergeant,assistedbytwoother ranks, while the civilian boat carried four passengers. According to a statement from the Guyana Police Force, “The Coast Guard vessel was at the time en route to Santa Rosa but collided with a civilian boat with four occupants, whilst negotiating a turn. Two of the passengers have been presumed dead and theothertwosufferedinjuries,”thestatement read.

Information received confirmed that the Coast Guard Vessel suffered damages and is currently at the army Base in the Pomeroon River All of the victims were escorted to Charity and further to the Hospital for diagnosis and treatment. The GDF said their staff have not reported any injuries and the Guyana Police Force have singe launched an

Jagdeo promises again to release Exxon audit reports

A month ago Vice because it has the authority President (VP) Bharrat to make them public

Jagdeo promised to release

Dead, Adrian Thomas

For its part, the Ministry of Education investigation into the deaths of the expressed condolences to the families of the passengers “The Chief-of-Staff of the deceased saying it is “deeply saddened to Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, learn of the tragic deaths of the two teachers. Officers and Ranks extend sincere “Our hearts go out to their families, friends, condolences to the families and loved ones and the entire educational community affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts affectedbythisdevastatingloss.Weofferour are with them during this difficult time,” the sincerest condolences during this difficult statementadded. time.”

However, three years have Exxon’s audit report to the passed and the agency has public. The promise came failedtoreleasethetwoaudit after this publication had reportstothepublic. informed the VP at his TheExtractiveIndustries February 29th weekly press Transparency Initiative conference, about the (EITI) Report on Guyana for hardships and futile attempts 2021 flagged the secrecy of to get the report from the ExxonMobil’s audit reports. Guyana Revenue Authority In 2019 ExxonMobil ashehadsuggested. Guyana Limited (EMGL) Jagdeohadsaidthenthat, began producing oil in the “So let me find out why this Stabroek Block. To this end, one [one of the audit reports] the report noted, “The is not in the public domain.” amountofcostoildeductible racked up by the Oil He had promised the media by EMGL in arriving at Companyfrom2018to2020 thentolookintothematter profit oil is subject to audit Jagdeo said that while At his weekly press by the Government of one of the audit reports may conference this Thursday he Guyana. At the date of this be publicly available, he will was again asked about the report, two such audits were findoutwhytheotherhasnot reports. This time Jagdeo carried out by separate been made available. It must once again promised that, “I teams,butagreementhasnot be noted that the two audit will look into this matter been reached on any reports handed over to the directly (to see) what’s potential adjustments to be government were never holding it up. Personally I made ” It added, “These released through the willlookintothismatter.” reports have not been made appropriate government

It is important to note that available to the public as the channels Instead, the there have been two audits audits are considered documents were leaked to conductedsofartoreviewthe incomplete ” The core sections of the media that multibillion expenses of objective of the EITI report widely publicized the ExxonMobil in the lucrative is to help the understanding findings. The Vice-President Stabroek Block The audit of of the level of contributions has repeatedly said that he the US $1 6B incurred from of the extractive sector to the and his Cabinet want to stay 1999-2017 was done by a economic and social far away from getting BritishFirmIHS-Markit The development of Guyana to involvedwithauditstoavoid second was done by a local improve transparency and politicalinterferenceandhas consortium, VHE, supported goodgovernanceatalllevels directed the media to get the by an overseas company for of the extractive industry documents from GRA some US$7 3B in expenses valuechain.

$397M Paruima airstrip nearing completion

The Paruima Village airstrip before being upgraded.

The newly upgraded $397 million airstrip.

The$397millionupgrade This publication had reported compaction of 225mm cement of the Paruima Airstrip thatinMarchlastyear,theNational stabilized laterite base course and in Region Seven is in its Procurement and Tender sand sealing of the finished

f i n a l s t a g e s o f Administration Board (NPTAB) surface.” completion with some remedial office had awarded the KaieteurNewsreportedtoothat worksremaining.

$397,552,625 contract to Paruima airstrip and other This is according to Toshao contractor, International Import & hinterlandswerebeingupgradedso Lennox Percy who told Kaieteur Supplies,toexecutetheworks.The as to make the structures safer for NewsonFridaythatthemainworks airstrip stretches some 2500ft and aircrafttoland. ontheairstriparecompleted. was upgraded to a concrete Senior Minister with the He said that engineers from the structure. responsibility for Finance, Dr Ministry of Public Works and the Minister of Public Works, Juan Ashni Singh had said in his budget contracted company visited the Edghill had related to this presentation earlier this year that in projectsitetoinspecttheworksand publication last year that the 2023,workssignificantlyadvanced completed this year “In 2024, $2.3 maintenance of several others noted that the new and improved Paruima Airstrip which measure at Ekereku Bottom, Eteringbang, billion has been allocated towards including the Imbaimadai, airstrip also welcomed its first 760m (length) x 15.24m (width) Karisparu, and Pariuma airstrips, completionoftheseairstripsaswell Kaieteur, Kaikan and Matthew’s aircraftonFriday would soon see the “Placement and with the works expecting to be as the rehabilitation and Ridgeairstrips,”heannounced.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

ExxonM, EPA dodging scrutiny of Parliamentary Committee

“Exxon don’t come and the government does nothing as the majority in that Committee because of this incestuous relationship government does not want that kind of scrutiny and that is where the democracy guardrails are collapsing as a result of the nonfunctioning of our Parliament and its committees.” – Khemraj Ramjattan

The Parliamentary next step equivalent to shut Sectoral Committee on down is to have maximum Natural Resources has been administrative delays so unable to get officials of oil when the Committee ask for giant ExxonMobil and its Exxon to come to answer regulator, the Environmental questions as about reserves Protection Agency (EPA) to and all of that and appear before the body for proprietary interest Exxon scrutiny don’t come and the Opposition Member of government does nothing as Parliament (MP) and former the majority in that M i n i s t e r o f P u b l i c Committee. It is not doing Telecommunications, Cathy operates in the interest of He added, “What we see anything too so because of Hughes flagged this as a bringing the concerns and here in this Committee that this incestuous relationship serious concern on Friday questions all Guyanese have Cathy is talking about government does not want during an Alliance For to the Parliament and we whereby they didn’t shut it that kind of scrutiny and that Change (AFC) press request answers,” the down like what Benn has is where the democracy conference. Hugheswhoisa Chairperson of the AFC done, they have, Vickram guardrailsarecollapsingasa member of the Natural highlighted. Bharrat was a little more result of the non-functioning R e s o u r c e s S e c t o r a l As part of this process, open and at least he of our Parliament and its Committee explained, she explained that the Local convened meetings but the committees.” “Since our meeting of Content Secretariat had November 10, 2023 (we) appeared before the askedourcommitteewhywe Committee where a number have not been able to get a of recommendations were date from Exxon yet as to made to the organization. when they will come to the However, Hughes said, “For committeetoanswersomeof many months, I’m talking the questions and concerns about from October, since thatwehave.” the start back of the session S h e s a i d i t w a s afterwehadourclosurefrom worrisome that a Committee August to October, since designed to provide and then we have been asking ensure scrutiny and and the Committee has transparencyintheoperation written to both the EPA and of the natural resources to Exxon inviting them to sector has not been able to come to answer questions question Exxon and the EPA and provide information on despite the Committee areas of concern and as I agreed and discussed have said to you, since s e n d i n g t h e November letters of correspondences, as the invitation have been Minutes would confirm extended and up to now, we “This reflects badly on the are talking about close to six o p e r a t i o n s o f t h e monthslater,thesehavebeen Parliamentary Committee of totally ignored and the Natural Resources because Committee has not, and the it’snotforthewantofasking Parliamentary structure has and following, up we have not been able to confirm a minutes to show and also the meetingdateyet.”

factthatExxonhasnotfound Hughes said this was it fit to respond also very “unacceptable” before troubling,” the former making it clear that the issue Ministernoted. will be raised with the The Committee is Speaker of the National presently chaired by Assembly,ManzoorNadir Opposition MP, Dawn She said, “We are due a Hastings-Williams while meetingnextFridaywhichis Minister of Natural statutory meeting and even Resources, Vickram Bharrat todayweareintheprocessof is the Vice Chairman. Also drafting a correspondence to from the government are the Speaker because we Minister of Home Affairs, continue to be worried at the Robeson Benn, Minister slothfulness of the within the Ministry of Local Parliamentary support group Government and Regional in pinning down those Development, Anand meetings.”

Persaud, and MPs Faizal Meanwhile, Leader of Jafarally,andLeeWilliams. t h e A F C , K h e m r a j Representing the Ramjattam said this was Opposition along with similar to the “shut down” of Hastings-Williams and the Parliamentary Security Hughes are Vincent Henry Committee. He explained, and Rickey Ramsaroop “We have powers to even Hughes explained that the subpoena witnesses to come Committee had agreed to a and give answers to the work plan which included questions...what has information gathering and happenednowisablankshut transparency efforts which down. We had one meeting involved the invitation of where Benn was named the organizations to answer Chairman and never another questions. “The Committee meeting.”

Chairperson of the AFC, Cathy Hughes

Minister Croal and team inspecting ongoing works on the new $1.9B treatment plant at Bachelor’s Adventure

Over 25,000 Bachelor’s Adventure residents to benefit from new $1.9B treatment plant

Over 25,000 residents stressed He noted that from Coldingen to Nabaclis several wells along the alongtheEastCoastcorridor coastland are being drilled to will soon receive an supplement the treatment enhanced level of water plants. Contracts for four of quality and service, as works the six lots valued at $1.05 progress on the new $1.9 billion were also awarded to billion water treatment plant four local contractors for the atBachelor’sAdventure. construction of 28 KM new

The plant which is 30 transmission mains from the percent complete is being Bachelor’s Adventure constructed by Sigma treatment plant to residents Engineers Limited and is between Coldingen and scheduled to finish by Nabaclis. These works will December The treatment start this month and are plantisbeingfinancedbythe expected to be completed in government’s $40 billion S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 4 Coastal Water Treatment Meanwhile, over 5,000 Infrastructure Programme residentssouthoftherailway (CWTIP). e m b a n k m e n t f r o m

The CWTIP is currently Goedverwagting to Better constructingsevennewlarge Hope are receiving a better water treatment plants, and level of service and water 15 small plants, upgrading quality, with upgrades being twelve existing plants and undertaken on the $110 installing 200 KM of million treatment plant at transmission mains to Sparendaam. improve water quality, In the last quarter of continuity of service, and 2023, Compass Industrial level of service in Regions Services installed a new inTwo, Three, Four, Five and line filter, upgrading the Six. During site inspections plant to produce five million of the treatment plants on litres per day (MLD). This is Thursday, Minister of Guyana’s second-in-line Housing and Water, Collin filter to be commissioned Croal, emphasised that reducing the initial cost of Guyana is on track to water treatment for small increase treated water communities. Additionally, coverageto90percentonthe works are also advancing on coast by the end of 2025, the treatment plants at with all the investments in Cummings Lodge and thewatersector Caledonia, which will “We are working service over 37,000 assiduously to ensure that residents Performance we meet this target…In testing of the plants is addition to all of these conducted every two weeks activities,severalcoastland which continues to yield wells are being drilled to excellent water quality, supplement the treatment according to GWI’s plants,” Minister Croal laboratorytestresults. (DPI)

Vagrant stabbed to death

A 49-year-old vagrant was on Thursday night found stabbedtodeathatWaterandHolmesStreets,Georgetown. Police identified him as Edward Bramnarine, better known as Eddy Afemale vendor had reportedly found him deadaround23:30hrswhilewalkinghome.Policesaidthat thewomanwhoknewthemanfor18yearsnowspottedhim lyingmotionlessandbleedingfromawoundtohisleftside chest.Sheimmediatelycalledforanambulanceandwhenit arrived, a doctor on board pronounced the man dead at the scene. Detectives were called in and they described the wound seen to his left side chest as a stab wound. They notedtoothattherewasalsoacuttohisrightwrist. Investigationsareongoing.

$119M estimated to repair Anna Regina pump station

The National Drainage and IrrigationAuthority (NDIA) isplanningonspendingapproximately$119millionfromits budget to execute rehabilitation works at the Anna Regina PumpStation,RegionTwo.

AtthereadingoftendersattheNationalProcurementand Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office it was revealedthateightcontractorshaveappliedforthecontract.

KaieteurNewshadreportedthatpartofthegovernment’s trillion-dollar budget this year, Senior Minister with the responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh had announced that the government have allotted some $72.3 billion to upgrade and maintain the national drainage and irrigation network in 2024. “We will also be investing heavily in our pump stations. In 2024, Government will continue works on pump stations at A-Line sluice, Belle Vue, Canal No. 1, Charity, Cottage, Cozier, Jimbo Grove, Letter Kenny, and Meten-Meer-Zorg, and we will also invest in pump stations atChesney,Farm,GroveSouth,andLittleDiamond,”hehad mentioned.

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

National Drainage and IrrigationAuthority (NDIA) Rehabilitation ofAnna Regina Pump Station.

NationalAgricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI)

Renovation of Vermicompost Facility at NAREI Mon Repos

Renovation ofAccoushiAnt Bait Facility at NAREI Mon Repos.

Ministry of Public Works

Lot1: Supply of laboratory and testing equipment Lot2: Supply and Non-Fixed Equipment for Road Safety

Supply of Double Cab Pickups, 15 Seater Bus and Maintenance Equipment Lots 1-6.

Guyana Defence Force (GDF)

Structural Repairs to Raiders Craft (RC - 6).

EOI- Sale of Unserviceable Ocean Patrol Vessel.

Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Supply and Delivery of Meat and Poultry items Lots 1-5.

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 licenced Car/Van Driver in Georgetown area. Mechanical background, free upper flat for living. Call: 2271813.

Two Kitchen Assistance to work from 6am-2pm. Call: 665-5074/ 603-1278.

One Hauler Driver and Porter needed. Call: 611-7088/ 639-6106.

SERVICES

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

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. For more information Call: 619-0007, 629-5526.

We repair & install fridge, freezer, washer & dryer, AC units, stove, etc. Whatsapp/ Call Omar: 683-8734/ 6549711.

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

Vacancy for Manager at Stretch Me Dollar Store, Lot 16 Robb Street G/T. Call: 6169209.

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

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Contact: 6490956.

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

Minibus for sale BWW series, please contact owner on WhatsApp: 678-4329/ 929497-4173.

FOR RENT

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

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE

Filing Attorney:

MS. SHAMEKA TIATT

GUYANA LEGAL AID

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

Email: legalaid@networksgy.com 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1489

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

Application No. FD-1489

Between:(DUBLIN) ORINTHIAPetitioner/ Applicant -and(THEGG) KENNARD Respondent

TO: KENNARD THEGG

Formerly of Lot 793 Phase 1B Linden Guyana.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 9th day of October, 2024 an Application relating to children was filed against you by ORINTHIA

DUBLIN the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family

LEGAL NOTICE

Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 15th day of March, 2024 the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Guyana KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Guyana and on the worldwide web (online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file a reply to application related to Child, an Answer and/or notice of intention of defense ( Forms are available at the registry) in the registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the Application is scheduled for Directions Hearing onWednesday the 19th day of June , 2024 at 9:15am before the Honourable Madam Chief Justice Roxane George inchs at the family Division of the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing, a reply to Application Relating to child, an Answer and/or notice of intention to defend the court may proceed in your absence and may make any order it considers appropriate, including granting Custody.The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 21st day of March,2024.

Labourer remanded for attempted murder

A37-year-old labourer was on Thursday charged and remanded to prison for the attempted murder of Miner, Jonathan Singh on Tuesday at Queenstown, Essequibo Coast.

Joel Benjamin of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast made his first court appearance before Magistrate Tamieka Clarke at the Suddie

Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. Benjamin was charged with the offence of attempt to commit murder, contrary to section 103 (c) of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01.

The prosecutor objected to bail, and the accused was remanded to prison.

The matter was adjourned to April 25, 2024 for disclosure of statements.

World Food Programme expands humanitarian services in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti

– The World food programme (WFP) Tuesday said it had been able to charter a boat from Port-au-Prince to Gonaïves, a commune in northern Haiti bringing medical and other supplies to the estimated population of almost 300 000.

The spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary General, Stéphane Dujarric, told reporters that the WFP, along with its partners had been able to charter the boat continue to provide emergency assistance to people impacted by the political and socio-economic crisis in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

“The shipment contained medicines and medical supplies for more than 100 health partners in the northern region and food to replenish dozens of distribution centres in the north-west department, including in schools and in hospitals,” Dujarric said.

He said on Monday, the WFP supplied more than 30 000 hot meals to displaced people in the capital, the largest number of meals ever delivered by WFP in one day since the start of this current

crisis. WFP also provided 79 000 school meals to students in the Gonaïves area and cash transfers to about 1 200 people in Jérémie, which is in the south of Haiti.

The ongoing violence in Port-au-Prince is also impacting people outside the capital, as air transportation and maritime services, which are key to transport goods across Haiti, are heavily impacted,” the spokesman said.

He said the continuing insecurity in the Port-auPrince area also is pushing people to leave the capital and find refuge in neighbouring areas.

The International Organization for Migration (IMO) says that between March 8 –27, more than 53 000 men, women and children left Portau-Prince.

“The majority of them are heading towards the Grand Sud departments.

Our humanitarian colleagues emphasised that these departments do not have the sufficient infrastructure and host communities do not have sufficient resources to cope with the large number of people fleeing Port-auPrince,” Dujarric told reporters. (CMC)

Joel Benjamin

After six months of war, Israel’s isolation grows with no end in sight

JERUSALEM (AP) —

When Israel declared war against Hamas last October, it stood unified at home and enjoyed broad backing from around the world following an unprecedented attack by theIslamicmilitantgroup.

Six months later, Israel finds itself in a far different place:boggeddowninGaza, divided domestically, isolated internationally and increasingly at odds with its closest ally The risk of a broader regional war remainsreal.

Despite Israel’s fierce militaryonslaught,Hamasis stillstanding,ifsignificantly weakened.Theoffensivehas pushed Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, displacingmorethan80%of the population and leaving over 1 million people on the brinkofstarvation.YetIsrael hasn’t presented a postwar vision acceptable to its partners,andcease-firetalks remain at a standstill. Here are six takeaways from the firstsixmonthsofwar.

BATTLEFIELD STALEMATE

Israel declared war in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 cross-borderattack,inwhich

the militant group killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and kidnapped about 250 others Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set two objectives: destroying Hamas and bringing home the hostages. Despite his repeated pledges to achieve “total victory,” his goals remainelusive.

A f t e r s t e a d i l y conqueringmostofGazaina bruising offensive, Israeli ground troops are in a holding pattern marked by smalltacticaloperationsand uncertaintyoverwhetherthe army will march into the southernGazacityofRafah, Hamas’ last significant stronghold. Netanyahu has repeatedly vowed to invade Rafah, but he faces broad international opposition, including from the United States, because of the hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians sheltering there. Netanyahu claims to have a plan to evacuate the civilians, but it isn’tclearwhetheritisready or would satisfy the Americans. Even if Israel does invade Rafah, there is no guarantee of long-term

success Although Hamas appears to have suffered heavy losses, its forces have managed to regroup in areas abandonedbyIsrael.

At the same time, Israel hasn’t been able to halt the daily attacks it faces on its northern front from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. In contrast to Hamas, Hezbollah’s much largerarsenalremainsintact, leaving the fate of tens of thousands of uprooted civiliansonbothsidesofthe border up in the air The tensions have threatened to draginHezbollah’ssponsor, Iran, especially after an airstrikewidelyattributedto Israel killed two Iranian generals in neighboring Syriathisweek.

GROWINGISOLATION

Israel enjoyed broad international support following the Oct 7 massacre, which was the deadliestattackagainstJews since the Holocaust. However, that goodwill has beenreplacedbyimpatience and outrage as conditions in Gaza worsen. More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, around two-thirds of them

women and children, according to Palestinian health officials whose death toll doesn’t distinguish between civilians and fighters International aid officials say roughly onethirdofGaza’spopulationis dealing with catastrophic hunger

Initial expressions of solidarityfromIsrael’sallies havegivenwaytocallsfora halt to the fighting Meanwhile, the U.N. world court, looking into genocide allegations against Israel,

hasorderedIsraeltodomore to protect Gaza’s civilians. This isolation appeared to peakonMarch25,whenthe U.N. SecurityCouncil,over Israeli objections, passed a resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire. The U S infuriated Israel by allowing the resolution to pass Things have only worsened for Israel since then,especiallyfollowingits killing of seven aid workers inwhatitsayswasanerrant airstrike. Six of the victims were volunteers from

countries allied with Israel, antagonizing them and outragingU.S.PresidentJoe Biden. The alleged Israeli airstrike on an Iran’s embassy in Syria and Netanyahu’s efforts to shutter the Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera have furtheralienatedallies.

ISRAELISDIVIDED

After a period of broad unity early in the war, Israel has returned to its divided self — with its polarizing leader at the center of the storm.

Israelfirestwoofficersafterfindinggraveerrorsinstrikeonaidworkers

JERUSALEM, April 5

(Reuters) - The Israeli military dismissed two officers and formally reprimanded senior commandersafteraninquiry into the killing of seven aid workers in an air strike in Gazathisweekfoundserious errors and breaches of procedure,themilitarysaid.

TheinquiryfoundIsraeli forces mistakenly believed they were attacking Hamas gunmen when drones hit the three vehicles of the World Central Kitchen aid group late on Monday night, and thatstandardprocedureshad notbeenfollowed.

“The strike on the aid vehicles is a grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to a mistaken identification, errors in decision-making, and an attack contrary to the Standard Operating Procedures,” the military saidinastatementissuedon Friday The killing of the seven aid workers, who included

citizens of Britain,Australia and Poland, a dual U.S.Canadian national and a Palestiniancolleague,stirred globaloutragethisweek.

Advertisement·Scrollto continueInacallwithIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden threatened a shift in U.S. policy towards Israel unless it reduced harm to civilians

in Gaza, which had dependedonaidevenbefore the war Hunger has spread since fighting began six months ago. U.S. Secretary ofStateAntonyBlinkensaid on Friday Washington was carefully reviewing Israel’s inquiryandwouldlookvery carefullyatwhatstepsIsrael wastaking.

“It’s very important that Israel is taking full responsibility for this incident. It’s also important that it appears to be taking steps to hold those responsible accountable Even more important is that steps are being taken going

forward to ensure that somethinglikethiscannever happen again,” Blinken told reportersinBrussels.

After publication of the findings, World Central Kitchen demanded an independent commission to investigate the incident. “Without systemic change, there will be more military failures, more apologies and moregrievingfamilies,”said a statement published by WCK.

The Israeli army (IDF) had already acknowledged that the seven WCK employees were killed in an air strike but the unusually swift investigation underlined the impact the incident has had on world publicopinion.

Jose Andres, the chef who founded World Central Kitchen, said this week the seven workers had been targeted “systematically, car bycar”astheyscrambledto seek shelter when their vehicles were hit in succession.

The military said it had dismissed a brigade chief of staffwiththerankofcolonel and a brigade fire support officer with the rank of major, and formally reprimanded senior officers including the general at the head of the Southern Command. The case was also handed over to the military advocate general to consider a possible criminal investigation, the military said.

BAGMISTAKENFORA RIFLE

The convoy hit was the second of four planned missionstodeliversome200 tonsoffoodbroughttoGaza by sea last month under WCKmanagementaspartof efforts to increase the amount of aid getting into Israeli-besiegedGaza. The military said that as the aid convoy which the light vehicles were accompanying was travelling down the coastal road in Gaza towards a logistics point late on

Monday,armedsuspectshad climbed onto at least one of thetrucks.

The army showed reporters drone footage of a manontopofalorryfiringa rifle, which a spokesperson said had prompted the m i l i t a r y t o t r y , unsuccessfully, to contact WCKcoordinators.

Aftertheconvoyreached ahangarandthetruckswere unloaded, the three WCK vehiclesleftthelocationand turned south down the coast road shortly after 11 p.m. (2100 GMT) However, Israeli commanders could not see their identifying logosinthedarkanddidnot identifythemasbelongingto WCK.

Yoav Har-Even, the former major general who led the inquiry, said forces had acted on the mistaken belief that the vehicles had been seized by Hamas fighters.Asthecarsdeparted the hangar, one of the men getting into the vehicles had been carrying a bag which

theoperatorswatchingdrone footage took to be a rifle. “The state of mind at that time was that the humanitarian mission had ended and that they were tracking Hamas vehicles with one suspected gunman, at least one suspected gunman, that they misidentified to be inside oneofthethreecars,”hetold reportersinabriefing.“They struck that car and then they identifiedpeoplerunningout of the car and entering a second car, which is when they decided to strike the secondcar Thentwopeople left the second car and enteredthethirdcar,whichis when they struck the third car.” Those strikes were in breach of IDF standard operating procedures, he said.

The army pledged to address the fact that it had been unable to see the rooftop logos in the dark as part of a wider package of lessons to draw from the disaster

Colours Boutique rewards Guinness ‘Greatness of the Streets’ MVP

Bevney Mark, the most valuable player (MVP) of the recently concluded Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Championship, was officially presented with a pair of football boots by Colours Boutique on Wednesday for his exploits during the tournament.

Mark was pivotal in Laing Avenue winning the championship for the first time in their history following a 2-1 victory over former champion North Ruimveldt in the final at the National Park tarmac, Thomas Lands.

Speaking at the simple but significant presentation held at the Colours Boutique Robb Street location, Mark expressed delight in receiving the pair of shoes and winning

the prestigious championship, adding, “It’s [the tournament] a great impact in the community for the young ones coming up and the supporters. For me, they know I do play good football, so they are depending on me.”

The soft-spoken forward stated that the team will continue to train and prepare for the impending national championships, disclosing, “Well, we are not waiting; we have a church yard, and the boss does allow us to have a night session, so the same thing we do in the Guinness is the same thing we do among ourselves.”

According to Mark, the event was a wonderful initiative, and the team, following their victory, donated a por-

Saturday April 06, 2024

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

This is an excellent day for you, Aries. The farther you extend your emotions, the more prosperous you will be. Don't be afraid of new things. More than likely.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

It may seem like people aren't taking things as seriously as you'd like them to, Taurus. If so, take it as a hint that perhaps you're the one who needs to lighten up.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Don't turn down any opportunities today, Gemini, even if they seem like dead-ends at first. One could be your lucky break. Realize that success doesn't always have a big neon sign pointing you in the right direction.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

It's time to put your plans in motion, Cancer. There's a very expansive energy urging you to reach out and make valuable connections with others.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Go for the gold, Leo. Don't settle for less. There's an expansive energy on your side urging you on to prosperity in every aspect of your life. Take control of the situation and act on your emotions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

The more you vacillate, the more valuable time and energy you waste, Virgo. Take a decisive stance and be confident about your choice. Give it everything you've got.

Laing Avenue’s Bevney Mark, the MVP of the Guinness‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Championship, receives his prize from Safisha Hope, Supervisor of Colours Boutique.

tion of their winnings to the community. He explained, “We invested in the community, so we separated and took a couple of youths, bought kites, and took them out on the field, and they feel very grateful about it.”.

be harder for us going forward because the bigger teams and the underdogs, as they would call them, will be gunning for us, but we will be prepared.”

Meanwhile, Terrence Nero, captain of Laing Avenue, said, “It feels great, especially to me, my players, and also the community. It gives us that extra boost to elevate and go and win more in the years to come, or the future, as you may say. Also, it gives us a little more recognition in the community and with other players and teams out there. We know that it will

From page 20

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Arguments could quickly turn into declarations of war today. Things could get blown out of proportion if they aren't handled with care, Libra.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Your life is taking off in many different directions, Scorpio. Everything seems to be expanding at once. It may be difficult to get a solid grip on any one thing.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

This is a great day for you, Sagittarius. There's a terrific feeling of expansion in the air. This is one of those times in which a small germ of an idea can grow into something big right before your eyes.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

You may feel like someone caught in a tornado, Capricorn. Things are whirling around you and everything seems out of control. Don't get stressed out.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

It's time to take charge, Aquarius. There's fuel for your fire, and the scope of your influence is virtually unlimited. Don't hold back in any way. Confidently attack every project knowing that things will work out in your favor.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Don't concern yourself with getting more. Concentrate on what you already have, Pisces. Work with whatever resonates within you. You instinctively know what does and doesn't work.

Queried about the reception afforded to the team by the community following their victory, Nero disclosed, “I can’t explain that; it was so nice to know the entire community supported us throughout everything, and we had a very good turnout in terms of support. For the youths out there, we are like idols to them because ever since we won, they are like we are next and we are going to take your place.

I feel very nice to hear that from the youths coming up under us.”

Probed if the camaraderie and overall social cohesion within the community have been strengthened since their

triumph, he disclosed, “I believe so because it has already started because, eleven years after we won the Guinness of the Streets, we are getting a lot of opportunities and people are asking what you guys need and those things and if we need any help.”

According to Nero, “I would like to say that it’s a very good job they’re doing, and I hope that they keep it up. Let it be bigger so that more teams will be recognized. All we know is that when football comes, especially this, the youths out there keep themselves out of trouble, and it keeps a lot of togetherness with them in the sport.

I would hope and pray that banks continue doing what they are doing, which is doing a very great job, especially for the youth, and I expect them to continue.”

Super50 Cup, Munisar finished as the leading wickettaker with 12 victims and a best of 5-15, which was also the best figures of the Super50 by any bowler. She was followed by countrywoman Niya Latchman who was the next best wicket-taker in the 50Overs with 11 wickets, as the GCB disappointed by Guyanese... latter also had a selectionwarranted season with the ball.

The Guyanese trio statistically outplayed almost all of the other selectees for the upcoming tour, with the non-selection of three premier performers in both the T20 and 50-Overs now being questioned by the GCB.

Asked about the team’s objective for the impending national championship, he said, “We will be training to get even better, working harder to keep our fitness in so that we can become the national champs.”

Belladrum Secondary...

From page 21

with a unique opportunity to learn and develop valuable skills in a supportive and real environment. As the club looks forward to hosting more schools in similar initiatives, it remains committed to nurturing young talent and promoting sportsmanship among Guyana’s youth.

Badminton Association...

From page 23

Sinclair vs. Matthew Klautky/ Omkar Persaud: 21-8, 20-22, 16-21

Mixed Doubles: Nkosi Beaton/Anna Perreira vs. Colin Bowry/Priya Henry: 2112, 21-13

Mixed Doubles: Jason Khalil/Ashley Khalil vs. Yonneil Benjamin/Aaliyah

Bacchus: 21-9, 21-2

Mixed Doubles: Roseann Bulkan/Egan Bulkan vs. Frank Waddell/Leshaunte

Berkley: 21-7, 21-9

Mixed Doubles: Avinash Odit/Mishka Beharry vs. Raah Russell/Tyra Gomes: 217, 21-9

Mixed Doubles: Nikolas Pollard/Alimah Eastman vs. Jaheim Carmichael & Jefina

James: 12-21, 21-13, 21-14

The tournament continued yesterday and over this weekend at the National Gymnasium.

Team CAMS Revs up with 10 Drivers for GMRSC’s First Circuit Racing Event

As the excitement builds for the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMRSC)firstcircuitracing eventof2024,alleyesareon Afraz Allie, President of Team CAMS (Caribbean American Motor Sports), and his 10-man team, who are gearing up to participate in this thrilling event Scheduled to take place at South Dakota Circuit on April 21st, this event promisestobeashowcaseof skill, speed, and adrenalinefueledaction.

Gabriel,

Over the years, Team CAMShasmadeitsmarkon the local motorsport scene, consistently showing up in force and adding to the excitement with their ontrack battles. While teams typically reserve their full force for the historic November international meet, this year, CAMS is playing the long game

Recognizing the importance ofbuildingmomentumearly in the season, they are seizing the opportunity to

compete in local meets throughout the year, using each event as a stepping stone towards their ultimate goal.

By participating in the April event, Team CAMS aims to better prepare and gauge the competition, laying down a baseline that willserveasafoundationfor future upgrades and finetuning.

Their recent appearance at the Endurance meet, where drivers like Afraz Allie in the Toyota Starlet,

Cariah return to Red Force squad for final two rounds of West Indies Championship

SportsMax - Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel and all-rounder Yannic Cariah will provide added experience to the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force outfit as they look to move up the West Indies Championshiptable.

With just two rounds of matches left in the regional first-class season, the Red Forcesitsixthontheeightteam standings with 51 pointsfromfivegames.

The Leeward Islands Hurricanes currently lead thetablewith81.2points. Gabrieltookabackseat earlier in the season with Jayden Seales available to play the first five matches ofthecampaign.

However, with Seales unavailableforthefinaltwo

games due to his commitment to play in the E n g l a n d C o u n t y ChampionshipwithSussex, Gabriel has made himself available for the final two matches.

Meanwhile, Cariah is alsoavailablefollowinghis stint in the Bangladesh Premier League T20 and JydGooliealsocomesback into the team after recovering from injury which kept him out of the previousgame.

Veteran leg-spinner Imran Khan was left out of the squad having played just one game for the Red Forcethisseason.

Joshua Da Silva will captaintheteamwithBryan Charles serving as vicecaptain. The players will

have the option of playing for their local clubs when the T&T Cricket Board Sunday League 50-over competition bowls off with matches today (Saturday) andSunday TheRedForcewilltake onCCCinroundfiveatthe SirFrankWorrellMemorial Ground from April 10-13 before finishing their season against Jamaica as Sabina Park fromApril 1720.

T&TRed Force squad:

Joshua Da Silva (captain), Brian Charles (vicecaptain), Vikash Mohan, Kjorn Ottley,Amir Jangoo, Jason Mohammed, Tion Webster, Anderson Phillip, Shannon Gabriel, Terrance Hinds, Jyd Goolie, Yannic Cariah,KharyPierre

Chris Lall in the Honda Civic, Quin Lall in the Mazda Miata, Mohan Rangasammy in the Mazda RX 7, Neil Persaud in the HondaCivic,MarkSamaroo in the Mazda Miata, Kemal Rahman in the Honda Crx, Sunil Nauth in the Honda Civic,Aaron Bethune in the Honda Civic, and Damian Singh in the Honda Civic showcased their skills and testedtheircarsonthenewly designedtrack,isatestament to their commitment and dedicationtosuccess.

Whilemostofthedrivers onTeam CAMS boast years of experience and competitiveness, they have often been hindered by the onefactorthatplaguesmany inmotorsport:time.

With limited time to fix and develop their cars throughout the year, they must make the most of every opportunity to finetune their machines and sharpentheirskills.

Despitethechallenges, Team CAMS remains undeterred, with their

unwavering commitment and dedication setting the stage for an action-packed raceweekend.

As the anticipation b u i l d s , f a n s a r e encouraged to mark the dateontheircalendarsand comeoutinfullsupportof their favorite drivers and teams.

And while enjoying the thrilling racing action, it’s important to remember to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver

GCB disappointed by Guyanese Women trio Windiesy snub

Following the nonselection of Guyanese Ashmini Munisar, Plaffiana Millington and Shabika Gajnabi, top performers in the recently concluded CWI BlazeT20andSuper50Cup tournaments, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is questioning Cricket West I n d i e s ’ ( C W I ) criteria/measuringstickused forselection.

Munisar, Millington and Gajnabi were among the leading ladies in the recent CWI Women’s Super50 and T20tournaments,eitherwith bat, ball or both, but were somehow strangely

overlooked ahead of the Pakistantour

CWI released their 15member squad ahead of the upcoming eight-match SerieswhichbowlsoffApril 6 in Pakistan, with Guyana s k i p p e r S h e m a i n e Campbelle being named vice-captain and all-rounder Cherry-AnnFraser,theonly Guyanese in the Windies team. The non-inclusion of Munisar, Millington and Gajnabicomesasashock,as the trio played outstanding cricket throughout. In the batting department, Guyana had3playersinthetop5for theBlazeT20,withGajnabi,

Campbell and Mandy Mangruoccupyingspots2,3 and5respectively

Gajnabi,aregularfacein the Windies Women’s team, finished as the second leadingrun-scoreroverallin the T20 Blaze and top rungetter for Guyana, with 138 runsatanaverageof34anda topscoreof52.

Campbell, who was selected for Pakistan, ended as the 3rd leading scorer behind Gajnabi, with an aggregate of 128 runs, also ended with the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper(6). InWomen’s (Continuedonpage19)

Mohan Rangasammy in his Mazda RX 7 leads the GP4 pack.

Ashmini Munisar Plaffiana Millington

Shabika Gajnabi

Essequibo Archers Club hits Bull’s-eye with Archery Guyana Affiliation

Pr e s i d e n t o f Archery Guyana (AG), Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, expressed her elation at this recent affiliation of the Essequibo Archers Club, emphasizing the shared commitmenttofosteringthe growth and development of archeryacrossGuyana.

Theaffiliationcomeshot on the heels of successful training initiatives in Essequibo, demonstrating the region’s burgeoning passion for the sport. Mrs. Persaud-McKinnon went on to commend the rapid growth of archery in Essequibo, fueled by the recent successful training of archery instructors in collaboration with the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission.

The Essequibo Archers Club indicated that they are very proud with its newest triumph: an official affiliation with Archery Guyana. This exciting affiliation marks a significant milestone in the

club’s journey and promises to elevate the sport of archery in the region to new heights.

Under the visionary leadership of President Wazeeda Bacchus, the EssequiboArchers Club has emerged as a beacon of dedicationandexcellencein the archery community

Now, with the backing of Archery Guyana, the club is poised to make an even greater impact, both locally andnationally

T h e E x e c u t i v e Committee, comprising a talentedanddedicatedteam, stands ready to propel the club to new heights:

President: Wazeeda Bacchus, Vice President: Parmeshwar Persaud, Secretary: Trishel

Secretary (Events): Adelia

Jonas, Equipment Manager: Noval Hastings and Head

Coach: Ramnarine Ragoobar.With this powerhouse team leading

Hernandez-Williams, Treasurer: Usham Changa, Assistant Sec/Tres: Risha Chester, Public Relations Officer: Azizi Christiani, Membership Secretary: Renelle Williams, Organising Secretary (Events):RosannaWilliams, Assistant Organizing

the charge, Essequibo Archers is poised to dominate the archery scene, contributing to the sport’s growth and prominence in Guyana.

In light of this

Belladrum Secondary School Students Engage in Practical Golf Session at Lusignan Golf Club

ALGC coach engages a few of the students during one of the sessions.

Twelve

enthusiastic students from Belladrum

Secondary School recently participated in a practical golf session at the esteemed Lusignan Golf Club as part of their preparation for the upcoming CSEC exams

This initiative, organized by the Lusignan Golf Club, aimed to provide students with hands-on experience and valuable skills to complement their academic pursuits.

Vice President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Brian Hackett,expressedhispride and satisfaction in welcoming the students from Belladrum Secondary

School. He emphasized the club’s commitment to offering practical sessions free of charge to students preparing for the CSEC exams, along with prearranged sessions to enhancetheirexperience.

H a c k e t t s t a t e d , “LusignanGolfClubisvery proud and happy that Belladrum has taken part in an opportunity that the club presents to all students preparing for the CSEC exams. This opportunity is available to every school, provided they inform us in advance of the number of studentsandthedesireddate and time. We are dedicated

to developing young men and women to excel in golf andsportsingeneral.”

Acknowledging the support of Brewster’s Ice Cream and Republic Bank whopartnerwithLGCinthe past in promoting youth sports in general and golf in particular, Hackett expressed gratitude for their contributions in facilitating the development of sports programs for children. He also urged the Ministry of Education to collaborate withtheLusignanGolfClub to provide necessary arrangements and support for future golf training initiatives.

AccordingtoHackettthe programme continues today April4attheLusignanGolf Club The session will include a two-hour classroom learning on, golf etiquette, golf course rules, golf course layout, attire, rules of golf, golf grip and stance among other lessons. This will be followed by a two-hoursessiondeveloping their skills in chipping, putting and driving and understanding greens undulations. The practical golf session at Lusignan Golf Club provided Belladrum SecondarySchoolstudents (Continuedonpage19)

achievement, Ms. PersaudMcKinnon announced exciting plans for the National Federation to introducearcheryinBerbice shortly, with preparations already underway. Individuals interested in exploring the sport are encouraged to reach out to Archery Guyana at ArcheryGuyana@gmail.co m to learn more about the opportunitiesavailable.

Judges not overwhelmed as elite CrossFit athletes descend on Guyana

-Action commences today at the NationalAquatic Centre

Some of the best names in CrossFit are set to descend on Guyana for the Kares CrossFit Caribbean Championships, which will beheldonApril6and7.

The judges in charge of ensuring those athletes correctly perform all of the rigoursofthetaskingarenot overwhelmed by the presenceoftop-tierathletes onshow,astheyhavespent years becoming best qualified and prepared for theevent.

One of the Judges, Lee Fung-A-Fat, is motivated byhisroleashebelievesthe event will further showcase Guyana’s ability to host majorCrossFiteventsinthe future Fung-A-Fat indicated they have prepared through an indepth course, and while these athletes are very experienced, they are more than equipped to ensure the event maintains high judgingstandards.

This year’s event has already attracted the attention of top athletes

from the Netherlands, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Suriname, BahamasandFrenchGuiana, and interest from Dubai By attracting high-calibre athletes, Kares CrossFit has collaborated with Competition Corner, a dynamic registration, planning, and scoring software built for Functional Fitness and Weightlifting competitions globally In August-September,theKares CrossFit Caribbean Championship aims to host a scaled event in Trinidad andTobago,whilethe2025 edition of its main event is headed to the United Kingdom On April 6, athletes will head to the National Aquatic Centre at Lilliendaal for a series of workouts, and they will return to action on April 7 ontheNationalParktarmac from 11:00h General admission is G$1,000, while VIP tickets cost G$7,000each.

President of Archery Guyana Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon (right foreground) presents to President of ‘Essequibo Archers” (on left) and other Executive Committee members of “Essequibo Archers Club” start up equipment.

Everest Masters beat Mashabo Sunrisers by 58 runs

Everest defeated host Mashabo Sunrisers by a comfortable 58-run margin last Sunday in a 25-over cricketmatch.

Everest Masters batted first after winning the toss and reached a respectable 116alloutin21-overswhile Mashabo Sunrisers replied with 58 all out in the 17th over FormerGuyanaandWest Indies opening batsman Ryan Ramdass hit a topscoreof27forEverestwhile ex-Essequibo Senior InterCounty player Sahadeo Hardaiow chipped in with 24.

Off-spinner Orlando

Abrams grabbed 3-9 from four tidy overs and Decasey Williams also taking three wickets but conceded 34 runs off similar number of oversaswell.

W h e n M a s h a b o Sunrisers batted, Williams

returned with the bat to highlight a fine all-round displaybyhitting21.

Seamer Basil Persaud claimed3-10 off three overs while slow-bowlers Randy Lindore and former Guyana youth player Lookeshwar Mohabeer snatching two wickets apiece for 7 and 10 respectively Mahabeer was named player-of-the-match while best-bowler prize went to Abrams and Ramdass capturing the best-batter trophy Allreceivedtrophies. Medals for both sides were sponsoredbyHardaiow Meanwhile, Everest donated cricket gear, kites and cycles to the Mashabo Community These items alongwiththetrophieswere sponsoredby:

Petra/Milo Schools U18 Football 3rd round commences today

The 2024 Milo

Schools Under-

18 Football tournament, expertly organised by Petra, strides confidently into its third roundofintensecompetition today, hosted at both the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Queen’s College (QC)grounds.

Excitement mounts as two thrilling tripleheaders are set to kick off at these venues. Chase’s Academic Foundation will lead the charge against Bush Lot Secondary in the opener at MoE Following closely, West Ruimveldt will clash w i t h Ya r r o w k a b r a Secondary in what promises

to be a riveting match #26, while Carmel Secondary prepares to face off against Dolphin Secondary in another compelling showdown.

Simultaneously, QC will host another lineup of enthralling matches. Marian Academyisgeareduptotest their skills against Bartica

Secondary, while New Amsterdam (Multilateral) Secondary braces for a challenging encounter with Leonora Secondary Ann’s Grove is poised to take on East Ruimveldt Secondary in what could be a gripping finalmatchoftheday In the current standings, Chase’s Academic

Foundation, Waramuri Top, and West Ruimveldt stand undefeated, each boasting two wins from as many games Their impressive performances have positioned them ahead on points as the tournament progresses into the third round.

Waramuri Top and West

Ruimveldt Secondary particularly stand out as d o m i n a n t f o r c e s , demonstrating stellar performances on the field. West Ruimveldt delivered a commanding 7-1 victory over New Central at QC, while Waramuri Top displayedtheirprowesswith aresounding7-0winagainst Hopetown Secondary in an earliermatch.

Meanwhile, previously postponed second round match between Bartica Secondary and South Ruimveldt Secondary was contested yesterday, eventually ended in a 2-2 draw South Ruimveldt did well to salvage the draw, after being 2-1 at the end of the first half. Devonta Gaim (49’) goal created an equalizer for South, setting the tone for some gripping actiontoday.

Third round action also continuestomorrowwithsix moreexcitingmatches.

The tournament is sponsored by Massy Distribution through the Milo Brand, and is also supported by MVP Sports, MinistryofEducation,Aqua Waters and the Guyana FootballFederation.

Everest Masters team with their trophies.

Ezekiel Baldeo (third from right) celebrates with team mates after scoring the second goal of the match yesterday against South Ruimveldt Secondary.

The Guyana Badminton Association’sAnnual Easter Tournament kicked off on Thursday evening at the National Gymnasium, as players and fans alike gathered to witness the commencement of the competition. Withasenseof anticipation in the air, the courts came alive with the sound of shuttlecocks and the energy of the competitors. Asthematches unfolded, attendees were treated to displays of skill andstrategy

In her opening remarks, the Vice-President of the GBA,Mrs.AyananaWatson, w e l c o m e d a l l t h e participants, coaches and spectators. She expressed herthankstothesponsorMr Darrell Carpenay of GUMDAC who made the eventpossible,thisbeingthe tenth year sponsoring this tournament. Sheextendeda

warm welcome and thanked the members of the newly f o r m e d D e m e r a r a Badminton Club and the BerbiceBadmintonClubfor their participation She wished the players best of luckandremindedalltoplay hard,playfairandhavefun.

The categories being competed were Men’s Doubles, Women Doubles andMixedDoubles.

Matches Day 1 – April 4th,2024

Women Doubles: Ayanna Watson/Shivannie Persaud vs Genieve B o o k r a m / G i a n n a

Ramnarine:21-13,21-4

Men Doubles: Hemant Ramdhani/Leslie Liu vs Ruel Rambiriche/Avinash

Ramnarine:21-15,21-10

Women Doubles:

L e s h a u n t e

WilliamHolder/JasonKhalil vs.JonathanRobinson/Raah

Russell:21-12,21-12

Men Doubles: Nkosi

Beaton/ Frank Waddell vs. Vinai Datt/Mohamed

Farouk:21-6,21-3

Men Doubles: Gavin

Cao/Lim Huat Tat vs Gabriel Felix/Nikolas

Pollard:21-12,21-18

Women Doubles: Anna Perreira/Ashley Khalil vs. Priyanka Shvinauth/Joanne

Tan:21-7,21-3

Mixed Doubles: Akili Haynes/Priyanna Ramdhani vs Shane Birkett/Ihatiah

Frank:21-1,21-1

Mixed Doubles: Jahiem

Carmichael/JefinaJamesvs. Omkar Persaud/Genieve

Bookram:21-13,21-13

Men Doubles: Avinash Odit/Javid Rahaman vs Y o n n e i l

Russell/Tyra Gomes vs Gabriel Felix/Malia Haley: 21-12,16-21,21-7

Mixed Doubles: Colin

Bowry/PriyaHenryvs.Ruel

Rambiriche/Gianna Ramnarine

Mixed Doubles: Tyrese

Jeffrey/Ambika Ramraj vs. Avinash Ramnarine/Neveah

Eastman:21-8,21-9

Mixed Doubles: Wenyuan Chen/Shivannie

Persaud vs Vishal

Gopaul/Gabrielle Felix: 2112, 21-12 Mixed Doubles: Frank Waddell/Leshaunte

Berkley vs Jason

Stephney/Harshini Muralidharan:21-16,21-19

Men Doubles: Matthew Klautky/Omkar Persaud vs. Egan Bulkan/Ethan Bulkan: 21-8,21-14

Women Doubles: Priyanna Ramdhani/Mishka

Beharry vs Anna

Perreira/Ashley Khalil: 2115, 21-17 Men Doubles: Grandison Robinson vs Troxley Cutting vs. Gavin

Cao/Lim Huat Tat: 21-12, 21-3 Men Doubles: Colin Bowry/Jahiem Carmiael vs. Hemant Ramdhani/Leslie

Liu:21-16,21-13

Men Doubles: Jason

Stephney/Andrew Browne vs William Holder/Jason

Khalil:21-13,21-16

Women Doubles: Neveah Eastman/Malia

H a l e y v s T y r a Gomes/Aaliyah Bacchus: 21-13,21-12

Men Doubles: Wenyuan

Chen/Marlon Chung vs Vishal Gopaul/Haresh

Persaud:21-5,21-10

Men Doubles: Akili Haynes/Tyrese Jeffrey vs. Shane Birkett/Percival

Chester:21-1,21-5

Women Doubles: Alimah Eastman/Asiyah

Eastman vs Leshaunte

Berkley/Gabrielle Felix: 2115, 21-17 Men Doubles: MarcusSamuels/Jamal

(Continuedonpage19)

Trophy Stall has continued to support sports locally and the entity has now teamed up with the Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC) for the staging of aT20 tournament on the Essequibo River Island.

Trophy Stall, Managing Director Ramesh Sunich recently presented the balls andtrophiestotheSecretary of the WCC Nazeer Mohamed at its Bourda Marketlocation.

Suinchsaidheislooking forward to a successful competitionwhileMohamed thankedhimforthesupport.

Berkley/Gabrielle Felix vs. Jefina James/Priya Henry: 21-17, 21-6

Benjamin/Christopher

Jordan:21-5,21-7

Men Doubles:

Mixed Doubles: Raah

The competition involves six teams; Sans Souci, Sans Souci Jaguars, Good Success, Maria’s Pleasure, Zeelandia and Noitgedacht. Prizeswillbegiventothe top two teams and outstandingplayers,anditis settocommenceonSunday

Th e G u y a n a Cricket Board (GCB), Women’s I n t e r - c o u n t y T 2 0 tournament, bowls off this Sunday at the Malteenoes Sports Club Ground with Demerara and Essequibo facingoff.

Tomorrow’s opener will be followed by the second round, set for MondayApril 8, a showdown between Essequibo and Berbice. The final round bowls off on Tuesday April 9 with Demerara squaring off againstBerbice.

The tourney features a number of talented young women the likes of; Tilleya Madramootoo, Realeanna Grimmond, Niya Latchman, Naomi Barkoye, Tricia Hardat, Laurene Williams and others will be on show representing their respective countyteams.

All three rounds will be played at the Malteenoes Sports Club Ground, with start a start time of 13:30h daily

Berbice U19 TeamCrystal Durant, Trisha Hardat (V/C), Daniela Hicks, Kaina Leitch, Denellie Lindee, Darshanie Subramanie, Tiea Isaacs, Renata Liverpool, Danellie Manns, Lakshmi Mahadeo, Realeanna Grimmond (C)

Jamie

Campbell

Solomon

U19 Team-NaomiBarkoye

Latchman,

C),

Latiff, Areah Ally, Aneesha Chetram, Ceara Barkoye, RachelSukhai,AreefaKhan, Cassidy Singh, Rachael Joseph, Abigail Benjamin,

Campbell, Jade

and Tenicia

Demerara

(

Tilleya Madramootoo (VC), Niya

Chelsea

Judges not overwhelmed as elite CrossFit athletes descend on Guyana

-Action commences today at the NationalAquatic Centre

Some of the best athletes in the world are to be in Guyana to compete at the two-day event which starts today

Petra/Milo Schools U18 Football 3rd round commences today

Bartica’s forward on the move against South Ruimveldt.