Kaieteur News

USandIsraelconfirmthatanaerialattackonIsraeli territoryisunderwayasJordanandIraqclosetheirairspace ofdronesatIsrael

ExxonMobil CEO, other officials took pay increase, US-millions in bonus as oil production

Men,schoolboysgang-rape girl,15,onvideo -policearresttwo

Missing man now wanted for murder

Cop’s ex-lover sets Moruca police living quarters on fire after he moves in new girlfriend

Govt. finally releases ExxonMobil's audit reports following months-long campaign by KNews

Opposition: excuses to avoid release

Jagdeo making lame of Gas-to-Energy contracts

Oil spill at 6th oil project

Region at risk potentially puts …upto40%chanceof impactingGuyana’s shoresdirectly-EIA in Guyana ramps up

CEO, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Darren Woods

ExxonMobil CEO, other officials took pay increase, US-millions in bonus as oil production in Guyana ramps up

Theexcitingdrillingand production results of ExxonMobil in its most cherished acreage globally, the 6 6 million acresStabroek Block in Guyana has been increasing the profits of the American oil company, with top executives being praised for the remarkable growth benefittingtheshareholders.

In acknowledgement of t h e c o m p a n y ’ s achievements, its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods, as well as four other senior executives have been granted salary increases effectiveJanuary1,2024.

Thisyear,Woodswillbe paid an additional US$94,000annuallyormore than $1.5M monthly His new monthly salary is US$164,083- equivalent to morethan$32.8MGYD.

US$3,154,000; Chapman

US$3,282,000; Williams

US$3,282,000 and McKee

US$2,799,000.

Thecompanyinits2023 Annual Report, released on Thursday,revealedthatit Continuedonpage6

See table attached for salariespaidin2023.

Notably, the top executives also benefitted from massive year-end bonuses last year For instance, Woods received US$4,787,000; Mikells

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that among those receiving a bigger pay cheque this year are Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Kathryn Mikells, Senior Vice Presidents, Neil Chapman and Jack Williams and President, ExxonMobil ProductSolutionsCompany, KarenMcKee. Exxon revealed to its shareholders that the annual salary was increased for Mr Woods to $1,969,000; Ms. Mikells to $1,276,000; Mr Chapmanto$1,259,000;Mr Williamsto$1,271,000;and Ms. McKee to $1,116,200, with effect from January 1, 2024.

TableshowingthesalaryincreasesreceivedbythetopexecutivesofExxonsince2021

CEO, ExxonMobil Corporation, Darren Woods

EDITORIAL

Government - the way it is, should not be

Governmentofthepeople,forthepeople,bythepeople. It is revealing how this promise has become twisted in Guyana in the hands of government The PPPC Government has given itself a cloak of authority that is beyond the mandate that any election can bestow The ascension to national power, through victory at the polls, is now a license for the PPPC Government to decline into depraved indifference as to its sacred obligations to the people.Thegovernmentsaysthatithasthepowertodecide. We agree, but only on the condition that it is not exclusive, that decisions are not what run counter to the welfare of citizens. Government figures insist that it has the power to decide what to share and what to bury in deep secrecy The sharing has been minimal and excludes the components of national governance that must be public because citizens must know On those mandatory elements, no government should have a monopoly There is an expanding oil sector, representing upwards of a trillion American dollars in promise, the kind of quality existence that our ancestors dreamedof,butneverhadtheopportunitytotaste. Anybody at any level who persists with the thinking that oil must be managed secretly, its bigger developments concealed, is liningforthefooloftheyearaward.

Guyanese must know and they put people in power to lookout for them, tell them what they need to know, and always be about what is in their best interests. The people elected must use the power given to them to safeguard Guyanaineveryaspectofthiscountry’sneweraofoil. The PPPC Government has failed abjectly at this duty It then rubs salt into local wounds by rushing in shameless traitorous gutlessness to pick up the cudgels for ExxonMobil and others, and dangerously expose Guyanese indoingso. WepointtowherethePPPCGovernmentisfor guaranteed coverage for this country’s protection should a big oil spill ever occur at the offshore oil platforms. The government is against the Guyanese people and is prostituting itself for the benefit of ExxonMobil. In the matterofasecurityblanketforGuyanaintheeventofanoil spill, the PPPC Government has made itself into a better partner for ExxonMobil than Hess Corporation and CNOOC. WhenthefiercestfightforGuyaneseisdemanded of the government and its leaders, there are only the worst cowards racing to ExxonMobil’s side, leaving citizens abandonedandexposed.

Undernocircumstances,bynoteventhemostcharitable interpretation,couldwhatthePPPCGovernmentisdoingbe thought of as being for the Guyanese people. Groveling at ExxonMobil’s feet, positioning for political favors of the leadingpeopleofthecompanyisnotrepresentingGuyanese interests. Itisabouthorriblymisusingthepowergrantedby the people to the government to secure the ambitions of its leaders. Even the most unlettered in Guyana can see this, has arrived at the only conclusion left. Any decision, any action, that sacrifices the safety of the people, and the economic destiny that is theirs, is about political reward. It is cozying up to ExxonMobil to ensure that leaders stay in power They have made up their minds: challenging ExxonMobil, fighting on behalf of Guyanese, is the policy of a loser This is why the government comes up with its traitor’s kiss: it reserves the right to decide what to share, what to hold back. On some other matters, we may force ourselvestogoalong,butnotonthisoil.

Oil is too big and tempting. It has made better leaders thanGuyanabetraytheirownpeople. Thingshavegottenso twistedlocallythatmanywithgreatresponsibilityintoday’s government have permanently distanced themselves from straighttalkingandstraightdealing. Theycan’tanymore,so theysettleforeitherabuseorhalftruthsorsecrets. Theugly storyofGuyana’soilisthatthisgreatwealthisbeingusedto disempower the people. Guyanese had better see the light. WhenthePPPCGovernmentstandsasnakedlyasitdoesfor ExxonMobil on the issue of the fullest protection, citizens nowlivewithacriminallyirresponsibleentity.

Guyana has the legal means to deal with law-breaking ExxonMobil Guyana Limited

DEAREDITOR, Limited (EMGL) and the ‘5. If any person custody until he can be Kaieteur News on 13 EPA to obey the law of the summoned to attend as a brought before the A p r i l r e p o r t e d , land. witness before a legislative legislativebody.’

‘ExxonMobil, EPA a no- Standing Order 86 (The body, refuses or neglects, Every time that the EPA show again at Natural Sectoral Committees) (5) (d) without sufficient cause, to or EMGL breaks the laws Resources Parliamentary empowers the Sectoral attend at the time and place and legal procedures which m e e t i n g ’ Committee on Natural mentioned in the summons, apply to everyone else in (https://wwwkaieteurnewso Resources to summon that body may issue a Guyana, our country sinks nline com/2024/04/13/exxo witnesses– warrant in Form 2 in the further into national and nmobil-epa-a-no-show- ‘(d) summon persons to Schedule, or in any other international disdain and again-at-natural-resources- give evidence in accordance form the circumstances disrepute. parliamentary-meeting/) with the Legislative Bodies require, signed by the I call on the members of Throughyourpages,Icallon (Evidence)Act Chapter 1:08 person carrying out the the National Assembly to our elected parliamentarians oftheLawsofGuyana’ functions of secretary to the straighten their collective and staff of the National Section 5 of that law body, authorising and spines, and to respect and Assembly to use the legal empowers the National directing the Registrar or enforcenationallaw procedures to require both Assembly to use the power any marshal to arrest that Yours truly, ExxonMobil Guyana ofarrest– person and detain him in Janette Bulkan

PNCR must lead the way for transparency and respectful democratic expressions for a better Guyana

DEAREDITOR, transparencies, freedom of ensure our highly valued growth, and necessary discourse has degenerated to for long would have seen As a member of the speech, the right to be heard, democratic expressions and change. These are the values a level of which we must not over time the exploitation of People’s National Congress and to be involved in the exercises do not reduce us to on which great democracies sink. The party must not vulnerabilities, when we fail Reform (PNCR) my electionofpartyleaders. rancour or divisions. Such arebuilt. show intolerance to dissent after such disruption to attention is not lost on the Historically these are the must never be the cause for Whereas there is but must nurture appropriate return to oneness. We must rising public interest and tenets of the PNCR that set others to believe we are a acknowledgment conflict is and elevated disagreement not choose intolerance and discourse between party us apart from all other disunitedforce. anormalpartofeveryhuman anddiscussions. disruption over peaceful and members, supporters, and political parties. We must be Differences in opinions engagement and given the I have taken note, democratic engagement and leaders at various levels. proud of and never cease to and choices between and historical diverse and particularly of the position the rule of law Be it at the These all arise from the value transparency in all that among leaders and rank and tolerant nature of the party taken by Party Chairman, level of the Party or of our Party’s open and public wedothathelpsthepublicto file members are the for dissent and alternative it Mr Shurwayne Holder nationalpolitics. democratic activities, the appreciate the standard set. foundations for healthy is of concern to me what against party member, Ms. For years I have admired desire for customary We must work diligently to discourse, development, should be normal healthy Amna Ally, who has given Cde Ally’s hard work, more than five decades of dedication, and commitment unstinted service to all and that of other women, leaders. who are the vanguard of this

Upholding Ethical Integrity in Guyana’s Law Enforcement:The Imperative Duty to Reject Unlawful Orders

DEAREDITOR, These epoch-defining trials

PracticalApplication: milieu Officers, poised

In the intricate tapestry witnessed the adjudication In the dynamic crucible precariously at the precipice of law enforcement in of individuals who of the Guyana Police Force, of ethical dilemmas, may Guyana, the moral compass perpetrated heinous the imperativeness of find themselves ensnared guiding officers through atrocities under the dubious rejecting unlawful orders within the labyrinthine intricate and often fraught guise of “just following assumes a paramount quagmire of competing scenarios is not just pivotal orders.” In a seismic verdict, stature, particularly amidst obligations and fractious but sacrosanct. Central to the defense of unthinking the crucible of political loyalties. Furthermore, the this ethical framework lies obedience to authority was exigencies and societal specter of retribution looms the cardinal principle of a unequivocally repudiated, imperatives uniquely ominouslyoverofficerswho “duty to reject” or “duty to crystallizing the immutable endemic to Guyana dare to defy illicit orders, deny” – an ethical principle that individuals Charged with the herculean p a r t i c u l a r l y w i t h i n imperative that underscores bear an unassailable moral task of not just enforcing but environments where the unequivocal obligation imperativetoresolutelydefy also upholding the obeisance to authority is of law enforcement directives that contravene inviolability and sanctity of veneratedaboveallelse. personnel to adamantly legal, ethical, or moral the law within the intricate Societal Impact: refuse compliance with precepts. socio-political tapestry of Thereverberationsofthe directives that transgress Legal and Ethical Guyana, law enforcement “duty to reject” cascade far legal, ethical, or moral Framework: officers are confronted with beyond the precincts of law thresholds Authored by Within the labyrinthine a relentless litany of enforcement agencies, Prof., Dr StanleyA. V Paul, corridors of legal and ethical directives that may run afoul impinging upon the very t h i s a r t i c l e d e l v e s discourse in Guyana, the ofthesehallowedprinciples. fabric of Guyanese society meticulously into the “duty to reject” occupies a Thus, it becomes incumbent itself. As a potent bulwark manifold dimensions of this hallowed pedestal, finding upon officers to wield the againsttheinsidious critical duty within the eloquent articulation in a discerning sword of moral (Continued on page 6) Guyana Police Force, panoply of codes of ethics, rectitude and fortitude in probing deeply into its departmental edicts, and unhesitatingly repudiating historical antecedents, professional benchmarks commands that contravene pragmatic applications, and These doctrinal pillars not the sacrosanct tenets of far-reaching societal only demarcate the contours justiceandlegality implications. of permissible conduct but Challenges and

Historical Context: also exalt the primacy of Considerations:

Thefoundationalrootsof individual conscience and The implementation of the “duty to reject” can be moral autonomy in the this sacrosanct ethical meticulously traced back to crucible of decision-making mandate is fraught with an epochal events such as the processes, thereby fortifying arrayofdauntingchallenges, tumultuous aftermath of the bedrock of ethical bespeaking of the nuanced World War II and the integrity within law intricacies inherent to landmark Nuremberg trials. enforcementagencies. Guyana’s law enforcement

My brotherly caution to Party himasChairmanofthisgreat The PNCR must rise for party is to exercise tolerance Guyana to rise Let’s and greater temperance, “Regroup! Refocus! p a r t i c u l a r l y w h e n Rebuild!” our beloved Party, differences arise between our legacy left to us and this him and members of the nation by our Founder Party family, particularly Leader, Mr Linden Forbes those who have given SampsonBurnham.Wehave unstinted service and been told that Mr Burnham commitment to the Party In encouraged healthy such a high office where aggressive discussions but much is given much is abhorred intolerance, expected. disrespect, and senseless

His is the duty to disruption.

demonstrate and cultivate

These are values party respect for those who would stalwarts were nurtured on have served the Party from and which we of this its years when it was seen as generation must inculcate as a towering force of political a standard of political power to its current position excellence.

as a government in waiting. Long Live the People’s Our Party comrades must be NationalCongressReform committed to respect each Long Live the legacy of other Linden Forbes Sampson We would all expect no Burnham less position taken by the Long Live transparency, Party Leader for he himself freedom of expression and willexpectnothinglessfrom democracy upon which we us. Mr Aubrey Norton and aregrounded. those who have been around Roysdale Forde

ExxonMobil CEO, other officials took pay increase, US-millions in bonus as...

From page 3 ExxonMobil Guyana refused to engage the pocketedUS$36Binprofits, Limited, the subsidiary of operator of the Stabroek driven by the record levels Exxon Mobil Corporation is Block for a renegotiation of of oil production in Guyana currently producing the lopsided contract that andthePermian. approximately 645,000 governsthearea.

Woodstoldshareholders barrels per day (bpd) in the While Exxon can pay oftheFortune-500company Stabroek Block, offshore higher salaries and massive that Exxon outpaced peers Guyana. Three projects, the bonuses to its executives on across a range of metrics, Liza One, Liza Two and account of the growth of delivering earnings of $36 Payara are currently in production activities in billion and operating cash operation. Guyana, the country has not flows of $55 billion. In fact, A fourth Floating beenabletoextendthesame he boasted that since 2019, Production Storage and privilege to its public the oil giant has grown Offloading (FPSO) vessel- servants. This had resulted earnings at a compound One Guyana- is expected to in a month-long strike by annual growth rate of more startup in 2025; while the educators across the nation than 40% and cash flow by fifthproject-Uaru-ispoised earlier this year Similarly, more than 15% – both well forfirstoilin2025. the country has been losing aheadofitsnearestpeer Only on Friday Exxon its trained nurses to other Woodswaskeentonote, announced that its sixth countries, and is now “Our industry leadership development- Whiptail- has mulling the importation of extendstoourrecordannual been sanctioned by the labourfromBangladeshand production in Guyana and government of Guyana. It Cuba to fill to fill the human the Permian and the therefore noted that the resourcegap. continued strengthening of Stabroek Block partners are The current Petroleum our already advantaged on track to have six FPSOs Agreement that was signed p o r t f o l i o t h r o u g h operational by 2027, which in 2016 by the former divestments, acquisitions, willcollectivelyproduce1.3 administration has been andinvestments.” millionbarrelsperday. widely criticized, however,

The CEO described Even as oil production the People’s Progressive Exxon’s oil and gas activities continue to ramp Party (PPP), though it activities in Guyana as one up locally, undoubtedly promised to renegotiate all of “our most exciting and delivering more profits to oil contracts, is now arguing successful – for our ExxonMobil and its Co- that such a move could business, the people of Venturers, the Government destabilize the country and Guyana,andtheworld”. of Guyana (GoG) has itsgrowthprospects.

Bath Settlement farmers need lands for cattle rearing

DEAREDITOR, information lands belonging complaining about flood and It was heart rending to to GUYSUCO and was animalsdying.NoDrainage. listentoavideothatwassent giventothemtorearanimals If my memory is correct to me. A woman from Bath but was taken away for the when Cheddi Jagan S e t t l e m e n t c r y i n g planting of rice. Then they developed Black Bush hysterically says her were given land somewhere Polder The first phase was husband diedand she did not else and later that land was completed, and the second take anyone else and depend takenawayandplacedunder phase was to be completed. on this land to obtain her housing. They were then The PPPwas in power for 23 living and asks, rather placedwheretheyarenow years and did not do any screams what is she to do A seventy-seven-year- expansion for agriculture. It now Shesaysthedoctorsays old woman said they cleared seems that livestock was/is the people must drink cow the area; they chopped bush themostneglected. milk especially pregnant with cutlass. She said they What is sad seems to be mothers. So where are they were there for a very long the don’t-care-a-dam goingtogetthemilkfrom. time apparently long before attitudeofthegovernmentin It was heart rending to 30 years ago. she said the that they drafted plans to listentoher Itseemslikeshe land was agreed upon by affect and destroy the was going out of her mind. governmentandGUYSUCO livelihood of people and AndIcanempathisewithher etc. The farmers hired a there was no consultation. dilemma. bulldozertocleartheland. Apparently, these people

F a r m e r s a t B a t h Farmerssaypeoplecame were pushed out from one Settlement are facing to the area to survey. No place to another and now problems with regards to the meeting with the people no apparently being pushed out rearing of their cattle and consultation. againwithnoplacetogo. other animals. According to Small farmers cannot go O f t e n t i m e s t h e farmers, the Minister of fartorearlivestock.Theland government plans and agriculture told them he at the back apparently is not expends the taxpayer’s would help them by clearing properly drained and money without any the bush However, the livestock are dying or stolen. consultationwiththepeople. farmers have become aware Thisistheonlybacklandthe It’s like they feel they can do that the land is now peoplehaveaccessto. what they want, when they earmarkedforhousing. The question is, are these want and how they want. No

ThePresidentcamesome peopledoinganexcellentjob checkandbalance. months ago and said he providing meat and milk to The opposition on the would give them some land the communities? So not other hand has lost its way somewhere else, but they only livelihood is affected Theyaremoreoccupiedwith don’t know whereas they butservicetothecommunity the issue of power than the have not heard from him and health and nutrition of people’swelfare. sincethen.Eventhenthetask the community also. One I believe we need to of relocating would be an youngmansayshehasabout prevent an absolute majority extremely difficult one 85 cows andsuppliesmilkto f o r t h e P P P a n d a Small farmers would not be thecommunity replacement for the able to rear livestock that is Some time ago, I was in ineffectiveopposition. toodistant.

Black Bush Polder and the Rajendra Bisessar

A c c o r d i n g t o cattle farmers were Bsc Sociology, LLB

Upholding Ethical Integrity in Guyana’s...

From page 5 to reject” epitomizes the with the luminous beacons encroachments of power very essence of ethical o f a c c o u n t a b i l i t y, abuses and institutional rectitude within the transparency, and ethical malfeasance, this ethical hallowed precincts of leadership. imperative serves as a Guyana’s law enforcement References: stalwart defender of the apparatus, demanding an 1.Smith, J. (2023). inalienable rights and unwavering allegiance to UpholdingEthicalStandards liberties of Guyanese the cardinal principles of in Law Enforcement: The citizens. justice, fairness, and Duty to Reject Unlawful

Moreover, by steadfastly legality within the sui Orders. Journal of Law and upholding ethical standards generis socio-political Governance,8(2),45-56. and manifesting an mosaicofGuyana 2.Jones, A. (2018). The unwavering commitment to B y i n d o m i t a b l y Nuremberg Trials and the thehallowedidealsofjustice embracing this sacred duty, Rejection of the “Just andfairnesswithinGuyana’s l a w e n f o r c e m e n t Following Orders” Defense. unique socio-political professionals not only International Journal of milieu, law enforcement honor the storied legacy of Human Rights and Justice, agencies engender public t h e i r i l l u s t r i o u s 12(4),112-127. trustandconfidence,thereby predecessors such as former 3.Thompson, R. (2020). nurturing the fertile grounds Commissioners, Alvin Ethics and Accountability in for a vibrant, democratic Smith and Winston Felix Policing: A Comprehensive society to burgeon and a n d A s s i s t a n t Approach New York: flourish. Commissioner, Paul Slowe OxfordUniversityPress.

Conclusion: but also chart a course Regards, In summation, the “duty toward a future resplendent Dr Stanley Paul

th6 oil project gets approved

More oil projects equal more profits for Exxon and less for the people of Guyana.

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

Who would willingly allow 85 and a half of every 100 barrels to be given away while you settle for 14.5?

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

More oil projects mean greater revenue at the disposal of the oil companies to feast on while Government settles for the bones to feed its starving population.

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

Govt. mulls termination of T&T firm's contract over incomplete work Conversation Tree Road project:

The Government of Guyanaismulling the termination of its contract with Kallco - the Trinidadian company - that was awarded the contract to complete works on the Conversation Tree to Dennis Streetfour-laneroadproject.

When asked if the contracthasbeenterminated, Minister Edghill stated that, “that is the direction we are going,yes”.

He explained that government's next course of action for the project is to assign a new contractor as soon as possible to move

This was disclosed by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill on Friday who told Kaieteur News that the lack of progress on the project prompted the government'sdecision.

forward with the project. Asked whether a contractor has been identified to complete the outstanding work, the minister said, “We will announce that as soon as wesortthatout”.

Initially, the project was split into two lots that were awarded to S Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc and Kallco respectively Kallco was

awarded the second phase of the project according to an article published by the Department of Public Works (DPI).

On Thursday, President Irfaan Ali and Minister Edghill conducted a walkthrough of the project site in the presence of Head of the ministry's Work Services Group, Ron Rahaman, and Senior Project Engineer,KesterHinds.

Whilethere,thePresident madeitclearthatworkonthe Conversation Tree to Dennis Street Road project must proceed to ensure that residents have access to betterroads.

During his inspection, PresidentAli announced that a technical team will meet with the Ministry of Public WorksonFridaytodeliberate onthewayforward.

Further,theHeadofState instructed that immediate drainageandirrigationworks must be conducted on the incomplete portions of the projecttoavoidflooding.

“We have to do some D&I work here because I don't want this remaining work to cost us. We have to

make some decisions here,” the DPI quoted the president assaying.

The construction of two large concrete bridges to establish a connection to Dennis Street is also part of thework.

Additionally, during his visit President Ali interacted with the community's youth who expressed frustration with the road work affecting the construction of a nearby ball field. After listening to the youth, the President

contacted Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson, who assured that work on the ball field will resume in short order

The project begins at the Conversation Tree corridor which is approximately 1.9 kilometres from the East Coast Demerara Highway and connects to Dennis Street. Kallco was awarded a $830.2M by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB)officein2022.The project was scheduled to be completed by November 5, 2023.

Editor's note:

Kaieteur News in its Saturday, April 13, 2024, edition inadvertently p u b l i s h e d t h a t t h e Government of Guyana has terminated its contract with Trinidadian CompanyKallco over the incomplete Conversation Tree Road project.

We apologise for the error

Men,schoolboysgang-rape girl,15,onvideo -policearresttwo

A leaked video has surfaced showing at least four males brutally gang-raping a girl believed to be 15 years-old at Port Kaituma, North West District, Region One.

It is unclear when the rape took place, butthevideowasleakedonSaturday

Although the males tried to muffle the teen's screams by placing a sheet over her face they could still be heard as one of the school boys raped the girl. The boy's accomplices who were all half-naked cheeredhim.

They were heard saying, “Send, Send. Agotyuhcuz…send”.

One of the adult males, who helped to pinthegirltothebedchanted,“showthem howwedoesdoitReggie,showthemhow

wedoesdoit".

Kaieteur News learnt that police have been notified of the video and are currently making effortstolocatethefemalevictim.

This same gang was seen attempting to rape aboyinanotherleakedvideo.

Police have since detained two of the juveniles seen in the video and according to reports they are showing no remorse for the heinous act they are accused of committing and have pledged allegiance to a Trinidadian gang called6ixx.

As the teens were being taken away by police for questioning one of them said "We na fraid a nobody 6ixx all the time, 6ixx all the time "Up to press time, Kaieteur News understands that investigators were still trying tolocatethevictim.Investigationsareongoing.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill

The Gas-to-Energy Project is a Misguided Endeavor

The gas-to- energy solar energy and the emissions However, the climate change but also before it becomes an Project, involving a gas-to- development cost can be reality paints a different offers tangible economic irreversible burden on the shore project and then outsourced to independent picture. Natural gas may be benefits. By diversifying its nation’s economy and converting the gas to powerproducers.Theroleof cleaner than heavy oils, but energy portfolio and environment. But to tell the electricity – threatens to government would be to buy its overall impact on investing in clean, government to do so, much become an albatross around energy from these producers emissions is not as renewable technologies, less to convince them to do the necks of the Guyanese at less than what it will cost substantial as advertised. In Guyanacansecureitsenergy so,isanexerciseinfutility people. Its exorbitant cost, the government to generate fact, studies indicate that future while reducing its (The views expressed in opinions and beliefs of this questionable environmental energyfromnaturalgas. natural gas is only carbonfootprint. this article are those of the n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s impact, and viable With the rapidly approximately 30% cleaner

alternative solutions raise declining costs of solar thanheavyoils. Gas-to-Shore project is now, necessarily reflect the serious doubts about its technology, harnessing the The projected generation feasibilityanddesirability abundantsunlightinGuyana capacityof300MWfromthe

If it has not done so could have provided a Gas-to-Shore project raises already, the government sustainable and affordable concerns about its net effect needs to make public a energy solution. At a rate as on emissions. The sheer feasibility study that is low as 4 US cents per scale of the generation will specific to this project. kilowatt-hour, solar power mean that Guyana, which is While there may have been presents a compelling case now using an estimated assessments comparing for consideration, especially 180MW peak, will result in variousenergysources,what when compared to the hefty an increase in emissions is needed is a feasibility investment required for the compared to the current studyspecifictothisproject. Gas-to-Shoreproject. statusquo.

The gas-to-energy India is now positioning

Guyana wants to be seen project has an estimated cost itself to become a low-cost as a global leader on climate of US$1.75 billion. Despite supplier of solar power It is security As such, Guyana the government’s assertions estimated that by 2030, the cannot afford to take steps of its benefits, including cost of solar power in India backward in its efforts to reducingelectricitytariffsby will be around 0.025 cents mitigate climate change and half and ensuring energy per kilowatt hour India is protecttheenvironment. security, the project is mired now the second cheapest

Third, the massive incontroversy supplier of solar energy injection of capital costs

First and foremost, the behind China. In fact, China associated with the gas-tostaggeringcostoftheproject also is capable of producing energy project presents cannot be overlooked. At a solar power at less than US significantfinancialrisksfor time when every dollar threecentsperkilowatthour G u y a n a G i v e n t h e should be allocated In Chile, a country that uncertainty surrounding judiciously to address has temperate climate, a global energy markets, pressing social and Spanishcompany,Solarpack relying heavily on natural economicneeds,committing Corporation Technologica, gas infrastructure could such a vast sum to a single hadenteredintoacontractto prove to be a costly gamble energy project raises supply solar power at less inthelongrun.Thepotential concerns. The opportunity than three cents per kilowatt for stranded assets and sunk cost of this massive hour, and there is no subsidy costs looms large. This can investment is glaring, provided by the Chilean jeopardize the country’s especially when considering government. One project in fiscal stability No wonder alternative, more cost- Dubai is boasting that will the Exim Bank of the United effectivesolutions. reduce the cost of solar States is being cautious

One such alternative is powertounderUS2cents. aboutthisproject. solar power. The same Secondly, the assertion In light of these amount of generation that natural gas will concerns, Guyana should capacity could be achieved significantly reduce reassess its energy strategy without the government emissions is dubious at best. and prioritize sustainable, having to spend a cent in Proponents of the project, cost-effective solutions building out the energy including Vice President Embracing renewable infrastructure Countries J a g d e o , t o u t i t s energy sources such as solar such as India and China are environmental benefits by power not only aligns with now low-cost producers of claiming a 50% reduction in global efforts to combat

Dem Boys Seh...

Small Minds, Big Failures!

Dem boys remember de story ‘bout dis tiles dey step on from one end of dem house fella who did always busy pon he own self, to de odder but cyan tell yuh how fi build a fussin’ over de smallest ting, like a cricket bridgeorabettersociety ballinhebackyardorawrinkleinheshirt. And oh boy, when dem small-minded

One day, he decide he gon’ throw a lil folksgetincharge,dat’swhenderealdrama party, but only fuh he likkle clique, nuh. start. Dey turn into real control freaks, like Nobodyelseent‘invited.Demusichadtobe dem directors in a one-man play Dey tink exactly 73 decibels, and de food had to be deygottahavedeyhandineverypot,stirrin’ served in precise portions, not a grain more, and fussin’ until de soup done get cold and not a grain less. Well, when de day come, tasteless.Complexprojects?Forgetaboutit! nobody show up ‘cause who wan’ deal wid Dem small minds can’t handle de big datkindafoolishness? picture. Dey too busy countin’de ants to see

Now, yuh see, dis small-minded fella deelephantinderoom. was nah just a one-off oddity He represent So, meh friends, if yuh ever find yuhself sometin’ bigger—a mindset dat plague dealin’ wid dem small-minded souls, me plenty folks, especially some politicians. advice to yuh is dis: run fuh de hills or risk Dem so consumed by every lil detail, dey drownin’inaseaofpettinessandfailure.Let cyan see past dem own nose, much less dem count dem grains of sand while de real dream big dreams or tackle grand projects. thinkersreachfuhdestars. Dem de ones who could tell yuh how many Talk half. Leff half

The time to rethink the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t affiliates.)

H@RD TRUTHS

MELINDA JANKI AND THE RULE OF LAW

Iam embarrassed for theAttorneyGeneral ofGuyana,HonAnil Nandlall,SC,MP Scalding is not what Melinda Janki delivered, but more Slashing and stripping are not what she placed in the public domain, but so much more.

Guyana’s chief man of the law now stands as a soakedandsorryfigure. But

thisisgreaterthanhim. Itis aboutthemajestyofthelaw and how it transcends mortals, including the kingly, be such a person a presidentoraprimeminister or a political prince of the realm.

Inastatementglintingof almost epic sweep, Ms MelindaJanki,international attorney, a past worker for oil super majors, an activist

and a citizen stood as a towering Guyanese woman that reduces the men who lead this land to the level of midgets.

Thelawissupreme,and not some toy that can be promised or gifted to a foreignpartner,oranyother forthatmatter,byanyone. Its deliberations in the realmsof jurisprudencethat result in uninfluenced and

sagacious interpretations reinforce its blindness, its evenhandedness, regardless of the circumstances Regardless of the ambitions and commitments of those who may seek to misuse its pristinemagnificenceforthe odiousoffalofpoliticsgone all wrong, of its leading practitioners in government mesmerizedbytheaddictive force of power Power by any means. Power at all costs.

Power, notwithstanding what of Guyana, how much ofitanditspeoples,mustbe bartered.

The law is transcendent overallofthosesopunyand so fallibly human endeavors Thanks are owed to Ms. Janki and I extenditgenerously

It would be my grandest duty to direct the same unqualified gratitude to the honorable attorney general, this noble Guyanese son, Anil Nandlall, Esq. He is not a shade less wise today thanyesterday.

But he is conspicuously less energized, derisively patheticinthedeliveryofhis obligations to his president, and foremost to the Guyanese people. From president to prime minister tovicepresident,servantsof no special standing they all are.

So, too, is Mr Nandlall, to eliminate any ideas that may percolate to the contrary From Excellency to past Excellency to any longing to be a future Excellency over Guyana, I have this simplest of messages: all are bond servantstothepeople. This little scribble is part of that bond.

Inform President Ali, Hon. AG Nandlall: do not dictatetothepeople. Relate to them. Do not subjugate their hopes; propagate their rights.

Do not litigate against them; be a legate for them. The foreign oil companies have foisted an undeclared war against the Guyanese people. President Ali, VP Jagdeo, and AG Nandlall must be part of the counterattack.

Not in service to their political ambitions, to their economic calculations, whatever such may be They must be about concentrating all their energies in service to the prudent trusteeship over

what has been vested intheirhands.

Do not raise hands against Guyanese to s u f f o c a t e t h e objections, to stifle the disappointments. Instead, be of one head to take the fighttoExxonanditsaxisof exploitationandwringfrom them what enhances this countryandeverycitizen.

The law should not be reduced,Mr Nandlall,tothe whoredom of judge shopping, of corporate guaranteeing, of leadership i n t e r f e r i n g a n d camouflaging I would never believe that a man of the stature of Mohabir Anil Nandlall,SC,MP,couldbea silent endorser of any such calumnies.

Nor would I ever imagine that he could be a quiet subscriber of what strips Guyanese of their inheritance, denudes of the destiny that is due to each one of them. Maybe somebody else, but definitely not theAG. I am struggling to raise my hand to complete this moment of servanthood.

Yes,ithasfallenthatfar, whenIconsidertherangeof leadership atrocities, the loathsomepoliticalqueststo find judicial openings and conclusions that please those who ravage all that is alluring in this land. Where is Mr Nandlall? The man, the citizen, the attorney general?

AttorneyJankireminded AG Nandlall that the governmentisnotabovethe law

Neither is anyone of the sawdust Caesars and tin pot Bonapartes in Guyana. To repeat from before: the PPP GovernmentisnottheState. And PresidentAli is not the nation.

The nation is sabotaged andshreddedwhenthereare political schemes that endangerthepeople,andthe AGissilent.

When the judiciary is slow; perhaps, even a shade slippery, if merely sloppy No sovereignty of contract can ever supersede the sovereigntyofthepeople.

No foreign entity, not even a superpower of the celebrated (or notorious) standing of Exxon, should beallowedtodetermine,nay dictate, what rulings it will complywith,andwhichone it will seek to dilute, if not vanquish.

Whether it is President Ali in front, or whoever is directingtheorchestrainthe background, AG Nandlall must draw his line: King John died centuries ago. Exxon must not be allowed to push Guyanese back into serfdom. The law is clear; so is that ruling of Justice SandilKissoon.

No president, no vice president, no attorney general could be so low, so lacking in patriotic fire, manlyvalor,thatthesideof Exxon is taken, and Guyanesearesurrenderedto anexistenceashostages.

Now I return in time to the 1960s South Africa From the hills and mines echoedthehauntinglyricsof Miriam Makeba’s, and the exploitation of her people, the wretchedness of their torturedspirit.

For those who side with foreign companies, listen to cherry picked lyrics. Be intellectually honest for once and see if this is not Guyana. From Makeba’s a PieceofLand: “When the white man firstcameherefromoverthe seas

He looked and he said, thisisGod’sowncountry….

Now the white diggers werefewandthegoldwasso deep

The black man was called ‘cause his labor was cheap…

Some people now say don’tyouworry

We have kept you a nice pieceofreserveterritory

But how can a life for so manybefound

On a miserable thirty percentoftheground?

From Makeba to Melinda, South Africa to Guyana.

Thirty percent or two percent, the times don’t change. Apartheid was the law

Now contract law is the deity Perhaps, Attorney General Anil Nandlall may have something different to tell Guyanese someday comingsoon.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this

affiliates.)

Oil spill at 6th oil project Region at risk potentially puts …up

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted for the recently approved Whiptail Development Project (6th oil project) shows that there is a 10 to 40 percent probability that should there be a large oil spill, the spill could reach the Coast of Guyana (Regions1and2)dependingonthe oceanographic conditions at the time of the spill and the time of the year “This modeling also indicated that a mitigated and unmitigated spill could reach the coastline of Trinidad and Tobago and an unmitigated spill could reach the coastlines of Venezuela, the Lesser Antilles, and the Greater Antilles,”

ExxonMobil said in its EIA that w a s s u b m i t t e d t o t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EIA)forapproval.

According to the Exxon submitted and EPA approved EIA, “if such an improbable event were to happen, the environmental and socioeconomic impacts could include impacts on marine mammals through ingestion or inhalation of oil; intergenerational impacts on marine turtles through oiling of nesting beaches; systemic ecological and food-web impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems; and impacts on air quality, marine birds, marine fish, and marine benthos.”

A d d i t i o n a l l y , k e y

socioeconomic impacts could include health impacts on individuals exposed to oil and impacts on fisherfolk livelihoods drivenbytheimpactonmarinefish and the planned Project activities would not cause irreversible damage to any onshore areas of Guyana.

to40%chance

of impactingGuyana’s shoresdirectly-EIA

The EIA also states that, “even in the unlikely event of a large marine oil spill, little irreversible damage would be expected, although it could take a decade or more for all resources to fully recover, depending on the volume and duration of the release, as well as the time of year If authorized, the Project will be EMGL's sixth FPSO development in the Stabroek Block.”

Meanwhile, as it relates to the environmental challenges the EIA for the project notes that while Guyana's waste management infrastructure capacity is expected to be sufficient to support Project operationsintheshortterm(upto4 years) ongoing coordination with the government and waste managementprovidersisnecessary to ensure long-term waste managementneedsaremet.

The document highlights that potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts could also occur during unplanned events such as a hydrocarbon spill (marine oil spill, coastal fuel spill, or non-aqueous drilling fluid release), vessel collision, discharge of untreated wastewater from the FPSO, vehicle collision, or collision between marine animals and a Project component (vessel, flare, or helicopter) but insists, “these

events are considered unlikely to occur.”

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) filed an Application for Environmental Authorization with the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on 15 December 2022, for the Whiptail DevelopmentProject.

The EPA, with the guidance of the Environmental Advisory Board, has the responsibility of granting or denying authorization and determining any conditions under which to grant authorization. On review of EMGL'sApplication, the EPA determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)wasrequired.

The purpose of the EIA is to present the necessary information on, and analysis of, potential and predicted impacts that EMGL's proposed Project may have if it were to be implemented, to enable the EPA to make an informed decisiononEMGL'sApplication.

11 contractors bid to rehabilitate 30 pontoons on DHB

Eleven contractors have submitted b i d s t o rehabilitate 30 pontoons on the Demerara Harbour Bridge with total works estimated to cost $750 million.

The bids for the project were revealed during a recent opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office. The Ministry of Public Works had issued a tender stating that the Demerara Harbour BridgeCorporation(DHBC) would be rehabilitating 28 regular pontoons (Lot 1) which are estimated to cost $639,329,431, and two large pontoons (Lot2) which are e s t i m a t e d t o c o s t $111,377,810.

The contractors who submitted bids to NPTAB are: Industrial Fabrication Inc. – (Lot1) $368,425,489, (Lot) $49,688,657; S Jagmohan Construction & General Supplies Inc –(Lot1) $493,665,780, (Lot2) $87,814,760; EC Vieira Investment Limited – (Lot1)

$631,546,797, (Lot2)

$108,819,601; Ideal Engineering Services Inc. –(Lot1) $611,941,000, (Lot2) $104,421,900; Guyana Port Inc. – (Lot1) $534,474,904, (Lot2) $101,163,113; Sheriff Construction Inc. –(Lot1) $593,197,000, (Lot2)

$94,131,950; Akbar

Section of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Architecture Construction & Engineering Services –(Lot1) $635,074,330, (Lot2) $95,226,110; Errol Cush Contracting Services –(Lot1) $616,525,852, (Lot2)

$ 9 5 , 2 8 0 , 9 0 0 ; A J M Enterprise – (Lot1)

$640,3

(Lot1)

year-oldfloatingbridge. General Manager (GM) of the DHBC, Wayne Watson told Kaieteur News that the pontoons are the last settoberehabilitated.“After aperiod,youhaveinstalleda new pontoon, you have to rehabilitate those pontoons they have a lifecycle. So, for the last three years we have been rehabilitating pontoons, so these are the remainder of the set that would have passed that rehabilitation period,” he brieflyexplained. He noted that these must be repaired to ensure commuters' safety on the bridge. When asked if the rehabilitation works on the pontoons would affect the flow of traffic on the bridge, the General Manager assured that this would not be the case. He related that when the pontoons go for repairs, temporary ones would be installed, and the cycle would continue until allarerepaired.

replacement of 20 anodes perpontoon.

At his yearend press conference in December, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill had stated that in 2023, the DHB would have rehabilitated some 56 pontoons Watson related thateachyeartheywouldtry to repair 25 to 30 pontoons, and the set that are out to tender now would be the last toberehabilitated.

The GM had also said that the DHB's 2024 budget is expected to last for the life or operation of the bridge, which would see them carrying out maintenance works from time to time on thecarriageofthebridge.

Thisyear,theDHBCwas allocated $935 million for rehabilitativeworks.

T h i s p u b l i c a t i o n understands that apart from other structural works, there w o u l d a l s o b e t h e

The floating bridge would soon be replaced by the new Demerara River Bridge which is currently under construction Bridge withtotalworksestimatedto cost$750million.

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

Sunday

Senegal’snewlyelected Presidentannounces immediateprobeand renegotiationofallOil, GasandMiningcontracts handedoutbyformer leader

In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday, Senegal’s newly elected President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, revealed plans for a comprehensive auditofthenation’soil,gas, andminingsectors,andtheir terms and conditions under which they were handed out byhispredecessor Faye’s announcement comes shortly after his landslide victory over the ruling coalition’s candidate in March’s elections, underscoringtheelectorate’s strong desire for change in thecountryofapproximately 18millionpeople.However, Faye’s action strongly contrasts with that of Guyana’s Vice President, BharratJagdeowhowhilein opposition promised to renegotiate the lopsided ExxonMobil contract with Guyana, but has since changed his tune- even denying that he had ever madesuchapromise.

A passionate and almost angry Jagdeo while functioning as Leader of the Opposition, just over three years ago, said in an interview that the then A Partnership for National Unity+AllianceForChange (APNU+AFC) Coalition government “sold” the country to “foreigners” because that administration failed to include ringfencing to shore up profits from the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with American oil giant, ExxonMobil. At that time, Jagdeoassuredthatwhenthe People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) returned to office, this would be a priority when the contract is renegotiated. “They sold us outtotheforeigners.Theoil companies, every time there isafindoutthere,ourpeople should be sad because nothing comes our way We are gonna renegotiate those contracts because that’s not what we had in mind,” Jagdeo said then. He added, “When we were in the early days, we were coaxing the people (ExxonMobil) to go along They (Coalition) came into office – three billion barrels of proven reserves and they gave up

zero royalties, no taxes, no ring-fencing.”

Soon after taking office in 2020, the now Vice President (VP) has not only changedhistunebutalsohis tone when it comes to the renegotiation of the Exxon contractandsecuringgreater benefitsforGuyanese.

Meanwhile, the audit –one of the initial policy initiatives unveiled since Faye’s inauguration on Tuesday signals a proactive approach to governance by the 44-year-old former tax inspector

According to the Senegalese newly elected president, “The exploitation of our natural resources, which according to the constitution belong to the people, will receive particular attention from my government.”

According to the newly elected President: “I will proceed with the disclosure oftheeffectiveownershipof extractive companies and with an audit of the mining, oil,andgassector.”

While specific details of the audit were not provided, President Faye did seek to reassure investors about Senegal’s commitment to a conducive business environment “Investor rights will always be protected, as well as the interests of the state and the people,”heemphasised.

Senegal’s anticipation foreconomicgrowthishigh asthecountrygearsupforits first offshore oil development, slated to commence production in mid-2024.TheSangomaroil andgasproject,spearheaded by Woodside Energy, is expected to yield approximately 100,000 barrels per day, marking a significant milestone in Senegal’s emergence as an oilandgasproducer President Faye’s ascent to power comes amidst soaring expectations from a

livingexpensesandadearth o f e m p l o y m e n t opportunities.

In response, the new administration has pledged to combat corruption vigorously and introduce sweeping economic reforms aimed at advancing national interests.Thisincludesplans to renegotiate existing oil, gas, and mineral contracts with foreign operators, underscoring Faye’s campaign commitment to ensuring equitable benefits fortheSenegalesepeople.

ExxonMtookout Guyana’soilprofitsfor WalesGasPlantitisnot building–AuditReport Reveals

…companydeducted pipelinecostsbefore projectapproved

The US$7.3B audit of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’s (EMGL’s) expensesrackedupbetween 2018 and 2020, has found that the company began deducting Guyana’s oil to fund the controversial Gasto-Energy (GTE) project, at least two years before it receivedapermit.

In November 2022, EMGL received an Environmental Permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to commence construction of a 225kilometerspipeline.The structure is intended to transport gas from the Liza One and Liza Two fields in the Stabroek Block, to the Wales Development Site, where the government of Guyana is separately pursuing a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant and a powerplanttogenerate300megawatts (MW) of electricity

According to the audit report completed by VHE Consulting (Ramdihal & Haynes Inc , Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc

), ExxonMobil billed Guyana US$2,133,234 or

over $426M GYD for costs associated with the gas project. The auditors said, “TheContractorincludedon theCostRecoveryStatement costs for ground and air surveys, mooring studies, and Contractor andAffiliate labor for the proposed gas-

to-power pipeline and onshoreNGLplant.”

The report however pointed out that while costs for the pipeline are recoverable; those for the NGL plant are not allowed under the 2016 Production SharingAgreement(PSA).It explained that the pipelines costs are recoverable since the structure will transport gas to the “Delivery Point” howevertheNGLplantcosts are located past the “DeliveryPoint”.

“Delivery Point” means, unless otherwise agreed, the point at which title, control andpossessionofamarketed product under the Agreement transfers from seller or right-holder to buyer Auditors noted that Section 3 4 of the PSA (Other Costs and Expenses) of Annex C states: Other costs and expenses not covered or dealt with in the provisions of this Section 3 and which are incurred by theContractorintheconduct of the Petroleum Operations arerecoverablesubjecttothe approval of the Minister They were keen to note that that provision is not

applicable,sincestudiesand construction costs of a NGL plant is not considered a PetroleumOperation.

ExxonMobilsaiditspent at least US$328,146 on studies for the NGL Plant. Theauditorsexplained,“Itis possible the Government of Guyana may have agreed that these costs are recoverable in Section 16 of the GTE Heads of Agreement (HOA).” That agreement was signed betweengovernmentandthe Stabroek Block CoVenturers, Exxon, Hess and CNOOC since June 2022, but was never made public despite commitments for it tobereleased.Auditorswere unable to confirm that the HOA allows the NGL Plant cost to be recovered and informedExxontoreturnthe costsnotagreedto.

ExxonMobil has not made a Final Investment Decision (FID) for the gas pipeline but has said the structure has a US$1B price tag.

Monday

Beforeoilbeganpumping, Guyanapaidover US$27,000dailybetween 2015and2017forExxon’s Helicopterservices–audit reportfinds

Before Guyana began producing the sweet light crude discovered in the prolific Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil was chartering helicopter services that cost the country a whopping $5.4Mdaily

This finding was exposed in the US$1 6B audit,conductedbyaBritish

firm, IHS-Markit The leaked report detailed that the oil giant in 2015 contracted a Trinidadian company, National Helicopter Services Limited at a total cost of US$5.1M. In 2016 and 2017, the company then recruited the services of a UK firm, Bristow Helicopters International at a cost of US$11.6M and US$12.9M, respectively

Acloserlookattheaudit reportshowsthatExxonhad sole-sourcedtheTrinidadian company to provide the helicopter services in 2015. The auditors said, “Over the audit period, there were two providers of helicopter services to the offshore facilities in Guyana On comparison of the contracts betweenthetwoprovidersit has been observed that Bristow helicopter contract was tendered (i.e. awarded onacompetitivebasis)while the award to National Helicopter was single sourced.”

Thereportexplainedthat the Bristow Helicopter contract was relative to the prevailing market rate, whereas a higher cost was paid to National Helicopters Services International. The auditors said the cost required justification which was not provided by ExxonMobil It therefore recommended that the additional amount of US$1,604,544 paid to National Helicopter should not be allowed in the cost b a n k w i t h o u t t h e justification.

This newspaper also analyzedtheauditreport (Continuedonpage15)

Senegal’s newly elected President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge

ABristow Helicopter used by ExxonMobil Guyana for its oil and gas operations in the Stabroek Block

Frompage14

submitted by VHE Consulting for the years 2018 to 2020 but could not find any costs related to helicopter services. It must be noted however that these charges are likely to be significantly higher now, since oil production activities commenced offshore in 2019 Helicopters are used in oil and gas industry as a faster means of transport for crew members, compared to boats.

It must be noted that while the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), assigned by the Government of Guyana to provide key oversight on the audit has signalled its approval of the report submitted by IHSMarkit and recommended that the audit findings be accepted, there has been no progressinthepursuitofthe disputed costs flagged by IHS-Markit.

The Consultant was hired back in 2019 to conductareviewofExxon’s expenses during the period 1999 and 2017. IHS in its 2021reportflaggedatotalof US$214.4M in questionable or unjustifiable costs billed to the country by ExxonMobil.

Commissioner General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia in a public missive said on October 18, 2023, “The Authority wishes to categoricallyre-iteratethatit stands by its advice to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Government of Guyana that theCostBankAdjustmentof US$214.4M as reported in the ‘Audit Report Recommendation Final’ by IHS Markit is the accepted finalfigure.”

Statia also made it clear that its correspondence to IHS Markit, seeking clarity to the said “Audit Report Recommendation Final” andcopiedtoEMGLshould in “no way or form” be construed as a change in the Authority’s position that the Cost Bank Adjustment of US$214.4Mbeadjusted,nor tore-opentheprocess.

Govt.breachesHigh Courtorder,notremitting teachers’uniondues–GTUPresident

TheHighCourthasbeen notified of the State’failure to remit teachers’ dues to Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) despite a court order instructing the Ministry of Education to maintain the statusquo.

This was revealed by President of the GTU, Dr. Mark Lyte during a livestream broadcast via the GTU’s Facebook page on Sunday

Dr Lyte disclosed that thereisabreachofthecourt order on the part of the Ministry of Education. The GTU President explained that the agency has not been remitting dues despite a conservatory order that is in place.

As a result, the GTU President said he hopes that the officers responsible for defying the order face the consequences for doing so.

“I hope the Judge takes a

firm stance on this because as a Government you have the responsibility to uphold the law What the judge has asked is that they let the status quo remain the same andso,somebodyhasgotto answerforcontemptofcourt fornoduesbeingremittedin anyregioninGuyanaforthe months of March and February despite the court order,”Dr Lytesaid.

He said that the judge was already notified and the issue will be brought before the court at the next court hearing scheduled for April 102024.

“Somebody will be held responsible for defying the court order ” Lyte reaffirmed.

Justice Sandil Kissoon, last month, had granted a temporary order blocking the Government of Guyana from deducting the salaries ofstrikingteachers.

The High Court judge alsograntedaninterimorder which restrains the G o v e r n m e n t f r o m withholding the remittance of teachers’ dues to the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU).

The judge made the orders at the first hearing of thecasefiledbytheGTUto challenge the Government’s

decision to deduct pay from the salaries of striking teachers and also blocking the administration from moving ahead with a decision to discontinue the deduction of union dues from the salaries of teachers on behalf of the Union until the determination of the full case the GTU brought againstthegovernment.

Not long after the court

made the order, the Ministry’s Chief Education Officer (CEO), Saddam Hussain was hauled before the High Court to face contempt proceedings Husainhadissuedadirective which stated that teachers willfaceapaycutdespitean interim court order in place instructing the Government not to do so. Hussain had d i s s e m i n a t e d a memorandum to the RegionalEducationOfficers (REOs) within the eleven public school districts instructing them to continue collectingdataonattendance ofteachersduringthestrike.

He noted that orders made by Justice Sandil Kissoon are temporary and essentially when the final order is made, the data will beusedtodeterminesalaries of those absentee teachers. The CEO emphasised in the memo that “Government of Guyanawillnotpayteachers for the days which they did notwork.” However,when he appeared before Justice Kissoontofacethecontempt proceedings, Hussain apologised profusely and gavethecourtacommitment thatthedirectivetotheREOs wouldberescindedwithinan houroftheconclusionofthe contempt hearing The memo was rescinded and a new one was issued momentsafterthehearing.

For his part, Justice KissoonnotedthatHussain’s instructionstoREOswerein direct conflict with his interim orders, so much so thatitcanbeviewedasbeing geared towards bringing the administrationofjusticeinto disrepute.

Justice Kissoon noted that the fact that Hussain madereferencetohisinterim orders in his memo, speaks to an attempt of willful disobedience to the orders, an attempt to interfere, prejudice, preempt the decision of the Court and bring the administration of justiceintodisrepute.

Itwaspointedout,during the hearing that as a penalty for contempt, a person can face a fine not exceeding $250,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding

threemonths.

Tuesday

Govt.mustdecidewhat protectionGuyanamust havefromanoilspillnot theCourt–AG …sayshavenoobligation totellwhyheappealed ruling

The Government of Guyana (GoG) must determine the level of protection the country shouldreceivetocoveranoil spill and not the Court, Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil NandlallSChassaid.

Duringaninterviewwith the state media on Sunday evening, the AG sought to explain the government’s decision to approach the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to join a court matter where two citizens are challenging ExxonMobil to provide an unlimited parent company guarantee to cover all costs associated with a potentialspill.

High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon on May 3, 2023 ordered the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) to issue an Enforcement Notice to Exxon Mobil to ensure it provides an unlimited oil spill coverage to safeguard Guyana, but the ruling was subsequently appealed by both Exxon and the EPA. The government was not allowed to join the matter Nandlallis howeverarguing that the Court should not determine the level of protection the country receives, as the assurance should be the satisfaction of the government. He said the Environmental Protection Act which requires the oil spill insurance says “it must be to the satisfaction of the state.” He therefore made it clear, “This assurance is not tosatisfythejudiciary,itisto

satisfy the state. Who is in chargeofmanagementofthe state? The government, so the government has to determine what that insurance or assurance will be.”

TheAGwaskeentonote that while the EPAis tasked withsecuringthatassurance, “itmustbetothestandardof thegovernment.”According to his interpretation, this assurance cannot be ‘unlimited’.“Youwillnever getaninsurancecoveragefor a risk that has no limit,” Nandlall said. It must be noted that two citizens are fighting for a signed unlimited parent guarantee, which is a legal document that ties the company to cover all costs associated with a spill; it is not an “unlimited insurance” as referenced by the politician. The Legal Affairs Minister went on to note that the guarantee provided by Exxon does not mean that if an oil spill occurs in the future the company will not be required to pay beyond the US$2B guarantee that was lodged and the US$600M insurance “ T h a t ’ s a t o t a l misconception,”hesaid.

Noobligation

Nandlall also used the opportunitytoclarifythathe had no obligation to inform the nation of his recent decisiontoappealtheruling, preventing the state from joining with ExxonMobil to fight against the unlimited oil spill parent guarantee. Guyana’sCourtofAppealin December last year unanimously rejected the application by theAttorneyGeneral to join the case of two Guyanese, Frederick Collins and GodfreyWhyte, who are fighting for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to get ExxonMobil Guyana to furnish the nation with an unlimited parent company guarantee(notinsurance)for oilspills.Itwasreportedthat the state secretly moved to the CCJ on February 29, 2024 to appeal the local ruling.Whenthisnewspaper soughtconfirmationwiththe AG on March 12 it was ignored. Subsequent queries withtheMinister’sOfficeon March 28 and as recent as April 2, 2024 were unsuccessful, until a confirmation of the appeal on April 4, 2024. Despite makingadirectrequesttothe AG for the appeal he filed, Kaieteur News was not providedwiththedocument. Nandlall has made it clearthathedoesnothavean

obligation to inform the Kaieteur News, any other newsoutletoranycitizenof thegovernment’sdecisionto appeal. He said, “They say that I filed the appeal secretly…I don’t know how it becomes a secret issue.”

TheAG pointed out that the proceedings were filed in accordance with the requirementsoftheCCJ.

Moreover, he reasoned, “I don’t know that I have a dutytogivesomebodyinthe press an appeal that I filed. Reporters know how to get legal documents; they have been doing it all the years. One newspaper owner feels offended that the Attorney General did not give him a copy of the proceedings. I don’t owe any such obligation to any reporter or to any news agency The governmentdoesn’towethat obligation to anyone. There are ways by which you can get documents These documents are public documents,goandgetthem! I owe you no obligation to send cases to you that I file andwhyamIgoingtosendit toyouanyhow?” Gov’tmustjointhecase

Meanwhile,indefending the decision of the governmenttobejoinedasa party to the fight against the fullliabilitycoverageforoil spills,Nandlallsaidthecase has the potential to shut down Guyana’s oil and gas sector “Now that case had the potential and has the potential to shut down the whole oil and gas sector because the contention in thatcasewasthereisalegal requirement for a guarantee or some form of financial assurance as is required under the Environmental Protection Agency Act and the operations are going on in the oil and gas sector withoutthisassurancebeing inplace,”heexplained.

TheAGcontinued,“Asa result,oneofthepossibilities is that the license can be revoked, if the license is revoked, the operations will have to stop. Now these operations as you know is underacontractbetweenthe government of Guyana and theLicensees-Exxonandits affiliatecompanies.Theyare ononesideoftheagreement andthegovernmentisonthe other side of the agreement, this is the infamous 2016 agreement signed under the APNU/AFC.” He believes thatsincethecountrystands to lose “significant revenue flow”asresultofahalttothe operationsfromthecontract, thegovernmentshouldbe (Continuedonpage16)

GTU President, Dr. Mark Lyte Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister,Anil Nandlall, S.C.

Frompage15 joined as a party to the proceedings.

Nandlall said, “All these persons, they have no interest,directinterestinthe oil and gas sector…every Tom, Dick and Harrylall (can)filecasesalthoughthey havenodirectinterestinthe oil and gas sector…now the government of Guyana draws a significant amount ofmoneyintermsofrevenue inflow from the oil and gas sectorunderthatagreement. Wehavesaidamilliontimes that yes the agreement is lopsided but it is the agreement that we have to workwith…ifIamapartyto a contract and I am to get significant revenue flow fromthiscontractyouwould know and the entire world knows our budget for example has increased significantly because of the revenue flow from the oil andgassector.”

He therefore reasoned that the government should haveahearinginthematter, since according to him the state has more interest than the current parties in the proceedings.

Nandlall said, “The myth is that we should be fighting for the unlimited guarantee. How can we fight for something that is impossible? We have a governmentto run.We have madepromisestothepeople of this country, we have to behave responsibly The people of this country expects their lives to be transformed or at least improved. They want the countrytodevelop.Wehave that duty; that oil and gas sectoriscritical.”Hesaidifa requirement is imposed which is a “financial impossibility” then the sector would shut down simply because the operator would not be able to meet a demandthatdoesnotexist.

To further qualify the government’s decision to appeal the ruling, the AG explained, “If the government doesn’t appeal this decision and allows a precedent to be left then cases can be filed and so many things can affect the government’s interest and the government will not become a party and adverse decisions can be made shutting down important projects and plans of the government, affecting thousands and tens of thousandsofourcitizensand the government is not going tobeheard?”“Theprinciple of appealing the decision is larger than this case. It’s

about the right of a government to be heard in a case that affects the public interest and affects the government’s interest directly.”

Gas-to-Energyprojectto costGuyanafourweeks ofoilrevenue–Reuters

The connection of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) pipelinestotheLizaOneand Liza Two Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels could cost Guyana four weeks of oil revenue, according to a Reuters report.

It said Guyana’s efforts to use its natural gas resources to fuel a power plant that would slash the South American nation’s energy costs have snagged on construction delays and threaten to curtail the rising oil hotspot‘s revenue this yearbyabout$1billion.

The $1.9 billion gas-topower project, Guyana’s biggestefforttocapitaliseon its energy bounty, is embroiledinlegalfightsand riskscostoverruns.Thefirst phase of a 300-megawatt (MW) power plant is running six months behind schedule and full operation is not expected until the fourth quarter of 2025, officialshavesaid.

Exxon Mobil, which operates all the oil and gas production in Guyana, is building a 140-mile (225km) gas pipeline from its offshore Stabroek block to supply the government’s project onshore: a power plant, a related natural gas processing facility and transmission lines. The U.S. oil major’s part of the project, the about $1 billion pipeline, will be ready by year-end as promised to Guyana,saidExxonGuyana country manager Alistair Routledge. That is despite having nothing to connect it

toonshorebecauseofdelays ontheworksmanagedbythe government.

The Stabroek block, site of the country’s first commercial oil and gas discovery in 2015, currently produces crude – about 645,000 barrels per day (bpd). The new power plant will be the first to use the associated gas produced fromtheoilfieldthattodate has been re-injected underground.

The gas pipeline completion will require Exxon to pause production inthethirdquarterattwooil production vessels to connectthemtotheundersea pipeline,Routledgesaid.

If the tie-in lasts four weeks, Exxon and its consortium partners Hess and China’s CNOOC would havetohaltupto12million barrelsofoiloutputfromtwo platforms that produce 400,000bpdatpeaklevels.

Based on Guyana’s recent sale at $85 per barrel,that could mean over $1 billion in deferred oil revenue An Exxon spokesperson last week declinedtospecifyhowlong the production halt will last. Routledge had said the pipeline connection and maintenance works would take“weeks,notmonths.”

The executive said Exxon is not worried about having to shut production this year for a project that will not be ready to accept the gas at least until sometimein2025.Whenthe gas-fired power plant is ready is “a question of timing,” said Routledge “It’s hard to have all the facilities ready at the same time ” As soon as the onshore facilities are ready, “thewholethingwillstartup and all those benefits will flowtothecountry,”hesaid.

Guyana will miss the chance to slash its power coststhisyearbecauseofthe project delay It imports

there are a lot of decisions yet to be made and little clarity over the next steps, including who will operate the power plant and market the gas-liquids such as propane produced by the related gas-processing facility

Meanwhile, two contractors hired by the government for the project have filed for arbitration over costs overruns of $90 million and residents have filed lawsuits claiming unfaircompensationforland taken to build the project.

expensivefueloilforanaged and often faulty power facility When fully running onnaturalgas,thenewplant will reduce the nation’s power costs by 50%, officials have said “Of coursewearedoingthebest we can, but we have to be realistic, ” Winston B r a s s i n g t o n , w h o coordinates the power project as a consultant for Guyana’s Ministry of NaturalResources,saidinan interviewinFebruary

While it is not uncommon for major projects to run behind schedule, Guyana’s government faces a p r e s i d e n t i a l a n d parliamentary election next year and is keen to deliver tangible benefits to the nation’s 750,000 residents. “There is more pavement in the city,” says fruit vendor Michael Bharrat, 23, when askedaboutthemostvisible signs of development brought by the nation’s oil boom “The government could be doing more to help poorpeople,”hesaid.

Governmentofficialsare anxious to fulfill a 2020 election promise to cut residents’ energy costs and want to use the gas for industries that can create jobs or for exports as liquefied natural gas. The government has been pressing Exxon and its partners, which prior to this project have focused on oil, to develop the country’s gas resources.

“There is a window of opportunity between now and the end of the decade to monetize and maximize the value of Guyana’s natural gas resources,” President Mohamed IrfaanAli told oil executives during a conferenceinGeorgetownin February “We need to developourgasnow.”

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Critics of the project say

Guyana must have from an oil spill not the Court – AG” areathreattotheruleoflaw

T h e p o w e r s o f government (i e , the executive comprising the President and ministers) are limited by the Constitution, by statute and by the common law The government has a duty to upholdtheruleoflaw

“What rate will Guyana be paying for the unusable or unused gas? Is the gas sales agreement completed?” asked Elizabeth Hughes, a land owner whose family landwasexpropriatedforthe project. “There are so many questions unanswered, there isnotransparencyatall.”

Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana’s vice president, told Reuters in February the project is following its new scheduleandwillstaywithin its original budget “We believe this is nothing to worry about,” Jagdeo said.

“Itisatwo-yearproject,will takeafewmoremonths,but not a year” to complete.

Wally David, 66, a retired trolling boat mechanic, smiles when asked if the government he voted for in 2020 will deliver on its promise to build the gas-topower project as promised.

“I think it will get done someday,” he says from his homeinGeorgetown,where he complains a road construction project outside his house run by the government is behind schedule.

“Maybe in three, four years,justnotnow.”

Wednesday

Govt.isnotabovethelaw; mustactinthebest interestofthepeopleand notforeigncompanies–

Int’lLawyerMelinda JankitellsAttorney General

The government of Guyanaisnotabovethelaw and must act in the best interest of its citizens rather than foreign companies, International Lawyer and renowned climate activist, MelindaJankihassaid.

See full statement below fromJanki:

The statements by the Attorney General Anil Nandlall as reported in the KaieteurNewsarticleon9th April 2024 entitled “Govt. must decide what protection

The government is not the State. Contrary to the assertions of the AttorneyGeneral the government is not even “in charge of the management of the State.” Themembersofgovernment are servants not managers. They are accountable to the people for their actions.The government has a legal duty to act in the best interests of Guyana as a sovereign State and the people of Guyana who make up the State. The resourcesoftheStatebelong to the people not to the government The government is legally required to put the interests of the people above the

interests of foreign corporations such as Exxon Mobil.

Under the doctrine of separation of powers, the Judiciary interprets the law

The rule of law requires the government to respect the doctrine of separation of powersandnotseektousurp thefunctionsofthejudiciary

The rule of law requires the government to respect and obeycourtjudgements.

The Judiciary decides what are the legal rights and duties of government, private sector entities and individuals. The Judiciary haveaconstitutionaldutyto protectthepeopleofGuyana from abuse of power by the government. On 3rd May 2023 in an internationally acclaimed decision, his Honour Justice Sandil Kissoon, after hearing full arguments made the followingdeclaratoryorder: “ADeclarationis

The gas-to-power project, Guyana’s biggest effort to capitalise on its energy bounty

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki

Edghill orders contractors to remedy substandard roads built in Region Three

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill has ordered contractors to remedy the substandard roads built inRegionThree.

The Minister, during a visit to several of the roads constructed in Region Three, inspected the durability and standard of the roads in Naamyrck Backdam. Upon his inspection, he ordered that the contractor correct the asphaltic concrete pavement to meet the s t a n d a r d s a n d t e c h n i c a l specifications outlined in the contract.

Minister Edghill in an official statement said that “This cannot be acceptedthewayitis.Thishasfailed the test so this got to be used as a leveling course and now you got to get proper, quality asphalt for the entire road, and we got to finish this

upbeforenextweekWednesday”.

The Minister made it clear in his statement as well, that the corrections on the project would not be done at any additional cost to the government.

“Whenever we do work in any community, one thing we have in mindisthepeople.Thebeneficiaries are the ultimate goal, their satisfaction,”theministersaid.

On June 8, 2023, The Government of Guyana signed 58 contracts for road works across Region3.Amongthoseroadsarethe ones completed in Naamyrck Backdam During the signing ceremony, The Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar noted that the projects will overhaul community roads that are intheastateofdisrepair

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill inspecting roads at Naamyrck Backdam.

The Government of Guyana (GoG)

h a s f i n a l l y released the audit reports of ExxonMobil's expenses, incurred between 1999 to 2017 and 2018 to 2020, respectively, following months of campaigning by Kaieteur News Vice

President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday during his weekly press conference at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetownrevealedthatthe reports are now available on the Ministry of Natural Resources'websites.Seelink for first audit report: https://docs google com/vie

werng/viewer?url=https://nr e g o v g y / w pcontent/uploads/2024/04/IH

S - A u d i t - R e p o r tR e c o m m e n d a t i o n sFinal.pdf&hl=en

And link to the second a u d i t r e p o r t : https://nre gov gy/2024/04/1 2/vhes-initial-audit-report-

for-the-stabroek-block-costrecovery-audit-2018-to2020/

Kaieteur News has been leading calls for the audit reports to be released, along with members of civil society, as well as the political Opposition Stakeholders believed that the government was hiding the corrupt actions of the oil companiesthatwereexposed in the audit reports done by a British firm, IHS Markit followed by the second audit c o n d u c t e d b y V H E Consulting for a review of US$1 6B and US$7 3B, respectively

Notably, the first audit report recommended that the Government of Guyana (GoG) disallow US$214M in costs being claimed by Exxon for the misuse of Guyana's oil profits and failuretojustifyexpenses.

Meanwhile, the report by VHE Consulting- Ramdihal & Haynes Inc; Eclisar Financial; and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc- also highlighted a numberofareaswheretheoil company misused the country'soilrevenues.

Government has since indicated that it will be heading to arbitration over the questionable US$214M sum, since the operator is refusing to accept the audit

findings.

In the meantime, the process is still ongoing between the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Exxon on the findings of thesecondaudit.

It must be noted that the 2016 Petroleum Agreement signed by the former g o v e r n m e n t a l l o w s ExxonMobil to deduct disputed costs. In fact, the contract is designed to allow the company to spend Guyana's oil money which is laterverifiedbyauditors.

Annex 'C' of the PSA at Section 1.5 (b) outlines the procedures of an audit and rightsofthegovernment;itis explained: “…In the event that an audit claim by the Ministerisnotsettledtothe Minister's satisfaction by the Contractor's reply as provided for above, the Contractorshall be entitled to recover any disputed amounts pending final resolutionoftheclaim…” ThesameSectiongoeson to note that upon resolution of the claim, the Minister shall be repaid with interest. The contract states: “…any subsequent adjustments in the Minister's share of Profit Oil following resolution of the claim shall be repaid with interest, at the Agreed Interest Rate as a first claim from Contractor's share of

futureProfitOil. Intheevent that the Contractor's share of Profit Oil is insufficient to provide for the Minister's extra entitlement including interest, the Contractor shall promptly make an equivalent payment in United States dollarstotheMinister.”

Based on the agreement, Guyana can conduct an audit withintwoyearsfromtheend of each calendar year At the conclusionoftheprocess,the Contractor must be furnished with the report and its findings within 60 days to providearesponse.

TheresponsefromExxon will detail its objection or acceptanceoftheauditclaim, along with explanations thereof.

The contract also allows the subject Minister to c o n d u c t f u r t h e r investigations within 60 days of receiving the Contractor's response.Itmustbenotedthat the PSA makes it clear at Section 1.5 (b) that: “…If within sixty (60) days of the M i n i s t e r ' s f u r t h e r investigation, the Parties are unable to agree to the disposition of the Minister's auditclaim,theclaimshallbe submittedtothesoleexpertin accordancewithArticle26of theAgreement.”Article26of the contract sets out the conditions as it relates to arbitration.

Oil companies bragging about Guyana’s reserves but country in the dark – AFC

For two years now Guyana’sreserveshavebeen kept in the dark, following eight new discoveries made by ExxonMobil in the StabroekBlock;howeveroil companies have been braggingaboutthecountry’s vast reserves at oil conferences and to its shareholders.

This was recently highlighted by former head of the Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)Dr Vincent Adams on Friday during an Alliance for Change (AFC) press conference.

He said, “It’s been two years now since we’ve gottenanupdateafterthat11 billion (barrels), so this is nonsense It wasn’t proprietary then and production rate is not proprietary.”

The former EPA Head wasrespondingtoaquestion from this newspaper on the comments made by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo at his March 21, 2024 press conference The VP was responding to a Kaieteur News article when he told

reporters that knowing the country’s oil reserves was notimportant.

Hesaid,“Weknowabout allthereserveswehavenow buttheonlywaythiscountry canmakemoney(from)isif we actually convert the resources into reserves and then into production

Knowing reserves without convertingitintoproduction is nonsense because we already know we have 11 billion barrels of reserves anditwillkeepgrowingbut what’s the point about knowing,aboutreserves.”

The Vice President said that Exxon was providing monthly reports to the government that contains updates on the reserves but when he was asked to provide an estimate of the updated reserves, he said he would check to see whether the report submitted by ExxonMobil contains proprietaryinformation.

Weighing in on the remarksmadebyJagdeo,the former EPA Head argued that the oil companies are constantly bragging about the country’s reserves

“When you go to these oil conferences, matter of fact they will go out there and brag about every discovery that they make, they will be publishing at the oil conference,”hesaid.

Notably, proprietary information, is known as trade secrets or information owned by an institution or individual that is not intended for public disclosure.

Dr Adams pointed out that Exxon previously disclosed the reserves but

FormerHeadofthe Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA), Dr.VincentAdams

has developed a new protocol, concealing the estimatedvolumesofoil.

“When in the first, remember the first set of discoveries to get to the 11 billion...assoon as theydrill thewell,apparentlythevery next day, we had the information to say the reserveisuptothislevel,”he reasoned.

Dr Adams therefore noted, “There is nothing proprietary about this. Even the technology is not proprietary, so it’s absolute nonsenseaboutproprietary.”

He reasoned that the government is purposely withholding information from the public with regard to the oil and gas sector to avoid being scrutinized by citizens and international

organizations. He said, “My reasoning is because of the questions and scrutiny that they are getting about all of this money that are coming in, what are they doing with themoney.”

Additionally, Dr Adams highlighted, “The internationalexpertsthatare questioning it, and that is what they cannot stand and the newspaper such as Kaieteur News, they cannot stand that, so they are withholdinginformationand they are doing everything in secret but its absolute nonsense.”

The Petroleum and Environmental Engineer was keen to note that while working on the drill rigs a preliminary assessment was conducted on the rigs to determine the estimated volumeofcrudeoil,assuch, he dismissed the excuse by thegovernment.

Meanwhile, Former Minister of Public Infrastructure and Member of Parliament (MP), David Patterson, agreed that the GoG should provide an update of the country’s reserves.

Patterson said, “Dr Adamsisabsolutelycorrect, there is no secrets whatsoevertoreserves.”

The MP highlighted, “I do suspect obviously as I said before because of the

scrutiny because of the misleading advertising, they are keeping this information private , the government is complicitaswell,becauseif the government knows this information every quarter, thereisnoreasonforitnotto bemadepublic.”

Notably,oneoftheeight discoveries made by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) in the Stabroek Block, since 2022, holdsanestimatedreserveof 746millionbarrelsofoil.

This was disclosed by Exxon’s partner, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Limited, in its 2023 Annual Results. ExxonMobil is the operatoroftheStabroekwith a 45% stake, with partners CNOOC Ltd and Hess holdinginterestsof25%and 30%,respectively

CNOOC said in the report that the Lancetfish discovery, which was made in April 2023, averaged some 100 million tons, which is equivalent to 746 millionbarrels,accordingto the conversion formula of the Independent Petroleum AssociationofAmerica.

Despite making eight new successful discoveries in the Stabroek Block since April 2022, Guyana has not received an update of the total estimated recoverable resources.

The Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) recorded a 12 per cent increase in its after-tax profit in 2023 duringaperioditsChairman Komal Samaroo said “spirit sales saw declines in most majormarkets”.

The increase in after-tax profitlastyearcontinuesthe company’s upward trajectory of successive financial returns over the past half decade with the company reporting profit beforetaxes,backin2019at just over $4.5B, while in 2020,thiswentupto$5.2B.

Thefollowingyear,2021, as the world was still grappling with the COVID19Pandemic,DDLreporteda profit before taxation of $64B,andthefollowingyear 2022,thiswentupto$71B

Given the increase in returns for DDL, the Directors have since also proposed a substantial hike

individendspayout.Upfora vote, is an additional dividend payment of $1.60 pershare.Thisinadditionto an earlier interim pay out of $0.40. Once approved it would bring the total dividends $2.00 per share, upfromthepreviousyear

Surida Nagreadi

Beinghappy andlivingalifeofpeaceandpurposebest representthelifegoalofthisweek’sbeauty,SuridaNagreadi

Suridaisamediapersonalityandentrepreneur Aself-professedfoodie,Surida enjoysfood,travelblogging,contentcreationandmarketing.Thisbeautyisdrivenbya desiretocontinuouslylearnandlive;notjustexist.Shesaidthatthisrequires“youtolike whoyouareandwhoyouarebecoming”Withthisinmind,Surida’sfavouritequoteistaken fromMarcusAurelius“Thehappinessofyourlifedependsonthequalityofyourthoughts.”

Embassy Raid Sparks Outcry: Urgent Healing Action Needed

BySirRonaldSanders

On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of AmericanStates(OAS)passeda resolution firmly denouncing the government of Ecuador for authorising an intrusion of the Mexican Embassy in Quito byEcuadorianpoliceandfortheuseofforce againstdiplomaticstaff.

The resolution arose because, on the evening of April 5, the Ecuadorian police intrudedintotheEmbassytoarrestaformer Vice President of Ecuador, Jorge Glas, who had sought refuge in the Mexican Embassy andhadbeengrantedpoliticalasylumbythe government of Mexico just hours before the raid. The police action against Glas was brutal.

Tension, between the governments of MexicoandEcuadorwhichalreadyexisted, escalatedthedaybeforetheviolationofthe Mexican Embassy when the Mexican President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, madeastatementimplyingthattheelection of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa was influenced by the assassination of a presidential candidate, Fernando Villavicencio President López Obrador suggested that the murder created a “rarefied atmosphere of violence” and affectedtheelectionoutcome

The Mexican President’s remarks were described publicly by the Ecuadorian government as “very unfortunate”, but subsequent events demonstrated that President Noboa resented the remarks more deeply He promptly ordered that the Mexican Ambassador be declared “persona non grata” on April 4, the day before the policeraidontheMexicanEmbassy

Allofthiswasfuelforaconflictbetween thetwogovernmentsthatwasalreadyinplay The Mexican Embassy in Quito had given Jorge Glas refuge since 17 December 2023 onthebasisofhisclaimthatcriminalcharges againsthimwereactsofpoliticalpersecution bytheNoboagovernment.

Prior to the police violation of the Mexican Embassy, Ecuadorian authorities hadsoughtpermissionfromMexicotoenter the embassy and arrest Glas, who had been sentencedtosixyearsinprisonin2017after being found guilty of receiving bribes from the Brazilian construction firm, Odebrecht, in exchange for awarding it government contracts.However,Mexicodidnotagree.

It was in the height of these difficulties that the Ecuadorian police intruded into the Mexican Embassy to seize Glas in contravention of Article 22 of the Vienna ConventiononDiplomaticRelations,which underlines the sacrosanct nature of diplomatic premises and mandates the host countrytoprotectthemfromanyintrusionor violation.

This contravention alarmed the overwhelming majority of member states of theOrganizationofAmericanStates(OAS), which rightfully regard the rights and immunities granted to diplomatic missions not as a mere legal formality, but as the bedrock of peaceful and respectful internationalrelations.

By invading the Mexican Embassy, the Ecuadorian government eroded the role of essential communication that embassies representandthecriticalworkofdiplomatic personnel in fostering constructive relationshipswithhostgovernments.

Therefore, whatever concerns the

Ecuadorian government had about Mexico granting Glas political asylum, invading the Embassy, violently seizing and beating him andmanhandlingEmbassyofficials,castthe government of Ecuador squarely in the wrong.

Thiswasnotamatterothergovernments could overlook. It had to be condemned in order to send a strong message to the Ecuadoriangovernmentandallgovernments that such violations of international law are unacceptable.

Hence, on April 10, after consultations between member states, 29 of the 32 active OAS member states voted in favour of the Resolution which condemned Ecuador’s action.OnlyEcuadoropposed,andonlyone country,ElSalvadorabstained.

Mexico was absent from the meeting, likely due to the presence at the meeting of a Vice Minister from Ecuador with which Mexico had severed diplomatic ties immediately following the assault on its Embassy.

Having rightly condemned the governmentofEcuadorforintrudingintothe Mexican Embassy, thereby violating international law and eroding a pivotal cornerstone of peaceful international relations, a continuing dispute between Mexico and Ecuador has repercussions which must be avoided in the interest of the twocountriesandthebroaderhemisphere.

The ongoing dispute between Mexico and Ecuador risks disrupting unanimity within the OAS’s Group of 10 and could extend its divisive effects to the Latin American and Caribbean group (GRULAC) attheUnitedNations,potentiallyhampering consensusonimportantissues.

Recognizing the critical need for resolution, the OAS resolution encourages dialogue, with the Permanent Council offering its support to mediate efforts towardsreconciliation.

Navigatingsuchapathmaybedifficultin the present circumstances where both Mexico and Ecuador feel aggrieved with eachother Indeed,onApril11,theMexican government filed an application instituting proceedings against Ecuador before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), contending that “Ecuador has violated Mexico’s rights under customary and conventional international law, as well as fundamental principles upon which the internationallegalsystemisbased”.Mexico has asked the court to indicate provisional measures pending a final judgment in the case, including that “Ecuador refrains from any act or conduct likely to aggravate or widenthedispute”.

Initsfullhearingofthecase,theICJ,the Court may have to assess the merits of a counter claim from Ecuador, which has publiclystatedthattheMexicanasylumoffer to Jorge Glas was wrongful under international law because individuals facing criminal charges should not be granted asylum.

The Ecuadorian government bases this contentiononArticleIIIofthe1954Caracas ConventiononDiplomaticAsylumwhichis legally binding only on 14 States that have ratified it – 13 from LatinAmerica and one (Haiti)fromCARICOM.

However, the 1954 Convention may havebeensupersededbytheConventionon Diplomatic Relations which came into effectinApril1964andtowhich193states are signatories, including Ecuador and

Mexico

Additionally, Article IV of the 1954 Conventionalsostates,“Itshallrestwiththe Stategrantingasylumtodeterminethenature of the offense or the motives for the persecution”.

ItwillbefortheICJtodecidewhoselegal arguments concerning granting asylum is right,butwhatcannotpossiblybejustifiedis theinvasionofanEmbassy Onthat,Ecuador willundoubtedlyberebuked.

Notwithstanding these circumstances Mexico and Ecuador, in their own interest, should try to overcome this problem which, while framed in legal terms and now before theICJ,hasstrongpoliticalovertones.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are entirely his own. R e s p o n s e s a n d p r e v i o u s commentaries:www.sirronaldsanders.com)

Sir Ronald Sanders

ALBOUYSTOWN IS NOW BEING RENEWED AND OFFERS ONE OF THE BEST PROPERTY INVESTMENTS IN GUYANA

PAT DIAL was closely knit and crime overtakenGuyanaandthisis IndependenceBoulevard. appearance. If Execution the State’s firm commitment was a rarity In 1906 when manifested by those Many householders have Sales are effectuated, the t o m a k i n g f u r t h e r Albouystown is today Albouystown was integrated entrustedwithgovernanceof begun to repaint and repair new owners must rebuild investments in renewing regarded as the slum area of intoGeorgetownasaward,it the country They have theirbuildingsandthiscould properly designed buildings. A l b o u y s t o w n a n d the City of Georgetown was regarded as an asset and ventured in multifarious be seen in the aerial views. If any owner or investor is extirpating its slum area This image of Albouystown enhancementofthetown. socialandeconomicnational To quicken the pace of the willing to build three or four image Secondly, the is a comparatively recent In the 1960’s Guyana developments and one of the renewal, the Guyana storey blocs of flats, provide attraction of prospective one Until the 1960’s w a s a ff l i c t e d w i t h mostnotableisacceptingthe Consumers Association has security and have gated tenantswhoworkontheEast Albouystown was a neat racial/political violence and challenge of eliminating the proposedthefollowingtothe communities, that investor Bank and on the West Coast suburban village with each many youth from the East slum area of the capital city relevant authorities: The should qualify for a 10-year to live in the new flats and yard having a cottage in Coast villages with criminal ofGeorgetown. City Council must effectuate waiver of income taxes on houses in the Ward would which the owner lived tendencies began to invade The Central Government the law which gives it the rentals and a grant of begin to make it a middle oftentimes with a tenant or the ward attacking and and the Georgetown City authority to demolish any $5 million in cash or class area bringing good two renting the rooms below robbing residents and Council have already structure which contravenes building materials.Ahalf lot returns on investment. And the owner’s cottage. Every creating an imbroglio. The embarkeduponrenewingthe the City Engineer’s by-laws. w o u l d b e a b l e t o thirdly, Independence yard had various fruit trees numerous Chinese and i n f r a s t r u c t u r e o f This would eliminate the accommodatetwoorthreeof Boulevardisdevelopinginto suchasgenips,mangoes,star Portuguese families A l b o u y s t o w n w i t h shacks, many of which are suchblocsofflats. a business area like Regent apples, coconut, guavas, emigrated to North America Independence Boulevard unoccupied and those Albouystown has Street since it is in the heart avocados,carambolasandso aswellassomeEastIndians. takingprideofplace. structures which clutter situationaladvantageswhich of the most populated area in on Since the owners Most property owners left The boulevard connects yards and block off air and no other ward has:- it is theCityofGeorgetown. The occupiedtheirproperties,the thewardrentingtheirhouses Albouystown with the East light, residents should be within reach of the two slum area image of yardswerekeptcleanandthe at peppercorn rentals which Bank, Demerara; the two encouraged to apply for international airports, the Albouystown is fast rubbish carts, later trucks, they were rarely able to international airports; with house lots and to be guided burgeoning business sector disappearing as the tempo of regularly collected rubbish collect The buildings the Law Courts and the main as to the process of so doing of the East Bank, Demerara, itsmaterialdevelopmentand which was incinerated at the deteriorated, rubbish businessareaofGeorgetown and the loan opportunities the Onshore Oil Centres and itsrecognitionasaprofitable incinerator in the Le collectionbecameararity,the being within walking available. within walking distance of investmenthubgrows. Repentir cemetery which yards became overcrowded distance; and also allows Taxes have not been paid the Law Courts and the Atthemoment,ahalflot, bordered on the village. The with illegal shacks and the easy and quick access to the onmanypropertiesformany City’s main shopping (66 to 70 feet by 100 to 120 population worked outside streets became potholed onshore oil and gas years, sometimes decades centres. Peoplewhoworkin feet) could be acquired for the village as vendors in the Albouystown had now installations on the West and the houses on such lots these establishments would $18 to $20 million which is markets, as saw mill become a slum area which Coast, Demerara. Afew of areallripefordemolition. p r e f e r t o l i v e i n approximately half the price workers, fishermen, b o t h t h e C e n t r a l theothercrossstreetsarestill The City Council has to A l b o u y s t o w n , o n c e of similar properties in other stevedores and porknockers Government and Town toberenewedandwhenVice use the law authorizing a c c o m m o d a t i o n i s partsoftheCity Sometimes mining for gold and Council seemed to have President Jagdeo and execution sales of such comfortable and safe. The onemayevenbeabletogeta diamonds in the interior abandoned. membersofhisCabinetdida properties and should do so blocs of flats and the new better bargain depending on Otherresidentsofthevillage However with the recent outreach to the ward, afteradvertisingtheproperty buildings would offer such location and condition of the were self-employed discovery of large oil they promised to complete to be sold for a month and be accommodation. structures on the property t r a d e s m e n s u c h a s resources holding out the the renewal of the other prepared to negotiate with Property values (as Forthelargeandparticularly carpenters, joiners, shoe prospect of Guyana streets prioritising James the owners to waive a part of distinct from prices) would the small investor, repairers, gold smiths, vat becoming a wealthy and Street which runs from east theinterestonthedebtowed, have increased by the State’s Albouystown properties makers, tailors and so on. developedcountry,aspiritof to west in the middle of the if such defaulting owners investmentofapproximately offer a most attractive Thismulti-racialcommunity optimism and creativity has ward and parallel with were to make their $3.billions in the Ward and option.

Elephant Man Says He’s Father to 38, open to Having More Kids

(Dancehall Mag) wanted to have more “We’vebeenthroughit,” children. the Bun Badmind artist said. ‘Father Elephant, gwine “How yuh mean? Den if “When you’re a likkle youth mek dem dance,’ but he’s it come, it nuh come bredda. coming from nothing to also going to make some Wehyouatalkbout?” something, people a go talk babies. The ‘Energy Gad’ Reminiscent of Rohan things. But at the end of the hasdevelopedareputationas Marley’s math on how he day, never mek a rumour be a father to a nation, last ended up with 12 children, true.Metakecareofmykids confirming 20 children in Ele insinuated that he but sometimes you and the 2019, a count increased by doesn’t use birth control in mother have a dispute and 18 while talking to peers on relationships. youknowhowthatgo.” InstagramLivethisweek. “You nah sex your Doubling down on not “I have 38 pickney; start woman inna nuh condom,” believing everything you from mi a 17,” the Pon Di the Jook Gyal deejay said. hear, Ele spoke about people is. Me stay strong dropped his wife off at a Him go so boom and push River hitmaker said. “Mi “You ever go to your woman navigating the rumour that cause the fittest of the fittest Florida airport before going outhimhead,wellasweat… mightuglyandallofthat,but inna her house inna condom, h e h a d a c q u i r e d shall live and God nuh waan to a strip club with Ele and Me seh, ‘Yow, give me a the gyal dem like mi bandy yuhinnatrouble.” i m m u n o d e f i c i e n c y no weakness inna Him others. condom deh’, and I swear to legs… ‘Member a me climb

Like Marley, he hinted at syndrome (AIDS), the camp.” In 2020, Mr Lexx “Dem time deh we God, on all my kids, this was and jump off a di something his diet contributing to his advancedstageofthehuman sharedhisreactiontothevile coulda pay for the ‘go-go’ his response. He was like, dem and the gyal dem seh, “fit back,” flashing a bottle immunodeficiency virus rumour in an Instagram (exoticdancers)dem;payfor ‘Condom? Mi nah use nuh ‘Noman,miwouldatekalift of some roots concoction (HIV). The World Health interview with producer them night and then tek dem condom’.” up from dah black boy prepared by popular Organisation states that HIV, Koolface. Once friends, Mr outta the club. So, mi pay fi, Mr Lexx said he was yah’…‘Memberdigyaldem herbalist ‘Viva’ (referenced which weakens the immune Lexxsaidwhilehehopedthe like,sixgo-go…” shocked, but claimed Ele seetheattitudeenuh…” onChronixx’sSpirulina). system, spreads through the news was fake, it wouldn’t Mr Lexx claimed they saidGodwashisprotection. He further attributed his The talented showman bodily fluids of an infected behardtobelieve. tookthewomentotheirhotel “When I heard that tribe to being “young and hasfacedmuchscrutinyover person. The Full Hundred deejay where they rotated them rumour, I was like, God, idle” while growing up in the years for his personal “Memba mi deh yah told a story about taking Ele throughout the night At pleaseno,causeeventhough SeaviewGardens,Kingston. choices,evenbattlingclaims good one time and dem seh on a US tour after the latter’s some point, he ran out of me and him nuh good, me

The 47-year-old didn’t that he’s an absentee parent. Ele have AIDS. Me seh weh Scare Dem Crew disbanded condoms. nuh wish dem thing deh pon hesitate when DJ/producer He addressed this in a 2019 datcomefrom?Minuhdead, in 1999. Mr Lexx, who was “Go round ah dude door nobody But you could see Noah Powa asked if he Gleanerfeature. mi deh ya – that’s how married at the time, said he and knock pon him door… whypeoplecouldsaythat.”

Shakira Announces 2024 World Tour during Electrifying Bizarrap Coachella Performance

Bizarrap and Shakira perform at the Sahara Tent during the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 12, 2024 in Indio, California.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella

(Billboard news) Sessions, Vol. 45,” “Eladio and Nicki Nicole — Shakira Tour”inwhitetext. Bizarrap transported his Carrion: Bzrp Music arrivedonstageforasurprise Shortly after, Shak and “Bzrp Music Sessions” from Sessions, Vol. 40,” “Morad: performance. On the screen: Bizarrap celebrated with his distinct blue-hued Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. “LaLobaSeViene.” their megahit “Shakira: Bzrp recordingstudiotothedesert 47,” Milo J: Bzrp Music Shakira,lookingflawless Music Sessions, Vol. 53.” at the 2024 Coachella Valley Sessions, Vol 57" and and graceful as always, The track peaked at No. 9 on Music and Arts Festival on “Villano Antillano: Bzrp performed “La Fuerte,” her the Billboard Hot 100 and Friday (April 12), where his Music Sessions, Vol. 51,” to second collaborative effort landed at No. 2 on both the special guest Shakira could nameafew with Biza, part of her latest BillboardGlobal200andthe not hold back from sharing A man of few words, studioalbumLasMujeresYa Billboard Global Excl. U.S. majornews. focusing all his energy on NoLloran. It also ruled the Hot Latin

Just before 8 p.m. PT on his DJ controller, Biza “Good night, Coachella! Songs chart, scoring Shakira the Sahara Stage, the hyped up the crowd with his Thisisamazing,”shetoldthe her12thleaderonthetally Argentine hitmaker arrived fist pumps and jumps crowd.“Thankyou,Bizarrap Biza then continued wearing his signature black “Let’s go, Coachella!” he for inviting me. Truthfully, pumping up the crowd with baseball cap, large, dark would scream here and it’s amazing being here with his bangers, including his sunglasses, and blue track there this audience, with you, my collaborations with Peso jacket, while he was Most notably during his colleague,myfriend.” Pluma, Natanael Cano, s u r r o u n d e d b y h i s one-hoursetwerethevibrant Dressed in a sunset Snow Tha Product, and equipment. and futuristic visuals and ombre cutout dress, Shak Young Miko, to name a few. His set kicked off with incredible light show that then announced major news: “Let’sf—inggoCoachella!” one of the songs that made would change with every “I have to share something hechanted. him a viral sensation during trackandbeatandseemingly today. Biza, I’m going on “Thank you all so much the pandemic in 2020: tookovertheentiredesert. tour. I’m going on tour, for being here with me,” he “Nathy Peluso: Bzrp Music At 8:13 p.m. — just after finally…starting here, this saidtowardtheendofhisset. Sessions, Vol 36 ” It performing his Residente- November, this year, this “It is the first time we are followed with back-to-back assisted “BZRP Music city I can’t wait. Couldn’t here at Coachella and to be upbeat tracks: “L-Gante: S e s s i o n s # 4 9 ” a n d askformore,”shesaid,asthe herewithmyflag,myflagof Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. “ M a m i c h u l a ” i n screens displayed “Las Argentina,formeisanhonor 38,” “Ptazeta: Bzrp Music collaboration with Trueno MujeresYaNoLloranWorld andIamveryexcited”

a global network for coronaviruses WHO launches CoViNet:

WH O h a s the virus that causes launched a COVID-19, but will now new network address a broader range of

f o r coronaviruses, including coronaviruses, CoViNet, to MERS-CoV and potential facilitate and coordinate newcoronaviruses.CoViNet global expertise and is a network of global capacities for early and laboratorieswithexpertisein accur ate detection, human, animal and detection, risk assessment, of enhanced surveillance, coronaviruses like SARS, coronaviruses of public monitoring and assessment environmental coronavirus and response to coronavirus- laboratory capacity, MERS and COVID-19 and healthimportance.” of SARS-CoV-2, MERS- surveillance. relatedhealthchallenges. sequencing, and data t o d e t e c t n o v e l Data generated through C o V a n d n o v e l The network currently

The CoViNet meeting integration to inform WHO coronaviruses,” said Dr CoViNet’s efforts will guide coronaviruses of public includes 36 laboratories brings together global policies and support Maria Van Kerkhove, acting the work of WHO’s healthimportance. from 21 countries in all 6 experts in human, animal, decision-making. Director of WHO’s Technical Advisory Groups CoViNet expands on the WHOregions. and environmental health, “Coronaviruses have DepartmentofEpidemicand on Viral Evolution (TAGWHO COVID-19 reference Representatives of the embracing a comprehensive time and again demonstrated Pandemic Preparedness and V E ) a n d Va c c i n e l a b o r a t o r y n e t w o r k laboratories met in Geneva One Health approach to theirepidemicandpandemic Prevention “This new Composition (TAG-COestablished during the early on 26 – 27 March to finalize monitor and assess risk. We thank our partners global network for VAC) and others, ensuring days of the pandemic anactionplanfor2024-2025 coronavirus evolution and from around the world who coronaviruses will ensure global health policies and Initially,thelabnetworkwas so thatWHO Member States spread The collaboration are working to better timely detection, monitoring tools are based on the latest focused on SARS-CoV-2, are better equipped for early underscores the importance understand high threat a n d a s s e s s m e n t o f scientificinformation.

THE CRUCIALSTANDARDSAPPLICABLE TO THE WORKLIFE OF LABORATORY PROSESSIONALS GNBS IN FOCUS

Medical Laboratory the operation of a and therefore it is necessary National Standard for Safety Meanwhile, available at laboratories across Guyana Professionals play a vital laboratory”. This standard fortheGNBStoacknowledge in laboratories. The GYS the GNBS are other implement National and role in quality control and allows the laboratory to their invaluable services 235:2024 “General laboratory standards International Standards to healthcare. Conducting develop a comprehensive during Medical Laboratory requirements for safety in includingtheGYS223:2018 ensure systems are in place examinations and analyses management system, which Professionals Week laboratories” standard “General requirements for for accuracy, safety, of fluids, cells and materials, supports the daily functions (MLPW). specifies the general the competence of testing reliability and more, those these personnel help to of lab professionals to MLPW originated in r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r a a n d c a l i b r a t i o n whodependontheirservices provide accurate diagnosis deliver accurate and reliable 1975 and occurs each year in l a b o r a t o r y s a f e t y Laboratories” which is can be assured of the quality forpatientcareandaidinthe testresults. the last week of April. Lab management system to adopted from the ISO/IEC of these services.The GNBS delivery of reliable To attain and maintain We e k p r o v i d e s a n protect its employees and 17025: 2017 standard, the will continue to support healthcare This week, certification to the GYS 170 opportunity to increase others. It is applicable to any GYS 265 : 2023 Medical laboratory professionals as laboratoriesinthepublicand Standard, the work of public awareness and laboratory that wishes to Laboratories - requirements the advance local healthcare private sectors are joining in laboratory professionals is u n d e r s t a n d i n g , a n d implement, maintain, and for quality and competence intothefuture.

the observance of Medical important The GNBS appreciation for laboratory improve an Occupational which is adopted from the To learn more about any Lab Professionals’ Week constantly engages lab professionals No doubt, S a f e t y a n d H e a l t h ISO 15189: 2022 standard of our services, please under the theme “The Future managers, supervisors, with the prevalence of so Management System. The and the GYS 475 : 2022 contact the GNBS on isLab.” technicians and support staff many sicknesses and s t a n d a r d a d d r e s s e s Medical laboratories – telephone numbers: 219Laboratories are among through training, internal diseases, we must appreciate document and data control Requirements for safety 0 0 6 5 o r 2 1 9 - 0 0 6 6 , the key stakeholders of the audits and other certification the importance of the tests and the use of personal which is adopted from the WhatsApp 692-4627 or visit Guyana National Bureau of related activities, which provided by these health protective equipment among ISO15190:2020standard. the GNBS website: www Standards (GNBS) The helps them to perform professionals during the otherrequirements. Finally, as medical gnbsgy.org GNBS, under its Laboratory optimally Oftentimes, these diagnosis and treatment of Certification programme, lab personnel are seen to illnesses. certifies clinical and testing function as an extension of

In addition, April is laboratories to the National the bureau as it seeks to designated Occupational Standard, GYS 170: 2021 promote and implement SafetyandHealthMonthand “General requirements for standards inthehealthsector, the Bureau also has a

The Culinary Journey of

...Spreading'MadLove,'forfoodoneDishataTime

ByRenaySambach

With a passion for food deeply rooted in his upbringing, CanadianGuyanese Chef Devan Rajkumar’s journey from his grandmother’s kitchen floor to the international culinary stage is nothing shortofinspirational.

Inaworldwhereflavors collide and cultures converge, Chef Devan stands as a beacon of culinary innovation and cultural celebration. During an exclusive interview with The WaterFalls, Chef Devan shared his insights, inspirationsandtheessence behind his latest cookbook,

Reflecting on his culinary genesis, Chef Devan told this publication of the pivotal role food played in his life from an earlyage.

“Foodhasalwayshelda specialplaceinmylife,”he shared. “It often dominates mythoughts.”

Reminiscingonhowhis journeyaschefbegan,Chef Devan shared that being born into a Guyanese household, his childhood memories are intertwined aromas and flavors of his culturalheritage.

‘MadLove.’

Chef Devan and his mom Bhano Rajkumar

Canadian-Guyanese Chef Devan Rajkumar and his cookbook ‘Mad Love’

Exploring the world through the eyes of a Travel Agent

By Anasa Williams

Embarking on a journey to explore the world is an exciting prospect Such experiences are filled with endless possibilities and excitement.

The journey to explore the world can be an exciting prospect

However, for some, the idea of planning a trip may seem daunting, as they just wantthatperfectexperience.

This anxious feeling can become a seamless and enrichingadventurewiththe assistance of a reputable travelagentoragency

This is where, Michelle McLean, a 45-year-old independent travel agent comes in.After a number of years in the business, McLean launched her travel agency in partnership with international agency, Inteletravel on February 13, 2024 exactly one day before theinternationaldayoflove. Hercompany,TravelLegacy BGI was launched in keepingwiththepassionthat keptMcLeaninterestedand employedinthefield.

The hardworking wife andmotheroffivewhohails from Guyana but resides in Barbados told T h e Waterfalls “Ihavealovefor adventure and travelling Everyonewhoknowsmecan always say I love an adventure.”

She highlighted that one of the most remarkable benefits of delving into the industry is to have persons entrusttheirtraveldreamsto herexpertise.

Mc Lean emphasized that, “Yes, we know that securing financial stability, the freedom to work at your ownpaceandtobeyourown boss, is key however, such a venture allows a person to gain more knowledge and experience. As mentioned before, working in this industry brings a whole new adventure being able to understand a person’s travel needs and to meet those specificrequirements.”

With nothing but an invaluable experience to offer,McLean saidthather agency–TravelLegacyBGI can have their customers be restassuredthateveryaspect of their journey is well plannedandexecuted. Their services extend from flights, hotel accommodations, cruises, travel activities and somuchmore.

“When I joined with InteleTravel, they provided mewiththerelevanttraining to launch my agency. The services offered were so great that I could not leave out my beautiful country Guyana. I was so eager to share this service with personsfromGuyana.”

Withasimplevisittothe webpage, she said potential clients can make a booking from any location in the worldtoanydestination.

Notingthatthesepersons are often seeking guidance, Mclean indicated that, “The tips offered can elevate a person’s travel experience. Theymaynothaveanideaas Continuedonpage51

Michelle McLean, Owner of Travel Legacy BGI

Trinidad and Tobago gospel

singers ‘Blessings Find Me’ surpasses 1 billion views

(T&TNewsday) the worship leader at shared it who have major He moved to the Bahamas Harvest Church in numbers on their platform Bahamas from TT in 2019, Trinidad and Tobago- Nassau, said the song was and now those are the cause just after he was signed to born gospel singer Sherwin distributed by ADA Warner, for the song growing and TyscotRecords. Gardner is celebrating 40 the independent distribution growing.”

“It was for ease of travel years in gospel this year, and label services arm of Gardner comes from a at first, because I was beginninginArimaattheage WarnerMusicGroup. family of evangelists, as his supposedtobemovingtothe offive. “In their system, they’re mother, the Rev Merle US, but I realised I didn’t He’s also celebrating abletoreachouttoplatforms Gardner, is a pastor, his wanttomovethere.Iwanted being the first black gospel like TikTok, Instagram, etc, uncle, Kennedy Patterson, is to stay in the Caribbean, artist to achieve the and all the streaming a gospel artist, and his because I believe in landmark of one billion platforms so they get all the grandfather, Ivan Patterson, developmentandIbelievein views of a single recording, numbers from them For was a bishop in the New motivation and I believe that hisviralsingleFindMeHere example, on my page you TestamentChurch. Ididn’tneedtophysicallybe (BlessingsFindMe). may see ten million views, He began singing in theretoaccomplishwhatI’m

Trinidad and Tobago-born gospel singer Sherwin Gardner

An article in CBN News: but there are some people churches at just five, and his accomplishingnow this is to know that a billion before we could say yes to The Christian Perspective across the world who took debut album, Power in the “So that leap of faith is people in the world hear a anywhereelse. said the song began as an the song, shared it, and on Name, was released when he what people are seeing message and an affirmation “I’dlovetosaythankyou affirmation at the end of their page they have 20 was 17. He said his journey visible now. I said I wanted of Christ. That is the main to TT in general, because I 2023, which Gardner sent, million views, 30 million hasbeenagreatone. to be in the Caribbean so I thing. Because when people feel the love from home. along with the melody, to a views,100millionviews. “I’ve had success before can have young boys who trytofindyou,thentheyfind Even though I’m not Kenyanmusicarranger,later “Sothesystemcalculates on the Billboard charts and have a dream and a goal see your life and then they physically there, I can feel uploading the recorded allthoseviews,eventheones thingslikethat.I’msignedto thatyourpositionisnotwhat realise, ‘Oh he’s not just an the love and I could feel the version to Instagram and I can’t see from countries Tyscot Records, who is tied makes the difference; being artist, he’s a Christian artist appreciation, especially TikTok. that are blocked, and then toADAWarner in the US is not what makes or a gospel artist.’ That is from the artists, because one Thesongquicklybecame they would be able to give “I’ve never stopped, I’ve thedifference. what is significant most of ofthethingsIdo,whenItalk, popular and his follower t h e l a b e l s a l l t h e always been doing gospel, “What makes the all ” He’s working on when I speak, when I countskyrocketed. information.” He said the alwaysbeendoingmusic. d i f f e r e n c e i s y o u r another album and will be represent, is to make sure Gardner re-recorded the song was released on “The only thing is I’ve relationship with Christ, travellingtopromoteit. people know where I’m songonNewYear’sDayand January 10 and was at 1.7 beenmorefocusedonchurch staying focused, not giving Gardner said he always from. asked his production billionviewsasofMarch27. for the last couple years, but up and fighting towards promotedbeingfromTTand “I’m from the islands, company Tyscot Records to Itwasbeingseenworldwide. I’ve brought out music and being able whatever you the Caribbean and would I’m from TT, I live in the release it. Since then, it has “The biggest market is had songs that are still doing want to accomplish in continuetodoso. Bahamas. been shared by American Brazil, which just passed the very well. This is the biggest ministry.”

“We’veevengotrequests “And there’s not just me, Grammy Award-winning US for the highest numbers, success ever, to be written in Gardner said for him, from some countries to use there’s a heap of us who producer Teddy Riley, R&B views, and shares and are the history of music and while the milestone was an the song for their Olympic declare Jesus through singer Alicia Keys, rapper dominating on TikTok and gospel music and Caribbean important one, it was never team, and as a Trini I was Caribbean music, and I think Eve Jeffers, Destiny’s Instagramaswell. g o s p e l m u s i c I t ’s aboutthenumbers. like, ‘No, no, no,’we have to this is really significant as Child’s Michelle Williams, “After that it’s the US, exceedinglyagreatthing.”

“The fact or the joy of deal with Trinidad first well.” gospelartistYolandaAdams, South Africa, the African

The 45-year-old said he and comedian-turned-pastor continent on a whole, there’s would celebrate the Kel Mitchell, according to a lot of numbers coming in anniversary of the beginning thearticle. from there; and the of his journey at Faith S p e a k i n g t o T T Caribbean. Assembly International in Newsday, Gardner, who is “Alot of celebrities have AroucaonJune1.

...premiere creates major buzz in Jamaica

Vybz Kartel Retrial: Five-Day Hearing to Begin on June 10

Vybz Kartel

The Jamaica Court of Kartel and his co- familywhomIhavenotbeen In a similar case in The Appeal has scheduled a accused, who have served together with for over 10 Bahamas, Simeon Bain, the hearing for June 10 to decide over 12 years in prison, have years.” so-called “Burger King ifDancehallstarVybzKartel consistently denied During the original trial, Killer,” spent 13 years in and three others should be involvement in Williams’ prosecutors had relied on prison before the Privy released or face a retrial for death. telecommunicationevidence Council quashed his the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Inastatementlastmonth, — including a text message c o n v i c t i o n a n d Williams. In a notice issued Kartel, who received the stating that Williams, whose recommended that the Court on Friday, Justice Marva harshest sentence, expressed body was never found, had ofAppealdeterminewhether McDonald Bishop set confidence that the Court of been “chopped up fine fine” heshouldberetried. deadlines for the submission Appeal, which previously — and the key eyewitness, The Bahamas court of legal arguments: May 6 upheldhisconviction,would Lamar “Wee” Chow, who subsequently ordered that for Kartel, real name Adidja nowdothe“rightthing.” testified that Williams was Bain be released, citing the retrial amidst a heavy trial would entail for Bain, Palmer, and his co-accused “Iamalsoveryconfident murderedatKartel’shomein passage of 13 years since the backlog of cases, and the the victim’s family, and the Shawn ‘Storm’ Campbell, that the court of appeal in Havendale, St Andrew on crime, the impracticality of a anticipated “ordeal” a new public. Kahira Jones, and Andre Jamaica will do the right August 16, 2011, after they ‘MadSuss’StJohn,andMay thing in the name of equity, were summoned there over 31fortheprosecution. fairness, and justice and free missingguns. T h e h e a r i n g i s us,”Kartelsaid. Kartel’s defense had anticipatedtolastfivedays. “Some people have challenged the admissibility

In March, the UK-based expressed their concern to of the telecommunications PrivyCounciloverturnedthe me that a retrial may be evidence, arguing the police murder convictions of the ordered but to them, I say had obtained it in breach of four men, and ordered that (albeit with my limited the Jamaican constitution. the Court of Appeal should knowledge of the law) They had also questioned determine whether there ‘what is there to retry?’” he Chow’s credibility and cited should be a new trial. The added his inconsistent account of UK court cited serious jury He continued, “With that theevents,includingChow’s management issues for its being said, the most letter to a Public Defender, decision, particularly the importantpointtomeisthatI which stated that he saw continuation of the trial with am an innocent man. So in Williams after August 16, a ‘tainted’ juror, which reality,I’mnotintheleastbit 2011 and that the police had compromised the fairness of worried as I know I will be pressured him to give a thetrial. acquitted and go home to my conflictingstatement.

Dancehall star

The Spring Break Spr

By Nathan Oser

From last week edition mightnotevenwanttotakeit off!” “Not a chance,” I said. “MaybeIcouldhangitonmy wall, though ” “An even betteridea.”“Butwhatifthey don't come? They're all too busy playing ball without me.”Justthenaroaringcheer broke out amongst the boys down at the field. “Pickle!

Pickle! Get him!” I rolled my head and let out a sigh. “Pickle? That hardly ever happens!AndI'mmissingit!” “Well, that's a pickle right there, champ ” My dad laughed, and I tried to cover my smile with a pout. “Come on, Dad, I'm serious.” “Cheer up. Before you know it your leg will be as good as new Better even. Bet after it heals you'll be able to run so fast people will give you the nickname 'House Burglar.'” “'HouseBurglar'?

Why's that?” “Because you'll be able to steal home easier than chewing gum!” “Steal home? Yeah, right! 'Sides, spring break will be long gone by then ” “Hey, it couldn'tbeasbadasthattime you lost your baby teeth on your birthday and had to eat applesauce the whole week and through Christmas. Or that summer you got the chicken pox Remember that?” “Don't remind me.” My dad slapped his hands on his knees and walked across the room. He pulled a big, permanent marker from the deskdrawerandcameoverto signmycast.“Here,I'llgiveit the old doctor signature, so your friends won't be able to tell it was your dad.” He raised the marker in a swish andaswoopandsaid,“There! The first of many.” “Thanks. And I don't mind if they know.” He gave me a wink and headed back downstairs. After gobbling up lunch I slapped a pillow over my head so I wouldn't have to listen to all my friends playing ball across the street. There had to be something I coulddouphere,Ithought,to keep myself busy, to keep the bonkersaway I shuffled through the stacks of books at my bedside and pulled up an old paper airplanemanual.Innotimeat all I ripped straight through an entire notebook, cover to cover,andturnedmybedinto an aircraft carrier With the backscratcher I kept for emergency itches under my castIwasabletopopopenthe window screen and send one of my constructions out for a test flight. It quickly turned into a game, and the goal was to find the right design and aerodynamics to get as many planes into the sandlot as I could.Maybesomeonemight noticeandcomeuptoseeme. Abit later, just when I started to think none of my airplanes

had made it past the yard, therecamethemuffledringof the doorbell. I sat up when I heard a tumbling-thumping of sock-feet in the hallway

My bedroom door burst open and Dustin appeared He froze, wide-eyed, and whistled like a slide whistle. “Man!” he said. “You gonna be okay?” Casey popped in behind him. “Yeah, your leg looks like one of those rockets they strap to the bottom of the space shuttle.”

“Ain't as bad as it looks,” I said with a shrug. “Saw your airplanes,” Dustin smiled “Caught one with my mitt.” Casey chuckled. “Figured you had to be bored out of your mind to make that many.” “Nah Was just practicing my pitching arm, you know So, you guys wanna sign my cast?” “Really? You're gonna let us sign your cast?” Dustin picked up the marker “I can practice my autograph,” jumped Casey, who was always practicing his autograph. “I gotta perfect it for when I become the best shortstop in the history of the majors.” “Better than Barry Larkin?” “Of course My autographcouldbeatLarkin's any old day of the week!” Dustin and I grabbed our stomachs and broke out laughing.

Then Dustin said, “He might be right, though.You seen his trading card collection?” “Every last one signed, right?” “Yep. But if you look close, all the signatures are thesame.Theyallread'Casey Albright!'” This time Casey laughed with us. “It looks more genuine to sign a baseball card than it does to sign your math notebook. I can't help that they haven't made any cards with me on themyet.”

Dustin squiggled in his name on the top of my foot. Casey streaked his across my shin, above my dad's name I leaned forward for a closer look.

“Thanks, guys.” Recapping the pen, Casey said, “Keep that thing and you'll be rich oneday.”

Dustin smiled “Yeah, because of my name!” “Hey, you guys think you could get hold of the rest of the gang. Maybe we could even get the whole town to come sign my cast.” “Not a bad idea! You

might have to break your otherleg,though,justtofitall those names.” “Bet we could at least get all the kids from school over here.” “Yeah. Everyone'llbegladtoseethat you're doing alright, too.”

Dustin and Casey didn't stay long that night, but I didn't mind. They came back the next day, and they brought Jimmy and Ralph and Nick too. Then more people came after that. Doug and Julie and Lance and Joseph and Kristen.And still more came, day after day. In between visits I thought about when I lost my front teeth. I realized it wasn't all bad. I was the only kid in the school recital who didn't have to hide his buckteethwithshoepolishto sing “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth.” And thinking about my summer with the chicken poxIrememberedpassingthe itchy bumps on to Johnny Fairfield when my mom had that pox party He was the clean-up batter and star player for the little league teamacrosstown.Ifhehadn't beenstuckinthehouseafterI got better, we might not have won the Series that year But whoknows?

All I know is sometimes bad things happen at the best times.Thelastfewafternoons ofthebreakeveryonecameto help me down to the dugout where I could watch some of the practices. It was really cool, too, when they set up a stool behind home plate and let me play catcher a couple times.

I had never played catcher before, but I liked it a lot and was pretty good at it too. By the time school started back up I decided to change positions, and when I asked, theyevenletmefieldthefirst inning of the very first game. They had to substitute me when we went to bat, but catchingthosestrikeswasthe best feeling ever! I was so excited I stood on my crutchesandcheeredtheteam on for the rest of the game. My leg didn't hurt at all anymore, and my cast no longer looked like a giant moth cocoon or a space shuttlerocket–itlookedlikea hundred different trading cards, autographed by the best players around: my friends. That was the greatest springbreakever

Supplies:

2.5 Pipe cleaners (12ʺ length)

Plastic pony beads

Clothespin

White Glue Glitter

You'll need two 12 inch pipe cleaners and one 6 inch pipe cleaner Add about 40 pony beads to each of the 12 inch pipe cleaners, leaving about 1 inch empty at both ends. Make sure you leave enough of the pipe cleaner empty at the ends or it will be really hard to twist them into the butterfly wing shapes.

Take the two ends of the beadedpipecleanerandcross them slightly to form a circle. Twist the pipe cleaner ends and wrap them around the circle to make a full beaded circleshape.

Spread the beads apart at the top and bottom of the circle (there should be 20 beads on each side), leaving about 1/2 inch of pipe cleaner exposedatthetopandbottom.

Pinch the top and bottom of the circle together and twist two or three times to make an 8 shape. Repeat the steps with the second beaded pipe cleaner so you end up with 2 eight shaped butterfly wings. This next part where we glitter up the clothespin is completely optional.Add a generous amount ofwhitegluetothetopoftheclothespin.

You can add glue and glitter on the entire top, including the groove and the little metal piece if you like as well. Whenever you're working with glitter, I recommend working on a sheet of construction paper, or in a cardboard box. It really helps keep the glitter contained. And then when it's dry, you can fold up the paper and just throw it away without any messes. I sprinkled a generous amount of glitter on top of the glue. It takes a

couple hours fortheglueandglittertodry,butit'sworththe wait! After everything is dry, pinch open the endoftheclothespinandslideinthebutterfly wings. I didn't glue them at all because the clothespin kept everything in place. Reshape the pipe cleaners into even butterfly wing shapes. Finally, take that last 6 inch pipe cleanerandfolditinhalf.Addoneponybead to one end, then curl it around in a spiral to make the butterfly's antenna. Repeat on the other end of the pipe cleaner so you have two even,beadedendstotheantenna.

Slide the pipe cleaner into the end of the clothespin, and you're done! If your butterflies are going to be played with a lot, you might want to add a dab of hot glue from theglueguntotheendoftheclothespinjustto keep everything together And your beaded pipecleanerbutterflyiscomplete!

I used to think some work was too hard, And so did not even try; This is because I had tried before, And gave up when I could not get by

But then I looked around my class, And saw others doing swell, When I thought I was brighter than them, And felt I could do just as well.

So I decided to never give up, And to always feel I could do better; I put my whole mind to my work, And soon everything got so much easier

by Uncle Roy

Develop

the faith that

you have what you need to succeed in your life

Young people are thestage when they have to determine what they need to do to make a success of their lives.

The first step to launching out in your life is todevelopthebeliefthatyou have what you now need to make a successful start to your life. Understanding

your full potential as a h u m a n b e i n g w i l l demonstrate that you have what it takes to eventually achieve whatever you set yourmindto.

When you realise your true nature – that you are a unique human being with so many natural talents and endowments – then you will finditeasyandjustasnatural to develop confidence in

yourself, and use these to yourbestadvantage.

Firstofall,youneedto realise that all of us human beings have four assets which are our birthright –body, mind, heart and soul –which enable us to fulfil our basic needs to live, to learn, to love, and to contribute. By these assets we can survive, grow and develop, foster good relationships with others, and add to whatever brings good to the world for the benefit of ourselvesandothers.

Apart from these, you willalsoneedtoconsiderthe unique human qualities whichyoupossess,andtryto make the best use of these so as to get the maximum benefit from what you will bedoing.

Each of us human beings has a combination of talents and skills that is uniqueamongallothers,and making full use of these will make you most successful as an individual and as a

m e m b e r o f y o u r organisation.

First try to determine what are your own unique talents, and then make the continuous effort to utilise thesetomakethemostofany efforts in which you are involved.

You can do so by identifying the things that you find come naturally to you, those that you feel confident that you can do, and, moreover, those that youexcelin.

Thesetalentsaregiftedto you for the specific purpose of making the most of them and using them for the betterment of yourself and yourenvironment

Takesomespecialtime to think about your natural endowments, and how you can make use of them to fulfil all you need to lead a life that is beneficial and satisfactory to b o t h y o u r s e l f a n d t h e w o r l d a r o u n d you.

You have what it takes to succeedYou have within you everything you need to become anything you want to be, and the zeal to approach your tasks enthusiastically; You have the power to apply yourself energetically, and the wisdom to do so wisely;

You have all within you to answer the call to be whatever you want to be in this world; You have imagination within you to see clearly what you want manifested fruitfully; You have love within you to be loving always in all your actions and methods and ways; You have life within you to make right the happiness that is your birthright; You have strength within you to hold and pursue the ideas you know are ever good and true; You have intelligence within you to renounce every thought and action that is bad for you; You have faith within you to fulfil your destiny and make the most of yourself for all eternity

Whether or not you practise a religion, a firm belief in your Almighty Creator will help you to develop the faith that He has endowed you with all you need to make a success of your life.

Fill in all the squares from 1 to 4 without repeating in any roworcolumn.Thenumbers usedintheoperation (addition, subtraction etc.) must combine to yield the targetnumberforthatcage.

Numbers in a cage must not repeat. Operations follow standardmathematicalrules, andincageswith more than one cell, the operationmustbeperformed withinthatcage.

Solutions to last week’s

Lines of the same type should not touch at the ends.

There is a u n i q u e solution.

GALAXIES

How to care for dry, cracked heels

It's easy for the skin on your feet to become dry and cracked, especially in the winter. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to treat dry, cracked heels at home and prevent them from coming back.

To care for dry, cracked heels, follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists.

Limit baths and showers to 5-10 minutes. Bathing for too long can dry out the skin, making dry, cracked heels worse. Be gentle when blotting your skin dry with a towel.

Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser This will help your feet retain their natural oils.

Moisturize within 5 minutes of bathing. Look for a moisturizing cream that contains 10-25% urea, alpha hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid, and apply it to your heels immediately after bathing while your skin is still damp and whenever your heels feel dry to lock in moisture.

Before bed, apply plain petroleum jelly. Consider wearing socks at night to avoid getting grease on your bedding.

Protect your heels. During the day, apply a liquid bandage over the cracks in your heels to create a protective barrier, which can help reduce pain, speed up healing, and stop germs from entering your skin.

Wear the proper shoes. If you have dry, cracked heels, avoid open-heeled shoes, such as flip flops or slingbacks, shoes that are worn down, or shoes that don't fit properly

Sometimes, cracked heels are caused by a medical condition, such as diabetes. If your dry, cracked heels are severe or do not improve after following these tips, talk to a board-certified dermatologist.

Beaver & the wolf

One day a big wolf came and started saying, “This is my forest and I am bigger and stronger than you. So you will have to move out of the forest by tomorrow or I will destroy your house.” Later that night Furry and his friends were thinking what to do. Furry suggested that they should build a trap to catch the wolf and teach him a lesson that there is somebody stronger than him.The beavers decided it would be a deep hole covered with sticks onit.

One of the beavers exclaimed, “How arewegoingtodothat?”Furrysuggested that they could ask the rabbits for help to build the trap. About one hour later the beavers went to the rabbits' burrow and explained what was going to happen tomorrowinthemorning.

The rabbits agreed to help. It took them the entire night, but they finished it

by the morning. In the morning, they all hid up in the trees. The wolf came and barked at them to pack their bags and leave the forest immediately Since the wolf wasn't looking where he was going, hefellintothetrap.

All the animals came and saw that the wolf was trapped in the hole. The wolf kept asking so they could let him out of the hole but Furry said, “We would have let you out, but you have been mean to us so we will not let you out of the hole.”

Thenthewolfpromisedthathewillnever tell them to move out of the forest and be meantothem.

Furryandhisfriendsforgavethewolf, and they got a big stick and dropped it downtheholesothatthewolfcouldclimb out.

Exploringtheworldthroughtheeyesofa...

Frompage38

to what they want therefore; you havetodotheworkforthem.”

She continued that “through contact with suppliers, you gain access to hidden gems and unique travel experiences which the [client] may not have been able to findontheirownandthenyouput these suggestions to the potential clients.”

Stress-FreeTravel

With travel suppliers such as Expedia TAAP, Fare Buzz, Centrav, Royal Caribbean Cruise line, Carnivals Cruise line and so such much more, the dedicated travel agent aims to ensure that all clients travel are hassle free. “We excel in curating bespoke experiencesthatcatertoindividual

preferencesandaspirations.Weare able to just gather the basic information and just hand it to the client.”

She stressed that whether a person may seek a tranquil retreat amidst nature’s splendor or an adrenaline-fueled escapade in a bustlingmetropolis,TravelLegacy BGI possesses the ability to transformyourtravelfantasiesinto reality

“Weunderstandthatplanninga tripcanbetediousbutourattention to detail and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction guarantees that your travel experience unfolds seamlessly, affording you the luxury of indulging in the wonders of the worldwithoutacareintheworld.”

Mc Lean stated that while navigating the complexities of travel logistics, which often time overshadow the excitement of the journey, a clear understanding of the customer’s desires and interests can be crafted into their itineraries

She noted that customizing every facet of the journey guarantees that each traveler returns home with cherished memories that are uniquely their own.

McLeansaidit’slikelookingat a blank canvas to paint your memories.

“I’m sure you would like to have nothing but pleasant experience to live in your mind… This will make their trip resonate

withtheirspiritofadventure.Allin all,itensuresthateverymomentis infusedwithwonderanddelight.”

Though just starting McLean said Travel Legacy BGI is set to expanditsborders

“ItismyhopethatIcanexpand my agency all across Guyana. I want to make Travel Legacy BGI not only my family name but a name which resonates within all homes in Guyana ” the entrepreneursaid.

The travel agent is very much passionateaboutherfuturegoalsas shecitedthattherewere30yearsin a wealth of knowledge and experiencethatwassharedwithher throughherpartnerInteletravel.

According to her, the decision toembarkonajourneywithatravel

agency transcends the conventional notions of travel, offering a transformative and enrichingexperience.

S h e n o t e d t o o t h e amalgamation of expert guidance, tailored experiences, and stressfree travel culminates in a sojourn that is nothing short of extraordinary

As such, the travel agent urges potential clients, to consider the immeasurable value of entrusting their travel aspirations to a reputable travel agency, as they contemplate their next adventure. Bookings can be made by visiting h e r w e b p a g e michellemclean Inteletravel com orcontactvia+1(246)8242849or onWhatsApp(592)6662852.

TheCrab-eatingFox

TheCrab-eating fox lives in central South America. It ranges from Colombia and Venezuela as far as Uruguay, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina.

Its habitat mostly includes savannas and woodlands;however,itis knowntoliveinarangeof other areas including edgeandforestedareas.It may prefer higher areas during the rainy season, movingtolowlandsinthe dryseason.

HabitsandLifestyle

TheCrab-eatingfoxis mainly nocturnal and is also active during dusk, spendingthedayinaden dug by other animals. These foxes travel together in pairs but hunt as individuals.

many entrance holes

Their territory ranges from 0.6 to 0.9 km2. In the dry season, these foxes tend tobemoreterritorialthanin the wet season, though overlap of territories often occurs. Hideouts and dens are often in thick grass and bushes;eachdenusuallyhas

Despite being capable diggers, the foxes prefer to take over the burrows of otheranimals.

Hunting methods differ accordingtothetypeofprey.

They make several characteristic sounds, including barking, howling, and whining, when pairs of

foxeslosecontact. TheCrab-eatingfoxisan omnivore,mainlyfeedingon crabs, fish, reptiles, rodents, birds,insects,eggs,andfruit.

Crab-eating foxes are monogamous. They often breedtwotimesayear,7to8 months apart, sometimes with a peak in births in January, February or

sometimes March, and again in September to October November or December is when the reproductive period usually begins, and again in July Gestation lasts for 52 - 59 days,femalesgivingbirthto 2-6cubs.

The fox cubs are born with their eyes and ears shut, and without teeth Their eyes open at 14 days. At 30 days they can start digestingsolidfoodandat3 months they are weaned. Sexual maturity is reached at9months

Threats

Themainthreattothese animals is from pathogenic infection from dogs, as foxes forage in human refuse dumps alongside unvaccinateddomesticdogs at park boundaries in Brazil’s Serra da Canastra NationalPark.

This habitat of the crabeating fox is gradually shrinking as a result of human activity, including agriculture, as well as the encroachment of feral dogs onitsterritory

Population

The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Crabeating fox total population size.Curentlythis speciesis classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today remainstable.

Ecologicalniche Crab-eating foxes play

an important role as predators in the ecosystems they inhabit by controlling populations of small mammals, insects, fish, and crabs.

Reference

Crab-Eating Fox Wikipedia articlehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wik i/Crab-eating_fox

By Shervin Belgrave

By Shervin Belgrave

Yung Bredda to perform live HQ nightclub, Alberttown

This Friday April 19, Trinidadian GeneralAdmissionisonly$4000whiletheVIP International recording Artiste, Yung Bredda experience cost only $8000 and the party does will be performing live at Club HQ located at notendthere. Forshaw and Oronoque Street Georgetown at The following day, all roads lead to aneventcalled“knockitFromtheBack”. Baramita, North West District, Region One for Knock it from the Back is made possible by a grand super concert and the grand finale of a Melo Entertainment and Club HQ. Music will footballcompetition. beprovidedbyDJEnergyandGrannyIvelaw Yung Bredda and Granny IV will be joined Youdon’twanttomissitbecauseapartfrom by DJ Magnum and five-time Soca Monarch the energetic performance that Yung Bredda Winner, Jumo Primo for that event. If you plan always brings to the party, there will be lots of onextendingthepartyweekend,don’tforgetto giveawaysforluckypersons. pick up tickets for this event too. The VIP

So grab your tickets now before they are experience is $15,000 while general admission sold out. Tickets are on sale at the Club HQ. is$5000.

ThebadFamilyMusic releasesnewsong

subgenre

originsin2009intheUnitedStates.

its

Speaking with the man behind The Bad Questioned about the explicit lyrics and Family Music, Local Producer, Richie Rich video content that accompanies the song, the said that the new production is a Moobathon local producer said that it’s a story resonates with men who love their wives but still seekingpleasuresinthestreets.

According to Richie Rich, he is telling the story from through the eyes of these men. “The man is in the streets looking for what he cannot find at his home”, Richie said while highlighting that it one of the main excuses that men make for being unfaithful.

“Remember the wife is the wife and she is at home, she is the queen but the man still leaves home to search for these kinds of women in the streets (some of them prostitutes) for a more sadistic kind of love thattheycannotdoatHome”.

Inthevideoamancanbeseenpullingup in a tinted car at a dark location in the street. As he stops a woman dressed in enticing clothes approaches his car window and offersaservice.

Hequicklypullsherintothecarandthen musicstarts.Attheendofthemusicvideohe tosses her out and drove away after he receivesacallfromhiswife.

The producer the song music imitates what happens almost on a daily basis in real life.

Local recording company,The Bad Family song.

Music on Friday released a new song called Moobathon is a

of electronic “Deep Throat” and as the name suggests it s dance music that primarily fuses house music Rated-R.Asong adults and Viewers discretion with elements of reggae ton.This genre had

isadvised.

Richie Rich during one of his recent performances at Club Rendevouz located at 2nd Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown.

Trinidadian international recording artist, Yung Bredde

Jumo Primo

DJ Magnum

Granny Ivelaw

Woman arrested after cannabis found stashed in Grove, EBD ceiling

The cannabis found by police

A 34-year-old woman of Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was arrested by police after she was found with 100 kilograms of suspected cannabis stashed in theceilingofherapartment.

OnApril12,2024,atabout16:50hpolice officers,ledbyaDetectiveCorporalwentto theapartmentlocatedinBackstreet,Grove.

Thewomanresidedintheapartmentwith her 57-year-old father At the time of the investigation, the woman was present in the

apartmentwithanotherfemale.

The search was conducted by the ranks whodiscoveredaplasticbarrelintheceiling. The barrel contained several bulky plastic parcels, packed with suspected cannabis leaves,seedsandstems.Thewomanwasthen arrested and taken to the Divisional Headquarters4B.

Thesuspectednarcoticswasweighedand amounted to 101.7 kilograms of cannabis. Thewomanremainsincustody

Mantobechargedfor distributingchildpornography

TheDirectorofPublicProsecution(DPP) ShalimarAli-HackSC.hasadvisedpoliceto charge a 28-year-old man for allegedly tricking two children under the age of 14 to send him nudes and then distributing the photographs as child pornography on an onlineplatformcalledTelegram.

Police identified the accused as Joshua Rambarran.

According to police the DPP advised themtochargehiminthecomingweekwith Distributing Child Pornography through a Computer System, Publishing Electronic Data that is obscene with intent to humiliate another person, Child luring and Using a computer system to coerce, harass, intimidate,andhumiliateaperson.

Policehadlaunchedaninvestigationinto the matter following reports of child luring and child pornography on March 27, 2024, andApril6th,2024.

Suspect:

Cop’s ex-lover sets police living quarters on fire after he moves in new girlfriend

A government worker is accused of setting the police living quarters at Moruca, NorthwestDistrict,RegionOne,onfireafter herex-boyfriend,apoliceman,movedanew girlfriendin.

Thesuspectedarsonreportedlytookplace ataround02:30hrsonSaturday.

According to reports reaching Kaieteur News the romantic relationship she shared with the cop ended recently and after she learnthehadanewgirlfriendlivingwithhim, shewentberserk.

The accused reportedly wanted to enter thebuildingandafterbeingdeniedentryshe reportedlybrokethewindowsenteredandset the place, along with some clothes and documentsandotheritemsafire.

Theclothesandbelongingssheburntdid not belong to her ex-lover but to his colleagueswhosharedthehousingunitwith him.

Whenconfronted,shereportedlyshouted,

The suspect

Joshua Rambarran

Investigatorsreportedlyfoundoutthatthe two children who are under 14 years of age weregroomedandconvincedtosendexplicit pictures and videos to a Snapchat account, and then the said pictures and videos were forwardedtoatelegramgroup.

thatsheknowsalotoftopofficials. Kaieteur News understands that the government rents the building to house membersoftheGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF).

Photos of the damage the woman caused

Govt. in talks with Mount Sinai to develop Brachytherapy unit in Guyana

The Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Health has been in talks with representatives of the Mount Sinai Health System in New York with the aim of developing a Brachytherapy Unit for Guyana, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony revealed.

Dr Anthony made the disclosure on Friday while speaking at the launch of a newActionPlan(2024-2030) for the Elimination of CervicalCancerinGuyana.

The minister said that while cervical cancer is the second most deadly cancer among women in Guyana, its treatment comes in different forms.Insomecases,surgery

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

is done while it will require brachytherapy According to research, Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy

that is often used to treat cancers of the head and neck, breast, cervix, prostate, and eye.

“Right now, we don't

havebrachytherapyavailable in the country But this is one of the commitments that we have made as a government that we'll ensure that we can provide brachytherapy So, we're in the process right now, we've been talking to some partners like Mount Sinai to help us to design

what that brachytherapy unit shouldlooklikeandwhatare the types of equipment that we'll need to have,” he related.

According to the Health Minister, once the ministry's partners provide the support, the government will ensure all is in place to facilitate the

establishmentoftheunit.

The minister disclosed that currently persons who need Brachytherapy travel to Trinidad and Tobago or Surinametoreceivesame.

“You can imagine the inconvenience to those persons.So,wewanttomake

(Continued on page 62)

TIPS FOR EVERYDAY CARE BLACK HAIR:

Done By:American Academy of Dermatology

Unique in appearance and structure, Black people's hair is especially fragile and prone to injury and damage. More than half of African American women will cite thinning hair or hair loss as their top hair concern

Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to help minimize damage and keep your hair beautiful.

To help keep Black hair healthy, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

Wash your hair once a week or every other week

This will help prevent buildup of hair care products, which can be drying to the hair

Use conditioner

U s conditione every time you wash your hair.

Be sure to coat the ends of the hair with conditioner, as the ends are the oldest and most fragile partofyourhair

Use a hot oil treatmenttwiceamonth

This adds additional moisture and elasticity to yourhair

Use a heat protecting product before styling

Adding this to wet hair

b efore styling will help minimizeheatdamage.

Use caution with relaxers

To minimize hair damage, always go to a professionalhairstylistto

Frompage16

grantedthatCondition14of the Environmental Permit (Renewed) No. 20160705EEDPF issued on the 31/05/22, imposes on Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, unlimited anduncappedliabilityforall costs associated with clean up, restoration and compensation for all damages caused by any d i s c h a r g e o f a n y contaminant arising from its exploration, development and petroleum production activities within the Stabroek Block, Offshore Guyana.”

The environmental permit is a legal document. Esso signed it and agreed to its terms It is for the Judiciary, not the government, to determine the legal meaning of that environmentalpermit.

In plain English the judge said that if there is an oil spill from Esso’s operationsthenEssoisliable for all the costs to clean up the oil and to restore the environment as well as all the costs of compensating those who are affected There is no limit on Esso’s liabilityandthereisnolimit on the parent company guarantee. If Esso does not have the money to meet its liabilities,thenthepeopleof Guyanawillhavetopay.

His honour Justice Kissoon also made the followingorder:

“AnOrderofMandamus isherebygranteddirectedto the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issueanEnforcementNotice pursuant to Section 26(1) and(2)oftheEnvironmental ProtectionAct, on or before 9/05/23, directed to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited to perform its obligations under Condition 14:10 and 14:05 oftheEnvironmentalPermit ( Renewed) No. 206 607 05 issuedonthe31/05/22andto provide, within 30 days thereafter, on or before 10/06/23, the unlimited liability Parent Company GuaranteeAgreementand/or unlimited liability Affiliate Company Guarantee to indemnify and keep indemnifiedtheGovernment of Guyana and the Agency a g a i n s t a l l s u c h environmentalobligationsof Esso and its Co-venturers within the Stabroek block, togetherwithEnvironmental liability insurance as is customary in international petroleum industry in accordance with the Conditions at 14:05 (i), (ii),

(iii),(iv),(v)and(vi)froman insurancecompanystanding and repute that equates to GradeAPlusasenvisagedby Condition 14:05, failing which the Environmental Permit (Renewed) No, 206 60705dated31/05/22stands suspended.”

In simple English the Court as the arbiter in these matterssaidthatEssohadto produce environmental liability insurance that is customary in international petroleum operations In other words, Esso has to provide the same insurance in Guyana as oil companies produce wherever they operate Citizens may remember that one of the documentsplacedbeforethe judgebyEssowasinsurance referringtoEgypt.

The Attorney-General is an extremely capable and well-regarded Attorney-atLawanditdoeshimnocredit to talk about ‘unlimited insurance’ when the entire population knows that there isnosuchthing.

InclearEnglishtheorder requiresEssotocomplywith condition 14 and provide a parentcompanyguaranteeto indemnify Guyana and the Agency In other words, if Esso does not have the money, then Exxon Mobil Corporation has to step in and pay for the damage caused by Esso’s petroleum operations.

Thejudgealsosaidthatif Essodidnotcomplywithits legal obligations, then its permit would be suspended. As the entire nation is now aware, production would onlystopif,andonlyif,Esso breaches its legal obligations.

As citizens are also aware, on 8th June 2023 his Honour Justice of Appeal RishiPersaudgrantedastay

on condition that Esso lodged a US$2billion guarantee. In effect Esso doesnothavetoprovideany insurance or the parent company guarantee So, Guyana could have unlimited liability for harm caused by Esso’s petroleum operations.On7thJuly2023

Messrs. Collins and Whyte applied for the Court of Appeal to vary or discharge that stay The Court of Appeal has not heard that applicationasyet.

Esso and the Agency have refused to provide a copy of the US$2billion guarantee allegedly provided to the Agency by Esso On 19th February 2024, Persaud JA decided that he did not have jurisdiction to order Esso and/ortheAgencytoprovide the court with a copy of that sameUS$2bnguaranteethat hehadorderedEssotolodge.

Messrs.

Collins and Whyte have applied to the full bench of the Court of Appeal for Persaud JA’s order to be varied or discharged. There hasbeennoresponseasyet.

EssoandtheEPAlodged their appeals in May 2023.

Messrs Collins and Whyte appliedforanurgenthearing of those appeals. Up to now the Court of Appeal has not set a date to hear those appeals.

It is well known that justice delayed is justice denied.JusticeKissoonisto becommendedforthespeed with which he handled this matter The rule of law is threatened when judges do not deliver their decisions swiftly This is especially serious in cases of judicial reviewwherepublicinterest litigants seek to protect the nationfromunlawfulactions

governments to treat all citizens equally The rule of lawisaguaranteeoffreedom from oppressive and arbitrary government but it has to be used and protected bycitizens.

regulatorybodiessuchasthe Agency Every day’s delay is a day in which the judiciary is allowing potentiallyunlawfulconduct to continue to the detriment oftheStateanditspeople.

As established decades ago, “Justice is not a cloisteredvirtue:shemustbe allowedtosufferthescrutiny and respectful, even though outspoken comments of men.”Andwomen.

Itiscontrarytotheruleof law and the public interest that eleven months have elapsedwithouttheCourtof Appeal determining the appeals and also that the Court has not heard the applications on the stay More generally, it undermines the rule of law when in judicial review cases certain judges have been unable to render their decisions within the time limitssetbylaw

As the two most senior judges in country, the Chancellor and the Chief Justice ought to ensure that the judicial system delivers justice in a timely, independent and impartial manner that merits public trust.Itistheirresponsibility to demand and obtain the resourcesnecessarytodoso ortostepdown.

The rule of law is underminedwhenthereis,or appears to be, interference with the judiciary Despite public reports that the President assured John Hess that Persaud JAwould grant the stay, the AttorneyG e n e r a l , w h o i s constitutionallytheprincipal legal adviser to the President, has said nothing and has apparently taken no action to clear the President’s name or uphold theruleoflaw

The rule of law requires

venture was awarded the US$759 million contract by the government for the construction of the onshore facilities Engineers India Ltd(EIL)wasalsohiredata cost of US$22 million to supervise works by CH4/Lindsayca.

In January 2023, the governmentsignedaUS$23 million contract with Engineers India Limited (EIL) for the provision of ConsultancyServicesforthe Wales NGL facility as well asthepowerplant.

The Attorney-General’s comment that “ every Tom, Dick and Harrylall (can) file cases, (although) they have no direct interest in the oil and gas sector , ” is disrespectful to public spirited citizens who are doing their public duty by keeping the government in check. The rule of law is under threat in Guyana and more citizens had better stand up to protect their freedom.

Note: Messrs Collins and Whyte are represented by Seenath Jairam, Melinda Janki and Abiola WongInniss.

Foreigncontractorstake GuyanatoCourtfor US$90Moverdelaysin WalesGasProject

The contractors of the Wales,WestBankDemerara (WBD) Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project have initiated legalproceedingsagainstthe Government of Guyana (GOG)forUS$90millionin costoverruns.

TheGTEprojectwillsee the utilization of Guyana natural gas resources being piped from ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) StabroekBlockoperationsto thelocationinWales.

Exxon is responsible for the construction of the 140mile (225-km) gas pipeline with a price tag of US$1 billion.Theoilcompanyhas promised to deliver the pipeline by the end of this year This gas pipeline will be connected to the combined onshore facilities, which falls under the purview of the government. Exxon will have to supply gasfromtheStabroekBlock to the 300 megawatts (MW) power plant and a Natural GasLiquids(NGL)facility

In November 2022, United States-based Lindsayca and CH4 joint

According to Reuters, the US$1.9 billion power project is embroiled in legal fights and risks cost overruns. Notably it was statedthatthefirstphaseofa 300-MW power plant is running six months behind schedule and full operation is not expected until the fourthquarterof2025.

Notably,uptopresstime therehasbeennowordfrom the government on the contractors that head to arbitration over the US$90 million in cost overruns. Prime Minister Mark Phillips is spearheading the GTEproject.

According to Reuters, Guyana’s efforts to use its natural gas resources to fuel a power plant that would slash the South American nation’s energy costs have snagged on construction delaysandthreatentocurtail the rising oil hotspot’s revenue this year by US$1 billion.

The gas pipeline completion will require Exxon to pause production inthethirdquarterattwooil production vessels to connectthemtotheundersea pipeline, Exxon country manager Alistair Routledge said.

If the tie-in lasts four weeks, Exxon and its consortium partners Hess and China’s CNOOC would havetohaltupto12million barrelsofoiloutputfromtwo platforms that produce 400,000bpdatpeaklevels.It was explained that based on Guyana’s recent sale at US$85 per barrel, it could lead to over US$1 billion in deferredoilrevenue.

An Exxon spokesperson lastweekdeclinedtospecify howlongtheproductionhalt willlast.Routledgehadsaid the pipeline connection and maintenance works would take“weeks,notmonths.”

The executive said Exxon is not worried about having to shut production this year for a project that willnotbereadytoaccept

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips

An artist’s impression of the GTE project

Frompage58

the gas at least until sometimein2025.

When the gas-fired power plant is ready is “a question of timing,” said Routledge.

“It’s hard to have all the facilities ready at the same time ” As soon as the onshore facilities are ready, “thewholethingwillstartup and all those benefits will flowtothecountry,”hesaid.

Guyana will miss the chance to slash its power coststhisyearbecauseofthe project delay It imports expensivefueloilforanaged and often faulty power facility When fully running onnaturalgas,thenewplant will reduce the nation’s power costs by 50%, officialshavesaid.

Reuters noted that while itisnotuncommonformajor projects to run behind schedule, Guyana’s government faces a p r e s i d e n t i a l a n d parliamentary election next year and is keen to deliver tangible benefits to the nation’s750,000residents.

M o r e o v e r, t h i s publicationrecentlyreported that agreements for GTE project are yet to be laid in the National Assembly d e s p i t e r e p e a t e d c o m m i t m e n t s b y government.

Thursday

US$40Minmaterials boughtbyExxonMobil couldnotbeverified, Govt.keptinthedark–AuditReportReveals

Priortotheproductionof oil and gas in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) spent over US$40Monmaterialsforthe purpose of drilling and constructingexplorationand appraisal wells; however, thesepurchasescouldnotbe verified as the oil company did not attach the names of the vendors nor did they invite government for materialcounts.

Thisstarkrevelationwas made by IHS Markit, a British Consultant that was hired by the government in 2019 to review Exxon’s expensesbetweentheperiod 1999and2017.

The document, which government has not made public, found over US$214M in questionable costs being claimed by the operator of the Stabroek Block IHS has advised government in the Final Report, revised in February 2021, to pursue those

unjustifiablecosts.

AmongthoseisUS$40M in materials costs The Consultant in the report explained,“Duringtheaudit periodEEPGL(nowEMGL) recorded spending of approximately$40.4million of materials without any Vendor details within the General Ledger.These costs have been identified as material issued from the shore base for use in PetroleumOperations.”

The auditors said that justification for the cost of these materials were not provided and recommended

globalcontractstojustifythe chargesappliedtomaterials, including the vendor name, contract (s), award recommendation and invoices.

Meanwhile, the auditors also flagged the lack of t r a n s p a r e n c y b y ExxonMobil with regard to changes to the list of items bought by the company “Thereisnotransparencyfor inventory adjustments with no evidence provided of the reasonswhytheadjustments are necessary,” the auditors noted.

Furthermore,IHSMarkit

method of only applying

material costs when

materials leaves the shorebase.” To this end, the Audit Team recommended that a total of $349,098 related to inventory adjustments be removed from the Cost Bank as adequate justification for these charges were not providedbyExxonMobil.

It must be noted that while the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), assigned by the Government of Guyana to provide key oversight on the audit has signalled its approval of the report submitted by IHSMarkit and recommended that the audit findings be accepted, there has been no progressinthepursuitofthe disputed costs flagged by IHS-Markit.

Commissioner General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia in a public missive said on October 18, 2023 that “The Authority wishes to categoricallyre-iteratethatit stands by its advice to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Government of Guyana that theCostBankAdjustmentof US$214.4M as reported in the ‘Audit Report Recommendation Final’ by IHS Markit is the accepted finalfigure.”

A l t h o u g h t h e

advisors on the matter that havebothrecommendedthat the US$214M sum be returned to the cost bank.

This means that the US$214M will be split as profits, which will allow

Guyana to receive US$107M while Exxon will enjoytheotherUS$107M.

Consequently, Jagdeo asserted, “I don’t believe thereisscopeatthisstagefor settlement especially given themagnitudeofreduction.” He explained, “Exxon is talking about moving from US$214M to US$3M and if we settle with that, then it’s only half of that we get and so those figures are not palatableatall.”

Assuch,theformerHead of Stated noted, “We may havetogotoarbitration.”

Meanwhile, he told reporters that government has not done an assessment of what the arbitration process would cost He however pointed out that he believes this is the fittest method.

Pres.Ali’sintervention causesNBStolosehalfa billioninprofits–Chairman …non-performingloans nowaproblem,will extendtootherfinancial operators

that they be removed from the Cost Bank. This means that the total of US$40.4M should be shared as profits between Guyana and with US$20.2M owed to each party,inaccordancewiththe 2016 Petroleum Agreement (50/50profitshare).

According to the audit team, “The identification of materials in the General Ledger is not clear and requires considerable analyticeffort.Transparency in the records submitted by

recommended that Exxon provides samples of typical

pointed out that the government of Guyana (GoG) was not invited to material counts during this period, as required by the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). As the ultimate financier of the materials and petroleum operations by extension, the government is required to ensure it received what was paidfor

According to the report, “The GoG were not invited tomaterialcountsduringthis period, a requirement in the PSA,andapplyinginventory adjustments to the General Ledgerisnotconsistentwith

government had said it will not be engaging in a settlement of the US$214M dispute with Exxon but is prepared to head to arbitration,therehasbeenno furtheractiontothatend.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was asked by this newspaper whether government has considered settling the dispute with the oil giant given how tedious theprocesshasbeenandthe fact that Guyana will be requiredtocoverthecostsof Exxon’slegaldefence.

To this end, Jagdeo informed that the GoG has been guided by two sets of

According to NBS Chairman, Dr Nanda Gopaul, among the reasons for the decline in profits, came in 2022 when Head of State,PresidentIrfaanAli,in discussions with the NBS executives caused the company to drop its interest rate to the lowest ever in its history, “bringing our lending rates as low as 3.5 percent.The intervention by the President, according to Dr Gopaulinhisreport,also led to an interest rebate amounting to some $800M in 2022, and $850M for last year

It should be noted that despitethecontinuedslidein the company’s profits, its interest income for last year was $3 1B compared to $2 9B the previous year Additionally total assets for the company grew by 12 percent to some $91.3B last year compared with 2022, which saw its asset base beingpeggedat$81B.

Similarly, the society’s saving portfolio also saw an increase compared with the previous year At the end of lastyear,NBSboastedsome $70.8Binitssavingportfolio compared with $62B for the previous year According to Gopaul, in 2023 the c o m p a n y s a w a ‘magnificent’increaseinthe numberofmortgagerswhich stood at some 11,059 compared to 10,002 for the previousyears.

The New Building Society (NBS) last year despite,disbursinginexcess of $19B, its highest ever, to more than 2,300 borrowers, the company’s profits c o n t i n u e t o s l i d e downwards.

This much can be gleanedfromthecompany’s most recent financial annual report, which documents NBS’s profit margin for last yearat$680M.

In 2022, the previous year, the company managed torakein$932Mand$916M in 2021 For 2020 the company earned just over $1B, similarly in 2019

Another cause for concernflaggedby theNBS Chairman pertained to repayments to the company Dr Gopaul in his Annual reportsaid,“withcontinuous repayment deferrals and the granting of moratoria the society continued to assist mortgagors whose earnings werenegativelyimpactedby theCOVID-19Pandemic.In paralleltheboardmonitored and managed our risks related to non-performing loans, which have increase over the past few years and arenowaproblem.”

To this end, the NBS Chairman warned that “this is not just the New Building Society, but other financial sectoroperatorshavetodeal with.” Hedidnotehowever that,“ourmortgagebusiness increased in 2023 as a result

of the government’s acceleratedhousingprogram and the housing market’s recovery from the COVID19Pandemic.”

The Chairman’s sentimentswerealsoechoed by the Chief Executive Officer(CEO),AnilKishun, whoinhisreportnotedthat

President IrfaanAli (centre) The New Building Society, Georgetown headquarters and Chairman of NBS, Dr. Nanda Gopaul

Frompage59

the reduced profits recorded by the society was mainly due to the reduction of the mortgage rate in order to support the government’s housing drive. According to the CEO, mortgage revenue for2023stoodat$2.9Bor92 percent of it total revenue, comparedto2022whichsaw the figure at $2 6B representing 89 percent. As such, despite an increased asset base, and income from mortgage, the company’s overall profit margin continuestoslide.Reporting on its investments, it was noted that this only netted $259M for the company when compared to $312M earned the previous year

Despite the anomalies, the directors reported satisfaction that NBS still has adequate resources to continue in business for the foreseeablefuture.

Recordoilproductionin GuyanahelpsExxon pocketUS$36Binprofits for2023

“OurworkinGuyana continuestobeamongour mostexcitingand successful–forour business,thepeopleof Guyana,andtheworld.”–ExxonMobilCorporation …saysearningsgrewover 40%since2019

The startup of oil production in Guyana since 2019 has been driving the growthofAmericanoilgiant Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM).

Thecompanyinits2023 Annual Report, released on Thursday, revealed that it pocketedUS$36Binprofits, drivenbytherecordlevelsof oilproductioninGuyanaand thePermian.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of XOM, Darren Woods told shareholders of the Fortune 500company,“Weoutpaced peers across a range of metrics, delivering earnings of $36 billion and operating cash flows of $55 billion. In fact, since 2019, we’ve grown earnings at a compound annual growth rate of more than 40% and cashflowbymorethan15% – both well ahead of our nearestpeer.”

Woods added that the company’sfinancialposition has enabled it to deliver a 15% annualized total shareholder return, including more than $32 billion of shareholder distributions in 2023 alone, whichalsoledpeers.

Exxon’s CEO said, “Our

industry leadership extends to our record annual production in Guyana and the Permian and the continued strengthening of our already advantaged p o r t f o l i o t h r o u g h divestments, acquisitions, andinvestments.”

Exxon’s 2023 Annual Report notes that the company produced 3 7 million oil-equivalent barrelsperdayonaccountof thegrowthinGuyanaandthe Permian.

Notably, the company reported that production in the Permian averaged 610,000 oil equivalent barrels per day (koebd) for 2023, approximately 60

koebdhigherthanin2022.

Meanwhile, Exxon noted,“OurworkinGuyana continues to be among our mostexcitingandsuccessful –forourbusiness,thepeople of Guyana, and the world. Westartedupourthirdmajor project ahead of schedule and under budget. Our fullyear gross production of more than 390,000 barrels per day represents an increase of more than 40% over2022.”

In November 2023, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, a subsidiary of XOM commenced oil productionatathirdFloating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO), Prosperity, adding an additional220,000barrelsof oil per day (bpd) to its total output.

Prosperity reached its 220,000 (bpd) full production capacity in January 2024, ahead of schedule This additional capacity marks the third major milestone towards reaching a combined production capacity of more than 1.2 million barrels per dayontheStabroekBlockby year-end2027.

ExxonMobil is the operator of the Stabroek Block with a 45% interest, w

Exploration Ltd. holds 30%

interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds25%interest.

VPJagdeoblames Exxonfordelaysto WalesGasproject …Oppositionflags lackoftransparency

Vice President Bharrat

Jagdeo has blamed

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) for the construction delays in the Walesgasplants.

TheNaturalGasLiquids (NGL) Facility and the 300 megawatts (MW) power plant contract was awarded to a joint venture CH4-

Lindsayca for US$759M in December 2022 Jagdeo during his weekly Thursday pressconferenceatFreedom House, Georgetown explainedthatthecontractor was required to deliver 228 MW of power by the end of 2024 He said, “Four turbines were to come on streamattheendof2024-57 MW each. To complete the project in the agreement where the full 300 MW would come on line, that is the combined cycle the steam turbines should have comeonstreambytheendof 2025.” He therefore noted that the completed project wasexpectedtobedelivered by the end of 2025 Consequently, he pointed out, “what we have now…the delay we believe is by three months so taking ittoendofMarch-Apriland the contractor wants to complete the simple cycle turbines, the gas turbines by August but the project timeline has not shifted that istobringthe300MWfully onboardin2025.”

Jagdeo explained that E x x o n M o b i l w a s responsible for the site preparation, the road, the Materials Offloading Facility (MOF) and the laydownyard. “We were supposed to

hand over the site to the contractor by June, we did nothandoverthesite,thatis Exxondidnothandoverthe site until September and it wasstillincompleteandthey handed over an additional US$14M from the US$1B that they set aside to the contractor to complete the site, so a three months delay,” he said Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI) was contracted by ExxonMobiltocompletethe site.

Jagdeoexplainedthatthe government has decided to give the contractors an extension of three months (fromtheendof2024),“that is why we are arguing that

the plant must be completed byApril of 2025, instead of end December 2024 ” Further, Jagdeo explained that GAICO, another Guyanese firm was contracted to construct the Materials Offloading Facility (MOF) and was required to hand over the facility to Exxon in July but never did so until October with there still being challengesinthatregard.

Arbitration

AReutersreporthadfirst disclosed that the contractor filed for arbitration According to Jagdeo, “That iswherethethreemonthswe arearguingthethreemonths delay on the project came. They want a longer period because the liquidating damages for not completing the project on time for the contractor, if they don’t completetheprojectontime its over US$11M per month they have to pay in liquidating damages for delay on the project so they are arguing they need more time beyond the three months.We are saying three monthsisadequate.” Jagdeo added that the contractor has now made a claim for additional money since they argue the delay is costing them. The VP noted

independent supervision firm that was hired by the government from India, Engineers India Limited (EIL)hasreviewedtheclaim andrejecteditinitsentirety Consequently, the VP said the contractor was required tofileforadisputeresolution through an official ‘dispute adjudication and arbitration board’.Hesaidthematteris likely to be determined by a three member board that is currently being set up. If at the end of the process either partyisnotsatisfiedwiththe outcome, they can then requestarbitration.

Loseoilrevenue

Jagdeosaidthatwhilethe Reutersreportestimatedthat Guyana would lose four weeks of oil revenue during the pipeline connection, government was told it would cost two weeks. “We will have deferred production because we will notproducinginthisperiod, thiswastakenintoaccountin our forecast for the revenue forthisyear It’snotaUS$1B ofloss,weestimateabout67 million barrels of deferred production but they are hoping to bring forward maintenance for that period on the FPSOs …but you can’tnotshutthemdownand make the connections,” he reasoned.

Additionally,theVPsaid that while it was reported that there is a dispute over US$90M, this was inaccurate. He said it was around US$50M but the figure needed to be verified. The third aspect of the project, for the transmission of the electricity will be completedbytheendofthis year

Notransparency

M e a n w h i l e , t h e Opposition during its Thursday press engagement called out the government for the lack of transparency in the management of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project The Opposition’s spokesman on Oil and Gas, Elson Low said, “That this disputeescalatedtothepoint of arbitration, with the government not saying one word to the Guyanese people,illustratesthetypical PPP disdain and arrogance. Wemustnowworryandask: what else is being hidden aboutthisproject?”

Low called for the VP Jagdeototellthenationwhat efforts were being taken to preventthisfurtherfinancial loss and the impact arbitration may have on all existing contracts and arrangements for this project, including the

timeline for the delivery of theproject.

He noted, “In light of these controversies and uncertainties,wemustagain call for the release of all agreements with Exxon for the provision of natural gas. How Guyana will pay for this pipeline is once more unclear, as there are reports that it will come from cost oil, which we have said before is a violation of the constitution. All spending should be approved by parliament, be subject to the PublicAccountsCommittee, bescrutinizedbytheAuditor General’s office and fall under the oversight of the Public Procurement Commission.Wehavestated that any such backhanded attempt to fund national infrastructure bypasses all these institutions and is reckless and dangerous beyondmeasure.”

Saturday Govt.approves6th oilprojectforExxon atUS$12.7B

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has received a green light from the Government of Guyana (GoG) to pursue a sixth oil project in the Stabroek Block, the Whiptail development.

This was officially announcedbytheoilgianton Friday morning in a statementtothepress.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the $12.7 b i l l i o n W h i p t a i l development will target an estimated resource base of more than 850 million barrels of oil and include up to 10 drill centers and 48 production and injection wells The floating production, storage and offloading(FPSO)vesselfor Whiptail, which will be called Jaguar, is already underconstruction.

ExxonMobil also announced its Final Investment Decision (FID) for the project that is expected to produce approximately 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) by the endof2027.

Liam Mallon, President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company said, “Our sixth multi-billion-dollar project in Guyana will bring the country’s production capacity to approximately 1.3millionbarrelsperday.”

He noted that the

indevelopingthe

ExxonMobil’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited Country Manager, Alistair Routledge

Frompage60

Guyanaresourceatindustryleading pace, cost and environmental performance i s b u i l t o n c l o s e collaboration with the government of Guyana, as well as its partners, suppliers,andcontractors.

Mallon further pointed out, “We are committed to helping spread the benefits throughout the country by investing in local Guyanese communities and projects to supportthecountry’sphased a n d s u s t a i n a b l e development.”

Currently,threeFPSOs–theLizaDestiny,LizaUnity and Prosperity – are operating offshore Guyana

andareproducingmorethan 640,000 barrels of oil per day Construction is underway on FPSOs for the Yellowtail and Uaru projects, with Yellowtail anticipated to start productionin2025andUaru targetedin2026.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation, John Hess in a separate statement said, “We are excitedtosanctionWhiptail, oursixthoildevelopmenton the Stabroek Block, and remain on track to have six FPSOs online by the end of 2027 with a total gross production capacity of approximately 1.3 million barrelsofoilperday.”

Furthermore, Hess noted,“Weareproudtowork with the Government of Guyana to realize the remarkable potential of this world class resource for the benefit of all stakeholders. The world will need these vital oil resources to meet future energy demand and help ensure an affordable, just and secure energy transition.”

Therearecurrently6,200 Guyanese working in support of Stabroek block operations—which is 70% of the workforce The cumulative spend of ExxonMobil Guyana and its contractors with Guyanese suppliers since 2015

Missing man now wanted for murder

Wanted for murder,

Aman, who was d a y s a g o reportedmissing by his mother across social media platforms, is now wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of Bartica Gold Miner, Zaheer Mohammed Sherriff and his w o r k e r D o n o v a n Washington.

Police on Saturday issued a wanted bulletin for Romain Henry, 19, whose last known address is Best Road,West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Police also issued a wantedabulletinforanother Fredricks’ brother in connection with the same offence.

He was identified as Kellon Fredricks, 21, an individual who was wanted formultiplerobberies.

On Thursday, two Fredricks brothers,Travis and Fernando, were remandedtoprisonforbeing anaccessoryafterthefactto

murder

OnthemorningofMarch 3 last Bartica Businessman, Zaheer Mohammed Sheriff, 50, and a former national athlete who worked with him, Donovan Washington, 26, were murdered by banditswhilereturningfrom Arimu Backdam, Cuyuni River,RegionSeven. Mohammed owned a land dredge in the backdam. Hehadreportedlystartedhis dayearlywithprayersatthe Masjid in Bartica before leavingwithWashingtonfor Arimu Backdam on anATV (fourwheelbike. Theyhadgoneinthereto wash down (a process of washing separate gold from matsplacedinasluiceboxto trap the precious metal) and bring out production (the gold). According to police reports they left with 102 ounces of raw gold worth some $37M but at around 10:00hrs that day, they were both shot dead and the gold

surpassed $1.5 billion at the endof2023.

Exxon said production from the six Stabroek block developments will generate tens of billions of dollars of revenue and significant economic development for Guyana.

Since first production in 2019,morethan$4.2billion has been paid into the Guyana Natural Resource Fund.

Following Exxon’s announcement, the Ministry ofNaturalResourcessaidthe GoG was pleased to announce the granting of a Petroleum Production Licence to ExxonMobil for its sixth offshore development.

Itsaidbillionsinrevenue will be generated from the Whiptail project that will support significant economic and social upliftment for the country anditscitizens.

This was ventilated by the Alliance For Change (AFC) during a press conference on Friday

afternoon Deonarine Ramsaroop, an AFC MemberofParliament(MP) and member of the Natural Resources Sectoral Committee told members of the press that the organizations have been providingconsecutiveletters of excuses to avoid being grilled at the level of the NationalAssembly

Also absent at Friday’s meeting was the Minister of Natural Resources and Vice C h a i r m a n o f t h a t Committee, Vickram Bharrat. Ramsaroop argued that the Opposition had compiled approximately 15 questions for the Minister relativetothefindingsofthe a u d i t o r s a n d t h e developments in the Gas-toEnergy(GTE)project.

Ramsaroopmadeitclear, “Parliament is not a cakeshop and if the government believes that this is a cakeshop and not havingtherelevantagencies to come to us to the sectoral committee,wearenotgonna take it lightly…we’re gonna execute the Standing Orders where we gonna summon these agencies directly to cometoParliament.”

Chair of the Committee was alsododgingscrutiny

The former Minister reasoned,“Whyisthisthing not happening? Why is it, they got something to hide? You don’t want to be accountable;you don’t want to be scrutinized? What is it thatyouwanttohidebecause these are the Committees that could get all the answers?”

Meanwhile, former Minister of Public Telecommunications,whois alsoamemberoftheNatural Resources Sectoral Committee, Catherine Hughes explained that the Committee through the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, had written the request to Exxon, through the Prime Minister’s office to follow theestablishedprotocols.

Hughes said when the AFC enquired on Friday about the appearance of Exxon; they were informed that Isaacs requested copies ofthecorrespondencesfrom the Office of the Prime Minister that were sent to Exxon.

stolen The dead businessman’s General Manager (GM) Joel Stephen, 39, told police that MohammedandWashington were killed some five minutesafterleavingcamp.

He recalled hearing “several loud explosions which he suspected to be gunshots”,policesaid.

Stephen reportedly followed the directions of thesoundsandafterwalking for 500 meters away from camp he found his boss and Washington dead in the trail withvisiblegunshotwounds totheirbodies.

Notonlydidhediscover that the gold they were carrying was gone but Mohammed’s two licensed guns, a .32 pistol and a 12gauge shotgun, were stolen. Police had reported that investigators learnt that the businessman and his worker were attacked by two masked men on a Red ATV (four-wheelbike).

ExxonMobil affiliate, ExxonMobil Guyana Limitedisoperatorandholds 45%interestintheStabroek block Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30% interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds25%interest.

ExxonMobil,EPAa no-showagainat NaturalResources Parliamentarymeeting …MinisterBharrat joinsabsentees

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday again failed to attend the Natural Resources Parliamentary Sectoral Meeting, providing no reasonsfortheirabsence.

Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan was keen to note that Standing Order 86 of the National Assembly states that the Committees can summon i n d i v i d u a l s a n d organizations to provide evidence and provide answerstoquestions.

“They can call for their papers and they can call for their records and documents andtheyaretogiveevidence in accordance with the Legislative body’s Evidence Act whereby they can be forcedtoanswerquestions,” heexplained.

Ramjattan pointed out that this was similar to the Congressional Committees in the United States of America (USA) where Exxon must answer questions and provide evidenceifrequired.

Hestressedthateventhe Minister who is responsible forthesectorandistheVice

She said, “As a member of the Committee we know that we have been sending letters since November of lastyearsowearegoingover to six months and of course what has been told, is although we request that if youcan’tmaketheproposed date, please recommend a date, the subsequent correspondencejustsayswe areunabletoattend.”

Hugheswaskeentopoint out, “The Evidence Act allows us to take this up a notch. The first step would be the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Isaacs w r i t i n g t h e t w o organizationsnextweekand wehaveaskedthatwehavea response before the next statutorymeetingwhichisin twoweeksandifnotthenwe will certainly go under the Evidence Act and summons the representative to speak withtheCommittee.”

The MP said it was “wholly unacceptable” that Exxon and the EPA were dodging scrutiny since it impacts the tenets of t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

Romain Henry and Kellon Fredricks

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Male cooks, Mechanics/ serviceman and utility operators (excavator, bulldozer, ADT) wanted for mining operation. Call: 697-6015.

FOR RENT

Lot 21 Leonora W.C.D, behind Roxy Cinema. Ask for Roy Ramroop. WhatsApp: 1-917-841-0802/ 1-592-7032436.

2 bedroom apartment at Herstelling. Call: 601-0223.

2 new 2 bedrooms apartments both self-contained. Located Western end of Eccles over pass. Call: 2271813.

Living and Business Quarter for rent at James and Hunter Street. For more information Call: 674 0614.

4 apartments for rental, fully furnished, located at lot 4 Area K, LBI, ECD. Call: 6490609.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Painter needed. Call: 6159132 or 645-8443.

Vacancy exists for a Nurse, $180,000 per month, 5 days per week. Call: 617-5700.

Vacancy for a male Office Assistant, $160,000 per month. Must have a motor cycle. Call: 617-5700.

Vacancy for a Pharmacist Assistant, $35,000 per week. Call: 617-5700.

One Domestic needed. $30,000 weekly, 5 days a week. Call: 617-5700.

Hiring Painter, Joiner & Carpenters, experience would be an asset, Interested persons can Call: 667-0859.

Vacancy for Manager at Dollar Stretch Store, Lot 16 Robb Street G/T. Call: 616-9209.

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

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.

The Culinary Journey of Chef Devan Rajkumar

From page 37 choka with his grandmother to soaking in the rich tapestry of Guyanese and South Asian cuisines, his culinary journey was set ablaze by the fires of tradition and family.

As a result, Chef Devan’s cooking style remains a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of his cultural background and global experiences.

“My mission is to showcase my West and East Indian heritage,” he explains. “It’s where I feel most comfortable.” Embracing the diversity of flavors and techniques, Chef Devan seamlessly blends Caribbean and Desi cuisines, infusing each dish with a dash of innovation and love. From modern twists on traditional favorites to the fusion of global ingredients, his creations resonate with a harmonious symphony of flavors.

At the heart of Chef Devan’s culinary philosophy lies a simple yet profound truth: “The secret ingredient is always love.”

Beyond the mere act of cooking, Chef Devan seeks to impart a deeper message—that food is a conduit for love, nourishment, and connection. Through his cooking, he endeavors to inspire others to embrace the joy of culinary exploration and share their creations

EDUCATION

First AID/CPR/AED & home nursing courses Available at St. John Headquarters. Call: 225-9082.

FOR SALE

New home sea view, four bedroom, three toilet & bath. Call: 675-1510.

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

We repair & install fridge, freezer, washer & dryer, AC units, stove, etc. Whatsapp/ Call Omar: 683-8734/ 654-9711.

with those they hold dear. For Chef Devan, cooking is not just a task but a journey of self-expression and creativity. “I do not cook with recipes,” he reveals. “Everything is touch and feel.” Drawing inspiration from the ingredients at hand and his eclectic culinary repertoire, Chef Devan’s approach to creating new recipes is a testament to his ingenuity and culinary prowess. From experimenting with diverse cooking techniques to infusing unexpected elements into traditional dishes, his culinary creations push the boundaries of convention.

The title of Chef Devan’s latest cookbook, “Mad Love,” encapsulates the essence of his culinary philosophy. Born out of a desire to spread love and kindness in a world

fraught with challenges, “Mad Love” embodies Chef Devan’s ethos of cooking with passion and purpose. “The world needs more love,” he asserts adding “And it’s the secret ingredient to make the food pop.”

As an established media personality, Chef Devan juggles various roles in the culinary world with grace and humility. Balancing the demands of being a chef, cookbook author, and media personality may be daunting, but Chef Devan finds solace in remaining true to himself.

“I just do my best to remain humble and grateful for all that I have,” he shares. Through his authentic approach and genuine passion for food, Chef Devan hopes to inspire others to pursue their culinary dreams

with unwavering dedication.

With “Mad Love” poised to captivate kitchens worldwide, Chef Devan Rajkumar embarks on a new chapter of his culinary journey. From hosting book signings to sharing his culinary expertise across borders, his mission to spread “Mad Love” knows no bounds. As he prepares to celebrate his 40th birthday, Chef Devan remains steadfast in his commitment to spreading love, one dish at a time.

His culinary journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of food. With “Mad Love” as his guiding light, he invites us all to join him on a journey of culinary exploration, inspiration, and, above all, love.

TIPS FOR EVERYDAY CARE

From page 57

ensure that the relaxer is applied safely. Touch-ups should only be done every two to three months and only to newly grown hair. Never apply relaxer to hair that has already been relaxed.

Use ceramic combs or irons to press hair. If you would like to press or thermally straighten your hair, use a ceramic comb or iron and only do so once a week. Use a straightening device with a dial to ensure the device is not too hot.

Use the lowest possible temperature

From page 55

sure that that service is offered right here,” he expressed.

Dr. Anthony said that the ministry’s co mprehensive strategy which was launched on Friday and looks at ramping up Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, testing, screening, and bringing awareness across the country will address from prevention and treatment.

setting that gives you the style you want. A higher temperature may be necessary for thicker, coarser hair.

Make sure braids, cornrows or weaves are not too tight. If it hurts while your hair is being styled, ask the stylist to stop and redo it. Pain equals damage.

See a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any changes in the texture or appearance of your hair. Even the slightest bit of noticeable thinning can be the start of hair loss. The earlier hair loss is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be treated.

Govt. in talks with Mount Sinai to develop... reported that the plan was designed to ensure that more Guyanese women survive cervical cancer and can continue to live productive lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

Kaieteur News had

Director of the NonCommunicable Diseases Unit and Mental Health Programme at the Ministry, Dr. Lachmie Lall who provided an overview of the new strategy said, “This strategic plan is well rounded

and ambitious with a multifaceted approach that has the potential to significantly reduce and eliminate the burden of this disease and to improve the outcomes for Guyanese women.

Our overarching goal is simple, by the year 2030 we aim to significantly reduce the mortality, morbidity, and disability cause by cervical cancer among Guyanese women.”

DDL on track to triple production with...

From page 20 payout to $1.75 per share.

Meanwhile, DDL’s Chairman speaking on the company’s expansion plans said $10B will be utilized over a three-year period – 20222025, the single largest investment being pursued by the company.

“When completed, the capacity of this operation will almost be tripled provided a wider range of products for both domestic and export markets,” Samaroo said.

To this end, he reported that over the past year the company has continued works on its Beverage Plant Expansion. As it relates to the distiller service equipment replacement, Samaroo reports that this aspect of the company’s expansion plans is in its final stages. This is in addition to works on the group’s World Trade Centre, the Moblissa Dairy Project, in addition to the upgrading of its port facilities and a new warehouse.

The company’s $430M expansion of the storage bond for the liquor bottling plant in addition to another $225M expended on drainage enhancement have been completed so far. According to the Chairman, to facilitate the continued expansion plans, the group last year secured a US$22M Inter-American Development Bank loan. Thus far, US$15M or $3.1B had been utilized.

Looking ahead, the Chairman noted the 57.9 percent increase approved in the 2024 National Budget for Public Sector Investment programme. He disclosed that DDL intends to continue its international marketing drive to expand the distribution of its rum brands in unserved markets around the world.

The group’s financials were audited and signed off on, by TSD Lal and Company Chartered Accountants.

Except for the Expansion of the Beverage plant, each of those projects are expected to be fully operational by the end of this year, the Chairman said in his report.

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

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

SUNDAY–APRIL07,2024

Manifestofraud

“For some weeks I have been labouring under the feelings of regret I am experiencing by agreeing to be a PPP/C candidate in 2020!

I read their manifesto, andIheardtheirpromisesto renegotiate the ridiculous PSAoilcontract.

I am now forced to tell thepublicthatIapologizefor unknowingly being part of that fraud.” - Tony Vieira PPP/C2020candidate

MONDAY–APRIL08,2024

Jagdeobored

Vice President Bharrat who holds the most boring press conference in the world last week complained thatheisboredbyquestions fromthisnewspaper

The truth of the matter, he never answers the questions straight. Always dodgingandevading.

Withoutfail,everysingle week he speaks on the same themes: Norton, Rickford Burke, Glenn Lall, APNU, Amanza Walton, Vanda Radzik,VincentAdams.You can actually predict his script.

He does not announce policy positions, he does address nothing on the oil and gas sector, noting on security and cost of living unless he is asked by a reporterandhehasthenerve to complain about being bored.

The consensus in the media is that the presser is a wasteoftime.

No one looks forward to Thursday

In fact, Thursday is the onedaymostreporterswant theirdayoff.

Webelievethatreporters are actually doing him a favour by still attending his press‘cussfrence.’

Many times if KN does not ask a question, no one elsedoes.

E v e n t h e p r ogovernment media houses are inactive at the press conference. The most vocal isthe‘GuyaneseCritic’.

TUESDAY–APRIL09,2024

HowandwhyExxon isabletobendJagdeo?

AnthonyVieira,aPPP/C 2020candidatepubliclysaid he regretted agreeing to be on that party’s list of candidates for the last elections.

Among other things, he based his position on the government’s refusal to renegotiate the lopsided ExxonMobilcontract.

This promise was made by both Vice President Bharrat while being Opposition Leader and candidate, Irfaan Ali, now President.

They both on assuming office have changed their tunes As Opposition Leader, Jagdeo cursed the sameoilcontractthathenow cherishes.

Jagdeowasthepolitician whosangharsh,bittersongs about the ExxonMobil contractthathasnoplace,no standing, among civilized people.

Today,thatsameBharrat Jagdeosingsdifferentsongs, histuneshaveasicklysound aboutthem.

How and why is ExxonMobil able to bend him six ways to Sunday where this contract is concerned?

WEDNESDAY–APRIL10,2024

StandupforGuyana

StandupforGuyana,for the PPP/C Government (Jagdeo) is falling down on the job of doing right by Guyanese.

Stop taking things for

granted, stop turning a blind eye, or else both the PPP/C

Government and the APNU+AFC Opposition will allow ExxonMobil to trampleuponGuyanese.

ToallGuyanese,weowe it to our enslaved forebearers, to our martyred indentured, to stand up for ourbirthrightandourrights, and if it means a showdown with the exploitative foreigners,thensobeit.

Ahundredandtwentyoil blocksaremorethanaparcel of precious oil real estate; they are a whole oil country bythemselves.

THURSDAY–APRIL11,2024

GetseriousMr.President

“IfPresidentIrfaanAliis seriously serious, and not about the nonsense that he preens so effortlessly nowadays, then a ‘no nonsense’ approach to contract management must start at the tender boards, bothnationalandregional. Who gets, why they get, howtheycouldget,andwhy othersarenotgetting.

G o a h e a d , D r Excellency, make the day of honest, conscientious Guyanese. Give me some materialstoworkwith,andI gat yuh bak. But not these leadership pieties that is the regular trump up, cook-up, andstickup.”GHKLall

FRIDAY–APRIL12,2024

Parkingmeters vsoilmeters

Backin2017theplanby the Georgetown City Council and an overseas investor to install parking meters in the city created an uproar due to the pricing being wrong. Guyanese had no time about much-needed order restored in the busy city,whichwasandis,afreefor-all.

Yet today, when a great shout and a big push should be made for meters at the ExxonMobil production sites,thereislittleinterestin Guyaneseaboutwhatmeans so much more. It is a clear cut instance of a penny wise and a pound foolish. Many

millions of such pounds, considering what could be draining away right under theeyesoflocals.

SATURDAY–APRIL13,2024

6thoilproject getsapproved

More oil projects equal more profits for Exxon and less for the people of Guyana Who would willinglyallow85andahalf of every 100 barrels to be given away while you settle for14.5?

More oil projects mean greater revenue at the disposaloftheoilcompanies to feast on while Government settles for the bones to feed its starving population.

Guyana to host second Local Content Summit

The MBW Energy Support Services Inc. (MBWESSI) and Prestige Management Consultant (PMC), in partnership with the Local Content Secretariat through the Ministry of Natural Resources are to host their second Local Content SummitonApril16,2024,at Pegasus Suites, Kingston, Georgetown.

Themed “Creating Value, Driving Economic Expansion” the summit is an event geared towards knowledge sharing for local businesses in Guyana to understand the benefits of becoming Local Content certified and how to identify and capitalize on available andupcomingopportunities.

MBWESSI and PMC in a statement to the media said that the event will focus on ensuring that the Summit agenda is local content centered, with a mixture of both panel discussions and featuredpresentations.

TheaimoftheSummitis to discuss; the current Local Content Policy and

Further, as the unit legislatively empowered to monitor, implement, and enforce local content in Guyanese have within that itspromotionnotonlydrives economic growth but also contributes significantly to sustainable expansion for local suppliers and the upskillingofGuyanesetalent”.

The organizers of the summit said they are honouredtohaveleadersand business owners confirmed to speak, noting that it is so important to have speakers who understand the need, who relate to the sector(s) and who are directly involvedintheroadahead.

Consultants.

Additional speakers include Phillip Rietema; ExxonMobil, Cassandra Jaikarran; Ocean Air Logistics, Sharlene Seegolam; SLB, Martin Cheong; SBM Offshore, Renatha Khan-Bovell; Nobel Corporation, Dr. Natasha Gaskin-Peters; CLBD, Donna Rickford; Supreme Laundromat, Khrishan Singh; GAICO, Kester Hutson; GCCI and more.

Notably, the 2024 summit is a joint endeavour spearheaded by two locally o w n e d , w o m e n - l e d companies: MBWESSI and PMC.

Together, they have meticulously curated a one

Certification process; Local Content for the Oil and Gas Sector as a driver for Economic Expansion; Role of Local Content in the Supply and Value Chain; Joint Venture – Local and International and Bridging theCapacityGap.

day session packed with valuable insights and networking opportunities.

The summit aims to bringtogetherpolicymakers, regulatory and support agencies and organizations, educators, operators and sub- contractors, industry experts, vendors/ suppliers, investors, and the local private sector among other stakeholders.

Soldier dies after falling ill during training session

AGuyana Defence Force (GDF) rank, identified as Corporal Leroy Thom of Second Infantry Batallion, reportedly died on Friday night after falling ill during a training session earlier that day The Corporal hails from Blueberry Hill, Linden and according to a statement sent out by the GDF, he was a student of the Section Commander Course at the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama, Upper BerbiceRiver

“The rank complained of feeling unwell during a routine training event, and was taken to the Medical Centrewherehewasattended to by a registered nurse and medics”,GDFsaid.

After his condition worsened, a request was made for a medevac and a team of medical specialists from the Georgetown Public H

ital Corporation (GPHC)wasairdashedtothe training school on board the Bell412helicopter

The Government of Guyana (GoG), through the Local Content Secretariat of the Ministry of Natural Resources has fully endorsed this event and noted that “the Ministry via its Local Content Secretariat recognizes the vital importance of a conducive environment for local p a r t i c i p a t i o n a n d development within Guyana's petroleum sector

The Summit's opening plenary will include President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali as the Keynote Speaker, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat astheFeatured speaker, Mr Martin Pertab, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Local Content Secretariat and Minister Deodat Indar as well as Mrs Abbigale LonckeWatson, CEO of MBW Energy Support Services Inc and Anita Ramprasad of Prestige Management

Many forward-looking companies have invested in supporting this important forumassponsors,including Sispro Inc ExxonMobil, International SOS, Nobel, GBoat, Action Invest Caribbean (Who's Who Magazine), MCCG Guyana, Tropic Construction Solutions, GAICO and Vistar Engineering and ContractingServicesandthe organizers extend their sincere thanks for the support, while assuring that there are more opportunities available for additional sponsors.

To learn more, visit localcontentsummitguyana .com or call +592.602.5996.

Dead, Corporal Leroy Thom

GDF stated that upon arrival, the team's efforts to resuscitate Thom were futile and the soldier was pronounceddead. His body was thereafter transportedtoGeorgetown.

The Force has since notifiedthesoldier'sfamilyof theincident.

“The Chief of Defence

Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, Officers and Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force extend their deepest condolencestothedeceased's family, friends, and colleagues”, GDF said while addingthataBoardofInquiry will be convened to investigate the circumstances surroundinghisdeath.

Sheriff Construction Transitions from Private to Public Projects

Sh e r i f f

Construction, a subsidiary of the S h e r i f f G r o u p o f Companies, on Friday announced that it has successfully transitioned from private to public projects. In a press release, the company said it recently completed a Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) revetment project, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and quality in the industry

“With a proven track record of excellence in private ventures, including the ongoing construction of the BerbiceMall at Palmyra, the recently completed Sheriff Office Complex in Da Silva Street, the Sheriff Hospital in West Demerara, as well as luxury homes and

condominiums, Sheriff Construction is seeking to establish itself as a trusted name in the construction sector,” the company said in itsstatement.

Commenting on the company's transition, Ameir Ahmad, Managing Director of Sheriff Guyana, r e m a r k e d , " We a r e immensely proud of our team's accomplishments on the plethora of private p r o j e c t s w e h a v e undertaken As Guyana embarks on a decade of significant infrastructural transformation, reflected in the national budgets, Sheriff Construction is strategically positioning itself to seize the emerging opportunities and contribute to the overall developmentofthecountry."

Hayma Singh, Head of

Projects at Sheriff Construction, added, "Our success is attributed to the dedication and expertise of our team, who consistently deliver projects of the highest standards. We work with a core of experts, leveraging their skills and experience to ensure the successful execution of each endeavour."

SheriffConstructionsaid it remains committed to delivering innovative solutions and contributing to Guyana's growth and development.

“As the company expands its portfolio to include public projects, it continues to uphold its reputation for excellence and reliability in the construction industry,” the releaseconcluded.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prestige Management Consultants, Anita Ramprasad

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MBW Energy Support Services Inc. (MBWESSI)

Revetment works completed at the Albion Sugar Estate

Iran launches dozens of drones at Israel

- US and Israel confirm that an aerial attack on Israeli territory is under way as Jordan and Iraq close their airspace.

Aljazeera - Iran has launched dozens of SaturdaythatIsraelwaspreparedfora“direct drones and missiles at Israel, according to attackfromIran”. Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant said (IRGC). Israel was “closely monitoring a planned

The IRGC said on Saturday that it has attack” against it by Iran and its allies in the released the drones and missiles under the region. operation “True Promise”, adding that the The United States said Iran has begun an move is part of the punishment for “Israeli airborne attack against Israel, which is likely crimes”. tounfoldoverseveralhours.

Syria put on high alert its Russian-made US National Security Council Pantsirground-to-airdefencesystemsaround spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a the capital Damascus and major bases in the statement that President Joe Biden is event of an Israeli strike, army sources told regularly updated by his national security theReutersnewsagency team and is in constant communication with

Meanwhile, Iraq, Jordan and Israel Israeliofficials,USpartnersandallies. announcedthattheyclosedtheirairspace. ‘Acountrywaiting’

The development comes nearly two Earlier on Saturday, Iranian armed forces weeks after an Israeli attack on the Iranian seized a container ship linked to Israel near consulate in Syria killed seven IRGC theStraitofHormuz. members.

“Weknowthatplanesarepatrollinginthe “Iran launched UAVs [unmanned aerial skies above [Israel], we know that Benjamin vehicles] from its territory towards the Netanyahu is meeting with his war cabinets, territoryofthestateofIsrael,”Israel’sarmy’s his security cabinets this evening,” said Al spokesman, Daniel Hagari, said late on Jazeera’s Rory Challands, reporting from Saturday. occupiedEastJerusalem.

“We are on high alert and readiness,” he “We understand that they are considering added in a televised address, saying the shutting down the Ben Gurion International drones would take several hours before Airport in TelAviv for the whole country So reachingIsrael’sairspace. thisisacountry…waitingforthosedronesto Israel has been on heightened alert since arrive.” its strike on Damascus on April 1, even Challands said that although Haggari did though it did not comment on the attack. Iran not confirm how long it would take, “it will pledged revenge and a retaliatory attack had havetogothroughseveralcountries’airspace beenexpected. They could take about nine hours to President Benjamin Netanyahu said on arrive”.

US imposes entry ban on ex-Surinamese

president, former military officials

(Reuters) - The United States on Friday announced an entry ban on former Surinamese President Desi Bouterse and six former military officials, citing alleged involvement in the extrajudicial killings of political opponents in the 1980s. “These individuals andfourfamilymembersare generally ineligible for entry into the United States,” the U.S. State Department said inastatement,whichsaidthe officials had been involved in the so-called “December Murders”.

Bouterse, 78, dominated journalists, union leaders, law, including its effort to politics in the tiny South soldiers and university m a i n t a i n j u d i c i a l American country for professors. independence and combat decades, leading a coup in Bouterse was sentenced officialimpunity,”itsaid. 1980 and finally leaving to 20 years in prison but did Besides Bouterse, the officein2020. not report to prison in former military officials

Fiveyearsago,heandsix January this year, triggering b a n n e d a r e : B e n n y others were convicted for aninternationalmanhunt.He Brondenstein, Stephanus their role in the 1982 hasyettoreappear Marinus Dendoe, Iwan murders of 15 leading “The United States Dijksteel, Ernst Gefferie, government critics, commends Suriname for its KennethKempesandLucien i n c l u d i n g l a w y e r s , commitment to the rule of Lewis.

Jagdeo making lame excuses to avoid release of Gas-to-Energy contracts - Opposition

Vice President, when the media and the youknow,”hestated. (VP) Bharrat Opposition have been The Vice President

Jagdeo is being demanding these since last nevertheless suggests that called out for making year,” the OLO’s missive there is enough information excuses to avoid the release continued. on the project in the public of the Gas-To-Energy Describingthebehaviour domain. contracts. as ‘juvenile’, the Opposition He said “…We told you

In a press statement noted that in keeping the the price of $759 million;we issued on Saturday, the documentsassecrets,Jagdeo told you the timeline for Office of Leader of the takes pleasure in criticizing implementation, you know Opposition (OLO) said the others for not being properly how many turbines and Guyanese people should informed about the matters what’s the size of the noteJagdeo’sresponsetothe covered in the very turbines, almost every question of when the reports documents. componentoftheagreement, willbemadepublic. “This is a typical ploy of and you what the liquidating

Alluding to the fact that persons who like to pretend damagesare…”

Jagdeo declared bluntly: “I to be the brightest person in The VP then proceeded don’t know,” in response to the room. They deliberately to criticize the Opposition the question, the OLO withhold information from for failing to read the statement pointed out that others so that they can agreements once they are the VP has offered several ridiculeandbelittlethem. tabledintheHouse. lame excuses as to why he It is time that Mr Jagdeo Jagdeo lamented, “Do still refuses to release the stops this juvenile behavior you know how many documents despite long- Ouroilindustryistoopivotal agreements we tabled standing demands from the to Guyana’s present and routinely? And nothing mediaandtheOpposition. futureprosperityforoneman comes out of them. It‘s the

“We and others have to be playing games with same gaffe the opposition repeatedly commented on vital information that should has because when you don’t this unacceptable situation be available to all Guyanese, have anything to say You as PPP’s disregard for including the media, civil just say oh we don’t have t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d s o c i e t y , a n d t h e enoughinformation.Thisisa accountability and its parliamentary Opposition,” lazy set of people lazy!!! disrespect for the people of theOLOstated. They didn’t have enough Guyana,”theOLOstatement The Opposition once information on ring-fencing; added.

again called for the they don’t have enough

Additionally, the OLO document to be tabled in the informationoncontractsthat noted that Jagdeo displays NationalAssembly theysign.”

two particularly irksome In response to a question He suggested that the attitudes as he continues to posed by Kaieteur News as exercise is a total waste of hideandhoardinformation. to when the Gas-to-Energy time since the Opposition

“One, his attitude is to contracts will be laid in the willnotreadthedocuments. take credit for the release of National Assembly, VP “You recall Ramotar sporadic bits of information Jagdeo said he could not tabling all the agreements when, in fact, it is the answerthequestion. relating to Amaila. A big set relentless pressure from the “Maybe; maybe soon, I of documents showing the media and the Opposition don’t know; I don’t know environmental, feasibility, that forced him to do so. He, that is a matter for Gail a n d d e s i g n s t u d i e s for example, praised himself Teixeira and the others to … everything and what came for the release last week of but we’ve tabled a lot of out of it. They didn’t read a the two audit reports on the things,it’salmosteverything single bit of it,” the Vice operations of Exxon Guyana thatyouseeintheagreement Presidentsaid.

Former Suriname President Desi Bouterse speaks during a news conference in Paramaribo

An Iranian drone, September 2022 [Iranian Army office via AFP]

GCB/ECB unearth talent with the establishment...

From page 71 achievethedesiredoutcome. response from the youths. “I re-ignite the passion for the the game, discipline and Mr Dass also said the have seen more and more game among many “The cricket awareness. Academy coaches are elated since the youths getting involved in youths here have always Coordinator Mr Kumar establishment of these the game. They are very beeninterestedincricket,but Dass said due to the county academies - The county won willing to learn and have with the academy now up geographical location, the GCB Inter County Under shown the type of discipline and running, I have seen an hosting cricket in Essequibo -13 Championship and they needed,“headded. increase in the number of is very costly so acquiring areinproducingalotofMale Andrews lauded the youthsattending,”hesaid. sponsors is a tedious task. and female national players. GCB and ECB for the Osborne pointed out that Hence, the academy is a step He also lauded ECB initiative and said this is a the county is not short of in the right direction to give President Mr Deleep Singh positive step. “The academy talent, and the academy will all youths an early w h o m h e s a i d w a s here will not only instill help to hone the skills of the opportunity to develop instrumental in making this discipline but will teach the youngcricketers. themselves. He also lauded academyasuccess. youths the basic skills of the Coach Forbes Daniels the coaches and urged them Head coach Nandkishore game”,henoted. with decades of coaching to work feverishly so as to Andrews of Wakenaam said Coach Wayne Osborne experience also indicated make it successful and to that he is pleased with the stated that the academy has that the youths are talented and with this venture, the coaches now have a bigger pool of players to work with. This increases competition among them, which will aid p o s i t i v e l y i n t h e i r development,”helamented.

Sunday April 14, 2024

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

Some images deriving from dreams or visions might provideinspirationforideasto redecorate your house, Aries. You might spend some time perusingbooksinordertofind waystoputyourideastowork foryou.

TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)

Plans for social events to take place in your neighborhood might have you spending a lot of time on the phone today, Taurus Or you might be running around in the car takingcareofvariouserrands.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

New information regarding opportunities for career, business, and personal expansion might shake up your value system today This is a positive development, although it may be a bit disconcertingforyounow

CANCER(June21–July22)

New ideas that you have been studying over the past few days might have turned your mindinadifferentdirection.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Yourlogicalmindmighttryto make rational sense of the strange metaphysical ideas that are popping in and out of yourheadtoday,Leo.Someof them might be conclusions drawn from books you've beenreading.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

A growing sense of intimacy with a close friend or love partner is likely to stem from mutual interests. The two of you might even discuss taking alongtriptogether,perhapsto a distant state or foreign country.

Omar Sam sensational for...

From page 70

Alleyne,BrianBrower,GerryBurnett,andEzekielDavidall got on the scoresheet, with David scoring twice to seal the victory

In a tightly contested match, East Ruimveldt emerged victorious over their rivals, South Ruimveldt, in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw East Ruimveldt secured their spot inthefinaleightwitha3-0winonpenalties.

The tournament action continues today at the same venue, with more round of 16 matches kicking off at 1:00 p.m.

This tournament is proudly sponsored by Massy Distribution under the Nestle ‘Milo’ Brand, and supported by MVP Sports, Yellow Steel Inc., the Ministry of Education, Blue Water Shipping, and the Guyana Football Federation.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Apowerful romantic attraction mightleadtocreativeorartistic inspiration You should be feeling especially passionate today,Libra,andyourpassions are likely to spill over not only into your relationships but into yourworkaswell.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

A project initiated by a group with which you're affiliated could keep you very busy today,Scorpio.Youmighthave to spend a lot of time on the phone or running around in the car to libraries and bookstores obtaininginformation.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

New ideas and concepts regarding the way you make your living might come your way today, Sagittarius, which could cause a bit of a shakeup inyourvaluesystem.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Group activities and social events excite your passions today, Capricorn. You'll meet lots of new people, take on some interesting new projects, and,ifyouhaven'talready,you mightevenfallinlove.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Someprojectsrequiringalotof thought, which you may have been working on for a long time, could well be completed today Youreffortsaredefinitely goingtobeappreciatedbythose whomatter

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Inspiration stemming from other places and other cultures might direct your passions to a new creative project of some kind, Pisces. Your mind is quickandresourceful,soyou'll probablyhaveabusyday

One academy player, 13 year old off -spinner and right handed batsman Jathaniel Nurse said is an inspiration for all the young players,whileanotheryoung cricketer Mikel Retemiah added that they are now better equipped to play the gameatthejuniorlevel.

11 year old leg spinner Feyyad Baksh informed that he is happy for this initiative adding that the acadmey is very helpful and that he has learned a lot since its formation.

Among that the students areGolcharranChulai,Justin Dowlin, Dennis Crossman, Bomesh Lall, Ethan Silas, Ravid Fredericks, Darwin Joseph,AndreFraser,Harold Demattos, Mikel Retimiah, Loraine Williams and FeyyadBaksh.

The grassroots level of the sport is very important, and the GCB through the academy system is working to spread the game further andenhanceitsgrowth.

Rosignol Secondary Aims To Capture Top CSEC Golf Honors for Third Year

The PE students of Rosignol Secondary eyed golf honours during the 2024 CSEC.

The Nexgen Golf elective.

thousands of balls and clubs so that Ministry of Education who have great deal for his efforts and Academy on Woolford In 2022, Rosignol had 38 morethan22,000learnersaregiven allowed us to elevate the sport in dedication.”

Avenue came alive on students growing to 53 in 2023 and access to the sport on a weekly Guyana In just three years, Teams of 4 competed for Friday with dozens of students 51in2024andtodatehasachieved basis. together we were able to trophies, prizes and bragging rights from Rosignol Secondary, a100%passratewith93%atGrade It is projected that more than accomplish milestones that other as Cyril Potter College of Mahaicony Secondary and Berbice I. This year’s class was led by Sirs 300 students will choose golf as countries have struggled to Education hosted its first national Educational Institute coming to Kevon Jawahir and Arudranaught their PE elective at CSEC this year, achieve.” Drive, Chip and Putt Tournament take the practical golf examination Jaikarran. Mahaicony Secondary an increase by over 200% from CPCE Sports Coordinator Mr yesterdayApril 13 when 84 players forPEelective. wasledbySirAkeemWilson. 2022. Stanley Alkey commented, “The competedintheGuyanaBeverages

This is the third year that The Guyana Golf Association President of the GGA Aleem hard work that Mr Hussain and his Inc/NexgenGolfAcademyeventat Rosignol Secondary has led the and Nexgen Golf Academy has Hussain said, “We are proud to be team has put in to bring Golf to thecampusgroundinTurkeyen. nation in number of students, with pioneered golf in the Guyana associated with these amazing every Guyanese student is The tournament was open to all 100%electingtotakegolfasthePE Secondary Schools, donating students, teachers, HM’s and the immeasurable and we owe him a categoriesofplayers.

Wilson returned as President of GAPLF;

Audited finances presented

Franklin Wilson was Abdool. members through the presentation Federation (IPF) and South the Federation to another level, returned as President of The new faces on the executive of the document which was not American Powerlifting Federation which commenced in 2023, will

the Guyana Amateur are Vice President Oudit Seenarain done for many years in the (FESUPO). Wilson thanked the continuein2024andbeyond. Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) and Committee Members, Asha Federation All the members Secretary, and Treasurer and the Gratitude was also extended to when that entity held its Annual SookooandKianaBenjamin. present welcomed this necessary Executive Committee for their all the sponsors of the GAPLF General Meeting yesterday at the Apart from the respective move by the Federation which was contributions which has resulted in during 2023 which collectively NationalRacquetCentre,Woolford reports from the President and a promise made by Wilson when ahugeyearforthesportinGuyana. added up towards the Federation’s AvenueandCampStreet. Secretary highlighting the progress the new body was elected one year Apart from hosting all the success. There were three (3) new of the Federation during the first ago. statutory competitions in 2023, the Those recognised were the additions to the 8-member year of the new executive, which The document in its entirety GAPLF was also represented at Ministry of Culture, Youth and executive committee which will was elected in March of 2023, the would be uploaded to the GAPLF four international competitions, S p o r t , N a t i o n a l S p o r t s serve the sport for the next 12- highlight of yesterday’s AGM, Facebook page apart from being i n c l u d i n g t h r e e Wo r l d Commission, Fitness Express, Emonths. Returning to serve apart which took place at the Racquet presented to the Ministry of Championships and the South MasterCorporation,OPM,Guyana from Wilson were Roger Rogers Centre, Woolford Avenue and Culture, Youth and Sport, National AmericanChampionships. Olympic Association, John (Secretary), Maxwell Denny Camp Streets, the presentation of Sports Commission, and the For reposing confidence in Fernandes Limited, the National (Treasurer), Denroy Livan theAuditedFinancialStatementsat GuyanaOlympicAssociation. Wilson and his executive, by Milling Company of Guyana, The (Organising Secretary/PRO) and themeeting. It will also be sent to the electing them for another year, Trophy Stall, and 592Tees, and Committee Member, Farouk Treasurer, Maxwell, guided the International Powerlifting Wilson said that the work of lifting Sunny&SweetieRotiShop.

GAPLF President Franklin Wilson (4th right), with his new executive committee; from right: Maxwell Denny, Denroy Livan, Asha Sookoo, Kiana Benjamin, Oudit Seenarain, Roger Rogers and Farouk Abdool.

NBAroundup: Nuggets’loss results in 3-way tie atop West

Reuters - Little-used reserveDevonte’Grahamhit the deciding jumper with 0.9 seconds left to cap a torrid comeback as the host San Antonio Spurs stunned the Denver Nuggets 121-120 on Friday

The loss, which came in the next-to-last game of the regular season for both teams, dropped the Nuggets into a three-way tie for first place in the Western Conference with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder

Victor Wembanyama finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds and five assists for theSpurs.

He put up 17 points in less than three minutes during the third quarter, a span in which he had four 3pointers and a three-point play.

Boston

Jamal Murray led scored 14 in the first quarter Conference.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Timmy Allen (0) handles the ball as San Antonio Spurs

II-USA TODAY Sports)

Cavaliers 129, Pacers 120 New Orleans barrage of 3- 10th and final play-in spot. Denverwith35points,while alone as the Thunder put up Naz Reid added 19 Donovan Mitchell pointers by sinking his Stephen Curry shot 7-for-13 Nikola Jokic added 22 41intheperiod. points off the bench for scored a team-high 33 eighth of the game with 1:02 fromlongrangeaspartofhis points, 12 assists and seven The Bucks, who got 18 Minnesota, which has one points, helping Cleveland remaining in San Francisco, game-high, 33-point night. rebounds. points apiece from Brook game to go in the regular defeat visiting Indiana and stalling a Golden State rally Klay Thompson chipped in The Nuggets had a final Lopez and Khris Middleton, season, as do the co-leaders clinchaplayoffberth. and propelling the Pelicans with 19 points, Andrew chance after Graham’s go- fell into a tie with the New Denver Nuggets and Jarrett Allen added 29 into a triumph in a matchup Wiggins 18 and Trayce ahead basket, but they could York Knicks for the No. 2 Oklahoma City Thunder points and 13 rebounds for filled with playoff-position Jackson-Davis 10 to go with not inbound the ball within spot in the Eastern Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Cleveland. Darius Garland ramifications. 11 rebounds Draymond five seconds and turned it Conference Milwaukee Towns scored 11 points and and Caris LeVert chipped in A second win in two Green recorded a 12over holdsthetiebreaker dished eight assists in his 16 apiece, while Evan n ig h ts in N o r th er n rebound, 11-assist doubleThunder 125, Bucks 107 Timberwolves 109, firstgamesinceMarch4due Mobleyscored12. California improved the double on a night when he S h a i G i l g e o u s - Hawks 106 to a torn meniscus in his left Tyrese Haliburton and chances of the Pelicans wentscoreless. Alexander scored 23 points Rudy Gobert scored 25 knee. Pascal Siakam led eight finishing in the coveted Inotherresults: and Chet Holmgren added points and grabbed 19 Trae Young scored 19 players in double figures for sixth spot in the Western Celtics131,Hornets98 22 to lead Oklahoma City rebounds as Minnesota held points and distributed seven Indiana with 19 points Conference and clinching a Heat125,Raptors103 past visiting Milwaukee for off Atlanta in Minneapolis assists to lead Atlanta. Clint apiece.Haliburtonalsohada playoffspot Lakers 123, Grizzlies itsfourthconsecutivewin. and pulled into a three-way Capela recorded 13 points game-high 12 assists for the McCollum paced the 120

Scotland proposes scaled-down 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

SportsMax-Glasgowcouldstepinwith explore our concept with the CGF and key a scaled-back offering should no other host partners in greater detail, with the aim of be found for the 2026 Commonwealth delivering a world class-sporting event in Games Last week, Singapore joined Scotland using a model that could be Malaysia in ruling out a bid, after the replicated across the Commonwealth for AustralianstateofVictoriawithdrewashost futureeditions,”CGSsaid. inJulybecauseofrisingcosts. “A feasibility study was commissioned Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) in December 2023 to assess Scotland’s say their proposal would involve “no viability as a cost-effective alternative host, significantaskofpublicfunds”. following the CGF’s decision to make

Gilgeous-Alexander tie atop the Western and11rebounds. Pacers, who had their three- Pelicans with 28 points, 24 Bulls129,Wizards127 game winning streak coming on 8-for-13 Knicks111,Nets107 snapped. shooting from 3-point 76ers125,Magic113 Indiana is among three range New Orleans made Jazz110,Clippers109 teams tied for fifth in the 20 threes as a team, Pistons 107, Mavericks East. outscoring the Warriors 60- 89 Pelicans 114, 39frombeyondthearc Rockets 116, Trail Warriors 109 TheWarriorstookagiant Blazers107 CJ McCollum capped a step backward toward the Suns108,Kings107

Itwouldincludeacoreprogrammeof10 available £100m to host nations for a 2026 to 13 sports - down from 20 at Birmingham Games as part of the Victoria settlement 2022. The last resort plan would “utilise agreement. existing venues and accommodation “We are satisfied that the concept options”inGlasgow,wheretheGameswere developed could see a refreshed format for heldin2014. the Games, that would see it be delivered on

This week the Commonwealth Games time and on budget, providing significant Federation (CGF) said it was “considering benefit to the Scottish economy and a multiple proposals” amid continued potential blueprint for a sustainable Games uncertainty over the event’s long-term modelofthefuture,”itadded. future. CGS also pointed out that additional

“Our priority is to ensure a Games takes funding for the estimated £130-150m place in 2026 and we are encouraged by the budget would come from commercial news that the CGF are in advanced income, including ticketing, sponsorship discussions with other nations. However, if andbroadcasting. an alternative solution cannot be secured A final decision from the CGF is within the coming weeks, we are ready to expectedbytheendofMay.

Lyston runs windy 22.46 in 200m season opener at Tom Jones Memorial in Gainesville

SportsMax - Jamaican Ole Miss’s McKenzie In the men’s javelin, Louisiana State University Long and South Carolina’s B a h a m i a n A u b u r n (LSU) sophomore Briana JaMeesia Ford finished first sophomore Keyshawn Lyston produced 22.46 for and second overall with Strachan threw a season’s third overall in the women’s times of 22.18 and 22.41, best 76.25m for third behind 200m invite on Friday’s first respectively, which they Georgia’s Marc Minichello day of the 2024 Tom Jones bothdidinthefirstheataided (81 03m) and Baylor’s Memorial at the Percy Beard bya4.1m/swind. Chinecherem Prosper Track in Gainesville, The women’s college Nnamdi(78.90m). Florida. 200m saw Mississippi State Jamaican Florida State Lyston, who became the seniorRosealeeCooperruna sophomore Jordan Turner SEC and NCAAIndoor 60m personal best 23.60 to take jumped7.87mforthirdinthe championearlierthisseason, the win ahead of Baylor’s men’s long jump invite won the third heat on Friday KaylaHunt(23.76)andOhio behind Marquis Dendy but her time was aided by a State’s Columba Effiong (8 05m) and Cameron 3.1m/strailingwind. (23.82). Crump(7.91m).

guard Devonte’ Graham (4) defends during the first half at FedExForum. (Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)

Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) drives the ball against Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (23) in the first quarter at TD Garden. (David Butler

Part of the action on day one of the Future Warriors Tapeball tournament in Essequibo at the Imam Bacchus Ground.

Mainstay, Huis’t Dieren and 8th of May Primary into finals of Future Warriors Tapeball

and Aaron DeCoast (19*). Aurora Primary posted 77-5, with Nathan McPherson scoringatopscoreof16.

The biggest total of the day came from 8th of May as they piled on 105 without loss, led by superb batting from Benjimyah Fordyce (37 – 4x4s;3x6s) and Orandi Sealey (34- 4x4s; 1x6)

THowever, Hampton Court gave a valiant chase in reaching 93-5 as Prem Harrypersaud blasted four hreeremaininthe their spot in the finals after sixesinatop-scoreof30and Essequibo leg of they posted 79-1 and Zaheer Khan 28 (2x4s;

t h e F u t u r e restricted the opposition to 3x6s).

Warriors Tapeball cricket 58intheallottedeightovers. Sealeyreturnedtotake3tournament for Primary K u r t A l l e n l e d 16fromtwoovers. Schools, powered by Mainstay’s charge with 33* Today, Sunday, Huis’t ExxonMobil. (4x4s; 1x6), while Brian DierenwillfaceMainstayon The Imam Bacchus Tangmade12(1x4). the 8th of May from 08:30h, September and earn the gifted a gear bag with theirdiscretion. Ground at Affiance, Jonathan Dipchand (20) followed by Huis’t Dieren chancetobe‘adopted’bythe numerous equipment for The other teams that Essequibo Coast, was a hive and Rajiv Bhikham (17) andMainstayat10:30h. Guyana Amazon Warriors Tapeballcricket. participated in the of activity as pupils from 12 offered some resistance, but

The final match pits duringtheirhomeleg. Organised by FL Sport, tournament were Charity schools tested their skills Rondaldo Ramascundo (2- Mainstay against 8th of May Stella Maris Primary the tournament aims to Primary, Queenstown with the hope of progressing 16)stymiedthechase. at13:00h. (Georgetown) and Cropper expose grassroots talents to Primary, Suddie Primary, tothefinals. Huis’t Dieren aced their The top team will secure Primary (Berbice) are two cricket, and schools are C.V Nunes Primary, Good Mainstay defeated chase of 77 in 6.2 overs, led a spot in the Champions of championsfortheirdistrict. allowed to field both boys Hope Primary, and Fisher Taymouth Manor to book by Lokeraj Persaud (22*) Champions tournament in Thewinningteamwillbe and girls on their teams at Primary

Omar Sam sensational for Chase’sAcademic with 4 goals - Bishop’s, QC, Leonora, South Ruimveldt eliminated

Chase’s Academic notching an incredible four Foundation, Bartica goalstopropelhisteamtoan Secondary, Dolphin emphatic 11-0 win over Secondary, and East Bishops High. Sam’s stellar Ruimveldt have all secured performance saw him their places in the finding the net in the 16th, quarterfinals of the 2024 28th, 43rd, and 56th Petra/Milo Schools Under- minutes. 18 Football Championship, Neeiaz Baksh and Justin following impressive Alcindor also delivered victories yesterday at the standout performances, each Ministry of Education scoring twice, while ground. Dequain Samuels, Shaquan Omar Sam emerged as David, and Mark Glasgow the hero for Chase’s contributed with a goal Academic Foundation, apiece, completing the

comprehensive 11-goal victory

Bartica Secondary showcased their strength with a dominant 3-0 victory over Leonora Secondary Ezekiel Baldeo was instrumental once again, bagging two crucial goals, while Cinzano Richardson added another goal in the 60thminute.

Dolphin Secondary put on an impressive display, dispatching Queen’s College (QC) with a convincing 6-1 win

OmarionLewis,Kellon (Continued on page 65)

One Guyana King and Queen of the Sand Beach Football tournament continues today

Action in the One Team Mineral vs Hi Guyana King and Queen of Flyers the Sand Beach Football Games continue on tournament which got Friday19with: underwaywithabangatthe 18:30(Queen) Compound of the PPP/C TigerBayvsHururu Office in Linden yesterday, 19:15(Queen) is set to continue with S p e i g h t l a n d v s several more matches Rockstone starting form 6:00pm and 20:00(kings) admission throughout the L A B a l l e r s v s entire event is absolutely Rockstone/Hururu free. 21:00(kings)

The tournament is Goal is Money vs organised by the Kashif and Fearless/WizBallers Shanghai Organisation 22:00(kings) F a n s c a n e x p e c t Platinum vs Golden entertainmentthroughout. Stars/UDKVictors

Following last night’s 23:00(King) opening salvo, play D C B a l l e r s v s continues today with more Speightland/ProBallers action at the same venue Other playing nights are from6:00pm. April 21 and 29, with the Onshow: grandfinaleonSundayMay 18:00(Queen) 5.

AroaimavsHururu

The Male teams will 18:45 battleforashareoftheprize

Speightland vs Tiger moneywhichhasbeensplit; Bay 1st place $1,000,000, 2nd 19:30(king) place $500,000, 3rd place

Young Gunners vs $200,000 and 4th place

Gorillas $100,000.

20:30(King)

The ladies will look to P r e s i d e n t i a l v s claim either of the 1st place

UniversalBallers $400,000, 2nd place

21:30(King) $200,000, 3rd place

YMCAvsMSBallers $100,000 or 4th place

22:30(kings) $50,000.

Bartica Secondary goal scorers Ezekiel Baldeo (left) and Cinzano Richardson.

Some young cricketers going through their paces.

GCB/ECB unearth talent with the establishment of academies

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), in academies so as to give the youths an early collaboration with the Essequibo Cricket opportunity to play cricket which can help Board (ECB) , has launched Six Cricket them to develop at a faster rate and be Academies in the Cinderella County of prepared for bigger challenges at a younger Essequibo and is expected to launch the age. seventhinEastBankEssequiboshortly The academies caters for aspiring Several area committees are currently cricketers from age 7 to 17, both male and benefiting from this venture, which is aimed female and sessions are being conducted by to unearth talent and lift the standard of the coaches within the respective area game in those areas - Wakenaam, Leguan, Committees. Pomeroon,NorthandSouthEssequibo. Sessions last for 10 to 12 hours weekly

It was the vision of GCB President Mr andstudentsarebeingtutoredonthebasicsof Bissoondyal Singh to establish these (Continued on page 65)

Team Mohamed sponsors Kataleya Sam to Pan Am Chess Championships in Florida

Kataleya Shenera Sam, a talented young chess player was selected by the Guyana Chess Federation to represent her country in the Pan American Youth Championships XXXIV in Orlando, Florida and Mr Azaruddin Mohamed expressed pleasure to beapartofherjourneyviasomesponsorship.

Ms Sam is currently the reigning champion in the U12 category and has maintained an undefeated record since 2023. In addition, she has shown exceptional skill anddedicationtochess.

The businessman’s sponsorship not only demonstrates his commitment to supporting young talents like Ms. Sam but also highlights his belief in the power of sports and competition to inspire and empower the next generation. With his contribution, the talented player will have the necessary resources to travel to Orlando, participate in theprestigiouschampionships,andshowcase herskillsonaninternationalstage.

Further, the support from Mr Mohamed will not only benefit Ms. Sam personally but will also bring pride and recognition to contribute to the growth of sports in their Guyana as she competes against top young communities. chessplayersfromacrosstheAmericas. ThePanAmericanYouthChampionships

His donation serves as a shining example XXXIVisslatedforJuly15to20,2024. of how individuals can make a meaningful Team Mohamed’s extends best wishes to impact on the lives of young athletes and thisyoungtalentedplayer

Azaruddin Mohamed (left) and Kataleya Sam share a moment.