Kaieteur News

CEO, Fulcrum LNG and Former Exxon VP, Jesus Bronchalo

Inpolicecustody,SamMelville

Lawrence Wayne called ‘Boy Boy’

One-Year-Old company awarded contract to monetise Guyana's gas, wants Guyanese investors to help fund project

Fulcrum LNG, the companythatwasawardeda contract to monetize the gas in the Stabroek Block is considering Guyanese investors to aid in funding various components of the venture.The one-year-old company in a statement on June 28 said, “In keeping with our project proposal, FulcrumLNGisconsidering Guyanese investors in various components of the project.” FulcrumLNGwas founded by the former Vice President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Jesus Bronchalo, five months after he left the company He was employed withExxonfor19yearsand one month before his questionableresignation.

Bronchalo's company was later selected by the Government of Guyana (GoG) to design, finance, construct, and operate the requiredgasinfrastructureto provide gas monetization solutions and accelerate upstream gas developments inthecountry

The Chief Executive Officer(CEO)said,“Weare honored to be selected to undertake this strategic energy infrastructure project This opportunity aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions todevelopgasresources.We look forward to working closelywiththeGovernment of Guyana and other key stakeholders to ensure the successofthisendeavor.”

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the main featureofFulcrumLNGwill involve the development of state-of-the-art gas processing and modular, scalablefacilitiestoproduce Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and NGLS/LPGs for Guyana as well as regional and global markets The company said it has partnered with some of the industry's leading global firms leveraging advanced technology and industry expertise to deploy the most robust, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Furthermore, it noted that this undertaking will provide all upstream developers, in Guyana and regionally, with the necessary facilities to monetizetheirgasresources and thus incentivize the development of those resources “Substantial

economic benefits, including job creation, significant foreign investment, and enhanced energy trade relationships are expected from this venture,” Fulcrum LNG stated.

As Kaieteur News continues to unravel more details about the company and the suspicious contract award by the government, Fulcrum LNG's capacity to develop the country's gas resources becomes even more questionable Only yesterday this newspaper reported that Bronchalo appears to be one of the company's two registered employees.

Research conducted by thispublicationrevealedthat Bronchalo, who left Exxon inFebruary2023,isnotonly CEO of Fulcrum LNG, but he also wears several other professional caps at the businessheregisteredinJuly 2023.Accordingtocompany records, seen by this publication, Bronchalo is also Secretary, Treasurer, Director,andPresidentofthe company

From all indications, he hasonlyhiredoneemployee. Kaieteur News discovered thatIvorEllulhasbeenhired as Technical Director at Fulcrum LNG He was appointed in July 2023 and previously worked at SchlumbergerGeoQuestand CiSK Ventures, Ltd, among others Ellul held senior p

President among others in hiscareer

The limited experience of the company has raised serious questions about its capacity to fulfill its contracted obligations Bronchalo's company was selected as “the most responsive compliant bidder” among 16 others whotenderedtodevelopthe non-associated gas in the StabroekBlock,operatedby Exxon.

A deeper dive into the company's records also led Kaieteur News to the businessaddressofFulcrum LNG. The energy company operates from what appears tobeatwo-storyguesthouse located at 937 TAHOE Boulevard, Incline Village, Nevada, USA Fulcrum LNG,accordingtocompany records, operates from Suite 130B.

The CEO's link to American oil super major

ExxonMobil has sparked concerns among Guyanese, but the government has dismissedthepossibilityofa conflict of interest. In fact, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo during his Thursday press conference told reporters that Fulcrum LNG'sproposalwasthebest receivedbythegovernment. Jagdeosaid,“Hehadleft Exxon but if anything, maybe the evaluators

thought that he had the data on the gas. I don't know if theydidthat…onthefaceof it, I thought it was the best proposal that the evaluators cameupwithandthat'swhat we'relookingfor,sothereis nothing I found wrong with theevaluationofthebidsand I don't see anything that has come out in any major way that's wrong, except for that oh, he worked at one time withExxon.”

Whenaskedtocomment on the fact that Fulcrum LNG has no known experience and has only been registered for one year now, the VP continued to defend the contract award, insisting that the Founder hasyearsofexperienceinthe field through his former employment with Exxon

CEO, Fulcrum LNG and Former Exxon VP, Jesus Bronchalo

“But he was there with Exxonalongtime,buthehas been a project developer for alongtime,”Jagdeopointed out.Efforts by this newspaper to contact the company for a comment since Saturday has so far beenunsuccessful.

KaieteurNews

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

The government and its critics

Last week the nation witnessed the PPP/C

Government again, reveling in abusing dissenting voices. This time it was over the hijackedNationalToshaosConference.

The respected Amerindians Peoples Association, independent toshaos, and even the opposition were the targets. In the past, we heard labels such as loonies, obstructionists,busybodies,andmoreheapedoncitizens fightingforthegoodofthiscountry Lastweekwasmore ofthesame.

Descriptions- all derogatory have been dug up to bring scorn on the work of the APA and other Guyanese who are fighting for the betterment of theirpeople

A few months ago slurs like loony and obstructionists were hurled at women activists who weretryingtoholdthegovernmentaccountable

We see this description emerging again against persons who have condemned the miserly increase to teachers, paltry pension and other handouts to pensioners, and the general lack of care towards those suffering Guyanese who need the help of the government.

There is now a settled culture in Guyana, where leaders lead the way with abusive language, and the army of followers in the government is only too delighted to expand and intensify the vilification andobscenities

The PPPC Government and its leadership have earned an ugly reputation for secrecy on matters of oil and gas, on the environment, on what Guyanese aregoingtogetfromallthemoneyalreadyspent,or abouttobespent

TheWales gas-to-energy project has been mired in disagreements and disputes from its inception Instead of having honest discussions with Guyanese, the government and its leadership concluded that Guyana is better served by labeling and tarnishing the reputation of citizens found to be offensive.

They are those who raise honest objections about oil and gas governance in general, and leadership impotence specifically.

The PPPC Government is so low, so limited in standards, that women activists are attacked, and women in the independent media are singled out and battered by men of dark bearing, and the darkest type of character

There is a female minister who has responsibility for gender violence Yet when her own comrades inflict vile abuse on women who raise their hand to question or object, the same minister forgets all the positive and powerful thingsthatsheclaimstobeabout.

Vice President Jagdeo these days revels in being a hissing, menacing presence when he is questioned, when his deceptions on the natural resources sector are exposed before the nation

Civil society in its widest representation comes in for the worst kinds of abuse and beating down by a leader who was a president for over a decade He is the champion abuser, reviler, and denigrator, who seemingly eggs on hisfollowers.

The only thing that matters to the government is that it is allowed to have its way, regardless of how potentially unsafe (or uneconomical) it could be for the Guyanese public. The Wales gas-toenergy project is only one.

The secrecies surrounding projects and spending are others.Whengovernmentisthechiefabuser,thencitizens arethebiggestsufferers,andthecountryistheworstloser.

Time to rethink our position on marijuana

DEAREDITOR

The world is changing and it is changing very fast duetoseveralfactorssuchas climate change, artifical intelligence, improved technologies, social media platforms, wars and even in terms of what was not acceptable as legal, customs andnorms.

One such global perspective is that on “marijuana” which has shifted dramatically and rightfully so in recent years, moving from strict prohibition to varying degrees of legalization and acceptance The recent discoveryanddestructionof $2.5 billion dollars worth of marijuana, 89000 plus cannabisplantsinregionten, up the Berbice River in the community of De Veldt, brings into key focuss the need for more progressive reform in relation to marijuana.

Countries like the Netherlands (Amsterdam),

the United States, Antigua, and Jamaica to name a few, have all witnessed significant economic benefits following the legalization, cultivation and sale of marijuana. Drawing on the experiences of these countries, Guyana will not only learn but equally tap into the high potential economic gains and its spin off benefits once it moves away from its present backwardnesswhenitcomes to this economic/money crop A crop that can actually give the country economic benefits rather than take it as seen with sugarcane/ GuySuCo. One of the most immediate benefits observed in countriesthathavelegalized marijuana is a substantial i n c r e a s e i n t h

i r government’s revenue through taxation For example, in the United States, states like Colorado and California have generated billions of dollars in tax r

Colorado, marijuana tax revenuessurpassed$US387 million in 2020, in 2024 to date, that state has gained $US 2,769,062,068 dollars. Can you imagine what such funds can do for our people, our teachers and public servants?

If Guyana could implementasimilartaxation framework,providinganew and significant source of income for the government. These funds could be reinvested into public services such as healthcare, education, sports, and infrastructure, fostering overall societal benefits and growth,helpingustobeless dependentontheoilandgas sector

The legalization and cultivation of marijuana have the potential to create numerous jobs across various sectors, including agriculture, health, retail, distribution, and regulatory

agencies In the Netherlands and more specific Amsterdam, which is renowned for its marijuana/cannabis coffee shops, and have created permanent employment for thousandsofindividualsand have attracted millions of tourists annually, significantly boosting their local economy Similarly, Jamaica has capitalized on its cultural association with marijuana,integratingitinto itstourismindustry Tourists flock to these destinations for the unique experience of legally purchasing and consuming marijuana in a regulated environment Guyana,equallywithitsrich cultural heritage and natural beauty, could develop a merger of its eco/ cannabis tourism sector that will not onlycreatethousandsofjobs but attract millions of international visitors annually, boosting local businessesandgenerating (Continuedonpage06)

Sugar and the anti-colonial struggle

DEAREDITOR

,

As sugar fades and its subsidy challenged, it is useful to remember that during colonialism, the colonial state and the p l a n t o c r a c y w e r e coterminousandthestruggle by the indentureds on the plantations for justice was a struggle against the colonial state writ large. The Royal Commissions sent down to inquire into the “coolie riots” and police killings invariably led to state initiatives that broadened the freedoms of all citizens. The Moyne Commission that recommended the universal franchise was in Guyana when four workers werekilledduringprotestsat Leonorain1939.

September30willbethe anniversary of the inaugural

killing of protesting “coolies”: five indentured sugar workers killed and seven wounded at

Devonshire Castle, Essequibo Coast in 1872. Thisexacerbatedthealready strained relations between newly freed enslaved

African and Indian indentureds,sincethePolice Force – the coercive arm of the state - was deliberately overwhelmingly Africanmanned by the state. In addition to the killings after readingthe“RiotAct”,there w e r e o t h e r d a i l y humiliationsinflictedonthe immigrants Police Force historian John Campbell, noted: “Police were

employed to levy rents and to act as bailiffs (and) East Indians quite rightly viewed the police as agents or allies of their oppressors”. Chief Justice Beaumont noted policeharassmentofIndians in the 1870’s as “galling subjection”.

Sinceanyprotestoftheir working conditions on the plantationscouldbedefined as an “overt rebellion”, and resultinlengtheningoftheir indentureship term, immigrants did not lightly embark into such actions. Yet, since they did protest, one could only imagine the provocations. The overall dire conditions on the plantations by 1870 can be gleaned by the bare population statistics. Of the 69,380 Indian indentureds arriving by 1869, 6,523 had returned to India but only 44,936 showed up in the census. It meant if not a singlebirthoccurred,17,921 or26%haddied.

The precursor to Devonshire Castle occurred in July of 1869, when forty workersoftheshovelgangat Plantation Leonora disputed thewagesforworkdoneand allegedly “assaulted” a manager

The response was swift: the police and the 2nd West India Regiment were called in.Afterthe“LeonoraRiot”, the Guiana Police Force became “the most heavily armed Police in the British West Indies,” according to Adamson. Even though no

one was killed, the protesting workers were arrested, convicted and jailed in short order The systemhadbeguntoperform a“one-two”–firstthePolice would use violence to maintain “order” and then the judiciary would emphasise the condign lesson to the immigrant by applying the “law”, where any claimed nonp e r f o r m a n c e o r underperformance of their tasks - civil violationsearned criminal penalties of jailtermsandonerousfines.

The 1869 Leonora protestsprecipitatedaRoyal Commission but not any changes on the unbalanced police-immigrant equation, which inflicted violence to “keep the Indian in his place”.

Theunderlying cause at Devonshire Castle was the mistrust of the Indians for the judicial system. On Sept 29, one Parag had been arrested for “assaulting” a Manager at Devonshire Castle,butwasrescuedfrom confinement He crosschargedtheManager

The next day Parag refused to appear at the Magistrate Court where the accusedasaManagerwould have been allowed to sit beside the Magistrate Instead he, along with 250 other immigrants, appeared at the Estate and prevented the Manager or anyone else fromentering.One wonders if he was an ancestor of

MinisterSoniaParag.

Twenty-three armed Policemen and the Magistrateappearedandthe latterorderedthePolicemen to load their rifles The Police were then ordered to charge - the immigrants stood their ground and one policeman (Archer) dischargedashot.Theother Policementhoughttheorder to shoot had been given and nine other Policemen fired, killing five workers, and wounding seven others. It is noteworthy that thirteen policemen, including the two Indian ones, did not shoot. At the Inquest, the Policemen’s actions were exonerated as “justifiable homicide”.

The Colonist, a paper friendly to planter interests, exulted, “the leaden argument has brought submission quicker than all honeyed words that could havebeenused.”

The “leaden argument” from the Police guns was to be made with terrifying regularity against Indian Guyanese sugar workers from then - 1896: Non Pareil; 1903: Friends; 1912: Lusignan; 1913: Rose Hall; 1924: Ruimveldt; 1939: Leonora; until 1948: Enmore They were just “coolies” but their courage challenged the state and delivered independence Leave sugar workers with somedignity

Sincerely, RaviDev

The roots of Jagan’s ‘National Patriotic Front’

DEAREDITOR

Speakingofhisproposal for shared governance constitutional reform, Mr RalphRamkarranconcluded that numerous ‘questions, suggestions and criticisms are to be expected from the amendments proposed above.Thatisasitshouldbe’ (‘A review of shared governance and what it could look like ’ SN: 11/08/2024). Since various levels of individual and group interests will most likely become entrenched over time, I agree that it would be unlikely for any proposal to change the politicalsystemunderwhich people have lived for decades to be put into effect without much controversy Where ethnic political interests are entrenched, such as in Guyana, the situationbecomesevenmore controversial, with all manner of opportunistic and well- intended utopian solutions being proffered. Thus, notwithstanding, the clearly dysfunctional and discriminatory nature of the current system, some are being asked to view their suffering as but a necessary

phase of national

development or be convincedthatsalvationwill come with the development ofmoralleadership!

This column began its life advocating shared governance as the only possible democratic answer to Guyana’s decades-long political/ethic discord (‘Once two large ethnic groups exist, they become

S N : 22/06/2011). Since then, the ethnicsituationhasarguably become worse as the two major ethnic political parties, under all manner of pretext, seek, against all creditable conceptual and empirical evidence, to imposetheirindividualrule. The ‘discovery’ of a reasonable quantity of hydrocarbonshasonlymade things worse at the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) lavishesbothitslargesseand repression!

Ralph Ramkarran is important because he has over the years been an advocate of power-sharing, but on this occasion appears to have begrudgingly devised such a minimalist proposalthatforatleasttwo reasons requires comment. Successful democratic constitutional reform must give adequate weight to the concerns of all important stakeholders and consensus on the way forward will depend upon how the main stakeholders understand the

problemandthenatureofthe

necessary to arrive at a v

democratic outcome I believ

ph’s historical backdrop, which must form some part of this general assessment, is too biased to accommodate a sustainableoutcome.

A consensual shared governance regime should result from a national patriotic compromise not unlike what Ralph claimed Cheddi Jagan sought to accomplish when he made his‘NationalPatrioticFront’ (NPF) proposal. One should not provide a backdrop that

opportunities for continual bickeringaboutwinnersand losers in a context that

compromise. I believe that anobjectiveconsiderationof Guyana’s political history is

governance outcome. Here, staying within Ramkarran’s operational framework, I argue for a more balanced

perspective,andnextweekI will focus on Ralph’s specificproposals.

Ralphbeganbyclaiming that, “The phrases ‘shared governance’ and ‘winner-

take-all’ were introduced into Guyana’s political lexicon in the mid-1970s by the ever-resourceful Cheddi Jagan.” The PPP made this offer to the PNC (People’s National Congress) because it was ‘in despair of ever overcoming the obstacles to political office given the continuing Cold War pressures that assured the PNC of US support and some of (its) major policies, was being adopted by the PNC.’ He asserts that the NP

cal compromise’ for it allowed for a government with an executive president and a p

substantive powers The prime minister would come from the party obtaining the highestnumberofvotesand he or she would not contest the position of president. Therefore, the PPP had ‘effectively conceded the presidency to the PNC in return for most of the cabinet.’ And ‘no one has ever sought to give the PPP credit for understanding and acknowledging the deep divisions in our society that necessitated the kind of political solution that it then proposed.’Hefurtherargued that while some Africans ‘point to the PPP’s racism and discrimination against

African Guyanese’ they ‘give no recognition to the decades of PNC’s rigged elections by which the electoral mandate of Indian Guyanese was usurped.’He claims too that the ‘PNC government was forced into discussions with the PPP in 1985 for a political solution when it was seeking economic aid from the socialistworld.’

Two weeks ago, this columnnotedthattheBritish offered shared governance during the independence discourse in the 1950s but it was rejected by the PPP Indeed, almost at the same time, the British were confronting a similar ethnic/political problem in British-controlled Cyprus and a shared governance solution, somewhat like the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that brought ethnic peace to Northern Ireland, is still in theory existing today Secondly, around this same time Eusi Kwayanabecameassociated withsuggestionsthatBritish G u y a n a c o u l d b e geographically partitioned amongtheethnicgroups,but asIunderstandit,thiswasa last resort position after power sharing was rejected. Therefore, ‘shared governance’ and ‘winnertake-all’werenotintroduced

into Guyana’s political lexiconinthemid1970s.’ Secondly, as shown by theGoodFridayAgreement, bydefinition,powersharing agreementsdemandlevelsof equitabil

y

n the distribution of executive authority and thus were also onthetablebeforethePPP’s NPF proposal. If Ralph is suggesting that by his NPF proposal Cheddi Jagan gave up the presidency because theIndianswerethemajority and supported the PPP, I disagree. The PPP did not give up anything because therewasnothingtogiveup. Without even taking into consideration the restraints of ethnic diversity such as exist in Guyana, as can be observed in the oldest of l

s, democratic governance is not necessarily majority rule: it is constitutional government, based upon an acceptable form of majority rule acceptable to substantially all of the population Therefore, ‘shared governance’ is an independent form of democratic governance best suited for ethnically divided societies.

As stated in this column before, I was involved in Burnham’s unity talks with thePPPthatbeganinabout (Continuedonpage06)

Two incidents where heartbreaks could have been avoided

DEAREDITOR

Ithastobewondered,the malenurse,recoveringfrom denguefever,whohadother underlying health conditions, was allowed to returntofieldworksosoon. Surely his physical and physiological conditions werenotproperlyhealedand repaired to withstand the strenuousness and demand of field work. It has to be seenasafoolhardydecision.

My condolences to the familyandcolleagues.

In another matter: a private vehicle, plying the taxi trade, was involved recently in an accident with another vehicle at the UG turn off road. The private vehicle had passengers who were injured. Now it is apparent why travelling in a private vehicle plying the taxi trade is detrimental and at your own risk? Besides

c

breaking the law these illegal operators charge the same fare, and sometimes more,asthelegaloperators.

It is simple, even if you’reonasidehustle,doit right...get so licensed and registered. Both incidents underscore poor decisions and heartaches could have beenavoidedifthetimewas takentodootherwise.

Sincerely ShamshunMohamed

s

Israel’s military confirms ‘decline in forces’ in southern Gaza

The roots of Jagan’s National...

Frompage05 1976, and the situation is somewhat more complex thanRalphsurmised. Firstly,Iwasnotawarethat thePPPhadamandatefrom its then majority Indian

C

e Soviet-led international communism that sought the destruction of liberal democracy! But more importantly, Forbes Burnham was a radical independent socialist in the mould of former Yugoslav president, MarshallJosipBrozTito Indeed, feeling himself

g

1976 Burnham declared that the PNC was Marxist/Leninist (Report to the Nation, 10/01/1976)! He was seeking aid from the

socialist world because, from receiving the highest per capita aid from the US when he came to office, Westernaidwasdryingup. U n i t e d S t a t e s president Ronald Reagan came to office in January 1981 with a ‘crusading anti-communism [that] represented a challenge of a vastly different qualitative nature in terms of its frontal and explicit objective of overturning leftist regimes in the region and beyond ’ (Ferguson, Tyrone (1999) To survive sensibly or courtheroicdeath

G

L t d , Georgetown)

T h r o u g h o u t h i s career, Forbes Burnham sought to play up the possibility of the PPP coming to government

with the West When at about the end of the 1970s, he believed that the West might be dabbling in Guyanese politics in favour of the Working People’s

Alliance (WPA) and defined them as the ‘ W o r s t P o s s i b l e Alternative,’ he was not talking to Guyanese but was saying to the West ‘if you believe Jagan is bad think again!’ As stated in this column some time ago, one minute after Ralph gave me a lift to my accommodation in about 1984, it was put to me that Ronald Ragan was not fallingforBurnham’sruse and was determined ‘to put both Jagan and Burnham in a basket and sinkthem ’

Sincerely

Dr HenryJeffrey

Time to rethink our position on...

Frompage04

additional revenue

Additionally, Guyana’s agricultural sector stands to benefit significantly from the cultivation of marijuana. Our country’s favorable climate and fertile soil provide the ideal conditions for growing high-quality cannabis.

Byinvestinginthispotential sector,Guyanacandiversify its agricultural portfolio, reducing its dependency on traditionalcrops.

Antigua, for example, the size of several of our combined “sugar and rice plantations”,hasshownhow small island nations can benefit from marijuana cultivation; its government legalized marijuana for medicinal and sacramental usein2018,promotinglocal agriculture and reducing imports Asimilarapproach in Guyana could enhance food security and stimulate ruraldevelopment.

Additionally, the medicinal benefits of marijuana are welld o c u m e n t e d , w i t h applications in pain management, epilepsy treatment, and alleviation of symptoms associated with chronicillnesses.

The United States has seen a burgeoning medical marijuana industry, with states like California and Florida leading in research and development Jamaica has also invested in medical marijuana, establishing itself as a leader in cannabis research in the region and

further afield Guyana equally could develop its own medical marijuana industry, potentially becoming a hub or the epicenter for research and development in the Caribbean and South America. This will, if done, attract investment, create high-paying jobs, and improve healthcare outcomes for our citizens andvisitorswhocometoour country

Further, I am very much cognizant of the negative views some have to such a progressive stance and those views were also shared in those very countries whose critics are now enjoying and partaking in the benefits of such a progressivemove

It is interesting to note, that Amsterdam’s model of regulated cannabis coffee shops, provides a balanced approachtolegalisation

The city has managed to control the sale and c o n s u m p t i o n o f marijuana effectively, reducing black market activities while boosting tourism and local businesses

Guyana could adopt a similar model and adjust to suit our cultural and social reality, ensuring that marijuana is sold and consumed in controlled environments to maintain publicsafetyandorder

The state-by-state legalisationintheU.S.offers diverse lessons. States like Colorado and Washington

have demonstrated how a well-regulated market can generate substantial tax revenueandreducecriminal justice costs. Our country can learn from these regulatory frameworks to establish our own robust legal and economic structures.

In Antigua and Barbuda thelegalizationofmarijuana for medicinal and sacramentaluse,focusingon the benefits for local agriculture and healthcare is reapingbenefits.

By promoting local cultivation, Antigua has provided economic opportunities for farmers and reduced its reliance on imported medical cannabis. Similarly Guyana can equally leverage its agricultural strengths similarly by developing a self-sustaining marijuana industry

The capacity and the willingnessismostcertainly inexistence.

F

Cannabis L

c

nsing Authority involving in a prominent way our rasta brothers and sisters who have been the sacrificial lamb towards the injustice of police brutality and incarceration for its use, to leadtheregulatorybody,to oversee its marijuana industry, ensuring c o m p l i a n c

maximizing economic benefits to those involved andthegovernment.

Yoursrespectfully, Hon.JermaineFigueira MPJP

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Fightingforscraps,while Exxonandstafflivinglarge

Some of the 'findings' of the audit into Exxon expenses have shown, among other things, that their staff and high society collaborators in Guyana are living on scallops and shrimp, while Guyanese are forced to rummage around for scrapings from the bottom of the barrel.

And if that were not enough, the government has now handed a contract to a former top official of ExxonMobil to monetize this country's gas resources.

The company has no experience in the business, and from all appearances, there are a whole lot of collaborations and collaborators in the deal that has started to stink.

Everything about the management of the oil and gas sector is reminiscent of the high living of the lords of the slave plantations, while those chained to backbreaking toil and whipped into submission, were compelled to fight with one another, with the fittest getting to grab the leftovers.

Canadian gold company talks up mining-friendly policies, tax waivers in Guyana

…as Govt. prepares to grant license to company

In a presentation about its various o p e r a t i o n s , Canadian mining company Goldsource Mines Inc outlined the significant advantagesofGuyana'sgold industry to its new owner, MakoMiningCorp.

In July, Mako Mining announced its acquisition of Goldsource Mines, securing full ownership of the Eagle Mountain Gold Project in Guyanawasannounced.

Goldsource Mines has highlighted the strategic benefits of its operations in Guyana, citing the country's f a v o r a b l e m i n i n g environment The Eagle Mountain Gold Project, situated in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), has proven to be a high-quality find with nearly 1.2 million ouncesofindicatedgoldand 582,000 ounces of inferred resources. The proximity of the gold deposit to the surface further enhances the project'svalue.

A c c o r d i n g t o Goldsource Mines, Guyana israpidlyemergingasoneof South America's most a t t r a c t i v e m i n i n g jurisdictions. It was stated too that the country has introduced various government initiatives aimed at promoting new mining projects, including tax exemptions and a streamlined permitting process.

Guyana's miningfriendly policies are complemented by existing infrastructure and a history of significant contributions fromthemining,oil,andgas sectors, which collectively accountedforapproximately

62% of the GDP in 2022 –Goldsourcehighlighted.

The Eagle Mountain Prospecting License, which spans 5,000 hectares, benefits from its strategic location with highway

access to Mahdia's commercial airport, just 7 kilometersfromthesite.The project is situated 45 kilometers southwest of the historic Omai gold mine, which produced an estimated 4 million ounces of gold between 1993 and 2005. The Eagle Mountain Project also en

oys substantial government support, including infrastructureimprovements such as road upgrades and power enhancements, along with a favorable permitting regime.

The Canadian company o u t l i n e d t h a t t h e aforementioned simplifies the advancement of mining operations in Guyana. The appeal of the Eagle Mountain Project is further boosted by the recent oil discoveriesinGuyana

Moreover, Goldsource Mines recently released its Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Eagle Mountain Gold Project, prepared by ERM Consultants Canada Ltd. The PEA is based on the April 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), andunderscorestheproject's low cost and low capital expenditure intensity, makingitbotheconomically viable and an attractive investmentopportunity The projectisprojectedtohavea minelifeof15years.

Additionally,Ministerof Natural Resources Vickram

Government of Guyana will soon issue a mining license to the company operating at Eagle Mountain. He stated, “Andweareintheprocessof issuing once the due diligence is done, a mining license to another company in the region eight district large scale company that should produce after

Reunion [Gold] which will start in late 2027.” Minister Bharrat added, “The future for mining especially at a large-scalelevelisbrightfor Guyana's mining sector However, we want to see more Guyanese remaining andjoiningatthesametime the small and medium scale miningandtakingadvantage of the opportunities that exist.”

Guyanese lawyers to receive advanced training in international arbitration

The Government of Guyana (GoG), through the Attorney General's Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs, is set to host a four-day workshop on "International Arbitration in Practice"fromAugust26thto29th in Georgetown. This event marks the second, more advanced phase ofacapacity-buildingprogramthat was initiated in 2023, aimed at enhancing the expertise of Guyanese lawyers in international arbitration.

Arbitration Unit, the Maritime Administration Department, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and

Associations, are expected to attend.

Leading the in-person sessions

The workshop, held in collaborationwiththeInternational SeniorLawyersProject(ISLP)and supported by the ROLE UK Programme and UKAid, is designed to deepen participants' understanding of international arbitration, particularly in light of Guyana's new Arbitration Act 2024. The program will feature practical sessions that address the challenges and opportunities arising from the enactment of this newlegislation. A total of 35 participants from various key institutions, including theGuyanaRevenueAuthority,the Ministry of Natural Resources, the MinistryofAmerindianAffairs,the

will be five volunteers from ISLP, all recognized experts in international arbitration from the international law firms of Winston & Strawn and Chaffetz

Lindsay The training is aimed at equipping State Counsel and legalprofessionalswiththeskills needed to interpret, implement, and apply the new law in resolving disputes This is expected to bolster Guyana's reputation as an attractive and secure destination for foreign investment. The workshop also aims to promoteinternationalarbitrationin Guyana by reinforcing confidence in the country's legal system and ensuring adherence to the rule of law, in line with Guyana's public policy Financialandtechnicalsupport for the training has been provided by theAdvocates for International Development's Rule of Law Expertise UK (ROLE UK) ProgrammeandUKAid.

MinisterofNaturalResources, Vickram Bharrat

A tale of two health systems

Withinacountry’shealth care system lies the truth of its progress, the measure of its humanity, and the extent ofitsinequity Whenayoung ladyfromMonRepospleads for prayers and financial assistance to undergo a lifesaving brain surgery, the state of our healthcare system is not only questionedbutexposed. Her surgery is estimated tocostG$7millionatalocal private hospital—a figure that places her hopes, her future, at the mercy of the public’scharity Sheclaimed she had sought treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) only to be told, according to her, that such a procedure could not be performed there If this assertion is true, we are faced with a grave indictment of our public health system, one that challengesthegovernment’s narrative of progress and equityinpublichealthcare.

The GPHC is the country’s main tertiary healthcare provider Instead of wasting billions building new hospitals, this institution should have been upgraded to perform those specialized tertiary health careservicesthatitpresently doesnotprovide.

The GPHC was recently in the limelight for its accomplishment of performing a laparoscopic liver resection, a complex

operation requiring

precision, skill, and advanced technology This triumph left the public with theimpressionthatthiswasa sign of modernization and

suggested that our public hospitals are no longer the poor cousin of their private counterparts. But the young lady’s plight paints a different picture—a glaring contrastthatsuggestsatwotierhealthsystem,onewhere life and death hinge on the abilitytopay

In the narrative of modern medicine, brain surgery is a formidable feat, but it is by no means an impossibleone.Thefactthat a private hospital can perform the surgery indicates that the expertise, equipment, and facilities existwithinourborders.Itis not a question of capability but one of accessibility and priority Why, then, can this procedurenotbedoneatthe GPHC?

IfGPHC,theflagshipof our public health system, cannot accommodate such critical care, then what are we to make of the so-called progress in public health?

What remains of the claims of advancements and improvements when faced with the harsh reality that a young woman’s life may dependnotontheskillofour surgeons but on the generosityofstrangers?The gapbetweenwhatispossible and what is available in our public hospitals speaks volumes about the priorities ofourhealthcaresystemand the structural inequalities thatpersist.

Public health care is often depicted as a great equalizer, a system where the poor and the wealthy receive the same care, and where the quality of one’s treatment is not determined

by the weight of one’s wallet However, when public hospitals lack the resources or will to perform life-savingsurgeries,itisthe vulnerable who bear the brunt.Theyareforcedtorely on the mercy of private institutions, which, while undoubtedly competent, operate on a principle of profit. For the poor, this profit-driven model turns hope into a commodity—a price-tagged prospect that manycannotafford.

The reliance on private hospitals for specialized treatments creates a dangerous precedent, one where public health care becomes a façade—a mere safety net that cannot catch those who fall hardest. It turns public health into a paradox:arightenshrinedin principle but denied in practice.

It is imperative for the GPHCtoclarifyitsposition. The absence of a response would be tantamount to an admission, one that could underminepublictrustinthe health care system. If the GPHC indeed lacks the capacity to perform such surgeries, the government must confront this reality and take immediate steps to bridge the gap. Investments must be made not only in infrastructure and equipment but also in trainingandretainingskilled medical professionals. The disparitybetweenpublicand privatehealthcareisnotjust a reflection of economic inequality but a moral failing, a reminder that the measureofasocietyisfound in how it cares for its most

DEM BOYS SEH

Time fuh people walk

Georgetown gettin’ more crowded than a rice pot on payday People crammingupdestreetslike ants pon sugar Everybody tryin’ fuh get somewhere fast, but all dem end up stuck.Traffic like a big, fat snake. It ain’t movin’ no placesoon.

Dem boys seh it’s time fuh people to start walkin’. Not because dem car break down or de buses ain’t wukkinButbecausedecity need some peace. Imagine you can walk on de road without dodging cars. Just you, de sunshine, and de potholes.

Dem boys seh it’s a brilliantidea.Createzones.

Walking zones. No car No bus. No truck. People walk andbreathedeair,evenifit smelllikecurryan’fryfish from de roadside stall.You canseedesky Youcanhear de birds. Well, maybe not de birds, ‘cause dem gat to fight de noise from de vendors an’ de minibus blaring“tuttut.”

These walking zones gon ease up de congestion. No more traffic jams like crab oil in a drum. People gon move freely. Dem gon actually reach where dem going without cussin’. Evendevendorsgonhappy. People can actually stop and look at de goods, instead of hustlin’ to cross deroad.

vulnerable. There is hope thattheGPHCdoeshavethe capability to perform the surgery and that the young lady’s appeal for help was b o r n o u t o f miscommunication rather thanasystemicfailure.Ifso, thisincidentshouldserveas a catalyst for improving the t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d communication within our healthcaresystem.

Patients must be informed of their options, andpublichospitalsmustbe proactive in showcasing their capabilities The narrative of public health

care must not be one of limitations but of possibilities, where the rights to life and health are not contingent on economic status. If the GPHC cannot perform this surgery, then the government must interveneandfootthebill.It costsmoreforsomeofthose ribbon-cutting ceremonies thatareheldsoregularly

Butthereisamuchwider implication if indeed the GPHC does not have the capability to perform this surgery If there exists a divide locally between what

is possible and what is providedinourpublichealth system, we are courting a system in which life and death may depend on the abilitytopay

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

Butyuhknowhowitis. Somepeoplegonvex.Dem gonsehdemneedfuhdrive everywhere.Fromdehouse todeshop.Fromdeshopto de bar Dem can’t live without de car But dem boys seh, give it a try Yuh might like it. Walking is good fuh de soul. And fuh dewaistlinetoo.

After hours, let de trucks and canters back in to deliver goods. Let de driversgetdemturn.Butin de day, let de people walk. Georgetown deserve a break. Dem boys seh, leh we give it a chance. Who know?Itmightmekdecity a little nicer It might even mekwesmile. Talkhalf.Leffhalf

H@RD TRUTHS

PPP Government leaders targeted

I note the caption titled, “Jagdeowarnscitizensnotto fall prey of online scam falsely using prominent figures “(KN< August 24,2024) The slender restraints of truth and discipline, of honesty and decency, have collapsed in thiscountry

When does this madness stop? Who is there in the PPP Government to put a stoptothesecrimes,dropthe perpsdeadintheirtracks? I suppose that, given where Guyana is now and is readyingtogonextyear,this is just the beginning. Still, there are a handful of positions I wish to place before all of my fellow citizens, starting with Dr Jagdeo.

I regret that this false association,falseaccusation, false assertion, has been made against President Ali, Dr Ashni Singh, and himself. I condemn it and jump all over it. I repeat what I have used many channelsandmanyofficesto broadcast locally (and elsewhere). What is being donetothemnow,isexactly

what has been done to me repeatedly by PPP agents who work closely, I believe, with President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo Only more viciously Only more frequently I could say that this is payback, but have neverbeenthatkindofman, hope that I never, ever, become so So, when President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo and FinancechancellorSinghare vilelyandwronglysmeared, I smite at that with all my might.

Though, I believe that honoranddecency,principle andcharacter,areamongthe vital components of life laughed at by Dr Jagdeo, I still feel it necessary to state my standard, drive my stake in the public ground. Knak gatknakbakandduhfuhduh nah obyah, gat deh own people. My challenge is howtoriseaboveallofthem in Guyana; and if I can't do that, then stay as far from them as possible. Perhaps, Dr Jagdeo may wish to consider that, make an intimatepriority Then, it is acutely

concerningthatsocialmedia inGuyanaaffordthislevelof liberty to wage war on targets of choice and wound at will. The cybercriminals within the PPP and PNC seemingly operate under a shroud of undetectability, andevenwhenthatisnotso, viz.,butapublicsecret,there is still the layer of either partyorofficialimmunity It goes without saying that the present cybercrime law is ineffectiveforthejobthatis required (on the low end), if notabarricadesoporousand laughablethatcanbeplayed games with, and eluded at will, in the worst-case scenarios.

Who is being protected, perpetrators or persons in need of a robust firewall? I think that both Dr Jagdeo andAGNandlallarethebest people to answer that question.

Incidentally, I do recall that it was Dr Jagdeo himself who has incited his swarmoffollowerstotaketo social media and duke it out with the objects of PPP wrath. That is, people who hefindsoffensive,thosewho

are denounced by him Notwithstanding his cleverness for the public recordofdoitcleanlyanddo it righteously, my personal translation of Dr Jagdeo's call to Guyana's version of M c C a r t h y i s m i s straightforward. Itwas,deal with them, damn them, derail them, degrade them, demonize them, and don't worry

Therestwillbetakenof, be assured. Apparently, the arroganceandhasteinevena man as crafty as Bharat Jagdeo made him give short

thrift to the law of unintended consequences Or that other one from physics, mathematics, and economics, the one about zero-sum outcomes. In my own words, it is the boomerang effect: what is givenoutiswhatcomesback fullcircle.

As all Guyana should know, the false accusation hurled against Drs Ali, Jagdeo and Singh has nothing to do with an intended financial scam. It is all about politics. The art of a daub of foul smelling,

pus infested, sickly colored, paint across the kisser Giventheplansfor the third or fourth quarter of next year, the local cyber horizon is going to be heavily and dangerously overcrowded In other words, possibly those of legendary American filmmakers Howard Hawks or Anthony Mann, 'war break.'

Next, I put this in a broader context. Guyana is neither America nor India, not even 'little' Venezuela. Wedon'thavethepopulation size,andthoughthereisgift of space, most are still too tightlyclusteredandwithtoo much familiarity about who is who and who does what. Weallknowwhatfamiliarity breeds. This is tailormade for a spark to become a wildfire, and social media is just the rumormonger and race baiter that Guyanese need so much, given its availability for political creativityandenvironmental battery The lovely part about it is that there is anonymity Mysenseisthat with so much at stake, and

with tactics being refined and possibly reintroduced ('public unrest'), cyberspace could be the 'X' factor, as in being a catalyst for trouble. Something needs to be done now to rein in this monster that helps us devour one another My concern is whether anybody is listening, cares to do anything where matters stand,givenhowfarGuyana is gone. President Ali and company have been victimized. Thefirststepin the tit for tat is now on the books. Thetatisnext. The law is innocuous, the police cybercrime fighters are in a bad place, and Guyanese of all walks are in retreat. We either govern social media now, or it is going to govern maniacallylater (Theviewsexpressedin this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s newspaper.)

No need for Independent meters on oil pumps

There have been concerns and constant calls by civil society and experts intheoilindustryforGuyana to have its independent meters to monitor

E x x o n M o b i l ' s o i l production, as well as the treatmentofproducedwater

In spite of this the

Minister of Natural

Resources Vickram Bharrat has said that the purpose of independent meters is to monitor production offshore and the government already has access to Exxon's dashboard to do such. At a recent news conference

when asked about independent meters, Bharrat

said:“wehaveadashboardI wasexplaining,itwasshown to you, it wasn't live but it was shown to you that we can actually monitor production at 10-minute intervalswecanmonitorthe production. Before a tanker is offloaded, before a tanker isfilledGRAhastobethere, GNBS has to be there.”

Minister Bharrat explainedthatintheabsence of the presence of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards(GNBS),nocrude can be offloaded from the Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel into

...Oil minister says Govt. has enough access to data to monitor activities offshore

any oil tanker “Without GNBS and without GRA it cannot happen.” He said there are a number of safeguards to ensure that “we monitor what is happening offshore ” He further stated that, “The whole issue about the independent meter is monitoring, you want us to know what is happening offshore, but we are telling you we have about five, six layers to monitor what is happening offshore We control the meter because GNBS if they are not there the meter can't flow, it can't t u r n o n ”

Since the whole process

is computerised Bharrat is confident that, “it cannot be manipulated or changed, so there is a good system of monitoring what is happening offshore. Either bythedashboardorphysical presence onboard with GRA,withEPA,withGNBS and we are training some staff now that will be on the FPSO too. They will be full time on the FPSO, some Ministry of Natural Resources staff are being trained currently by SBM that will be offshore too to monitor everything not only production but everything that is happening offshore.”

Ontheissueofproduced

water and whether it is properlytreatedbeforebeing dumped into Guyana's waters,Bharratsaidthesame monitoring is being done.

“It is the same thing with (produced) water EPA ensures they go and they monitor it. EPA goes out there probably every week, you see these are the things that I don't think the media and the Guyanese public know They believe that Exxon alone is running this operation offshore and Guyanadon'tcheckonitbut EPAgoes there every week. GRA and GNBS must be there before they offload. We have a link to the fiber

optic cable that we can see real time what is the production. EPA checks the water before it is discharged to ensure that it is treated to international standards, before it is discharged back into the ocean. All these thingsarebeingdonebyus,” the minister stated

Ministerof NaturalResources,

Vickram Bharrat

Second man dies in D'Urban Street drive-by shooting

On Sunday another victimintheD'UrbanStreet, Georgetown drive-by shootingsuccumbed.

Lawrence Wayne called 'Boy Boy' is now the second fatality of Saturday's morning shooting that has

left several persons hospitalised Wayne had sustainedagunshotwoundto his lower abdomen and another to his right arm. Meanwhile, the other victims, Lennox Wayne called 'Two colours', Destra ArthurandLloydRobertsare still admitted as patients. Their conditions are stable. Teon Allen also known as “Spoil Child”, Travis Ceres, a 25-year-old vendor from East La Penitence, and StanleyMatthews,a31-yearold labourer of Sophia are alsoamongthewounded.

According to reports on Sunday, the shooting took place around 05:45hrs on Saturday and resulted in the d e a t h o f A n t h o n y Havercome, a 40-year-old

vendor from South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who was reportedly riddled withbullets.Hewasthefirst

person confirmed dead Detectives learnt that the victims might have been attending an “All Black Party” at V's Flavour Delight, located at 23 D'Urban Street, Lodge. At around 05:00hrs on Saturday, however, police closedoffthepartybutsome personscontinuedtodrinkin frontofthelocation. The host of the event, KeonAaronsaidthathewas checkingoffhisbarwhenhe heard several gunshots While finding out where the bulletswerecomingfrom,he

reportedly saw a black car speeding in a westerly direction from the location. Hethensawseveralbloodied individuals being placed in vehicles and rushed away to the city hospital Ranks subsequentlymadechecksat the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where they learnt that several personswereshotandoneof them killed during the shooting at the location Kaieteur News later learnt that there was one more victim of the shooting, a (Continuedonpage15)

Lawrence Wayne called 'Boy Boy'

Dead: Anthony Havercome

UG to welcome over 11,000 students for new academic year

The University of

Guyana is set to begin the new academic year for 2024/2025 with a week-long series of orientation sessions culminating with a high energy formal opening on FridayAugust30th.

This year's activities will bring new dynamism and innovation to the formal opening, the university said in a press release. The new high energy format will welcomenewandcontinuing students even as Orientation sessions for Faculties and Units begin tomorrow, Monday, August 26th. The central hub for the formal opening and faculties meetand-greet will be the new Multipurpose Auditorium at theTurkeyenCampus,gifted to the University of Guyana, from2PMtill6PM.

The formal Friday

Commencement activities willbeginat12Noonwithan open campus event, providing students with the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and peers, explore the campus, student clubs and societies, and participate in other special activities in a festiveatmosphere.

Theceremonialopening

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill has announced a substantial investment of $6.41 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of roads in hinterlandcommunities.

He made this disclosure

last Thursday while addressing Amerindian leaders during the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal. “Right

now, what we have programmed for 2024 is $6.41 billion. You will be

willtakeplaceat2:00PMat the new Multipurpose Auditorium, Turkeyen Campus, and will feature presentations from senior officers of the university, including Registrar Dr Nigel Gravesande, Deputy Registrar (ag) Dr Daniella King, Deputy ViceChancellor for Academic Engagement Prof. Emanuel Cummin

Chancellor, Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin The Commencement ceremony will also feature cultural

ambassadors and other top performers. This event is opentoallFacultymembers, students, and their families. People attending physically

The University will welcome over 11,000 new students for the new academic year

are expected to be seated by 1:30PM.

Meanwhile, UG said that virtual and face-to-face orientationsessionswilltake placefromAugust26–30for newstudentsatallcampuses (Turkeyen, Berbice and IDCE Regional Campuses) andfromSeptember12to13 for continuing students also on all campuses. This year,

the university said it is expected to welcome over three thousand five hundred (3500) f

able to look and see the scopeandthemagnitudeof the development that is taking place in the hinterland communities,” theministerstated.

oduction

the University's systems, policies, and resources that studentsneedtosettleinwell during their academic journey

The most significant aspect of the activity is an (Continuedonpage15)

eshmen(new students), who will join over eight thousand (8000) continuingstudentspursuing studies in various academic disciplines, Orientation sessions will begin daily from9am. The University of Guyana said its orientation sessions are aimed at providing a step-by-step in

The Toshaos being sworn-in-in as Justices of Peace and Rural Constables $6.41B allocated to upgrade roads in hinterland -EdghilltellsToshaos

MinisterEdghilloutlined a series of significant infrastructural projects across Regions One, Eight, andNine.Heemphasisedthe government's commitment to improving connectivity and access in these remote areas,highlightingthescope and magnitude of the planneddevelopments. A key project involves

the construction of a crucial road link between Karasabai in Region Nine and Monkey Mountain in Region Eight, aimed at enhancing the efficient delivery of goods and services throughout the region Minister Edghill stressed the importance of thisproject,describingitasa top priority to enhance the accessibility and economic opportunities for local communities “The vice president has highlighted this as a priority, and we are committed to

(Continuedonpage15)

Over 300 Amerindian leaders sworn in as JPs, rural constables

A total of 362 Toshaos, senior councillors and chairpersons of the Community Development Councils from across Guyanaweresworninasexofficio justices of the peace andruralconstables.

Some 114 Toshaos were sworn in as JPs, while 248 Toshaos, senior councillors and CDC chairs were sworn in as RCs. Following the ceremony, they were issued with their instruments. The swearing-inoftheseofficers wasthehighlightofthefinal day of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC)

onFriday

The leaders confidently took their oath of office, vowing to serve their communities in their respective capacities with integrity,andwithoutfearor favour, before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs and the head oftheGuyanaPoliceForce's (GPF) Strategic Planning Unit,KhaliPareshram.

Magistrate Gibbs commended the leaders for their dedication to serving their communities. She also expressed confidence, that they would handle their responsibilities with fairness,integrityandgrace. Meanwhile, Pareshram

remin

ed

he new appointeesthattheyarenow boundbythelawofGuyana andthatalltheiractionsmust reflecttheletterofthelaw

He also urged leaders to ensuretheysatisfytheneeds of their people. “When you return to your communities, you will be dealing with issues relating to safety and security Iexpectyoutodeal with all matters impartially and professionally You are now the eyes and ears of your communities,” he stated. Pareshram noted that 'as representatives of the Guyana Police Force, they must conduct themselves professionally'.(DPI)

Over 1300 participate in GYSBI, Muneshwers job fair

Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI), in collaboration with its parent company Muneshwers Limited, and their joint venture partners, hostedajobfaironSaturday, August 24th, 2024, at the Everest Cricket Club, Camp Road,Georgetown.

Theevent,heldfrom9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., attracted over1,300participantseager t o e x p l o r e c a r e e r opportunities in Guyana's rapidly growing oil and gas sector Guyana's Local Content Law stipulates that Guyanese companies with therelevantqualificationsbe given priority in the oil and gasindustry

The job fair provided attendees with the chance to engage directly with employers, participate in onthe-spot interviews, and present their qualifications. Candidates were encouraged to bring their resumes, ID cards, academic certificates, TIN certificates, and other relevant documents to maximize their chances of securingemployment.

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr AshniSingh,attendedthe eventandinteractedwiththe job seekers. In a statement shared via social media, Dr

collaboration as a model of local content in action. He highlighted the partnership asanexemplarycaseofhow Guyanese companies can engagewithandbenefitfrom the booming oil and gas industry

Itwasalsostatedthatitis a b

government's crafting of a legal framework on local content to require and obligate the oil and gas industry to do business with Guyanese companies and Guyanesenationals.

Notably, the government had

commitmenttoensuringthat thebenefitsderivedfromthe foreign direct investments into Guyana's petroleum sector are captured and retained in-country, through the enactment of the Local

Content Act of 2021

However, despite the law being implemented, there werestillseveralissueslocal companies encountered, and the law is expected to be amended.

Dr.Singhhighlightedthe government'scommitmentto building a Guyana where existing Guyanese companies can expand and thrive, and where new

enterprises can emerge and flourish.

Moreover, the minister reiterated that the government is focused on creating opportunities for every Guyanese citizen to acquire the necessary skills to participate meaningfully in the country's evolving economy

Recently, Dr. Martin Pertab, the Director of the

Local Content Secretariat within the Ministry of NaturalResources,disclosed thatwhiletheSecretariathad reduced the payment period to35to45days,theyarenow looking to further revise that period down to 21 days. Dr Pertab also revealed that

localcompanieshaveearned a total of US$314 million from the oil and gas sector withinthefirstsixmonthsof 2024.

This figure represents more than half of the projectedannualearningsfor thesector

Cops seize drunk man’s illegal gun

from him.

Police in Region Nine police on Sunday caught an intoxicated man with an illegal gun loaded with one bulletatCentralRupununi. HewasidentifiedasSam Melville, a 40-year-old RanchManageratStIgnatius Village, Central Rupununi. Ranks said they received information that he was at a barandheadedtothelocation around 00:30hrs. When they arrived, Melville was reportedly drunk and had a gun tucked in his left side pants waist Police approachedhimimmediately andafterhetoldthemthathe was a licensed firearm holder, they took the gun awayfromhim. Theyarrestedhimtooand whenaskedwherehegotthe

Inpolicecustody,

gun from, he said his boss. Melville Claimed that it was given to protect the ranch. Askedaboutthewhereabouts of his boss, he said that the man was in Georgetown. Melville remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Asection of the gathering on Saturday

The gun that was taken away

Sam Melville

$1.3B road development to commence in Region Three

Seventy-four con tracts totalling $1.3 billion have been awarded for road construction across several communities in Region Three, including La Parfaite Harmonie, Onderneeming, West Minster, Recht Door-Zee, and Lust-en-Rust.

The extensive infrastructure project was officially launched on Friday by the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar at La Parfaite Harmonie.

Highlighting the importance of road development, Minister Indar noted that it fulfills a commitment made

by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and complements an $8.4 billion road construction initiative that began in June.

“When the president makes a commitment, it is not water on duck’s back it has to be followed through with action and this is the follow-through action,” the minister emphasised.

In Parfaite Harmonie alone, the ministry has identified 97 kilometres of roads for upgrades.

To date, 33.5 kilometres have been completed, with 63.5 kilometres still requiring work. Of this remaining

amount, 15.4 kilometres of road were awarded for construction in June, with work scheduled to begin soon.

“And today, with 74 contracts, we are awarding an additional 18.9 kilometres of road construction,” Minister Indar announced.

He added that while the construction of concrete roads is underway, the ministry will also rehabilitate the remaining 29 kilometres of main access roads in the area.

Additionally, the minister emphasised that this infrastructure development aligns with the government’s broader regional develop-

UG to welcome over 11,000 students...

From page 12 introduction to all key administrative and academic personnel who provide guidance and services. This activity, which is a highpoint of the University’s academic calendar is particularly important for students to start their classes seamlessly. Students will also be introduced to the physical campuses, labs, faculties and classrooms as relevant. They will also be provided insight on the conduct of online classes if they are taking online or blended options. Classes for most new and continuing undergraduate students will begin on September 2, 2024. The university said though many

$6.41B

programmes are at capacity, students who have applied and not yet heard from the University or who wish to register for programmes that are not yet at capacity, are encouraged to complete pending applications or registrations at the earliest or risk losing their places. Those who still wish to attend the University for the new academic year can still apply during the next week. New applications close on August 31, 2024. Registration is ongoing for those students who have already applied and have still to accept the offer placement as well as for students who are continuing. The University will continue

to offer its students three attendance options - face-toface, online or blended learning formats.

The mode of delivery will depend on the discipline being pursued by students, their geographical location and other special conditions such as work commitments or disabilities. Faculties and other academic departments will continue to advise their respective students directly about options available to them.

Continuing students, who have not yet registered for the new academic year 2024/25, are urged to do so as soon as possible by checking into their SRMS accounts.—

allocated to upgrade roads...

From page 12 advancing this crucial development,” he further stated.

A team from the ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, was dispatched to conduct surveys and determine the project’s costs and requirements. The minister also pointed out that the goal is to bridge the gap between hinterland and coastland areas, to ensure equitable access to services and improve living conditions for Amerindian communities.

In addition to the Karasabai to Monkey Mountain link, Minister Edghill announced that all internal roads in Mabaruma, Moruca, Port Kaituma, and Matthews Ridge in Region One will be upgraded to rigid pavement concrete. Work will soon begin on the road extending from Mabaruma township to Wauna.

Moreover, the ministry is focusing on community road projects in Region Eight, where local challenges have hindered road maintenance.

The public works minister acknowledged that manual labour has proven inadequate for current road conditions and announced plans to procure heavy-duty equipment, such as excavators, to aid in road construction. The ministry also intends to train and employ local operators for the equipment. Since 2020, the government has significantly increased its budget for hinterland road development, with expenditures rising from $823 million in 2020 to $3.4 billion in 2023. (DPI)

Second man dies in D’Urban Street drive-by shooting...

From page 11 miner, Lloyd Roberts, of Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD). He sustained gunshot wounds to his right chest and left hip. Some persons believe that Roberts might have been the real target of the drive-by. Roberts is presently receiving treatment at a private hospital. Further investigations by police led them to locate the car believed to be the one used in the shooting. It was reportedly found parked on the eastern carriageway of Manatee Place, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. “The vehicle was processed and photographed by the CID team, and eleven 9mm spent shells,

along with one .223 spent shell, were found in the front and back seats of the car,” police said while adding that “two suspe cted bullet holes were seen in the lower right back passenger door, and what appears to be a graze from a bullet to the left rear just above the gas tank”. Police were able to track down the owner of the vehicle, Coleen Burrowes, a 33-year-old businesswoman.

She told investigators that the car was stolen from her around 04:00hrs on Saturday by two men on a XRHonda motorcycle at Victor and D’Urban Streets, Georgetown. The woman

ment agenda, which aims to boost investment and improve the living standards of citizens.

He also urged contractors to efficiently use the mobilisation advances provided, and warned that project extensions would not be granted lightly.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to several contractors, who expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the community’s development.

Contractor, Zoey Williams stated, “This is a wonderful initiative by the government, and it will benefit the community greatly.

The current state of the roads is poor, and once completed, the children and other residents will finally have standard roads to walk on.” Another contractor, Sheik Hassan, noted the importance of engaging local contractors, saying, “It’s good to help contractors because they have a better understanding of the community and its needs.

Improving the streets will benefit everyone in the area.” The extensive road project in the region speaks to the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of all Guyanese. (DPI)

FOR SALE

1-320 D Caterpillar Excavator with 3066 engine in excellent condition, if interested contact: 701-4000 Monday - Friday 8am-5pm.

Lawn grass, palms & flowers for sale. Call : 626-1044.

WANTED

Male able-bodied Staff to work in general store. Call: 231-2029, 616-5954.

Wanted Maths Tutor. Call: 223-5273/ 223-5274.

Wanted! Workers for packaging pasta and chowmein. $4100-$4900 per day. Workers paid weekly. Call: 6117839.

Skilled labourer (road construction), 20 years or older & Welder / Fabricator, 30 years or older call: 613-0855 9am-4pm.

Canter driver needed, ages 30 years or older. Must have atleast 5 years experience. Call:613-0855 9am-4pm.

One handyman to work 34 days per week at Kalyan centre in Lamaha Street, Georgetown. Tele: 6273390 / 227-6681

One Salesgirl to work in a Boutique in Georgetown. Call: 698-7152.

Experienced utility operators (excavator, bulldozer, ADT) and Mechanics wanted for mining operation. Call: 688-6575.

Experienced male Cooks Crew wanted for mining operation. Call: 688-6575.

One handyman to work 3-4 days per week at Kalyan centre in Lamaha Street, Georgetown. Tele: 627-3390

One Cook. Call: 223-5273/74.

VACANCY

General Domestic, must know to cook, clean , press ect. 3 days, $6000, 8-4 at Keyfood, Mcdoom village next to the post office.

Driver, must have valid license for Car & Van. Must be able to assist in Workshop also. Call: 615-9132.

One Electrician needed for Eccles. For more information Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office. English &amp; Mathematics, grade 1 or 2. Email application: techserigy@ yahoo.com or call 615-9132. Maid to clean for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132

Female cleaner for office call : 645-8443

Male cleaner for Eccles call 615-9132 or 645-8443

Vacancy for salesgirls and boys at Lot 16, Public road Soesdyke. Call: 669-9258.

Vacancy legal computer clerk. Phone 258-0213. Email : husainsaphier@yahoo.com Vacancy exist for security guard male and female , ages 45-60 years. Call: 225-1449 / 656-4430.

Vacancy for the night handyman and a domestic maid Call 6386816

Litigation/companies clerk. Experience essential, Applications with CV & References to Cameron & Shepherd / csmain@cameronandshepherd.com

claimed that she was in the company of her cousin in the car and had stopped the vehicle there to urinate when the men rode up to her. Burrowes continued that the pillion rider dismounted the motorcycle, pointed a gun at her while demanding that she give them the car. Fearful for her life, she, along with the other occupants of the car exited the car, and the armed man entered and drove it away while his accomplice followed behind on the motorcycle. She immediately went to the East La Penitence Police Station, where she made a report that the car was stolen from her. Investigations are ongoing.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

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

Rumion for sale, Model 2012, PTT Series. Call : 6715759.

Nissan Bluebird for sale year 2006 (Silver) Original condition. Immediate Transfer Price Negotiable. Call / Whatsapp : 683-7761.

SERVICES

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

Visa Application:U.S.A, Canada & UK:Graphics design, advertisements, wedding arch rentals.Tel:626-7040.

Need a bus or planning an outing. Call Matthew bus services and tours, Surniname/Braz. Whatsapp : 639-2663/ 673-

Vacancy at P.S.G.C.S for General Cleaner, Mason, Carpenter, Fabricator/ Welder, Maintenance Workers & Handyman/ woman. Call: 621-6969/ 615-7784.

EDUCATION

Nayelli school of cosmetology is n ow enrolling for cosmetology courses beginning September 9th, 2024, 211 New Market st. Call: 2262124.

FIRST AID/CPR/AED as well as home nursing courses at St. John Association starting shortly. Call: 225-9082.

Israel and Hezbollah exchange heavy fire in major escalation

(BBCNEWS)Israelhas said it carried out a wave of pre-emptive strikes across southernLebanontothwarta large-scale rocket and drone attackbyHezbollah.

The Israeli military said fighter jets destroyed thousandsoftheIran-backed armed group’s rocket

launchers on Sunday morning. Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal movement, said three fighters were killed. Hezbollah said it still managed to fire 320 rockets and drones at Israel in

retaliation for the assassination of a senior commander Israel’smilitary said an Israeli Navy soldier was killed. The exchange was a major escalation after 10 months of hostilities that have raised fears of an alloutwar

There have been almost daily exchanges of fire across the Israel-Lebanon

bordersincethedayafterthe start of the war between IsraelandHamasinGazaon 7October

Hezbollah has said it is acting in support of the Palestinian group, which is also backed by Iran. Both Hamas and Hezbollah are proscribed as terrorist organisations by Israel, the UK,andothercountries.

SinceOctober,morethan 560 people have been reportedkilledbyLebanon’s health ministry, the vast majority of them Hezbollah fighters, while 26 civilians and 23 soldiers have been killed in Israel, according to authorities. The UN says almost 200,000 people have also been displaced on both sidesoftheborder

Israel’s attack on Hezbollah at around 04:30 (01:30GMT)onSundaywas its biggest since the fullscale war between them in

2006. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said about 100 fighter jets “struck and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels” in more than 40 areas of southern Lebanon. Spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said it launched the strikes after identifying “extensive preparation” for a largescale aerial attack by Hezbollah. Lebanon’s staterun National News Agency reported that Israeli aircraft had struck Beaufort Castle, the Bir Kalb area, and the outskirtsofthetownsofAin Qana, Kfar Fila, Louaizeh, Bsalia, Kfar Melki, Sajd, KfarFila,andSarba.

The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health said one person was killed in a drone strikeonacarinKhiam.The Amalmovementsaidoneof its fighters from the village waskilled.Theministryalso

said an Israeli attack on the village of Tiri killed two people. Hezbollah confirmed the deaths of two fighters from nearby Haris, without providing any details “What happened today is not the end of the story,” Israeli Pr

Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting.

“Early this morning, Hezbollahtriedtoattackthe state of Israel with rockets and drones,” he added. “We directedtheIDFtocarryout an intense pre-emptive attacktoremovethethreat.”

As well as destroying short-range rockets, Mr Netanyahu said the IDF intercepted all of the drones which Hezbollah had “launched at a strategic target in the centre of the country”.

“[Sheikh Hassan] Nasrallah in Beirut and [AyatollahAli]Khameneiin Tehranneedtoknowthatthis is an additional step in changingthesituationinthe north,”hewarnedtheleaders of Hezbollah and Iran ForeignMinisterIsraelKatz saidhehadtolddozensofhis counterparts worldwide that Israel did “not seek a fullscale war” but would “do whatever it takes to protect ourcitizens”.

Not long after the Israeli strikes, Hezbollah said it

An Israeli plane fires flares to intercept a hostile projectile launched from Lebanon

targeted and hit 11 Israeli military facilities in Israel and the occupied Golan Heights with more than 320 Katyusha rockets It described the barrage as a responsetotheassassination of senior military

commander Fuad Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli strike in Beirut on 30 July

The group claimed that the operation was “completed and accomplished” and dismissed as “empty” Israel’s statements that its strikes on Sunday had thwarted a larger attack Video footage showed explosions in the sky as incoming rockets were intercepted by the Iron Domeairdefensesystem.

L a t e r, t h e I D F announced that an Israeli Navy soldier “fell during combat in northern Israel”, without providing further details Israeli media reportedthathewaskilledin an incident involving a HezbollahdroneandanIron Dome interceptor in the vicinity of a Dvora patrol boat, about 4km from the Lebaneseborder

HezbollahleaderHassan Nasrallah said in a televised address on Sunday evening that the group targeted a military intelligence base about110km(68miles)into Israeli territory, which was only1.5km(0.9miles)away

from Tel Aviv. He claimed Hezbollah was able to carry outitsattackasplanned,and all drones were launched successfully and entered Israeliairspace,accordingto a Reuters translation. He warned that the group will respond again if the results aredeemedtobenotenough. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati - whose government has little influence over Hezbollahsaidhewas“holdingaseries of contacts with Lebanon’s friends to stop the escalation”.

Hecalledforahalttothe “Israeli aggression” and the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution which ended the 2006 war Mr Mikati also emphasized Lebanon’s support for international efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire and hostagereleasedealbetween IsraelandHamas.

The US sees an agreement as key to deescalatingtensionsalongthe Israel-Lebanon border because Hezbollah has said it will only stop the hostilities once the fighting inGazaends.Thedirectorof MossadandIsrael’sShinBet domestic security service landed in Egypt on Sunday afternoon to participate in meetings with the CIA director and Qatar’s prime minister

Liverpool beat Brentford in Slot’s first Anfield game

(BBC Sport) - Arne Slot’s first Premier League home game in charge of Liverpool ended in victory as the Reds continued their winning start to the season againstBrentford.

LuisDiaz’sclinical13thminute finish on his 100th appearancefortheclubsince joining from Porto in 2022 setthemontheirway.

The goal came after a lightning break when a Brentfordcornerwascleared b

Mohamed Salah set Diogo Jota away with Colombia forwardDiazfinishingwell. Liverpool looked full of energy and Mark Flekken made two smart saves to denyAndyRobertson,while Brentford - who were once again without striker Ivan Toney as the transfer deadline approaches - had chancesoftheirown.

Norgaardspurnedaglorious opportunitytoequalisefrom a free header about 10 yards

Luis Diaz has scored Liverpool’s first Premier League goal at Anfield in each of the past three seasons

outwhichheputwide,while Alissondidwelltokeepouta headerbyNathanCollins.

Jackson. Palmer then restored Chelsea’s lead with a deft cushionedlobfrom30yards when he spotted Jose Sa off hisline.

Monday August 26, 2024

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Overall,theforecastfortoday is fairly good. The aspects seemtofavorfiguringoutthe meaning of all that's transpired over the past several weeks It's an opportunity for you to take a leisurely

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Have you felt somewhat lost forthepastfewdays?Thefog maylifttodayandenableyou to situate yourself at last. You'reprobablyeagertosettle a question that has nagged at you and interfered with your judgment.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You may have been feeling somewhat disillusioned. Perhapsyoulostsightofyour goals or misplaced your faith in yourself. You'll feel some reliefbeginningtoday

CANCER(June21–July22)

Youmightbetemptedtosettle certain matters by radical means. The visionary part of you means you're painfully aware of the world's wrongs. You see no reason not to take actiontocorrectthem.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Today will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but yourinnerworldislikelytobe in a rush of activity Today you wish you could find the solutiontoyourheartachesas well as your career predicaments.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals, Virgo. You'll go over the elements to see if there isn't some way to approach thingsdifferently

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Youjustcan'tdoeverythingat once, Libra. How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every areaofyourlife.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Thisisagoodmomenttoadapt your logic and reason to reality, Scorpio. If you don't, you're going to run into some

Everyone knows that you find newideasplentiful.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

It'sgoingtobealittledifficult ta

ou to

y, Sagittarius. You, who can be easily influenced by others, will be listening to and criticizing everything that peoplesay

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Haveyoubeenreviewingyour f

mily hi

ory lately, Capricorn? Of special interest is your cultural background. What educational, social, and religious environment were you born into? What are its values?Intheend.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It's time to elevate your senseofself,Aquarius.You're justasgoodasanyoneelse,so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitiveabouthavinganego. Even though you know everyonedoes.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Today your intellectual and expressive abilities should receive a boost from the planets.It'sanexcellenttimeto organize your thoughts about presentingaproject.

But Liverpool sealed the points when Salah clipped home with his left foot, the Egyptforward’ssecondgoal oftheseason.

There is much to admire a

c Liverpool side under Slot and while there is certainly still room for improvement, they head to Manchester United next Sunday with back-to-backwinsunderthe Dutchman.

Maduekehitshat-trickas ChelseathrashWolves…

Noni Madueke’s hattrickgaveChelseatheirfirst Premier League victory of the season as they beat Wolves in a pulsating and chaoticencounter

Chelsea took the lead after 98 seconds when Cole Palmer’s inswinging corner wasinadvertentlyflickedon by Matheus Cunha and an unmarked Nicolas Jackson noddedinatthebackpost.

Jackson stoked an already feisty Molineux crowdwithhiscelebrationsand Wolves rallied on the field.

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s dazzling run set up Cunha and the livewire Brazilian equalised with a crisp low finish from inside the box, before gesturing towards

Wolves got themselves backlevelforasecondtime shortly before the break when Jorgen Strand Larsen poked home from the edge of the six-yard box after a free-kick was squared back acrossgoal

Madueke’s treble in 14

second-half minutes settled thegameasacontest

The three goals were nearly identical as the winger scored with low angledshotsfrominsidethe area, assisted by Palmer on eachoccasion

Joao Felix put the gloss ontheresultlateonwhenhe side-footed the ball high into the net from near the penalty spot after being picked out by fellow substitute - and former Wolves winger - Pedro Neto

ICC could introduce dedicated fund to reinforce Test cricket outside Big Three

(ESPN Cricinfo) - The ICC could introduce a dedicatedfundfrom2025in an attempt to reinforce Test cricket and allow boards outside the Big Three to competewithmorelucrative franchise leagues to ensure they can call upon a bigger pooloftheirtalent.

The initiative, driven primarily by Cricket Australia chair Mark Baird and with the support of the BCCI and ECB, is aimed at creating a central fund to provideaminimumstandard match fee for players across the board, reported to be around US $10,000 (approx £7,600). The hope is it will be agreed upon before Christmasintimeforittobe fullyoperationalnextyear

Not only would this make Test cricket more attractive to players who essentially opt out of the formatforabiggerpaydayin short-format competitions across the world, but it would also reduce the costs incurred by less-moneyed

boards.

The nine Test-playing nations beyond India, Australia and England (who will not be privy to thefund)oftenoperateata loss when it comes to redballcricket,andnotjustas hosts Earlierthissummer, outgoing Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave revealed that the tour of Australiaatthestartofthe yearhadcosttheboardUS $2million.

The fund, which is expected to be in the region of US $15 million (approx £11 million), is understood to have the backingofBCCIsecretary Jay Shah and ECB chair RichardThompson

It is currently at a formative stage and has not been discussed formally by the ICC at the board level or by their executive committee But Bairdisconfident

“It’sfantastictoseesome momentum behind the Testmatch fund,” he told the

Sydney Morning Herald

“We need to take away the barriers and encourage Test cricket to be the best of the best. To retain that history and that legacy, which goes alongsidethenewerformsof white-ballcricket.”

Last month, ECB chief

West Indies’tour of Australia at the start of the year had cost CWI US $2 million (Getty Images)

executive Richard Gould revealed that Zimbabwe would be paid a “touring fee” when they come over for a one-off Test at Trent Bridge on May 22. Gould hadpositedtheideaofhosts paying a fee to travelling teamsayearbefore,butonly

now are concrete moves being made. Such is the skewed economics of the globalgamethatboardshave already been dealing in reciprocal agreements in some form or another The ECB,forinstance,agreedto anextrathreeT20Isontheir

2023 limited-overs tour of the Caribbean which were healthy money-spinners for theregion.

As a sweetener for West IndiesTestseriesinEngland last month, the ECB will facilitate a West Indies Under-19tourtotheUK.

Shepherd, Shamar seal WI’s 3rd consecutive T20I series win over SA

(ESPN Cricinfo) - West Indies have won their third successive series against South Africa by defending 179attheBrianLaraCricket Academy, where they dismantled a chase that was well set-up. South Africa were 129 for 3 in the 14th over but lost 7 for 20 in 35 balls and were bowled out for 149 in 19.4 overs to fall short by 30 runs “Akeal HoseinandGudakeshMotie

m a d e t h e c r u c i a l breakthroughs when they removed Tristan Stubbs and D o n o v a n F e r r e i r a respectively but then it was over to Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph to finish off. Shepherd ended with 3 for 15 from his four overs and Joseph with a careerbest3for31.Betweenthem they took South Africa's chances of levelling the series from on track to derailed.“WestIndieswould have known that the total they posted was gettable after they pulled off the highest successful chase at the venue - 175 - two days ago and South Africa were

offtoaquickstart. Theyracedto100inside ten overs but West Indies concededonlyoneboundary between10thand14thovers to force South Africa into making mistakes that ultimately cost them the game “South Africa's middleorderwillbeacause for concern after only one batter after No.3 got past 20 in a match where individual run-scoring accolades were scarce.

There were no halfcenturies across the two teams but West Indies were clearly the better big-hitting side.

They hit 13 sixes compared to South Africa's six, which may be one marker of where the game was won. Another is that WestIndiesscored50runsin their last five overs and the 47-run stand between Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford gave them the edge.“Hope floats and flies“After a matchwinning 51 in the opening game,ShaiHopeannounced hisintentinthismatchwhen

he slog swept Bjorn Fortuin over midwicket to score his firstboundaryoftheinnings. Hope's pull off Kwena Maphaka in the next over, which went between the wicketkeeperandshortfine, opened up a scoring area in theVbehindthestumps.

Alick Athanaze also exploited that area when he played Lizaad Williams late through third. West Indies finishedthePowerplayon43 for 1 before Hope's best cameout.

He smashed Aiden Markram for back-to-back sixes over midwicket as SouthAfrica'scaptainturned the ball into him and Hope wasabletohitwiththewind. Two more sixes came when hepulledMaphakaovercow corner and flicked Patrick Kruger over a wide fine leg to underline his preference forleg-sideplay Hopescored39ofhis41 runsonthelegside,andhad athirdfiftyinfourinningsin hissights,beforehereached for a wide Kruger delivery and was caught at deep point “Kruger doubles-

up““HopewasKruger'sfirst T20Iwicketanditonlytook twomoreballsbeforehehad hissecond.

After a change of ends, but with the same plan, Kruger struck with the first ball in the 12th over He maintained a wide line outside off and Roston Chase was enticed into attempting a big shot. He only got enough to find Maphaka on the edge of the point boundary, who took a goodlowcatchtoleaveWest Indies94for3.Krugerisnot South Africa's first-choice allrounder, even in this squad, but has done enough tokeepWiaanMulderonthe benchandperhapsevenedge o u t D o n o v a n

F e r r e i r a “ R e e z a ' s return““The last ball of Hosein's opening over was not particularly short, but Reeza Hendricks pulled it for four over midwicket for the first boundary of South Africa's reply And it was as thoughaswitchhadflipped. Hendricks went on to hit a wide ball from Matthew Forde over point, a full

delivery through the covers and then seemed to do nothing more than attempt a back-foot defensive block but timed it well enough to get past mid-off for four more. His coup de grâce cameagainstChase,whohe hit for 22 runs including back-to-back sixes either side of the wicket to give SouthAfricafiftyinsidefour overs, and 71 in the Powerplay albeit that he fell on the penultimate ball Hendricks under-edged Romario Shepherd onto his stumps and was out for 44 butshowedsignsthathewas backtohisbest.

In 11 innings before this one,Hendrickshadonlygot past 40 once and though he w o u l d h a v e b e e n disappointed not to get a half-century, he set up the chasewell.

“Hosein has South Africaontheropes“Hosein's firsttwoovers-atthestartof theinnings-cost17runsand he was brought back in the 14th, with South Africa in control.Theywere125for3 after 13 with Tristan Stubbs

and Rassie van der Dussen both in and scoring quickly Hosein made a crucial breakthrough,thatofStubbs by foxing him in flight. Stubbs tried to loft a slow, flighted ball over long-off but did not get enough on it andwascaughtbysubstitute fielderFabianAllen. Pace-off also did Donovan Ferreira in, as Motie had him stumped in the next over, but it was Hosein's final delivery that put South Africa's hopes to bed. Rassie van der Dussen tried to him over midwicket but only made contact with theinside-halfofthebatand was caught by Shamar SouthAfrica were 138 for 6 after16oversandneeded42 runsoff24balls.Shamarand Shepherd took SouthAfrica out of reach and cleaned up thetailbeforeFordefinished off the match “Match details:WestIndies179for6 (Hope 41, Powell 35, Williams3-36,Kruger2-29) beat South Africa 149 (Hendricks 44, Stubbs 28, Shepherd 3-15, Shamar 331)by30runs

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Bartica underway

Mighty Ruler,Avengers, formerlyRiversView,Jones Avenue, and Misdemeanor were among the winners whentheGuinness‘Greatest oftheStreets’Barticaedition commenced on Friday night at the Community Centre tarmac.

Mighty Ruler displayed their early tournament credentials with a thumping 6-0 victory over Falmouth. OswinJosephandShaquille Hopkinsontalliedrespective

doubles, while Clint Kellman and Elcio Olivera scoredonegoaleach.

Avengers downed SpanishMan1-0throughan Andel Norton goal in the secondhalf.

Jones Avenue edged the Stelling Crew 1-0 Kyle Timmerman scored the only goal of the contest Newcomer Misdemeanor thrashed Almanac Kings 30. Reon Hall, Floyd Jones, and Shem Stoby scored one goaleach.

In other results, Ruler

Top Form crushed New Modern 4-0. Tyrese Gomes scored twice, while Joshua

Jones and Antonio Ceres nettedonegoaleach.

BadBoyscamefromtwo goals down to defeat Agatash 5-2. Kevin Reddy smashed four goals while Don Lam netted once. Josh andMazielAllenscoredone goal each. Police arrested Genahsyde 1-0, while BeachsidedownedPluto2-1 on penalty kicks after full timeended1-1.

The winner of the event willpocket$300,000andthe championship trophy. They willalsosecureaplaceinthe national tournament on September6th.

On the other hand, the second, third, and fourthplace finishers will receive $200,000, $100,000, and $75,000,respectively Up to press time, the quarterfinal, semifinal and eventual championship matchwereunderway

CompleteResults

Game-1

Police-1 vs. Genahsyde0Game-2

Beachside-1vs.Pluto-1

Beachside won 2-1 on penaltykicks

Rainspoilsopeningdayaction withGuyanalookingstrong

Mother Nature ruined plans for a competitive opening day of cricket between Guyana and Barbados at Gilbert Park, California. Prior to the abandonment of Day 1’s play,GuyanakeptBarbados to 141-8 after 26 overs before rain seemingly spoiledtheremainderofthe day’splay Barbados was led by their four in-form batsmen in Zachary Carter (38),

Part of the action between Bad Boys

Wiggins

and

Guyanese skipper

Jonathan Van Lange picked up 4-37 with his mediumpace, to lead his team’s effortwiththeball. Meanwhile, up to press time,itisunclearifplaywill resume today Guyana’s next match will be on Tuesday against Jamaica at the National Cricket Stadium,Couva.

Game-3

BadBoys-5vs.Agatash2

BadBoysscorers KevinReddy-4 DonLam-1

Agatashscorers JoshAllen-1 MazielAllen-1

Game-4

Mighty Ruler-6 vs Falmouth-0

OswinJoseph-2

ShaquilleHopkinson-2

ClintKellman-1

ElcioOlivera-1

Game-5

Avengers-1 vs. Spanish

Man-0

AndelNorton-1

Game-6

Jones Avenue-1 vs StellingCrew-0

KyleTimmerman-1

Game-7

Misdemeanor-3 vs AlmanacKings-0

ReonHall-1

FloydJones-1

ShemStoby-1

Game-8

Ruler Top Form-4 vs. NewModern-0

TyreseGomes-2

JoshuaJones-1

AntonioCeres-1

Celebrating the Legacy of Emanuel London at the Memorial Tournament

The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) honoured the legacy of one of its most distinguished members, Emanuel London, with a Memorial Tournament that brought together the finest golfers in the golfing community This event was not only a celebration of the game but also a heartfelt tributetoLondon’senduring influence on the sport and community

Speakingonbehalfofthe LGC was PRO Brian Hackett who said, “It was indeed a pleasure to see the turnout by members in support of the tournament. I’mparticularlysaddenedby thefactofthepassingofthe ofthepope.Ireallyregrethis passing in the formation of the Republic Bank, junior golf tournament. He was a integral part in making sure that that tournament was successful He played a significant role in making sure that the students were coached, he provide the support across the country, participating in golf clinics in Berbice and Linden. He gaveofhisowntimetomake sure that he was involved andthatheparticipated.”

London, who served as theClubCaptainin2023and alsoheldthepositionofVice President, was a towering figure within the LGC. His leadership and dedication leftanindeliblemarkonthe club, setting high standards both on and off the course. His passing represents a significant loss to the LGC and the broader golfing community in Guyana, but his legacy continues to inspire and guide golfers

acrossthenation.

T h e M e m o r i a l Tournament showcased the talent and sportsmanship that London championed throughout his career The results of the tournament saw CarlosAdams win with aHandicap22,Gross81,Net 69 while Mike Mangal (Handicap 8, Gross 79, Net 71) was second and Patrick Prashad (Handicap 8, Gross 71,Net71)finishedinthird. The event was a

testament to London’s passionforgolf,reflectedin the competitive spirit and camaraderiedisplayedbyall participants. His vision for the LGC as a place where golfers of all skill levels could gather, improve, and enjoy the sport was fully realized in this tournament. AstheLGClooksforwardto its future, the memory of Emanuel London will continuetoguideitsmission andvalues.

Damarko

(16)

skipper Joshua Dorne (22) andShaquanBelle(18).

Jonathan Van Lange

(green) and Agatash

The top performers of the event took a photo op with their prizes.

Aaron Newton wins FARMSUP Cycle Road Race

In a true test of endurance and p o w e r , F a r m

S u p p l i e s L i m i t e d (FARMSUP)wrappedupits 50-mile Cycle Road Race yesterday at the company’s Mc Doom location. Young Aaron Newton was the star oftheSenior’srace,crossing the finish line in 1 hour, 52 minutes, and 40 seconds (1:54:40s), ahead of seasoned rider Segun Hubbard.

The race kicked off with thepelotonrollingoutforthe official start. Newton, along with Jamual John, Kwame Ridley,JaikaranSookai,and others, launched an early

attack, quickly forming a breakaway in the first 10 minutes. The race featured riders across various categories, including Veteran Over-50, Veterans, Seniors, Juniors, and Cat Four,withastrategicrollout heading east onto the East Bank Public Road. As the group pushed south toward Providence, the peloton maintainedasteadypace. John, aiming to take the lead, faced a minor mechanical issue that requiredaquickpitstop.By this time, the breakaway group had already establishedasignificantgap.

Approaching Friendship

Scenes from yesterday’s FARMSUP 50-mile Cycle Road Race event

FARMSUP Sales Manager Dale Vansluytman (center) along with Sale Coordinator Tracy Cox (second from right) share photo-op with top performers and race officials yesterday at the company’s Mc Doom establishment

(East Bank), the riders settled into their rhythm, each maintaining a strong, consistent pace as they powered towards Land of Canaan.

Newton, part of the leading break, joined in a sprint as they passed the iconic Falls gas station on the East Bank of Demerara. John managed to take the leadagainatSarahJohanna, flanked by Newton on his leftandSookaionhisright.

The junior riders then turned off onto the northbound carriageway at the Soesdyke Junction for the return leg, while the other categories continued up to the Timehri roundabout.Thepacepicked upsignificantlyatSoesdyke, setting up a thrilling return

journey

John launched a solo attack at Land of Canaan after staying back for much of the return leg, moving swiftlyintothirdplaceinthe senior’srace.

As the race approached Little Diamond area, the riders took a right turn onto Heroes Highway With less than 25 minutes to go, Newton and John broke away, establishing a significant lead as they approached the final stretch attheJaguarroundabout.

Inathrillingfinale,John and Newton were neck and neck heading into the homestretch.

A small chase group followed closely, but it was Newton who managed to outsprint the competition,

clinching the Senior title with a time of 1:54:40 Segun Hubbard finished second, while Kwame Ridleysecuredthirdplace.

After the race, Newton spoke about his victory, crediting his success to the supportofhisteammatesand family

“Despite the challenges leadinguptotherace,itfeels incredibletocomeoutontop today,” he said. “Even with aninjurytomyfootandarm, I was able to push through, and that’s something to be proud of. No one expected me to win today, but I’ve beenputtinginthework,and todayIgottoseetheresults.”

The event also featured the Junior’s and Cat Four races. In the Juniors race, Ajuni Cutting took the top

spotwithatimeof1hour,37 minutes, and 52 seconds (1:37:52s), followed closely by Alex Newton in second place and Daniel Thang in third. Hubbard secured first place in the Veteran Race, while Davenand Bissoon claimedtheCatFourvictory

As usual, FARMSUP hosted a brief awards ceremony after the race to honour the standout performers, bringing the 2024 Road Race event to a close. Meanwhile, Guyana Cycling Federation Vice President Linden Dowridge thanked all participants and sponsors for their support and expressed gratitude to Inspector Ramdass and his team for ensuring the race remained safe and incidentfree.

Soca Harmony getting in the groove after Guyana Cup win

Trinidadian Derby

winner Soca

Harmony is hittingherstrapsinGuyana. She found the winning momentum after displaying a dominant win in the F Class race at the recent Guyana Cup. The fiveyear-old bay, daughter of J’Ouvert/Soca Rhapsody formerly owned by Lester Moore, has found a new

home at the Jagdeo Racing Stables in CorentyneBerbice,Guyana.

After the victory at Rising Sun Turf Club,

owner Therbhuwan Jagdeo said preparation was not ideal owning to the weather, but Soca Harmony was sound and showedherexperience.

“She (Soca Harmony) is good now, she has no

issues,” Jagdeo said Soca Harmony finished ahead of Converter, and stablemateRedRuby

M e a n w h i l e , Trinidadian Jockey Dillon Khelawan, who piloted Soca Harmony to the F Class victory, said there was no challenges forhimduringtherace

Prior to her debut in Guyana, Soca Harmony raced on 22 occasions from age two-five in Trinidad – winning nine (9) races finishing second inseven(7)races,thirdin four (4) races, and fourth intworaces She has never been outofthemoneyinher22 starts

Soca Harmony, a blacktyped multiple Graded winner formerly trained by

champion trainer, John O’Brien is one of the most versatile horses to be imported from Trinidad to raceinGuyana.

She is the only Trinidad-bred horse who won the 2,000-metre Trinidad Derby Stakes, and Grade One 1,200metreStewardsCup

With the President’s Cup horse race less than a month away, Soca Harmonywillbeaforceto reckonwith

The 2024 President’s Cup which will be organized by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee is set for September 22 at Rising Sun Turf Club Nine races are on the provisional program with more than G$15millionupforgrabs.

Soca Harmony won the F Class race at the Guyana Cup

YBG concludes 2024 Development camp

Th e Y o u t h

B a s k e t b a l l

Guyana (YBG) wrappedupitsDevelopment Summer Camp yesterday at the Marian Academy Court Facilitywithadayfilledwith f u n a n d f r i e n d l y competition.

This yea

er eighty campers from

v

a

Guyana, including one student from Tobago,

took part in the camp Among the participants, 56 we

campers ranging in age from 6 to 15, including 7 girls, who completed the three-week programme

T h r o u g h o u t t h e camp, participants were

r

b

young people, which is w

dedicated to creating

opportunities for growth anddevelopment.

Each camper received a personalized evaluation from their coach, providing insightsintotheirprogress.

Y B G e x t e n d s a special thank you to the parents and children for choosing YBG and

Scenes from Marian Academy as YBG concluded its 2024 Basketball Development Camp and You

encourages continued growth through our Academy, held every Saturday at the Marian Academy Court

Campers had the chance to interact with coaches Willon, Shamar, Judah, Jeremiah, and Leona (coordinator),

among others, who imparted their knowledge and honed the skills of potential future top athletesofGuyana

Meanwhile, The YBG group would also like to thank Marian Academy forallowingustousetheir court an

Additional thanks go to our community partners, including Edward B Beharry Limited, G-Boats Inc, KFC Guyana, and the California to Guyana Basketball Foundation, whose unwavering support has made this initiativeasuccess.

BG’s Co-Director Chris Bowman hands over trophy to Best Female Camper

Aaron Newton wins FARMSUP Cycle Road Race

Aaron Newton (on podium) collects his First-place award for FARMSUP Sales Manager Dale Vansluytman