Stabroek Block offers unique opportunities for highest return on investment
…says every year company drills at twice the speed
Prime suspect in Toshao's murder surrenders
Cop under close arrest
Gas-to-Energy project gets initial approval for US$500 million - US Official loan from US EXIM Bank for kicking man in head
EPA's unlawful conduct, lax regulation would implicate the US in any resulting harm from gas project -Int'llawyer tellsUS EXIMBank -Exxon’sVP
Beaton
Stabroek Block offers unique opportunities for highest return on investment – Exxon’s VP
…says every year company drills at twice the speed
ExxonMobil’s Senior
Vice President, Neil
Chapman, has highlighted the Stabroek Block as a prime location for highreturn on investments
Chapman said that despite being in the early stages of development, it is already performing well and offers
significant untapped opportunities to recover the 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent.
The Senior Vice
President speaking recently about the company’s progress, stated, “I like to remind you, and I always like to remind everybody, we’re still very early in the developmentoftheStabroek
Block ” He outlined
ExxonMobil’s progress in Guyana, noting that the
company has been exceedingitsoutlinedplans.
Currently, three floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels are in operation in the StabroekBlock,withadaily production rate of about 660,000 barrels of oil
Chapman noted, “We’re adding two new FPSO developments to recover moreofthe11billionbarrels of announced discovered resource.”
Bytheendofthedecade, Exxon aims to have eight FPSOs in production, achieving a combined capacity of 1 7 million barrels of oil equivalent per day(boe/d)andanestimated production of 1.3 million boe/d.
Chapman underscored, “Three boats [FPSOs] are online, five to come. These eight boats are going to be deployedacrosshundredsof square miles What that means is, when you’ve got
eight foundational boats, you’ve got lots of opportunities for tie backs, you’ve got lots of opportunities for infield drilling Those are the highest return investments you’ll ever make in the upstream because you’ve got most of the capital alreadydeployed.”
Further, the senior executive highlighted the importance of drilling efficiency, noting that the company is now drilling at twice the speed it achieved in 2019. “Drilling is really critical…you can see we’re industry leading, and every yearwe’redrillingatafaster pace,”Chapmansaid.
He highlighted the company’s success of delivering the first three FPSOs on schedule and within budget, attributing thisachievementtoExxon’s aggressive yet achievable planning. He highlighted that a third of the cost for these projects lies in the FPSO, a third in subsea infrastructure, and a third in drilling. “The budgets and theseschedulesarethemost aggressive in the industry,” hesaid.
Moreover, Chapman also detailed the application of advanced technology, including 4D seismic imaging, to enhance recovery rates and well placement accuracy This technology allows ExxonMobil to visualize real-time movements of oil, gas, and liquids within reservoirs, improving the placement of wells and boosting recovery efficiency
“We estimate this technologyisgoingtoadda Continuedonpage13
ExxonMobil’s Senior Vice President, Neil Chapman
Exxon’s planned 8 developments for the Stabroek Block by 2030
EPA’s unlawful conduct, lax regulation would implicate the US in any resulting harm from gas project
International Lawyer, Melinda Janki in an 11-page submission to the United States Export Import(USEXIM)Bankhas warned that Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA’s) unlawful conductwouldimplicatethe country in any resulting harm, associated with the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project.
Back in April 2023, it was revealed that Guyana made an application to the US EXIM bank for a US$646M loan to support the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and the 300megawatt gas-fired power plant-twocomponentsofthe venture.
American oil major, ExxonMobil is constructing a 12-inch diameter pipeline that will transport gas from the Liza Fields to power the twoplants.
TheUSEXIMBankhad opened a comments period for feedback on the project. Jankihaspointedlyaskedthe
Bank not to provide financing to Guyana for the gas plants. In her submission, the Lawyer pointed out that safety in petroleum operations requires a strong regulator and strict enforcement of applicable rules and standards.
Shesaid,“Alaxregulator in Guyana not only imperils Guyana and neighbouring statesbutunnecessarilyputs in danger the lives of workers, including Americans, employed in Exxon’s petroleum operations offshore Guyana.”
Janki went on to explain thatin2023,anationalcourt described the regulator as a “derelict, pliant and submissive Environmental Protection Agency” which had abdicated its responsibilities putting Guyana at risk of a “calamitousdisaster”.
Further, the court also criticised the EPA for “adopting a stance of avoidance, concealment and secrecy” and acting “in unison” with Exxon, the Attorney-at-Law noted, while the former Executive Director,Dr VincentAdams described the EPA as “abysmal”.
Meanwhile, Janki highlighted that the associated gas will be brought to shore via a pipeline. She informed the USEXIMBankthatin2023, in a legal challenge to the pipeline brought by two
citizens,anationalcourtsaid that the EPA’s decision to g r a n t E x x o n a n environmentalpermitforthe pipeline was, “contrary to lawandimproper.”
The EPA has exempted the gas plant and associated infrastructure from an Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA).
“This is contrary to national law which requires an EIA for every project which may significantly affect the environment UnlessthereisanEIAforthe gasprojectitisimpossibleto identifythedangertopeople and the environment and ensurethattheEPAimposes proper conditions on construction and operation to mitigate that danger,” the Lawyerargued.
She pointed out that a portion of the pipeline is in water that is over a mile deep, with no technology which can monitor the structure in real time to detectleaks.
To this end, she cautioned, “An Eximbank loan for the gas project with knowledge of the EPA’s unlawful conduct and lax regulation would implicate theUnitedStatesofAmerica inanyresultingharm.”
16,000 AMERICANS OBJECT TO LOAN
While the Guyanese award-winninginternational LawyerhasrequestedtheUS EXIM Bank to refuse the loan application by Guyana, 16,000 Americans had also writtentoChairoftheUnited States Export-Import Bank, Reta Jo Lewis demanding the financial institution not tofundthecontroversialgas project.
According to a letter from 16,452 members of Friends of the Earth United States, a non-governmental organization, the project is both a disaster for Guyana andtheclimate.
They said, “This project isbothadisasterforGuyana and the climate! The U.S. government should not be using taxpayer dollars to
reportedbillionsinprofits.”
The advocacy group in the missive issued in May 2024 went on to point out that studies done indicate that the gas project is not necessary as solar panels could provide a cheaper alternate of power generation.
communities. Moreover, it would cost less to build, reduce bills for ratepayers, generatelocaljobs,andfight theclimatecrisis.”
subsidize Exxon – a company that has recently
According to the letter, “This fossil fuel project in Guyana is not even close to necessary Some analyses have shown that installing solar panels would meet the energy needs of Guyanese
The letter also pointed out that “This project will help increase the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and make limiting global warmingto1.5°Cevenmore difficult.” and that “greedy c o m p a n i e s [ l i k e ]
ExxonMobil will get even richer!”
The activist group noted that the letter was sent in
solidarity with Guyanese citizens who are opposing the gas project on multiple groundsincludingthefailure t o c a r r y o u t a n environmental impact assessmentforthegasplant; the lack of a business case; the lack of any financial information showing how spending billions of US dollars would deliver ‘cheap’ electricity; the failure to comply with n
The going is good until it starts to go downhill before anyoneknowsit,beforecontrolcanberegainedoverit. One small slip could lead to a prolonged fall, one without a bottom. This was the case 14 years ago in the Gulf of Mexico. One of the world’s leading oil companies, BP, had anoilrigthatblewupcreatingcatastrophicdamage,withthe loss of 11 lives. The world knows it as the Deepwater Horizonexplosion.
The systems that were held as foolproof and safety perfect didn’t turnout to be as invincible as they were marketed. In the brave, new world of Oil Guyana, there is ExxonMobil, and we permit the company’s resident president, Mr Alistair Routledge to do the honors, deliver thegoodnews. Itisallgood,andbyconsiderablemargins.
“It’s been a dream startup. The Payara project set all kinds of industry records for safety, no hurts in the first year of operation, extremely high reliability, has also had the fastest ramp up from first startup all the way to full capacity that we have been able to identify in the industry, certainly foradeepwater,offshoreoperationso,reallyanoutstanding project and multiple achievements within that milestone of oneyear.”
Guyanese, the bona fide owners of this oil project of which Routledge overflows with excitement, must be pinching themselves and asking themselves a question. Given that this one project is so earthshattering in every aspect of its existence, then why are they still eating dirt daily The positives, as articulated by the ExxonMobil Guyana President are not just incredible, they are endless. There is not a single negative cloud on the Guyana oil horizon, as marketed by ExxonMobil. This could be too good to be true, except that it has both its pluses and there is no question that there is much to be said for those. The Guyana Payara project is real, but can it really holdup under the intense pressure and high speeds under which ExxonMobil pushes it? The concern that should give all Guyanese pause, is whether this unstoppable American oil juggernautisgoingtoofast.
From a conservative perspective, the lessons of many a cautionary tale usually ignored, what about the ‘what ifs?’ Thefailureoftechnology,theprobabilityofhumanerror,the severe stresses placed on systems in operation. With a current maximum of US$2B in liability should there be a problem of proportions, it could be said with reason that ExxonMobil has incentivized itself to throw caution to the winds and plunge ahead. To a company operating on the gigantic scale of ExxonMobil, and with the economic horsepower under its belt, US$2B is a drop in the bucket. It isanamountthatitcouldgambleon,andnotworryshouldall of it be gone. Its stable of lawyers are more than capable of dealing with the rest that follows, which means Guyanese loseagain,possiblyirrecoverablyso.
The best engineering that has been conceived by human mindhasitslimitations. TheTitanicstandsasanowancient precedent, and remember how much was said about that big beautiful ship. In 2024, ExxonMobil’s Routledge has gone beyond that with what must now stand as the legend of Guyana’s Payara. As much as it is resisted, wished against, some legends have a habit of dying in one’s hand. For the sakeofthiscountryanditscitizens,mayitnotbeso. Froma point of prudence, is ExxonMobil not going too fast with its threeoffshoreoilprojectshere?
Before Routledge’s podcast, there was his CEO, Darren Woods leading the chant. “Our Payara project…continues toperformaboveinvestmentbasis–ashasbeenthecasewith all the projects we’ve brought online in the world’s premier deepwater development.” We urge our readers, Guyanese foremost, to zero in onWoods’s priority: “above investment basis.” It would have inspired Guyanese if genuine safety was his first interest. Once again, for the good of Guyana, is ExxonMobilgoingtoofastnotjustwithPayara,butallthree oil projects in operation offshore Guyana? We think that it is,assertagainthatitisintheredzone.
The GDF must always be an apolitical force
DEAREDITOR,
This morning, Tuesday December17th2024,Isawa video circulating on social media of Lieutenant Colonel Earl Edghill and officer of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who is currently performing the duties ofAde de Camp (ADC) to His Excellency Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, doing something thatinthealmostsixdecades history of the GDF has never beendone.
In the video, Lieutenant Colonel Edghill, the President’s ADC introduces himself then proceeded to makeapoliticalstatementon behalfofthePresident.
Editor, this senior army officer had no business makingsuchastatement.His
military designation is Aide de Camp- (ADC) to the President; as such he is a Staff Officer and Military Advisor to the Commander inChief.
Some of the roles of an ADC are (1) Personal Assistant:Heorsheassistsin the daily activities of the President they serve; managing schedules, coordinating events, and ensuringthateverythingruns smoothly during official functions.
(2) Ceremonial Duties: They participate in ceremonial functions, standing behind the President or accompanying him This visibility reinforces the connection between the military and the civilian leadership (3) Advisor:ADCs may provide
advice on military matters and protocol, helping to bridge the gap between civilian and military perspectives Lt Colonel Edghill had no right making a political statement on behalf of the President of Guyana.
That is the role and function of the Public Information Department of theOfficeofthePresident,or any minister of political appointee designated by PresidentAli.
An ADC must never be placedinapositionwherehe or she is directed or ordered to give political statements or act in any way that shows bias or allegiance to any political party in Guyana.
The GDF is an apolitical force- nonpartisan; independent unbiased;
nonaligned. It is therefore a travesty, a breach of longstandingethicsforanADCto be seen making a political statement.
This will be interpreted as the politicization of the militarybytherulingpartyin government and should not be allowed to happen. Lt Colonel Edgehill made a mistake; however, it is now the responsibility of the Chief of the Defence Staff, Brigadier General Omar Khan MSS to advise the Commander in Chief on the role and the scope of duty/duties of the officer assigned by the GDF to be hisADC.
M
demands that this error be correctedsoonest.
Sincerely,
MarkArcherAA
Bartica youth group calls for urgent action following tragic death of Toshao Joseph
DEAREDITOR,
TheBarticaUnitedYouth Development Group is deeply s
nd saddened by the tragic and untimely death of Toshao Ridley Joseph, a beloved l
ader and d
ed member of our community Toshao Joseph, who was brutally stabbed nineteen timesonDecember16,2024, at the Signature Inn Hotel in Georgetown, was known to be a kind-hearted, friendly individual who served as a pillar of strength for the people of Tassarene Village andtheentireBarticaregion. Hisdeathisnotonlyalossto his family and friends but to ourentireregion.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family andfriendsofToshaoJoseph during this unimaginable t i m e o f g r i e f T h e
circumstances surrounding his death are horrific, and we stand united in calling for a full forensic investigation to ensurethatthetruthcomesto light and that justice is swiftlyserved.
TheBarticaUnitedYouth Development Group is committed to supporting the family of the deceased and urges the authorities to move expeditiously in identifying and apprehending those responsible for this heinous act.
In light of this tragedy, wecallontheGovernmentof Guyana to take immediate action to prevent such incidents from happening in the future We urge the authorities to establish m e a s u r e s a i m e d a t preventing such tragedies f r o m r e o c c u r r i n g , recognizing that while these
measures may not fully eliminate the risk, they can greatly reduce the likelihood of similar situations. These measures should specifically include the issuance of gun licenses for Toshaos and similar community leaders, ensuring that those in positions of leadership are provided with the necessary security, similar to that provided to government ministers.
Additionally, we call on the Government to provide immediate financial support for the family of Toshao Joseph to assist with funeral expenses and any other associated costs The governmentmustensurethat the family is not left to bear this burden during such a difficult time. Psychological support services should also bemadeavailabletohelpthe
family cope with their profoundloss.
Toshao Joseph’s death is an immense loss to the community, and it is particularly heartbreaking that it occurred during the festive season, a time meant for celebration and unity We stand together as a community to mourn his passing and commit to ensuring that justice is served.
Ourthoughtsandprayers are with the family and friends of Toshao Joseph as they navigate this painful loss.
We remain hopeful that justice will prevail, and that necessary steps will be taken to prevent such tragedies in thefuture.
Regards, Bartica United Youth Development Group
We are all talented in something
DEAREDITOR,
I am not sure why the Ministry of Education (MoE) would place such a demotivating reference in the press by way of a key figure in the Ministry who stated, “Editor I respectfully disagree in totality with the position postulated that TVET is for “Dunce” and “Underachievers” and for those who cannot use their hands and brain is a very “dehumanizing” statement, especially in a modern and contemporary society that is rapidly developing, requiring trained, skilled, competitive and a competent labour force to contribute in all aspects of modernization
that is currently unfolding, andsoTVETisfortheminds that are creative, ingenious, bright and smart that will leadinterventions/initiatives that are the yet to be discovered”.
Whyissomeonefromthe MoE having young minds reflectonthewords“Dunce” and “Underachievers.” This is a very inappropriate and reckless reference As educators the word “dunce” should have already been removed from their vocabulary
My late godson, may God bless his soul, never went on to earn a University degree. He was however a very skillful person who
used his skills to become an excellent welder He also built a successful business in the trade. This is what our students who have these talents, and that enjoy the vocational education provided may also achieve. Somemayevenchoosetogo further and pursue in depth theoretical and practical knowledge in their chosen fields. Robotics is a growing field that will require such skills.An associate degree is a gateway to further education and for those so inclined it can offer additionalopportunities.
We must alter our thinking around intellectual curiosity and capacity There
are those who may be late bloomers and there are those who prefer using their minds to develop other skills. We are not all inclined the same way and no one in the education system should be considering any of their students as a dunce or underachiever. It is the responsibility of the teachers, the parents and the students to work together to discover where the students’ talents are, and which talents the students would enjoy d e v e l o p i n g C R G encourages the MoE to not lose sight of the audience of thisdiscussion.
Sincerely, Mr Jamil Changlee
Chairman Changlee seems clueless about current research and practices in education
DEAREDITOR,
A recent letter by one
Changlee, “Talent at Bishops’should not be used for vocational education,” (SN, Dec 15, 2024) is probably the worst letter written about education in Guyana This fella calls himself Chairman, The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana. I am not sure if that’s a political party but with a letter like that, these Republicans are a nonstarter
TheChairmansaid,“The Bishops’HighSchool(BHS) isfilledwithsomeofthebest young minds in the nation.” Heiscorrect.
The so-called top 6 schools based on scores on the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) is specifically to identify the top academically gifted or highestachievingstudentsin the country My opinion is that the NGSAis the root of alleducationalevil,asitisa colonial relic, kept alive by people who seem to be
mentally lazy to reform that uselesssystem.Caricomhas n o t s e t a b o u t t o systematically dismantle such a pernicious system, althoughtheyhavestartedto talkaboutit.
Guyana should probably be benchmarking its educational system to high achieverssuchasSingapore, notCaricom.Theblindcan’t lead the blind. Guyana must run faster, harder, longer thantherestofCaricom!
The Chairman said, “To have their talents used for vocational education, while the Government Technical Institute (GTI) and St George’sSchoolarefocused on specialized and challenging educational programmes appears to be the reversal of a firmly established education strategy The education development strategy of our nation was established and implemented before our country’s independence. It has served us well and had aligned our nation’s
education system with those of the top countries and leading global education institutions.”No!
The system we have is still largely based on the colonial model established by the oppressors. How has that served us well when it creamsoffthegiftedwhoare in better schools with better facilities compared to other highschoolsoflesserquality in the country? Luckily, the Government is rapidly building new schools which would help reduce longstanding inequities. An analysis of the CSEC scores would show glaringly the inequities of our system –onesystemforthegiftedand more affluent, and another inferiorsystemfortherest.
The Chairman said, “However, the Standard and Form system has since been abandoned in poor judgement and now the Ministry of Education (MoE) has shifted the focus anddevelopmentofsomeof the best minds in the nation
toareasoflessneedandless difficulty.” Using “grade” instead of the colonial terminology, “form and standard” is a good thing, keeping abreast with common language in moderneducation.
TheChairmansaid,“GTI should be leading the nation in vocational education, while the BHS should be striving for co-leadership with Queen’s College in the areas of science and technology Isn’t this the purpose of the common entranceexams?Placingthe best minds at the best institutions for our future engineers, doctors and lawyers was the original intent ” So, Chairman is conceding that NGSA was meant to sort and stratify students and he seems to thinkthat’sagoodthing.So, does Chairman think vocational education does nothaveanythingtodowith scienceandtechnology?
Chairman said, “The BHS will excel at anything
you give it to do.” He is c o r r e c t b e c a u s e “academically gifted students” are like that. They canexcelinanything!
Chairman said, “The talentedmindsatthesecondbest high school in the country are geared towards achievement. The teaching staffatthebestinstitutionsin thecountryusetoalsoreflect these higher standards and higher levels of academic achievement.” Is Chairman concedingthatonlythetop6 schools are geared towards achievement,andtherestare not, especially if they are vocational?
Chairman said, “We must place the best with the best.” So what Chairman is arguingforhereissomething called “homogeneous” grouping of students, which is seen as elitist and undesirable in education d e s i g n v e r s u s “heterogenous” grouping seenasmoredesirablewhere the classes reflect the diversityamongstudents.
When Chairman said, “Wemustnotturnthosewith the potential, desire and disciplinetobecomedoctors into carpenters when those whowishtobecarpentersdo not have the discipline to become doctors nor wish to putintheeffortrequired,”is hereallydemeaningstudents who have aptitudes and interests in high-paying vocationalcareers?
Chairman should take heed of comments in the blog. Prof. One Luv said, “Jamil, your letter should have focused on making ALL school across Guyana fullyequipforbothTechVoc and coreAcademic. Guyana needs these skill personnel todaymorethanever.”Amir Khansaid,“What?????How can someone in the 21st century have such a mindset?” Education needs massive reforms but not what Chairman is suggesting!
Sincerely,
Dr.JerryJailall CivilSocietyAdvocate
To
use the tragic end
of Toshao Ridley
Joseph’s life as a political weapon is unconscionable
DEAREDITOR,
Iamdeeplysaddenedby the tragic loss of Toshao Ridley Joseph, who was recently elected to head the villageofTassarene;theloss of anyone should be mournedwithrespect-more so, someone whose life was so brutally and senselessly lost Such circumstances require some level dignity fromallofus.
Since his election, I am happy that we were able to have several conversations that were constructive and led to resolving a number of issuesforthecommunitiesin the Middle Mazaruni. I was i m p r e s s e d b y h i s straightforwardness and willingness to work with governmenttofindsolutions to issues in his community and in the Middle Mazaruni sub-district.
I wish to extend to the Toshao Ridley Joseph’s family, the community of Tassarene, and the National ToshoasCouncilmydeepest sympathyonhispassing.He willbemissed.
H o w e v e r , I a m embarrassedandappalledby the video aired by the opposition’s Geographic Member of Parliament for MP Region 7, Mrs. Dawn Hastings,hoursafterToshao Joseph’smurder
In true APNU+AFC fashion,Mrs.Hastingtriesto mastertheartofputtingona show only when tragedy strikes.Tousethetragicend
of Toshao Ridley Joseph’s life as a political weapon is unconscionable. With such haste, Mrs Hastings attempted to remind people of her relevance, as most people have forgotten that she is the other Geographic Member of Parliament for Region7.
She opportunistically linked the murder of Toshao Ridley Joseph to the tragic Mahdia Dorm fire, i r r e s p o n s i b l y a n d negligently stating that nothing was heard of the investigation and people deserved to know – despite the public dissemination of the Commission of Inquiry reportonJanuary20,2024.
In that very haste, Mrs. Hastings referred to the ‘good old Burnham days’ when Toshaos were “secured”whentheycameto town So “secured” they were under Burnham, that whentheycametotownthey were escorted, monitored and manipulated to prevent themfrominteractingamong themselves or with others, particularly the members of the People’s Progressive Party!
The APNU+AFC MP called on indigenous people to“seewhatishappening”in their country Yes, I assure Mrs Hastings that all Guyanese are seeing transformation in their country; and there are no communities more visually demonstrating of the
constant and consistent progress than our Amerindian Communitiesmore wells and schools (4 new secondary schools with dorms being built in Region 7aloneinLower,Middleand Upper Mazaruni), expanded communications with Starlink, introduction of smart classrooms, developing healthcare (new regional and district hospitals being built), revitalising the solar household electrification prog
mme which is benefitting thousands of Amerindian families, over $9 billion in carbon credits revenue to over 240 Amerindian communities, increased stipends for Toshaos,creationofjobsfor thousands of Amerindian peopleandaccesstotraining in all fields, and so much more.
Her veiled reference to freedom of expression implying something incomprehensible regarding Toshao Ridley Joseph and his murder is strange. If I wereMrs.Hastings,Iwould have kept quiet because the track record of her party between 1966- 1992 was so abysmally bad with regards to the Amerindian people, poverty, isolation and neglect, coupled with the rigging of Toshaos elections to keep them under the control of the ruling party, her party At one time Aishalton had two village councils, one with the Burnham appointed Toshao and council and the other elected by the community. The former was recognised and received their stipends etc.whiletheotherwasnot.
And let’s look at more recenttimes:2015-2020,no different! Their first assault tookplaceafewmonthsafter
taking office, terminating 1,972 young Amerindian Community Support Officers in one swoop, sending their families into greater poverty Former President David Granger appointed a COI to look at Amerindian lands versus lands for Afro Guyanese, followingofficialstatements that the Amerindian people were avaricious and should not get more land; the governmentcloseddownthe Amerindian Land Titling Unit and fired all staff, villagessufferedfromsevere shortage of essential drugs etc., and where was Mrs HastingsthenasaGeographic MPforregion7andMinister ofGovernment?Thequestion remainsunanswered, at least to theAmerindian people of Region7.
Please don’t cry caiman tears and posture you cared. Youwereingovernmentand you know very well what was not done for or in some cases taken away from Amerindianpeopleandtheir communities,and from your statementsinParliamentyou defendedalloftheseassaults onourAmerindianpeoples.
To now posture as a champion of Amerindian people while using the murderofayoungleaderto score political points is the height of hypocrisy and vulgarity Toshao Ridley Joseph’s young legacy deserves more. His family deserves better, and the people of Region 7 deserve leaders who serve, not exploit.
Sincerely,
GailTeixeiraM.P. M i n i s t e r o f Parliamentary Affairs and Governance& PPP/C Geographic Member of Parliament –Region
project
initialapprovalforUS$500Mloan fromUSEXIMBank - US Official
The United States Export Import (USEXIM) bank has given an “initial approval” of US$500M to support the Government of Guyana’sGas-to-Energy(GTE)project.
This was revealed on Monday by Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, Brian Nichols during a Press BriefinginNewYork.
HetoldtheforeignpressthattheU.S.has focusedonharnessingitsdiplomatictoolsto build partnerships to deliver results that advance “American core interests”, and the coreinterestsofitspartnersandalliesaround thehemisphere.This,theAssistantSecretary of State for the Western Hemisphere noted “haselevatedourrelationshipwithemerging powerslikeGuyana.”
Nichols said, “The strategic elevation of our relationship with Guyana, the fastest growing economy in the world, provides further proof that these partnerships produce results Our interagency partners at US Southern Command strengthened bilateral defencecorporationthroughmedicalmissions, floodreliefoperations,jointtrainingexercises andmilitaryequipmenttransfers”
He added, “We also partner with US companies, which invested more than US$15BinGuyanabetween2021and2023. In November, the US Export Import Bank gave initial approval for a US$500M loan guaranteetosupportaUS$2B,U.S-builtGasto-Energy project that represents the largest foreigninvestmentinGuyana’shistory.”
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo at his November 28, 2024 press conference at FreedomHousefirstmadetheannouncement thattheloanwasapproved.FormerMinister ofPublicInfrastructure,DavidPattersonlater disputed the news, insisting that a credible sourcehadinformedhimotherwise.
Meanwhile, Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, in an attempt to clarify the currentstatusofGuyana’sloanapplicationto the financial institution recently explained that while initial approval had been granted, the Board of the US EXIM Bank will make thefinaldecision.
On the other hand, he said that while Jagdeohasrepeatedlyindicatedthattheloan
Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, Brian Nichols
would provide retroactive financing for the Wales project, the VP has not explained the limitations of this. As such, he pointed out, “Assuming that EXIM Bank does indeed (provide) retroactive financing, there are clear issues involved…one is that for you to get retroactive financing you have to follow the identical rules of the EXIM Bank. You can’tfollowyourrules,youhavetofollowthe procurementrulesoftheEXIMBank.”
Additionally, he explained that all the expenditure must comply with the Bank’s requirements for eligibility “You have to keepaproperrecordofallthestepsandsoon and each stage of the way, you have to have approval by the EXIM Bank Procurement Committeethatitisconsistentwiththeirrules andsoon,”Jordannoted.
Moreover, he pointed out that there is a limit to the retroactive financing that will be providedbytheinstitution.
The former Finance Minister explained, “The whole loan can’t go to retroactive financing,thereisalimittowhatretroactive financing you can get, so all of these things havenotbeenmadecleartothepublicbutyou gettheimpressionthatoncetheygetthisloan itcanbeappliedretroactivelytomoniesthat wehavealreadyspent.”
Lastmonth,PrimeMinisterMarkPhillips informed the National Assembly that $99B has spent to date on the project by the government, with 58% of the works already completed.Another$25.3Bwasapprovedfor theprojectinParliamentinNovember
A 26-year-old man from Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who went missingovertheweekend, was found dead on Monday, at the Cove and John, ECD foreshore. The deceased has been identified as Akeem Bruce,alabourerfromLot277 Haslington New Housing Scheme.
DEAD: Akeem Bruce
Kaieteur News reported on Tuesday that Bruce was reportedmissingbyhisrelativesonDecember 14,2024.Accordingtohisfamily,hewaslast seen at home wearing short pants, a t-shirt, and slippers. The body was discovered by residentsofVictoria,ECDwhocontactedthe police.
InastatementissuedonTuesday,thepolice saidthebodywasfoundlodgedatthewater’s edge, among mangrove trees, held by the strongtideataround17:20h.
It was brought ashore and was later positively identified by a relative “It was subsequentlyidentifiedbyMoniqueJames,the
deceased’s aunt, as Akeem Bruce,”policesaid.
Relatives of the deceased toldpolicethatBrucehadbeen reportedmissingbyhissisterat the Enmore Police Station around16:20hrsonSaturday They further told the police that Bruce had left home at approximately 16:00 hrs on Friday The police were also informed that Bruce “was a patient of the Psychiatric ClinicatGPHC,”thestatementadded.
Thebodywasexaminedbydetectives,who reportedthatnovisiblemarksofviolencewere found Bruce’s body was then removed by undertakers and transported to the Dr C.C. Nicholson Hospital at Haslington where he waspronounceddeadonarrival.
The body was subsequently taken to the Memorial Gardens Mortuary for storage, pendingapost-mortemexamination.
Attempts to speak with relatives proved futile as they were in complete shock by Bruce’sdeath
The stakes are high in Guyana’s democracy
I n a n y v i b r a n t democracy, the mechanisms thatbindittogetherarethose thatmediatedifferences,not extinguishthem.
To understand this principle is to grasp the essence of democratic governance: it thrives not in conformity, but in the acknowledgment and resolution of disagreements.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC) government of Guyana would do well to heed this fundamental tenet, for its current trajectory appears less about mediating differences and more about exacerbating them a perilous path for any nation professing democratic ideals.
Democracies, by design, are noisy, contentious, and rifewithdissent.Wereweall to agree on every matter of governance,electionswould beredundant,freedomofthe press unnecessary, and an independent judiciary obsolete.
Disagreement is part of themake-upofdemocracy It isbecausedisagreementsare inevitable because competing priorities and clashingideasandidealsare the hallmarks of human societies—that we require a democratic system This systemservestochanneland mediate conflicts, preventing them from spilling over into violence andchaos.
Yet,democracydemands morethanthemerepresence of elections or institutional frameworks. It demands an ethos of inclusivity, dialogue,andaccountability. The PPPC governmentmust
recognize that the democratic will of the people,whilesupreme,isnot synonymous with unbridled majoritarianism. A simple majoritarian approach, unchecked by institutional safeguards, leads to instability and populist
excesses When the government weaponises its majoritytobulldozedissent, it undermines the very principles that legitimise its authority
As Professor BenAnsell of Oxford University once noted, to guard against this, liberal democracies impose restrictions on what even democratically elected governments can do. Such restrictions are not constraintsonthewillofthe people; they are safeguards against the descent into authoritarianism Courts, independent agencies, devolved governments, and the media are not mere a d o r n m e n t s o f democracy they are its spine These institutions serve as counterbalances, holding governments accountable, restraining their excesses, and ensuring theyoperatewithinlegaland moral boundaries. Without these checks, democracy risks becoming a tyranny of themajority,wheredissentis stifled, and governance devolvesintoarbitraryrule.
Yet, in Guyana, these c
n onslaught. The free press, a foundation of democracy, is under siege Week after week, press conferences are weaponised not to inform or engage but to attack opponents,disparagecritics, and issue veiled threats Such actions chill free expression, and erode the media’s capacity to hold power to account. When a government treats criticism astreacheryanddissentasan affront,itsignalsatroubling shift from democratic governance to authoritarian impulse.
Equally troubling is the absence of meaningful dialogue between the governmentandthepolitical Opposition Democracy’s mediating function requires mor
Dem Boys Seh...
De
commitments to inclusivity; itdemandsaction.
Yet, in Guyana, this action is conspicuously absent. Refusing to engage in face-to-face consultations with the Opposition or reducing political discourse to mudslinging contests betrays a disregard for the democratic process The refusal of the political Opposition to shake hands with those they oppose is equally problematic. Such gestures, or the lack thereof, symbo
oader unwillingness to bridge divides and engage in the hardworkofcompromise.
By sidelining its critics and isolating its opponents, the government creates a vacuum where grievances fester, and polarisation deepens This is not
governance’santithesis.
If democracy in Guyana is to become more deeply entrenched, the PPPC government must abandon its combative posture
adversaries; they are vital
Threatening or disparaging the press weakens the public’sabilitytoholdpower to account and undermines t
a n d accountability Instead of attacks and belittling critics, thegovernmentshouldfoster acultureofopenness,where criticism is welcomed as a means of improvement rather than dismissed as an actofhostility.
Similarly,theOpposition must rise above petty intransigence. Democracy is not served by entrenched refusal to engage. Shaking hand
adversaries is not an act of surrender; it is an act of respect for the democratic process. The Opposition’s role is not merely to oppose but to offer constructive
road to national unity
Deh gat some of we leaders so arrogant thatevenanimalscan’ttekthem.
It remind dem boys of de time when de PNCR,deAFC,anddePPPsehdemgungo pun a hike to promote more unity between demself. Whole day dem walk, till night ketchdem,anddehotelwehdembinseepun de map disappear like some people campaignpromises.
Dem end up by a farmer house and beg fuh spend de night. De farmer seh, “No problem,butmeonlygotspacefuhtwoinde smallroom.Oneahy’allgunhaffisleepinde animalpenoutside.”
DeAFC seh, “Me humble bad. Me nah neednofancyroom.Meguntekdepen.” DePNCRanddePPPstartsettleinnice
alternatives and participate in the governance of the nation By refusing to engage meaningfully, they abdicate their responsibility tothepeopletheyrepresent.
The stakes are high Democracy in Guyana, like anywhere else, is fragile. It requires a recognition that governance is a shared enterprise.
Thepathforwardisclear: engage in dialogue, respect
institutions, and commit to the principles of inclusive governance. Anything less risks not only the erosion of democracy but also the fracturingofthenationitself.
The PPPC governmentmust decide whether it will be a promoter of democracy’s enduringpromiseoranagent of its decline. The choice it makeswilldefinenotonlyits legacy but the future of Guyana’sdemocracy (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
when dem hear a knock pun de door Is de AFC.Heseh,“Bai,mesorry,butdepengota horse,andmenahablefuhsleepwidsuchan animal.”DePNCRseh,“Noworries,megun tekdepen.”
DeAFCanddePPPstartrelaxwhendem hear another knock. Is de PNCR. He seh, “Man,depengotapig,andmenahablefuh dealwiddefilth.”
De PPPseh, “Lemme show y’all how a real leader does sacrifice. Me gun go in de pen.”
DePNCRanddeAFCfinallythinkdem settleingoodwhenanotherknockcomepun de door When dem open it, who deh standingoutside?Dehorseanddepig! Talkhalf.Leffhalf
Cash grant - he last stop
IcanonlycallthingsasI see them. Some of what is presentedisbasedonpeople I trust, proven ‘reliable sources’forme. Peoplewho vote but are not so rankly partisan that they blindfold themselves;citizensnotinto fake news or propaganda. Just plain truths, as gleaned from their own experience. The cash grant initiative is onesuchinstance.
I went to the Brickdam Cathedralregistrationsiteon Tuesday at 10:30hrs. Done at 11:00, with 10 citizens aheadofme. Inandoutin30 minutes. Smooth as a new tire and Christmas lite bright.
What is left for me to say? Thattwoagentsarrived at 10:45hrs? Didn’t matter So,howdoesthisexperience reconcile with what has happened in Region 9 and otherplaces? Withwhatone letter writer asserted hinting atracialbias?
Theremaybeahundred, or a thousand, of such negative encounters that speak ill of the PPP
Government’s and its leaders’ slippery grasp on competence and efficiency I can refer to those laments, but proceed carefully with them, despite their likely truths,solidness.
Not with the string of experiences reported by trustedpeoplethatprompted lastweek’sletterinSN. Not with the longer string of positive reports relayed afterwards about the swiftas-a-rabbit registration experience. Their own, not secondhand.
Note that all the positive reportsabouttheregistration process received were from Georgetown After the initial buildup and usual madness, the registration machinery settled into a steady monotony Next in line,stepupintime! Music to any citizen’s ear, especially the one at the back Nonetheless, the registration system did have big holes. Contradictory pieces of information flowing from the two headmen. One said one
thing (now), the other said the opposite (just now) Enter Dr Ashni Singh. The process will be easy and swift. Goal!!! Still, some pointsmustberegistered.
The registration process smells. Nothing aromatic, mainly the corrosive. This curious business about one photo, two photo, three photosisodd. Strikesinthe craw
Then,thebigdoctor(the real one) had his funny moment: no photo, no dinero. Say no, and its tallyho and cheerio. What the hell is this? North Korea? Theotherbigdoctor (the artificial one) had once beforereassuredGuyanesethis is not North Korea. Wherever he got that idea from, a mass of Guyanese know that is, because they liveinit.
To compel citizens to take three photos seems ratherclaustrophobic. Must berelatedtoclimatechange; the sun must be at the right angleforfrontandback,and the standup and face
forward. Forthoseobjecting to claustrophobic, try communistic. If problems persist, try crooked
Something is rotten in Copenhagen and Camp Guyana.
Hear this one. Aperson who helps me delightedly shared that registration agents came to her home. Notonlythat,buttheycame after 7 p.m. Must be her area. It was neither Buxton nor Agricola; think geographynotdemography
Separately, tens of billionsoftaxpayers’dollars foranypurposeshouldnever be a manual process. Line up,turnaround,stepout.
A grounded citizen said why not make use of the GRAandNISsothatmoney get into Guyanese hands seamlessly I say, why not.
Noted commentator, Chris Ram, pointed to confusion, incompetence and inefficiencythatdoggedthis cashgrantseason.
Other than for my bright spot of sunshine in the process, (in Georgetown),
whenhasmostthings essayed by the PPP Government not been so?
Let us all be honest with ourselvesjustthisonce. Put big money and the big ones in the government under a big tent, and the result is a big snakebite for little Guyanese.
Look at the yearly old age pension book distribution process, and the madness to which elderly folkshavebeensubjected.
Thereseemstobeawide streakofcrueltyinGuyanese governments and the people who run them. There is secret joy at watching Guyanese form long lines, and then push one another out of the way to get ahead. This is what these fine folks i n P P P a n d P N C governmentsappeartothink that efficient government is about, how they get their laffs.
This year, I noticed that moretimehasbeengivento thegeriatricfolks. Gladthat somebody at the ministry
listened, which should give gramps and grams some relief. Here is my motto: if it’s good say so. There are too few moments to do so, with the kind local bigshots Guyanese continue to put in officetoruntheshow
And when it is bad, which is most of the damn time, then let loose on them withbothbarrels. Butwaita minute! The real fun is just abouttobegin. Itiswhogets acheckandwhohastocheck into the ICU. Say thanks to the PPPGovernment and its ultrasmart men for what follows next. Even a good thing, long delayed something, gets tangled up in either a maze or some madness.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionofthisnewspaper.)
Guyana, Qatar partnership can serve as a model for international cooperation – President Ali
The friendship between Guyana and Qatar exemplifies how countries across the globe can come togethertodriveprogress.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali emphasised this during a reception on Monday at the Marriott Hotel to celebrate Qatar’s National Day He said a shared vision for prosperity and development closely links the two countries. “I believe that our partnership can serve as a model for international cooperation, driving progress not only for our nations but for the global community as a whole,” the Guyanese leadersaid.
President Ali applauded Qatar’s remarkable progress and transformation, and its growing role in fostering regional cooperation and international partnerships
W i t h t h e r e c e n t establishment of a Qatari
embassy in Guyana, President Ali underscored that a solid foundation for enhanced dialogue, cultural exchange, and mutually
collaboration has been created.
The president also pointedoutthatGuyanaand Qatar’s interests and development paths are aligned, particularly in the energysector “Ournation’s oil discoveries have opened
sustainable economic growth and inclusive social development. In this context, Qatar’s experience in harnessing its natural resources for the benefit of itspeoplealignsclosetoour own aspirations,” he underlined.
President Ali added, “We’re also keen to explore possibilities in climate change mitigation and adaptation, given our shared commitment to sustainabledevelopment.”
T h e p r e s i
ghlig
that this partnership has positioned Guyana as a prominent investment frontier for Qatar Hepointedoutthatthe Qatari InvestmentAuthority has been mandated to explore every possibility to
Stabroek Block offers...
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billion dollars net to our first six boats,” Chapman said. He added that ongoing investments in high-performance computingwillfurtherenhancethesecapabilities.
“Remember,we’redoingsomethinguniquehere.We’re exploring, appraising, and developing all in parallel in this basin…thescaleofGuyanaallowseconomicdeploymentof moreintenseseismicprograms,”Chapmannoted.
SpeakingaboutExxon’splannedseventhdevelopmentin theStabroekBlock–theHammerhead–Chapmannotedthat thisdevelopmentwillproduceheaviercrudeoil.Meanwhile, henotedthattheeighthdevelopment,Longtail,willfocuson lighter crude. Both projects are pending government endorsements.
Lookingtothefuture,ChapmanemphasizedthatExxon is still in the early stages of exploring and developing the Stabroek Block, with significant untapped potential remaining.“We’renotevenclosetodoingthat.There’slots ofrunningroom.We’recontinuingtoexplore,”hesaid.
Qatar is already supporting several large-scale projects in Guyana, demonstrating the impact that strategic partnerships can have on the economy
partnerwiththelocalprivate sector The head of state further underscored the potential to broaden this partnership into emerging sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, education, andtechnology
Qatar is already supporting several largescale projects in Guyana, demonstrating the impact that strategic partnerships can have on the economy Qatari company, Assets GroupInc.,isconstructinga state-of-the-art hotel and convention centre, dubbed
the Georgetown Seafront Resort and Convention Centre, and a new stadium, funded by the Qatari government, will be constructedinRegionThree.
Last September, the Emir of the State of Qatar, His HighnessSheikhTamimBin Hamad Al Thani embarked onastatevisittoGuyanafor fruitful discussions in areas of mutual interest. Recently, thetwocountriesalsosigned an MoU to establish a framework for regular political dialogue and cooperation.
Qatar’s Acting Charge d’Affaires to Guyana, Mohammed Ebrahim Al Rumaihi also delivered remarks at the ceremony, emphasising the country’s dedication to strengthening ties with Guyana across a range of sectors Qatar National Day is celebrated annuallyonDecember18th. It commemorates the unification of Qatar under the leadership of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani in 1878. This day marks a significant moment in Qatar’s history,
symbolising the country’s unity, independence, and culturalheritage.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony; Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards; United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot; Former President, Donald Ramotar; other members of the diplomatic corps, private sector representatives and other officials were also in attendance.(DPI)
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Qatar’s Acting Charge d’Affaires to Guyana, Mohammed Ebrahim Al Rumaihi
Mahaicony home damaged as gas cylinder explodes
…shaken couple demands compensation from company
A leaking gas bottle product of Massy caused an explosion around 02:30onTuesdaymorningleavinga Little Abary couple occupying the home shaken and counting their losses
The couple Murtland Wills and Oneka Williams appeared shaken when this publication visited the sceneTuesdaymorning Debriswas seenscatteredaroundthebackyard and the water pipes were all shattered The woman’s daughter told this publication that she received a call from her mother after 2 AM on Tuesday informing heroftheincident.
“She told me that after hearing the sound they went to check the back room On her way there she sawthebackdoorshatteredandthe top half hanging on its hinges The windowstothebackroomandsome other things were damaged Walls blown off, foundation crack up,” the woman’s daughter related to thisnewspaper
During an interview with the distraught couple, Williams confirmed her daughter’s words “Lookingoutthedoorthebackdoor wasgone Thedoortotheroomthat the gas bottle was in was shattered, all the walls from the room blown off Thewalltothekitchencracked fromtheimpact,”shesaid.
Whenaskedifanyonewasinthe roomatthetime,orwasshecooking, Williamsrepliedinthenegative She recalledhowever,thatshehaddone her laundry in the room earlier on Monday, noting that her washing machine and the water pump were alsohousedintheroom.
WilliamstoldtheKaieteurNews that an initial investigation by the ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) attached to the Mahaicony Police Station revealed that the cause of the explosion was gas related “They come after we made thereportandtheysaid,ohisthegas causedit,”sherecalled.
Ateamoffourfirefightersfrom the Mahaica Fire Station was later dispatchedtothescene Uponarrival a thorough inspection was carried out with this publication on the scene Thegasbottleinquestionwas retrievedandexamined,sinceallof the electrical appliances were unplugged, and outlets checked to determine whether the explosion mighthavebeenelectrical.
However, upon pouring water onto the bottle through the knob where the gas head is attached a series of bubbles were observed coming up The fireman informed thecouplethatthetopandbottomof the knob were leaking “The slow leaking of the gas combined with theradiatedheatcontributedtothe explosion,”hesaid.
After the investigation was completed and pictures taken, the firemen ensured that the area was safeandleft Williamsinformedthis publicationthatshortlyafteranother detectiveattachedtotheMahaicony
PoliceStationvisitedtoinformthem that they would have to give a
investigations would have to be doneontheirpart.
Sometimearound14:00hrsthree
representatives from Massy’s Gas Company visited the residence and offered to examine the defective cylinder They subsequently informed the couple that there was nothing wrong with the gas bottle
and when asked to provide their names and which location they were attached to they refused, claimingtheyneededpermissionto doso.Williamsthenaskedthemto leave her premises as even after showing video evidence they refused to take her claims into consideration.
“I told them to leave because theyain’toffernosortofsatisfaction or compensation Just keep telling meitwasn’ttheirbottlefault Sothe
Fire Service lying? This is not the first blow up that happen with their bottles, I read about the one in the news that left the lady in the hospital,”shesaid.
“Christmas is coming, it will takeabout$15Mto$2Mtofixthis because we have to break down what’sleftandrebuild Alsohaveto getacontractortolookatthecracks inthekitchenwallandfoundationto seewhatcanbedone,”sheadded Investigationsareongoing.
Some of the damage caused by the explosion
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TheInternationalDecade forPeopleofAfricanDescent Assembly-Guyana(IDPADAG)iscallingforBillNo.16of 2024 – The Acquisition of Lands for Public Purpose (Amendment)Act-tobesent totheSpecialSelectCommittee.
In a statement IDPADAGexplainedthattheproposed amendments pose a threat to landownership for all Guyanese,particularlytoAfrican Guyanese who are the beneficiaries of Ancestral lands (lands purchased, granted, and occupied).
As such, the group said the proposed amendment must be sent to Special SelectCommitteeforcarefulreview and debate and should be subjected to a transparent and inclusive consultative process.
IDPADA-G expressed concernthatifpassed,theBill willgivea“Minister”ofgovernment sweeping power to determine the lawful owners oflandtobeacquiredforpublic purposes and to establish its value for government acquisitionwithnopublichearings or consultation.
“All landowners will be affectedbythisamendment,” IDPADA-G said noting its particular concern that AfricanGuyaneseandtheAncestral Land to which they are entitledwillbemostaffected given the unfinished work of bringing up to date and modernizing the ownership patterns and titles for these lands.
“From1839,immediately after Emancipation,Africans purchased abandoned plantations amounting to thousands of acres of land along the coast; additional lands were granted for their use by the Crown. These lands –both purchased and granted, communally or individually represent the land bequeathed to today’s African Guyanesecommunitybytheir forefathers.Ownershipofthe land by African Guyanese is not a matter of dispute. What is required is political will to update documentation of ownership,”thegroupsaidin the statement.
As a result, IDPADA-G called on the government to completetheworkoftheland Commission of Inquiry launched in 2017 to address historic and complex land holding issues – provide title for undivided communal and
crown land; document ownership and provide current titles for individual ownership.
“Theproposedbillwould exploit vulnerable landowners. The amendment cedes powertoa“Ministertomake an advance cash payment to an interested and authorized person” to acquire land for publicpurposeswithoutconsultation or opportunity for redress or negotiation. The billgrantsinordinatepowerto aMinisterofgovernmentand robs citizens of protection of theirrighttolandownership,” the group said.
TheGuyanaTradesUnion Congress(GTUC)alsocalled ontheGovernmenttoputthe Acquisition of Land for PublicPurpose(Amendment)Bill on pause.
Inastatement,theGTUC suggested that the Bill be sent for widespread consultation.
“For in its present form there is dire implication for people’s right to land ownership through natural inheritance…ThisBillshould beofconcerntoallthosewho havetherighttoclaimancestralland.Wemustbeparticularly concerned not only about our African brothers and sisters but our Amerindianbrothersandsisters,” the Union said.
“Thedisregardanddisre-
Arcadia situation. There is also the case in the Amerindian communities where outsiders are encouragedtooccupytheland,strip it of its resources, and deny thebonafideheirs,”theTrade Union Congress said.
Added to this, the Union called on the Opposition to stand with the people and give leadership in the effort to hold the government accountable for the preservation and management of all legal, court and other documents pertaining to land distributionandownership,from the time of the arrival of the First Peoples, the purchases of Africans villages, and landspertainingtotheindenturedimmigrants. Meanwhile, Attorney General(AG)andMinisterof LegalAffairs,Anil Nandlall, SC has been pushing back against the calls.
spect by this regime for the lands owned by specific groups (some more than some), is troubling,” the GTUCsaid.
The Union called on citizenstobewatchfulsinceeven legal documentation may be in jeopardy The Union headedbyLincolnLewissaid that there have been allegations that documents are goingmissingfromthelandledgers, particularly in Berbice andDemerarawhichhavethe possibility of denying the bonafidelandownersoftheir rightfulinheritance.
The GTUC said that the preservation of the legal documents is important, and “we call on the Government to put in place systems to guarantee the safety and security of all documents pertainingtoownershipanddistribution of lands in Guyana from date from post-slavery to now.”
Further, the Union said that it sees the Bill, in its present form, as a move by the “Jagdeo/Ali regime to makelegitimatealandgrabfor themselves and their associates.”
“There is no reason to believe when the PPP seized theselands,underthepretext thatitsactionsarelegitimate, the lands wouldn’t end up in the hands of private ownership as seen with the Mocha
During an interview on NCN’s ‘Parliamentary Agenda’programmeonMonday evening, theAG pointed out that the legislation has colonial roots, having first been enacted in England in 1914.
Heexplainedthatthelaw is based on the principle that the state maintains an ‘eminent domain’ over all lands withinitsterritory
This means that though titles dictating ownership may be issued to persons within the state, the government can seize private property for public use – such as roads, schools, and hospitals – and provide compensation to the property owner
“It is a necessary power for developments to take place in any country, and countries all over the world have ensured that within the repertoire of every independent state is this power,”AG Nandlallsaid.
The attorney general added,“Governmentsexistto dothingsforthepublicgood, andifaparticularprojecthas beenidentifiedforthepublic good,theprincipleisthatthe interest of one or a few must bend and bow to the glory of the public good.”
AG Nandlall explained that the law is very strict in this regard.
“You have to state what the public purpose is, and then you have to ensure that the land is used for that public purpose and not for another use,” he said.
Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC
Cop under close arrest for kicking man in head
A member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF)wasarrestedonMondayforallegedly assaulting a civilian during a police enforcementexercisealongtheEastCoastof Demerara (ECD). The police, who is under close arrest, was arrested following a viral videothatwaspostedonsocialmedia.
A video posted by ‘Ray Ray Lily’ on Facebookshowedapolicevehiclewithsirens onatthescene,whiletwoothervehicleswere stopped,causinganobstructionoftraffic.
unexpectedkickbutwasquicklysubduedby thepolicewhokickedhimandhiscolleague after which shouts of “stay down” were heard.
Whilepoliceassaultedtheman,frustrated drivers blew their horns. The other police officers on the scene were seen telling the drivers to be patient while another police officerwasseenholdingaguninhishand.
PoliceinastatementonTuesdaysaidthat “an investigation was launched within minutes of the circulation of the video by members of the Office of Professional Responsibility(OPR).Also,thePolicerankis presently under arrest as the investigation continues.”
Masquerader arrested for allegedly stealing from man who tipped band $100
Amasqueraderwasarrestedbypolicefor allegedly stealing an undisclosed amount of cash from a man who tipped his band at the Anna Regina Market Street, Essequibo Coast,RegionTwo.
The victim has been identified as DirendraRamkissoon.
Police in a press statement said that the incidentoccurredonMondayaround8:45h.
Commander of Region Two, Superintendent Ravindra Stanley told Kaieteur News thatthesuspectisaccusedof
LarcenyfromaPerson.
“He (Ramkissoon) went to the bank and withdrawsomemoneyandwhenhereachup themasqueradeband,heallegedlytookouta $100 to give a member to the band and one personwithinthemixwouldhavescrambled the remainder of money that he had and (the suspect) escaped,” Stanley told Kaieteur News
He added, “It seems as if the person was amidstwiththe masqueradeband.”
Thevictimmadeareporttothepolice.
Prime suspect in Toshao’s murder surrenders
Theprimesuspectinthebrutalmurderof Toshao Ridley Joseph of Tasserene Village, Region Seven turned himself into police on Tuesday
Crime Chief,Wendell Blanhum said that 24-year-oldNoahBeaton,asecurityguardof Bent Street, Georgetown has confessed to stabbing Joseph 19 times on Monday Joseph’s death has shocked the Indigenous community
Police said that when questioned about the reason behind the brutal murder, Beaton saidthatRidleyabusedhimforseveralyears.
First images of the Joseph’s suspected killer were initially extracted from CCTV footage obtained from the Signature Inn
Over 8,000 traffic cases recorded in December so far - Police
TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF)saidthatitprocesseda total of 8,407 traffic cases from December 1 to December 15, 2024, during enforcement exercises conducted across the country
From December 1 to December 7, 2024, the GPF made 4,231 traffic-related arrests.According to a press statementissuedbypoliceon December 9, 2024, the most common offenses included exceeding the speed limit 695 cases, failure to wear seatbelts 223 cases, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 99 cases, and violations related to tinted windows 551cases.
Further offences included, 15 cases of faulty load packing, primarily involving motor lorries transporting construction materials.Additionally,there were 94 instances of drivers failing to wear safety helmets, and 50 cases of driver permitting pillion rider without safety helmet. Police also highlighted that 69 cases were recorded for unlighted motor vehicle in thefrontand72forunlighted motorvehicleattherear
Hotel on Laluni Street, Queenstown. The Toshao was found murdered in one of the hotel’srooms.
Toshao Joseph had travelled to GeorgetownonSundaytoparticipateinthe second executive meeting of the National Toshao’s Council (NTC) and had checked into the hotel at 18:23 hrs Other Toshaos werealsostayingatthehotel
However, Joseph had left shortly after checking in but returned around 00:50 hrs with a male friend carrying a ‘Rude Boy’ bottle (alcoholic drink) in his hand. Joseph purchased a bottle of water from the hotel’s receptionistandtheduowenttohisroom.An hourandahalflaterthemalefriendleftalone.
At around 07:50 hrs. Joseph was found brutallystabbedtodeathandlyinginapoolof blood.Hehadbeenstabbed19timeswith11 ofthewoundstohisback.
Footage of the suspect leaving the hotel has since been released. The man was seen calmly walking out of the hotel with a cell phoneinhishand.
instancesofunlightedmotor vehicles in the front, and 64 cases involving unlighted vehicles at the rear Additionally, there were 29 violations for faulty packing of loads, particularly with motor lorries transporting construction materials being the major contributor “As far as possible and with deployment of available resources, traffic ranks were out and about seeking to prevent accidents and improve road safety,” police saidinthereport.
Meanwhile, this publicationreportedrecently that an average of 60 persons, are being charged eachweekforvarioustraffic offence
w
thin the Georgetown Magisterial District. The traffic court in GeorgetownsitsonMonday, Wednesday and Friday The most common offences being heard each week are: obscured licence plates, careless driving and dangerousdriving.
dangerous driving and $10,000foreachoftheother offences.
According to court records, persons who are orderedtoappearincourtfor ticketable offences, approximately only 70% typically show up The remaining 30% have to be summoned and an arrest warrant is issued for those who fail to attend.Thecourt also observed a higher number of traffic cases in November compared to December
On Monday, police reportedthatfromDecember 8to15,2024atotalof4,176 traffic cases were recorded. Speeding remained the most prevalent offense with 739 cases, followed by failure to wearseatbelts204cases,and non-compliance with safety helmet regulations 158 cases.
Police also recorded 637 offences related to tinted glass, 21 cases of DUI, 41
Theoffenceofhavingan obscured licence plate carries a maximum fine of $200,000, the same amount as for driving under the influence. OnDecember11, 2024 court proceedings; eight new matters were called before Magistrate ShivaniLalaram.
Three individuals were chargedwithcarelessdriving andfined$25,000each.One otherdefendantwascharged with dangerous driving, failure to report an accident and failing to render assistance. This person was f i n e d a t o t a l o f $50,000 $30,000 for
Late last month, President Irfaan Ali had directed the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to take immediate action to tackle various issues on the roadways, including speeding trucks, reckless driving,anddrunkdriving. Hiscallhadcomeamida rash of tragic accidents During a live broadcast, President Ali, accompanied byPoliceCommissioner(ag) Clifton Hicken, Deputy Police Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram, and Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh, outlined several measures to improve road safety
These include the use of body cameras for police officers to capture video evidence of traffic violations, enhanced CCTV surveillancetotrackreckless drivers,andstricterpenalties fortrafficinfractions.
To r e a d m o r e ; https://www.kaieteurnewson line.com/2024/12/12/around -60-people-being-chargedevery-week-for-trafficoffences-in-georgetown/
Taxi driver dies at Alberttown Police station
A63-year-oldtaxidriver of Lot 104 Meadow Brook Gardens collapsed and died at the Alberttown Police StationonMonday Dead is Bryan Lychcott. Hediedaround19:27hrs.
According to police statements, Lychcott was arrested by a Police rank on D ’ U r b a n S t r e e t , Georgetown at about 18:30 hrs, for alleged ‘dangerous driving’. He had reportedly hittwostationarymotorcars on the northern side of D’Urban Street with his motorcar,HB6462.
After Lychcott was arrested and was further
observed by police, “Lychcott appeared to be under the influence of alcohol,” Police said Consequently, he was taken to the Alberttown Police Station for a breathalyzer test
While sitting on the prisoner bench in the Enquiries Office, events tookatragicturn.“At19:27 hrs, Bryan collapsed to the ground motionless,” the police statement said MedicalTechnicians(EMT)
were summoned, but Lychcott was pronounced dead by a doctor from the GeorgetownPublicHospital
Corporation(GPHC) Police reported that the scene was photographed, and no marks of violence w e r e o b s e r v e d Additionally,nofoulplayis suspected.
Detectives reviewed CCTV footage from the police station, which showed Lychcott being brought into the station and the moment he collapsed. Lychcott’s body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Dead: Toshao Ridley Joseph
Screengrab from the footage showing the suspect leaving the Signature Inn Hotel (Gordon Mosley Photo)
Israeli attacks kill dozens across Gaza as ceasefire talks continue
Hamas says talks aimed at a truce and hostage-prisoner exchange in Gaza were ‘serious and positive’.
Aljazeera - Dozens of people have been killed in IsraeliattacksacrossGazain the past day, including 10 when fighter jets bombed a residential building in Gaza City, amid reports of ceasefiretalksinchingcloser toanagreement.
The attack in Gaza City on Tuesday hit the Tabatibi family home in the Daraj neighbourhood Footage showed fires burning in the aftermath of the attack as rescue workers searched for survivorsamidtherubble.
Local media reported that the family had fled the house, which was located in theeasternpartofGazaCity
Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, said the house was targeted without any prior warning “Civil Defence workers confirmed that the vastmajorityofbodieswere shredded to pieces,” Abu Azzoumsaid.
Furthernorthinthetown of Beit Lahiya, which has beenunderIsraelisiegesince
early October, at least 15 people were killed by an air strikethathitahouse,medics said.
“We’ve just received confirmed reports that 15 Palestinians were killed in BeitLahiyawheretheywere sheltering in a house,” said AlJazeera’sHindKhoudary, reporting from Deir elBalah, adding that other people were trapped under therubble.
Earlier, Al Jazeera’s correspondents in Gaza also reported fighting in Rafah’s al-Jnaina neighbourhood as well as Israeli helicopters shooting east of southern Gaza City In Rafah, Israeli tanks pushed towards the western area of al-Mawasi, forcingdozensoffamiliesto flee northwards towards KhanYounis,residentssaid.
The residents said the armyblewupseveralhouses in the area and set several tentsablaze.
The Israeli military, contacted by the Reuters news agency, said it had no information regarding tanks
advancing towards alMawasi.
LateronTuesday,Gaza’s Civil Defence reported that itscrewswereheadingtothe siteofanattackontheRafah beach, stating there were casualtiesandinjuries.
Meanwhile, the World HealthOrganization(WHO) called for a ceasefire as it warned of “appalling” conditionsinoneofnorthern Gaza’s only functioning hospitals.“Theconditionsin the hospital are simply appalling,” WHO chief T e d r o s A d h a n o m Ghebreyesus said of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, a city witnessing intense attacks by the Israeli military “We urge for the protectionofhealthcareand for this hell to stop! Ceasefire!”
WHO and partners reached the facility “two days ago, amid hostilities andexplosionsinthevicinity of the hospital during the mission”, Tedros added in a post on X, after efforts to deliverneededsupplieswere
Linden men arrested over illegal gun
A24-year-old miner and three of his friends were arrested on Sunday for illegal gun possession in Caria Caria, Essequibo River
The arrested individuals includeBrianJohnson,24,of Half Mile, Linden; Rondel Rodney, 27, of One Mile, Wismar, Linden; Martin Fraser,25,ofSouthAmelia’s Ward, Linden; and Lionel Gilkes, 33, a welder from HalfMile,Wismar,Linden.
According to police reports, at around 14:20 hours, officers acted on information received and proceededtoahouseinCaria Caria, Essequibo River, owned by a 59-year-old farmer Upon arrival, police found Johnson sleeping in a hammockbeneaththehouse, with a black shoulder bag nexttohim.
“The ranks woke him up andconductedasearchofhis person and the bag during which they found a 9mm pistol with ten matching
rounds of ammunition,” the police said. “Two radio sets werealsofoundinthebag.”
When asked if he was a licensed firearm holder, Johnson responded, “No.”
Hewastoldoftheallegation against him, cautioned, and chosetoremainsilentbefore beingarrested.
However, before being taken into custody by the police, Johnson, told the ranks to wait for his friends.
As a result, police contacted Rodney, who was riding a black XR motorcycle without a number plate, alongwithFraser,whowasa pillionrider,andGilkes,who was riding a black and red scooter
The trio was questioned about their presence in the area, to which they claimed they were “prospecting” land.All three were arrested and escorted to the Parika Police Station, where the motorcycles were seized, andthefirearmwasputinan evidence bag. The suspects
repeatedly hampered by the Israeliarmy
The mission reached the hospital on November 30 after weeks of unsuccessful attempts,butdayslateritwas forced to flee amid attacks and hostilities around the facility
Hussam Abu Safia, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, said Israeli snipers attacked the hospital’s intensivecareunit.
“This development is very serious and something new for us,” he said. “We cannot stay in this place which is meant to provide ICU services. At the same time, we can’t evacuate and movetoanotherplace.”
He added that power generators were hit again, causing a power outage Bombs launched from
Palestinians walk at the site of an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in
Gaza City December 14, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa/Files
quadcopters also kept targeting the hospital’s premises.
Ceasefiretalkscontinue
TheIsraelibombardment comes as ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel appearedtobeprogressing.
HamassaidtalksinQatar on Tuesday aimed at a truce and hostage-prisoner exchange in Gaza were “seriousandpositive”,aday after an Israeli delegation arrivedinDohatomeetwith mediators.
“Hamas affirms that, in light of the serious and positive discussions taking place today in Doha under the auspices of our Qatari and Egyptian brothers, reaching an agreement for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange is possible if the occupation ceases to impose
$100k bail for Bartica bailiff on fraud charge
A29-year-oldbailiffemployedattheBarticaMagistrates’ CourtwasonWednesdayplacedon$100,000bailafterhewas charged with obtaining money by false pretence charge. Alonzo Melville, of Byderabo Road, Bartica, is accused of defrauding Jasmine Mohammed, a 29-year-old gold miner fromKarrauVillage,UpperCuyuniRiver,inSeptember2024. MelvilleappearedbeforeMagistrateTeriqMohamedwho read the charge to Melville, which is in violation of Section 194oftheCriminalLaw(Offences)Act,Chapter08:01.The bailiff pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail. HeisscheduledtoreturntocourtonJanuary31,2025.
Palestinian group said in a statement.
On Monday, Israel’s Minister of Defence Israel Katz said negotiators were closer to an agreement than atanytimesinceatruceand exchange of captives for prisoners took place in November2023.
KatzonTuesdaysaidhis country will have “security control over Gaza with full freedom of action” after Hamasisdefeated. In previous rounds, disagreements over new demands that Israel introduced about its future military presence in Gaza obstructed a deal, even after Hamasacceptedaversionof the proposal introduced in May by US President Joe Biden.
No bail for pork-knocker on attempted murder charge
Orrel Stoll
A31-year-oldPork-knockerwasremanded to prison onWednesday after appearing at the Port Kaituma Magistrates’ Court to face two countsofattemptedmurder
OrrelStollofLot55RedRoad,Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) is accused of tryingtomurderAndrewandSylviaBaird. He was arrested on December 13, 2024 at Triangle Backdam, Baramita, North West District.
Stoll appeared before Acting Chief MagistrateFaithMcGustyviaZoom,wherethe chargeswerereadtohim.Hewasnotrequired to enter a plea and was remanded to prison. StollisscheduledtoreturntocourtonFebruary 5,2025forstatements.
Alonzo Melville
Brian Johnson
Rondel Rodney
Julien Alfred Set for New Balance Indoor Grand...
From page 25
silver medals at the World
A t h l e t i c s I n d o o r Championships in Glasgow Outdoors, he dominated the U S Olympic Trials, winningthe100mand200m, before capturing gold in the 100m and bronze in the 200mattheParisOlympics. Also eyeing a fourth straight title is Grant Holloway, the undisputed king of the Viva Tequila Seltzer Men’s 60m Hurdles. Holloway, widely regarded asthegreatestindoorhurdler
of all time, boasts the world record of 7.27 and has won back-to-back World Indoor titles (2022, 2024)
Outdoors, his dominance continued with three World Championshipstitlesandthe 2024 Olympic gold in the 110m hurdles. His lifetime bestof12.81rankshimasthe second-fastest man in history, solidifying his status asagloballegend.
Middle-distance star JakeWightmanwillheadline the men’s 1500m The Briton’s thrilling gold medal
at the 2022 World Athletics Championships marked him as the first British man in nearly four decades to claim the title Adding to his résumé are a European Championships silver medal in the 800m and the Commonwealth Games bronzeinthe1500m.
In the 3000m, fans will witness the professional debut of distance-running prodigy Parker Valby The University of Florida standout earned six individual NCAA titles,
including wins in the 3000m and 5000m at the 2024 N C A A I n d o o r Championships After finishing second in the 10,000mattheU.S.Olympic Trials and making her Olympic debut in Paris, Valby looks to bring her d o m i n a n c e t o t h e professionalstageinBoston.
Over its 30-year history, the Grand Prix has been the stage for nine world records and 16 American records, further cementing its legacy as one of the premier indoor track and field events worldwide.
Wednesday December 18, 2024
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Today take stock of all that's occurring on the home front, Aries.Thinkbackoverthelast few months and you will see how much of your attention has been on work rather than lovedones.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Think long and hard before makingcommitments,Taurus. Much is at stake, especially where your love life is concerned. It's likely that a proposal is coming your way Do you know how you will answer?
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You will be busy today. Nevertheless, you still may end the day with your desk piled high with projects - not because you're unproductive, but rather because you're popular and your work is valued.
CANCER(June21–July22)
You've been working exceptionally hard. Today is a good day to recharge your batteries. It seems everyone wantsapieceofyou.Youmay have reached the point where youhavenothinglefttogive.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Todaycouldbeaturningpoint foryou,Leo.Isitpossiblethat you've finally learned how to say no? You spend so much time on other people's problems that you have little energyleftforyou.
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
Today's planetary positions urge you to assert yourself, Virgo,buttakecarenottotake this encouragement too far You tend to go a bit overboard whenmakingapoint.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
You have a strong creative componenttoyourpersonality. You should use it more. Today's planetary positions will influence both your creativityandproductivity
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
You're highly sensitive and highly intellectual. This is a wonderful combination Today's planetary positions challengeyoutothinkhowyou canbestcombinethesetwokey c o m p o n e n t s o f y o u r personality
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
You may be inclined to stay in bed today with the latest best seller Who wouldn't want to spend the day this way? Alas, that isn't going to happen. The planets are practically pulling the covers off you and pushing yououtofbed.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
You have a lot to offer Everyoneappreciateswhatyou have to contribute. Yet you've been unable to give yourself credit for all that you've accomplished.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Whetheryouacknowledgeitor not, there's a child inside you who needs tending, Aquarius. You're proud of the person you've become - and well you should be But you're the productofwhoyouoncewere.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Thinkoftodayasawell-earned rest day You're usually the one people turn to when they need consolation. Today, in spite of the tension in the air, your words seem to have no effect. Let other people take care of themselvesforachange.
K&S/One Guyana National Futsal Championship
No room to breathe as 5 more teams to advance to quarters tomorrow
The intensity is heightening with every night as teams continue to walk the plank while others advance as the inaugural Kashif and Shanghai Organisation M.S year-endfutsalextravaganza gathersmomentum.
Tomorrow night, Thursday December 19 will be no different with some exciting match-ups in the making The round-of-32 whichgotgoinglastnightat the National Gymnasium following the conclusion of the round-of-64 on Monday night, will continue tomorrow
Set to open the night’s action at 19:00hrs (7pm) is Timehri Hustlers and Kitty Hustlers Timehri had squeezed past Tiger Bay (21) in a close encounter with Kitty brushing aside Lodge (6-3)andbothwillbeaware that only the winner will
advance.
Espanyolearnedtheright to clash with Laing Avenue after defeating Broad Street 6-2, Laing Avenue were dismissive of Finishers by a 4-1 margin. The two will collide from 20:15hrs (8:15pm).
Stabroek ‘B’ and
Showstoppers will then faceoff at 21:00hrs (9pm), followed by Spaniard and Bent Street at 21:45hrs (9:45pm). The final clash of thenightpitsBackCircle‘A’ and Vryheid’s Lust with the teamfromtheEastCoastset tocomeunderheavythunder from the Back Circle side which hammered Essequibo 12-0 in their opening round clash.
Vryheid’s Lust was pushedintoextratimetoget past Trini Gunners 6-2 following a 2-2 regulation timescoreline.
Meanwhile, in a riveting
finale to the round-of-64 on Monday night, sounding a big warning to the established teams was Road Warriors, a mixture of Brazilian and Guyanese players. Playing arguably one of the most exciting brandsoffutsal,theWarriors thumped Foot Steppers of Timehri,10-2.
They were led by their captain Matheus Monteiro DeSouzawithahelmet-trick inthe2nd,9th,11thand14th minute.Wendrecky Gios De Souzasupportedwithabrace in the 2nd and 11th minute also, whilst there was one apiece for Dionathas Pereira (17th),ChaiWilliams(20th), Daniels Alves (28th) and Jaleel Alcindor in the 29th minute.
Foot Steppers managed goalsoffthebootsofShawn Cudjoe (7th) and Cleavon Murray in the 13th as they were outmatched on the
night.
Rockstone from the bauxite mining town of Lindenfoundthegoingvery rockyandweresentpacking by Agricola Ballers, 1-5. Bilaal Jabar led Agricola withahattrickofgoalsinthe 1st, 20th and 23rd minute, David Webb scored on the stroke of full time (30th) with the other being an own goalinthe8thminute.
In what was a very enthusingshowdown,5-man California Square rallied to beat a full strength Ithaca Ballers5-4inextratimeafter thetwoteamsbattledtoa3-3 fulltime scoreline. The lads from California Square had to dig deep into their reservoir of experience to comeoutontop.
Ithacaitwasthattookthe lead through Neil Lynton in the 7th minute, California’s JoshAbelrespondinginlike manner to draw his team
levelinthe16thminute.But, almost immediately, Ithaca restored their one goal advantage through Maliki Anthony’s first goal of a double, also in the 16th minute Anthony was on target again three minutes later to double the advantage.
Gasping for breath were the California players but they found the impetus to keep going as they were urgedonbythecityfanswho were very vociferous. That support from the stands resulted in California firing in two unanswered goals in the 23rd and 28th minute throughDexterMarshalland Goalkeeper Christian Benjamin from halfway in the opponent’s half to level the score and push the game intoextratime,at3-3.
Three minutes into the first 5 minutes of extra time (10minutesintotal)Ithacait was that again took the lead through Frank Anthony but that was to be their final strike of the match California’sMeshack(30+5) and Abel (30+7) sealed the deal for their team and a placeintheround-of-32.
Linden YMCA had to leave via sudden death penaltykicksfollowinga2-2
Back Circle ‘B’and Stevedore in action.
regulation and extra time stalemate with North Ruimveldt. YMCA jumped ahead in the 13th minute whenAndreMyersfoundthe backofthenetsbutadouble fromAntoniAlleninthe15th and 19th minute catapulted North Ruimveldt into the ascendancy
However, Kevin Gittens found the equalizer for Linden YMCA in the 23rd minute. Both teams tried for thewinnerbutthatprovedto be elusive. North Ruimveldt prevailed 5-4 on sudden deathpenalties.
BallersUnitedofBerbice made light work of Gladiators winning 3-0, DaneJohnson(4th),William Sommersell (16th) and Ray Reddockinthe27thminute, all finding the back of the nets.
The other match saw Back Circle ‘B’ edging Stevedore 5-4 in extra time after a 2-2 regulation time scoreline. On target for the winners were Martin King (30+3 & 30+7), Fabian Abrams(8th),KelonGordon (21st),andSigmundCobena (30+5).
For Stevedore, Jared Cumberbatch (19th, 30+1) and Nikel Brandt (20th, 30+2)wereontarget.
Matthews slams unbeaten 85 as Windies Women hammer India by nine wickets to level series
SportsMax - West Indies women produced a commandingperformanceto level their three-match T20 International series against India at 1-1, as they registered a comfortable nine-wicket win in the second encounter at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, NaviMumbai,yesterday
The victory marked a significant turnaround for the Caribbean side, who showcased an improved allaround effort after falling shortby49runsinSunday’s firstmatch.
C a p t a i n H a y l e y Matthews once again won thetossand,asshedidinthe openinggame,optedtobowl first.However,thistime,the d ecis io n paid off handsomely
Matthews led from the front with both ball and bat, as her tidy spell of 2-36 assisted in restricting India to 159-9, after which she delivered a blistering unbeaten 47-ball 85 to seal thechaseemphatically
The authoritative inning from Matthews was nothing short of a masterclass, as it featured 17 boundaries and displayed her trademark aggression, which anchored her team to 160-1 with 26 ballstospare.
Scores: India Women 159-9 (20 overs); West Indies Women 160-1 (15.4 overs).
West Indies got off to a flying start, courtesy of an explosive 66-run opening standbetweenMatthewsand QianaJoseph.
Joseph, who fell one run shy of a half-century in the firstgame,againplayedwith
confidence and smashed a quick-fire 38 off just 22 deliveries, including six foursandtwosixes.Though she eventually fell in the seventh over, her contribution had already put the West Indies firmly in control.
Matthews, undeterred, pressed on and reached her half-century in style in the 11th over when she struck f o u r c o n s e c u t i v e boundaries off spinner RadhaYadav
ShemaineCampbellably supported Matthews at the otherend,astheduostitched together an unbeaten 94-run second-wicket partnership that capped the win Campbell also ended unbeatenon29.
Earlier, the West Indies’ bowlingattackwasfarmore disciplined compared to their showing in the first T20I However, their
fieldingremainedaconcern, as four catches were put down three of them reprieves for India’s captain SmritiMandhana.
Mandhana made the most of her opportunities, crafting a fluent 62 off 41 balls for her second consecutive half-century of the series, following her 54 intheopeningmatch.
Her knock, which included nine fours and one six, held India’s innings togetherafterashakystartat 48-3intheninthover Mandhanafoundsupport from Deepti Sharma, who contributed a patient 17 in a 56-run fourth-wicket partnership that helped stabilizetheinnings.
After both fell, Richa Ghosh injected some late momentum with a brisk 32 off just 17 deliveries, including six boundaries, to push India to what initially
seemedacompetitivetotal.
Jemimah Rodrigues (13) was the only other batter to reach double figures for India, as wickets fell at regularintervals.
Deandra Dottin (2-14), Afy Fletcher (2-28), Matthews (2-36), and Chinelle Henry (2-37) all chipped in with wickets, though Henry will rue her two drop catches that could have tightened the noose on Indiaearlier
With the series now tied 1-1, Matthews believes the victory serves as both redemption and a statement of intent as they continue to build confidence and momentum in the shortest format.
“Weknewwedidnotdo aswellaswewantedtodoin the first game, so we went back and analyzed (what wentwrong).Thegirlswere really hungry to turn things around,anditshowedinthe way we started,” the Barbadian said in a postgameinterview
“When we looked at the score,wefeltwehaditunder control.Smritiwasplayinga greatknock,butwefeltifwe could finish off well, we could keep them to a respectable total. Kudos to players like Dottin; we felt 160 was around par, so we were happy with what they gotintheend,eventhoughI felt they got 10 runs too many than what we would haveliked,”sheadded.
Scores: West Indies 160 for 1 (Matthews 85*, Joseph 38) beat India 159 for 9 (Mandhana 62, Dottin 2-14, Fletcher 2-28) by nine wickets.
Julien Alfred Set for New Balance Indoor Grand Prix Debut; Lyles and Holloway Target Fourth-Straight Titles
Olympic champion Julien Alfred will make her highly anticipated debut at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix on February 2, 2025.
SportsMax-OlympicchampionJulienAlfredwillmake her highly anticipated debut at the New Balance Indoor GrandPrixonFebruary2,2025.Theevent,whichcelebrates its 30th anniversary, promises a star-studded lineup as it returnstoTheTRACKatNewBalanceinBoston. Alfred, the St. Lucian sprinting sensation, etched her nameinhistorywitharemarkable2024season.TheseventimeNCAAchampionfromtheUniversityofTexascaptured gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m at the Paris Olympics, delivering her nation’s first-ever Olympic medals. She also secured the World Athletics Indoor Championships 60m title and claimed theWanda Diamond League100mcrown.Herpersonalbestof10.72,setinParis, makeshertheequaleighth-fastestwomaninhistory Returning to defend his crown is Noah Lyles, who will makehisseventhappearanceattheGrandPrix.Thereigning Olympic 100m champion is aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive victory in the 60m. Lyles opened his spectacular 2024 season with a win in Boston, went on to claimhisfirstUSAnationalindoor60mtitle,andearned
(Continued on page 23)
Deandra Dottin (left) struck with her third ball. (BCCI)
Glasgow excided for MLS journey with Chicago Fire
- Player signs through 2026, with Club option for 2027 & 2028
In a historic moment for Guyana’s football, Omari Glasgow, a 21-year-old winger from the East Coast
Demerara village of Beterverwagting (BV), has signed a Major League Soccer (MLS) contract with ChicagoFireFC.
T
he announcement
marks a significant milestone in Glasgow’s burgeoning career and provides a beacon of inspiration for young footballersacrossthenation.
Glasgow’s contract extends through 2026, with options for 2027 and 2028, ensuring his role as a key playerfortheChicagoFire’s First Team in the years to come.
Glasgow’sjourneytothe MLS has been nothing short
of remarkable Joining Chicago Fire FC II on an MLS NEXT Pro contract in 2022,hequicklyestablished himselfasastandoutplayer Over three seasons, Glasgow made 62 regularseason appearances, starting in 58 matches and amassing 15goalsand13assists.
H i s c o n s i s t e n t performance earned him threeFirstTeamappearances in 2024, including his MLS debut on May 4 at Soldier Field against the New EnglandRevolution,making himthefirstChicagoFireFC IIplayertofeatureinanMLS regular-seasongame.
Chicago Fire’s Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter lauded Glasgow’s potential, saying, “Omari has been a top
performer for Chicago Fire FC II for the past three seasons, and we believe that hehassignificantpotentialif he continues to stay focused and work hard. This move showcases our commitment to developing young players and providing a clear pathwaytotheFirstTeam.”
Glasgow’s impact is not confined to club football.At theinternationallevel,heisa linchpin for Guyana’s Golden Jaguars, recently becoming Guyana’s all-time leading goal scorer His standoutperformancesinthe CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers against Barbados saw him net three g o a l s , t a k i n g h i s international tally to 20, surpassingthepreviousmark of 18, set by Nigel ‘Powers’
Codrington.
Glasgow’s exploits in 2024 also earned him prestigious accolades: CONCACAF Nations League Young Player of the Tournament and Top Scorer honours, making him the youngest player in competition history to achievethelatter.Withseven goals in five matches, Glasgow solidified his reputationasoneofthemost exciting young talents in the region.
Reflecting on his journey, Glasgow, speaking exclusively with Kaieteur News, expressed gratitude and ambition, adding, “I worked hard throughout my career to get to this level, at leasttheMLSfornow,andI must say it’s a good feeling. Going forward, it’s just gettingplayingtimeandstart playing regular MLS Football,andtrytotransition to one of the top clubs in E u r o p e f r o m t h e MLS—that’smygoal,”
“It’s a good feeling for my family, since the first time I started playing
football.SoIjustwanttosay thank you guys, and I’m lookingforwardtoeveryone supporting me,” Glasgow said. Glasgow’s rise to the MLS represents a watershed moment for football in Guyana. His achievements underscore the immense talent present in the country andhighlighttheimportance of creating pathways for players to compete at the highestlevels.
As the first Guyanese
Former West Indies captain turned Match Referee Richie Richardson.
player to secure such accolades and opportunities, Glasgow is hoping that his journey will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of footballers to dream big and workhard.
For Guyana’s football ecosystem, Glasgow’s signing signals a need for continued investment in youth development p r o g r a m m e s a n d infrastructure to nurture the nextwaveoftalent.
ICC lauds Windies Match Referee Richardson on achieving 100-ODI landmark
SportsMax - The International Cricket Council (ICC) lauded former West Indies captain turned Match Referee Richie Richardson on achieving another milestone of officiating in 100 men’s One Day Internationals.
Richardson, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, reached the landmark on Tuesday in the first ODI betweenSouthAfricaandPakistaninPaarl.
The 62-year-old former West Indies captain has also officiated in 52 Tests, 106 T20Is,eightWomen’sODIs,and15Women’s T20Issincemakinghisinternationaldebutin February2016.
Sean Easey, ICC’s senior manager for umpires and referees, says Richardson deserveseverybitofrecognition.
“This is the third milestone achievement for Richie in recent months, and he deserves alltheattentionthatheisgetting.Richiehas used his experience as a player and team manager to great use in his role as an ICC Match Referee, officiating with immense composureindifferentpartsoftheworldand earning the respect of stakeholders. We are fortunate to have him on our Elite Panel,”
Easeysaid.
“On behalf of the ICC, I wish Richie all thebestforhis100thODIandwishhimmany more accolades in the years to come,” he added.
For Richie Richardson, the milestone is special as it follows on the heels of his officiting100T20Isand50Testmatches.
“ThoughIhaveneverbeentheonetoaim forrecordsormilestones,suchlandmarksdo give you the chance to look back on your journey,”Richardsondeclared.
“I have had a highly satisfying stint as a matchrefereeandtakegreatprideinmyjob, just as I used to always feel honoured to be representing the West Indies as a cricketer I would like to take this opportunity to thank theInternationalCricketCouncilandCricket West Indies for backing me. I am also thankfultomynearanddearonesforalltheir supportovertheyears,”henoted.
Richardson,whoseinternationalcareeras a cricketer stretched from 1983 to 1996, aggregated5,944runsin86Testmatchesand 6,248runsin224OneDayInternationals.He was inducted into the Emirates ICC Elite PanelofMatchRefereesin2016.
Part of the action between St. Benedict’s Benedict’ College of Trinidad and Henry Hassankhan College out of Suriname.
- KFC Goodwill Int’l Football Series heats up today
The Petra Organisation’s fifth Annual KFC International Secondary Schools Goodwill Football Series intensified yesterday with two thrilling double-headers at the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Queen’s College (QC) grounds. Jamaica’s Clarendon College delivered a commanding performance, thrashing Dolphin Secondary 11-0 to claim their second victory of the tournament. Meanwhile, St Benedict’s College continued their relentless form, crushing Suriname’s Henry Hassankhan College 6-0. In another heated clash, Region Nine champions Annai Secondary battled Tobago’s Speyside College to a hardfoughtdraw
Day two of this captivating football showcase featured four gripping encounterstwoatQCandtheothertwo at MoE ground, starting with an electrifying 4-4 draw between Annai SecondaryandSpeysideCollege.
The match kicked off at a blistering pace, with Speyside dominating possession in the opening stages SamuelSolomonstruckearlyinthe2nd minute, and Micha Walton doubled the lead in the 27th minute, giving the visitors a 2-0 advantage. However, Annai’sstarplayer,GuyMoses,sparked hope with a clinical finish in the 36th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1. Speyside’sDavielThomasrestoredtheir two-goal cushion with a composed finish, making it 3-1. ButAnnai fought back valiantly, with Hanan Williams nettingasuperbclose-rangestriketoend thefirsthalftrailing3-2.
ThesecondhalfsawaspiritedAnnai turn the tables. Oswen Roth’s 75thminute equalizer brought the game level, and Sudesh Persaud’s 83rdminute goal put the hinterland side ahead 4-3. Just when Annai seemed poised for victory, Speyside’s Ajani
Stewart delivered a dramatic 90thminute equalizer, ensuring the spoils wereshared.
Laterinthedayatthesamevenue,St Benedict’s College showcased their dominance with a clinical 6-0 demolition of Henry Hassankhan College. Adam Pierre and Lyshawn Morris set the tone with early strikes, giving the Trinidadian side a 2-0 lead within five minutes. Elijah David and AkeemJamesaddedtothetally,pushing the score to 4-0 by halftime. Candon Burke extended the lead to 5-0, while KayonCayenneroundedoffthescoring in the second half, sealing a comprehensivevictory
Over at the MoE ground, defending championsClarendonCollegedelivered a masterclass against Dolphin Secondary, romping to an 11-0 victory Nicholy Forbes was unstoppable, scoring a sensational seven goals in a one-man show of attacking brilliance. NavarAnderson,JustinClarke,Chevon Watson,andDameonSimmseachadded a goal to complete the rout as the Jamaican outfit maintained their dominantform.
Asofpresstime,RepublicBankU18 champions Chase’s Academic Foundation were set to face Region Seven’s D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary in theday’sfinalfixture.Detailedcoverage of that match will be featured in a subsequentedition.
The 2024 KFC Goodwill Football Series continues today at both venues, promising another slate of exciting clashes. The tournament is proudly sponsored by KFC, with additional support fromANSAMcAl Distribution (Lucozade), Royal International Hotel, TigerRentals,SkyTecEnterprise,MVP Sports, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports.
Mantas (Clarendon) roar against Dolphin Secondary with 11-0 thrashing.
Hayley Matthews started the chase quickly. (BCCI)
Road Warriors’captain Matheus Monteiro De Souza (center) in full control in their clash against Foot Steppers.
