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Saturday February 03, 2024
Prison Service living quarters destroyed by fire
The building after the fire was contained By Christal Yong Fire of unknown origin on Friday destroyed the Guyana Prison Service’s (GPS) Bachelors’ Quarters located at Parade Street, K in g s to n , G eo rg eto w n displacing some 30 prison officers who occupied the building. The Prison Service reported on its Facebook page that “No casualties or injuries were reported as prison officers ventured out as soon as the fire broke out.” Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot disclosed that the GPS has secured temporary accommodation for the affected prison officers. Elliot noted too that measures are in place to ensure the welfare of the affected officers are taken care of. Meanwhile, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in a short statement said that it was alerted at 09:26hrs about a fire at the location and Water tenders #85 and #105, Prison Bowser, Land Rover #7, and Hydraulic Platform #3, with crews from various fire stations, were dispatched promptly. The first unit reportedly arrived at 09:33hrs and the
initial jet was applied at 09:34hrs and subsequently contained the fire. The Fire Service has since promised a “comprehensive incident report”. Furthermore, students from Chase Academy, located opposite the GPS Bachelor’s Quarters, were evacuated promptly as smoke engulfed their complex. A teacher at the private institution told Kaieteur News that a student smelled smoke while in his class. “At about 09:00hrs, when my class was now starting, a child smell the smoke and I came out from the top part of the Chase building and I saw smoke from the southern side of the police dorms, by the roof, and well I ran down and told the headmaster and I came over and I saw persons downstairs, coming out from one of the apartment downstairs and there were already a firefighter and a police trying to extinguish the fire on a ladder with a fire extinguisher, but the ladder fell and he fell along with the ladder,” the teacher recalled. He added, “But they couldn’t have done anything about the fire because the fire
Fire blazing throughout the Prison Service Living Quarters (Photo from GPF)
was already in the roof. Then they got out of there, when they realized that they couldn’t have done anything. Police came and blocked off the entrance and exit to the street.” The teacher recalled that
the West Field Primary School’s teachers were informed of the fire as that school is located in the same compound with Chase Academy. “They assume the smoke wouldn’t reach that far, but it did and eventually
one of the senior officers, went to the back and instructed the children to come out, and so we had to break down a few fences because they [students & teachers] couldn’t have come out from the front,
because the smoke was already too much,” the teacher told Kaieteur News. The evacuated students were escorted to the Guyana Police Force’s Headquarters, complex at Eve Leary, where they awaited their parents.
AI inevitable, ministry looking at ways to integrate technology into education system – Min. Manickchand
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand
“I don’t think we can escape AI (Artificial Intelligence) integrated into the education system, given the direction and trajectory of the world,” Minister of Education Priya Manickchand told the Committee of Supply on Friday during the Consideration of Estimates for the 2024 Budget. AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. The Committee approved the sum of $135.2 billion for the education
sector this year – of that sum, $74.4 billion is allocated to the Ministry of Education, including $460 million for training initiatives, including scholarships. During the consideration of the budget estimates for the education ministry, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Jermaine Figueira directed questions to the Minister of Education on the use of AI. “The use of AI, has created a plethora of opportunities to enhance for learning, has the ministry taken consideration to use AI into the school system to
help teachers better their craft in the education delivery?” Figueira asked. Minister Manickchand responded, “It’s a beautiful question.” She then acknowledged the inevitability of AI integration in education, given the global trajectory. The minister noted that it is a concern of the Caribbean leaders, specifically addressing the challenge of optimizing the outcomes of AI education, all the while underscoring the imperative of discouraging plagiarism to ensure genuine benefits. She highlighted continuous
initiatives to enhance ICT accessibility in schools, particularly focusing on implementing smart classrooms, with the overarching goal of establishing intelligent educational institutions. “As we study how we incorporate AI into education which is not something we will be able to stop anyway, given the trajectory of the world and AI (the question is) how do we build out the infrastructure so that people can use that constructively. That’s the undertaking,” the Education Minister said.
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 03, 2024
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$1.146 Trillion Budget approved for 2024 The National Assembly late Friday evening approved Guyana’s first trillion-dollar Budget, following an almost 12-hour long Consideration of Estimates on the final day. The $1.146 trillion fiscal plan was presented to the National Assembly on January 15, 2024, under the theme, “Staying the Course: Building Prosperity for All.” T h i s y e a r ’s b u d g e t represents a 46.6 percent increase over 2023’s budget which was $789.1B. Despite the increase in revenues to the country, some 40% of the fiscal plan is to be supported by loans, with the remaining 60% to be financed through state revenue. In his closing remarks, the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh expressed gratitude to the Finance and Parliamentary staff as well as the Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) for their contribution to the process. He said, “Permit me also
sir to thank our colleagues on that side of the House who through their questions provided what we consider on this side of the House a valuable opportunity to expand, elaborate, more fully articulate the various incredibly exciting plans, programmes, projects that we will be implementing in the national interest and in the interest of improving well-being of all of the Guyanese people.” The National Assembly engaged in a rigorous Debate over a five-day period, that commenced on January 22, 2024. The House was then resolved into the Committee of Supply on January 30, 2024, to Consider the Estimates of this year’s Budget. The Opposition was afforded an opportunity to scrutinize the respective allocations and past year performance of the various agencies and Ministries funded by the State during this period. Included in this year’s Budget is $236.1 billion for Public Works, $129.8 billion
for Public Health and $135.2 billion for the Education Ministry. This year, $10.5 billion was allocated to continue roadwork on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) to West Berbice corridor of the upgrading the Railway Embankment Road into a four-lane highway, from Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau and continuing to the Mahaica River Bridge. $19.7 billion was allocated to continue the construction of the New Demerara River Bridge which began in 2023. The sum of $4.2 billion has been allocated for the construction of the new Wismar Bridge which is also expected to commence this year. On the power generation front, $80 billion has been set aside for the highly touted Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project. The allocation for the health sector will go towards the construction of a world class paediatric and maternal hospital in Ogle and six
Saharan Dust gradually decreasing in air - EPA Graph showing the air quality trend at the Sophia Sensor (Source: EPA)
T
he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday reported a minimal improvement in air quality from the concentration of Saharan Dust. It said, “Air quality continues to be affected by the Saharan Dust, with marginal reduction in particulate matter.” According to the regulator, the trend observed from January 31 to date depicts a gradual reduction of Saharan Dust in the air. “There is an incremental overall improvement in air quality and visibility, the EPA’s Air Quality Sensors located at Eccles (East Bank Demerara), Vilvoorden (Pomeroon-Supenaam), and Linden report particulate matter levels significantly above the World Health Organization’s standard for ‘Good’ air quality,” the regulator explained. Meanwhile, sensors at Whim (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Sophia, Georgetown reported ‘moderate’ levels of particulate matter in the atmosphere yesterday. The EPA encouraged the public to exercise caution on the roadways and to continue to take the necessary precautions
with the elderly, children, and persons with respiratory and skin conditions. Data collected by the EPA on the Saharan Dust Plume within the last two years indicate that peak concentrations may occur in January, March, April, August and September. Any changes to this forecast will be reported to the EPA. Saharan Dust causes itchy eyes, runny noses, and sore throats; this colossal dust transport becomes a vital contributor to the Amazon Basin, as it is rich in phosphorus, a crucial nutrient for plant growth. As rain in the Amazon washes away up to 90% of the soil’s phosphorus to the sea, the significance of this external mineral supply becomes evident. During this unique natural phenomenon, the Saharan dust travels from across the Atlantic to South America and the Caribbean, creating colossal dust clouds visible from space. For a near real-time update on the Air Quality Index near you, visit the EPA’s website: https://epaguyana.org/ select the ‘Your Environment’ tab, and then click ‘Air quality Data’.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh
Regional Hospitals, among others. Meanwhile, the bulk of this year’s allocation for the Education Ministry, some $28.7 billion will be spent on the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of schools and educational facilities in the country. The government has set aside $7 billion in this year’s Budget for measures aimed at improving the lives of Guyanese. These measures will be determined after consultations with stakeholders. It would be recalled that Government had launched the part-time job programme in 2022, in which one person per household was able to earn $40,000 by working 10 days per month in public offices in proximity to their homes. In 2023, over 15,000 persons were employed
through the programme in several regions, placing over $6 billion in disposable income into these households. In 2024, the programme will continue and be expanded, with over $10 billion allocated. In support of the development and expansion of small and medium enterprises as it relates to the cost of financing, government will partner with the commercial banks to lower the interest rates on loans up to $5 million, thereby reducing the cost of financing for small businesses. Pensioners will also receive an increase from $33,000 to $36,000 per month. Some 76,000 persons will benefit, placing an additional $2.7 billion of disposable income in their hands. Regarding public
assistance, this will increase from $16,000 monthly to $19,000 with effect from January 1, 2024. It will place $1.2 billion in additional disposable income in the hands of over 35,000 persons. To promote eye care for schoolchildren and pensioners, government will provide a $3,000 voucher towards the cost of an eye test for over 205,000 school children and 76,000 pensioners at a cost of over $840 million, to determine whether the person tested requires spectacles to aid their vision. For those who require spectacles, a $15,000 voucher would be provided towards the cost of the spectacles for the above category. This measure is estimated to cost $955 million. In the case of schoolchildren and pensioners living in the hinterland where testing facilities might not be readily accessible, an alternative arrangement will be put in place. The total cost of this intervention aggregates to $1.8 billion. Government will also provide a voucher of $8,000 for women between the ages of 21 to 65 years of age, to meet the cost of Cervical C a n c e r Te s t i n g . T h i s intervention will cost an estimated $2.8 billion. To promote household fire prevention capabilities, there has been a removal of VAT and Duty on fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL Education - right emphasis, or wrong visiona The debate on the education provisions of the 2024 budget saw some back and forth between the government and opposition representatives. Their point of contention involved funding for the University of Guyana (UG) and the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme. The former is set to receive $4.1 billion, and the latter $4 billion from the national budget in 2024. We will do our best not to get entangled in the war of words between the political adversaries, for we have our own ideas on what should be the priorities for the education sector, and which should influence how the funding is delivered. GOAL has its positives, with thousands of Guyanese enhancing their levels of knowledge and their academic credentials. Recipients of GOAL scholarships, and those who successful complete their chosen fields of study make themselves more marketable, position themselves on the inside track in the job market. One conspicuous feature of the GOAL scholarship programme is that it has attracted a huge number of applicants and students, with 20,000 being one of the numbers that bear witness to its reach and appeal. The question is whether the billions invested in GOAL are helping Guyana to transform into a top-level education society, the kind that is needed at this time in the history of this country. Guyana has billions of barrels of proven oil reserves. There has been much talk about capacity building, but the speed with which new projects are given clearance finds this country laboring to prevent the capacity gap from widening. We are woefully short of, and cannot provide enough, engineers, geologists, and other graduates in the hard sciences. There is an urgent need for these types of graduates to be present at the offshore oil operations to give us the best representation possible, to be our eyes and ears. The concern is that there is only a fraction of them. The same can be said of auditors and accountants, and those who have the kind of skills required to peruse the complex books and systems that are part of oil records. We slack off in this regard, and Guyana will be prone to slick scams that could trick and cheat, without us knowing. Guyanese are already handicapped and hemorrhaging from an oil contract with ExxonMobil and its partners that is nothing but a yoke to national prospects and prosperity. The bottom-line reality is that this country is suffering from a significant disadvantage with the quantity and quality of the skills that it possesses in oil-related disciplines. This is where a bigger and broader focus must be on what to make UG into, what to provide it with, and what to expect from it. We believe that a vision to transform UG into a premier institution in the region must take precedence over all other educational arrangements. Nothing can be more vital than positioning this country to capitalize on its massive oil wealth by having the right people in the right places doing the right jobs. Money invested in UG in the technical and scientific faculties is sure to bring about the caliber of academic returns that should narrow the skills void, take aim at and reduce the lagging and catching up that is proving so challenging to do. The more money put into the institution, the greater the qualification return that can be anticipated, which is so direly needed. This truth has to be confronted honestly: Guyana should not want to become a nation of clerks and data processors (as vital and meaningful as those are) in this era of national existence. If there is insistence and priority in doing so through the monies allocated, then there would only be dependence on foreign experts and foreign workers to lead the way in this the most promising time in the nation’s history. It is a recipe for callous exploitation, one designed to maintain, if not expand, the knowledge and skills vacuum. There must be a focused financial barrage on the Secondary School level, so that more raw materials are generated from Mathematics and Science fields. We need to build strength from there, and provide a quality feeder system for UG, from where the next generation of graduates and lecturers will emerge. UG deserves more, UG should get more. Guyana will be the biggest beneficiary, and better able to ensure that others do what is right with this oil wealth of ours.
Saturday February 03, 2024
Let’s work together to get more from our natural resources Dear Editor, We live in a world where we assume that those persons who have been elevated to positions of decisionmaking on matters affecting the lives of citizens are possessed of a level of acumen and a knowledge of history to allow them to make decisions in the interest and welfare of the people they represent. For now, I refer to three matters which suggest that good old common sense is not common and has taken flight into the unknown. One, we have a trillion dollar Budget and no vision for the acquisition of metres and supporting accoutrements, human and material, to check and ascertain with some degree and accuracy the amount of oil being harvested daily from our property. Two, no provision to give a substantial increase, and I repeat substantial, to workers in the Public Sector, Teachers, Nurses, Security
Personnel and others and third, we still hear the moaning and groaning about contracts signed being sacrosanct and that cannot be re-negotiated. Contracts and Agreements universally can be re-negotiated, the driving force being a change in circumstances. To talk about the sanctity of contract is absolute nonsense, puerile and pure poppycock. In mid-February 1945, the ‘Big Three,’ Joseph Stalin - Soviet Union, Winston Churchill- UK, and Franklin D. Roosevelt- US met at Yalta. They attempted to sing from the same song sheet. A year later on the 5th of March, 1946 at a powerfully delivered speech, titled ‘Sinew of Peace,’ Churchill was introduced by President Truman to the fraternity of We s t m i n s t e r C o l l e g e , Fulton, Missouri. He talked about the Temple of Peace and referred to Marshal Stalin as a friend. He
nevertheless asserted that an iron curtain has descended across the continent. A reference to the Soviet Union led by Stalin expanding its sphere of influence in parts of Europe. We’ve had Versailles, North Atlantic Treaty, Post World War I and Post World Wa r I I A g r e e m e n t s , Agreements made during and after the Cold War. At a personal level, to those who shout about Agreements being sacrosanct, at their marriage ceremonies, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, or at the registrar, they declare before Man and God that for better or worse, in sickness and in health, they’ll remain together until death do they part. Yet, sometimes within a few months or a year, they line up seeking a divorce. So much for a sacrosanct and the inability to renegotiate a contract. Why Guyanese are being stressed out with this nonsense is beyond belief. Barbara Tuchman in her
book, The March of Folly observes and I quote “A phenomenon noticeable throughout history regardless of place or period is the pursuit by governments of policies contrary to their own interests.” This perfunctory statement fits precisely into events unfolding in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana today. May the Almighty save us from the stupidity of our leaders in Government. A l b e i t i n d i ff e r e n t circumstances an illustrious and respected Elder, now in his 100th year Eusi Kawyana said “This confounded nonsense must stop.” With humility, I recite those words to our leaders on all sides of the political divide. Let us work together to get much, much more for our bauxite, diamonds, manganese, gold, marine resources and oil. Hamilton Green Elder
Fazal Karim was helpful to Guyanese Dear Editor, I write to express gratitude as tribute to late former Trinidad Minister of Tertiary Education Fazal Karim. He was very helpful to Guyanese students and supportive of the struggle for free and fair elections in Guyana and Guyanese traders or hucksters in Trinidad. He served T&T in several capacities including one five-year term as Senator (and Minister) and one term as MP, representing Chaguanas East where many Guyanese are settled and who supported his campaign for office. I did some polling for him. He touched the lives of Guyanese not only in Trinidad and Tobago but the Diaspora as well, and they also commended his work that benefited the public including Guyanese. Karim was good to Guyanese and they to him. Indian Guyanese voted for him in ethnically divided Trinidad and some also donated to his election campaign. He invited me to his activities in his ministry and his constituency whenever I was on the island, virtually every couple months, including several outreaches. Guyanese businesses and medical professionals supported his several outreach
programmes in the constituency when he was MP, and I was able to interact with them about life in Trinidad as a Guyanese. They spoke positively of Karim having known him in interactions in New York, Trinidad, and Guyana (where he visited multiple times). He did his best to help people in need. My association with Karim went back to the early 1990s when he was very close with Basdeo Panday who I engaged and assisted in politics going back to 1978. Karim served as Secretary of UNC for several years. He was among the most trusted lieutenant of the party’s founder. I saw him several times at Panday’s residence when he was PM (November 1995 to December 2001). Unfortunately, Karim’s relationship with Panday fell apart when he supported Kamla Persad Bissessar for leader in the internal election of January 2010. He, like me, felt Panday, as polls showed, could not take UNC into government again. He had faith in my polling, a new concept that I introduced in the UNC in the early 1990s. He, like me, knew from my polling that Kamla would win the leadership, and he backed her to the chagrin of Panday.
Kamla won the leadership in January 2010. Kamla also won snap general elections in May and Karim was rewarded with a Ministry and subsequently to contest a relatively safe (Indian) seat to parliament. During his tenure as M i n i s t e r o f Te r t i a r y Education, May 2010 to September 2015, he assisted many students (including Guyanese) with their studies at UWI, even assisting with tuition those who faced difficulties with raising funds to continue their studies. He also opposed the harassment of Guyanese sellers who were plying their goods in Chaguanas market. Karim and I had multiple encounters and exchanges for the last thirty years in Trinidad and on the phone including a few months ago. He had asked me and another prominent Guyanese, Ashook Ramsaran, and a Trini to help with reconciliation between Panday and Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj to unite factions in the UNC. We succeeded! He was among a few Ministers in Trinidad and Guyana who returned calls – never a neemakharam — and honoured my requests to help people in distress in Trinidad. After he became a Minister in 2010, Karim queried whether I was
interested in a teaching job at the university. I graciously declined. Once I teased him that he did not invite me to a Ministry’s social function at the Hyatt. He responded and announced in the presence of others including Ministerial colleagues: “You don’t need an invite to attend any event I or my Ministry hosts, and you are free to visit my office any time. It is because of your assistance that UNC is in government now under Kamla and previously under Panday”. (I was always welcomed at events hosted by his colleagues and Panday and Kamla when they were PM). On polling, Karim would regularly ask how he was doing as a Minister and how the party was doing in popular support. He received frank, honest reports. Since around 2018, when he was a MP, he told me in private that the UNC could not return to government without reform and change. Polls showed the party would lose. Karim was denied a seat in 2020; the UNC lost the elections. Ongoing polls show it will lose in 2025 without reform and change. In recent years, including for the 2020 elections, he stated that UNC would not win and will not win in 2025 unless there is internal (Continued on page 05)
Saturday February 03, 2024
Kaieteur News
President Ali is “world class material” DEAR EDITOR, Rugby, like wrestling, is a game for the “fit and prapa.” At the end of the game, one may be mentally and physically exhausted. Parliament is the place of sophistication where you trade blows with words which hurt, and, exchange greetings with smiles which kill. It is not a sport nor a ground for the meek and feeble nor for those with thin skin! Be prepared to indulge in the sporty game of “tit for tat!” If you don’t like it, then, leave it. All’s fair in love and war? “You can’t keep a good man down,” is a song from the 80’s. Speak the truth and the truth will forever set you free. It is the connivers who stumble when calamity strikes. The truth can never tell lies but lies can sometimes tell the truth. President Ali and the PPP/C Party were voted into governance in 2020 and in the Regional Election in 2023, it was the PNC who again failed to triumph! The school children present in Parliament certainly walked away with a lot of lessons learnt which are not taught in school! As the estimates for allocations of the first of more trillion dollars budget to follow by the PPP/C Government wined down after being examined in Parliament for approval, it is obvious that the questions, queries and qualms pursued by the Opposition, do reflect that they will be enduring
this exercise for many years to come in the future, in this quivering position. Unsupportive of this budget means denying the financial gains catered and provided for by the PPP/C Government, especially for those who qualify in these brackets. Meanwhile, His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, untouched by the low blows being delivered to him in his absence in Parliament by the nervous Opposition, continues to “break new ground all over” as he perseveres with his people’s outreach programme in various villages. He intends to carry on his campaign to “win the hearts of the people through hard work and through results…” A victory at Victoria validates the value of PPP/C’s venture over the vanity of PNC’s ventilated vendetta! Undaunted by the threat of a teachers’ strike being urged by the GTU, President Ali visited the Victoria Village on the East Coast of Demerara, assumingly a PNC strong hold constituency. He made great inroads with the villagers as they flocked to welcome him and air their concerns. His resolutions were greeted with much appreciation and jubilation. All reached out to him, shaking his hands, embracing him and exchanging pleasantries while congratulating him on the Government’s performance. Another slap
in the face for the Opposition? The present is the new phase and replacing the fading past! President Ali is hugging the center stage once again as Guyana makes its grand appearance on the international arena. All eyes will be focused on President Ali as he will preside over the United Nations Security Council for the month of February. The envious ones will become pale with the colour green. Time for the Party to change colour? You can try but you cannot pull a good man down! Venezuela will certainly not “try a thing,” with Guyana. President Ali, a visionary leader with a proven track record for not being prejudiced in any shape or form and acknowledged by the international community, while walking away with the coveted 2024 Global Africa Leadership Award, simply added salt to the wounded PNC. Those preaching racism received a shock and a setback in their campaign to tarnish the unblemished f i g u r e o f G u y a n a ’s President. If your own “kit and kin” do not support your unjust cause, then you’re fighting a losing battle! As leader of Guyana and at the same time CARICOM, Dr. Irfaan Ali is forging a closer and productive relationship between Africa and the Caribbean region. This will again highlight the performance of a President who does not preach or (Continued on page 09)
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The difference between my daughter who is a teacher and my son who is a market vendor DEAR EDITOR: I have two children, a boy and a girl. Growing up, they went to the same schools, had the same upbringing and the same opportunities. Those chose different paths. Today, my daughter is a school teacher in New Amsterdam and my son sells clothing at Stabroek market. I hope the job comparisons below encourage our young people to choose their career paths wisely. My daughter has very good health coverage, my son has none. My daughter is
respected, my son is frown upon. My daughter will have a pension and NIS, my son will have neither. My daughter loves what she does, my son does not. My daughter never has to pay any money to teach, my son pays a vendor fee to Stabroek Market. My daughter works in air-condition rooms; my son sells in the hot sun. My daughter gets raises, my son does not. My daughter makes $100,000, my son makes half of that.
My daughter gets free vaccines, my son never had a vaccine. My daughter gets nearly three months off every year, my son never gets a day off. My daughter gets one month paid vacation; my son gets none. My daughter gets union protection, my son does not. My daughter gets travelling allowances, my son does not. My son’s children call my daughter, Miss Angela. And my daughter’s children call my son, Clive. Respectfully submitted, Herbert Allen
Fazal Karim was helpful to Guyanese... From page 04 reform. He did not see the party reforming itself. He told me he met Jagan and Bharrat Jagdeo multiple times. In 2020, he expressed concern about the attempt to rig the 2020 elections to deny Irfaan Ali the presidency. At the time of his passing, we were engaged in exchanges on
how to effect political change in T&T and p r o v i d e b e t t e r representation and governance. He had been trying to bring disparate factions together to contest the coming elections. Polls show another K e i t h R o w l e y v ictory with change in UNC. Karim will be
remembered by those of us who closely engaged him and for his contributions to T&T in the field of education. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
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Saturday February 03, 2024
Nairobi gas explosion: At least 3 dead, hundreds Truck laden with gas exploded in Nairobi with fire injured in Kenya’s capital engulfing warehouses and damaging homes and vehicles. Aljazeera - A truck loaded with gas exploded and set off a massive fireball that burned homes and warehouses in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, killing at least three people and injuring 280 people. The fire broke out on Thursday night in the Embakasi neighbourhood, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said on X, with many residents inside by the time the blaze reached their homes. “One lorry [truck] of an unknown registration number that was loaded with gas exploded, igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely,” he posted on Friday morning, adding that vehicles, businesses, and residential homes were engulfed by the flames. “A good number of residents [were] still inside as it was late at night,” he said.
The wounded people were rushed to various hospitals in the capital, according to Mwaura. The fire was eventually contained by Friday morning, but firefighters, rescue teams, and police were looking for people
trapped in the area. At the scene after daybreak, several houses and shops were burned out. The shell of the vehicle believed to have started the explosion was lying on its side. The roof of a fourstorey residential building
about 200 meters (yards) from the scene of the explosion was broken by a flying gas cylinder. Electric wires lay on the ground. Nothing except the shells of several trucks remained in a burned-out warehouse called Oriental Godown that
deals with garments and textiles. Alfred Juma, an aspiring politician, said he heard loud noise from a gas cylinder in a warehouse next to his house. “I started waking up neighbours asking them to leave,” Juma said. He said he warned a black car not to drive through the area, but the driver insisted and his vehicle stalled because of the fumes. “He attempted to start the car three times and that’s when there was an explosion and the fire spread into the (warehouse) setting off other explosions.” Juma said he grabbed two children and they hid in a sewage ditch until the explosions ended. His family had not been present, but he lost everything he owned in the fire. Earlier, the Kenyan Red Cross said it had taken 271
people to health facilities around the capital and 27 were treated on site. Mwaura said the area had “been secured, and a command centre is now in place to help coordinate rescue operations and other intervention efforts”. “Kenyans are hereby advised to keep off the cordoned area in order to allow the rescue mission to be carried out with minimal disruptions,” he added. ‘So irresponsible’ Caroline Karanja said fellow residents in the neighbourhood had to run away after the explosion and as police cordoned off the entire area. “Police were turning away everyone and so it was difficult to access my house and I had to seek a place to sleep until this morning,” Karanja told The Associated Press news agency.
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . Is the US$2 billion oil spill L N . U L NT LUNTguarantee ...B really N B . . U in place? . L T B N . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B . . L LU ...BLUN . T B . . N . T U L N T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U BBL T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday February 03, 2024
Kaieteur News
The games being played by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and by extension the Government of Guyana (GoG) has set a dangerous precedent for the foreign oil companies in Guyana.
As though the country is not already in a calamitous position with the World’s worst oil deal, the government is now playing games with protecting this country from an oil spill.
It is not only spending Guyanese tax dollars to fight against full protection from such a catastrophic activity, but is now hiding a limited US$2-billion guarantee that has been ordered by the Court to protect this nation.
This begs the question as to whether this guarantee is really in place.
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Saturday February 03, 2024
More schools, textbooks and teachers’ training in 2024 as $74.4B Education Budget approved The Committee of Supply of the National Assembly on Friday approved approximately $74,425,112,000 for the Ministry of Education to execute its agenda this year. Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand was joined by her technical staff for the Considerations of the 2024 Budget Estimates and Expenditure. Of the $74.4 billion approved, some $41,900,331,000 was approved for current expenditure. Of this sum, $2.7 billion will go towards training and development, $4.8 billion allotted for nursery education, $14.4 billion for primary education, $11.1 billion for
secondary education and $6.1 billion for postsecondary/ tertiary education. From the $74.4 billion also, approximately $32,524,781,000 was approved for capital expenditure. Of this amount, $239 million is set for training and development programmes, $3.076 billion approved for nursery education, $3.2 billion for primary education, $18.6 billion for secondary education programmes, and $1.7 billion for postsecondary/ tertiary education. The ministry is intent on achieving universal secondary education. With the $18.6 billion allocated
this year, it is expected that the Christ Church, Hosororo, Karasabai, North Ruimveldt, Northwest, St. Mary’s and Tuschen Secondary Schools as well as St. George’s High will be completed. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e construction of new schools atAishalton, Christianburg, Jawalla, Kopinang, and Micobie, will begin. From its $3.2 billion allotted for primary education programmes, Minister Manickchand said that $50 million will be spent on upgrading electrical s y s t e m s a t t h e We s t Ruimveldt, Redeemer, FE Pollard, Ketley and Sophia Primary Schools. The remainder will be used on other schools.
Additionally, over $600 million has been put aside to furniture and equip nursery, primary and secondary schools. As it relates to postsecondary/ tertiary education, the Ministry’s $1,7 billion allocation will go towards purchasing equipment and upgrading facilities such as the
University of Guyana, both Turkeyen and Berbice campuses, and the KuruKuru Co-op College. Notably, $800 million was approved on Friday for technical institutes and centres. During the presentation of this year’s budget, Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh said that this year,
through the National School Feeding programme, $4.9 billion has been allotted to provide juice, biscuits, breakfast, and hot meals to some 126,170 children. Meanwhile, as it relates to the distribution of textbooks at schools, $3 billion was set aside to procure 502,072 more textbooks this year.
National Development Strategy constantly being modified - Jagdeo
T
he National Development Strategy is constantly being modified to suit the country and economy, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday. The Vice President was at the time responding to a question posed by Kaieteur News at his weekly press conference held at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown. Jagdeo was asked, “The discovery of oil has drastically changed the trajectory of and resources available for national development. In light of this, is your government working at present on revising or updating its National Development Strategy? If so, can you say who is leading this process and when can we expect a published draft of the new strategy.” He responded: “So updating the National Development Strategy, this is constantly being done. That’s why I said you have to read it in conjunction with the Low Carbon Development Strategy which was recently launched. So, it is now a different focus on sustainability.” The VP explained that a lot of tasks had been undertaken and the government had looked at a number of projects and their
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
timeline would have had to be updated based on Guyana’s finances. One such project was the Wismar Bridge and the VP justified why the Berbice River Bridge was constructed at the time it was. Jagdeo said that, “Berbice did not have a bridge, (and) it has a bigger population. The Berbice Bridge, we did it through a Public Private Partnership, where practically the private sector financed it with a concession for 20 something years that expires in 2027.” The VP described the Berbice River Bridge project as life changing for Berbicians and government was spared the expense of diving into the treasury to fund it. In contrast, he explained
what is happening in Linden relative to the Wismar Bridge. “In Linden, we already had a bridge. Now we’re replacing that bridge to a four lane structure but we’re not doing just that bridge, we are doing also 45 other bridges all except Kurupakari, going to the Brazilian border. We’re doing the bridge across the Demerara River because our capability to do that now has been enhanced,” Jagdeo said. The VP maintained that all projects undertaken by the PPP administration have to be justified and feasible. He said the projects should be financed in such a way, “that it doesn’t bring harm to the entire economy now we have the capacity to do this that’s why we’re doing it today.”
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Let the decentralized system do its work! The PPP believes in the principle of collective responsibility. This means that the decisions of the leadership are binding on all leaders of the party. If a leader feels so strongly that he or she cannot live with a decision of the party, that person should resign. There is no known case of this happening in the modern era of the PPP. This discipline of collective responsibility has been drilled into the PPP leadership both in the party and within the government. As such, it is highly unusual to find leaders of the party having public personal spats. This week, there was one such spat on social media between two PPP/C leaders. The party has a duty to summon both persons and to decide whether the public spat is deserving of disciplinary proceedings. The issue that triggered the spat had to do with a post relating to a controversial edict issued by the Ministry of Education concerning permission for persons to enter the school to engage with learners or to conduct activities such as donations
or the distribution of gifts. A Circular from the Ministry of Education indicates that permission must first be obtained in writing from the Central Ministry, through the respective Regional Departments of Education, before such activities are allowed. It was not the decision per se that caused the public spat but rather a response to a query by a member of the public. So, there is not necessarily a dispute over the policy decision but rather over something which was said in the blog relating to this decision. The decision itself is creating some unease within the society. Even social media star, Teon, had to wade in and express his disappointment. When it comes to schools outside of Georgetown, the Minister of Education has been quite clear that issue relating to the upkeep and management of those schools are the responsibility of the respective Regional Democratic Councils. It was emphasized previously that the management of the education system is a
decentralized one. Well, the recent edict by the Ministry of Education does not accord with this position of decentralization. Permission to engage with students or to provide donations or be a guest speaker at a school is being centralized. This goes against the grain of the position that the management of the education system is decentralized. But such contradictions are not unknown to the PPP/C. The Education Ministry has a right to set standards and protocols relating to visitors to schools and activities being held within the schools. It would be incongruous to allow regional officials or the Heads of the schools to set such policies. But in establishing the protocols for the policies, head teachers could have been given guidelines upon which to authorize certain actions. No need for the Ministry of Education to both set the policy and grant the permissions under the respective protocols. The Ministry of
President Ali is “world class material”... From page 05 practice “apartheid,” as poorly claimed by those detractors who have their backs against the wall and feverishly grasping at a straw in the stormy ocean. President Ali is “world class material” and all those who refuse to see the daylight are simply digging their own graves and taking down those who are ill advised and deliberately misled! It’s time for the peeved agitators to stop playing the game of dirty politics while satisfying their own agenda.
They need to support the good tidings in a trilliondollar budget which means well for the progress and prosperity of a nation on a road to becoming a developing and modern economy. Getting the colour right and playing the game correct is not calling a heart a spade! Guyanese are quickly and surely waking up to the smell of pure, strong, grounded coffee grown right here through the thrust of the agriculture agenda of the PPP/C Government. They
refused to be fooled by those who are clamouring for the unachieved. They realize that what is possible is done by the careful PPP/C Government and what is impossible is undertaken by the careless PNC Party. That is the difference between the PPP/C planners who propose and the PNC plotters who dispose. Guyanese will have an easy choice at the 2025 General Election. Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.
DEM BOYS SEH
Playing is de name of game The United States gat we lock down. Dem playing we government like a banjo drum. Dem begging de government fuh mistrust Venezuela and it looks as if de government falling fuh de bait. But dem real agenda is to get we fuh buy weapons and equipment. Dem oil companies done creaming out we wealth by shafting de government with de lopsided Production Sharing Agreement. Now Uncle Sam gat dem eye pon de lil oil money we getting. Dem sending military people
every two morning fuh talk with we. And we done start put in orders fuh all sort of equipment. Dem equipment can’t help we against Venezuela. Is only diplomacy gan help we. Is dat bin helping we all along. But de Americans gan convince we fuh buy all kind of plane and helicopter and patrol boats. And we leaders gan fall fuh de bait. One of dem turn up at a press conference with a 25 years-old National Development Strategy that was never implemented. Dem boys thought he would have least updated de
strategy since a great deal of what was to be implemented since 2010 was never implemented. And de media sit down there and did not point out de absurdity of de situation. Dem too nah understand dem getting play too, just like Uncle Sam doing to de government. Uncle Sam running things in de world. With Uncle Sam is either dem way or de highway. With we government is de same thing. Is either their way or no way. Dat is democracy fuh yuh: PPP-style! Talk half. Leff half.
Education had long established a policy in relation to persons visiting schools. The policy requires that such persons would be granted entry by the Headteacher or senior member of staff. Certain requirements had to be met including production of photo identification or letter of authority issued by the Regional Education Officer/ Ministry of Education. Therefore, there is no need for the Ministry of Education to now get involved in issuing permission for persons wishing to give donations to the school or to engage with learners. This authorization could have been delegated, as it is at present, to the Headteacher. W h y, f o r e x a m p l e , should someone wishing to present a prize at a school’s prize-giving ceremony have to get permission from the Ministry of Education? What happens if someone
wants to donate something to a school in Lethem? Why should that person have to wait on approval from the central Ministry of Education? It is understandable that many individuals and companies, in the name of corporate social responsibility, will try to use their donations to school, to boost their business and personal brands. And children need to be protected from the possibility of them being used as subtle advertising props. But all the Ministry needs to do is set a clear policy about what is permissible and what is not in terms of student engagement and donations, set the rules and the standards and allow the headteachers to deal with the issue. There is no need for permission to be sought from the Ministry of Education. The recent circular is not the first time
that the Ministry of Education is engaged in unnecessarily trying to control what happens in all schools. One year ago, it took a bizarre decision to inform relating to school tours. When there is a need for the Ministry to be held accountable for certain failings. It is resorting to the excuse of a decentralized system. But in other instances, it wants decisionmaking centralized. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)
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Prosperity FPSO
Saturday February 03, 2024
Guyana’s 3rd oil project producing at full capacity with 220,000 barrels a day since mid-January - Exxon says it drilled more wells to extract oil faster ExxonMobil’s third oil vessel called Prosperity which operates in the Payara field of the Stabroek Block, achieved its full production capacity of 220,000 barrels of oil per since mid-January. This was revealed by the oil giant’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman, Darren Woods. During the company’s 2023 fourth quarter earnings call on Friday, Woods said, “…what we’ve done with Guyana, you’re seeing today in Payara where we brought that online in midJanuary, well ahead of our plans…” Woods explained to shareholders that this was possible due to strategic optimization works for drilling and “making sure that we had what we needed to bring that up quickly.” The CEO also said that the company is utilizing world class technology to make sure that it is learning all that it can from the data on Guyana and adjusting to ensure increased value for shareholders. “I would tell you, the organization understands it has an obligation to drive value and to find the value opportunities and to make sure that when we decide to spend money, that we know that spend is going to be productive spend, and that we’re going to be efficient in executing that spend,” the CEO said. He added, “…and if we see an opportunity to advance the development and bring it forward and bring net present value with that, we’ll take that.” Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for ExxonMobil Corporation, Kathy Mikells also shared sentiments expressed by her boss. In fact, it was she who revealed that more wells were drilled to support Payara’s record-breaking production feat. “We’ve got Prosperity, the third boat which is in the Payara development already up to nameplate capacity as we stand here today. And that’s because we made the decision to drill more wells to ensure that we could get that boat up to capacity as quickly as possible and our organization absolutely delivered on that. So those were the right economic decisions that drove value for our shareholders,” the CFO stated. The foregoing revelation led shareholders to ask when production for the Payara project would be ramped up beyond 220,000 barrels of oil per day. Woods said it is difficult to predict at this time but assured that the company’s first priority is safety of operations. He said the organization still has to monitor closely, how the ship performs, noting that ramp up will be contingent on any challenges that may follow and how quickly those are handled.
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Guyana helps ExxonMobil close 2023 fourth quarter with US$7.6 Billion profits American oil giant, ExxonMobil Corporation announced on Friday that it made a jaw dropping US$7.6 billion in profits for the fourth quarter of 2023, backed by accelerated production offshore Guyana. ExxonMobil currently leads a consortium in the Stabroek Block where it is producing over 580,000 barrels of oil per day via three platforms. The company’s US$7.6B profits reflect a decrease when compared with the fourth-quarter 2022 earnings of US$12.8B. Be that as it may, the company’s top brass deemed its 2023 fourth quarter performance to be a strong finish to that year. Expounding on its financial health, the company disclosed that its fourth-quarter results included a loss of US$2.3 billion. A huge portion of this related to impairment as a result of regulatory obstacles in California that prevented its production and distribution assets from coming back online. It said impairments were partly
offset by favourable tax and other divestment-related items. With respect to its upstream business, for the fourth-quarter, Exxon said its earnings were US$4.1 billion. Exxon said this reflects a decrease of US$2.0 billion from the third quarter mainly from the impairment of oil and gas assets in California. That aside, Exxon said there were higher volumes mainly from its Guyana and Permian Basin assets in the USA. It noted that net production in the fourth quarter was 3.8 million oilequivalent barrels per day, an increase of 136,000 oil equivalent barrels per day. Where Guyana is concerned, Exxon told shareholders that Payara, the third Guyana development in the Stabroek Block, started up in November ahead of schedule with production reaching nameplate capacity of 220,000 barrels per day in mid-January. During his remarks,
Saturday February 03, 2024
$5.7B allocated for cervical cancer testing, dialysis support, other programmes …as National Assembly approves $110 Billon for Health Ministry By Renay Sambach
ExxonMobil CEO, Darren Woods Exxon’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods said the foregoing performance is a testament to the company’s execution excellence across the business. For the full year 2023, he said the company earned US$36.0 billion, or US$8.89 per share assuming dilution, a performance he finds to be “top tier.” “These results demonstrate the fundamental improvements we’ve made to our business, reflecting our progress in high-grading our portfolio through investments in advantaged projects and select divestments, while, at the same time, driving a
higher level of efficiency and effectiveness throughout the business,” the CEO said. With three projects running successfully in Guyana, and well ahead of their designed production capacity, Woods expressed excitement about the prospects of a fourth project. That development called Yellowtail is set to come on stream next year and produce 250,000 barrels of oil per day. Overall, Exxon and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, are targetting an output of 1.3 million barrels of oil per day by 2027.
The Committee of Supply approved a substantial allocation of $110 billion for the Ministry of Health during its Friday session, with a notable $5.7 billion designated to address various medical challenges faced by citizens. This significant increase marks a strategic move by the Government of Guyana (GoG) to bolster its healthcare initiatives. Last year, the Government allocated $863 million to support citizens facing diverse health issues. This amount was later increased to $1 billion through a supplementary budget. However, this year witnesses a substantial rise, with the Government allocating $5.7 billion to the Ministry of Health. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, provided a
detailed breakdown of how these funds will be utilized during the committee session yesterday. Under the category of Policy Development and Administration, $8.6 billion was approved, with $5.7 billion specifically aimed at addressing medical challenges faced by citizens. Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Karen Cummings raised questions regarding the significant increase, seeking clarification on the specific areas of expenditure. “We have a special cervical cancer testing program that we’ll be launching this year,” the minister responded. Dr. Anthony explained that the increase is primarily intended to launch a cervical cancer testing programme, allocating $2.8 billion for this initiative to cover (Continued on page 20)
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Man pleads guilty to robbing, shooting Surbryanville business woman
…accomplice sentenced in absentia
A career criminal is back in jail after he pleaded guilty on Wednesday to shooting and robbing a Surbryanville businessman on February 6, 2021. The convict, 31-year-old Ronlee Rampersaud, a watchman of 124 Sideline Dam, East Coast Demerara (ECD) reportedly spent a total of 19 months on remand for the crime but decided to plead guilty on Wednesday when he appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Rampersaud pleaded guilty to four charges which included Robbery Under Arms, Illegal Possession of a Firearm, Discharging a Loaded Weapon with Intent and Causing Grievous Bodily Harm to his victim. The Magistrate sentenced him five years in prison for robbery under arms, three years for grievous bodily harm and two years each for discharging a loaded firearm and illegal possession of a
Jailed after pleading guilty to robbing and shooting a Surbryanville businesswoman, Ronlee Rampersaud
Jailed in absentia for robbery under arms, Orvin Grant.
firearm. Rampersaud’s sentences will run concurrently and the 19 months he spent on remand will also be deducted from the time he is required to serve. Meanwhile one of his three alleged accomplices, Orvin Grant, a taxi driver of Lot 3 Melanie, Railway Embankment, ECD, who is out on bail but has failed to
return to court, was sentenced in absentia. He was sentenced the maximum of five years in prison for robbery under arms in the Magistrates’ Court. The other two allegedly involved in the armed robbery, Jermaine Hassan, 35, of 207, Da Silva Street, Newtown and Russell Bowman, 38, of 8th Street,
Cummings Lodge, ECD are also out on bail but will know their fate on March 26, 2024. According to reports, the defendants arrived in front of the businesswoman’s home in a black wagon motorcar at around 16:20hrs on February 6, 2021, and proceeded to rob her in her yard. One neighbour who reportedly witnessed the robbery told police that he heard the woman shouting “which bag, which bag” followed by two loud explosions suspected to be gunshots. The neighbour said that he peeped over and saw one of the suspects running from the woman’s vehicle which was parked on the parapet in front of her house. The bandits then entered the backseat of the waiting wagon which sped off. Kaieteur News later learnt that the bandit had shot the woman twice to her left leg. She had to be rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for treatment.
Jermain Hassan (left) and Russell Bowman, the two alleged accomplices who will know their fate on March 26. Police later managed to nab four suspects they believed shot her and escaped in the getaway car. Since their arrests, many had reached out to Kaieteur News calling them a gang that has been a menace to residents in the Kitty area. At least two of the suspects are no stranger to the law. Rampersaud had been previously convicted of
conspiring with another to commit armed robbery and had been cleared of that charge in 2015. The other suspect, Bowman a taxi driver, had been busted in 2019 with an illegal firearm and driving a car with a fake licence plate. Police were able to apprehend him after they noticed him trailing another car.
Police, Fire Service to get new buildings, equipment as $44.8 billion approved for Home Affairs Ministry The Ministry of Home Affairs has secured a substantial funding injection of $44.8 billion aimed at fortifying the nation’s security apparatus and ensuring peace within the country. The breakdown of the allocations is as follows: Policy Development and Administration $2.5 billion; Guyana Police Force $30 billion; Guyana Prison Service $6.4 billion; Guyana Fire Service $4.3 billion, General Register Office, $317 million and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit $827 million. The lion’s share of this funding is dedicated to the Guyana Police Force, with $5 billion earmarked for the construction and improvement of various facilities. Among these are police stations, regional command centers, living quarters, and specialized units like the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters $80 million, Tactical Service Unit (TSU) $143 million, Mocha Police Station $35 million, Sparendaam Police Station $54.4 million, Special Constabulary
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn Headquarters $72 million. Additionally, $1 billion is allocated to advance the construction of the new US$28 million Brickdam Police Headquarters. Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn highlighted that construction on several projects under the $5 billion allocation has been underway since 2022. Another $1 billion is set aside for the acquisition of vehicles, motorcycles, boats, and engines, with a focus on enhancing the mobility of the force. In a bid to cultivate a more skilled and versatile
Police Force, the government plans to invest $250 million in training programmes. “The Guyana Police Force, given the challenges both of crime nationally and transnational organised crime, has to be a modern Police Force. This requires training at all levels,” Minister Benn said. The plan also includes the procurement of 300 body cameras for police ranks. For the Guyana Fire Service, of the allocated $4.3 billion, the sum of $505 million designated for rehabilitating fire stations
and $500 million for the acquisition of firefighting equipment. Some of the stations the minister listed include Leonora, Charity, Diamond, Timehri, Linden, Parika and others. Minister Benn highlighted the need for modern apparatus. He said, “We have bought 16 water bowsers, and we are awaiting delivery. We are buying eight new water tenders. We are buying a new fire boat now that the activity on the Harbour is expanding, particularly in Demerara, we are buying six other ambulances,” he pointed out. Furthermore, the Guyana Prison Service received $6.4 billion, with a significant portion allocated to infrastructure enhancement. An additional $20 million is designated to improve the mobility of its officers. The Customs AntiNarcotic Unit is granted $827.4 million to equip its ranks in combating the drug trade, including the reconstruction of a new CANU Headquarters and other essential resources. The General Register Office
is allocated $317 million to ensure the maintenance and security of national registers, with a focus on improving the rate of adult registration in the country. Minister Benn stressed the importance of addressing the deficit in registering Guyanese citizens, particularly considering challenges with neighbouring Venezuela. “We have taken the position that we will employ people throughout all the regions, and we will… get them registered as citizens of Guyana. We have the
challenge with Venezuela, and we cannot have people going there … without birth certificates and other documents to verify they are citizens of Guyana. This cannot continue,” he said. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e ministry itself will undertake the reconstruction of a new CANU Headquarters on Homestretch Avenue valued at $220 million. Also, the ministry will also spend some $570 million to reconstruct the Juvenile Holding Centre, and a Transitional Centre for the cost of $82 million.
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S
UTH
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
L
LAL
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H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
Conflict of interest, what conflict? Thanks to the mysterious visions of the PPP Government, and the crafted machinations of Oil and Gas strongman, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, there is always a new thrill. Or the extension of an existing one, in Guyana that has to do with the national endowment. The return of the Three Musketeers to the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) is one such thrill. Given the government’s complete trust in this trio of noble Guyanese, it might be more proper to label them The Magnificent Three. That they are, Dr. Mahender Sharma, Dr. Gavin Cummings, and Permanent Secretary, Joslyn McKenzie. Revealingly, PS McKenzie is not the head of the Ministry of Local Government, nor of the Public Service. He is jefe of the Ministry of Natural Resources, and all that goes under its roof, all it represents. R e g r e t t a b l y, t h e P P P Government seems stuck on them, and it is more than Lionel Richie singing his heart out. These three remarkable representatives of Guyanese citizenry must be doing something good, delivering on every occasion. Trouble comes. It
is the relentless civil society activist, and formidable social instrumentality, Ms. Danuta Radzik. She has a problem, more than one, and she is not sitting on her hands, or staying quiet. If VP Jagdeo had his way, all Guyanese should be quiet: seen and not heard. Some should not even be seen in the twisted version that is Guyana’s democracy. But Ms. Radzik is not who deters easily. Off to the tribunals and tribunes of Guyana. Conflict of interest, I read. Well, well, I must admit that one caught me on the wrong foot, definitely by surprise. No way that that can be of the two men I know in this erstwhile EAB triumvirate in which the PPP Government (meaning Jagdeo) deposits so much faith. They have always dealt straight with me in the times shared. Then again, people change; plus the Siamese twin that is oil and gas has many features that just cannot be resisted. Ms. Radzik did not go into any juicy detail, but she certainly is objecting to their presence on the EAB, and their failure to stand up for what is right by the Guyanese people with those needed environmental impacts
assessments for the two plants over by Wales. I had my concerns with those decisions of the EAB trinity extracted from the ranks of principled people in Guyana. How could they? For these men are brighter and sturdier than this. What changed, and to such an alarming degree? All three of these illustrious ones are sure to appreciate the revelations and protections that credible environmental impacts assessments offer the Guyanese people. I ask myself whether they have become so skilled at reading the terrain that they think less of the people, when it is the interest of political princes that is involved. I take the hard road on this issue about their deliberations and their decisions in more than one instance. If they were part of the Wales community and its extended edges, would they have concluded as they did? To cut an even finer point on their duty at the EAB, is it that their best tool, their only resource, is a rubberstamp? A cheap one that leaves stains and blotches on their fingers, which
when they touch their faces leave them looking less than the public servants that I once knew? There are some issues that are complex. On the other hand, there are those that are the essence of commonsense. I take the bull by the horns, and submit that environmental impact assessments qualify for the latter. They must be done, given all that is at risk, all that could be. Why take the chance and do without one? Why give the shortest thrift to the welfare of citizens, while going through what looks like the motion of sitting in serious and genuine review? Why do the opposite, which is what accrues to the benefit of whatever goes on in the Vice President’s skull, but almost always what leaves Guyanese fetching a big bag that burdens them heavily, threatens to break their backs? I recall that these guys-CEO Mahender Sharma and PS Joslyn McKenzie - are big picture guys, and proponents of the long view. I commend them unhesitatingly and generously. But I also assert and insist that any big picture must contain the biggest brushstroke of all. For the enlightenment of all
three of these luminous brothers, that would be what is well for the Guyanese people. Their safety and security. Their peace of mind. Their inalienable right to happiness in their little square of Guyana, wherever such is: Wales or Houston, or farther up the East Bank Demerara. The American in me had to throw in ‘inalienable.’ Let us not make a mockery of what is due Guyanese. Take it from me, when the Exxon(s) and Schlumberger(s) and Lindsacaya(s) have had their fun and are done, there would be the Guyanese wretches left to deal with the wake of their passage. This is what Ms. Danuta Radzik has made part of her thankless work. The men on the EAB have an opportunity to be the Three Musketeers. Please do not let matters deteriorate, my brothers, to the slapstick of The Three Stooges. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)
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Govt. already discussing contingent financing for Wales gas plants - Jagdeo ...as U.S. Govt. holds off on approvals for new LNG export projects Though the Guyana government is still hopeful for an approval of a US$646 million loan from the United States Export Import (US EXIM) Bank to support the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, the administration is already discussing a contingent line of credit. This was revealed by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday during his weekly press engagement at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown. His comments come on the heels of a move by the United States government to pause approvals for pending and future applications to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from new projects. The Vice President (VP) in response to a question from this newspaper explained that the U.S. withheld approval for 17 LNG projects that were being developed for export; however Guyana’s loan application is to fund a domestic project for local consumption.
Jagdeo explained, “They didn’t give permission for 17 projects that were building out a capacity to export LNG...in our case, our gas production, which is the gas to energy project, it is not for export, it is to supplant our supply which is a bunker seed diesel supply mainly, which is very polluting so the mere fact that we are investing in a power plant that would use gas now, we can cut our emissions from the same output...” He reiterated that the project has garnered the support of U.S. members of Congress and government is still confident in the approval of the loan. Be that as it may, he indicated that the country is discussing alternate options to finance the initiative. “We anticipate that this loan would be approved and strongly so, but we always have options, and so the project shall be completed,” the former Head of State noted, as he responded to another question on whether he believes environmental
activists in the U.S. could affect Guyana’s chance of accessing the loan and moreover, who the country would then turn to for financing. The VP was keen to note that government has to fulfill its promise to the citizens of Guyana for cheaper electricity. To this end, he pointed out, “They’re the bosses, not environmental activists from around the world or some who are paid here to stop these development projects.” He reasoned that if the democrats lose the elections in the U.S. then the restrictions on new LNG projects for exports could very well be lifted. Meanwhile, when asked about the alternative options available to government to finance the gas plants, the VP explained, “I don’t want to speculate about the alternatives to EXIM Bank funding because we anticipate that the funding will be available and as I said before, it will be retroactive
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
funding, however without disclosing sources, we have already been talking about a contingent line of credit that could easily supplant that and secondly from the budget.” The government official said the administration has already financed more than the first US$100 million through budgetary allocations. “We have been making payments to the company from the Budget so
those are two potential sources- own revenue from the Budget and from a contingent line of credit that we are already discussing,” he said. Since April 2023, it was reported that government applied to the US EXIM Bank to fund the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) facility and 300-megawatt power plant to be constructed at Wales, West Bank Demerara. The other aspect of the
GTE project, a pipeline to transport the gas to the site, is being financed by the operator of the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL). While the loan approval may be facing pushback from environmentalists abroad, Guyanese too have been pushing for the Bank to deny the government’s loan application. Only last month, Kaieteur News reported that I n t e r n a t i o n a l L a w y e r, Melinda Janki wrote to the financial institution, urging it to “respect the rule of law in Guyana” and withhold funding for the gas plants. It must be noted that this was the second letter that has been issued to the Bank regarding the loan pending approval. Elizabeth Deane-Hughes in a letter dated April 22, 2023 to the US-EXIM Bank flagged a number of discrepancies in the project, requesting that the loan being sought by the government to fund the initiative be blocked.
$5.7B allocated for cervical cancer testing, dialysis... From page 16 approximately 350,000 individuals. Additionally, $1.8 billion will be used to provide spectacles vouchers for children and the elderly, benefiting around 600,000 people. “Under this heading as well, we have been treating or we have been giving assistance to a number of patients. And this year, we have set aside close to $600,000,000 to help persons with coronary heart disease,” the minister disclosed. He continued, “Last year, we spent $577,000,000 helping close to 1,500 patients. So, I think this is a very worthwhile expenditure.” This year, the government will be assisting dialysis patients with the allocation of close to $360 million. “We have also set aside a sum of $212,000,000 to assist persons who might need things like MRI and CT scans and so forth,” the Health Minister said. Dr. Cummings sought
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony further clarification on the distribution of dialysis services across different regions. “We now have several regional dialysis centers,” the minister responded. Dr. Anthony highlighted the presence of several regional dialysis centers in Regions 2 (Suddie), 3 (Parika, Vreed-en-Hoop), 4, 6 (New Amsterdam), and 10(Linden). Notably the minister stated that the ministry has embarked on a public-
private partnership model. He explained, “So we have been in partnership with many of these private providers, and when these facilities are housed like, for example, at Suddie, we provide the accommodation for the center, but it’s run by a private institution.” Minister Anthony stated that the public-private partnership helps reduce the cost for patients. He said, “We also provide them with utilities, water, provide them with electricity, and so forth.
And in that way, we were able to bring down the cost, because for some of those patients, they would pay, like, $10,000 per session.” Notably, the minister said too that the dialysis patients also require Epogen and the ministry has been providing that for them. “So if every two weeks they need that, they would be able to receive that from us. The other thing that they get is that every three months at least, they need to have laboratory checks, and we are able to run all of those tests for them free of cost,” Dr. Anthony said. Dialysis patients would need the voucher and the doctors would certify that. The ministry also has a register of the patients who have been in the programme, the minister stated. Opposition MP, Volda Lawrence commended the Minister for continuing the public-private partnership, expressing hope for similar collaborations in other healthcare areas. N o t a b l y, s h e a l s o advocated for a holistic
family check voucher programme, specifically targeting prostate and breast cancer. Minister Anthony acknowledged the need for expanded services, citing the growth in assistance provided under the cervical cancer testing programme. He outlined ongoing initiatives to address prostate c a n c e r, i n c l u d i n g t h e acquisition of testing machines and the upcoming launch of an aggressive programme targeting men. “Now, in the ministry, we have started up a programme to deal with prostate cancer, and we have actually assigned someone who is heading that p r o g r a m m e o n m e n ’s health,” Dr. Anthony said. He said too, “We actually do help a lot of other patients who require assistance, especially if they have to do biopsies and for the testing and so forth. So, under that section, we have been able to help quite a lot of people. So, it has grown.” the minister said. Dr. Anthony disclosed that last year, the Ministry of
Health helped close to 2,468 patients for varying health issues. As part of these efforts, a new pathology lab will be launched on Sunday, with reduced turnaround times for biopsies, ensuring timely diagnoses for patients – the minister said. Minister Anthony assured that routine programmes within the ministry would cater to a broader population, underscoring the commitment to improving healthcare services across Guyana. The following is the breakdown of the allocation for the Ministry of Health: Disease Control (communicable disease) $7.3 billion; Family and Primary Health Care Services $4 billion; Disease Control (non-communicable disease) $2.1 billion; Disability and Rehabilitation Services $1.1 billion; Standards and Technical Services $3.2 billion; Health Sciences Education $3 billion and Regional and Clinical Services $80.5 billion.
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 03, 2024
PAGE 21
Opposition sits out debates on Lamaha Park house gutted by fire increase to debt ceiling and NRF withdrawal amendments …cites security breaches in lounge Th e O p p o s itio n o n Friday evening walked out of the National Assembly, sitting out the debates on an increase to the nation’s debt ceiling and amendments to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) withdrawals. “Chief Whip for the Opposition, Christopher Jones breathlessly entered the Dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre just as the House approved the 2024 Budget, raising security breaches to the Opposition’s lounge. “He explained that a listening and recording device had been planted in the Opposition’s lounge, lending to audio from the Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton and other Opposition
Members of Parliament (MPs) being played over Parliament’s live stream. “Jones in an interview told Kaieteur News that the Opposition also observed two cameras in the ceiling of the lounge and feels its privacy has been breached. “Asked whether he feels the Opposition has missed an opportunity to raise its concerns on the debt ceiling and amendments to the NRF Act with respect to the withdrawal amount, the Chief Whip explained, “We had listed seven Speakers for this evening’s session. The members were prepared for that so the too were in the lounge making their preparations on how they
will respond, getting up their information and so by virtue when they learnt that this thing was going out literally everything that they were discussing tonight was exposed and I could only allege that that information is with the PPP because that is the only thing that would make sense, they would want to know what we are planning to come with and so forth.” “He believes that information is being used by the government’s side of the House to counter the Opposition’s points on the debates. “Consequently, he said, “We feel violated so all the Speakers refused to Speak and the other colleagues refused to stay.”
Secret spying programme targeted top Venezuelan officials Associated Press - A secret memo obtained by The Associated Press (AP) details a yearslong covert operation by the US Drug Enforcement Administration that sent undercover operatives into Venezuela to surreptitiously record and build drug-trafficking cases a g a i n s t t h e c o u n t r y ’s leadership – a plan the US acknowledged from the start was arguably a violation of international law. “It is necessary to conduct this operation unilaterally and without n o t i f y i n g Ve n e z u e l a n officials,” reads the 15-page 2018 memo expanding ‘Operation Money Badger’, an investigation that authorities say targeted dozens of people, including Ve n e z u e l a n P r e s i d e n t Nicolás Maduro. While there’s no clear mechanism to hold the United States accountable legally, the revelation threatens to roil already fraught relations with M a d u r o ’s s o c i a l i s t government and could deepen resentment of the US across Latin America over perceived meddling. It also offers a rare window into the lengths the DEA was willing to go to
Drug Enforcement Administration agents fight the drug war in a country that banned US drug agents nearly two decades ago. S o m e o f M a d u r o ’s closest allies were ensnared in the investigation, including Alex Saab, the businessman recently freed in a prisoner swap for 10 Americans and a fugitive defence contractor. But until now, it was not clear that US probes targeting Venezuela involved legally questionable tactics. “We don’t like to say it publicly but we are, in fact, the police of the world,” said Wes Tabor, a former DEA official who served as t h e a g e n c y ’s c o u n t r y attaché in Venezuela well before the investigation described in the memo was launched.
Tabor, who would not confirm the existence of any such operations, said unilateral, covert actions can be an effective tool when conducted with proper limits and accountability, particularly in a country like Venezuela, where the blurred lines between the state and criminal underworld have made it an ideal transit point for up to 15 per cent of the world’s cocaine. “ We ’ r e n o t i n t h e business of abiding by other countries’ laws when these countries are rogue regimes and the lives of American children are at stake,” he said. “And in the case of Venezuela, where they’re flooding us with dope, it’s worth the risk.
“Several persons are now homeless after a fire on Friday evening gutted a house at Lamaha Park in the city.“The house belongs to owner of Designs360 Custom Apparel – Guyana Andrew McBean.“The former National Communications Network (NCN) branch manager noted in a Facebook post late on Friday night that he was “grateful to the most high for life.” “He also expressed
appreciation to everyone who showed up “as well as the outpouring of love from near and far.” Members of the Guyana Fire Servcie managed to contain the fire to McBean’s home.“The Lamaha Park inferno was the second recorded on Friday. Earlier on Friday, fire gutted the living quarters of the Guyana Prison Service in Kingston.
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FOR SALE/RENT All sizes loaders, excavators & rollers, concrete pump & mixer trucks, mobile crane and Howo 30 ton dump trucks. Call: 650-0402/652-0251 WANTED
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Saturday February 03, 2024
Kaieteur News
Live-in Housekeeper needed to cook, clean and do laundry in Virgina, USA. Free room and boarding offered. Call: 845-325-8241. Receptionist and Hotel Attendant needed at Hick's Ville Hotel. Email: info@ vegeworld.net or Call: 2310951/ 231-0952. Farm Manager to oversee and manage a farm on the East Bank, accommodations available. Call: 227-0373/ 223-9888. One Accounts Clerk, must have experience and be able to function in a fast paced environment. Call: 227-0373/ 223-9888. Vacancy exist for a Graphic Designer, Pharmacy technician & Billing Clerk. Email: globalhealthsuppliesinc @gmail Pharmacy Technician needed at Essential Care Pharmacy and Supercentre. Email: essentialcarepharmacy @yahoo.com 1 Janitor, Handyman and Farmer needed to work at Hujjatul Ulama, # 74 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Call: 335-3749. Customer Service Representative/ Dispatcher to work at a reputable taxi service. Call: 621-9356. Vacancy at Vegetarian Garden for Factory Workers (part time). Call: 227-7714/ 223-3448. Email: info@vegeworld.net
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LEGAL NOTICE 1 Applicant in person: Lakenarine Budram Address: Lot 37 Brick Wall Street, Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, Guyana Telephone No: 592-684-4198. 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-29 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. 29 Between: LAKENARINE BUDRAM Petitioner/ Applicant -vsSAMANTHA BUDRAM nee SURUJ Respondent TO: SAMANTHA BUDRAM nee SURUJ ADDRESS UNKNOWN TAKE NOTICE that on the 5th day of January, 2024 a Petition for Divorce and Application Relating to Child were filed against you by LAKENARINE BUDRAM the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 15th day of January, 2024 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of his Petition and Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web (online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND
LEGAL NOTICE 1
LEGAL NOTICE 2
FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Petition and Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition and Application, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend, Reply to Application relating to child and statement of arrangement for child (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty- five) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the Application is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 26th day of March, 2024 at 10:00am before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge via Zoom Meeting ID: 845 1426 6584 and Password: 786 445 of the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Reply to Application relating to child and Statement of arrangement for child, the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 17th day of January,2024.
TO: CHEITRAM NARAIN Formerly of Lot 16b Portugues Quarter, Corentyne, Berbice
LEGAL NOTICE 2 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1618 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-1618 Between: ROHINI TARRA Applicant -vCHEITRAM NARAIN Respondent
TAKE NOTICE that on the 3rd day of November, 2023 An Application Relating to Child was filed against you by ROHINI TARRA, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 9th day of January, 2024 the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web (online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file a Form 10: Reply to Application Relating to Children, Statement of Arrangements for Child and/ or Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry) in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty- five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the Application is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 27th day of March, 2024 at 11:00am before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge via Zoom Meeting ID: 845 1426 6584 and Password: 786 445 IN DEFAULT of your filling a Reply to Application Relating to Child, Statement of Arrangements for Children and/or Notice of Intention to Defend, the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting Custody. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other
Saturday February 03, 2024
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
LEGAL NOTICE 2
LEGAL NOTICE 3
LEGAL NOTICE 4
LEGAL NOTICE 5
LEGAL NOTICE 6
days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 17th day of January,2024.
of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 9th day of January, 2024 at 9:00am before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge via Zoom Meeting ID: 845 1426 6584 and Password: 786 445. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 23rd day of November,2023.
JONATHAN ELEAZER NOEL the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 15th day of January, 2024 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web (online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 26th day of March, 2024 at 09:00am before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge via Zoom Meeting ID: 845 1426 6584 and Password: 786 445. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 19th day of January,2024.
March, 2024 at 3:30pm before the Honourable Madam Justice Jo-Ann Barlow via Zoom Meeting ID: 972 282 6483 and Password: Court123. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 17th day of January,2024.
circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web. AND FURTHERTAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHERTAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 8th day of April, 2024 at 9:00am before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge in the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 26th day of January,2024.
LEGAL NOTICE 3 Applicant in person: Meena Dularie Glen nee Ghianchan Address: Lot 362 Good Fortune Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara Tele: 592-697-8919/ 6379446. 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1644 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-1644 Between: (GLEN) MEENA DULARIE nee GHIANCHAN Petitioner/ Applicant -v(GLEN) TITUS JOHN Respondent TO: TITUS JOHN GLEN Formerly of Lot 362 Good Fortune Squatting Area East Coast Demerara TAKE NOTICE that on the 9th day of November, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by MEENADULARIEGLEN nee GHIANCHAN the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 16th day of November, 2023 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy
LEGAL NOTICE 4 Applicant in person: Johanthan Eleazer Noel Address: Lot 828 Patterson Turkeyen Georgetown Guyana. Tele: 619-6165. 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1808 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Application No. FD-1808 Between: (NOEL) JONATHAN ELEAZER Petitioner/ Applicant -v(NOEL) STACEY ODETTA nee LYNCH Respondent TO: STACEY ODETTA NOEL nee LYNCH UNKNOWN TAKE NOTICE that on the 19th day of December, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by
LEGAL NOTICE 5 Mrs. Terreen Anthony Attorney-at-Law Lot 156 Charlotte Street, Lacytown Georgetown, Guyana Tele: 692-4196 Email: Haynes.terreen335@gmail.com 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1665 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-1665 Between: (MOHAMED)AMRITAnee SINGH Petitioner/ Applicant -v(MOHAMED)ASHRAF Respondent TO: ASHRAF MOHAMED Formerly of Lot 10th Field Cummings Lodge Greater Georgetown TAKE NOTICE that on the 16th day of November, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by AMRITAMOHAMED nee SINGH the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 5th day of January, 2024 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHERTAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Thursday the 14th day of
LEGAL NOTICE 6 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1731 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-1731 Between: KAREN CANDACY DONALD nee ARMSTRONG Petitioner -andKWESI LAMONTE DONALD Respondent TO: KWESI LAMONTE DONALD Formerly of Lot 4 Perry Street, Tucville, Georgetown TAKE NOTICE that on the 29th day of November, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by KAREN CANDACY DONALD nee ARMSTRONG the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 23rd day of January, 2024 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and
LEGAL NOTICE 7 Filing Attorney: MS. COLLETTE MARKS Top Floor Maraj Building” 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 505-2200/ 675-1405 Email: cmlaw2022@outlook.com 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1688 IN THE HIGH COURT OF
PAGE 24 LEGAL NOTICE 7 THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-1688 Between: (SHANNON) SEAN KENRICK Petitioner/ Applicant -v(SHANNON) DIANA ANDREA nee HUNTE Respondent TO: DIANAANDREA SHANNON nee HUNTE Formerly of Lot 516 Kuru Kuru Soesdyke Linden Highway Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that on the 21st day of November, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by SEAN KENRICK SHANNON the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 12th day of January, 2024 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web (online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHERTAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty- five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 22nd day of March, 2024 at 9:15am before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall via Zoom Meeting ID: 461 884 5616 and Password: court6. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 03, 2024
Government eyes foreign exchange increases through $1b film industry boost Jamaica Gleaner - A $1billion investment in Jamaica’s film industry presents an opportunity for the country to diversify its economic base and increase Jamaica’s foreign exchange, Minister of Finance and the Public Service Dr Nigel Clarke has asserted. Clarke made the declaration during Wednesday’s launch of the Jamaica Screen Development Initiative (JSDI) at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Andrew. The JSDI is a $1-billion financing initiative of the government which aims to support and strengthen the local screen-based industries by providing a pool of funds accessible for the completion of eligible screen-based projects across various stages of the development process over a two-year fiscal period. “As a small island, we have to always be in search of opportunities to earn foreign exchange,” he said. “And the structure of Jamaica’s economy today is one where foreign exchange generating industries are very lumpy. Of the money that we earn from foreign exchange, $4 billion comes from tourism, we get another $2 billion from remittances, and then, after that, it drops all the way down and, in a good year, we get some good exports from PetroJam that add several hundred million.” Similarly, Senator Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce, labelled Jamaica’s film industry as a “growth industry”. He noted that the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), LEGAL NOTICE 7 Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 22nd day of January,2024.
the agency through which JSDI is being operationalised, reported US$12 million from film-related services last year. He is confident that, with this investment, the revenue will continue to grow. 35 REGISTERED PROJECTS “We’ve had a very good history, most of our international productions are from the United States. We had 35 registered projects prepared, we had 25 from the UK (United Kingdom) and we had four from Germany,” he said. Clarke in the meantime also outlined the cultural benefits of developing Jamaica’s film industry. “A people who grow up with stories about themselves being told by others is a people who won’t be firmly rooted in their own identity and their own culture. It is a hard-nosed economic decision, but the cultural importance and significance cannot be underscored,” he said. In the meantime, while pointing to the allure of the upcoming Bob Marley biopic, Bob Marley: One Love, which saw aspects of its production taking place in Jamaica, Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, noted that it was a “reminder of the power of film in the telling of stories of our people, in capturing and enhancing the image and heart-
Prime Minister Andrew Holness (third right) with (from left) Max Jardim, chairman of the Jamaica Screen Development Initiative (JSDI) Oversight Committee and board director of JAMPRO; Film Commissioner Jackie Jacqueline Jackson; Shullette Cox, president of JAMPRO; Senator Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce; Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport; Justine Henzell, film producer and oversight committee member; and Dr Nigel Clarke, minister of finance and the public service, during the official launch of the JSDI at the Office of the Prime Minister press room in St Andrew on Wednesday. (Rudolph Brown) beat of our country”. Grange said the film industry was the most-evolved sector of the entertainment, culture and creative industries (ECCI) in Jamaica, and noted the benefits of this additional funding. “Though our screen development initiative will not fix all the problems at once, it will certainly alleviate the chronic gap local filmmakers have in getting scripts writ-
ten, films distributed and to have their stories funded,” she said. Shullette Cox, president of JAMPRO, said Jamaicans will receive the opportunity to leverage the funding and that the JSDI aims to focus primarily on the growth of local content and create a platform for Jamaicans to compete globally as a destination for film. Feature films, which are 60 minutes in length or more;
short films, at least seven minutes in length, but less than 20 minutes; animated short films, at least two minutes in length, but less than 11 minutes; web series, as well as reality or unscripted content, are projects that are eligible for funding consideration. The JSDI will accept the submissions of films starting March 18, 2024 until April 28 this year.
UN warns of spike in killings and kidnappings across Haiti as deployment of armed force stalls The U.N. says more than 2,300 people were killed, injured or kidnapped in Haiti from October to December last year, a nearly 10% increase compared with the previous quarter Associated Press — More than 2,300 people were killed, injured or kidnapped in Haiti from October to December last year, a nearly 10% increase compared with the previous quarter, according to a new U.N. report released Thursday. The number of killings alone spiked to more than 1,600 during the period, with officials blaming the vacuum created by the death of a powerful gang leader known as Andrice Isca for unleashing territorial fights in the Cite Soleil slum of Port-au-Prince that killed and injured nearly 270 people over roughly two weeks in late November. Isca has also been identified as Iskar Andrice and Iscar Andris. Authorities said fights occurred within a powerful gang federation known as G9 Family and Allies, which also targeted an opposition gang coalition called G-Pep. “In addition to the loss of human life, the humanitarian toll of the clashes was disas-
trous: over 1,000 people were forced to abandon their homes and take refuge in nearby areas,” stated the report by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, known as BINUH. Officials said at least 262 gang members died in the last quarter, but noted the losses were barely felt given that “the ease of recruitment among the poor populations living under their control enabled them to rapidly replenish their ranks.” The report also found that nearly 700 people were kidnapped from October to December, an increase of nearly 20% compared with the previous quarter. “No social category has been spared: from street vendors and farmers…to high-level professionals, including doctors and civil servants,” according to the report. Gangs also continue to rape women and girls, sometimes recording themselves
and posting the videos on social media “with a view to humiliate their victims,” the report stated. Children continue to be targeted by gangs, with more than 50 killed in the last quarter, including a 10year-old who encountered members of the Grand Ravine gang. “After questioning the boy, they accused him of being a police informant and executed him on the spot,” the report said. Overall, more than 310,000 people have been left homeless in Haiti because of gang violence, including some
170,000 children, according to UNICEF. In addition, more than 8,400 people were killed, injured or kidnapped in Haiti overall last year, more than double the number reported in 2022. BINUH recommended in its report that the international community accelerate the deployment of a foreign armed force, but it’s unlikely one would arrive soon in Haiti, which first requested the force more than a year ago. Last week, a court in Kenya barred the U.N.backed deployment of police officers to Haiti, saying it was unconstitutional.
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Test cricket on trial as New Zealand faces under-strength South Africa WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — As cricket fans savor two of the most thrilling finishes in test match history, New Zealand is preparing to play South Africa in a series that some say will damage the status of the longer format of the game. The West Indies’ eightrun win over Australia in Brisbane and England’s 28run win over India at Hyderabad seemed to reinforce test match cricket’s place at the very pinnacle of the game. But at Bay Oval in Mount
Maunganui from Sunday, New Zealand will face a South Africa team entirely stripped of its leading players who have been kept at home for a domestic Twenty20 series. New Zealand has mostly been diplomatic about the selection of the Proteas team which features eight uncapped players, including its captain Neil Brand. But other voices have been raised in strident criticism of South Africa’s decision to give a local T20 competition priority over a test series.
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh said the Proteas selection showed South Africa “obviously doesn’t care” about test cricket. “Is this a defining moment in the death of test cricket?” Waugh wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “History and tradition must count for something. If we stand by and allow profits to be the defining criteria, the legacy of Bradman, Grace and Sobers will be irrelevant.” In a subsequent interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Waugh called for concerted action to save tests.
Saturday February 03, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Get-togethers with friends or meetings with a small group, if possible, should prove informative and enlightening today, Aries, although some of it may be a bit perplexing. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today things could be rather hectic at work, Taurus. You'll probably be very busy and happy with whatever results you produce. You could tire yourself out, GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Some new information about an interesting field could have you browsing the web and looking through books to learn more, Gemini. This could involve law, philosophy,
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today your mind will be quick, insightful, and inspired, Libra. Your creative impulses should go a thousand miles an hour and ideas should pop in and out of your head like crazy. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) If visitors are able to pop in and out during the day, Scorpio, you'll be in the right frame of mind to enjoy their company. Expect interesting news and stimulating conversation. . SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't be surprised if your inbox fills with email or your phone rings off the hook, Sagittarius. Friends, relatives, and colleagues could have great news and useful information.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today you might learn about new and creative ways to increase your income, Cancer, possibly involving technology in some way. So much new information could come your way.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It Inspiration is the word for today, Capricorn. Your creative talent should blossom and motivate you to work on wonderful ideas. This could involve music, painting, decorating,
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Social events could put you in touch with interesting people in intriguing professions, Leo. You might get involved in some fascinating conversations that provide you with a lot of useful information.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Today your physical and mental energy should be operating at a very high level, Aquarius. You probably won't spend much time inside if you can avoid it. Expect get-togethers
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) A friend or colleague could recommend some books that you want to read right away, Virgo. Be sure you take breaks and rest your eyes from time to time to avoid eyestrain and headaches today.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your intuition is likely to be very keen today, Pisces. Accurate psychic insights could come to you thick and fast. Your imagination is also strong, and you might come up with ideas to enrich your home,
New Zealand now finds itself in a no-win situation in the two-test series. The Black Caps haven’t lost a test series at home since March 2017 but has never beaten South Africa in a test series. If it wins the upcoming series, the achievement will be devalued by the quality of the South Africa team; if it loses it may face ridicule. Former captain Kane Williamson, who has recovered from a hamstring strain and will play in the first test, said New Zealand has to put those considerations aside. New Zealand currently is third place in the Test Championship behind Australia and South Africa. The Black Caps could move up to second with a series win. Bland said South Africa also needs to ignore external chatter about the series.
Jordan end Tajikistan’s... From page 29 deserve to win, you played a very good game,” Tajikistan coach Petar Segrt told beIN Sports. “Sometimes you need luck, we didn’t have it today. But we must also respect that Jordan played a very good game. So congratulations to Jordan.” In a goalless opening half, Ehson Panjshanbe came closest to scoring for Tajikistan when his effort hit the bar while Jordan forward Yazan Al-Naimat failed to convert two difficult chances to break the deadlock. Tajikistan also suffered a setback when striker Shahrom Samiev lasted 27 minutes before he was forced to come off in tears due to a hamstring injury. Jordan finally found the breakthrough from a corner in the 66th minute when Abdallah Nasib’s header went in via a deflection off the chest of Hanonov — their goalscorer from their last-16 win over the United Arab Emirates. Tajikistan tried their best to score an equaliser, with Alisher Shukurov coming close when he tested keeper Yazeed Abulaila from distance with an effort that stung his palms, but Jordan managed to hold on for a famous victory. Jordan had fallen at the quarter-final hurdle twice before and Hussein Ammouta’s side will next play either 2015 champions Australia or South Korea in the first semifinal on Tuesday.
Saturday February 03, 2024
Sunil & Son P ool Bar Ov er -50 Pool Over er-50 C/chip unfolds this Sunday The highly anticipated “Ball in Hand” 8-Ball Pool tournament returns this Sunday, February 4 at the Sunil and Son Pool Bar in Mahaica. Organized by Sunil Mangru and tailored for players aged 50 and above, this inclusive 8-Ball Pool tournament invites participants from all corners of the country. In the previous edition, the event drew in more than 40 competitors, showcasing some of Guyana’s top talents in gripping matches across three nine and eightfoot tables, as Kamil Hussain emerged victorious in the final of the 8-ball, Ball in Hand category. Facing tough competition from sec-
ond-placed Kevin Mangru and third-placed Howayne Smith, Hussain clinched the title, along with championship trophy. He also bagged the first prize of $60,000, while Mangru and Smith earned $30,000 and $15,000, respectively. Tomorrow, Sunday’s event promises to be intense and entertaining, prizes will be distributed based on the number of entries, with substantial cash rewards and trophies for the first and second-place winners. For additional details about the tournament, contact Sunil at 592-632-3121. This Sunday’s event is exclusively for Over-50 players, with a nominal entry fee of $2,000.
Saturday February 03, 2024
Jordan end Tajikistan’s dream run at Asian Cup to move into semi-finals
Tajikistan’s Alisher Shukurov in action with Jordan’s Mousa Tamari. (REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari) AL RAYYAN, Qatar, (Reuters) - Jordan edged Asian Cup debutants Tajikistan 1-0 to move into the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time thanks to a second-half own goal at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium yesterday. The two teams had drawn a World Cup qualifier in November but it was Jordan who came out on top when Vahdat Hanonov put the ball into his own net from a set piece, ending Tajikistan’s dream run in
Qatar. While Jordan’s elated players celebrated in front of their fans, waving their country’s flag in the air, members of the Tajikistan squad were inconsolable. Nevertheless, Tajikistan supporters who had flown in for the game gave their country’s heroes — who had surpassed all pretournament expectations — a standing ovation. “I think we gave everything and I must compliment Jordan. You (Continued on page 28)
Rain, lightning spoil party as West Indies miss out on semi-final spot after Australia no result SportsMax - West Indies Under-19s have unfortunately missed out on a spot in the semi-finals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa after their crucial final Super Six match against Australia ended in a no result yesterday at the Diamond Oval in Kimberly. T h e We s t I n d i e s entered the game third in Group 2 behind Australia and South Africa knowing they needed a win to keep their final four hopes alive. After winning the toss and electing to field first, things started really well for the Windies as they restricted the Aussies to 875 just past the halfway mark of their innings. However, an 89-run sixth wicket partnership between Sam Konstas and Raf MacMillan provided some much-needed stability to the Australian batting effort. In the end, Australia were reduced to 227-8
from their 50 overs. Konstas led the way with a brilliantly compiled 108 off 121 balls including 11 fours and three sixes while MacMillan was the next highest scorer with 29. Nathan Edward led the way with the ball for the West indies with 3-32 off nine overs while Isai Thorne took 2-50 from 10. In reply, the West Indies were 24-2 off 4.3 overs when play was halted due to lightning. As time passed, the lightning was joined by rain and the match was eventually called off. The no result meant that the West Indies ended the Super Six on five points from their four games, one point behind hosts South Africa who booked their spot in the semis with a dominant 119-run win over Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom to move to six points. Australia ended up on seven points to win the group.
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BCQS 2024 Masters to conclude today - Lydia Fraser, Robert Cameron remains unblemished Lloyd Fung-A-Fat having to reach for a looped short ball from the crafty bajan Sanjay Amin.
The exciting showdown at the Georgetown Squash Club on Camp Street ignited the courts on Thursday for day two of the 2024 BCQS Masters tournament. Some real MVP moments came from Barbados players Shawn Simpson and Orson Simpson, as well as Lydia Fraser, Khalil Alli, and Peter De Groot. H o w e v e r, d a y t w o brought us nine epic matches in the Men’s 30-44, 45-54, and 55-64 categories, along with a solo clash in the Women’s Over-35 category. Lydia Fraser scored her second win of the tournament against Tian Edwards, and Robert Cameron secured another solid victory on the second day. While the four-day event is gearing up for its climax today, day two showcased the first wins for Regan
Pollard, Peter De Groot, Dane Pereira, Robert Cameron, and Shawn Simpson in the Men’s 30-44 category. Pollard clinched a 3-1 victory over Jonathan Antczak, with a nail-biting first game ending 10-12. Cameron turned up the heat, taking the next three games 11-2, 11-4, and 11-4. Jason van Dijk faced a tough match against De Groot, ultimately losing 5-11, 11-5, 11-8, and 11-6. Pereira also grabbed his first win, a three-game sweep against Lee Fung-AFat, while the agile Shawn Simpson dominated Javid Rahaman in a 3-0 victory, showcasing his impressive reach and athleticism. Across in the Women’s Over 35 category, Lydia Fraser continued her winning streak with two back-to-back victories against Tian Edwards,
securing convincing wins at 11-5 and 11-2 in the first two. She wrapped up the third game with an impressive 110 win, sealing the deal with a well-deserved 3-0 victory. In the Men’s 45-54 and 55-64 divisions, Khalil Alli made a statement with a commanding 11-2, 11-3, and 11-2 win against Trinidian Gowkaran Bissoon in the 45-54 clash. Meanwhile, Barbadians Orson Simpson and Sanjay Amin showcased their skills in the Men’s 55-64 division. Simpson conquered Narendra Singh with a 3-1 victory, and Amin kept Lloyd Fung-A-Fat in his shell, in a challenging 8-11, 11-2, 11-6, and 11-6 win. The excitement continued yesterday with 11 more matches at the same venue, and today marks the peak of the tournament, kicking off at 15:20 hours.
Some of the action in the Women’s Over 35 category between Lydia Fraser and Tian Edwards.
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West Indies suffer eight-wicket defeat to hosts Australia in opening ODI at Melbourne despite Carty’s resilient 88 SportsMax - In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Australia claimed a convincing eightwicket victory in the first One Day International (ODI) against the West Indies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Debutant Xavier Bartlett stole the show with an extraordinary bowling spell, and Cameron Green’s exceptional all-round performance guidedAustralia to a comprehensive win. Xavier Bartlett, making his ODI debut, showcased his talent by dismantling the West Indies’ top order with a remarkable 4 for 17. This performance marked the second-best figures on ODI debut for Australia, placing him just behind current selector Tony Dodemaide. Bartlett’s ability to swing the ball both ways troubled the West Indies batsmen, setting the tone for Australia’s dominance. Matthew Lee, Director of the Jamaica Badminton Academy, drew parallels between Bartlett’s impactful debut and the academy’s
Roston Chase scored 59 off 67 balls. (AFP/Getty Images) commitment to nurturing talent. “Just like in badminton, where a player’s debut can shape their entire journey, B a r t l e t t ’s r e m a r k a b l e introduction to ODI cricket showcased the impact a debutant can have on the game.” Bartlett, along with fellow debutant Lance Morris, became the first pair of Australian debutants to open the bowling in an ODI since 2 0 1 6 . B a r t l e t t ’s e a r l y breakthroughs, including a magical outswinger that dismissed Justin Greaves, l e f t t h e We s t I n d i e s struggling at 59 for 4. The
West Indies, anchored by Keacy Carty’s career-best 88 and Roston Chase’s gritty 59, managed to post a total of 231. However, Bartlett’s spell had already set up the victory for Australia. Josh Inglis provided a fiery start to Australia’s chase with a quick-fire 65 off 43 balls. Inglis’s aggressive approach set the tone, smashing ten fours and a six, and his whirlwind knock allowed Cameron Green to settle into the innings. Steven Smith’s unbeaten run-a-ball 79 and Green’s composed 77 not out guided Australia to victory with 11.3 overs to spare. Despite the West Indies showing resilience with halfcenturies from Carty and Chase, Bartlett’s brilliance and Green’s all-round show ensured Australia took a 1-0 lead in the series. The MCG witnessed a dominant performance from Australia, with Bartlett’s debut spell earning him welldeserved accolades. As the series progresses, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate
GCB U15 Inter-county tournament Round 3…
Demerara pull off thriller, while Essequibo maul opponents to headline Round 3 Round 3 of the GCB U15 Inter-county action continued Thursday with teams gaining much-needed momentum as Tournament nears end. Demerara beat Berbice by 1 wicket Captain Adrian Hetmyer scored his second successive half-century of the tournament, anchoring Berbice with 53 from 60 with a pair of fours and three sixes as he piloted his team to 146 all out. Opener Richard Ramdehol, batting down the order, was the next best scorer with 28, while Sohail Mohamed (15) were leading scorers for the Ancient County team. Demerara’s sole star with the ball was spinner Brandon Henry who returned 4-34, as Ram, Darwin LaRose and Reaz Latif finished with a scalp apiece. In reply, Demerara clawed their way to 147-9 in 50 overs, pulling off a daring heist thanks to one of the tournament’s leading runscorers, Parmeshwar Ram who led with 32. Shamar Apple (22), Munesh Outar (12) along
Gilbert Griffith
Brandon Henry
with 11 apiece from Mickel Sharma and Reyaz Latif, aided in the eventual nailbiting chase which went in favor of Demerara. Ramdehol led with 2-8, while Kumulchan Ramnarais chipped in with 2-19 for Berbice, in a losing effort. Essequibo beat Select XI by 65-runs at the DCC Ground The Cinderella County boys posted what would turn out to be a match-winning 180-7 from 50 overs, thanks to a series of knocks from Jathniel Nurse (43) who played as a batsman to help his team reach a good total. Opener Francis Gurahoo (39) and Justin Dowlin (22) gave Essequibo a good start
as Erron Benjamin (26) and Darrius Pearson (16*), saw their team to the end of the innings. Only a spirited spell from Gilbert Griffith (4-10) with a wicket apiece from Rivaldo Pareira and Anil Hemraj headlined the tale of a lopsided bowling outing by the Select XI. They would only muster 115 before losing their way entirely. Danvir Seegobin (32), Arif Marimootoo (20) and Gilbert Griffith (14) failed to make use of their starts. Nurse again was the destroyer, snatching up 3-14 with Erron Benjamin (2-21) and Shazim Mohamed (230) lending ideal support as they completed an easy victory.
more exciting contests between these two cricketing giants. The West Indies, though faced with a setback, will look to bounce back in the
upcoming ODIs, showcasing the resilience that makes cricket a thrilling and unpredictable sport. Scores: Australia 232 for
2 (Smith 79*, Green 77*, Inglis 65) beat West Indies 231 (Carty 88, Chase 59, Bartlett 4-17) by eight wickets.
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Saturday February 03, 2024
GCF Grand Prix Series second leg commence today The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), in collaboration with tournament sponsor International Import and Supplies, will embark on the second leg of the 2024 GCF Grand Prix series from today, February 3-11. The consecutive weekend event is scheduled to take place at the National Stadium in Providence, commencing today, other playing dates are tomorrow (February 4th), and will continue on the 10th – 11th February. The Grand Prix 2 tournament will consist of 8 rounds under a time control of 90 minutes with 30 seconds of additional time after each move. Matches will be assigned using the Swiss system for the tournament. The GCF expects a strong turnout of players, including those who competed in the Grand Prix One event. The lineup of
players, a mix of seniors and juniors, will compete in 2 divisions: the open and f e m a l e . T h e s p o n s o r, International Import & Supplies, has provided a prize fund of $70,000 and the top 3 finishers in each division will take home $20,000, $10,000 and $5,000. The tournament is FIDE (International Chess Federation) rated, allowing players to improve their international rating with each point gained throughout the event. Grand Prix one winner National Junior Champion Keron Sandiford and runner-up Kyle Couchman will return to contest the open division, while on the female side Shazeeda Rahim, back from her hiatus, will compete to hold her lead along with rising star Aditi Joshi and r e i g n i n g Wo m e n ’s Champion Jessica Callender. The tournament will also feature veteran player
Candidate Master Ronuel Greenidge, who is returning to the national chess scene after four years. The Guyana Chess Federation 2024 Grand Prix series is part of the qualification system for the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, in September this year. This event will provide more opportunities for players to test their skills and work on improving their strategy for the opening, middle and endgame. The Federation welcomes their new sponsor, International Import and Supplies, to the Guyana chess community and extends its sincere thanks for their support and commitment to the development of chess. The GCF looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with IIS, one of the premier names in the construction industry.
Flashback! Keron Sandiford will be looking to retain his title in second leg.
Slingerz FC to face São Raimundo Esporte Clube in Brazil today P&P Insurance Brokers sponsors West Ruimveldt Secondary Football Team for Milo tournament Mr. Bish Panday (Left) along with the Mr. Bishop (Right) and members of the team at the presentation.
U
pon rejoining the Guyana F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF) Elite League, Slingerz FC, the inaugural champions, embarked on a rigorous training regimen aimed at reclaiming their previous title from the 2015/2016 season. The club, based on the ‘West Side’, diligently prepared for today’s clash against São Raimundo Esporte Clube, the reigning champions of the Campeonato Roraimense, the premier football league in the state of Roraima, Brazil scheduled to take place today at the Estádio Canarinho at 5:00 pm. São Raimundo Esporte Clube boasts an impressive
track record, competing in the Brazilian Championship Serie D and securing a remarkable nine consecutive Campeonato Roraimense titles from 2016 to 2023, accumulating a total of 14 championships overall. Head Coach Charles Pollard, a former National Captain, anticipates a challenging game for Slingerz FC, particularly due to the significant changes in the team’s composition following a busy transfer window. Nonetheless, he views this match as an invaluable experience for his players, enhancing their exposure to different styles of play beyond the confines of Guyana’s football scene. Upon the team’s arrival
in Brazil via road, they had the privilege of meeting with Rodger King, the Consul General of Guyana in Boa Vista, and Vice Consul Gyarth Taylor. The team was treated to a guided tour of Boa Vista, the most populous municipality in the state of Roraima. One of the highlights of their tour was a visit to the Mirante, located within Parque do Rio Branco in the City Centre. The Mirante stands impressively at 120 meters, offering visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and holds the distinction of being the tallest tower in the North region, surpassing even the tower at the Amazon Museum (Musa) in Manaus.
P&P Insurance Brokers recently sponsored the West Ruimveldt Secondary School Football Team for the upcoming Milo Secondary School Football tournament. At a simple ceremony, the Chief Executive of P&P Insurance Brokers - Mr. Bish Panday, made the donation to Mr. Bishop - coach of the football team and a teacher at the West Ruimveldt Secondary School. Also present were two students, Mr.
Jamal Fraser - captain of the football team and Mr. Timothy Goppy, player on the team. Mr. Vikash Panday, Director of P&P Insurance Brokers was also present at the ceremony and noted that P&P was happy to continue its relationship with the school and wished the team every success. Mr. Bishop and the players thanked Mr. Panday and P&P for its continued support and pledged to do well in the tournament.
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Team to be revealed mid-February for Concacaf Under-20 Championship qualifiers 42 attend rigorous training camp The squad takes a photo with the coaching staff at a training session.
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ewly appointed Under-20 Men’s National Team Head Coach Kayode McKinnon will reveal his squad for the Concacaf Under-20 Championship Qualifiers in mid-February. McKinnon has hit the ground running with an intensive pre-tournament training camp which started on January 21 at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara. Prior to the McKinnon’s arrival, Assistant Coach Vurlon Mills worked with the local based players focusing on small sided
games to observe the players understanding of their respective positions. Forty-two young players, including several who have moved up from the Under-15 and Under-17 national teams, are focused on impressing McKinnon and the recently appointed Goalkeeping Coach Richard Reynolds. But only twenty-one (21) players will be selected to participate in the Concacaf Under-20 Championship Qualifiers scheduled from February 23 to March 2. Guyana has been placed in Group B alongside El Salvador, Antigua and Barbuda, Suriname, and
Turks and Caicos Islands. The Junior Golden Jaguars inaugural match is set for February 23 against the host nation Antigua & Barbuda at the ABFA Technical Centre in Antigua. McKinnon shared that the team’s training is a d v a n c i n g p o s i t i v e l y, providing space for players to adapt to the introduction of new coaching perspectives. “I understand the talent that we have. So we’re excited to work with them, obviously we’re new coaches to them, we’re new people, there’re new voices. Everything takes a bit of time for people to adapt and
to adjust but it’s been exciting so far. Things are moving in the right direction.” The coaching staff also includes Richard Reynolds, who has been recently appointed as the Goalkeeping Coach and Assistant Coaches Vurlon Mills and John Saunders. According to McKinnon there is an ongoing effort to cultivate a good relationship with the players based on trust in an environment where they feel at ease to deliver top performances. “Once players start becoming much (more) comfortable they begin to
The players go through drills during a practice session.
show who they really are so we’re cognizant of that. But the exciting part is the relationship we’re building with the players and one of the things we talk about here in this short stint is about trust. He added that the coaching team is “trying to identify those players that show firstly the intensity and the ability to execute at a high level in the decision making that is our foundation for success. Yes we’ve identified some key players and we’re still looking.” There are twenty-seven teams in the tournament. Following the round-robin stage Guyana has to finish top of Group B to advance to the 2024 Concacaf M e n ’ s U - 2 0 Championship, joining the six pre-seeded top-ranked nations. GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph said the training camp comprises a blend of players based locally and young talents from overseas, adding that the addition of the new coaches has brought a fresh energy to the training programme. “They’ve injected a fresh perspective and a new energy, and it’s evident that the players are enthusiastic. Their seamless integration into the existing structure is because of their understanding of the game.”
“Our extensive scouting efforts, reaching across Guyana via the Under-15 National Team programme and the Namilco Under-17 League, ensure that the coaches have the opportunity to choose from the finest talent in the country. We are thankful to parents overseas who responded to our invitations, enabling their children to participate in the local training camp.” To afford the newly appointed coaches an opportunity to assess the players’ gameplay techniques, the youngsters engaged in a match against the reigning KFC Elite League champions, Guyana Defence Force, on January 28 at the Training Centre in Providence. “This created an ideal setting for players to display their gaming techniques, allowing the coaches to conduct comprehensive evaluations. I was pleased to see the young players giving their all on the pitch against some of our best senior players.” GFF President Wayne Forde’s administration continues to invest substantially in the junior national team programme — a route for players to secure coveted positions on the Golden Jaguars. The unveiling of the team is scheduled for mid-February.
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