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Kaieteur News
Thursday February 08, 2024
Kaieteur News
Thursday February 08, 2024
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Exxon assures US$2B Exxon’s focus now is making and not updating guarantee was lodged US$$$ Guyana on total barrels - says up to court to decide whether it should be made public
W
hile Guyanese r e m a i n anxious about whether a US$2 billion oil spill guarantee ordered by the Court has been provided by the operator of the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the company has assured that the document has been lodged. However it said it is up to the court to decide whether it must be made public. On Tuesday, EMGL held its first press conference for 2024 at its Duke Street, K i n g s t o n , G e o rg e t o w n o ff i c e w h e r e C o u n t r y Manager, Alistair Routledge was asked by this publication why the company has been hesitant to share the guarantee it has lodged. The US$2B oil spill guarantee was ordered by Justice Rishi Persaud, as the Appeal Court continues hearing the case for full liability coverage to protect Guyana financially from costs associated with a spill, since many experts have warned this can bankrupt the nation. Litigants Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte had secured an unlimited parent company guarantee from ExxonMobil to cover costs the US$600M insurance would not meet. The ruling was however challenged by the Exxon and Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Lawyers for Whyte and Collins had made several attempts to view the guarantee reportedly lodged. Following failed attempts, they approached the Court for the release of the
ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge addressing the media during Tuesday’s press conference document. Routledge said o n Tu e s d a y, “ O n t h e guarantee, we had worked the guarantee in advance of the actions that took place in Court and so we were ready as soon as the Judge signalled that a guarantee that had a value on it is what was required then collectively ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC had our guarantees ready to meet our $2B commitment and that’s what we lodged.” He added, “To the question of should those be shared, I think it’s under Court review, its subjudice and I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to comment on that. The EPA is the Authority, they can tell you whether what we submitted meets the requirements and I believe they have said that.” The Exxon official told reporters that the company did “a huge amount of work” with the EPA to understand the potential cost associated with such an incident. As such, he questioned the grounds for an unlimited
guarantee. Routledge said, “Fundamentally that was the issue with an unlimited (guarantee). What does unlimited mean? What really are you trying to cover and if you don’t know what that is, how do you ensure that the entity that is providing the guarantee can actually provide that kind of guarantee?” Though stakeholders argue that an unlimited guarantee is merely a signed letter from the parent company that explicitly states Guyana will not be left on the hook for any costs associated with a spill, Exxon’s Guyana President noted that “guarantees don’t come without a cost” and an unlimited guarantee has a very high cost. While Exxon’s priority according to him is to ensure these events never occur, it stands ready to deal with any situation. Consequently, he said the Court, EPA and other experts should make a determination on whether or not the guarantee should be shared publicly.
Man confesses to killing drinking buddy A 22-year-old man was arrested and is currently in custody assisting with investigations after he reportedly confessed to killing his drinking buddy. The deceased has been identified as Eutan George also called ‘Blacka’, a 27year-old pork knocker of Big Creek Backdam North West District. He was found with a stab wound to his chest on Monday, shortly after they had left a shop in the Big Creek Backdam
area. Investigations have revealed that both parties were known to each other and on Monday around 18:00hrs, they were seen apparently intoxicated, as they were consuming Guinness at a shop in the area. George then left the shop and headed in the direction of his home. His drinking buddy left at the same time and was observed walking behind the victim. Sometime after the victim’s
younger brother was headed to the shop and noticed his sibling, with what appeared to be a stab wound to the chest, lying face up. The man was unresponsive and motionless. An alarm was raised, and the incident was reported to a senior resident in the area who in turn reached out to the Port Kaituma Police Station. Acting on the information relayed ranks arrested the suspect at his (Continued on page 8)
found in new discoveries Head of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge said on Tuesday said his company is no longer focused on providing updates on the number of barrels added to its resource base following a rash of discoveries in 2022 and 2023. The Country Manager said Exxon is more concerned with developing and monetizing those resources already discovered which totals 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Routledge gave the foregoing response following questions from Kaieteur News during a press conference on Tuesday. This newspaper previously reported that the company’s last resource count, dated April 26, 2022, declared the recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block at nearly 11 billion oilequivalent barrels, following discoveries at the Barreleye1, Patwa-1, and Lukanani-1 wells. However, since then, Exxon has announced seven more significant discoveries. In 2022, Exxon announced four more discoveries at the Stabroek Block – at the Seabob-1 and Kiru-Kiru-1 wells in July of that year, followed by discoveries at the Sailfin-1 and Yarrow-1 wells in October. Moving into 2023, Exxon continued its successful exploration streak with discoveries at the Fangtooth SE, Lancetfish-1, and Lancetfish-2 wells. The Fangtooth SE well, particularly notable as an appraisal well of the Fangtooth-1 discovery, is part of consideration for E x x o n M o b i l ’s s e v e n t h Stabroek Block development. Despite these
advancements, ExxonMobil has maintained the same resource estimate. Questioned on this, Routledge said the company’s focus is no longer on counting and announcing barrels added. “In the early days of exploring the basin, Guyana was a frontier basin years ago and everyone was excited about the discoveries. In the early days, there was a focus on resources and how big the basin might be and how many reservoirs have we penetrated,” said Routledge. He added, “But that focus has shifted to, of that discovered resource, can we monetize it and move it forward into economic development, and that is where we move more and more into the appraisal mindset, and (determining) what are the development concepts and how do we manage costs down to be effective and ensure these are robust investments for the long term …” Given the foregoing premise, Routledge said Exxon is no longer talking about discovered resources
- Exxon’s Routledge
anymore. He said, “We are talking about developments and can we move the resource we found to date forward, what additional work needs to be done to reduce risks associated with that resource, do we need to find more in a particular area so we have sufficient energy density to make an economic project. So, we are not going to talk about that number going (forward). We are more focused on the projects.” In terms of Guyana’s importance to his company and to a wider extent, the global energy market, Routledge said this is now greater than it was 10 years ago. He said Guyana has become a significant part of the low-emission energy equation for the world. Routledge said too that Guyana’s growing importance is also reflected in the surge in global partnerships taking place on the military, diplomatic and economic fronts. He said, “…I think it is a healthy thing that we see those kinds of collaborations, and h o p e f u l l y, t h a t w i l l continue.”
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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
Increasing oil income Guyana’s political opposition is now on record saying that increasing oil income is a national priority for the group. According to Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, “We, on this side of the House, view it as a national priority to increase oil income through tighter audits and monitoring to prevent financial leakages, building our human capacity to monitor oil operations, and the employment of expert firms to advise the government.” We commend the Opposition Leader for his straight talk on Guyana’s oil patrimony, and what this nation could get from it, if the areas he outlined are implemented quickly and seriously. Much can be said for comprehensive and credible audits, monitoring (possibly through systems) to look out for our interests, plus pushing ahead vigorously with human capacity development and, last, expert firms for guidance purposes. Our position is that there can be significant cost savings with bona fide efforts in every stream of activity that Mr. Norton tabled in his call for urgent action by the government. In each of the four segments of scrutiny and oversight that he identified, national oil income could be increased. In our basic projections, hundreds of millions of American dollars annually could be the difference in each instance. Unless proper oil meters are obtained by Guyana, installed by Guyana at the right checkpoints, and monitored by Guyana, no Guyanese has a clue about how much oil ExxonMobil is really producing daily. We make the bold prediction that it could be many more barrels than reported to Guyanese authorities, leading to billions lost through the absence of the necessary technology, and hands-on human involvement. The presence of both would provide the protections that this country needs to get the most out of its oil wealth. There is a higher chance that Guyana would do better (save more, and correspondingly earn more) than it is doing currently. Some of the “financial leakages” of which the Opposition Leader spoke could be plugged. That said, we think that Mr. Norton targets low-hanging fruit in the areas he pinpointed. They have monetary benefits, and they are not insignificant. We prioritize ringfencing oil projects, which would be favourable to this country’s oil income receipts by the billions. The same goes for capping interest rates, with more billions coming to Guyana. Further, clear and complete disclosure of all oil expenses would give Guyanese the knowledge that they lack now on where there may be expense shenanigans and their impact on the level of oil income due. One insight that we have gained from our coverage of the ballooning oil sector is that when ExxonMobil doggedly objects, then hundreds of millions, possibly billions, are in it for the company. When ExxonMobil advances arguments that clearly serve only the company’s bottom-line, that emphasizes how Guyana is getting roasted. This is where we would recommend that the Opposition, and every other Guyanese, focus their attention, for it is where the big money is, where the big games being played with oil projects are skinning this nation alive. Along the same lines, we have observed that when some aspect of the oil operations has to be a tightly guarded secret, then Guyana is paying a heavy price for that secrecy. A lid of secrecy has been the case with billions in expenses, which is shocking when key leaders in the host country agree to that secrecy. ExxonMobil has claimed that its accounting records, systems, and practices are outstanding. Yet audits have revealed the troubling with hundreds of millions in questionable expenses flagged. It is fair to contemplate what forensic audits worth the name would have likely uncovered. This is where the probability exists of expense skullduggeries to the detriment of Guyana are alive and well. How else to rationalize ExxonMobil being so steely in resistance to the expense disclosures? Disclosures that the people of Guyana need so much to appreciate for themselves that they are getting a fair share, and that ExxonMobil is a genuine and trusted partner. We see no loss of competitive ability. What we detect is another apparently ripe area for the “financial leakages” of which Mr. Norton spoke, to occur. Expenses stand as another big one where the priority and focus should be.
Thursday February 08, 2024
Society must stand in solidarity with Teachers’ Union to protect our nation’s children DEAR EDITOR It pleases my eyes to see the teachers of Guyana standing up in various regions as a united force to get the PPP Government to honour its obligations to ensure a living wage/salary and decent working conditions. This must be a rallying call to all workers throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. Whereas the government has already sought to condemn and criminalise the protest, the society needs to be aware strike action is not illegal. Article 147 (2) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana expressly states: “Except with his or her own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom to strike.” Government, instead of speaking with Union leaders, has sought to confront the legitimate action as an illegal action which is misleading the
public and strikers. It must be seen as an effort to create fear and disunity in the midst. W h a t t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party (PPP) also done, by deeming the strike illegal, is to demonise and criminalise striking workers, therefore elevating a simple, bona fide workers’ protest where the workers must not be left alone but have the full embrace of society. The Laws of Guyana protect strike and the trade unions’ right to protect their members. What any caring government would seek to do is meet the union and arrive at an agreement. It is time the PPP learn that threats and executive bullyism will not always work and a time will come when workers will even resist that. No number of threats will stem the tide of resistance. I stand in solidarity with the Guyana Teachers’ Union and call on parents, communities, and wider
society to give support to our teachers. These are the people who mould our most valuable resource - our children. After the family, comes the teachers in the process of socialisation and society must not allow politics to cause us to ignore their efforts to have legitimate redress, using the protection guaranteed by Labour Laws, that is, the trade union movement. It is not unknown to the people of this country that the current PPP leadership is anti-labour for unions they feel cannot be controlled by them. We see the disparity in treatment between the unions affiliated to the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and those in the Federation of Independent Trades Union of Guyana (FITUG). It is time we allow the Laws of Guyana to work and respect the rights of all, regardless of political persuasion. In oil rich Guyana, Government
inability to meet the demands of teachers does not exist in reality. Only in the hearts and minds of the PPP who are bent on creating further divisions in society with great disparity between the haves and have-nots, and the working class people. I invite all Guyanese, especially those who have children in the public schools and rely on teachers to teach them, to come out and support the teachers. Our children, your children are at risk. We are at risk of a substandard education with our teachers migrating, looking for betterment. The school system is already suffering from migration and teachers having to seek other means to subsidise their income. There is no question the PPP has brought this noble profession and these workers almost to their knees. Sincerely Roysdale Forde SC Member of Parliament
Teachers must also demand a renegotiation of the oil contract too? DEAR EDITOR Some teachers on the picket line were saying we now have oil money; therefore, salaries should be increased. The GTU and teachers have never spoken out about the unfair oil contract with Exxon that robs teachers and all of us of much needed revenue to double everybody’s salaries and meet all the demands in the teachers collective b a rg a i n i n g a g r e e m e n t . While the KN, SN, and civil society groups continue to carry the charge, the GTU and fellow unions have remained largely quiet as if more income from our oil is not linked to better working conditions for all workers. The TUC is silent probably out of loyalty to their PNC folks, and the FITUG unions are equally silent out of loyalty to their PPP masters. These teachers never took up the cause of renegotiation. Why? Is it because the PNC does not want renegotiation of the bad oil contract that robs us of billions of US$$$ every year? Aren’t the teachers – the so-called smartest ones in our midst -
who teach the rest of us, supposed to be marching and protesting for more money from the oil companies? Isn’t more oil income linked to better benefits for teachers? How come they can’t see that? Are these the ones teaching our children? Where is “critical thinking?” Yet it was the GTU that was part of a group that filed a frivolous lawsuit against vaccination for public workers. Vaccination was something in the best interests of everyone students, teachers, parents, all citizens. Luckily, the Judge threw out their lawsuit. O n e teach er ’s s ig n complained about parents getting $45,000 and teachers getting $8,000. Why are teachers begrudging the money for students given to the parents? Should we not put students first? Isn’t education all about the students, and the three legs of education are students, teachers, and parents? How come the sign did not say teachers got $25,000 bonuses too on top of the 6.5% increase, and the in-
range increases. Sure, teachers and all workers in Guyana should be paid more. But should we expect that if we do, student achievement at NGSA and CSEC should go up too, or as salaries go up, student failure rate goes up too? Blogger “Fairminded” said, “It is really ignorant to say stupid things like people can’t eat roads. We need more roads, not less. Every
day you drive around, potholes abound, roads are sinking. We need more, better roads everywhere. If the roads are bad, how would you walk or drive to go find your food to eat? So, stop talking stupidness that people don’t eat roads. We need roads as well as better pay. Are these teachers too dumb to march and lobby for renegotiation of the oil (Continued on page 06)
Accountability is a given expectation DEAR EDITOR It was shocking to read of a fire in the control room at the recently rebuilt and reopened Albion Sugar Estate, allegedly last Saturday, (SN Feb 7). The photograph which accompanied the report showing severe damage to the control room is quite telling. But what is of more concern since Saturday, there has been no statement from the company on this incident involving
taxpayers’ monies, until now. And an almost flippant, non-response as reported, points that putting this matter in the public domain was not the preferred way. Billions have been injected and earmarked for t h e s u g a r c o m p a n y. Accountability is a given expectation not when and if it pleases the company or its masters. Sincerely Shamshun Mohamed
Thursday February 08, 2024
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To effectively tackle poverty & the rising cost of living, the govt may need to reconsider its budgetary priorities and allocate more resources to these critical areas DEAR EDITOR The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) at a joint session of its Administrative Committee, Industrial Relations and Economic Standing Committees of the Union examined Budget 2024 and do make the following preliminary comments: -Despite Guyana has been experiencing significant economic growth due to the discovery of vast oil reserves, and the resulting impact of other sectors in the traditional
economy, this growth has not been evenly distributed, and poverty and income inequality remain pressing issues. The rising cost of living has also been a concern for many especially the poor and vulnerable, as inflation and the increasing prices of essential goods and services have outpaced wage growth. Guyana’s per capita GDP now stands at USD$ 20,960 more than three times what it was in the year 2020 and even surpassing the per capita GDP of Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and
Jamaica. The per capita GDP is a measure of the average economic output per person in a country. It is calculated by dividing the country’s total GDP by its population. It is often used to assess the standard of living and economic well-being of a nation’s residents. In accordance with the aforementioned, one can safely conclude that income inequality remains a sore issue since the nation’s wealth continues to be unevenly distributed. The national minimum wage is
The needs of teachers must be balanced with national development priorities DEAR EDITOR, The strike by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) must not be viewed with myopic lenses. While the demands for better pay and improved working conditions are being made, it is essential to view these needs not in isolation, but as part of a broader spectrum of national priorities. T h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s holistic plan of leveraging the oil revenues, promises substantial benefits across multiple sectors, necessitating a balanced approach to resource allocation. In essence, the government’s strategy lies in its comprehensive vision for national development, one that equally considers the advancement of education, healthcare, infrastructure, social services, national
security and economic growth. This vision acknowledges that the newly acquired oil wealth presents an unprecedented opportunity for transformative development across Guyana. However, it also requires prudent management and equitable distribution In this context, the teachers’ strike raises complex questions about how best to integrate these demands within the national development agenda. The government is tasked with the delicate balance of addressing the needs of all public servants and not just teachers while also laying the groundwork for longterm prosperity that will ultimately benefit all Guyanese, including educators.
It should be noted that oil revenues are only now beginning to flow into government coffers. The government must ensure that solutions provided to teachers do not compromise the ability to invest in other vital sectors. The interconnectivity of sectors means that advancements in healthcare, infrastructure, and economic policies are inherently linked to the quality of education. The Government has so far managed to strike a delicate balance between the promise that oil wealth brings with the responsibility to use these resources wisely, ensuring that the benefits are felt across all sectors. Sincerely, Alvin Hamilton
amongst the lowest in CARICOM amidst G u y a n a ’s e x p a n d i n g landscape and its growing regional influence. In the 2024 budget, to tackle poverty and the rising cost of living, the Government of Guyana has outlined certain key areas of focus, including infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and social protection. The budget proposes the following measures: Social Protection: The budget aims to expand social protection programs, such as cash transfers and subsidies, to reach more vulnerable populations. This includes increasing the coverage of the Social Protection Network (SPN) and providing targeted support to low-income households, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Education and Human Capital Development: The government plans to invest in education by increasing the allocation for the Ministry of Education: This is supposed to include improving access to quality education, particularly in underserved rural areas, and enhancing vocational and technical training programmes to equip citizens with the skills needed for the evolving job market. H e a l t h c a r e Improvement: The budget proposes to enhance the
healthcare system by increasing funding for the Ministry of Health. This includes expanding access to primary healthcare services, upgrading healthcare facilities, and improving the overall quality of care. Infrastructure Development: Investments in infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and ports, are expected to create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. This, in turn, could contribute to reducing poverty and improving the overall standard of living. Energy Sector Development: The budget highlights the importance of the energy sector, particularly the expansion of renewable energy sources, to s u p p o r t t h e c o u n t r y ’s economic growth and reduce energy costs for citizens. While Infrastructure Development, Energy Sector Development, Improvement of Health Care, Education and Human Development, could be c o n s i d e r e d a s transformational, these measures are not aim to seriously address poverty and the rising cost of living in Guyana, the 2024 budget falls short in several aspects: Insufficient Allocation for Social Protection: the proposed budget does not allocate enough resources to effectively tackle poverty and the rising cost of living. The government should have increased the allocation for social protection
programs to ensure that the more vulnerable populations can benefit from these initiatives, realistically in the prevailing economic environment. One off cash grants, and because we care cash grant, are used for consumption purposes and does not address the issue of the rising cost of living, inequality and poverty. Perhaps measures that could have better help the working poor and the poor and vulnerable population includes: I. An increase in the income tax threshold of more than $100,000. II. A reduction in PAYE. The income tax rate should be reduced to 10% on the first taxable $200,000 and 20% on the balance of taxable income, instead of the current methodology of 28% and 40%. III. A reduction in excise taxes on essential items, in extension to the reduction of excise taxes on oil. IV. Increase in public assistance and old age pension should be adequate enough to lift this vulnerable population (Continued on page 15)
Kaieteur News
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Thursday February 08, 2024
Empower the Public with Constitutional Reform Empower the Public with DEAR EDITOR, No leader should be a b o v e t h e l a w. I n authoritarian countries, rulers did and or are acting as despots, violating human rights and even murdering people. The people have virtually no rights. We had our experience in Guyana during the dictatorship. In truly democratic countries, especially in the advanced economies, powers of rulers are curtailed. Rulers are held to account for their behaviour in and out of office. In UK, Canada, and USA, where more Guyanese reside than in Guyana itself, former and even present rulers are not immune from investigation and prosecution of acts
(even official ones) while in office. Last December, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and present PM Rishi Sunak were hauled before an autonomous agency investigating their conduct in office during the COVID-19 pandemic. They could be prosecuted if they willfully broke the law. A repo is due. Then President Bill Clinton of America was investigated by Congress during the late 1990s and also hauled before a Special Prosecutor for having sexual relations in public office and lying about it. The late President Richard Nixon was also hauled before the court during the 1970s and was granted amnesty from prosecution
by his successor Gerald Ford. Former President Donald Trump has been hauled before the court for (alleged criminal conduct) on January 5 2021 and on other days in November relating to the November 2020 elections; he has even been denied nominations (in the primaries) on the ballot in a few states for the 2024 elections because of his actions while as President. He has mounted appeals on his prosecution and denial of his name on the ballot. These will eventually be heard by the Supreme Court as it relates to immunity; they are likely to be reversed. In Guyana, Presidents, Ministers, and other officials were known to claim
immunity from prosecution even when they violated laws and the constitution itself. The constitution grants nearly unlimited powers to the President, a constitution that was never approved by the population in a free and fair referendum. And the rulers (with the exception of Dr. Jagan) were known to flaunt their powers, going back to Burnham who was responsible for the creating of this monstrous allpowerful constitution and ruler. Rights have been repeatedly violated during and after his tenure post 1985. Ministers were known to flaunt their powers, belittling and or insulting (Continued on page 09)
Constitutional Reform
DEAR EDITOR, No leader should be a b o v e t h e l a w. I n authoritarian countries, rulers did and or are acting as despots, violating human rights and even murdering people. The people have virtually no rights. We had our experience in Guyana during the dictatorship. In truly democratic countries, especially in the advanced economies, powers of rulers are curtailed. Rulers are held to account for their behaviour in and out of office. In UK, Canada, and USA, where more Guyanese reside than in Guyana itself, former and even present rulers are not immune from investigation and prosecution of acts (even official ones) while in office. Last December, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and present PM Rishi Sunak were hauled before an autonomous agency investigating their conduct in office during the COVID-19 pandemic. They could be prosecuted if they willfully broke the law. A repo is due. Then President Bill Clinton of America was investigated by Congress during the late 1990s and also hauled before a Special Prosecutor for having sexual relations in public office and lying about it. The late President Richard Nixon was also hauled before the court during the 1970s and was granted amnesty from prosecution by his successor Gerald Ford. Former President Donald Trump has been hauled before the court for (alleged criminal conduct) on January 5 2021 and on other days in November relating to the November 2020 elections; he has even been denied nominations (in the primaries) on the ballot in a few states for the 2024 elections because of his
actions while as President. He has mounted appeals on his prosecution and denial of his name on the ballot. These will eventually be heard by the Supreme Court as it relates to immunity; they are likely to be reversed. In Guyana, Presidents, Ministers, and other officials were known to claim immunity from prosecution even when they violated laws and the constitution itself. The constitution grants nearly unlimited powers to the President, a constitution that was never approved by the population in a free and fair referendum. And the rulers (with the exception of Dr. Jagan) were known to flaunt their powers, going back to Burnham who was responsible for the creating of this monstrous allpowerful constitution and ruler. Rights have been repeatedly violated during and after his tenure post 1985. Ministers were known to flaunt their powers, belittling and or insulting staff and the public since the creation of the constitution in December 1980. They have disrespected and disregarded the public. Virtually no Minister or President was ever held accountable for their illegal or improper actions. The racial division of the society makes it almost impossible to hold rulers accountable at the ballot box. Isn’t it time that the politicians and the public at large consider limiting the powers of the Chief Executive and empowering the population regardless of which party controls the Presidency or parliament? Should we not have constitutional reform to empower the people and limit the power of politicians? Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
Teachers must also... From page 04 contract? They are silent, but they talk about oil money. How do they teach critical thinking to the students? Why don’t we have a conversation about why so many students are failing? Are teachers really teaching smartly? Many students report teachers are getting them to copy notes from the board most of the time. That is malpractice, not real teaching. Will student
performance get better if we double salaries (and we should)? NO, because there is no accountability. The Union protects bad teachers, and there is weak supervision. If we talk about better salaries, let us also talk about better results from each teacher’s class. How about that? Is that fair? Or you want your children to remain ignorant in low performing schools? Sincerely, M. Singh
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 Oil money not U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . touching Guyanese T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . 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 Thursday February 08, 2024
Kaieteur News
Guyana’s oil is being spoken of in such gushing terms as ‘world-class’; ‘defining’ and ‘difference-making’.
At the same time, the people who own this great oil wealth, the citizens of Guyana, are largely untouched by its richness.
ExxonMobil gets richer and richer, Hess Corporation has been able to lift itself up, then market itself into a huge sale and multibilliondollar payday.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday February 08, 2024
Woman fined $60K for smuggling Body of man found in cigarettes, lighter into trench at Bush Lot, C’tyne Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 61-year-old farmer called “Shammy” after his body was found on Tuesday inside a trench at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne Berbice, Region Six. Shammy’s real name is Shamnarine Nowrang and he lived at Lot 134, #56 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. He and his wife had travelled to Bush Lot Farm to attend a funeral there and ended up spending the night by relatives. His wife recalled that Shammy left their relatives’ home around 07:00hrs on Tuesday after she prepared him breakfast. About an hour and a half later (08:30hrs) someone informed her that Shammy was found dead in a trench about two house lots away from where she was. Police were called in and the body was removed. Investigators believe that no foul play was involved. Investigations continue.
Supreme Court for boyfriend
The farmer’s body in the trench
A 23-year-old woman, who appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, was fined $60,000 after she admitted to smuggling a pack of cigarettes for her boyfriend at the Supreme High Court, Georgetown, where he is facing a murder trial. Melissa Cort made her first court appearance before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, who read the charge to her. The magistrate related that Cort without the power and authority entered the Supreme Court, on Monday, with articles that being 20 cigarettes with one lighter for Patrick Smith, who is on trial before the court for the offence of murder. The mother of two pleaded not guilty at the starting of the case, but then entered a guilty plea later on.
Melissa Cort The prosecutor related that on Monday at the Supreme Court, a rank was performing duties at the court’s lockup, when he encountered Cort, passing food for her boyfriend (Smith). Upon presenting herself to the rank, a search was conducted before the passing over of the food box. Notably, the food box contained chowmein, however, a further search by the rank revealed a hidden plastic below the food box which contained 20 cigarettes and a lighter. Cort was told of the offence committed, and cautioned. She was subsequently escorted to the narcotics branch, where she reportedly admitted that her boyfriend had instructed her to place the items in the said food box. The accused was
represented by Attorney-atLaw Stacy Goodings, who highlighted to the court, according to her client’s claim, is that she (Cort) was given the food to carry for Smith, and had no knowledge of the articles concealed inside of the food box. The lawyer also pleaded with the court for the consideration of bail, explaining that the accused is a single mother and has to provide for her children. Notwithstanding the claims of the Attorney, the prosecutor was quick to object to bail. He said the accused tried to conceal the articles. The prosecution then asked a hypothetical question, which was, what would have happened, if those items in the charge were handed over to Smith? In light of that, the probation officer also brought to light in the court room, that the woman (Cort) was well aware that it is not acceptable to hand over to prisoners such articles. Notably, Cort reportedly told the probation officer that she is very sorry for committing the offence that she is before the court for. The accused indicated to the officer, that she is pleading with the court to be lenient with her. To this end, the Magistrate then fined Cort $60,000.
Man confesses to killing... From page 3 home. He was escorted to the Port Kaituma Police Station and placed into custody. The man has since reportedly confessed to committing the act and the suspected murder weapon was recovered based on the information he provided. The deceased was then taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival after a doctor on duty examined him. Currently, the body is at the said hospital, awaiting a post mortem examination.
Kaieteur News
Thursday February 08, 2024
T
he President wants to see a Guyana lane in every supermarket in Guyana. He said that some incentive could be offered to encourage this, including possibly the removal of VAT on local goods or some other measure. It will have to be some other measure because by now, the President ought to know that the government is not allowed to discriminate in favour of local goods when it comes to the removal of taxes. If the President removes the VAT on locally-produced goods, he also has to do the same on similar imported items. And
La La Land!
to do so defeats the whole purpose of giving local goods an advantage over similar imported items. Some time ago, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) had made a suggestion that VAT be removed on locallyproduced goods. When this column pointed out that this would be discriminatory and in violation of regional and international trade laws, the GMSA said that it was merely suggesting that the government expand the basket of VAT-free goods. But it hard to see how such a measure would benefit
locally-produced goods visà-vis similar imported goods since very little protection would be forthcoming to the locally-produced goods under such a system. The absence of VAT on imported goods may actually create a greater demand for imports relative to similar locallyproduced goods. The President, therefore, has to get his act together and stop making these wild suggestions. A Guyana lane in every supermarket is an interesting idea but it is for the supermarket owners to decide whether this would result in greater sales of locally-produced goods. The
Empower the Public with Constitutional... From page 06 staff and the public since the creation of the constitution in December 1980. They have disrespected and disregarded the public. Virtually no Minister or President was ever held accountable for their illegal or improper actions. The racial division of the society makes it almost impossible to hold rulers accountable at the ballot box.
Isn’t it time that the politicians and the public at large consider limiting the powers of the Chief Executive and empowering the population regardless of which party controls the Presidency or parliament? Should we not have constitutional reform to empower the people and limit the power of politicians? Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
DEM BOYS SEH
A battle of wills is brewing De teachers’ strike is now down to a mental battle. The government and de teachers are facing off each other to see which one of them will break first. But in such a situation, there is likely to be only one winner: the government. Teachers cannot afford to strike indefinitely. Nuff of dem gat bills to pay, including fuh dem furniture and dem car. So if dem not getting paid, it will affect their ability to pay dem bills. And don’t bother with strike relief. Teachers do not need food relief. What dem need is to be compensated for the time
they are on the picket line. But who can afford to compensate these teachers? Corporate sponsors might give a ‘top-up” but that cannot stretch far. In the meantime, the government is softening up de teachers’ union. Dem decide dem nah gan deduct de union dues and transit it to the union. De union seh it nat worried because de workers can pay through other means. But de teachers’ union fuhget what did happen to de Gee Pee S You. De government bruk dat union back when it refuse to deduct di union dues. And
de union find dat not everyone was too willing to pay de union dues after dem draw dem salary. So de union suffer a shortfall in revenue. De same fate awaiting de teacher’s union, and since dem unionize about one-third of all teachers, it gan take a lot of efforts fuh dem not to have financial shortfall because of de refusal of de government to act as an agent in deducting de $700 a month. Now that $700 can buy a local box a food and so de workers gan get to mek a choice of keeping de $700 or paying it as union dues to de union. Talk half. Leff half.
supermarkets have to make a business decision and they will not want valuable shelfspace to be stocking slow moving locally-produced goods. Guyana has a store that deals almost exclusively with goods made in Guyana. That store is the Guyana Shop run by the Guyana Manufacturing Corporation. It provides a most valuable service to consumers. You can go in there and get your local goods at reasonable prices. But despite the good prices, the store does not enjoy anywhere near the traffic of local supermarkets that sell mainly imported items. And this is because many Guyanese still opt for imported items over local ones. Guyanese should be encouraged to support locally manufactured goods. But we have become so foreign-minded that it will take some time before more Guyanese are willing to give up their foreign goods for local goods. Creating a Guyana lane in supermarket with incentives is not going to change the foreign mindset of many local consumers. You just have to look at what happens at Christmas to recognise how much work needs to be done to encourage consumers to buy local. Apples and grapes
PAGE 09
are sold in enormous quantities during Christmas. There are long lines to buy these items and long lines also to purchase imported h a m a n d t u r k e y. T h e situation is not helped because of the high cost of local fruits. And local goods are expensive because of low production. Just yesterday, the Ministry of Agriculture was saying that some 94,000 kg of brackish water shrimp was produced for the month o f J a n u a r y. B u t t h i s increased production is not being reflected in the prices of the swamp shrimp in the market. And the Ministry is not saying just who is benefitting from this production: is it a handful of aquaculture farmers or is it many small-sized farmers, or if most of this shrimp is being exported. The government says also that it wants to establish a food terminal in Guyana. But to export what? The only items we can export in bulk are rum, sugar and rice. One of the reasons why importers in the United States and elsewhere do not take us seriously is because Guyana cannot supply the minimum demand needed by some major food chains. Try asking a Guyanese to fill a container with
vegetables or some fruit and see if they can export one container a week. They cannot because we do not have the production. The President has announced that some investor is going to make refined sugar in Guyana. He says the facility will have a capacity of 180,000 metric tons per year. But Guyana only produced one third of that amount this year. We consume about 35,000 tons locally or about half of last year’s local sugar production. So where will Guyana obtain the sugar for refining? The President says that it will happen even if it has to be imported. But will it be profitable to import sugar and refine it locally for the export market. The more you listen to the President, the more you understand why things are the way they are in Guyana. And why it is not likely to change in the immediate future. (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.)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10
HK
BY G
L LAL
Thursday February 2024 Monday May 02,08, 2022
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
Teachers: The human aspect to this step to the streets In an effort to put a human face to this teachers’ strike, the personal has to be invoked and tabled. It should assist those who see politics, or selfishness, or ulterior motives, in what is going on in the cities and counties of this country. If the critics of this strike are honest with themselves, there ought to be no fear in revising positions-prior harsh positions-after this reading. The first recommendation is to suspend the partisan for a moment, it impedes clear thinking, clean interpretation. The personal follows first. I was a teacher for eight years. A full-time volunteer. In the brief interludes away from classrooms, I listened to and heard the struggles of those who were passing strangers to me, at first. Later, they let down their guard as the months and years passed. From the few that I allowed to get closer, I had close contact with the uphill task of dealing with surviving in Guyana with dignity intact, and at some decent level. How they did it then, I don’t know. How they do it now, I don’t think I will ever truly know. Understand and empathize, to be sure; but to represent that there is the fullest feeling of the stresses of making ends meet on a monthly basis, would not only be the height of pretense, but also some considerable presumptuousness on
my part. But I know worry and anxiety when I see either. No matter the efforts to conceal to maintain a little pride. It helps that I have known what it is to be short both here and overseas. Those experiences are the best teachers. Given where circumstances are, there could be no looking away, any failure to identify. None of my business. Not my fight. But how can it not be, when there is knowledge of what is not right? There were the best schools of instruction along the way. The first was from the home of the humble. The second has its roots in the school of hard knocks. When I say hard, I mean hard. Thus, there is some association with the terrors of teachers, the plights of public servants, the distresses of minimum wage workers. Jesus Christ, what to tell the children? What to go home and tell mama? Hence, the appreciation multiplies and intensifies that the struggle of striking teachers is also mine. Roots remind of what once was, and what has long been lived by so many in Guyana. Those that we take for granted while hustling and rushing along chosen pathways greased with connections, powered by economics. It is the economics that applies to only so many (the chosen few), that bypasses the
greater many massed on the roadside in rain and shine for that coming minibus already packed to capacity. Did somebody say taxi? Well, that’s for the paparazzi and cognoscenti. A trek to the markets and supermarkets is an occasion for dread. Ah, the prices, the shrunken quantities, and those are in respect to the essentials urgently needed in the home for the family. If essentials are this costly, and what could be accessed only partially, then what probability for luxury for those living on the edges of a country that reputedly has these translucent statistical luxuries? What opportunity for affording some tiny degree of luxury in a poor society? Yet it is what should be, given the gaudy economics reality of our luscious offshore commodity. To be absolutely clear, the teachers’ strike is not about visions of luxury. That would be as elusive as the dreams immortalized in song by the man from the Welsh coal country, Tom Jones. Too much money all at once could mean pushing already steep prices deep
Venezuelan woman jailed for sex trafficking
The Georgetown Chamber and Commerce Industry (GCCI) has resorted to writing a letter to the United Stated (US) Exim Bank, pleading for it to fund Guyana’s US$2B Gas to Energy project. In a letter to the bank’s President, Reta Jo Lewis, GCCI wrote: “As you are aware, the Government of Guyana would have applied for a funding facility from the U.S. EXIM Bank to help finance this watershed initiative for the people of Guyana,” before adding that it’s support will contribute significantly to Guyana’s energy transition, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote sustainable practices. GCCI continued that the GTE project will reduce electricity cost in Guyana by half for its citizens and enterprises. “The GCCI sees this project as having immense potential to drive economic growth, enhance energy security, and promote sustainable development in the Western Hemisphere”, GCCI told the bank before moving to advice its president to not listen to the pundits who have been criticising the gas project. The Guyanese business body said that it condemns “certain attempts by a small minority of individuals to discredit the project and discourage the US Bank from providing the financial support to complete the project. “…we are appalled at missives penned
…ordered to pay $ 1.5 million in restitution to victim
Jailed: Mayelin Cordova A 41-year-old Venezuelan national who is no stranger to the court, was sentenced to four years imprisonment on Wednesday, for trafficking another Venezuelan national for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Mayelin Cordova, a business woman of Byderado Road, Bartica, Region Seven, appeared before Magistrate Crystal Lambert and was ordered by the court to pay $1.5M in restitution to the victim. According to a report issued by the police, during the trial, Cordova was represented by Attorney-at-Law Gomes-Richards, while Miss V. Mangalram appeared on behalf of the prosecution. Further, Cordova has a previous conviction having been charged by the Guyana Police Force’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit and found guilty, and sentenced to six months imprisonment for ‘Operating a Brothel’. “The Guyana Police Force in its effort to combat Trafficking in Persons, will continue with its operational measures such as intelligence-led operations, spot inspections, awareness campaigns, and training initiatives across all the Regions of Guyana.”
into the stratosphere. Rather, the teachers are striking to equip themselves with better economic underpinnings to help them cope. For what could aid them to come out slightly ahead of punishing dayto-day Guyanese reality. The wellversed people at the Bureau of Statistics, and the Bank of Guyana, came up with an unbelievable number for inflation in 2023. I can live with generalized inflation, and the lowball number affixed. On the other hand, there is the greatest difficulty accepting food inflation, as smartly calculated? The only conclusions are that the national experts have perfected a new inflation formula, which is unknown and unused by all others. Or that they live on some remote, uninhabited wilderness that inhibits any connection to the real world. Or that their heads are where such shouldn’t be. It is not necessarily in the sand, but more anatomically oriented. Food inflation is a real source of alarm for teachers and numerous others. Inflation is neither lecture hall nor textbook stuff for teachers and their families.
Inflation is constriction. Inflation is the killer cost-of-living that backs many Guyanese (teachers, nurses, domestics et al) against a wall, what reduces them to living on their knees, and dying by a thousand cuts daily. The great anguish is that none of this has to be. The resources are present like never before. The local leadership mindsets of yore cannot, should not, and must not be what comes to the fore. There is too much. Too much spending and giving to others more than their share. Teachers are due theirs. They must get it, come tyrannies or environmental tumults. Teachers are people, too. If the squeezes on them are retaliatory, the time for that has passed. Govern. Lead. Decide. Deliver. As all of those should be for all, and not just a few. (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.)
Business body begs US bank to fund Wales’ gas plant
requesting that the loan to fund the initiative be blocked”, GCCI said. The government has submitted an application to the US bank US$646M to build a natural Gas fire power plant and a Natural Gas Liquids facility at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) but it has not been approved. The plants form part of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project which also features a 12-inch 225 kilometers pipeline that connects to the two Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) in the Stabroek Block and ends at the Wales development site. This aspect of the project is being financed by ExxonMobil,
the operator of the Stabroek Block. Amid ‘uncertainty’ over the U.S loan, the Government moved to plug another US$400M into Natural gas facility because it wants to complete the project by 2025. In January International Lawyer, Melinda Janki wrote the US-EXIM Bank urging the financial institution to “respect the rule of law in Guyana and withhold funding for the gas plants to be built at Wales, West Bank Demerara. Janki on behalf of public interest litigants Elizabeth Deane-Hughes and Vanda Radzik wrote to the Bank on January 12, 2024. Kaieteur News had asked Guyana’s Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, at one of his weekly press conferences if his government is worried that the litigants who Janki represents will be able to convince the bank not to fund the project. Jagdeo while acknowledging that the bank has to do its own due diligence to determine if Guyana is eligible for the loan said that he is confident that it will approve the funding for the project. Given that Guyana has already started plugging millions of US dollars from its oil money into the project, Jagdeo said that when the loan comes on board, it will act as retroactive financing.
Thursday February 08, 2024
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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Thursday February 08, 2024
Govt. showcases top brass salary scale - Essequibo and not 85% of teaching staff teachers say
Essequibo teachers’ placards The teachers on strike on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two, used day three of their protest to callout the Ministry of Education for only posting a small percentage of the teachers’ w o r k f o r c e s a l a r y, particularly the ‘top-brass.’ An average of 200 persons including teachers on the Essequibo Coast turned up yesterday for the ongoing nationwide strike action which commenced on Monday. During a Facebook live session documenting the third day of the strike in Region Two - a stronghold of the ruling PPP/C, the teachers focused on debunking misinformation being peddled by the E d u c a t i o n M i n i s t r y, especially in relation to the salary scale of the teaching
workforce. An advertisement from the ministry showed an over 20% increase for teachers since 2020. T h e m i n i s t r y ’s a d showed a salary range of $204,968 to $409,632. It should be noted that the salaries published by the ministry are for Headmasters, Deputy Headmasters, Senior Assistant, Lecturer 1, Principal and others. The lowest paid salary in the ministry’s ad was that of a trainee teacher with a salary of $104,003. However, according to the teachers in Essequibo, the ministry failed to show the net salary of the teachers and also omitted to post the salary of the Assistant Mistress/Master (AM),
Senior Assistant mistress/master (SAM), Te m p o r a r y u n t r a i n e d Mistress/ Master (TUM) and Te m p o r a r y Q u a l i f i e d mistress/Master (TQM) – which account for some 85% of the teaching population. Sir Martin Samaroo, a prominent voice among the striking educators, said, “Because those salary scales were left out, it should give you a clear indication of what they are trying to do…if you were asked to provide the salary scale of teachers, why did you leave out the part which accounts for more than 50 percentage.” Sir Samaroo, a NonGraduate Senior Assistant Master said, “You want to know what the salary has become after the increase
Over 6000 teachers on strike, several... From centre 60 percent of teachers. Many qualified teachers are not benefitting from a senior teacher’s salary,” she said. Parents who came out in support of the teachers’ strike shared similar sentiments. “We are here because we believe our teachers deserve better. They work hard daily to make the lives of our children better so anything that affects them; affects us too. We would urge every sector of society to support them and stand in solidarity with them,” Randolph Perreira who stood outside the Ministry with the protestors said. Meanwhile, General Secretary of the GTU, Ms. Coretta McDonald said that the Union is pleased with the support that the Union has received thus far in the struggle to achieve its goal. “Some of the teachers are fearful given the threats of the government but more and more teachers have been coming out. Today, we had a bigger crowd than yesterday, I believe the statements and letters by the Ministry of Education have
angered them by deciding to stop paying the union dues,” McDonald asserted. She continued: “I think our teachers are intelligent enough to know what is right from wrong. They can look at their salaries over the past five years and compare it with the inflation and they will be able to know if they continue on this trajectory for the next five years with the pittance of an increase that they are giving public servants, if they would be able to continue to live like this.” She noted that Guyanese teachers are being paid less than their counterparts in the Region. “Simply take a look at the salary scale of teachers in other Caribbean territories and compare them with what Guyanese teachers are being paid in an oilproducing country and then you will understand our frustration.” The GTU General Secretary is adamant that with consistent and growing support from its members and other sections of society, the government will be left with no other choice than to yield to their demands.
$137,000, yes $137,000…if it wasn’t for the love of the profession, why are teachers putting up with this…?” He stated that his take home was $130,000 before the 6.5% increase. “I am a senior teacher in the system and this is what I’m taking home…the assistant masters and mistresses will be taking home way less than that,” he added. “I just spoke to two teachers and I am ashamed, I was reliably told that an Assistant Master or Mistress (AM) salary does not cross $120,000, take home with the 6.5%...” Notably, a January 2024 pay slip was shown for an AM, which reflected a net salary of $116,000. A January 2024 pay slip for a TQM was showed and that reflected a net salary of $93,000. “They decided to post gross salaries of the higher ups, Principals, DHM and HM as if all the teachers are DHM and all the teachers are lecturers…” a teacher said. As such, the teachers challenged the Ministry to post the salary scale of all the teachers and not the salary for Headmasters and others. 50% increase for Public Servants As the teachers stepped up their protest action calling on the Government to engage the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) in the process of Collective Bargaining towards achieving better salaries and working conditions for teachers – a video was shown during the live with President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.
Essequibo teachers cooking whilst protest
The video depicted Ali, during his tenure as an opposition frontbencher as he addressed the National Assembly and said, “What about the nurses, the teachers, the police officers, aren’t they equally important…?” Meanwhile, for his part, Jagdeo as opposition leader said: “I’m glad that the government has reintroduced collective bargaining and I hope that the Public Service Union will request at least a 50% increase in wages and salaries.” Generous Folks Day three of the strike in Essequibo saw the teachers cooking under a shed in Cotton Field, near the Regional Education Office. As support grew for the teachers in their stance, persons from the region donated several items.
Kaieteur News understands that due to financial constraints, some teachers in the Pomeroon River were unable to attend the first three days of the protest. However, they received fuel donation and will be attending today’s protest. Respect Each Other Moreover, the teachers urged their colleagues to desist from bullying others who choose not to strike and are in the classroom. They explained that some teachers cannot afford to lose a 10-day cut in pay and even though they might support the protest, they are unable to join. Addressing concerns, a teacher said, “How can it be political? Teachers are not politicians. How can this strike be political? It never was and never will be…Region Two ain’t giving up this struggle, we can’t afford to.”
Thursday February 08, 2024
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Kaieteur News
Twins wanted for robbery on supermarkets
T
he Guyana Police Force (GPF) has is sued wanted bulletins for two brothers in connection with robberies committed on several supermarkets, between December 4, 2024 and January 24, 2024. Wanted are: 21-yearold Kevin Fredricks and Kellon Fredricks. The duo last known addresses are Onderneeming Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast and Tuschen East Bank Essequibo (EBE). The robberies were committed at the locations, Sand Hill Backdam, Cuyuni River and Windsor Castle and the Essequibo Coast. The commander of Region Tw o Khemraj Shivbaran, related to this publication that the duo has committed multiple armed robberies on a variety of supermarkets throughout the region. The police are asking if seen or anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the twins; please contact the police on; 225-6940, 2258196, 226-7476, 225-2317, 227-1149 or the nearest police station.
VACANCY
VEHICLES FOR SALE
Drivers, Porters and Salesman needed, experience will be an asset, Attractive salary offered. Call: 673-7373.
1 Janitor, Handyman and Farmer needed to work at Hujjatul Ulama, # 74 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Call: 335-3749.
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Contact: 649-0956.
Customer Service Representative/ Dispatcher to work at a reputable taxi service. Call: 621-9356.
1 Toyota Allion, Pioneer DVD, CD & USB deck, reverse camera, alarm, low milage. Excellect condition. Call: 649-0956.
Wanted! Male & Female workers preferably from WBD, for packaging pasta and chowmein. $4100 per day. Call: 611-7839. One Painter needed. Call: 615-9132. Maid needed. Live in or day work. Call Alex on 614-5181. Wanted One Fridge Technician and one Trainee A/C Technician, Driver licence would be an asset.Call : 6899856 or 689-4946. One 40-50 years Nanny to care for 1 year old, between 8am-5pm. Call: 682-5006.
Capital Development: Ensuring that access to quality education, vocational and technical training programs is feasible and conducive to equip citizens with the skills needed for the evolving job market. Further, the allocations to the University of Guyana are inadequate and fails to provide accessible and a modern class room system. The GPSU reiterates its call for free education across all University of Guyana Campuses. In conclusion, Guyana’s 2024 Budget will not address poverty and the rising cost of living through increased social protection, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and the energy sector, since it falls short in several areas, including insufficient allocation for social protection, lack of focus on rural development, weak emphasis on job creation, and inadequate attention to environmental sustainability. To effectively tackle poverty, the rising cost of living, and address a living wage, the Government may need to reconsider its budgetary priorities and allocate more resources to these critical areas. Regards Guyana Public Service Union
LEGAL NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 4 OF THE MONEY LENDERS ACT I, ANWAR HASSAN SALIM of Roden-Rust, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, hereby give notice that I have applied to the Magistrate of the WEST DEMERARA MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT for a Certificate under the Money Lenders’ Act, authorizing the grant to me of a Money Lender’s Licence to carry on the business of a Money Lender under the title· of SALIM’S MONEY LENDING of Roden-Rust, Parika, East Bank Essequibo. NOTICE of any objections to the application should be sent forthwith to the CLERK OF COURT OF THE WEST DEMERARA MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT and a copy of any such notice should be sent to the subscriber, ANWAR HASSAN SALIM of Roden-Rust, Parika, East Bank Essequibo
Receptionist, Laundry Attendant Deskstaff, Room & Security Guard, Handyman and Supervisor needed at South Road. Call: 225-0198. Pump Attendant/Cashier,s hifts (6am-2pm&2pm-10pm). Shell Station Providence E.B.D, Call: 265-7306. Email: Shellramsburg@gmai.com
Volkswagen in excellent condition, Price: $2.7 mil neg. WhatsApp: 648-5626 or Call: 621-9356.
SERVICES
Sales Clerk, Outdoor sales man, Maid and Sales girl needed. Call Dharmendra Variety store: 227-5068. Captain, Seaman & Cook needed. Apply with valid certificates @ Liberty Ranges, 29 Sussex Street, Georgetown.
Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.
Full time Domestic Helper/ Babysitter, includes cooking. Call: 725-9610.
Room Attendant & Desk Staff needed at 233, South Road Lacytown. Part time rotating shift. Call: 225-0198.
One female able-bodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 226-1497, 658-8559.
Famous Flavors is hiring Kitchen Assistant. Call: 6014918.
For Land Clearance (Grubbing) Sand fill, Housing Plan and Estimate's. Call K. Lakeram Building. Call: 692-8464 or whatsapp 6220267
Wanted Experienced Carpenters and Mason with tools at West Coast. Call: 614-7669.
One Clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics, grade 1 or 2. Email application: techserigy@yahoo.com or Call 615-9132.
Experienced Workers to burn charcoals and wood concession. Call: 670-6919. One Hauler Driver needed, starting salary $13,000 daily. Call: 611-7088/ 639-6106.
One live-in Caretaker for elderly person for Georgetown. Call: 627-3650/ 223-0654.
FOR RENT
44X80 located at Policeman Street, Dairy. 2 minutes away from Harbour Bridge, $11 mil neg. Call: 677-4286.
For low cost repairs for AC units, refridgerators, freezers, gas stoves, washing machine, dryers, etc. Call: 6294946, 225-4822.
Male Cleaner for Eccles. Call: 645-8443/ 615-9132. One industrial Electrician needed. Call: 645-8443/ 6159132.
FOR SALE
One Bodywork man needed. Call: 675-9988.
Tundra for sale, GKK5670. 1.8 Mil neg. Call: 668-5034. House lots for sale in gated community, no down payment. $50,000 monthly. Call: 622-1957.
Land development Hyundai R140 long reach excavator & 1.5 sack ransom cement mixer. Call: 657-9237/ 6155669.
LAND FOR SALE Sworn to at West Demerara, This 7th day of February, 2024
Vacancy at Vegetarian Garden for Factory Workers (part time). Call: 227-7714/ 223-3448. Email: info@vegeworld.net
Business/ residential PFSGYD$58M, Visa Application, advertisements, graphics design, passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 626-7040.
Chain saw Operators and Labourers wanted for wood concession. Call: 670-6919.
To effectively tackle poverty... From page 05 out of poverty. V. A reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) to ten percent (10%). VI. Improving conditions of service and paying the working class a livable wage. Weak Emphasis on Job Creation: While infrastructure development is expected to create job opportunities, the budget should have placed more emphasis on job creation through targeted initiatives, such as support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship programs. In addition, as a priority emphasis should be placed on the retention of skilled human capital ensuring enhanced and modernized job conditions, adequate and competitive remuneration in the prevailing job market for such skills. Inadequate Attention to E n v i r o n m e n t a l Sustainability: With the rapid growth of the oil sector, concerns have been raised about the potential negative environmental impacts on Guyana’s fragile ecosystems. The budget should have allocated more resources to environmental protection and sustainable development. Education and Human
WANTED
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 1 Lexus SUV, forklifts 3.5 tons diesel truck weigh scales -(60 tons,40 ft) Low bed trailers60 tons,triple axle. Call: 6653880.
House lots & commercial plot for sale available at Blankenburg W.C.D. Call: 652-0251/ 650-0402. Property for sale at Golden Grove and riverside land Timehri and Parika. Call: 6532477. LEGAL NOTICE APPLICATION FOR MONEY LENDER’S CERTIFICATE
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Kaieteur News
Thursday February 08, 2024
Thursday February 08, 2024
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Man charged for chopping ‘Harbour Bridge serial bandit’ nabbed duo to death over woman by cops trying to rob other victims
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man is now behind bars, after he was remanded on Tuesday, by Magistrate Peter Hugh, when he appeared at the Mibicuri Magistrate’s Court charged for brutally chopping two men to death over a female, on Friday last. The suspect has been identified as Devon Stanley. He was not required to plea to the indictable charge, and was remanded to prison until February 22, 2024. Dead are Floyd Moore called ‘Kinga’, 51, and Quacy LaRose called ‘Bloodie Eye’, 34, both of Alness, Corentyne. Reports are that Moore went to the home of an Ulverston, Corentyne cane harvester. His visit to the cane harvester’s home resulted in a confrontation over a female. The female was reportedly in a relationship with both men. Relatives of the deceased related that sometime around 23:00hrs on Friday, Moore entered the assailant’s home and confronted the latter over the woman who was also present at the scene. A squabble ensued and Moore reportedly chased after the assailant, who ran out of the house. According to a resident, LaRose, who lived close by, attempted to pacify the situation by trying to “talk” Moore out of the fight. At the same time, the cane harvester
Quacy LaRose called ‘Bloodie Eye’ returned to the scene with a cutlass and dealt Moore several chops to his upper body including his head and his neck. In photographs seen by this publication, Moore appeared to have been decapitated. LaRose’s cousin said the assailant confronted him [LaRose] and dealt him a stab to his body. The man also sustained a severe chop wound to one of his legs. The assailant later turned himself in and was immediately placed in police custody.
A bandit reportedly targeting commuters at the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) was during the wee hours of Wednesday nabbed by police while attempting to rob more victims at knife point. According to information received by Kaieteur News, he was captured around 00:15 hrs. This newspaper was told that an on-duty mechanic at the bridge and police ranks were alerted that the suspect was attempting to rob commuters experiencing mechanical issues with their vehicle on the southern end of the DHB. He was taken into custody at the Providence Police Station where police later learnt that he had managed to pull off a successful robbery hours earlier. He had allegedly robbed a woman of a cellphone, gold jewellery and other valuables. Investigations are ongoing.
The captured suspect
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Thursday February 08, 2024
Prison Officers’ quarters fire was electrical - displaced officers get $1.8M donation from Credit Union Victims of the fire that gutted the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) Bachelor’s Quarters last week at Parade Street in Kingston, Georgetown, are currently being relocated to the new staff accommodation at Lusignan permanently. Additionally, the Prison Officers’ Cooperative Credit Union on Monday donated $1.8M to affected Prison Officers. The Service made the announcement on Wednesday in relation to the relocation via its social media page. Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot in the statement said that, “alternative measures are also in place to address their personal needs. The affected officers will resume duty on Monday, February 12, 2024.” The living quarters, which they are now
An aerial view of the blaze. (Photo GPF)
being moved to has the capacity to accommodate 100 males and 50 female prison officers. The Prison Head who also happens to be Chairman of the Credit Union said that, “the Credit Union remained true to its commitment to practising its motto of ‘Caring and Sharing’ in whatever way possible, hence the immediate intervention.” The money will contribute significantly in assisting the victims as some of them are still trying to come to grips with the incident and their losses as a result of the fire. The fire which was of electrical in origin last Friday destroyed the Guyana Prison Service’s (GPS) Bachelors’ Quarters located at Parade Street, Kingston, Georgetown displacing some 30 prison officers who occupied the building.
US$16M to construct river & Mahaicony Hospital gets sea defences at 28 locations $49M digital X-ray machine The Ministry of Public Works is gearing up to spend a p p r o x i m a t e l y $4,127,900,000 (US$16M) this year to construct rip-rap sea and river defences at 28 areas along the country’s coastland. In an advertisement seeking contractors to execute the works, the ministry stated that these structures would be constructed in lots and in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Ten. Some of the works would be continuing from previous phases, while some are new. The areas identified in Region Two where rip-rap structures will be constructed are at Cullen community - $88.5 million, Abram Zuil community $102.2 million, Aurora community - $103.3 million, and at La Resource/Marias Delight - $115.8 million. In Region Three, structures are slated for Bendorff on the Wakenaam Island - $92.3 million, between Good Success and San Souci on the Wakenaam Island - $122.4 million, M a r i a ’s P l e a s u r e o n Wakenaam Island - $153.7 million, Uniform on the Leguan Island - $127.4 million, Cane Grove on the Leguan Island - $120.4 million, Okum/ Retrieve on
the Leguan Island – $110.1 million, Phoniex on the Leguan Island - $75.3 m i l l i o n , Uitvlugt/Stewartville on the West Coast of Demerara $258.8 million, Anna Catherina/ Edinburg also on the West Coast of Demerara $220.7 million, De Kinderen on the East Bank of Essequibo - $120.6 million, and at Stanleytown on the West Bank of Demerara $190.8 million. In Region Four, rip-rap sea and river defences are slated for Chapman’s Grove on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) - $222.3 million, and at Buxton, ECD - $155.8 million. In Region Five, structures will be constructed between Bygeval and Belvedere at Mahaica - $447.1 million, between Belladrum and Washington on the West Coast of Berbice - $234.6 million, and between Fairfield and Manila at Mahaicony - $179.5 million. The ministry stated that in Region Five also, they would be constructing timber revetment structure along Mahaicony River dam $104.6 million, and along Abary River dam - $47.7 million. In Region Six rip-rap structures are for along Grant
1651 in Crabwood Creek, Corentyne - $118.7 million, No. 61 Village - $157.3 million, No.59 Village $159.5 million, Springlands in Corriverton - $115.4 million, and at Line Path in Corentyne - $78.2 million. Lastly, in Region 10, a river defence structure is for Wismar Market Front for $104.9 million. As reported, it is well known that rising sea levels pose a severe threat to the country’s coastal plain and in response to this major climate change risk, the Government has embarked on a multi-faceted approach to developing coastal resistance. At the presentation of this y e a r ’s b u d g e t , S e n i o r Minister with the responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh had stated that in 2023, approximately $5.4 billion was expended to upgrade sea and river defences. This year, he mentioned, a sum of $6.9 billion is budgeted towards enhancing the resilience of sea defence structures. To this end, Singh said works will commence on areas such as Bygeval, Cane Garden, Fairfield, Grove, La Resource, Springlands, Uitvlugt and the Leguan and Wakenaam Islands, just to name a few.
Section of rip-rap sea defence structure along Mahaicony.
The new $49M Digital X-ray machine commissioned at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital. (Photo courtesy, Ministry of Health)
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he Mahaicony Cottage Hospital in Region Five is the latest hospital to benefit from a digital Xray machine, through the Ministry of Health. The state-of-the-art $49 million machine was on Tuesday commissioned by Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony along with several regional and health officials. Kaieteur News understands that the new machine is part of the ministry’s initiative to replace all analogue X-ray machines with cutting-edge digital devices aimed at enhancing service delivery. In his brief remarks at the commissioning ceremony, Minister Anthony revealed that the rehabilitation of the X-ray room cost some $30 million, while the machine itself cost $49 million. He further emphasised that “with the type of equipment we now have, you will take the image and it would be stored digitally but if you need it to be enhanced, we can also enhance it with the equipment that you have. The other advantage is that
the exposure of patients to radiation is far less, and the other great advantage is that we’re able to then send these images if needed to Georgetown Public Hospital, where you could have a second opinion by a radiologist.” The minister had mentioned previously that this year, all analogue machines across the country will be replaced. “In 2020, we had these twenty-three analogue systems, by mid of this year all, twenty-three would have been changed to d i g i t a l X - r a y s . We ’ v e already bought most of these X-ray machines, and it’s now retrofitting some of the
spaces so that we can put them in place,” he said on Tuesday. It was stated on Tuesday that the Fort Wellington Hospital in Region Five is also set to receive a digital machine soon, while upon completion of the Bath Regional Hospital, it is expected that it will have a digital X-ray machine along with a CT scan machine. Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Theresa Sarju mentioned at the ceremony that the new machine will contribute to the region’s diagnostic capabilities, patient care improvement, and overall healthcare responsiveness.
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Thursday February 08, 2024
Caribbean Union backs teachers’ strike - says unity will make teachers stronger as they take collective action T
he Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) has expressed its full support of the decision by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) to initiate industrial action as they rally the Government for better wages and working conditions for teachers. On day three of the nationwide teachers’ strike, the Caribbean Union of Teachers underscored the importance of teachers in society and nation building. “Teachers have offered unwavering commitment to students, families and communities, even as they face increased responsibilities and workloads.” Adding that teachers still continue to show up and provide the best education, CUT said as such, it stands in full solidarity with the teachers in Guyana, as they continue their protests for a fair contract which they justly deserve. “Unity will make teachers stronger as you take collective action to propel positive change”, CUT noted in the letter. Consequently, The Caribbean
In a media release, the Ministry of Education (MoE) indicated that it has written to the GTU to indicate that the Government of Guyana will no longer perform the “kind task of being an agent for the collection of union dues which are remitted to the GTU.” According to the ministry, this decision is in accordance with the ruling by the Honourable Chief Justice Ian Chang in the case of Guyana Public Service Union v Nanda Gopaul (number 584W/2000-Demerara). Further, the Ministry said it took into consideration the current industrial action. “The MoE reiterates the fact that the majority of the Union’s requests were agreed on by the MoE and the Union. H o w e v e r, t h e G T U w h i l e condemning the government for the action said it is unfazed and will find other means of collecting its dues. However, President of the GTU, Dr. Mark Lyte was quoted by Demerarawaves online as saying that despite the attempt by the government to weaken the union, the strike would continue
Teachers have engaged in protest action for the past three days in of the various education offices nationwide. Union said it hopes that good sense will prevail on the part of the Government to continue the collective bargaining process and arrive at decisions which are equally beneficial to all parties, “but more importantly reflect the commitment of prioritising
education and education workers in Guyana”. The Government of Guyana on Tuesday discontinued deducting union dues from teachers and remitting same to the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) - a decision seen by many as union-busting.
indefinitely. “It’s intended to do that because it’s tantamount to what is called union-busting. It’s intent for workers not to have a representative voice or a body to represent them and imagine if the union collapses, it gives way for the government to do as they please to the teaching population of this country,” Adding his voice to the issue, President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) Norris Witter in an invited comment to members of the media on the picket line outside the Ministry of Education said the withdrawal of the agency shop arrangement by the government is satanic. “This represents the height of wickedness, it is devilish. It makes Satan appears as an angel,” Witter told the media. “This is vindictive,” he added while encouraging the GTU to keep up their fight for a just wage for their members. “They should not allow the State and its agents to break their resolve. As a matter of fact, these acts in themselves should strengthen their resolve…,” Witter said.
Govt. inks pact for another terminal at CJIA Two days after President Irfaan Ali announced that the Government of Guyana (GoG) has been working with two groups for the construction of a second terminal at the rehabilitated Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) – the government on Wednesday disclosed that two agreements were signed to that effect. During the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Annual Corporate Dinner 2024 on Monday evening, President Ali disclosed that the government has received two proposals for the second terminal, one from a United Kingdom-based group, and the Puntacana Airport authorities in the Dominican Republic. While the head of state did not delve into any details about the proposals, he said that it is part of the government’s plan to create opportunities to make Guyana a tourism destination. On Wednesday, in a press statement the airport announced the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Grupo Punta Cana, a leading airport developer and operator from the Dominican Republic. It was stated that the MoU signifies a significant step forward in CJIA’s expansion plans, aimed at increasing passenger capacity and
enhancing the overall travel experience for visitors and residents alike. The MoU outlines a collaborative effort to construct a new terminal building at CJIA, specifically designed to handle the growing influx of passengers. “This expansion is crucial to accommodate the anticipated surge in air travel demand within the coming years, driven by Guyana’s flourishing economy and tourism potential,” the airport said. CJIA noted that the MoU marks the second major partnership the Government announced for the airport’s expansion. It was revealed that late last year, a similar MoU was signed with the Manchester Airport Group (MAG) a leading UK-group, to construct a second terminal and implement imp r o v ed man ag emen t practices for the airport facility. It was noted that the Government continues to engage and leverage reputable airport developers with expertise in airport operations to streamline procedures, enhance efficiency, and elevate the quality of service provided to passengers. This collaborative approach aims to position CJIA as a regional leader in airport management and customer satisfaction.
Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)
President Irfaan Ali
The agreements aim to transform CJIA into a worldclass airport capable of meeting the growing needs of Guyana’s air travel industry. Moreover, this announcement is not the first mention of a second terminal for CJIA. In December 2021, this publication had reported CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ramesh
Ghir, stating that a second terminal will be needed within the next ten years. Since then not much was heard about the second terminal until recent revelations by President Ali. On Monday evening, President Ali in his address at the PSC dinner emphasised the transformative potential of tourism for Guyana, highlighting the country’s
increased visibility on the global stage. He said, “Our country was very little known. We did not have a natural pull factor into the country. Today, we have a natural pull factor. We have investors from all over the world coming in. The country is on every newspaper headline, every magazine headline. It is in every major newscast headline.” As such, Ali underscored the importance of leveraging this momentum to attract investors and capitalise on emerging opportunities in the tourism sector. “Now, the type of tourism that goes to Punta Cana is the high-end, high-quality, high-priced tourism. (People) can easily go there with a jet, pick up the jet after four days, come here, but where do you take them? They are not coming here for an urban setting. They are coming here for something that is different. If you look at the cost for a
room in Glamping in Costa Rica, and also Punta Cana, you will understand what I’m talking about,” President Ali told the gathering. Notably, while President Ali spoke extensively about Guyana becoming a tourism destination - the country has been placed in the limelight owed to its abundant petroleum resources. Guyana began producing oil in December 2019. R e g a r d i n g C J I A’ s modernisation, the government allocated $1.1 billion for ongoing efforts this year. Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo recently blamed the previous APNU+AFC Coalition Government for turning the US$150 million endeavour into a “rehab project.” Despite completion of the US$150 million contract, the government has increased spending to modernise the airport, albeit falling below international standards and expectations.
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BCB Anil Lalsa T20 tournament in West Berbice...
Top COP Hicken Ramsey spearheads Achievers continues to support ‘Grassroot Initiatives’ B to easy championship
victory over the D’Edward
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brilliant innings of 68 from Man of the finals Shelton Ramsey let his team, Achievers B, to an easy four wicket victory over arch rivals the D’Edward Cricket Club in the final of the Berbice Cricket Board Anil Lalsa T/20 for teams in the West Berbice area. The final was played at the D’Edward ground and was attended by a fair sized
crowd. Batting first after winning the toss, D’Edward CC were restricted to 165 for six of their allotted 20 overs. An attractive innings of 86 from skipper Altaf Khan lead the charge for the home team. Khan’s innings included four huge sixes and seven delightful boundaries as he held his teams innings together. The batsmen dismissed were Zaheer Nasir 7, Derek Lalsa 12, Harilall Bridgelall 9,
Persaud15, L. Lalsa 9 and Bestian 3. M. Persaud was unbeaten at the end with 12 not out. Altaf Khan’s effort was mainly responsible for D’Edward recovering from 49 for 4 in the 10th over to reach their eventual score of 165 for six. Andrew Duchin took three wickets for 18 runs for Achievers, while Titus Webster and Nickel Fraser took a wicket apiece for 20 and
Thursday February 08, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You'll notice that your emotions are coming to a monthly climax today, Aries. Don't be alarmed but do be cautious about lashing out at people for no reason. You may feel on edge.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This is a terrific day for you, Libra, and you'll find that there is a great deal of power at your disposal. This is a day of new beginnings. You have the opportunity now to start over.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Extremes is the name of the game now, especially for you, Taurus. Today the emphasis is on action. You're the one to call to get the job done. You won't wait another second to simply go for it.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The fire is raging today, so be careful, Scorpio. Try not to be too impulsive in your actions. Your natural tendency may be to lash out against others without really thinking about the consequences.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be adventurous and strike out into new territory, Gemini. Be a pioneer. Work to make some new discoveries in the world. Today isn't a day to worry about consequences.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Go for the gold, Sagittarius. Today marks the beginning of the rest of your life. Treat it with respect. You may be on a crusade and your combative instincts could be working overtime.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Certain situations may be difficult to deal with today as they take an emotional spin, Cancer. You're getting anxious.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may feel as if someone is poking you today, Capricorn, urging you to get up and get moving. Don't be surprised if someone seems to be picking on you for no reason.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You should find that the general mood of the day is favorable to your personality style, Leo. Take this opportunity to present more of your thoughts and ideas to the world.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This is a great day for you to get up on stage and make your presence known, Aquarius. Let people know that you're the leader of the pack.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) The fog has lifted and you're ready to take off, Virgo. The dreaminess you may have experienced lately has been nice, but now it's time to get moving again.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This is a good day to add spark to your life, Pisces. If things have seemed boring and stagnating lately, you may need to infuse a bit of excitement into the situation.
40 respectively. Needing to score 166 to win for their first BCB second division title, Achievers B lost the dangerous Leon Andrew, caught off France for 11 at 32 for 1 in the third over. Odell Miller joined the solid Ramsey and together they added 70 for the 2nd wicket with Ramsey taking the attack to the D’Edward bowling and in one over from medium pacer Ricky Moore he took 23 runs with four fours and a massive 6. Miller was then bowled by Vivek Lalsa for 68 at 102 for one in the 13th over. Michael Fraser walked to the crease to partner Odell Miller and together they took Achievers close to victory by scoring 43 for the third wicket before Fraser was dismissed for 25. Roger was unbeaten on 29 with a six and four fours when victory was achieved in 18.4 overs to start wild celebrations by the visitors and their supporters. France took two wickets for 33 runs from his four overs. Chairman of the BCB Cricket Competition Committee Leslie Salomon stated that the tournament registered the third major second division tournament in West Berbice following Faisal Jafferally T20 and Dave West Indian Import 40 overs tournament. The BCB, he proudly stated, has played cricket at all levels under 11, under 13, under 15, under 17, under 19, under 23, second division, interzone, female, primary school, secondary school and first division. BCB president Dr. Cecil Beharry congratulated the teams on a well played final and committed his administration to continuing hosting tournaments at the inter zone and county. While Sponsor Anil Lalsa hailed the organizing skills of the Berbice Cricket Board and committed his construction company to sponsoring a countywide tournament and to also find a replacement sponsor for one in West Berbice. A total of 14 West Berbice second division teams participated in the tournament while at least 90 teams are expected to play in the countywide one. Shelton Ramsey copped the player of the match in the final prize, while Achievers B took home $100,000 as the Champions and runner up $50,000.
- With full sponsorship of Back Circle’ ongoing Football tournament
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he Guyana Police Force Commis sioner Mr. Clifton Hicken, a passionate advocate and champion of youth development, yesterday granted full sponsorship of the ongoing Georgetown vs the Rest Football tournament, currently being held at the Back-Circle tarmac in the East Ruimveldt community. Additionally, the top Cop also outfitted the entire Back-Circle team with football gear for this competition
and upcoming tournaments, following a simple presentation ceremony at his Eve Leary Office. In his brief remarks, COP Hicken, encouraged the youth(s) to remain optimistic and encourage more gaming activities with the aim to restore community togetherness, minimize young gifted athletes’ idleness, and build partnerships with youths of all communities through sports, to foster a safer and more secure Guyana.
World 5,000m silver medallist... From page 23 necessary to emphasise that the integrity of the competition and the spirit of sportsmanship constitute the fundamental pillars of a clean and fair sport, and must be defended above any sporting achievement.” Katir said he has been subjected to a large number of out-of-competition doping tests of both urine and blood samples over the past few months “without the slightest problem on my part”. “It is important to keep in mind that we are not dealing
with a case of violating doping rules for the use of prohibited substances or methods, or even for evading outof-competition doping controls,” Katir ’s statement added. “This is a simple file derived from the completion of location data on the (platform athletes use to report their whereabouts) that could generate location errors.” Athletes must log their whereabouts in order to undergo unannounced out-ofcompetition tests. Three strikes result in a whereabouts violation.
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Quarterfinal stages: the battle is on, as East Coast Mash Cup heats up $150,000, and $100,000, respectively. The success of the East Coast Mash Cup wouldn’t be possible without the support of key contributors such as R a i n f o r e s t Wa t e r s , Guinness, GT Beer, Ryda Hard Wine, MVP Sports,
Victoria Kings will be in battle against Buxton Stars in the first quarter final matchup. The East Coast Mash Cup, Knockout Football tournament, is set to reach new heights as it kicks off its quarterfinals at the Golden Grove Community Centre (GGCC) ground on Friday. Wi t h t h e c o m p e t i t i o n intensifying and the coveted semi-final spots at stake, teams are gearing up for a fierce battle on the pitch. Victoria Kings, Buxton United, and Haslington FC emerged victorious in the latest fixtures last Sunday, adding to the excitement of the tournament. With only
four playing dates left, the anticipation is palpable as the final four teams are yet to be decided. The quarter-finals stage promises some intense clashes, starting with Buxton Stars facing off against Victoria Kings in the opening match. Simultaneously, Buxton United will showcase their skills against Haslington FC on Friday at the GGCC. The action will continue on Saturday at #5 Ground in Berbice, featuring the New Amsterdam Cougars taking
on Mahaica FC, followed by the clash between Fruta Conquerors and Number-5 FC. Meanwhile, the semifinals are scheduled for February 15th at the GGCC, where the intensity of the competition will reach its peak. As the tournament progresses, the stakes are higher than ever, with an impressive prize pool of $500,000 awaiting the ultimate champions. Second, third, and fourth-place finishers will also be rewarded with $250,000,
World 5,000m silver medallist Katir suspended for doping test violation (Reuters) - Spain’s world 5,000 metres silver medallist Mo Katir has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for missing three doping tests in the past year. The 25-year-old is the world record-holder in the indoor 3,000 metres and the European record-holder in the outdoor 5,000m. He won silver in the 5,000m at the world athletics championships last year in Budapest, and bronze in the 1,500m at the worlds in Eugene, Oregon a year earlier. Katir will appeal, he said in a statement. “I consider that there is no violation arising from three location failures in the last 12 months,” Katir said. “In some of the location
Spain’s Mohamed Katir after heat 1 of the World Athletics Championship Men’s 1500m Semi Final. (REUTERS/Aleksandra Szmigiel/File Photo)
failures reported by the AIU, I was available at the place, date and time provided by me.” The Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) said it was committed to rigorous compliance with the national and international legal framework on doping.
“Consequently, once the official notification regarding the opening of the file was received by the World Athletics Integrity Unit, the athlete’s licence was immediately suspended,” the RFEA said in a statement. “It is (Continued on page 22)
Star Party Rentals, Recount Party Rental, GuyWill Shipping, Woodpecker Products, Hype Laundromat, Anchor Cement, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports. The community’s enthusiasm and the backing of these
prominent entities ensure that the tournament remains a thrilling showcase of football talent. Football enthusiasts and supporters are urged to witness the exciting clashes, with the action kicking off at 6:00 p.m.
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Pottaya and Sealy all round performance lead Rose Hall Town Pepsi to quarterfinals victory over Guymine BCB Diors Bits and Pieces Under23 tournament...
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he RHTYSC Pepsi has advanced to the semi finals of the BCB Diors Bits and Pieces Under23 tournament. They defeated the stubborn Guymine Cricket Club team by 111 runs. Playing at the Area H ground in steamy weather conditions, the home team won the toss and elected to take first strike. They last openers Romesh Bharat and Ramzan Koobir for 2 and 0 respectively to find themselves at 12 for two in the 3rd over. Skipper Jonathan Rampersaud and Berbice under15 player Kulmalchan Ramnarace then added 35 for the third wicket before Rampersaud was caught off the bowling of Keith Dennis for 17.
The winning Rose Hall Pepsi team.
Matthew Pottaya National under17 vice captain Matthew Pottaya then stroked 5 delightful boundaries and three sixes in his top score of 66 and together with Tyrie Sealy added 84 for the 7th wicket after Ramnarace 18. Jeremy Sandia 2, fell to leave RHTYSC at 99 for 6 in the 12th over. Pottaya seemed
Trophy Stall, Cedric Imports contribute to Mash Street Football C/ships Cedric Imports and Trophy Stall yesterday ensured that the hype and swagger surrounding the much-anticipated Mashramani Street Football Championship continue when they handed over the second and third place trophies respectively. The Championship that has announced a new format, dubbed “one big night”, has been garnering the attention of major stakeholders as it continues to dribble its way
to its Sunday February 18th goal at the National Park. Popular dance queen and ambassador for the Street Football Showdown, Samarca Evelyn collected the trophies and indicated that based on her knowledge of what is planned for the event, fans and enthusiasts will be captivated on the night. She said that full details will be disclosed at the upcoming launch of the event
unlucky to be given out caught behind for 66 but Sealy 58 received support from Lucas Arthur 17 and Raj Tika 10 to lead RHTYSC Pepsi to 250 allowed in 38.1 overs. Bowling for a Guymine, De Jonge took two wickets for 37 runs, Seth 2 for 40 and Ricardo Henry 2 for 31. Needing to score 251 runs from their allotted 40 overs, Guymine were restricted to 139 all out from 27.4 overs. Kwesi Stewart 34, De Jonge 25 Kevin
Dennis 28 and Ricardo Henry 17 all batted well. Guymine were well placed at 101 for 2 in the 16th over with Stuart and De Jonge batting well, but then off the spinner had De Jonge brilliantly caught by the diving Ramzan Koobirat at long off. Stewart was dismissed by Pottaya in the same over as Guymine slipped to 102 for four. Victory was achieved in the 28th over w h e n P o ttaya bowled Louise for 0.
Tyrese Sealy Pottaya took 5 or 18 from 5 overs and Sealy 3 for 9. Jonathan Rampersaud 1 for18 and Lucas Arthur 1 for 10 were the other wickettakers for the home team.
Beacon’s 40-mile Guyana Harpy Eagles vs. Trinidad cycling trailblazer’s event & Tobago Red Force Day 1 set for February 11 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 1...
Mohammed century headlines opening day Jason Mohammed stroked an unbeaten ton to help Trinidad and Tobago Red Force ease themselves into somewhat of a comfortable position heading into Day 2 of the CWI Regional 4-Day Championships. Day one was stopped due to bad light, but by stumps the Red Force were placed solidly on 215-4 after 81.2 overs in their first innings. Mohammed, the former We s t I n d i e s b a t s m a n , anchored the innings with 101 not out off 223 balls and 11 fours. Mohammed, who batted
almost the entire first day, found support from Tion We b s t e r w h o w a s unfortunately dismissed for 49. Guyana Harpy Eagles pacer Ronsford Beaton made early inroads as he ended with 2-39 while s p i n n e r Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul closed his first day of operation with figures of 2-40. After opener Vikash Mohan (20) retired hurt and opener Cephas Cooper (08) along with Amir Jangoo (27) both fell to Beaton early, it was Mohammed who led the fightback. The 37 year-old Mohammed was the rock of
the Red Force’s innings following the early loss of wickets. He carried his bat throughout lunch and tea, as he finally reached his milestone prior to the stoppage of the match due to bad light. Action continues today from 10:00h. Leeward Hurricanes vs West Indies Academy Leewards 1st innings 137 all out (Jeremiah Louis 45) Joshua James (3-11), Ashmead Nedd (2-3), Johann Layne (2-18), Nyeem Young (2-52) WIA 1st innings 60-2, Mbeki Joseph (30*) and Ackeem Auguste (15*)
B
eacon Cafe in collaboration with Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club will be hosting its trailblazing cycle road race on Sunday 11th February, which is scheduled to start at 7:00am. The race will follow a rolling start format and will begin at Beacon Cafe, Carmichael Street Georgetown. The route will take cyclists south onto Church Street, then west towards Main Street, and north on Main Street. From there, cyclists will head east on Carifesta Avenue, for the official start of the race. The race continues on the
Rupert Craig Highway onto the East Coast Demerara public road all the way to Belfield koker. The return leg will guide cyclists back along the East Coast Demerara public road, onto the Rupert Craig Highway, and into Sheriff Street, with the race concluding at the Sheriff Medical Facility. The race will feature various categories including Elite, Masters Over-35, and Masters 50and-over, juniors, Juveniles, Women and Mountain bikes. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category. Safety remains paramount, with all
participants mandated to wear helmets and strictly adhere to safety protocols. A dedicated medical team will be stationed throughout the race to ensure the well-being of all participants. Presentation is billed for Tuesday, 13th February, at the Beacons Cafe, to cyclists that would have placed in their respective category. The presentation ceremony will commence at 10:00am. Reigning champion, Briton John of We Stand United Cycle Club clinched last year’s title, and is geared and eager to defend his title.
Thursday February 08, 2024
Kaieteur News
PAGE 25
MVP Dhanai ready for AJM Mash It Up T20 tournament Suresh Dhanai with his player of the tournament cheque in December 2023.
AJM Most Valuable allrounder, Suresh Dhani, is eager to get going on Saturday February 24 in the AJM Mash It Up T20 tournament at Bush Lot Sports Complex, West Coast Berbice. Dhanai was the player of the tournament in the inaugural AJM Second Division T20 tournament, where he scored 281 runs across six games and picked up 18 wickets, including a hat-trick in the third-place playoffs. “I must say the AJM Mash IT Up T20 Tournament will be another very exciting one. It is slated to be the settlement of all grievances from the previous AJM Tournament with the Defending Champions, Runner Ups, third and fourth place teams battling once again for supremacy. I can’t wait,” Dhanai said. Dhani, who hails from East Canje, Berbice, played under lights in the previous encounter, and he described the event as a Caribbean Premier League-like atmosphere. “The experience was one like no other in the Final and third place play-offs that was played on December 26, last year. The fans were treated to some very high standard and excitement in both matches. The third-place play-off ended with the home team,
AJM Bush Lot United Sports Club winning that match by means of a hat-trick in the penultimate over.” According to Dhanai, all the fans present were on their feet jumping and screaming at the top of their voices enjoying the moment. “I would be looking to once again dominate and walk away with another Player of the tournament award. This would not be an easy task as the tournament comprises a lot of very talented, discipline, committed cricketers.” This edition of the AJM Mash It Up T20 tournament would be played for one day, and according to the allrounder, Dhanai, this approach would be an even more exciting and breathtaking one. “It must be noted that since the date the tournament was launched, I have started preparations to get myself for this huge tournament. Failing to prepare is preparing yourself to fail. These preparations would give me that extra push to keep my eyes on the Championship trophy this time round,” Dhanai explained. The right-handed allrounder who bowls brisk medium pace, is encouraging all cricket fans to be a part of this CPL-like atmosphere at the Bush Lot Sports Complex Ground on February 24. Some of the country’s finest cricketers will battle
Berbice senior cricketer Suresh Dhanai.
for supremacy with over two million dollars in cash and prizes up for grabs. The top team will be rewarded one million dollars, while other clubs will also be rewarded. Four teams in the West Berbice area will be on show, namely AJM defending T20 champions Cotton Tree Sports Club, D’Edward Sports Club, Achievers A and Bush Lot Sports Club. The day’s activity will commence at 09:00h and the final will be played under lights. There will be big screen, commentary and live scores at the venue with Crown Vibes International providing sounds. This tournament will bring a CPL atmosphere, the organisers have promised. Cheerleaders will be on show, in addition to other side attractions. AJM Enterprise aims to develop cricket in the West Berbice area and provide quality entertainment to the cricket-loving population. Notable senior Berbice cricketers Seon Hetmyer, Leon Swamy and Dhanai, who tasted success in a recent tournament, and young Arif Khan, a Guyana Under-15 player who plies his trade for Cotton Tree, are expected to be on show. This event is sponsored by AJM Enterprise and Jumbo Jet and powered by Banks DIH Limited.
CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 1... rts
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Guyana Harpy Eagles vs.Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Day 1 Mohammed century P. headlines opening day 19 Jason Mohammed opened his account with an unbeaten century for the Red Force.
Top Cop Clifton Hicken, shares photo-op with members of the Back-Circle football team yesterday at COP office.
Top COP Hicken continues to support ‘Grassroot Initiatives’ - With full sponsorship of Back Circle’ ongoing Football tournament Defending champion, Briton John
Beacon’s 40-mile cycling trailblazer’s event set for February 11
Trophy Stall, Cedric Imports contribute to Mash Street Football C/ships
Cedric Payne (left) of Cedric Imports and Ramesh Sunich (right) of Trophy Stall flank Brand Ambassador, Samarca Evelyn at the Trophy Stall in Bourda Market.
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