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Thursday February 15, 2024
The Castel Hotel in New Amsterdam on fire on Wednesday afternoon. (Photos, Guyana Fire Service)
Former Colombian President tells Pres. Ali:
Guyana must use rich underground resources to defeat poverty on the ground
Popular hotel in New Amsterdam gutted by fire A fire of unknown origin on Wednesday gutted the Castle Hotel, a popular hotel located on Chapel Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice. A preliminary report released by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) around
1 8 : 4 0 h r s We d n e s d a y revealed that firefighters were currently battling a blaze at the Hotel, which started around 16:37hrs. According to the Fire Service, “At this time the top floor of the three-storey
building is engulfed in flames, while the second floor has been destroyed.” The GFS said that there have been no reports of injuries and all occupants were reportedly safely evacuated from the building.
Firefighters remain on the scene as they attempt to control the flames in a timely manner and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. An investigation is ongoing.
Courts Business Solutions to announce additional facility for small business financing at the Energy expo Courts Business Solutions (CBS) will have a major presence at the Guyana oil and gas expo with a focus on small business solutions. In a press release the company said as part of its ongoing drive to support and facilitate small business growth it plans to make a major announcement that will see even more opportunities become available for local entrepreneurs and small businesses to access credit easily to grow and expand
their operations. Already the CBS initiative has seen several local businesses leverage financing to double the size of their operations. Through the CBS initiative, Unicomer Guyana Inc will be providing business equipment, furnishing and Ready Finance solutions to small, medium, and large businesses. At booth 169, CBS will focus on the hospitality, construction, and restaurant industry, with special
displays and offers for restaurants and furnishings for small hotels. The CBS service marks another significant step forward in Unicomer Guyana Inc’s commitment to empowering businesses, driving economic growth, and fostering innovation within the corporate community. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about the comprehensive suite of Ready Finance options that CBS will offer during the Expo. “We believe in the
limitless potential of G u y a n a ’s b u s i n e s s community, and Courts Business Solutions reflects our dedication to facilitating their success,” stated Eldri Ferguson-Mackey, Director of Merchandising and Marketing (Guyana). “With flexible products and financing solutions, we aim to equip businesses with the full suite of tools they need to thrive.” Since its launch, Courts Business Solutions, has been growing strong and the response has been positive.
Former President of Colombia, Iván Duque Former President of Colombia, Iván Duque said on Tuesday that Guyana is well within its right to extract and develop its resources trapped underground. He stressed however that the exploitation of these resources such as oil and gas, must be used to defeat poverty on the ground. The politician made these and other remarks during a reception that was held by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali at the TWA Airport Hotel in New York. Ali used the event to not only engage members of the Diaspora on key development issues but to also underscore the importance of Guyana being in charge of the United Nations Security Council for the month of February. Duque in his remarks reminded that Guyana will host its Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo from February 19 to 22 at the Marriott Hotel. He reminded of a key message that he shared at that significant event in the past. Duque said, “...Guyana has to use the richness of the underground to defeat the poverty in the ground. Guyana also needs to make the transformation to having an energy matrix that is more balanced and highly dependent on renewable energies and you have embraced that thought.” Furthermore, Duque said the country’s energy mix will be critical as the eyes of the world are looking at Guyana as an opportunity for long term investment in housing, water and storage. He said there is also potential for Guyana to become a hub for connectivity and even help regional partners in
CARICOM meet their food security goals. Additionally, the former President expressed confidence in President Ali’s leadership in ensuring that the country’s developmental aspirations are realized. “President Ali is the embodiment of a young Caribbean leader that trusts in democracy, that believes in the importance of integration and that also embraces the right balance between energy development, environmental development and social transformation,” said the former Head of State. He added, “For many years I have been an honoured friend of Guyana. As President of Colombia, we were able to strengthen our relationship in security where we also shared intelligence information to fight transnational crime, but we also fought very hard to make the case that it is possible for a country to develop, using its materials, its minerals and all its energy assets while at the same time becoming an environmental superpower.” Duque said Guyana now finds itself at the brink of becoming one of the most successful social economic transformations in this hemisphere. He was keen to note his satisfaction at being able to witness this unfold. In conclusion, he reminded that Guyana has faced many turbulent periods of poverty and the exclusion of many communities. In spite of this history, he believes the country is well positioned to have the fastest expansion of the middle class in any Latin American and Caribbean country.
Thursday February 15, 2024
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GCCI didn’t see any feasibility Govt. study on gas project ...but supporting it based on public info and internal analysis - Rambarran
T
he Senior Vice President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry Richard Rambarran said that the business body has not seen any feasibility studies on the gas to energy project, but is relying on publicly available information to justify its position that such an initiative is needed. The statement was made during a press conference the GCCI held on Wednesday at the Pegasus Corporate Suites, in GTT’s Boardroom. It must be noted that Kaieteur News had initially reached out to the chamber to answer key question on the project, but the business body opted instead to hold a news conference to address the issue. T h i s n e w s p a p e r ’s enquiry of the GCCI was premised on the fact that last week it was revealed that the chamber had written the US Exim Bank begging it to approve a US$646M loan being sought by the Irfaan Ali Government to build the project. Rambarran was asked by the media if the GCCI was privy to any feasibility study done by the government. He responded, “No we haven’t. So, we have done our own analysis of it and we are standing on what we analyzed about the project.” He further explained that the GCCI has “done our own analysis we have not looked at other feasibility studies or other studies. We as a Chamber of Commerce we have taken the information and we have done our own analysis.” The information referred to is what the government has put out in the public’s domain and he believes that the information was sufficient to have their independent study done, and based on the findings of this analysis, they took the decision to, “stand independently by the project, not secondarily based on anybody else’s information. We have done our own (study), and we would have been informed by experts.” “I can tell you as a trained economist we have that publicly available information that we have done the analysis on. I will make it available to you guys just give it a couple of days. In the past we have trusted and stood by our analysis. I am saying to you, as an
Senior Vice President of GCCI Richard Rambarran elected member of a private sector umbrella organization to which I give a preamble we have professionally undertaken our analysis and this is what we have seen.” Ramabarran stated. This publication asked the President of the GCCI Kester Hutson if he felt members of the private sector would feel comfortable investing in the project on their own, in light of the GCCI not being privy to a feasibility study. He said: “Our responsibility or my responsibility as president and by extension the executive and councilor is to inform our members with the requisite knowledge that is being shared. So as much information that we have we will share with our members and of course we are well informed to take that business posture to invest. Once sufficient information is presented then certainly yes.” Kaieteur News reported last week that 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 the 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 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 a t Wa l e s , We s t B a n k Demerara (WBD) but it has not been approved. Stakeholders here and overseas over the past three years have expressed deep worry about the project set to be the largest such undertaking in the country’s history. Many stakeholders contend that the PPP/C’s blueprint for this project is cloaked in mystery and feasibility concerns. Some sections of society even worry that the project could give the country a debilitating taste of bankruptcy. Echoing the deep-seated fears percolating through the citizenry last year was the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). The US based think tank which focuses on issues related to energy markets believes citizens have every right to be dreadfully concerned about this project. In fact, Tom Sanzillo, IEEFA director of financial analysis previously sounded the alarm on the potential fiscal calamity this project might unleash upon the nation’s coffers. In a concerted effort to shed light on the monumental risks of this i n i t i a t i v e , I E E FA collaborated with renowned energy consultant Cathy Kunkel. Their joint findings paint a grim picture, suggesting that the venture may result in an oversaturated grid, churning out electricity that far exceeds the genuine demands of the
Guyanese populace. In the ensuing weeks, Kaieteur News will be unraveling the damning findings of the IEEFA’s 33-page report. Today marks the first publication. Stay with us on this gripping journey into Guyana’s power conundrum. When IEEFA’s experts examined GPL’s expansion plans for 2022 and 2023, it was firmly concluded that the state-owned company does not know how to properly estimate the country’s energy demand, or even how to meet same in a practical and affordable manner. In fact, they made the startling discovery that GPL has a history of o v e r e s t i m a t i n g e n e rg y demand. The PPP/C’s plan for a gas-to-energy project entails partnering with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited to construct a massive 218 km offshore pipeline structure that would bring gas from the Stabroek Block’s Liza field onshore
GCCI President Kester Hutson and feed into two facilities, a Natural Gas Plant and a 300MW Power Plant, both to be situated at the Wales Development Zone. The 12inch pipeline being constructed by Exxon will have the capacity to transport 50 million cubic feet per day (50 MMcf/d) from the offshore Liza field, and will be able to deliver a minimum volume of no less
than 10 MMcf/d. The Government of Guyana and US consortium, L I N D S AY C A / C H 4 o n December 13, 2022 signed the contract for the construction of the integrated Natural Gas Liquids Plant and the 300megawatt (MW) combinedcycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant at Wales, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Region Three. The historical signing of the contract for the US$759 million project took place at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive. In January 2023, President Irfaan Ali witnessed the signing of a contract between the Guyana Power and Gas Inc. and Engineers India Limited (EIL) for the provision of Consultancy Services for the Wales Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility as well as the 300 mega-watt (MW) power plant. That contract is pegged at US$22,143,190.
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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
Jagdeo down memory lane The question was as simple as simple can be. Can Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo live on $85,000 a month. Instead of a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ or ‘might be manageable,’ the Vice President engaged in his practice of taking Guyanese all over the place. Jagdeo went round and round like Jules Vernes in Around the World in Eighty Days, except that he took a little more than 80 minutes altogether. He went back to the decade of the 1970s, as though he is some time traveler, and how the government of the day splurged. Being keen the political animal that he is, he dragged in foes competing for power, the APNU. This was the answer that Bharrat Jagdeo gave to the $85,000 question. “Now whether I can live on $85,000. I don’t have much expenses, you are right, I don’t have much expenses myself. Coming to the $85,000, let’s pay everyone half a million dollars if that’s the living wage. Take every cent that we have in the budget because that’s the kind of planning that will come out of APNU, and bankrupt the country so that three generations later we are still struggling from it, their debt,” The first thing that is apparent is that Jagdeo smoothly evaded giving a straight answer. His response solidifies the growing impression among Guyanese that he has become a great escape artist. He is a man on a trapeze swinging from north to south, and touching nothing but air in between the points he chooses. If Vice President Jagdeo has difficulty answering whether he can live on $85,000 monthly, then what is to be expected of ordinary Guyanese. What is their reality from being forced to live on $85,000 monthly, depending on where they are on the economic ladder? What do their facts and those of Jagdeo say, what do they confirm? It can be confidently said that ordinary Guyanese do not have the luxury of allowances, not one, to help them cushion the demands made on them in a cost-of-living environment that is of traumatic proportions. Ordinary Guyanese would be the working class of Guyana: public servants, minimum wage workers, porters, and pensioners, among others, have no monthly allowances to count on, but Jagdeo does. Jagdeo enjoys such a sweet stream of six-figure monthly allowances that he had no reason to touch or look at his pay for years. Contrast this to the reality of Guyanese whose pittance for pay is gone in a matter of days, and with the rest of the month still hanging over their heads. Many regular citizens have families, meaning children, a household of mouths to feed, clothe, and manage. Bharrat Jagdeo has himself, and people to cater to his every need. His own words shine a blinding light on the circumstances enjoyed by the likes of Jagdeo, ministers, top insiders, and well-paid party hacks and pawns: “I don’t have much expenses, you are right. I don’t have much expenses myself.” Even in that sparse answer, it could be said that Jagdeo skimmed over the whole truth because he probably doesn’t have any expenses at all. Not a dime, not a dollar, is what could be closer to Jagdeo’s situation. How many Guyanese can say this? Which Guyanese worker grappling with paltry wages (and zero allowances) is in a position to say something like that, and it is really so? Not many, perhaps not any, is what we believe. That said, Jagdeo would not be Jagdeo, if he did not convert the $85,000 question to display his cunning by bringing in his political opponents into his response. He went down the memory lane of the 1970s, would live in it, if allowed his way. The then government was reckless and wasteful, which it undoubtedly was. From there, he somehow jumped to “let’s pay everyone a half a million dollars…”. This is part of the shiftiness of Jagdeo that now features when he is cornered. Because he fears confronting ExxonMobil, he drives fear into Guyanese with his drifts and dodges, and the old bogey of the PNC, now APNU+AFC. One of these days, he might give a straight answer on some question. We are not holding our breath.
Thursday February 15, 2024
Teachers’ Value vs. Money DEAR EDITOR One sees so many brains – on either scale of the divide – storming about salaries, budgeted scales that pretend to represent the value of jobs in the Public Service and the Te a c h i n g P r o f e s s i o n , respectively. Incidentally, recent discourse and action exclude both the Public Service and Teachers’ Service Commissions. To note that i) the Public Servants’ Salary Structure was last conceived in 1992; ii) that of the Teachers obtained from the Colonial era. The latter consists of 19 GRADES (with a total of 24 sub-grades), except that Grade 19 is NOT a scale. It is elevated as SPECIAL –
specifying a FIXED SALARY for PRINCIPALS. What a stimulating I N C E N T I V E t o PERFORMANCE. But then the conscientious leaderships of recent decades do not indulge in PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, the simple reason being that they expect SERVANTS to behave as they are told. The quality and timing of response at any level are irrelevant. Obedience has the same value. It therefore becomes convenient to provide Grants. Consistent therefore is the conceptualisation of the appointment of “ C O N T R A C T E D
EMPLOYEES” whose PERFORMANCE has long been irrelevant of pension benefits, and replaced more immediately by GRATUITY at the rate of 22.5% of salary every six months. Salary Scale, Performance Evaluation bear no relevance these past decades. More a matter of families and friends. Reference to NIS needs investigation. But the Opposition remains delinquent, and even refuses to insist on pursuing confirmation of long delayed Acting Appointments as our Judiciary, about which even the Caribbean Court of Justice has complained – in
the absence of Union representation. Who then enquiries of non-pensionable acting allowance over the eligible years; and how is leave (sick/vacation) computed. Not to mention NIS. Within CARICOM our counterparts must wonder why our compensation management literature does not include increments. They wonder too why our Public Servants are not eligible for a higher pensionable age – 60 years; and why we insist on the Colonial age FIFTY – an embarrassment to the NIS provision. Sincerely E.B. John
GPSU critical of trillion-dollar budget DEAR EDITOR Budgetary allocations in Guyana over the past years, have failed to improve the living standards, and working conditions of the working poor. The poverty rate, shows the population living below the U.S. equivalent of $5.5 a day, is about 38.8 percent, among the highest in the Caribbean and Latin America, according to the United Nations Development Programme. Adolescent pregnancy is a major issue in Guyana, with more than 20 percent of all pregnancies occurring among adolescent girls aged 15–19 years. In a recent release by the United Nations (UN) report on Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, as published in Kaieteur News dated November 13, 2023, underscores the persistence of ‘wasting,’ a severe form of child malnutrition, with Guyana and Suriname at the forefront. Unemployment in Guyana stands at a staggering 14.83 percent or approximately 118,640 persons; while 39% of all Guyanese citizens currently are residing abroad. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Budget 2021 was presented with a central focus of establishing ‘A Path to Recovery, Economic Dynamism, and Resilience.’ Ye t , p u b l i c s e r v a n t s , including nurses, teachers, and men in uniform who are excluded from this economic dynamism, are leaving the country in the hundreds. In fact, the UNDP reported that roughly half of all Guyanese with a tertiary education will migrate to places such as Europe,
United States, Canada, Trinidad and other Caribbean Islands. The second Budget enacted in the year 2022 promised the people that the nation will remain “Steadfast Against All Challenges, Resolute in Building Our One Guyana.” At the conclusion of that fiscal year, the nation remained in oneness on only one matter; that is, that all the budgets in 2022 failed to improve the lives of the people, and address their daily needs and alleviate their challenges. Last year (2023), the government presented a Budget of G$782 billion (US$3.75 billion) with the aim of ‘improving l i v e s t o d a y, b u i l d i n g prosperity for tomorrow’, and also claimed that it was people centered the citizens were their first priority. Sadly, the hefty provisions that were made with a view of improving the business portfolios of those individuals closest to the government. Public Servants, who are among the working poor, had no improvements in their living conditions, and absolutely no hope for a better future in which they could raise and educated their children. Similarly, budget 2024, the largest in the country’s history of G$1.146 Trillion dollars, is not a projection of good financial planning for development. It is rather a recipe for ‘Staying the course’ which is currently defined by an increasing gap between the very rich, and the working poor. This could be seen massive tax breaks for large corporations, and the sustaining of onerous
(burdensome) tax rates such as PAYE, and VAT which are sustained on the backs of mainly public servants who are among the working poor. The most pressing concern facing Guyanese, are: The recovery from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Pandemic, 2 . T h e d i s c o v e r y, monetization, and regulation of Oil and Gas, 3. Overcoming the political, and ethnically charged position adopted by leaders and their followers post National Elections in 2020, 4.The existential threat presented to our sovereignty by Venezuela, 5. Poverty reduction, and the regression on sustainable development. These daily trends continue to set a challenging context for Governance, Defense, Socio-cultural balanced Economic Development that emphasize diversification and sustainability. It was against this backdrop that the GPSU examined Budget 2024 and do make the following comments aimed at the Government reviewing Budget 2024 and ensuring allocations are made as recommended, and which hopefully, will impact subsequent budget proposals. Statement of GPSU’s Position First, given the turbulence of the trends stated above, (both positive and negative) battering Guyana, it seems selfevident that there would have been a search for consensual problem
definitions, solutions and plans on the part of government to engage key stakeholder. Secondly, any economic, social, human recovery and development planning are decades overdue, and must take steps to genuinely achieve the Motto of One People, One Nation, One Destiny - even as we are in the middle of the battle. The plan should be multi-sectoral, and must include all stakeholders (private-sector, publicsector, Unions, youth, women, indigenous communities, and all other vulnerable populations in Caribbean Society and Guyana, in particular). Despite Guyana has been experiencing significant economic growth due to the discovery of vast oil reserves, and the resulting positive economic impact on other sectors in the traditional economy, this growth has not been evenly distributed, and poverty and income inequality remain persistent, and are affecting the majority of people. The rising cost of living has also been a concern for many, especially retirees, the poor and vulnerable, as inflation and the increasing prices of essential goods and services have outpaced income (pension), wage growth, and benefits. Guyana’s per capita GDP now stands at USD$ 20,960 more than three times what it was in the year 2020 and even surpasses the per capita GDP of Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. The per capita GDP is a measure of the average (Continued on page 06)
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Tribute to a Legend of Indian Music in Guyana - Shri Mohan Nandu DEAR EDITOR When we contemplate on the effort that Indo-Guyana have made over the years to preserve and foster their culture, under trying circumstances, we would appreciate the significant role of Mohan Nandu, one of Guyana’s greatest musicians and cultural leaders. He was a house-hold name in every IndoGuyanese community for at least three decades from the 1960s to the 1990s. Mohan was the lead singer at Radio Demerara, performed at the community Fairs, sang bhajans at mandirs across the country, lent his voice at concerts in Trinidad and the United States and won the Diwali Singing Competition on several occasions. The award of the Medal of Service to him by the Government of Guyana, is little compensation for M o h a n ’s e n o r m o u s contribution to Indian art, culture and religion. He nurtured young talents, inspired thousands of singers, mesmerized music lovers, soothed the souls of devotees, and yet remained simple, humble, offering his services free of charge. It is remarkable that
Mohan, who labored in the sugarcane fields, and did not benefit from specialized musical training, became an accomplished artiste, surprising even greats like Hemant Kumar and Manna Dey when they heard him singing on their tours to Guyana. It was by dint of his love for Indian music, his religious upbringing, and the encouragement from the community that gave him the impetus to work diligently, practicing his “Riyaz” to culture his voice. H e l e n t h i s mellifluous voice to a wide genre of Indian music including bhajans, folk, Qawalis, filmy geets and classicals, the latter for which he became quite famous. Difficult classical tunes like “Laaga” and “Phool Gaindava,” which even accomplished singers
avoided, he sang with ease and assurance, thrilling audiences across the country. His deftness in playing a harmonium aided the range and repertoire of musical notes to which his voice harmonized, making him such a versatile singer. In recognition of his spectacular contribution to Indian music, the Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation (NHF) paid special tribute to Mr. Nandu at a function held in July 2010 at the Saraswati Vidya Niketan. Mr. Balgobin Kawal and Aunty Ruby Sukhu were also honored at the time, and generous monetary rewards were offered to all three of them by NHF as tokens of our appreciation for their sterling role as cultural ambassadors of Guyana. Over the last decade Mr. Nandu suffered from prolonged ill-health, but
fortunately Saraswati Vidya Niketan and Swami Aksharananda came to his rescue. Although he regained some mobility in his final days it was flatter to deceive, as he was stricken with a cardiac arrest and passed away a few days ago. The golden voice of Mohan Nandu will haunt lovers of Indian music in the Caribbean for years. Fortunately, some of his
live performances are on YouTube. Guyana has produced some wonderful musicians who have kept Indian music alive for 185 years. Mohan Nandu stands out as one of the best and will be remembered not only for his singing talent, but as a loving, generous human being who made friends easily, and was approachable to anyone in the community. Members of The Nirvana
Humanitarian Foundation wish to express our deepest sympathies at the passing of a great son of Guyana. His passing leaves a huge void in the Indian community. Sincerely By Pt. Ramdular Singh
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Thursday February 15, 2024
GPSU critical of trillion-dollar budget... From page 04 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 n a t i o n ’s r e s i d e n t s . I n 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 amongst the lowest in CARICOM amid Guyana’s expanding 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 areas of focus, including infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and social protection. The budget proposes the following measures: 1. 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 lower income households, the elderly, and persons living with disability. 2. 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 programs to equip citizens with the skills needed for the evolving job market. 3. Healthcare Improvement: The budget proposes to enhance the
healthcare system by increasing funding for the Ministry of Health. This is supposed to include expanding access to primary healthcare services, upgrading healthcare facilities, and improving the overall quality of care. 4. Infrastructure Development: Investments in infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and ports, are expected to create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. This in turn, is expected to contribute to reducing poverty and improving the overall standard of living. 5. 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 aimed to seriously address poverty and the rising cost of living in Guyana, the 2024 budget falls short in several aspects: 6. 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 p r e v a i l i n g e c o n o mic environment. The minute oneoff cash grants and the ‘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 are among other concerns of the glaring and other deficiencies in determining the scientific methods o f a s c e r t a i n i n g implementation. Perhaps measures that could have better assist the working 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 out of poverty V. A reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) to ten percent (10%). VI. Significantly improving conditions of service and paying the working class commencing at a livable wage VII.Reviewing and improving the existing Pension Plans VIII. Cease Politicizing the Public Service. Significantly moving the a l l o c a t i o n f o r contracting employment to recruiting and establishing of the Public Service and filling vacancies on the Permanent and Pensionable Establishment 7. Weak Emphasis on Job Creation: While i n f r a s t r u c t u r e development is expected to create job opportunities, the b u d g e t should have placed more emphasis on job creation through targeted initiatives, such as support for small and medium-sized enterprises ( S M E s ) a n d entrepreneurship programs. 8. Retention of professional and skilled
human resources (Braindrain): 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 and conditions of service in the prevailing job market for such skills. 9. Inadequate A t t e n t i o n t o 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, provisions for attaining ‘pre first oil climate goals’, and attaining net-zero. The budget should have allocated more resources to environmental protection and sustainable development. After, the preparation and reading of the budget, the Republic of Trinidad and To b a g o i s c u r r e n t l y experiencing the negative effects of an oil spill and has declared a ‘state of national emergency’ which according to the Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, is not under control (CNN report of February 12, 2024). Therefore, the enabling environment for the growth of green businesses, and the use of green technologies including biofuels were critical measures that ought to have been in Budget 2024. More resources ought to have been allocated for environmental protection, and the achievement of sustainable development. 10. Education and Human 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 m a r k e t . F u r t h e r, t h e allocations to the University of Guyana are inadequate and fail to provide accessible and a modern class room systems. The GPSU
reiterates its call for free education across all University of Guyana Campuses. Once again, there is no scientific research or data to guide development of policies intended under budget 2024 to improve the education system. Conclusion In conclusion, Guyana’s 2024 Budget will not address poverty nor the rising cost of living through increased social protection, educational needs of the people and teachers, h e a l t h c a r e , i n f r a s t r u c t u r e d e v e l o p me n t , a n d t h e energy development, and professional and skilled human resources needed f o r n a t i o n a l development. The budget falls short in several areas, i n c l u d i n g i n s u ff i c i e n t allocation for social protection, lack of focus on rural development, weak emphasis on job creation, and inadequate attention to e n v i r o n m e n t a l sustainability. To effectively tackle poverty, the rising cost of living, and address a living wage, the Government needs to reconsider its budgetary priorities and allocate more resources to these critical areas. Having regard to these challenges facing public servants daily, the GPSU proposes the following: Towards A Recovery and Development Forum and Plan 1. Any plan for recovery and sustainable development of the Guyanese Society must go beyond the polarized exclusionary politics by which we operate presently. 2. We must collectively develop visions and phased Strategic Plans for the various Sectors that move us towards a more diverse economy, and beyond just looking towards oil and gas. 3. We must also move towards an INCLUSIVE, modern, and enlighten, planning process that includes the Unions, Private sector, opposition political
formations, civil society and the Masses. There is a Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) that all stakeholders are signed onto. This approach also exists in some other Commonwealth Countries and have impacted the populations. 4. We are proposing that a joint Private-Sector, PublicSector, Unions and other Stakeholders, be organized into an Official Planning Task Force, using scenario planni ng and broad consultative methods after the putting in place of the appropriate Information and Communications Te c h n o l o g y ( I C T ) platforms, to allow for immediate face to face and virtual meetings and outputs. 5. We foresee, at least 12 critical sectors for consensual recovery and development. All underpinned by a robust I n f o r m a t i o n Communications Technology (ICT) platform. 2. Sectors to be Considered for a Recovery and Development Forum and Plan These sectors are: Visioning/ Planning Sector Sovereign Wealth/ Finance Sector Energy Sector The Mining Sector Business/ Labour/ Diversification S e c t o r ( To u r i s m a n d Emerging Markets) Forestry Sector Drainage/Irrigation/Agricult ural Sector National Security Sector Infrastructural /Communication/ICT Sector Land Sector Environmental Sector Government Machinery (Education, Health, Labor etc.,) At the political level it is unavoidable that national unity is secured through sincere meaning to our National Motto of One People, One Nation One Destiny and put our collective energy in one direction. There must also be meaningful, inclusive and enlightened development taking all concerns into consideration for the benefit of all. Regards Guyana Public Service Union
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Thursday February 15, 2024
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Ram calls out Govt. double standards on - says GAWU, NAACIE delinquent treatment of trade unions in submitting audited statements Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram exposed what he said was government’s glaring double standard on the issue of accountability by trade unions, particularly amidst the ongoing nationwide teachers’ protest initiated by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU). Ram highlights a historical quirk dating back to preIndependence days, where the Auditor General of Guyana audits the accounts of trade unions, despite the constitutional mandate for auditing the country’s public accounts. The record of audits for trade unions, according to Ram, has been far from stellar, with only a handful of audits for Unions like Guyana Agricultural & General Workers Union (GAWU) completed in recent years out of hundreds due. In a letter published in the Stabroek News on Wednesday, Ram said notably absent from the Auditor General’s reports up to
President Irfaan Ali 2022, is any mention of audits conducted on the financial statements of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) in the past five years, a union associated with the Chairman of the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board. “Except for GAWU then, trade unions across the board have
been delinquent about their audits and therefore their accountability. Yet, the Government has chosen to lead a campaign against the Guyana Teachers Union, not for a breach of the Trade Union Act but for daring to exercise its constitutional right to strike…” Ram stated. Ram underscores the irony of the government leading a campaign against GTU for their strike action, while being, in his view, ‘serial violators’ when it comes to accounting and accountability. He accuses both the ruling PPP/C and the opposition PNC R of failing to submit required election expense statements, highlighting a broader disregard for accountability and the rule of law. “That disdain is not only bad per se, but opens for all forms of unlawful activities, including money laundering, tax evasion, smuggling etc.,” Ram noted. Moreover, Ram criticised the g o v e r n m e n t ’s s t a n c e o f withholding pay from striking
Govt throws schoolgirl out of Mash competition over calypso critical of - Education Ministry says 6.5% pay hike lyrics inappropriate Ezeka Minty singing her Calypso at the Region 6 Mash Competition Held on February 2.
A six-year-old student from the Fort Ordinance Primary School in Berbice , Ezeka Minty was disqualified from National Children’s Mash Competition, for a Calypso she sang criticising the Government’s 6.5 percent pay increase. Minty’s song was called “Tell me how a guh survive with six point five”. The opening verse goes like this: “Tell me how a guh survive with 6.5, please tell me how a guh survive with 6.5. I have a burning issue on my chest, ah can’t even rest, how cost of living and everything doubling, this thing troubling, how a must carry on with a seemingly one arm. Tell me how a guh survive with 6.5". Following her disqualification from the competition, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) accused the government of being vindictive because the Minty’s song criticized its 6.5 percent pay increase for public servants. “Imagine our caring Ministry of Education disenfranchised this Little Angel from competing at the National Competition because they deemed this song to be POLITICAL. Imagine all the work that had to be put in by the teachers, parents, and child to master this song”, the GTU stated on its Facebook page. The Ministry of Education in response said that the song was not
appropriate for the child’s age and breached one of the rules of the competition. “The Allied Arts Unit emphasises that decisions made are based on established rules that have been in place for many years, specifically focusing on the appropriateness of items in relation to age groups”, the unit said. “Two items were rejected,” the united added, stating that “the respective schools were duly advised with transparent communication on the reasons behind the decisions.” “The focus is on ensuring that the content presented aligns with the age appropriateness stipulated by the rules set well in advance of the competition,” the unit continued. “It is crucial to highlight that the intention is not to censor satirical content but to maintain age-appropriate standards and teaching commences with rules in line with the longstanding principles upheld by individuals associated with the competition,” the unit which under the control of the Ministry of Education said. The GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald during protest actions on Wednesday condemned the move by the government. “Where were the rules all the time?” McDonald said while adding, “the government is proud about its 6.5 so why can’t our children sing about the 6.5?”
Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram teachers. “While the President continues to avoid the single step that could immediately bring the teachers back to the classroom and the union leadership to the negotiating table – free collective bargaining,” he added. Ram concludes with a plea to the government to reconsider its approach, warning of the potential consequences of driving teachers
away from the classroom. “ Wi t h a l l i t s i n t e l l e c t , information and negotiating power, the Government seems afraid to engage its own people. The people are left to choose whether this is arrogance, a denial of constitutional rule or cowardice,” Ram said. He continued, “Instead of doing his constitutional duty, President Ali asks teachers accusingly to “have a conscience”, as if striking for better pay and conditions is unconscionable. His refusal to have his government negotiators meet the teachers’ representatives is a sign that for him, the Constitution is either a piece of paper which he can choose to observe, or not to observe. That is not how democrats behave.” Ram concluded that while President Ali is telling teachers to be patient and have a conscience, his administration is freely spending billions on poorly thought-out projects.
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Thursday February 15, 2024
Guyana unveils major report at UN Security Council on the impact of war on climate and food security
F
ollowing a highlevel debate on Tuesday at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the impact of war and conflict on the environment, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali presented a comprehensive report on the said subject for stakeholders to review. Notably, the debate that was led by President Ali was one of the signature events Guyana held to mark its onemonth handling of the presidency for the peacekeeping body. I n t h e P r e s i d e n t ’s message which forms part of the report, he said the study is divided primarily into four sections: the first examines the overall effects of armed conflict, the second analyses the effects of conflict on food security, the third extends this analysis to the environment,
and the fourth provides case studies of the effects of conflict in Haiti, Vietnam, Iraq and Ukraine. Ali said the study finds that global food insecurity is exacerbated by conflict, climate change, and economic shocks. He said it highlights the significant increase in acute food insecurity due to armed conflict, with millions facing difficulties in accessing nutritious food. I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e President said war and conflict threaten several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger (SDG2), Good Health and Well-Being (SDG3), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG16). Since 1800, it is estimated that 37 million persons have perished due to conflict which has also led to
the forcible displacement of persons. His message also referenced the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) which estimated that as of September 2023, a total of 114 million persons were displaced. In less than four months, the UNHCR stated that 85 per cent of the population of Gaza had been displaced because of the conflict with Israel. The President was also keen to note that the economic cost of war is substantial, with 10 affected countries alone incurring losses equivalent to 41% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019. “The effects of armed conflicts are further compounded by climate events like droughts and floods that devastate food supplies and inflict
Schoolgirl, 13, beaten by mentally-ill brother Villagers at Arau, Region Seven Wednesday rescued a 13-year-old schoolgirl who was attacked and beaten unconscious by her mentally ill brother. Police said that she was attacked around 06:30hrs. She was reportedly walking home when the man attacked her with a piece of wood. He dealt her several lashes to her back and head causing her to collapse to the ground and
lose consciousness. Villagers rushed to the girl’s rescue. They took her to Arau health post, where she was examined by a healthcare worker and referred to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for further medical examination. The 25-year-old suspect was arrested by Community Policing Group (CPG) and is presently in custody at the Kaikan Police Station.
environmental costs,” said Ali. With respect to food insecurity, he said this is further exacerbated by war, noting that approximately 60% of the 155 million stunted children worldwide reside in conflict affected countries. “A total of 117 million persons also faced acute food insecurity due to armed conflict,” he added. Over the past decade, President Ali said the rise in conflict events has undermined progress in improving food security and nutrition, with millions at risk of famine in conflictaffected regions. With respect to the environment, he noted that conflicts, such as those in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, have profoundly harmed the environment through extensive military operations, resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, which adversely affect civilian health. “The environmental toll of warfare extends globally, with the U.S. Department of Defense ranking as the world’s largest institutional consumer of oil and a top greenhouse gas emitter,” said the Head of State. In 2019 alone, Ali said the U.S. military emitted 59 million tons of CO2, with the war in Iraq generating over 141
million tons of CO2 emissions in four years – the equivalent of CO2 emission from 25 million cars in one year. “These findings underscore the significant contribution of global military activities to greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the urgent need for environmental considerations in conflict resolution and military
operations,” said President Ali. With the foregoing points further elucidated in t h e s t u d y, h e s a i d i t therefore makes a compelling case as to why organs such as the United Nations Security Council should pay greater attention to the human, social and economic dimensions of conflict between and within States.
Tucville man riddled with bullets in front home A 36-year-old Tucville, Georgetown man was shot multiple times about his body in front of his home Tuesday night. Injured is Winston Hazel an electrician of Gibson Street Tucville, Georgetown. In a statement the Guyana Police Force said that the shooting incident occurred at 19:07hrs. According to the police, Gibson was attacked by two unidentified men, wearing hoodies and armed with two handguns on a black XR motorcycle (registration number unknown). Investigations so far revealed that on the date and time mentioned, the victim was returning home from D’Urban Street Lodge, driving his motorcar. As he stopped and turned into his entrance, west of his house, the two suspects approached on the motorcycle and stopped a short distance
from him. They then came off the motorcycle, pulled out the two handguns and discharged several rounds at the victim, while he was in the car. The victim immediately exited the car and ran into his yard, calling out to his reputed wife. The suspects continued to discharge rounds at the victim after which they rode off on the motorcycle and escaped. The victim sustained twelve gunshot wounds: three to his left side abdomen, three on each to his thighs, two to his left hand and one to his right upper hand. The victim’s wife and a 27-year-old male took the victim to a hospital in the city where he was undergoing surgery. His condition is listed as serious. The victim’s motorcar was examined and what appeared to be bullet holes were seen on the vehicle. Detectives found two
warheads, seven 9MM spent shells, and one live 9MM round of ammunition at the scene. Investigations continue. Hazel is known to law enforcement officials. His most recent brush with the law was in March of 2022 when he was remanded to prison along with another man, for the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. According to reports, Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) Officers had conducted an operation in the Guyhoc Park, Tucville area where a motorcar was stopped and the two defendants were the occupants. The car was then searched and five parcels of cocaine were discovered. They were detained and taken to CANU’s headquarters where the cocaine was tested and weighed, amounting to 5.814kg with a street value of $6.5M.
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Thursday February 15, 2024
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The reasons for divestment
There are many reasons why governments opt to privatize public enterprises or divest themselves of certain interests in either c o m m e r c i a l o r manufacturing enterprises. One reason may be ideological. The government may decide to embrace a liberal approach towards economic activity and this invariably involves divesting itself of involvement in economic activities which can be profitably undertaken by the private sector. Consistent with an approach towards a more o p e n e c o n o m y, t h e government therefore decides that it is obligated to get out of business and leave the certain activities to the private sector which it is felt can more profitably undertake the management of businesses previously undertaken by the government. The second reason may have to do with the failures of public enterprises. Many public enterprises have failed while in government hands and these eventually become a drain on the resources of the State. As such a decision is taken to sell- off these companies so as to reduce the financial burden that they represent. A third reason may have to do with the need to inject foreign capital and forge strategic alliances. There may be a need for government to inject capital into a business in order for it to develop, but sometimes the government is cashstrapped for funds or may be constrained from using Budget resources to capitalize public corporations. In these
instances, it may be forced to privatize the enterprise as an option to allow that enterprise to raise capital from private sources. Another related scenario is where the government may need to have a strategic partner in order to develop its business. For example the government enterprise may need to forge links with an international firm in order to have certain technologies transferred, technologies that are important if the business is to survive. A fourth reason for privatization has to do with the inability of the government to manage an entity or the need for it to contract out its management as a precondition of foreign investment or simply a need for it to source certain services in order to establish a relationship with the firms that it is sourcing these service, relationships that can be helpful in other respects to the public enterprise. A fifth reason for privatization may have to do with the need for financing both at the level of the government and at the level of the enterprise. In the case of the latter, the firm may find itself cash –strapped and in urgent need of revenues to cover losses. In this instance, the firm may decide to unbundle some of its assets and put these up for sale so as to tidy it over a difficult period. In other cases, it is the government that faces a financing deficit and as such takes a conscious decision to dispose of certain publicly owned assets in order to bridge its financing gap. In both cases, the divestment is used to cover a shortfall in resources. But by far the
most controversial reason for divestment is in order to help out cronies and friends. It is not outside the realm of the possible for government to divest itself of assets owned by the public simply in order to enrich its friends and allow its cronies to make monies. In many countries, there have been charges of sweet heart deals that have taken place and many examples of certain individuals benefiting from the privatization process. As such every decision to divest must be analyzed in the context of why such a move is being undertaken but in terms of who benefits. Is it the people that benefit or a rich elite Years ago, in countries such as Venezuela, Bolivia and Argentina, there was a process of nationalization taking place. This may have to do with the ideology of the then governments but it also has to do with the socioeconomic structures of those countries and the failures of the private sector to redistribute wealth in a way that benefits everyone. The main sectors that were privatized concerned the natural resources of these countries and the decision of the state to take over certain sectors formerly run by foreign capital is causing great consternation in foreign capitals. But interestingly, in those countries where nationalization took place, there was widespread popular support for these moves. But that support soon turned sour. The difficulty arises when these nationalized enterprises do not succeed, are mismanaged or fail to redistribute income in the
DEM BOYS SEH
No tricks, no living, again!
A
man pull up with a horse cart on one of de city streets. De cart had some builders waste in de form of some broken and crushed concrete blocks. De road had a pothole. Was a small pothole wah most people does dodge. De man stop near de hole and start to throw de lil builders’ materials into de hole. Den he lift up a box and start to solicit donations from dem car dat was passing. Dat is an old trick which youngsters use to use fuh
extort money from motorists. Dem used to pretend dat dem filling potholes and thereby providing a public service. Nobody ain’t hire dis man fuh full pothole. But he just decide out of de blue dat he can full dem pothole and expect people fuh pay he. But people nah gat time with dem tricks anymore. Dem just drive past de man yesterday wah hanging out he donation box as if anybody bin ask he fuh full potholes. If de man wanted payment, he shoulda gone
to de City Hall and tell dem dat he full a pothole and he expect fuh get paid. But Guyanese does find all kinda ways to mek a dollar. And nuff times, it does involve barefaced trickery. Was only de odder day dat Prezzie talk how dem contractors complain to he how dem getting prablems finding labourers. So dem gat plenty labourer wuk available. But dis man decide yesterday dat he prefer to fill pothole and beg fuh donation rather dan find something better to do. Talk half. Leff Half.
way that is expected. In these instances, it is not just the decision to nationalize that will be called into question but also the very governments and their ideologies that pursued
nationalization. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)
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Thursday February 2024 Monday May 02,15, 2022
H@RD TRUTHS Budget 2024: let the numbers have the final say HK
BY G
BY GHK LALL
L LAL
Amid the continuing swirl of clashing positions on the priorities and provisions of the 2024 budget, I put something different before the public. My views on the 2024 budget have been shared, and should be well known, so there is no need to have another go. In addition, it serves the objective(s) of this contribution better, if I take myself out of the budget conversation, and let the reality of facts and numbers speak for themselves. In so doing, Guyanese from all sides of the divide would be in a better position to be for or against what is highlighted here, and how the budget is seen and interpreted. There is the likelihood that Budget 2024 may still be seen in the same way, for reasons good and otherwise, in the foundations of its visions, in the sum of its parts, in the differences that it makes. In the post budget presentation and debates, in runup to the teachers’ strike, and in the throes of it, frequent were the insistent calls for the budget to be looked at in a holistic manner, and not in its isolated, possibly cherrypicked selections that has introduced so much
sourness. Holistic, as in its panoramic touch, and universal considerations, certainly has a warm, encouraging feel to it. Thus, I say, why not. I now proceed to reproduce some of the higher notes and finer points from Budget 2024. I ask in advance to be excused if some of the numbers are slightly off, or if some components with weight that would have made a difference are absent. First, the $1.146T budget for 2024 is 46.6% more than that of 2023. The provision for Capital Expenditure is $666B, or 58% of the budget, up from $387.8B (or 50%) in 2023. Roads and bridges go
to $204.1B in 2024 from $136.1B in 2023, up by 50%. As an aside, the increases in 2023 over the preceding two years followed close to the trend now extended into 2024.In a tight sentence, expenditure, as evidenced by the numbers, reflects the increases they did. Recall: just the facts and figures. No position, no commentary. Second, there are ten (10) areas with supporting figures that inform citizens of this country what was provided for them as direct relief in this year’s national budget. They are as follows: 1) $10B for an expansion of part-time jobs; 2) $8.6B for children; 3) $7B to be held as a
Reserve Fund, for the purpose of providing costof-living aid at the proper time; 4) $2.8B for cervical cancer assistance; 5) $2.7B to fund the monthly Old Age Pension increase; 6) $2.6B for NIS monthly pension increases; 7)$1.8B for hinterland help (testing, transportation, and so forth); 8) $1.2B for those with disabilities;9) $0.955B for spectacles; 10) $.840B for eye tests; 11) $0.640Bas an NIS death benefit. In tabular form, the direct budgetary provisions look like Figure 1. The total direct relief of $39.135B to the hand and pocket of eligible citizens amounts to 3.4% of the $1.146T budget. If the $7B in reserve money is removed from the total direct relief funds, then what was identified for assistance falls to 2.8% of the 2024 budget. As a practical matter, the $7B should not be counted in the total for the simple reason that it does not appear to be earmarked for any distribution in the earlier quarters of this year.
Nonetheless, whether 3.4% or 2.8%, I invite all Guyanese to make the comparison between direct relief provisions and those for either capital expenditure ($666B [58%]) or roads and bridges ($204.1B [17.8%]) from the budget. As promised, I make no comment. In fairness, mention must be made of assistance that is provided for dialysis care, computers and sports equipment, through VAT and other eases, for which I am unable to locate specific numbers. Those play their part in less being spent, and relief extended. Further, in terms of indirect relief, there is the $40B for fuel subsidy, and $6B for freight charges. I am aware of some subsidy for electricity and water, but have no numbers. When the fuel and freight measures are added to the $39.135B direct relief, the total increases to $85.135B, which all in all is 7.4% of the 2024 budget. Fuel, freight, and other indirect measures are invisible, but they do have a
positive impact, for they signify that citizens have to come up with less out of pocket. So, this is what the facts and figures of this year’s budget are. In total, $85.135B or 7.4%, of relief provisions. I readily admit that there may be pockets of numbers not included in my arithmetic. While they certainly would contribute to raising the total relief package, the belief is that the sum would not be that material. I take no other liberties. Last, an invitation is extended to all of my fellow citizens to compare and contrast (and possibly comment) what was thought of, and put into place for the Guyanese people, versus what was allocated to nonhuman sectors. (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.)
Guyana looking at expanding tourism portfolio Web image of Zip Lining
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) will embark on a comprehensive assessment of the adventure tourism market in Guyana. GTA’s Director Kamrul Baksh explained that Guyana’s product portfolio needs to be diversified and the authority has begun talks with key representatives of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) to achieve the goal. ATTA is the largest global network of adventure travel leaders that aims to empower the global travel community to protect natural and cultural capital while creating economic value that benefits both trade members and destinations. “We want to bring in the expertise to see exactly what potential we have and I think we have so many undiscovered gems…That is
something that we are committing to doing and ensuring that we have an initial assessment done to determine how feasible those products will be,” the director stated during the recent launch of a new tourism product in the Rupununi tourism circuit. Meanwhile, Baksh noted that the GTA is also lending support to communities and partners who are interested in culture tourism through its community-led and owned framework. Cultural tourism involves travelling to destinations primarily to experience and engage with the cultural heritage, traditions, arts, and lifestyle of the local communities. He said the GTA will collaborate closely with tour operators to support these studies. (DPI)
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Thursday February 15, 2024
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GTU files court action to challenge Govt. decision to deduct striking teachers’ salary Teachers protesting outside the Ministry of Education on Brickdam last week.
T
he Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) through attorney-at-law Darren Wa d e h a s i n i t i a t e d l e g a l proceedings in the High Court to challenge the Government of Guyana (GoG) decision to deduct the salaries of the teachers participating in the strike, as well as to stop deducting teachers’ fees on behalf of the Union. According to the document filed on Tuesday afternoon, the Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC is listed as the respondent in the matter. The Union’s application includes a wide range of declarations and orders sought from the court. GTU is asking the court for a conservatory order that the status quo remains the same that is the government will not deduct monies
from the wages and salaries of teachers engaged in any industrial action, and to continue deducting the Union fees and remitting same to the GTU, until the determination of the matter. The other orders and declarations, inter alia, include discrimination, breach of freedom of association, and breach of protection from deprivation of property. Furthermore, GTU requests declarations of bad faith by the government and breach of natural justice. They also request costs, aggravated damages, exemplary damages, and any other orders the court deems appropriate. The application is grounded in several key arguments, including the GTU’s status as the authorised bargaining agent for all unionised teachers in Guyana. It cites
agreements between the Ministry of Education and the GTU dating back to 1990, as well as efforts by the union to engage in negotiations regarding salaries and benefits. “On April 18, 2023, Ms. Coretta McDonald, General Secretary of (GTU) wrote to the President of Guyana, Mr. Irfaan Ali, appealing to him for an urgent meeting to discuss the way forward for the teachers. She penned that the (GTU) had shared its proposals for salaries and non-salaries benefits dating back to 2020 but they were not engaged at any level to discuss the same,” the document states. The application provides a detailed timeline of events leading up to the GTU’s decision to take industrial action. This includes correspondence between union officials and government representatives
regarding negotiations and c o n c i l i a t i o n e ff o r t s . The application highlights the Union’s frustration with the lack of progress and the government’s failure to address their concerns. Letters were written to the Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, as well as Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine – with no satisfactory outcome from the letters to the government officials – on January 23, 2023 a notice was sent to the government pending industrial strike action. On Monday, February 5, 2024, the GTU began a nationwide industrial action for better wages. “This action was taken as a result of the Ministry of Education and Office of the President’s recurring failure to engage with the (GTU)
for discussion concerning their salaries…as a result of the Chief Labour Officer’s failure to initiate conciliation and arbitration process,” the court document states. On February 6, the government issued a notice informing GTU that it will no longer act as an agent to deduct the dues from the teachers’ salary on behalf of the Union. The Union is seeking a retraction of the letter as well as an apology. Moreover, the application challenges several allegations made by the government, including claims of threats, cyberbullying, and divisive sentiments. The union asserts that these allegations were not properly addressed or substantiated and that they were not given a fair opportunity to respond.
15,
15,
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Thursday February 15, 2024
Govt. to spend $4B to rehabilitate over 30 hinterland roads H
aving been allocated the largest chunk of the budget this y e a r, t h e g o v e r n m e n t through the Ministry of Public Works is preparing to spend approximately $4,741,000,000 out of its $236,108,169,000 allocation to rehabilitate or construct over 30 roadways in the hinterland regions. The ministry in an advertisement seeking contractors to carry out the works noted that the projects are expected to be completed in 34 lots in Regions such as One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten. The ministry also highlighted that some of the works would be the continuation from previous phases, while some will be new projects. In Region One, the ministry stated that rehabilitation/ construction is set for Mabaruma to Hosororo Hill road (phase 3) - $308 million, for Rincon Main Access road (phase 2) $188 million, for Kwebanna to Kumaka road (phase 2) $228 million, for Kumaka to Kwebanna Hills road (phase 1) - $228 million, for internals road at Thomas Hill
Section of the $244M concrete road at Heaven Hill, Matthews Ridge which was commissioned in 2023. in Mabaruma (phase 2) - $72 million, for internal roads at Koberimo in Mabaruma $72 million, for the reconstruction of Settlement Road Bridge at Mabaruma $72 million, for Wauna main access bridge in Mabaruma $262 million, for internal roads at Port Kaituma (phase 20 - $228 million, and for internal roads at Matthews Ridge (phase 3) - $228 million. In Region Seven, roads works are slated for Dagg Point Main Access Road in Bartica - $129 million, for Bartica/ Potaro road (mile 6 19) - $73 million, for Bartica/ Potaro road (mile 19 -37) - $97 million, for
Bartica/ Potaro road (mile 37 – 45) - $124 million, and for Karrau to Blue Mountain road (20km from village to mines) - $81 million. For Region Eight, rehabilitation/ construction works are for the realignment of Tiger Hill in Mahdia - $67 million, for main access road from Mahdia to Mango Landing $80 million, for Murwa Community Road (phase 3) $97 million, for Princeville road - $37 million, for Salbora road - $28 million, for Pamela road - $28 million, and for Denham Bridge to 72 Miles road $119 million. As it relates to works in
Region Nine, the ministry stated that works are for village roads in Rupununi at Flyhill Junction - $159 million, for village roads in Deep South Rupununi
specifically from Katoonarib to Karadarnau Village - $207 million, for village roads in North Rupununi at Aranaputa Valley (phase 2) $182 million, for village roads in Deep South Rupununi from Sand Creek to Rupunau - $219 million, for village roads in Central Rupununi from Katoka to Flyhill - $221 million, for village roads in Baitoon $103 million, and for village roads in Central Rupununi at Parashara - $115 million. Lastly in Region Ten, rehabilitation/ construction is for internal roads and drains at Kwakwani (600m of asphalt roads) - $105 million, for Kwakwani Waterfront road - $257
million, for Orealla to Kwakwani (Phase 4 – 20km to be rehabilitated) - $194 million, for Mabura to Mango Landing road - $65 million, and for bridges along Butakari corridor - $68 million. Kaieteur News understands that these road projects form part of the overall $5.5 billion budgetary allocation for hinterland roads this year. Notably, last year the government had expended approximately $6.5 billion which saw hinterland roads in areas such as Butakari, Issano, Moruca, North Pakaraimas and Port Kaituma being constructed or rehabilitated.
Over $16M in social, economic projects commissioned in El Paso, Region Eight
Commissioning of the over $10 million multi-purpose building Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai commissioned several projects to the tune of $16 million at El Paso, Region Eight during her visit to the Potaro-Siparuni district on Tuesday. All of the ventures are funded by the government through the Ministries of Amerindian Affairs and Culture, Youth and Sport. One of the major projects commissioned is a multipurpose building valuing more than $10 million. The edifice comprises an information and communications technology (ICT) hub, a two-bedroom guest house, and a sewing centre. Chairperson of the Community Development Council (CDC), Jinette Singh explained that the villagers will now have access to technology and online courses, as well as a space to learn and expand their sewing skills. Persons desirous of visiting the area will also benefit from better accommodation. Additionally, the recreational needs of the villagers will be addressed as a pavilion, and recreational facilities were also commissioned. A $7 million benab was also declared open and will serve as a meeting place for villagers and other community events. Singh highlighted that the village has been experiencing massive transformation over the past years, owing to the government’s programmes. She recalled the days before 2020 when the small village was
forgotten and little to no attention was given to the residents. “I want to thank the government for all the developmental projects that are taking place in El Paso. We welcome that and we will make full use of our projects and their benefits…Everyone would benefit in the long run,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI). Singh also received the keys to a brand new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to assist in carrying out the administrative functions of the village. Meanwhile, Minister Sukhai praised the leadership for executing projects efficiently and expressed confidence that they will have a positive impact on the lives of the villagers. “I am very pleased with the level of activism, with the level of performance, and the delivery of projects in record time,” she stated. The minister also announced that the community will be benefiting from a pickup, which will be procured to the tune of $6.5 million. In 2023, El Paso received some $10 million in carbon credit funds and is undertaking the construction of a play park for children, while the village’s playground will be expanded. The government is making significant investments towards the development of Amerindian villages across the country. These investments are aimed at boosting their economies, thereby improving the villagers’ social welfare. (DPI)
Thursday February 15, 2024
Kaieteur News
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550 Capoey residents benefitting from new $11M water supply system Five hundred and fifty (550) Capoey, Region Two residents will no longer be relying on the lake or rainwater harvesting to access water. The community is now enjoying access to potable water through the Capoey Water Supply System, which was commissioned by Susan Rodrigues, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water on Tuesday. Prime Ministerial Representative, Mr. Arnold Adams, Hinterland Services Director at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Mr. RamchandJailal and team were present, the Ministry of Hoyusing and Water said in a press release.
Minister Rodrigues stated that the water supply system is in keeping with the government’s commitment to transforming the lives of Guyanese through access to essential services. “All of our citizens regardless of your race, your religion, your geographical location, you [must] have access to services and access to infrastructure that will improve your lives,” said the Minister Rodrigues. The government has drilled 75 wells in three years, taking potable water supply in the hinterland from 46% to 86% by the end of 2023. Through the 2024 Budget another 40 wells will be drilled in Amerindian
communities, as the PPP/C Government aims to achieve 100% access for the hinterland by 2025. Communities in Region Two set to benefit from enhanced water supply include Friendship, Mashabo, St Denny’s/ Tapakuma Village, St Monica, Friendship, Dredge Creek, Baracaro, Bethany and Wakapao. Moreover, a new treatment plant is currently under construction at Onderneeming, which will serve residents from Supenaam to Taymouth Manor. Another plant is also expected to be developed at Maria’s Delight to serve Charity to Queenstown residents to help push treated
Man allegedly attempted to bribe cop to remove criminal records
Granted bail: Mohamed Esuph
A man was placed on $75,000 bail after pleading not guilty to a charge of attempting to bribe a police officer. Mohamed Esuph, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge which states that on November 10, 2023, at the Criminal Records Office, Eve Leary, Georgetown, he gave $10,000 to a constable, an agent of the Government of Guyana (GoG), as inducement to cause a conviction to be removed from police records unit, in favour for himself. Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus placed Esuph on $75,000 bail with conditions attached. He is required to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), on the first Friday of every month, commencing from March 1, 2024, until the conclusion of the court case. Esuph is also required to lodge his passport with the police. He is scheduled to return to court on March 6, 2024.
Capoey children have a drink of water from their new water system water coverage. Capoey is divided into two sections, with one section already receiving water. The new Capoey Water Supply System was drilled by GWI’s newly acquired 421T PAT Rig and in-house drilling team to a depth of 42 meters. The 550 residents represent 96% of the population now benefitting. The Hinterland Director, Mr. Jailal, highlighted the employment opportunities
the project generated for local residents and emphasized the need for community responsibility in maintaining the facility. GWI collaborated with the Capoey Village Council and residents towards activating the new well, supply and installation of 400 lengths of 50mm & 100 lengths of 19mm PVC pipelines from the well to the storage tanks and along the distribution network, standpipes, installation of solar panel,
construction of perimeter fence, installation of submersible pump, well discharge and Construction of Reinforced concrete base to support four 1,000 Gallons Tuff Tanks. Overall, the project costs $11 million and the new well is expected to serve the community for several decades. GWI plans to train two Community Service Officers (CSOs) to assist in the upkeep of the new water supply system.
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Thursday February 15, 2024
Kaieteur News
Tobago oil spill spreads towards Caribbean Sea
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One female able-bodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 226-1497, 6588559.
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Two vessels involved in Tobago oil spill incident were destined for Guyana - TT Coast Guard
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in the imagery. TEMA also conducted drone surveillance and ground truthing to increase the confidence level. There have been no indications of oil entering the western or northern coasts of Tobago, and Grenada’s disaster management agency said the spill does not threaten their coastlines based on the latest data. The capsized vessel named “Gulfstream,” was discovered on February 7 with a thick oil-like substance covering several kilometres of Tobago’s windward coasts. To date, the leak has not been plugged and the owner of the ship has not been identified.
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mately 248 metres) in width. The spill extends from the west to the northwest into the Caribbean Sea, with noticeable oil weathering beginning around 9.71 nautical miles (approximately 18 kilometres) from the source.” Over the last few days, and at the time of the satellite data, winds measured 16 knots from the east, guiding the potential drift path of the oil slick. TEMA said the high confidence level is attributed to the known suspected point source. Variations in slick thickness were noted, and a thin oil-like substance was present
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(TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Using satellite data, the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has detected possible oil reaching northwest and west of Tobago, originating from the overturned vessel south of Cove. TEMA said the satellite data, captured on Sunday, February 12, 2024, revealed “a silver-like slick emanating from the wrecked vessel, accompanied by streaks of a thick, black-like substance.” The Agency continued, “The anomaly measured 48 nautical miles (approximately 88 kilometres) in length and 0.13 nautical miles (approxi-
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The overturned boat, later identified as the Gulfstream, leaking oil 200m off Cove, Tobago. - Jaydn Sebro (TT NEWSDAY) The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard has confirmed that at least two vessels were involved in the oil spill which has been engaging the attention of the Tobago Emergency Management Agency and other entities since February 7. The abandoned vessel, Gulfstream, was found overturned near shore at Cove Bay on the Atlantic side of Tobago. In a release on February 14, the ministry said video footage and other in-
formation obtained by the Coast Guard have confirmed that the two vessels involved are a tugboat and a barge. The ministry, particularly the Coast Guard, is collaborating with other local and regional agencies, including Caricom IMPACS, the Guyana Coast Guard, the Maritime Services Division and IR Consilium, through consultant Dr Ian Ralby, to identify the vessels and its owners. “Investigations have thus far revealed that the vessels
appear to have been bound for Guyana. However, the Guyanese authorities have confirmed that neither vessel arrived as anticipated. At this stage it is not known whether any lives have been lost in the incident,” the release said. The Coast Guard also confirmed that the barge was being towed by a tug – the Solo Creed – from Panama, destined for Guyana. Satellite imagery also shows the Solo Creed towing an object on February 4.
TT probe impact of oil spill on mangroves, beaches (TT NEWSDAY) The Institute of Marine Affairs on Saturday sent a team to conduct initial ecological assessments of mangroves, beaches and other areas affected by the oil spill in Tobago. On February 7, an abandoned vessel, Gulf Stream, capsized nearshore Cove Bay on the Atlantic side of Tobago. The vessel has since
been leaking an oily substance into the ocean, leaving environmental stakeholders concerned about the impact. The tourism blow is also being weighed as several beaches have been deemed off-limits by the Tobago House of Assembly, while clean-up operations are ongoing. Economically, the fishing industry is also being af-
fected. The IMA team analysed data from satellite imagery product providers such as The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to track movement of the oil-like substance over distance and time, as well as mined years of rich historical data amassed by IMA for monitoring Tobago’s marine and coastal environments.
Thursday February 15, 2024
Kaieteur News
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Bids open for supply & delivery of exercise books for Education Ministry Twelve companies have submitted bids to supply and deliver exercise books for the Ministry of Education, the National Procurement and Te n d e r A d m i n i s t r a t i o n (NPTAB) disclosed on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Education was allocated some $3-billion in the 2024 national budget for the procurement and distribution of exercise books. The project will be done in six lots.
Guyana Election Commission Provision of services Lots 1 and 2.
Below are the companies and their bids: Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Supply and delivery of two one MW generators for the Albion Estate Power House rehabilitation project.
Supreme Court of Judicature Supply and delivery of Judges and Magistrates’ minute/ record books.
Russian landing ship Caesar Kunikov sunk off Crimea, says Ukraine
Ministry of Education Supply and delivery of exercise books, National Distribution Lots 1 to 6. Ministry of Labour Procurement of security services.
Ministry of Agriculture Electrical installation of LV supply and generator in Regions 2, 5 and 10.
(BBC News) A big Russian amphibious ship, the Caesar Kunikov, has been sunk off the coast of Russian-occupied Crimea, according to Ukraine’s armed forces. Powerful explosions were heard early on Wednesday, according to local social media, which suggested the landing ship was hit south of the town of Yalta. Ukraine’s intelligence directorate released video of what it said were Magura V5 sea drones striking the ship. Ukraine has repeatedly hit Russia’s Black Sea fleet in occupied Crimea. Satellite images last year showed much of the fleet had left the peninsula for the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. Ahead of a Nato ministerial meeting in Brussels, the secretary general of the Western defensive alliance, Jens Stoltenberg, said Ukrainian forces had won a “great victory” in recent months, inflicting “heavy losses” on the Black Sea fleet that had opened a corridor for Ukrainian grain exports. Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine is due to enter its third year next week and Ukraine’s armed forces chief has admitted the situation is “extremely complex and tense”. Col Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was appointed commander-inchief last week, visited the front line on Wednesday and promised that units trying to prevent Russian troops from capturing the flashpoint town of Av d i i v k a w o u l d b e
reinforced. Avdiivka is almost empty and all but surrounded by Russian forces and one of the soldiers defending it said earlier that the situation there was critical. “We are doing everything possible to prevent the enemy from advancing deep into our territory,” he wrote on social media. Overnight, a Russian missile attack claimed three lives including a child in the mining town of Selydove, 40km (25 miles) west of Avdiivka. Officials said four missiles had hit the local hospital and maternity ward, as well as nine blocks of flats. Several other residents were wounded, including a b a b y. T h e r e w a s n o confirmation from Russia’s navy that the Caesar Kunikov had been sunk in the Black Sea, merely that six Ukrainian drones had been destroyed. The Kremlin has also refused to comment on the icident. Video appearing to show the aftermath of the Ukrainian attack was uploaded only recently, BBC Verify confirmed. “The Caesar Kunikov suffered critical holes in its port side and began to sink,” Ukraine’s main intelligence directorate said on the Telegram messaging site, adding that it had been destroyed off the Crimean coastal town of Alupka in Ukrainian territorial waters by a unit called Group 13. It said an operation to rescue up to 87 crew members had been “unsuccessful” and “according to available information, most were killed”.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday February 15, 2024
Volodímir Zelenski
Thursday February 15, 2024
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Kaieteur News
TriStar Inc. Supports Region 3 RDC Westside Georgetown prevails over The Rest Golf Course Pagwah/Easter Celebrations
C
hairman of TriStar Inc., Mr. Krishna Persaud, owner of the CPL franchise Jamaica Tallawahs that won the title in 2022, whose team is now based in Antigua and Barbuda, pledged his support for the Region Three RDC Pagwah and Easter celebrations that will held at the Westside Golf Course from March 30-April 1. With over $1M in prizes for activities such as Easter Egg Hunt, Best Dressed, Best Hat, Largest Kite, Most Unusual Kite, Best Curry and much more, up for grabs along with food and music during the event, persons are asked to reserve their spots early. Region Three Vice Chair-
man Omesh Stayanand and Nexgen Golf’s Aleem Hussain thanked the Chairman of TriStar Inc. for his support, “The success of our Region depends on the investment and involvement of persons like Mr. Persaud and it is especially gratifying to have a ‘son of the soil’ return to improve our region.” The addition of a golf course to Region Three to provide local residents with access to the sport caught the attention of Mr. Persaud who was born in Windsor Forest and has been a strong advocate of giving back to the community in various ways. “Region Three residents deserve the best that Guyana has to offer and projects and
events such as this will always receive our full support.” He likened the development of the golf course and school golf programme to the major developmental project that Tristar Inc. is currently engaged in that will transform the West Bank of Demerara. The US$160M project will be a state of art facility providing service to the oil and gas industry whilst enabling cheaper logistical movement of cargo through Region Three. The modern port will be capable of serving container vessels and cruise ships, linking Guyana to wider global trade, coupled with a facility dedicated and designed to be
Thursday February 15, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Are you an artist, writer, or musician, Aries? If so, your work may take on a more symbolic or impressionistic tone. Today you're probably more interested in conveying feelings and impressions than details. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Innovative art forms might seem especially appealing today, Taurus. Stay out of gallery shops unless you're prepared to take home a carload of merchandise. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Do you believe in ghosts? Some strange phone calls, emails, or other communications may come your way today, Gemini. One may come from someone who thinks you're someone else. CANCER (June 21–July 22) An unexpected sum of money could come your way today, Cancer. It probably won't be large, but it will be welcome nonetheless.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Are all of your friends into astrology, divine science, or spiritual matters, Libra? It might seem like most of them are today, anyway. You may have many new friends in those fields. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A love partner may host a social event or meeting of some kind, Scorpio. It might be interesting to get acquainted with friends of your mate you haven't yet met. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Are you contemplating a trip, Sagittarius, perhaps to a place you've always dreamed of visiting? If you're in doubt as to whether or not you can do it. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The Material values may pale beside spiritual ones today, Capricorn. You might consider giving up the rat race and retreating to the wilderness.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Have you been exercising too rigorously lately, Leo? If so, you might feel some little aches and pains. Stay off your feet for most of the day.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A current or potential romantic partner might seem like the most perfect, wonderful person in the world to you, Aquarius. Your romantic nature could get the better of you today.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) You may feel indecisive today, Virgo, especially in the morning. Other people's actions may confuse you. Don't worry. Concentrate on your projects and goals.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You might not be able to concentrate on your work today, Pisces. Your head may be in the clouds and your eye for detail could fail you somewhat.
a “fit for purpose” oil and gas port for fabrication of heavy oil field equipment whilst creating direct and indirect employment for at least 100+ Guyanese during the developmental and operational stages of the project in Region Three.
For sure VV... From page 21 the late Marvin Tyrell and Dwayne Yaw were. When the VVR basketball club was formed the intention was, Sancho said, “To make it a two to three years project, meaning that we would have trained during that period before registration with the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA). Players like Alwyn Wilson, Couchman and Gardener had played with Wismar Pistons to get some experience. Then the focus, as it remains until today, was to have a nursery and because of this, while they are among the best at the senior level, with players also on the National team, they still have annual basketball clinics for players starting from Under 8 through to Under 17 levels.” The club also for ten years had perhaps the best schools basketball championships across Guyana which was staged in Linden. Strange but true, in all these years the club has been unable to have a home court to demonstrate its true development after three decades of excellence on the court. From that early beginning they still use a makeshift half court in the neighbourhood and at times occupy the New Silvercity hard court where they face a challenge from the football players in that community for space. One must commend the Alphonso brothers for their pioneering effort and those who have remained true to the cause for those youths within that community which should be proud to know that former number one ranked professional boxer Terrence Alli emerged from there as is Guyana’s most decorated Carifta Games athlete Chantobra Bright. At present, three of the national players from Linden are from the Victory Valley Royals Basketball Club in Yannick Tappin, Harold Adams and Orlan Glasgow, with Adams and Glasgow being part of the Guyana Men’s team which won the first and crown at the CBC Championships staged in Suriname.
As Back Circle, Lodge All Stars, Gold is Money and North East advance into semis
As the highly awaited Georgetown Versus The Rest Street Football competition reaches its penultimate stages, Back Circle, Lodge All Stars, Gold is Money, and North East La Penitence have secured their places in the semi-finals. The quarter-final matches, held on Tuesday at BackCircle’s Tarmac in East Ruimveldt, witnessed these teams securing victories and advancing to the next round. In the first quarter-final clash, Lodge All Stars narrowly defeated Bent Street with a 1-0 scoreline, securing the first spot in the semi-finals. Gold is Money, in another thrilling encounter, dominated California Square with a convincing 3-0 win. The strategic positioning and strong defence of Gold is Money proved effective, maintaining a clean sheet after scoring two early goals and putting California Square under early pressure before
closing with another brilliant strike. Back Circle, the home team, lived up to expectations by delivering an impressive performance against Team Family. The match ended with a 2-0 victory in favour of Back Circle, solidifying their status as the tournament favourites. In the final match of the evening, North East La Penitence emerged victorious over the famous Sparta Boss side. Both teams displayed skillful play, but only one could claim victory. The North East boys exhibited superior football, securing a well-deserved 2-0 win and completing the lineup of teams advancing to the penultimate stage of the tournament. The tournament is sponsored by Swat Protection Services, Stephan’s Beverages, Hard Ball Entertainment, Ballerz Entertainment, Reliable Graphis Designs and the Office of Police Commissioner.
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Thursday February 15, 2024
Forbes Burnham Memorial Cycle Road Race set for February 18 The Annual Forbes Burnham Memorial Cycle Road Race, sponsored by the Burnham Foundation and supervised by the Flying Stars Cycling Club, is set to t a k e p l a c e o n S u n d a y, February 18. The race will kick off at 2:00pm on Carifesta Avenue and will follow the route along the East Coast roadways to Belfield, with all cyclists making a turnaround to finish back on Carifesta Avenue. Participants will compete in various
categories, including Elite, Juniors, Veterans 40+, and Veterans 50+. There will b e o p p o r t u n i t i e s for cyclists to win sprint prizes, with four prizes valued at $2,000 each. In addition, prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in each category, with Elite cyclists vying for the top 6 spots and all other categories competing for the top 3 spots. Registration for the race will be conducted in adherence to the regulations set forth by the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF).
Cyclists are encouraged to prepare and train diligently for this exciting and prestigious event in honour of the late and former President of G u y a n a L i n d e n Forbes Burnham. Last year winner Briton John blazed to the finish line after dropping Romello Crawford and A a r o n N e w t o n , celebrated his solo finish in his usual animated fashion in a time of one hour, 12 minutes, and 38 seconds (1:12.38s).
2024 Bounty Farm Mash Handicap C/ship...
Victories and surprises highlight Day Two The 2024 Bounty Farm Mashramani Handicap Squash Championship is off to a sizzling start, with two days of intense competition at the Georgetown Club revealing some surprising outcomes in both the Open and E l i t e c a t e g o r i e s . In the Open category, spectators witnessed a display of exceptional skill and determination as Zion Hickerson and Brenno Da Silva seized victories in their respective matches on the second day of the cham p i o n s h i p . Shiloh Asregado commanded the court, keeping Reagan Rodrigues at bay and securing a convincing win at 15-13, 159. Meanwhile, the clash between Lee Fung-A-Fat and Jeremy Ten Pow went down to the wire,
cul m i n a t i n g i n a thrilling third-game f a c e - o ff t h a t ended 8-15, 15-13, 15-11 in Fung-AFat’s favour. The Elite category delivered its fair share of surprises as well. Avinash Oditt and Steven Xavier stole the spotlight with star performances, claiming early wins that set the tone for the competition. The match between Mary Fung-A-Fat and Alex Arjoon added an extra layer of excitement to the event, with Arjoon eventually securing victory at 16-14, 16-14 after a fiercely competitive battle. In other Elite clashes, Regan Pollard dominated Mohryan Basksh at 15-3, 18-8, while Young Louis
Da Silva showcased brilliance in his victory against Jonathan Antczak with a score of 15-12, 159. Peter De Groot, JasonR a y K h a l i l , Av i n a s h Oditt, and Kirsten Gomes also claimed welldeserved wins in their respective matches. Meanwhile, the youth category witnessed the rise of promising talents as Zion Hickerson and K a i d e n A l l i e m e rg e d victorious against Kristian Viapree and Zoey McDonald, respectively, in the rising star division. Sponsored proudly by Bounty Farm L i m i t e d , t h e tournament promises more action-packed s quas h matches in the days to come.
Guyana Harpy Eagles vs. Leeward... From page 22 113 off 221 balls with 10 fours while favoring the long boundary on 5 occasions. Jahmar Hamilton provided the stability down the order, stroking 77 with 11 fours and a maximum, shortly keeping Cornwall’s company as the pair carried the afternoon innings after resuming on 90-2 at lunch; prior to losing a few wickets in the middle. Middle-order batsmen, Terrance Warde (23), Keacy Carty (13) and Kofi James (12) batted around Louis and company but failed to convert. The centurion opener carried the team after pacer Alimohamed removed James and Warde, while the Eagles spinners got into action and landed some blows after left-arm spinner Anthony Adams (1-69) removed
Jewel Andrew for duck. Off-spinner Kevin Sinclair (1-66) then got rid of Carty but Hamilton and the centurion Louis steered the ship into the after session. After reaching his century, Louis looked to press on before Veerasammy Permaul (152) had him trapped lbw to give Guyana their biggest breakthrough of the day. Hamilton and Cornwall then joined forces before the Harpy Eagles requested a new ball during the last session of day 1. Fastbowler Neiland Cadogan (1-15), then had Hamilton caught as Cornwall saw the Hurricanes to stumps without further hiccups. Day 2’s action resumes today from 10:00h.
Kaieteur News
Thursday February 15, 2024
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Kascon Engineering continues to assist, donates cricket balls to Rose Hall Community Centre K a s c o n Engineering Services, a multipurpose engineering Company of No 2 Village East Canje Berbice, continues to show its benevolence in various spheres in and around the community. Kascon Engineering, which is owned by Engineer Rafeek Kassim, has donated a number of boxes of cricket ball to the Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket club of East Canje. Kassim, a former cricketer himself who still plays at the masters level, noted that the effort is all part of the Company’s mantra of giving back to the community from where it operates. He is pleased with the work ethics of the RHCC
and so decided to assist the club which has a number of young and upcoming outstanding players. Among them are West Indies U19 pacer and Guyana senior team selectee Isiah Thorne, Guyana U15 all-rounder and batting prodigy Adrian Hetymer, Female cricketers West Indies senior player Ashmini Munisar and West Indies Under19 and Guyana Senior player Realeanna Grimmond. T h e C o m p a n y recently assisted Hetymer with cricket gear and one year e d u c a t i o n a l sponsorship. The company has been giving back to the community in various ways. (Samuel Whyte)
CEO of Kascon Engineering Raffick Kassim hands over one of the box of ball to a representative of the RHCC, standing right is President of the BCB and RHCC Dr Beharry.
Can anything good come from Victory Valley…
For sure VV Royals men after 30 years ranks among tops in Guyana basketball The emergence of a group of basketball players from the small community of Victory Valley in the early 1990s, which could have been described as socially unattractive to dwell in, are now at the top of basketball in Guyana and this must be applauded. Today, from the early beginnings in 1993 when basketball coach Linden ‘Sancho’ Alphonso and his brother Dereck pioneered to make a difference in the lives of youths when they ‘rounded up’ youths from the area, and introduced them to basketball as a means of swaying them to a better future. In a release from the club it was mentioned that the Alphonso brothers, Linden Sancho, who was trained as a mechanic who graduated from the Linmine Technical Training Complex and Dereck who worked with the bauxite company’s Security Department, took the chance with a set of youths and “erected a makeshift backboard and rim on the flooring of a broken down house. And that was the beginning of it all. The interest it generated and some of the skills that it unearthed,
Victory Valley Royals won the Big 4 tournament last year.
suggested that we may have been on to something.” The Alphonso brothers, who are now living overseas, returned in December to Linden for the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Victory Valley Royals Basketball Club which currently sits at the top of the rankings among the senior basketball clubs in Guyana. Linden Sancho Alphonso has the distinction of being
the Head Coach of the Guyana Women’s team which in 1996 won the first and only female title for Guyana which was captained by Karen Abrams at the 1996 Caribbean Basketball Confederation’s ( C B C ) S e n i o r Championships. With the will to see the youngsters given the chance to excel, Dereck sponsored two annual Under15 tournaments
for boys which were played under the Linden Amateur Basketball Association where he served as Vice President, which were won by the Victory Valley Royals. Two Under17 tournaments were also played among the Linden clubs and Royals continued to show their prowess in these tournaments. From there it was no stopping the rise of the Royals as they first became Linden champions and last
year they won the Guyana Basketball Federation’s (GBF) Big 4 tournament. This tournament featured the top four clubs in Guyana and Royals were victorious, defeating Bounty Colts in the final which was played in honour of former president of the GBF Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira. At present three of the national players from Linden are from the Victory Valley Royals Basketball Club in
Yannick Tappin, Harold Adams and Orlan Glasgow. Adams and Glasgow were also members of the successful Guyana Men’s team led by Stanton Rose (Jr.) which won the first and only crown at the CBC Championships staged in Suriname and the Victory Valley Royals. After migrating to the United States in 1999, Sancho continued his support for the club along with his brother, and this foundation set by them was continued with others such as Christopher Pollydore, Kester Jeffrey and June Harris among others who remained steadfast to the youths in that community. According to the Alphonso’s those who stuck it out at the beginning were Alwyn Wilson, who became the first to don national colours at the junior and senior levels for Guyana, Stephen Couchman, Alfie Fraser, Damien McPherson, who later played division One basketball at Eastern Kentucky University, Troy and Kester Jeffery, Seon and Leon Harris, Mark Richards, Elbert Allen, Anson Durant, Orin Rose, Julius Gardener, (Continued on page 19)
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Thursday February 15, 2024
2024 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 2… Cricket West Indies congratulate Guyana Harpy Eagles vs. Shamar Joseph on being named ICC Player of the Month for January Leeward Hurricanes
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Miles Bascombe, Cricket West Indies (CWI) Director of Cricket, congratulated Shamar Joseph on taking the ICC award, stating “On behalf of Cricket West Indies I wish to con gratulate Shamar on this award, may it be the first of many in what is hopefully a long career in maroon.” West Indies fast bowler, Shamar Joseph was named the International Cricket Council (ICC) Player of the Month for January, after his heroics in the two-match drawn Test Series against Australia. In his first Test Match at the Adelaide Oval, Joseph scored 36 (41 balls) with the bat, including 3 fours and a six, in an innings where he took on the formidable Australian pace attack. He then took an impressive 5 wicket haul, including having Steve Smith caught at slip off his
Shamar Joseph leads Kevin Sinclair in celebration after West Indies win in Australia. (ICC.com)
first ever delivery in Test cricket, before claiming the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon. Building on his success in the first Test, Shamar came back in the second Test at the Gabba, Brisbane, still hungry for more. He took one wicket in the first innings and had to retire hurt at the end of Day 3 after being hit flush in the toe by a yorker from Mitchell Starc while batting. In serious
doubt of being able to take any further part in the match, Day 4 is when Shamar Joseph forever etched his name into the history books. After coming onto the field late, due to not having his uniform at the ground, he emerged from the tunnel and immediately started bowling. In an incredible spell of 11.5 overs, he took 7 wickets and led the West Indies to their first Test match win in Australia for 27 years, tying the Series in the process.
Leeward Hurricanes opener Mikyle Louis celebrates his maiden ton on day 1 verse the Harpy Eagles.
Louis ton, Hamilton halfcentury give Hurricanes edge heading into Day 2 A stunning maiden century from Leeward Hurricanes opener Mikyle Louis, gave his team a solid start after gaining the upper hand on the opening day of Round 2’s CWI Regional 4Day Championships battle versus the Guyana Harpy Eagles. Day 1 stumps at
Warner Park, St. Kitts, saw Leewards finishing a terrific opening day of batting on 299-6 after 91 overs with Rahkeem Cornwall on 39* set to resume today alongside with all-rounder Jeremiah Louis (3*). The Eagles bowlers had a rough day, especially during the opening session. Thereafter wickets came and fast-bowler Ronaldo
Alimohamed stood out with 2-49. Batting first turned out well for the Hurricanes as the young Louis played a typical opener innings which highlighted the entire opening day. The 23 year-old was lethal against the good deliveries while pouncing on anything loose on his way to (Continued on page 20)
Shamal Angel ready to take AJM Mash It Up cricket tournament by storm Senior Berbice allrounder Shamal Angel is ready to ignite the AJM Mash It Up T20 cricket tournament by storm on Saturday February 24 at Bush Lot Sports Complex G r o u n d , We s t C o a s t Berbice. This premier cricket tournament will have more than one million dollars in cash and prizes on offer, and Angel has set his sights in the right direction. Angel has been in redhot form with the bat, and the West Berbice local, who plays for Achievers, is fresh off good outings with the Guyana Defence Force team. The right-hander, who scored an unbeaten 129 against Cotton Tree Young Guns in the previous AJM second division t o u r n a m e n t i n We s t Berbice, is confident of recording good scores. “I am looking forward to doing good yet again, just continuing from the previous AJM tournament that I played last year.” “It was usual conditions, a bit more
competitive cricket from the teams but I managed to pull through and was successful nevertheless,” Angel said. When asked if his hot streak with the bat will continue, Angel said: “Yes, I have that confidence to continue my blind form in the upcoming AJM tournament, no big changes. I just want to continue doing what worked for me previously and do it with a bit more intent.” The AJM Mash It Up tournament will be a oneday event, and the matches will be fast paced, but Angel is up for the challenge. “I will try my best to adapt to the conditions of that day as fast as possible so that I can work to my game plan,” Angel explained. The top-order batsman had scores of 129*,68, 61* and 36* in the previous AJM second division tournament. Last weekend, Angel slammed 93 for the GDF side, and propelled his team to victory.
Four teams in the West Berbice area will be on show at the AJM Mash It Up T20 tournament on February 24: namely AJM defending T20 champions Cotton Tree Sports Club, D’ Edwards 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 w i t h C r o w n Vi b e s International providing sounds. This tournament promises a CPL atmosphere, according to the organisers. 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. This event is sponsored by AJM Enterprise and Jumbo Jet and powered by Banks DIH Limited.
Thursday February 15, 2024
Kaieteur News
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GCB Senior Women’s Super50 Inter-county... Berbice ease
to 7 wicket with over Demerara to clinch title
B
erbice flexed their muscles as their bevy of star bowlers ran roughshod over Demerara Tuesday to help seal a huge 7 wicket win and capture the GCB Senior Women’s Super50 Intercounty title. Played at Malteenoes under some overcast, weather, Demerara managed just 76 all out in 29 overs with Naomi Barkoye hitting a grueling 24. Nyia Latchman (16*) and Mandy Mangru (12) were the primary scorers for the ladies from the city, as no other player got out of the blocks. Berbice’s star-studded lot of bowlers thrived as Ashmini Munisar (3-16),
Sheneta Grimmond (2-14), Tricia Hardat (2-14) and Plaffiana Millington (2-7) made light work of their opponents. In reply, Berbice skipped to 77-3 in 15 overs thanks to West Indies star Shabika Gajnabi hitting 24 not out off 31 balls. Opener Realeanna Grimmond gave Berbice the ideal start with a run-a-ball 18 along with her partner Crystal Durant who chipped in with 11. Along with some 15 extras, Demerara bowlers struggled unlike their opponents, with a wicket apiece from Kycia Schultz, Litesha Jordan and Latchman, finishing with meager success.
Berbice ran roughshod over Demerara to chalk up a comfortable win.
Ancor Cement, MVP Sports throw support to East Coast Mash Cup - ahead of today’s semis
MVP Sports Selvin Apple handing over fourth place trophy to Sean London at the entities Giftland Mall location.
MVP Sports and Ancor Cement joined forces with the organisers of the East Coast Mash Cup on Tuesday by donating the third and fourth place trophies along with prize money for respective positions for the ongoing football competition. East Coast Football Committee has received a significant boost with sponsorship donations from these two separate entities. First on the roster is Ancor Cement, a renowned name in construction industry, known for its commitment to community development and social responsibility. Their generous sponsorship has not only injected vital financial support into the competition but also
reaffirms their dedication to fostering a culture of health, teamwork, and competition within the community. “We believe in the power of sports to inspire and unite communities,” said Lily Binda. “Supporting this football competition aligns with our values of promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging teamwork, discipline and perseverance. We are excited to donate the third place prize money including trophies and medals to recognise outstanding players for their contributions.” The second entity, MVP Sports, a dynamic player in sports wears and equipments, has also stepped up to the plate as a key sponsor of the fourth place
trophy. Their commitment to nurturing talent and contributing to the local sports ecosystem is evident through this partnership. “Our sponsorship is an investment in the dreams and aspirations of young athletes. We are proud to support yet another exciting competition and look forward to witnessing some exciting semi finals and final,” Selvin Apple of MVP Sports stated. The dual sponsorship has not only provided financial backing but also heightened the profile and visibility of football teams and talents on the East Coast, attracting increased attention from fans and players alike. Meanwhile, Sean London,
East Coast Mash Cup organisers expressed his gratitude, highlighting the pivotal role that corporate sponsors play in the success and sustainability of such events. “We are immensely grateful for the support from both Ancor Cement and MVP Sports. Their commitment goes beyond monetary contributions; it represents a shared vision for the development of ports and community engagement,” he stated. Semi finals are billed for today at the Golden Grove Community Centre, action will feature Buxton Stars, Buxton United hailing from the East Coast and Monedderlust and Cougars FC from Berbice.
Shamal Angel ready to take AJM Mash It Up cricket tournament by storm
Back Circle Football team advance to Georgetown vs. The Rest semis.
Georgetown prevails over The Rest As Back Circle, Lodge All Stars, Gold is Money and North East advance into semis
s t r o Sp Alex Arjoon flourishes on Day Two during his clash against Mary-A-Fat in Elite Handica
Lee Fung-A-Fat skillfully caresses a close corner shot against Jeremy Ten Pow.
2024 Bounty Farm Mash Handicap C/ship... Victories and
surprises highlight Day Two Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.