K
‘Israel’s apartheid NEWS must end,’ South Africa says at ICJ hearing AIETEUR
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Wednesday Edition February 21, 2024 - Vol. 19 No. 08
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 (VAT Inclusive) readership yesterday, 56,111
Oil Conference told: T&T Oil Minister
willing to help renegotiate ExxonMobil contract to
benefit all Guyanese Teachers selling snacks on protest Exxon praises Govt. for fast-tracking line to cushion Govt. pay cuts oil production
- Energy Conference hears
Pres. Ali to spend big on defence capabilities for Guyana
Public school teachers have resorted to selling snacks on the picket line as they maximised their earnings ahead of planned pay cuts by the Ifaan Ali-led administration
Man dies in early morning accident
Dead: Mashaun Tyrell
Striking teachers say making sacrifice Oil Minister for future generations ...as schools remain handicapped claims moving ExxonMobil pays no taxes, but boasts to renewables too expensive that Guyana benefitting from taxes ...as Govt. runs behind
generated by workers, other activities US$2B Wales gas plant
Wednesday February 21, 2024
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T&T Oil Minister willing to help renegotiate Exxon contract to benefit all Guyanese - oil conference told …‘We have renegotiated many deals and no investors left’ Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young is willing to help Guyana renegotiate the lopsided ExxonMobil contract to ensure all Guyanese benefit. The Minister was a key speaker on the second day of the Guyana’s Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, being hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, under the theme ‘Fuelling Transformation and Modernization’. The conference hall was in silence as Young’s remarks took a steep turn to address the subject that has now become a taboo for government officials. The Minister told the conference, “We in Trinidad and Tobago have spent the last seven years, after dealing with decades of contracts, renegotiating almost all of our contracts in the gas industry.” He also pointed out that the twin island in December last year achieved another significant milestone by becoming the first country in the world to restructure its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities, following five years of
discussions across the table with BP and Shell. To this end, Young said, “It can be done, so our ability to sit down right across the aisle and to share with those who are now entering into the negotiations of their PSCs (Production Sharing Contracts), their E&P (Exploration and Production) Licenses etcetera should not be underestimated because we have done the same thing in our gas supply contracts for the upstream.” The Minister added, “Very often I hear those who have no access to the information whatsoever talking about the energy sector and what should be done, similar to what Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was speaking about this morning. But the point is, we in Trinidad and Tobago have spent the last seven years of our term successfully negotiating, and I can say here without fear of contradiction, every contract that we negotiated augurs better in direct revenue for the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the multinational oil and gas companies have not got up and run
Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young sharing remarks at the Guyana Energy Conference off.” Young reasoned that those companies are continuing to invest since “respect and fairness” are key pillars in business. “They continue to invest because it is all about respect and fairness of relationships and I offer that here to Guyana and to Suriname in a collaborative approach because you see I am convinced that [we can] work
together to change the dynamics...” he said. The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has been persistent in renegotiating its oil and gas deals to benefit the country as conditions evolve. For his part, Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley believes that no contract is set in stone. “There is a willingness not to treat contracts as cast in stone (so) that while
contracts bind us to terms and conditions, if the conditions have changed so dramatically and so detrimentally, then the reopening and renegotiation of contracts is a reasonable demand of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and we anticipate that our partners in this business will see our claim as a fair and just one and we anticipate that there will be some reopening of Continued on page 24
Wednesday February 21, 2024
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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
Leaders then, leaders now It is a marvel, a local political leadership wonder, the tongue twisting that comes up when serious issues have to be faced. They are all for it when out of office, when government leaders are lashed with verbal chains. But when the same leaders, once so vigorous in opposition, take the reins of office, they become dark and dangerous night, when compared to the light and right that they pretended to stand for before. Guyanese have politicians that are either the worst of hypocrites, or ones that are serial purveyors of falsehoods. We think that most of them know what they are doing, what they really are about, but about which they don't care. If making a blustery speech before the highest, biggest audience gives the loudest cheer, then that is what will have to be, and was. The past, when the PPPC was in opposition, was about energy and driving intensity. The present when the PPPC is the government, is about what is flaccid, reveals the shallowness of what went before. Fiery speeches were made by different opposition PPPC members in parliament, and on other occasions. The issue was about pay and other benefits for public servants, which includes teachers now prompted by circumstances to strike. There was none louder, none more ferocious, than top PPPC opposition presences. The video clips are there as evidence, the rhetorical flameouts sharp and scorching, with every word freighted with meaning, with significance for public servants, including teachers. Compare that to where teachers and public servants are today, when the same PPPC is in government, with all the power in its hands, and with the same energetic political figures now backtracking and slithering (like cunning serpents) around their own words that were articulated just a few short years ago. It is possible that the passage of a handful of years has accelerated their decline into amnesia, and the paranoia that is such second nature to PPPC leadership. The working class, once so treasured by the champions of the PPPC, is now the oppressed and denounced class. Oppression, not from the fertile minds and powerful hands of imperialists and colonialists, but from the PPPC itself out to outdo the old masters. They once battled Guyanese workers for every ounce of gain, even inflicted much pain on them for their courageous efforts to get more, and do better. Today, collective bargaining is tantamount to two curse words, for the resistance that it encounters under this government, this leadership now so characterized by deviousness and denial. It is the kind of leadership deviousness that propels to saying what suits circumstances, and that's all there is to it. This is the new art of professional practitioners well-versed in the con game. Give the people what they want to hear, but give them nothing else. Recall again the PPPC when it was in opposition, and its leadership postures with the nation's rich oil patrimony. There was none better at condemning the 2016 oil contract executed by the APNU+AFC Coalition government than the PPPC opposition. The ExxonMobil contract was a felony, the contract was the worst of calumnies. It must be torn apart, and rebuilt from scratch. As in the example of teachers, what emerged from the then opposition leadership relative to the ExxonMobil contract was nothing but a farce, a political ploy, to get back into office. Simply scan where the same political leadership in the PPPC, now the sitting government, is today with that same oil contract. The word renegotiation is an abomination to them. Those Guyanese daring to call for renegotiation are
Wednesday February 21, 2024
Union recognition and check-off are mandatory in all countries, except maybe in communist countries and other dictatorships Dear Editor, I write to comment on the concept 'check off', a labour term, about which a few letters appeared in the media as related to the cancellation of collection of union dues by Ministry of Education for GTU which has called a strike. I do not follow the reasons for the teachers' strike and what they seek from the Ministry. Thus, I cannot offer fair commentary on the issue. I do know that both students and (and parents) as well as the teachers themselves are hurting. Thus, both the Ministry and representatives of the teachers need to get together and find common ground to end the strike. I taught economics for over decades and I was also a trade unionist. I was an executive of my local chapter of educators for twenty five years, nine of which as leader and the others as delegate or de facto deputy. Thus, I am familiar with labor rights and organizations and the law in regards to the USA. Some of the rights are universal. Labour Economics is part of the curriculum of the course I taught. The concept of 'check off' is part of labour economics. Union recognition and check off are mandatory in all countries,
except maybe in communist countries and other dictatorships. Union recognition is when workers vote to form a union at a job. Check-off is when an employer collects union dues from workers and remit same to the union. That is the law in the USA and in Guyana as well as other democratic countries. Guyanese socialists or communists tend to degrade the American labor system as exploitative and anti-labor. But USA is more proworking class than socialist or communist and left wing countries. In America, workers enjoy greater rights than in socialist countries including Guyana. In USA, labour laws empower workers whose rights are enforced by what Guyanese communists call the oppressive bourgeois government and the bourgeois court. Socialist countries violate workers' rights; workers are victimized for pursuing higher wages or fringe benefits. Free trade unionism don't exist. In capitalist countries, workers have a right to form unions which have check off rights; trade unionism exists. The employers in capitalist America must collect union dues. Employers meet with
union representatives of unions to negotiate wages. The employers cannot meet with workers directly to negotiate wages. The court will intervene and the employers could be fined. In many countries, authoritarian leaders are known to do as they please with workers and even negotiate directly with workers, which is unheard of in bourgeois countries. In USA, workers have rights and courts as well as government tend to side with them. Since there are more workers than employers, politicians in America tend to side with workers to win their votes and by extension seats. The government of Guyana stated it will no longer enforce the check off system for the teachers' union. When workers violate a contract, the contract ends including in USA. Employers can refuse to enforce the check off system and even fire the employees who go in strike as happened in USA to teachers and aviation employees or traffic controllers in 1981. Burnham was known to fire teachers as well as withheld their salaries when they struck. It happened to teachers in the 1977 strike on the Corentyne. In NY, teachers were fined two days
pay for every day on strike and or fired. Members lost pension rights. The union was also fined. The President of the union was jailed. The union lost check off. At the end of the strike, all penalties were reversed. Check off was restored. Teachers who lost salary were given extra work to recover wages. Fines were waived. Clearly, workers are better off in USA than in Guyana. The GTU losing check off is normal for any union on strike. But once the strike is over, it should be restored. That is usually a condition for ending a strike. Penalties are rescinded as happened in the 1977 strike. Efforts must be made to end the strike. Separately, I was asked about the fate of the three teachers who were penalized in December 1976, an action that triggered the Corentyne strike. All three were offered lucrative positions but rejected them. The trio left the job and pursued tertiary education in America. Chaitram Singh earned PhD in International Relations. Jagnandan earned PhD in Chemistry. Indira Poonwassie also obtained degrees in Texas. As for student leaders, several pursued degrees in North America. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
The Guyana GAS Master Plan must be embraced Dear Editor Qatar is just a small dusty, flat piece of land that is scarcely arable and with very little rainfall and no rivers to use for irrigation. When Guyana gained independence in 1966, the prospect then, for living in Qatar was bleak with limited fishing and pearl diving. In 1966, while its GDP per capita was double Guyana's; in 2023 it was almost 19 times more. This story tells the power of GAS. If Qatar was to only rely
on oil, it would have never been as rich as it is today and that story has much relevance to Guyana. Therefore when one listened to His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali's statement at the Guyana Energy Conference, they would hear him revealing aspects of the Guyana Gas Plan, which to my mind was nothing but refreshing and reinvigorating. In this letter therefore, my task will be to focus on Qatar and the idea of how
transformed into lowlifes, enemies, and criminals. Their crime is wanting better, and calling on the government leadership to make good on their words delivered when they were in opposition. Instead of doing what is right and fair for Guyanese, the PPPC leadership is committed body and soul to jump and deliver on every wish and command of ExxonMobil. Their words give them away, their timid body language makes Guyanese wonder what happened to the warriors against the oil contract when they were in opposition. On the bigger things in Guyanese life (workers' rights, patrimony rights), the PPPC leadership is puny, sickly, but still tricky.
they used GAS to unleash their potential and the relevance that story has on Guyana's future. But most importantly to ask all Guyanese who are having doubts about where we are, to suspend those doubts and deeply apply their minds to this National Gas Strategy to be able to better understand how and why GAS matters to Guyana more than oil. In 1971, Qatar found the geographic discovery of the century and it was not oil, it was GAS. SHELL found an off-shore gas field in the middle of the Persian Gulf. At that time, SHELL could not economically harvest these gas reserves and so it abandoned the Project. Enters ExxonMobil and a Qatari leader in 1995, named Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-thani. By 2010, this team transformed Qatar into the richest nation per capita in the world. It took Qatar 15 years with the support of
ExxonMobil and western money to build up the largest and most competitive Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) business in the world. It was all about the scale. This conglomerate constructed the largest artificial deep-water harbor in the world. They also commissioned some of the largest LNG container ships to feed the J ap an es e, K o r ean an d Singaporean markets and generated more than a trillion US dollars in revenues from Asia alone in the last decade. In other words, there is real money in GAS and Guyana still has a great opportunity in its GAS Sector. At business school and in the executive offices, the reality has always manifested itself in the concept of “he who takes the risk, exhibits the entrepreneurial spirit, assembles the finance and takes the responsibility for getting the job done”, is (Continued on page 6)
Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 21, 2024
Guyana Needs 'Ethnic Impact' Statements Dear Editor I was attracted to an article written by Professor Randy Persaud on Mr. Nigel Hughes' call for a “Truth and Reconciliation of the atrocities that had been committed over the decades.” Mr. Hughes has been a strong advocate for AfroGuyanese' in terms of equality and fairness within the past three years. During the PNCR-led coalition government (2015-2020) his political advocacy in this regard was not visible. Perhaps he needed some time to recover from his mathematical perversion that 34 is a majority of 65 in the Guyana Parliament! Mr. Hughes' position regarding his advocacy for “Truth and Reconciliation” seems to be a variant of the PNC's “Declaration of Sophia.” It represents a search by opposition elements to include among other things, the creation of a vision and a plan for Guyana's
development in which their group wants to be integral. They hope that re-imagining of PNCR's approach to politics would serve as a counter to President Ali's “One Guyana,” evolving philosophy. Prof Randy Persaud, in his critique of Mr. Hughes' position, asks why the Report of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into Dr Walter Rodney's assassination was treated with disdain by the PNCR led coalition. He also wants to know why Mr. Hughes and others would want more commissions of inquiry when their outcomes are more beneficial for academic interests. Citing other examples of political assassinations, Prof Randy says that the attempts by PNCR operatives to link issues of Afro-Guyanese with those of American Blacks is a false equivalence. What strikes me the most, however, is why Prof Randy left out the glaring
bastardization of the Presidency when Mr. LFS Burnham was placed on the CIA payroll between 1969 and 1971 and was in receipt of $(US) 5000 per month for two consecutive years. Three years later (1974) President Burnham announced party paramountcy where the PNC party was the supreme authority of the land to which all government agencies, including the Judiciary, were subservient. T h a t w a s a n unprecedented seizure of power that also crushed the sovereignty of the people. If there is a matter that requires “Truth and Reconciliation,” it would be this incalculable abuse by the Presidency that must rank at the apex, followed by election rigging which is the mother of all corruption. But where would these take us? When I wrote two days ago that the PNCR party might move away from election rigging and develop (Continued on page 6)
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This terrible oil spill is a wakeup call for Guyanese Dear Editor, Now that more and more information is being revealed about the massive oil spill wreaking havoc and polluting not only the marine environment of Tobago but spreading towards the maritime boundaries of Grenada and Venezuela; here are some questions. Can Guyana's Energy Authority whose duties and responsibilities include administering and monitoring petroleum imports, maintenance of energy statistics, marking and testing of gasoline, diesel and kerosene imported and issuing of licences to importers, wholesalers, retailers and transporters of petroleum and petroleum products, inform the Guyanese public, Tobago and Trinidad residents, fishermen and the public on maritime attorney Nyree Alfonso's information, SN Feb 20, 2024 that the name of the barge which capsized and
is leaking oil in Trinidad & Tobago waters is 'Coolie Boy' allegedly owned by a G u y a n e s e e n t i t y, t h i s shipment of oil was bound for Guyana and the consignee (the recipient of the goods being shipped or transported) is also Guyanese. Reports have also circulated that this barge full of oil was allegedly for GPL's recently acquired used generators. It is a sad and shocking reality that while the well heeled, rich and powerful leaders and captains of the global and local oil & gas industry are enjoying all the perks o f t h e G u y a n a En ergy Co n f eren ce and S u p p ly Chain Expo, a massive oil spill is t a k i n g p l a c e j u s t o ff Guyana Exclusive E c o n o m i c Z o n e polluting the waters an d beach es o f To b ago without adequate and e m e r g e n c y mobilization of all neces s ary res o urces to
s top more and more o il leak in g , r amp up clean-up efforts and take all measures to protect the health & wellbeing of citizens, the fishing and tourism industry from this environmental disaster. We also see, in the fastest growing economy worldwide, our teachers who continue to be the worst paid in the entire Caribbean in the midst of Guyana's oil bonanza. We do not need a five-star hotel for the rich and powerful we need a healthy environment and a living wage for our teachers now and the upholding of our constitutional right to collective bargaining so teachers can also go back to teaching our children. This terrible oil spill is a wakeup call for Guyanese and Caricom citizens to ensure and demand for full liability insurance from Exxon Mobil Guyana Inc. Yours sincerely, Danuta Radzik
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Cornelia Ida Residents uncomfortable with new road built Dear Editor, Please help me by publishing a dilemma we the residents of Cornelia Ida, Sea-View, West Coast Demerara have found ourselves in. A Road contractor came in our area and started making our road. Previously, we had a 12 feet wide chip seal road and 7 feet parapets on both sides. Our parapets were the same height with our bridges and the road was about
a mere 2 inches higher. Editor, we lived comfortably with that and 2 vehicles could pass each other. We also could have temporarily parked on the parapets during the day. The new road that was built is only 10 feet wide and is now 16 inches higher than the parapet and bridges. This has created a slope that is too slant and can topple our vehicles. If one vehicle is on the road now, no other can pass.
I tried getting on to the engineer at Den Amstel WCD office to lodge a complaint but no success. I tried calling the Ministry of Infrastructure but got the royal calling around. This new road has made our lives a daily struggle to get in and out. We are asking the Minister of Infrastructure to do something for us so our lives could return to normal. Yours Sincerely C. Woolford
Guyana Needs 'Ethnic Impact' Statements From page 5 a different strategy to win political power, there erupted a political explosion ignited by the controversial PNCR member Mr. Hamilton Green (Elder) who stated: “if they say he (Mr. Burnham) rigged elections, I say we should keep rigging, so to save us from these devils, these bastards, these demons.” Mr. Hughes and Mr. Vincent Alexander were in attendance. Have they distanced themselves from this level of recklessness and bigotry? The position of the PNCR in reimagining their structure and ideals becomes murkier when a prominent Trade Unionist had asked President Granger to cancel the 2020 elections. These public outbursts are a blatant affront to democracy. They also suggest turmoil within the opposition which seeks to plunder democratic norms in their quest for state power. Why do we need a “Truth and Reconciliation” investigation to explain obvious and clear outlandish utterances? It was under Mr. David Granger's regime that a similar Truth and Reconciliation proposal was advanced, but Mr. David Granger being also an astute historian, knew that it would not
be to the advantage of the governing APNU+AFC party, so he determined instead to conduct a down-graded onemember COI only into the Lindo Creek murders. Enough evidence is available to suggest that the best way to resolve problems of discrimination (ethnic, gender, region) is not necessarily through inquiries which have historically had very little impact on outcomes, but by engaging the people in every neighborhood and using that experience in conjunction with existing data to empower people through housing, health, education and jobs. Let the data speak to the PPPC's government's progress in empowerment! The PPPC government has awarded: (1) 30,355 house lots as of 2023 and built 1,240 houses and is in the process of building another 1,467 houses for low, moderate income, and young professionals; (2) over 21,000 GOAL scholarships; (3) created over 13,000 permanent part-time jobs; (4) have trained (or in training) 99% of teachers; constructed 3 Secondary Schools, namely, Hope, Westminster, and Prospect and has under construction 9 Secondary Schools with another 13 to begin construction in 2024 as well as 6 Primary Schools; (5) established a Pediatric and Maternity
Hospital at Ogle, building a new Hospital at New Amsterdam, and is in process of building 6 new state-of-the art regional hospitals plus upgrading Bartica, Suddie, West Demerara and Lethem Hospitals. These are powerful empowerment tools/methods that synchronize with President' Ali's evolving philosophy of “One Guyana” that addresses problems of discrimination, equal access to opportunity, balanced regional development, fair play, and justice. However, some caveats are vital: (1) equal access does not necessarily lead to equal outcome; (2) no country, including Guyana, could completely eliminate inequality or poverty: (3) incentives for risk taking must not be stultified; and (4) Guyana must avoid a “hand out” economy that would disincentivize people to work. What might be more beneficial in terms of fairness, equality, and justice, is to consider the launch of a project on GER (Gender, Ethnic, and Regional) Impact Statements as these would produce empirical evidence of any significant imbalances in these categories. Corrective measures could then be considered for implementation. Yours Truly Dr Tara Singh
Wednesday February 21, 2024
The Guyana GAS Master... From page 4 entitled to the bounties of the investment. So, who is taking the risks? Who is assembling the finance? Who is taking the responsibility for getting the job done? Therefore, the fact that ExxonMobil has found so much gas in its oil exploration efforts gives Guyana a golden opportunity to lead from the front on this local GAS Sector. While we have benefited from US$1.6 Billion in new cash injections from the oil in 2023, as a nation, we stand to gain much more if we focus on this National Gas Strategy as presented by his Excellency on February 19, 2024 at the Energy Conference. The oil is a means to an end and the real end game is f o o d s e c u r i t y, e n e r g y security, and climate security with a menu of home-grown businesses that will foster human development in a sustainable manner for the next 100 years as we as a people unleash our true potential. While I would want to focus on the gas, I want to close my submission on the oil by stating that the risk takers are contractually entitled to be rewarded fairly for the risks they have taken or else every single international firm will treat Guyana as a contract breaker and a possible pariah state with a banana republic mentality. The core principle of contract law remains “pacta sunt servanda” which translates to “once both
parties have agreed to and signed a valid contract, they are legally bound to fulfill their obligations under the terms”. Former President of Guyana Dr. Bharat Jagdeo and now Vice President of Guyana clearly understood the scope and depth of this oil investment when he stated many years ago in 2020 that “if we take all of the deposits of every single Guyanese and the Government in the banking system and put them all together, it still would not have been enough to finance the Liza-1 Project”. Those who are thinking must ponder and understand the gravity of that statement. That is why the statement at the Energy Conference from H i s E x c e l l e n c y D r. Mohamed Irfaan Ali is so relevant today under the t h e m e “ F u e l i n g Transformation and Modernization”. The Guyana GAS Master Plan must be embraced, exploited in a Guyanese led framework and monetized in our p e o p l e ' s f a v o u r. On February 19, 2024, His Excellency also reminded the n a t i o n o f t h e transformational project that links Northern Brazil to New Amsterdam with a deepwater port. This is where the money has to be spent. My humble suggestion to all is to support His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and this grand idea of implementing the National Gas Strategy as soon as possible. Regards Sasenarine Singh
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . The working class is now . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . the oppressed class T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B BBLU T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U L N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Wednesday February 21, 2024
Kaieteur News
The working class, once so treasured by the People's Progressive Party (PPP) is now the oppressed and denounced class. Oppression, not from the fertile minds and powerful hands of imperialists and colonialists, but from the PPP itself out to outdo the old masters.
They once battled Guyanese workers for every ounce of gain, even inflicted much pain on them for their courageous efforts to get more, and do better.
Today, collective bargaining is tantamount to two curse words, for the resistance that it encounters under this government, this leadership now so characterized by deviousness and denial.
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Wednesday February 21, 2024
Exxon praises Govt. for fast-tracking oil production Guyana’s oil and gas story is known globally, not only for the massive resources discovered in the Stabroek Block since 2015, but the country’s push to monetize the resources at a record-breaking pace. The operator of the prolific block, ExxonMobil on Monday told participants of the Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, being held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown that the government’s agility has enabled the company to act in this manner.
He was referring to swift project approvals by the Guyana government even as stakeholders remain concerned about the pace of oil production in the absence of an unlimited guarantee from the operator to protect the nation from the economic risks posed by a spill. The government has made it clear that there will be no slowing down of the oil industry while the country struggles to finalize audits of close to US$10B in expenses incurred by Exxon and meet the demands of the rapidly expanding sector.
- Energy Conference hears President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company, Liam Mallon while sharing remarks on day one of the Energy Conference lauded Guyana for demonstrating what the company believes is the right leadership. Mallon went on to reference a Guyanese proverb he believes captures the company’s position. “There is a Guyanese proverb many of you will know ‘don’t fly past your
nest’. This encapsulates our approach. The proverb cautions against going too quickly, too recklessly and reminds us to remember, our limits, act prudently, safely,” he said while adding, “We genuinely take this to heart, the pace I talked about, with which we have brought these developments online speaks to our capabilities, but it’s also a testament to the government’s commitment Continued on page 22
President, ExxonMobil Upstream Company, Liam Mallon
Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 21, 2024
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The same old echoes We have heard it all before. We are hearing it again. The plans did not go anywhere in the past. They are not going to go anywhere at present or in the future. We heard before about the plans for a deep-water harbour that will allow Guyana to be a major transshipment point for goods to Brazil. As late as 2010, Bharrat Jagdeo was speaking about a deep-water harbour in Berbice, with a road from Brazil being connected to the harbor. Ten years after, we heard that CGX was supposed to be building a deep-water port. But then last August, it was said that what is being built cannot be classified as either a deep-water harbor or port. We were also told last year that that India and Dubai were under consideration for the construction of such a project. But as everything else, the details remained elusive. But it was also emphasized that a link to Brazil was key to the viability
of such a project. Last September 2023, it was reported that President Ali had said that the country will have only one deep water port, if found feasible, with the intention of being a container hub which supports the region and parts of South America. The Stabroek News reported him as saying “The deep-water port that we are planning for Guyana is one that looks at where Guyana will be positioning itself in a world 2030 and beyond; how it will integrate the regional demand with that port. So, it will not just be looking at servicing the oil and gas sector. That is just a small component.” But in this same report, the President was quoted as indicating the construction of the deep-water port would have to be a private sector venture. The government would however support it. At this week's Guyana Energy Conference, we learnt that a deep-water harbour is on the cards again
for Berbice. But, as usual not many details were provided. We will have to wait and see whether the talk is just gaffe. Guyanese have become so tired of hearing about the deep-water harbor that they may not take anything seriously. The advantages which the construction of the harbor and the road to Brazil would have originally offered no longer exist. You need a road to Brail to make the port viable and Brazil is not going to build the road for Guyana, not with Guyana being an oil producing state. We are now learning that Guyana will sell corn and soya to Brazil using the road. Guyana has long outsourced its corn and soya production to the Brazilians. They do not need a road for that. But we are also hearing now that liquefied natural gas may be on the cards to be transported on the road. When the idea of the road was being built and also when the idea of the bridge over the Corentyne River was birthed, oil production
DEM BOYS SEH
De law complex and complicated Law is a funny thing. Is nat fuh ordinary people like you and me fuh understand. It complex and complicated. Dem boys remember de time a divorced couple is in court fighting a bitter custody battle over their child. The judge asks the woman: "Why do you feel you deserve custody?" The woman says: "I brought that child into this world. My child literally came out of me! That is why I deserve custody." The judge nods his head, and says "That is a simple and logical reason. It m a k e s s e n s e . " Then the judge turns his head to the man and asks: "She said her side of things. Why do you feel you deserve custody?" The man sits in his chair and slowly drinks from a can of coke then he holds up the empty can in his hand and says, "Was this my coke or my ex-wife's coke?" Confused the judge says "I believe that
was your coke". The wife is also confused and the judge looks over at her and asks "Was that your coke?" The ex-wife says, "No, it was his coke." The man looks at the judge and says, "Good we all agree. So when I put money in a coke machine and a coke pops out, whose coke is it: mine or the machine?" Dat is how complicated and complex de law is. Imagine a court order dat dem company lodge a US$2B bond fuh protect we in the event of an oil spill, until the full hearing of a case. But de court now claim dat it nah gat jurisdiction fuh summon de EPA fuh show dat de bond was lodged. Dem boys find dat strange. If you order something how come you nah gat de jurisdiction to see whether de order was complied with? But dem boys gat to defer to dem higher authorities. Because dem legal arguments does be too tough fuh dem boys understand. Talk half. Leff half
had not commenced. But it is nice that we are finding uses for the plans for the road to Lethem and for the bridge over the Corentyne River. But where are the feasibility studies for these projects? Probably stashed away in someone's head! We have long heard also about building a gold refinery. But on in April 2018, when the APNU+AFC spoke about building such a refinery, the Guyana Times newspaper reported then Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo as saying that there is no need for a gold refinery. At this week's Energy Conference, we are told that there is interest in establishing a gold refinery in Guyana. President Ali is
reported to have said, ““With the cost of energy coming down, and with Guyana being a golden country in many ways…With our gold reserve, it makes the gold refinery viable. We are already seeing tremendous interest in establishing a gold refinery here in Guyana.” We are also told that an aluminum plant may be on the cards. In 2006, we read about plans for the Bosai Minerals Group Company Ltd to invest US$1 billion in an alumina refinery and aluminum smelter. Nothing materialized President Ali, however, now sees a real possibility of an aluminum plant if the cost of power is reduced. But the issue is not so much the cost
of power as it is about the amount of power required for a smelter. In 2020, the APNU+AFC had hinted that if natural gas was brought to shore, then there was a possibility of an aluminum smelter. Guyanese must not hold their breaths while waiting for this project. Doing so can be fatal. (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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UTH
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
LALL
Wednesday Monday February May 02, 21, 2022 2024
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
Who in Guyana has any say on Guyana? The learned Guyanese jurist ruled that the court cannot direct Guyana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to produce a piece of paper confirming the existence of some risk coverage. If a senior court in Guyana has no such power, then who has? Is it Emperor Ali? He promoted himself since president is now a shade on the paltry side. Good going, sir! But I am still wrestling as to whom and what institution in Guyana has any jurisdiction of matters pertaining to oil. This oil now seems to have a life of its own, running along at its own pace, and in whatever scurrilous space that is decided by the governing power in Guyana. It is not Emperor Ali. Nor His Supreme Majesty Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. Take a fortifying breath and absorb what those two glorious Guyanese leaders have to say about this oil, and it is always about what pleases the resident Viceroy, Alistair Routledge, and his controller, Grandmaster Darren Woods
in Spring, Texas. No matter how nuanced the language, how clever the construction, what comes out of Ali and Barry is that Exxon's feathers must not be ruffled. If our judiciary is this limited over the production of an insurance/guarantee document, then its reach has been amputated. In a touch of Alexander Solzhenitsyn, the judiciary may have incarcerated a lobe in its mind. When a member of the judiciary could develop this curious loyalty to the law, then the issue before me is not about how this country is being run, but who is running it. Guyana's parliament removed itself from the decision-making equation. Guyana's most sensitively positioned institution (the EPA) has come up with, and follows, its own formula of regulatory oversight. Gently presented, it is what favors Exxon. Exclusively. Every time. Every circumstance that has contradiction, brings clashing, brings down Guyanese. Smile, Alistair, smile.
What follows is up heaving, but has to be said. I think that we are better off without this oil. Forget about caviar and champagne. Bake and salt fish are fine with me. If the government, with the backing of the judiciary, moves to take away the flour and the fish, all is still well with my soul. For, if and when this country's judiciary proclaims itself to be so unresourceful, to be without the requisite perspicacity and sagacity, to extract a letter of the alphabet from any word, and make it work advantageously for this country, then this is not a country anymore. This is a classroom for Exxon to teach Guyanese their new way of life. Subjugation. This is a swank barroom where the people at the bar guzzle, and the people with brooms in their hands sweep. The former is white with their fine brown and black friends; the sweepers are that lower species of animal life, Guyanese natives delighted to mix drinks, fetch
firewood, and fall over themselves in abject prostration. The question still stands: who is running this country? Whose word counts? Whose unmatched power is now all too obvious? The parliamentary is useless. The judiciary is helpless. The environmental agency is toothless. And the presidency is formless, powerless, and visionless. Did I say that the opposition is clueless? Civil society, for the most part, is voiceless. The legal fraternity is shameless. The private sector is meaningless. The professional class is thoughtless. What in God's name, or what the hell, do we have here for a country, and who is leading it, deciding for it? By the process of elimination, I am staring at a blank slate, a wilderness state of utter grimness. What the hell am I doing here? Again, why do I even care, other than to inspire Vice President Jagdeo into long bursts of the profane, his now characteristic monstrousness. He may be the mother of most things that are wrong in this country, but he is still a brother. I regard the guy as well as I would a cobra. A hissing, spitting one. He can be such a power
locally, but such a figure of fright, such a shell in a suit, before the oilmen and their diplomatic confederates. Having dealt frontally with that, the opposition in Guyana, cannot be those few citizens who see what is going wrong, who are alarmed, and who actually say something in public about their fears and concerns. Those disagreeing and objecting in Guyana cannot be a dwindling handful of letter writers, and about some of whom there are doubts. About where their hearts really are, as if they are waiting for a call. Or a few honest lawyers and activists. Or a few patriots, to whom the honor can be ascribed. They are too few, too miniscule and minor; too much of a minority. But if their might is in moving and trying, regardless of the failing and falling, then there is the rarest of honor in such. Perhaps, that explains my presence. But the nucleus needs more muscle to fight Exxon. Still the fight must go on, if only to call the attention of the world to the homemade tragedy that is Guyana. Every piece, every plank, every pillar in Guyana has
succumbed to the Exxon juggernaut. The PNC was first, the PPP is an even better appeaser. There has since followed a galaxy of Guyanese groovers and grovelers (as identified above) all prostrating themselves before the hard hand of the foreign subjugator. Most Guyanese are not men. Making most of them into mice insult mice. Exxon has its undeclared war against the Guyanese people, against Guyanese interests, and it has all these Guyanese from top to bottom falling like dominoes. Since Guyanese have surrendered the will to be masters of the national destiny, Exxon ensured that it is here to dictate the way forward. Communism has its total controls. Capitalism has its capital crimes. It is the disastrous fate of Guyanese to live with both at the same time. This oil curses. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Wednesday February 21, 2024
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Wednesday February 21, 2024
ExxonMobil pays no taxes, but boasts that Guyana benefitting from taxes generated by workers, other activities By Renay Sambach While ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) and its partners in the Stabroek Block pay no taxes to Guyana, the company’s President Alistair Routledge yesterday boasted about Guyana benefitting from taxes generated from the oil activities happening in the country. Routledge was at the time addressing participants at the 2024 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, which is being held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown. He highlighted the significant
contributions made by Exxon’s oil activities to Guyana’s economy, citing statistics indicating over 6,200 Guyanese employed in the oil and gas sector, with more than 1,500 local businesses benefiting from related opportunities. Additionally, he noted that ExxonMobil had invested over $1.5 billion USD in local businesses, while contributions to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) exceeded $3.6 billion USD. To this end, EMGL President underscored the Government of Guyana’s prudent utilization of oil revenues and tax revenues to
bolster infrastructure development, e n h a n c i n g t h e c o u n t r y ’s competitiveness and economic growth prospects. In fact, he said, “The government is using…the tax revenues that this enhanced activity in (the) economy is generating to continue, to prudently increase investment in the country, in the infrastructure and that too, will feed into ultimately the competitiveness of this economy for the future.” The heavily critised Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with ExxonMobil and partners has placed Guyana in a position where it is waiving billions
in taxes annually. Since production activities commenced in Guyana in December 2019 on Guyana’s first Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel- Liza Destiny- the country began losing massive tax revenues. Article 15.1 of the PSA stipulates that the Contractor (ExxonMobil Guyana Limited) as well as its affiliates shall not be subjected to tax, value-added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge or impost in respect of income derived from petroleum operations, property held or transactions except Continued on page 24
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) President, Alistair Routledge
Wednesday February 21, 2024
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Wednesday February 21, 2024
Pres. Ali to spend big on defence capabilities for Guyana
President Irfaan Ali
President Irfaan Ali during an interview with Bloomberg Newsroom underscored that the Government of Guyana (GoG) is investing in the country’s defence capabilities, in light of the decades-old border controversy with neighboring Venezuela. During the interview that was aired on the president’s Facebook page Ali declared a significant boost in the country’s defence capabilities, and outlined the government’s strategic plans to fortify its military apparatus and collaborate closely with regional and international allies. The head-of-state addressed
a question regarding the military disparity between Venezuela and Guyana. To this, President Ali highlighted the multifaceted approach, encompassing investments in modernizing the military, leveraging advanced technology, enhancing human capacity, and strengthening infrastructure. “So we’re doing a few things…but more importantly, we’re working closely with our allies. We’re working closely with the US with France and the UK. We have many training exercises that we’re conducting together; we are working with a regional security system. So it is
not only what exists within the country. It is also our work that we’re doing with international community now in partnership with our allies and friends,” Ali said. Notably, this year, the government has doubled the financial allocation to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), with an allocation of $42.2 billion, representing an increase of more than $20 billion. Recently, the president stated that the government is investing heavily into the Army to not only patrol the border but to also everything that happens in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
President Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to safeguarding territorial integrity and regional stability, stressing the seriousness with which his administration views any threat to national borders. He highlighted diplomatic engagement with Venezuela through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) channels to prevent escalation. In December, Guyana and Venezuela signed the Argyle ‘Peace’ Declaration. “We are working with Venezuela now and through CARICOM, to ensure that this does not escalate because our Continued on page 24
Wednesday February 21, 2024
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Two fires leave eight homeless Eight persons are homeless after two fires destroyed their homes at Agatash Squatting Area, Bartica, and Montrose, East Coast Demerara (ECD) over the weekend. The fire at Montrose, ECD occurred on Saturday and left four persons homeless. The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) reported that it received a call around 21:08h about a fire at Lot 239 Montrose, ECD. A crew along with water tenders 105, 85 and with a Water Carrier (WC) 14 from the Campbellville and Eccles Fire Stations, and the Fire Service Headquarters. Upon arrival at 21:55hrs, firefighters reportedly saw a two-storey wooden and concrete building engulfed in flames. The building and the contents therein were completely destroyed. The Fire Service in a statement said that the fire was caused by a slack connection of live faulty electrical wiring. This resulted in the fire being spread quickly and ignited combustible materials that were nearby. The GFS related, “Despite the challenges posed by the intensity of the fire, firefighters swiftly took action…The Guyana Fire Service reminds all residents to prioritize fire safety by ensuring proper electrical maintenance and being prepared for emergencies. Ensure homes and businesses are equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.”
Meanwhile, on Sunday fire suspected to be arson destroyed a house at Agatash Squatting Area, Bartica leaving four persons homeless. The Fire Service reported that the fire occurred at 08:11hrs and that a crew of firefighters and water tender #98, and water browser #11, were dispatched from the Bartica Fire Station to a location in Agastash Squatting Area. The firefighters, led by Hyderkhan and Innis, arrived at the location at about 08:19h and fought relentlessly to douse the fire. Notwithstanding their efforts, the four occupants: Lucille King, Aston, Atalia and Abraham Simmons were left homeless. The building is owned by Romona Primus. “The fire, suspected to be the result of malicious intent by unknown individuals, quickly engulfed the property owned by Romona Primus,” the GFS said. Additionally, a nearby two-storey wooden and concrete building also owned by Primus was damaged due to radiated heat from the building of origin, resulting in approximately 11m x 15m of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) guttering being destroyed by the blaze. Four black tanks were also destroyed. Investigations into the fires are continuing.
The Agatash Squatting house engulfed in flames
The destroyed house at Agatash Squatting Area, Bartica building
The Montrose, ECD building engulfed in flames
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Wednesday February 21, 2024
Striking teachers say making sacrifice for future generations ...as schools remain handicapped
Teachers protesting on Tuesday while delegates pass by to attend the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Exp 2024.
T
he nationwide teachers’ strike and protest for higher salaries entered day 12 on Tuesday with teachers maintaining their positions that they will not return to the classrooms unless the Government of Guyana engages in collective bargaining. “Yes, we are willing to make that sacrifice, supporting my union and standing up for generations to come because my
daughter wants to become a teacher as well,” said Keisha Jones, a secondary school teacher to the newly built Yarrowkabra Secondary School told Kaieteur News outside the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo. The teachers said they are in for the long haul and will not be deterred by salary deductions since the protest is a sacrifice for future generations. The strike and protests have left schools
handicapped as many teachers have taken to the streets or have simply withdrawn from teaching. They have taken their protest to the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo that has a contingent of both local and overseas dignitaries. Jones, who is pleased that her daughter wants to follow in her footsteps, said that should her daughter follow her dreams she must not be paid pittance.
“So, when she comes into the system, it is my dream and hope that she inherits what we are working for here today,” Jones added. That inheritance, according Jones, is a salary that teachers can be able to live on and take care of their families. Jones explained that her current take home salary is not enough to pay her rent and maintain her three children.
“My children does tell me mommy you just collect money how you broke already and I am tired of telling my children I am broke,” Jones told Kaieteur News. Like her colleagues, Jones said that she will continue to protest until the government decides to meet with the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) executives and negotiate a livable salary. “I think they are taking
advantage of us. I find it very heartless they are saying we are selfish as teachers but the government is being heartless to have us out hear day after day for almost three weeks and no one is saying anything,” Jones said while adding, “Not even our dear minister (Education Minister, Priya Manickchand), she hasn’t come to say my dear teachers xyz and she says that she cares… I am very concerned with that.”
Wednesday February 21, 2024
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Teachers selling snacks on protest line to cushion Govt. pay cuts Teachers protesting for higher salaries have resorted to selling snacks to help cushion the pay cuts being instituted by the government. On day 12, the teachers moved their protest to the more centralized and busy location of Kingston, Georgetown in proximity to where the four-day Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo is taking place at the Marriott Hotel. The teachers continued their public outcry for salary increases. Speaking to Kaieteur News about their ongoing efforts to get the government to engage in collective bargaining with the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), the teachers said they have resorted to selling snack on the protest line to help them make up for their salary deductions. “We are seeking your support as we continue to struggle for the betterment of all in the profession…We have a number of snacks on sale so we can cater for the salary deductions,” a teacher holding a canister of eatables for sale told this publication. The Ministries of Education and Local Government and Regional Development had issued a joint public advisory stating, there will be salary deductions for teachers who did not report for duty or who had no approval for leave for the week ending February 9th 2024. The Ministries also said they have in their possession lists with names of teachers from each of the 11 Education Districts who did not report for duty. The advisory was issued despite Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo saying that no teacher would be victimized for striking or protesting. The advisory said: “This unauthorised absence constitutes a breach of their conditions of service and their statutory duties and it constitutes legal sanctions. In consequence thereof, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development wish to advise that
these teachers will not be paid for the days which they were unauthorized absent. This will reflect in the March 2024 salaries in accordance with law.” The GTU has since promised to take the government to court over the move to deduct money from the teachers’ salaries as they engage in a legally organized industrial strike. Meanwhile, the teachers have vowed to continue their efforts to have until the government accedes to request for better pay. “We aint backing down, Ali said we must wait so we gon wait at conference gate!” the teachers chanted melodiously to the beat of drums. “Big, big budget; lil, lil pay! We want we money and we want it now!” they added in unison. GTU President Mark Lyte noted that the Government has continually ignored the plight of not just teachers but public servants. He called on the administration to make a conscious effort to invest in its human capital. “As we said the government needs to strike a balance between building infrastructure and investing in the human capital. You have nice buildings and not pay the people to give a proper delivery of service. Guyana is a developing country and in a developing country we must be invest the most important asset. Infrastructural development will always take place but it must not come at the expense of ignoring issues as important paying teachers properly,” the GTU President said. Further, the GTU leader in response to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s statement that increasing teachers’ salaries will result in other public servants demanding increases which the government would not be able to sustain, is unjustified. “The Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force got an increase when no one else got, so to say those increasing teachers’ pay
Faced with pay cuts, teachers sell snacks on the protest line as they continue strike for better salary.
Teachers took their public demonstration to the centralised location of Kingston, Georgetown as commuters were making their way to the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo at the Marriott Hotel.
would result in other sections calling for an increase is an unfair deduction,” he said. Lyte made it clear that the Union will not be pushed aside on the matter and is prepared for the long haul.
“It will not be business as usual for education until the teachers’ salary matters are addressed…the strike may come and finish, teachers may return to their work…but it will not be business as usual,” the Union leader said.
Lyte also said the Union stands resolute in the fight for better salaries for teachers amidst the government’s announcement that it will be deducting money from the salaries of teachers who are on strike and protesting.
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Wednesday February 21, 2024
40 contractors vying to build mega canals in Reg.5 and backfill for structure and dispose of unsuitable or excess soil at a location acceptable to the client and local community. Further, the contractor would be required to consult with the NDIA, Ministry of Agriculture and Consultant on any issue or challenges during the construction period. Lastly, NDIA stated that at the end of the contractual period, the selected contractor is to ensure the project site is restored and cleared of all debris. Kaieteur News had reported that the government has budgeted $29.4 billion to facilitate its plans to replicate the Hope Canal (Region 4) in Regions 5 and 6, Senior Minister in the
Aerial view of the current Hope Canal on the East Coast of Demerara.
Forty contractors have submitted expressions of interest (EOI) for the construction of flood embankment and Hope-like canals between AbaryMahaicony and MahaiconyMahaica in Region Five. This was revealed at the recent reading of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office. The executing agency for the project is the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). At the reading of the bids, the contractors who applied for the project are: Roopan Ramotar, Abrams General Contracting Services, A&S General Store, GSK Excavation Service Inc., Adamantium Holdings, Naya Services, H
Nauth & Sons, JS Engineering Services & Supplies, Colin Talbot Contracting Services, Bramwest Investment Inc., Keystone Industries, HRS Investment & Logistics Inc., DH Global Development Inc., KGM Construction & Supply Inc., Well Built Construction Service, Quantas Construction Services & Supplies Inc., Kingston Strategic Inc., Associate Investments, EPCOT Enterprise Inc., Memorex Enterprise, I&R Construction, M Singh Contracting Services, MK Hoosein Contracting, STP I n v e s t m e n t s I n c , Va l s Construction, KP Jagdeo General Contractor, M&B Construction, Romel Jagroop General Construction Service,
Crown Road & Drainage Contractor, K&S Peetum Construction, Avionics Engineering Inc, Japarts Construction Inc., Gaico Construction & General Service Inc., J&R Construction & General Service Inc., S Triple J’s Enterprise, R&S Builders Inc., Z&J Enterprise Inc., AJM Enterprise, Strategy & Development Consulting Inc., and Chief Industrial Supplies Co Inc. It was reported in the media that this project in Region Five is one of three similar projects the government announced it would execute. The other Hope-like canal projects are slated for Regions Three and Six. These projects form part of the government’s national flood risk management plan.
NDIA in its tender document had stated that the project for Region Five is for a six- month period. According to NDIA, the main responsibilities of the contractor would be to construct flood embankment to lines and levels as stated in the Standards and Specification document provided by them. The contractor is responsible to take all necessary precautions when constructing the embankment and preserve the material below and beyond the lines of excavation in the soundest possible condition. The contractor must ensure that suitable material is used for the construction of the embankment and suitable material from the excavation is used in building the embankment
Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh said during his presentation of the 2024 national Budget. The Finance Minister stated that the replication of the Hope Canal “fits firmly in our Manifesto promise to provide climate resilient Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) Infrastructure, protect our coastland from losses due to perennial flooding and address issues of adaptation and mitigation consequent on climate vulnerabilities.” Dr. Singh noted that, “In 2023, we commenced the design of three new Hopelike structures. In 2024, we will begin works on two of those structures in Regions 5 and 6.”
PAHO convenes fourth meeting with countries of the Americas on future global pandemic instrument Geneva, Switzerland, February 16, 2024 (PAHO)- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) convened countries of the Americas for a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss progress in the negotiations for a possible future global pandemic accord. The objective of the two-day meeting last week was to review the fundamental components of the draft document to be presented this May for World Health Assembly (WHA) approval. The process to draft and negotiate a new accord is led by World Health Organization (WHO) Member States and seeks to strengthen preparedness and response to future pandemics through an instrument that will foster greater global collaboration and political commitment. Speaking via video at the meeting, PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa stressed that the participation of countries of the Americas in deliberations is “crucial” to ensure that a future agreement takes into account their needs and characteristics. In addition, he added that the agreement should ensure fair and equitable access to treatment, vaccines, and personal protective equipment during the next pandemic. “A new instrument represents a unique opportunity to protect future generations,” he emphasized. The meeting, convened by the PAHO Director, brought together representatives from Ministries of Health from countries in the Americas and their diplomatic missions to the United Nations in Geneva. The 15-16 February regional meeting was held ahead of the eighth and penultimate session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), which began 19 February in Geneva as discussions to reach global consensus intensify. PAHO, as the WHO regional office for the Americas, has accompanied countries in the region in deliberations on the agreement. and has provided technical and logistical support to facilitate participation of representatives from the region in global discussions. In 2023, the Organization convened three regional meetings involving national authorities from all countries in the Americas. As a lesson learned from the response to COVID-19, the critical role of PAHO Revolving Funds was highlighted during last week’s meeting, as well as the importance incorporating the funds into the agreement under development as part of a proposed global infrastructure to ensure equitable access to supplies, equipment, medicines, vaccines and other essential health technologies. If negotiations on a future pandemic accord are successful, the agreement would be the third legally- binding international instrument agreed by WHO Member States, following the International Health Regulations (IHR) - which aim to prevent the international spread of disease and whose amendments are also under discussion - and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Wednesday February 21, 2024
Kaieteur News
Man dies in early morning accident Early on Tuesday morning, 33-year-old Mashaun Tyrell died after he lost control of his car and plunged into a trench. The accident occurred at approximately 03:00 hours along the Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD). This publication understands that Tyrell encountered difficulties while negotiating a turn which resulted in him losing control of his vehicle. Tyrell’s car reportedly flipped and careened into the adjacent trench, leaving him trapped inside. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) pronounced Tyrell dead on the scene. Tyrell’s family members on social media described him as an intelligent and hardworking young man. Tyrell celebrated his 33rd birthday last month.
Dead: Mashaun Tyrell
PAGE 19
Man remanded over attempted robbery of Chinese Supermarket A 29-year-old unemployed man who was on Tuesday charged with Breakand-Enter and Larceny appeared at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Court before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman. The accused, Mark Mohammed allegedly
attempted to rob Fang’s Chinese Supermarket at Diamond Access Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Monday. Mohammed of Lot 131 Avenue ‘A’, Diamond, EBD made his first court appearance on Tuesday. The charge alleged that on Monday, Mohammed
attempted to commit a felony on the Chinese Supermarket. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. Despite his plea, the accused was denied bail and the court case was adjourned. Mohammed is scheduled to return to court on March 18, 2024 for statements.
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Wednesday February 21, 2024
Wednesday February 21, 2024
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Oil Minister claims moving to renewables too expensive as Govt. runs behind Wales Gas Plant G
uyana's Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat on Tuesday asserted that moving to renewable energy is too expensive. Bharrat was at the time speaking at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2024 being held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown. The minister was trying to justify why his government is pursuing the over US$2B Gas to Energy project at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD). Natural gas is one of four types of non-renewable energy resources and is also considered to be part of a group of fossil fuels which includes Coal and Oil. Fossil fuels are formed within the earth from dead plants and animals over millions of years—hence the name “fossil”. Fossil fuels can be found in underground layers of rock and sediment. According to National Geographic, pressure and heat worked together to transform the plant and animal remains into crude oil (also known as petroleum), coal, and natural gas. All three can cause damage to the environment but natural gas is said to be the cleanest form of fossil
developing countries without fossil fuel. It is viewed that with development comes more demand for energy and because the transition to renewables is costly it will be difficult to maintain. “CARICOM US$14 Billion to transfer to 47 percent of renewable energy. Who is going to give US$14 billion to the CARICOM?” the oil minister said while questioning “Is there enough resources being made available to move towards
Guyana's Oil Minister, Vickram Bharrat fuel and is now being used as a transitioning fuel to renewables. Guyana is one of several countries moving to use natural gas and renewables as part of its energy mix despite concerns that its gas-toenergy project not only puts the country's environment at risk but is also too costly and might not be profitable. The country's oil minister on Tuesday painted a picture that Guyana's use of fossil fuel is its “and factor” because moving to renewables is too costly. Bharrat said that there are two pillars that energy
security is based on. “When we think of energy security and accessibility and affordability that is the two p i l l a r s b e h i n d e n e rg y security,” Bharrat told the conference. He explained that it is expensive to move to 100 percent renewable energy and there is not enough investment available to make it viable and accessible to
renewable energy? It's costly to transition to renewable energy. It requires a lot of money to transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy that is the answer that you will get almost every single time from countries”. Minister Bharrat continued, “Our argument here today is that there must be the 'and factor' or the 'and element' in our discussion.” He said that in some countries there is the 'or element'.
“It's fossil fuel or renewable energy but our argument is fossil fuel and renewable energy its wind and hydrogen and solar and fossil fuel,” he said while explaining that Guyana will use fossil fuel as part of its energy mix. The Natural Resources Minister told the conference that Guyana's use of fossil fuel together with renewables is going to ensure that there is accessibility in e n e rg y f o r a l l o f i t s population.
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Kaieteur News
‘Israel’s apartheid must end,’ South Africa says at ICJ hearing
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Famous Flavors is hiring Kitchen Assistant. Call: 6014918.
Drivers needed to work in Georgetown. Interested persons can Call: 701-4000 Mon-Fri, between 8am-4pm. Wanted! Male & Female workers preferably from WBD, for packaging pasta and chowmein. $4100 per day. Call: 611-7839. Wanted Carpenters and Labourers in Linden and Georgetown. Call: 602-9469, 660-6385 or 625-7642. Vacancy for Sales Clerk. Call: 661-1000. One Ark Welder and Handy boy needed. Living accommodation and meals provided. Call: 627-5043/ 6391315. One Maid for light housekeeping duties. Saturday only! For East Bank area. Call: 620-7021/ 677-5986.
One Maid to clean for the East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.
One Hauler Driver needed, starting salary $14,000 daily. Call: 611-7088/ 639-6106. One company Driver needed. Call: 685-1735.
FOR RENT
One industrial Electrician needed. Call: 645-8443/ 6159132. One Bodywork man needed. Call: 675-9988. One Handy man & one night Watchman needed. Call: 6122125. Vacancy for Cashier on East Bank. Call: 611-3829. One live-in Security needed. Call: 623-2728/ 619-0898. Vacancy exists for one night Security Guard to work with dogs in Georgetown area. Call: 656-0603/ 624-9505/ 225-5818.
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Contact: 649-0956.
Indian Overseas male seeks female 35 years & older. Whatsapp: 602-9975.
Business/ residential PFSGYD$58M, Visa Application, advertisements, graphics design, passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 626-7040. Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. For more information Call: 619-0007, 629-5526. For Land Clearance (Grubbing) Sand fill, Housing Plan and Estimate's. Call K. Lakeram Building contractor : 692-8464 or whatsapp 622-0267.
LAND FOR SALE
1 Toyota Allion, Pioneer DVD, CD & USB deck, reverse camera, alarm, low milage. Excellect condition. Call: 649-0956.
44X80 located at Policeman Street, Dairy. 2 minutes away from Harbour Bridge, $11 mil neg. Call: 677-4286.
Toyota Hilux Vigo Manual Transmission 4WD. Call: 613-5628.
Better Hope, Friendship, Diamond East Bank, Kuru-Kuru, Lethem commercial zone, Eccles & Bartica. Contact Ray's Realty: 627-9685.
FOR SALE/RENT All sizes loaders, excavators & rollers, concrete pump & mixer trucks, mobile crane and Howo 30 ton dump trucks. Call: 650-0402/ 652-0251.
PEN PAL
SERVICES
VEHICLES FOR SALE
Furnished 2 bedroom apartment, self-contained at Unity, ECD. For more information Call: 652-7945. 2 fully furnished apts East Bank, 4 bedroom semi-furnished Bel Air Park. Contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685.
The International Court of Justice will hear from 52 countries on the legality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. South Africa told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague that Israel is responsible for apartheid against the Palestinians and its occupation is “inherently and fundamentally illegal”. South African representatives opened the second day of hearings at the ICJ on Tuesday and spoke on a request by the United Nations General
Male Cleaner for Eccles. Call: 645-8443/ 615-9132.
One Domestic Worker required. Call: 677-4896. Babysitter needed to work Monday to Saturday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Call: 623-6383.
Wednesday February 21, 2024
1 Lexus SUV, forklifts 3.5 tons diesel truck weigh scales -(60 tons,40 ft) Low bed trailers60 tons,triple axle. Call: 6653880.
FOR SALE House lots & commercial plot for sale available at Blankenburg W.C.D. Call: 652-0251/ 650-0402. Snakewood for sale. Call: 627-3650. 82-85 Canon and 72-60 Canon for sale. Call: 6303439/ 677-6780.
Assembly for a nonbinding advisory opinion on the legality of Israel’s policies in the occupied Palestinian territories. “We as South Africans sense, see, hear and feel to our core the inhumane discriminatory policies and practices of the Israeli regime as an even more extreme form of the apartheid that was institutionalised against Black people in my country,” said Vusimuzi Madonsela, South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands, where the ICJ is based. “It is clear that Israel’s illegal occupation is also being administered in breach of the crime of apartheid. … It is indistinguishable from settler colonialism. Israel’s apartheid must end,” Madonsela said. He added that South Africa had a “special obligation” to call out apartheid wherever it occurs and ensure it is “brought to an immediate end”. South Africa, which has a long history of support for the Palestinians and has compared their struggle with its history under an apartheid system, has launched a separate case at the ICJ accusing Israel of “‘genocide” in its bombardment of Gaza. More than 50 countries are to present arguments to the ICJ on the legal implications of Israel’s occupation.
On Tuesday, representatives from Algeria, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil and Chile presented their positions. The 15-judge panel has been asked to review Israel’s “occupation, settlement and annexation, … including measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem, and from its adoption of related discriminatory legislation and measures”. Israel has pushed on with building illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank, now home to more than 500,000 Jewish settlers and three million Palestinians. Israeli settlers have become increasingly more violent. Their actions have been condemned by world leaders, especially in the past few months, as Israel attacks Gaza. But South African representative Pieter Andreas Stemmet told the court that the settlements have extended the “temporary nature of the occupation into a permanent situation in violation of the Palestinian right to self-determination”. On Monday, Palestinian representatives asked the UN’s highest court to declare the occupation illegal.
They said such an advisory opinion could contribute to a two-state solution and lasting peace. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki called on the court in an emotional speech to treat Palestinian children as children, adding that “the identity of the group to which we belong does not diminish the human rights to which we are all entitled”. Israel has declined to attend the hearings and said in a written statement that an advisory opinion would be harmful to achieving a negotiated settlement with the Palestinians – even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly rejects the idea of a Palestinian state. On Monday, Netanyahu said Israel does not recognise the legitimacy of discussions at the ICJ, calling the case “part of the Palestinian attempt to dictate the results of the political agreement without negotiations”. While judges are expected to take about six months to deliver an opinion in the case, political analyst Gideon Levy told Al Jazeera he’s “afraid” that the ICJ case will have little impact on Israeli policies but it “depends a lot on the international community”. “The only question is if the world will be able to move from recrimination and condemnation into actions,” he said.
Exxon praises Govt. for fast-tracking... From page 8 to remove unnecessary delays out of the permitting, review and approval processes.” Mallon told the Energy Conference that government’s ability and agility in efficiently fulfilling its role enables Exxon to act quickly and efficiently to fulfill its objective. According to him, the partnership has resulted in a “true success” and “Gov-
ernments around the world should take note of the strong signal Guyana is sending to responsible operators with money to invest. This is an appealing place to do business.” In April last year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo revealed government’s plans to embark on a number of measures that will keep the oil industry on the fast track for a minimum of 15 years. The official said such an
approach would include the timely award of production licences as well as encouraging investment in the sector. Given the pace at which discoveries are being made in the Stabroek Block, and the overall speed of development activities, Jagdeo said it is critical that the government adopts a complementary approach to ensure local and foreign businesses are not left with stranded investments.
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Wednesday February 21, 2024
Analytical Technologies Inc. gets GNBS certification at Energy Expo The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) certified Analytical Technologies Inc. after the testing laboratory successfully met the requirements of the GYS 170:2021 Standard – General requirements for the operation of a laboratory. This achievement was recognised and celebrated at the Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo 2024 on Monday, where GNBS Technical Officers, Orlando Sturge and Peter Ho-A-Lim, presented a certificate and a plaque to the company. In a press release the GNBS said the certification marks a significant milestone for Analytical Technologies Inc., affirming its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in laboratory testing operations. With this recognition, Analytical Technologies Inc. joins the cadre of thirty-four (34) GNBS Certified Medical and Testing Labs in Guyana. Amrita Ballie, Regional General Manager, and Nathan Maharaj, Director Technical and Operations, accepted the certificate and plaque on behalf of Analytical Technologies Inc, in the presence of GNBS Head of Marketing, Syeid Ibrahim, and Head of Corporate
Regional General Manager of Analytical Technologies Inc., Ms. Amrita Ballie receives GNBS Plaque from GNBS Technical Officer, Mr. Peter Ho-A-Lim in the presence of Director of Technical and Operations Group of Analytical Technologies Inc., Mr. Nathan Maharaj, GNBS Heads, Mr. Syeid Ibrahim, Mr. Lloyd David and Technical Officer, Mr. Orlando Sturge. Communications, Lloyd David. “We are committed to quality results for our clients. This certification serves as a testament to our commitment to Quality. It shows what we are able to achieve, and this will open doors for business,” boasted Ballie. She added, “We appreciate being onboard with the GNBS and I am especially proud of my team.
Working along with the GNBS Team, the certification process was very facilitative, systematic and quite collaborative from the beginning up until the certification.” The GNBS certification not only validates Analytical Technologies Inc’s adherence to established requirements but also enhances its credibility and competitiveness in the market. Clients can have confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the
laboratory’s testing results, knowing that they are backed by GNBS certification. The lab provides Chemical, Industrial and Microbiological Testing Services. In addition to Analytical Technologies Inc., during the month of February, the GNBS Certification Services Department recertified two other Laboratories n a m e l y, E u r e k a M e d i c a l Laboratories Inc. and the Rice Lab. The department also recertified
locally manufactured products made by the Brass Aluminum Cast Iron Foundry (BACIF), Techlify and Durable Wood Products Inc. under the Made in Guyana Certification Programme. Businesses seeking certification are encouraged to contact the Certification Services Department at 219-0064-66 or via email at certification@gnbsgy.org to learn more about the available Certification Programmes.
T&T Oil Minister willing to... Digicel named title sponsor From page 2 contracts so that at the end of the day, we can all sustainably benefit from the God-given riches of Trinidad and Tobago,” the Prime Minister previously said. Here in Guyana, the leaders have taken the position that the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) the country has with oil giant
ExxonMobil and its partners will not be changed to maintain “sanctity of contract”. President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat have all dismissed the need for renegotiation, insisting that such a move can chase investors from the country.
Pres. Ali to spend big on... From page 14 primary focus is to ensure the region remains stable and the region remains peaceful,” Ali said. He outlined efforts to encourage Venezuela to respect international law and engage in the arbitration process to settle the longstanding border controversy at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Additionally, responding to queries regarding assurances for foreign investors amid heightened tensions, President Ali highlighted the historical legitimacy of
Guyana’s borders and called upon Venezuela to honor international agreements. President Ali said, “We are a country that abides by international law and that is why we respectfully ask Venezuela to participate and be a member, a responsible member of the international community and to respect the outcome of the ICJ. But we are very sure of our case. We are very sure of our borders and investors need not to worry because their investments are clearly in the territorial space of Guyana.”
ExxonMobil pays no taxes, but... From page 12 as specified under the agreement. It goes on to state at Article 15.4 that the sum equivalent to the taxes owed by the company will be paid by the Minister responsible for Petroleum to the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). Moreover, Routledge underscored the collaborative partnership between ExxonMobil and Guyana, and stakeholders. He said, “The importance of
balancing economic development with protection of the environment and looking after people is a critical combination and thank you to all of you in the room who have been part of that because we certainly can’t do this alone. So, thank you for being part of the journey.” In closing, EMGL President noted, “We’re excited to be here. Delighted to be a part of this successful journey and thankful for all of you playing your part.”
for Rupununi Rodeo 2024 The Rupununi Livestock Producers Association (RLPA) named DIGICEL as the title sponsor of this year’s Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo. Digicel has been supporting this event for more than a decade and this year they are on board as the largest partner, the telecommunication company said in a press release. Digicel said it is a household name within the Rupununi as they remain the widest mobile and internet provider in Region 9, Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo. The Rupununi Rodeo has been one of the country’s largest activities on the annual tourism calendar, usually attracting thousands of patrons. Last year, the rodeo attracted over 6,000 patrons daily and this year we anticipate attendance exceeding 15,000 persons. Simone Pierre, Head of Commercial, Digicel noted, “we are honoured and excited to be the title sponsor for this year’s Lethem Rodeo. This partnership not only underscores our dedication to supporting local communities but also signifies our commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Guyana. We believe in the power of such events to unite people, foster community spirit, and create unforgettable memories. Rodeo over the years has definitely demonstrated its power of bringing
Simone Pierre, Head of Commercial, Digicel (right) and President of (RLPA) Michelle Kenyon people together and we are grateful to align our brand with an event that exemplifies our slogan “Better Together”. President Michelle Kenyon (RLPA) in her remarks said “my team is thrilled to announce Digicel as the “Title Sponsor” of our annual rodeo, now “Digicel Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo 2024!” The Rupununi Rodeo is the largest and most anticipated annual event in the Rupununi region. It highlights the essence of the Rupununi ranching culture, which is thriving in many sections of the region and draws
thousands of visitors each year from all across Guyana and beyond. Digicel’s support will allow us to continue promoting and celebrating Rupununi’s rich ranching culture. We are looking forward to a fantastic event with their partnership. With Digicel’s partnership this year, Rodeo is expected to be more exciting as patrons will enjoy giveaways, deals and much more fun activities. The Digicel Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo will be held Easter weekend, March 29th – 31st at Tabatinga, Lethem.
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Antigua & Barbuda Falcons unveiled as new franchise in Republic Bank CPL SportsMax - The newest franchise in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has been launched. The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons were officially unveiled during a gala opening ceremony hosted by the franchise owners – WORLDWIDE Sports Management Group. Parimatch, the number one global gaming platform will proudly serve as the main sponsor of the team. The event was held last evening at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, which will be the home of Antigua & Barbuda Falcons when they compete in the 2024 edition of the Republic Bank CPL –
the Biggest Party in Sport. Krishna (Kris) Persaud, Founder and President of WORLDWIDE Sports Management Group was thrilled as he showcased the new team's name and the colorful and dynamic logo for the first time to excited guests. M r. P e r s a u d a l s o expressed delight in having the team officially on board for the regional event, which attracts sold-out audiences for matches. “We are brand new; we are here, we are ready … let's get ready to play! The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons will bring a unique energy and vitality to the
The new franchise logo.
Republic Bank CPL. We are ready to fly high and conquer what is before us. We want to establish a winner's culture within the team and also a culture of
Wednesday February 21, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19 Yo u r n e i g h b o r h o o d i s changing, Aries, and the change is all for the better. Wonderful new neighbors may have moved in, or perhaps a small gourmet takeout shop has just opened up. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Financial prosperity is just around the corner, Taurus, especially with your recently acquired moneymanagement skills. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) The significant other in your life needs your support not a lecture right now, Gemini. Let him or her know you’re available to listen and help in any way. CANCER (June 21–July 22) The significant other in your life needs your support not a lecture right now, Gemini. Let him or her know you’re available to listen and help in any way. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A pleasant outing could get delayed or cancelled due to an event entirely out of your control. Rather than having a fit, Leo, you and your friends could seize the opportunity. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A pleasant outing could get delayed or cancelled due to an event entirely out of your control. Rather than having a fit, Leo, you and your friends could seize the opportunity to do something completely wild and different. and different.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today, or rather tonight, is for romance and cozy intimacy, Libra. You pull out all the stops for your evening with that special someone. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Some interesting moneymaking opportunities are likely to come your way, Scorpio, either today or in the near future. It could be that it’s time for a new job, one that promises faster progress. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) There’s going to be so much to get done today that you might feel a little daunted about getting started. By midday you could even find yourself downright overwhelmed. . CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) No sooner do you set foot in the office this morning than you begin to get pelted from all directions with various crises and problems, Capricorn. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Today will be a lovely combination of harmony and passion. Make the most of it, Aquarius. With things running so smoothly at work. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your efforts on the domestic front have certainly paid off, Pisces. Your home is looking wonderful. Everyone who enters says so. Some unexpected visitors may stop by for a quick hello and wind up.
winning and success off the field – among every individual associated with this franchise and the amazing fans we will have at our special home base at the
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in lovely Antigua," Persaud said. “What you are witnessing today as we unveil the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, is something truly special and I want to thank the Government of Antigua & Barbuda, who have worked closely with us to bring the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons to life. Antigua is our home … this country has a rich cricket history, and the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons will create more great history on these shores. It is now time for the Falcons to fly high," he added. Details on the overall
structure of the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons and the coaching and management staff for the team will be announced at a later date. The 2024 Republic Bank CPL will take place from August 28 to October 6 with games taking place in Antigua for the first time in 10 years. The final will once again take place in Guyana at The National Stadium in Providence. The tournament will also plans to have matches in Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago. Once again, the window for the CPL will not clash with West Indies fixtures, so the best Caribbean talent will be on show at the Biggest Party in Sport. Jeff Miller, CEO and General Manager of the Franchise was delighted at its return. “Welcome back Antigua & Barbuda! This is where the 'party' in cricket started, and we are delighted to be back for this exciting event. We plan to have a full house for every match with our Antigua & Barbuda Falcons on show. This is what we have been waiting for. It will be amazing to see the Sir Vivian Richard Stadium packed and our lovely super fans enjoying the action and the atmosphere, as well as seeing great cricket on the field, the non-stop party in the stands and all the festivities that come with cricket in the West Indies," he said.
Swamy seeking.. From page 33 played under lights. There will be big screen, commentary and live scores at the venue with Crown Vi b e s I n t e r n a t i o n a l providing sounds. This tournament promises a CPL atmosphere, the organisers have promised. Cheerleaders will be on show, in addition to other side attractions. AJM Enterprise aims to develop cricket in the West Berbice area and provide quality entertainment to the cricket-loving population. This event is sponsored by AJM Enterprise and Jumbo Jet and is powered by Banks DIH Limited.
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Stabroek Ballers clinch Mash One-Night Street-Football C/ship Stabroek Ballers clinched the Mash Street Style football championship on Sunday, securing the coveted Street title with a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Festival City. Among the nation's top sixteen street teams, Stabroek Ballers emerged victorious after a tough final against Festival City. The clash followed some stellar performances in earlier matches, with both teams unable to score during regulation time. This set the stage for an intense penalty showdown, ultimately establishing Stabroek Ballers as the champions of the one-day Mash tournament. In earlier clashes, Stabroek Ballers faced off against Back Circle in the first clash, triumphing with a solid 3-1 win to advance to the quarter-finals. They then went on to face Lodge All Stars in the semi final, winning 4-3 in a sudden death penalty shootout. Tournament runner-up Festival City also had a commendable run, with Tavel
England managed to overturn an enormous deficit in the first Test. (Getty Images/Stu Forster)
December scoring a crucial 7th-minute goal in their first match against Bent Street, securing a spot in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory. Bent Street, on the other hand, gained momentum against North East La Penitence, booking a semi-final spot with Bevney Mark's brilliant early strike. Back Circle also advanced to the semis by defeating Agricola 2-0 in the quarterfinals, thanks to goals from Jermaine Beckles (3') and Simeon Moore (14'). As the semi-finals approached, the crowd grew larger with Back Circle facing Stabroek Ballers and Festival City taking on Bent Street. Stabroek Ballers, however, triumphed over Back Circle with a 3-1 penalty victory, while Bent Street succumbed to a 1-0 defeat, setting the stage for the thrilling tournament final. Ultimately, Stabroek Ballers were crowned champions with a thrilling 3-2 victory.
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2024 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 3…
Eagles face stern test versus Windies Academy, as teams seek to rebound from losses
Guyana Harpy Eagles will want to rebound this round.
- Imlach to assume Harpy Eagles captaincy role, Anderson named deputy After a mixed start to their season, Guyana Harpy Eagles will be seeking an immediate turnaround as they square off against young yet dangerous West Indies Academy team, when Round 3 bowls off today at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua. Guyana will be desperate to turn their fortunes around, having got off to a tough start this season. Their most recent defeat at the hands of the Leeward Hurricanes was an eye-opener, as they went down by 273 runs. West Indies Academy are also looking to rebound from their 6-wicket defeat which the Trinidad Red Force
handed them in the last round. With the inclusion of Tevin Imlach and Gudakesh Motie, the Harpy Eagles should play more to their strengths thus round. Tagenarine Chanderpaul found some form during the 2nd innings of the last game and while the middle-order showed glimpses of form, the Eagles will need to play more tempered shots while maintaining their aggression. Teddy Bishop, Nyeem Young, Akeem Auguste, Johann Layne and Guyanese Ashmead Nedd make up the core of the WIA squad. Bishop showed form with a
half-century in the last match to help boost their morale. Spinner Nedd in particular will be huge on the part of the Academy's behalf, facing his countrymen and local teammates not to mention his father; Guyana Harpy Eagles Assistant Coach Garvin. With a number of pieces to tinker with in both d e p a r t m e n t s , Wi n d i e s Academy should look to take advantage of the Eagles current state. On the other hand, Guyana could use this current down-form to spring a turnaround, especially against a much younger squad. The defending
champions Guyana currently sit in 7th place (second to last) with 10.4 points, while today's opponent WIA hover in 6th position with 19.4 points. Match bowls off from 10:00h. Meanwhile, table leaders
Windward Islands Volcanoes face Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) at Chedwin Park, Spanish Town Jamaica bowling off at 10:00h. Also in Jamaica, starting at 11:00h, Barbados Pride
and home team Jamaica Scorpions face each other at famous Sabina Park in Kingston. Trinidad and Tobago Red Force will lock horns with the Leewards Hurricanes starting at 11:00h.
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West Indies O60s record hard fought victory in 1st Official game of the World Cup vs Rest of the World
W
est Indies never envisaged that they would have had to play Rest of the World (ROW) in 2 successive matches in 3 days. This came about after Pakistan & Bangladesh could not have made it to the World Cup. ROW was then transferred to Pool B with the others and slotted in to play WI first up at the PBEL City ground located about 15km form their Hotel Citadines. Skipper Zamin Amin, once again, called correctly but this time decided to bowl first on another placid surface which seemed to have some overnight moisture. Windies seamers rattled the top order of the ROW to have them tottering at 11/3 in the 7th over. Ramsingh had 2 batters clean bowled. Very soon that became 42/4 in the 12th over until Tony Bennett and Karim came together in a useful partnership. Bennett retired hurt after
reaching his half century. ROW then lost Karim with the score on 111/5. Thereafter the ROW team lost regular wickets but lasted enough to complete the 45 overs at 192/9.Tony Bennett top scored with 53 off 59 balls whilst Karim made a useful 50 off 71 balls. Deonarine Deyal was the pick of the bowlers for the Windies grabbing 3 for 21 whilst David Ramsingh picked up 2 for 20 off 6 overs creating the early damage to the ROW. In reply, West Indies openers Mike Heeralall and Hafiz Mohamed started very sedately with Hafiz being the first wicket to fall victim of a sharp catch in the slips attempting to slice one through backward point. Deonarine Deyal then joined Heeralall and they had a rollicking time against the ROW seamers scoring rather freely until Mike was given out LBW for 32 with 7
Man of the Match Deonarine Deyal receives his trophy.
spanking boundaries to a delivery which he though was pitched outside leg stump to make WI 60 for 2 after 8 overs. Roy Singh joined Deyal but Deyal left very shortly thereafter caught behind off Mark Davies for a well-played 27 laced with 4 boundaries and a maximum. Richard Sieuchan then joined Roy
Skipper Zamin Amin receives the Fighter of the Match Award from Umpire Chris Johnson.
Singh and proceeded to consolidate the innings with a 53 run partnership (101 off 85 balls) before Sieuchan was outfoxed by Smith and holed out to Jerry Smith at 126/5. Once again, this partnership was followed by 2 quick dismissals when Roy Singh departed for 36 followed by David Ramsingh at
132/6. Keith Seale who was nursing a groin injury then joined his caption and took their team home at 183/7 when Keith fell to a well disguised slower ball from Sharma. Skipper Zamin Amin remained unfazed and took his side home with a brilliant innings of 38* laced with 6 sweetly timed boundaries.
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Kwakwani, Georgetown B clinch Mash Clash 3x3 Inter-Ward Basketball titles Kwakwani Boys and Georgetown B emerged victorious, claiming the coveted titles in the Mash Clash 3x3 Inter-Ward Edition Basketball Battle on Sunday at the
National Gymnasium Hard court located along Mandela Avenue. The Cevons-sponsored event proved to be a resounding success, drawing a sizable crowd eager to
Jermaine Slater, GBF Vice President share photo-op with the Kwakwani Male Basketball team.
Some of the action on Sunday as Georgetown B team forward drives through center court.
witness the intense competition. Young talents showcased their skills on the court, creating an electrifying atmosphere for basketball enthusiasts.In the male category, Kwakwani All Stars faced off against East Bank in a series of epic duels. Ultimately, Kwakwani Boys emerged triumphant, securing the first-place prize of $100,000 at the conclusion of the challenge. On the female end, the spotlight belonged to the Georgetown Girls, who outshone their opponents from
Kwakwani to claim the female championship. The Guyana Amateur Basketball Association and the Guyana Basketball Federation expressed their sincere gratitude to the event's sponsors, without whom the Mash Clash 3x3 - Inter-Ward Edition would not have been possible. The generous support from Cevons Waste Management Inc., ANSA McAL Distribution Inc. through the Hennessy brand, Cigars & Cognac Bar, Eco Bar and Lounge, Maritime Administration
Department Guyana, Cole's Screen Printers, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, by extention, the National Sports Commission was instrumental in making the tournament a reality. The success of the Mash Clash 3x3 Inter-Ward Edition not only highlights the skill and determination of the participating teams but also underscores the importance of community support and sponsorship in fostering a vibrant basketball culture in the nation.
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GAPLF Novice/Juniors National Championship...
Nathon Hackett cops Best Lifter trophies as Hunter and Brady smash 4 records, Teju 3 The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) got its 2024 season off to a smashing start on Sunday last at the Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium with the hosting of its Novice/Junior National Championships. Nathon Hackett competing in the 93kg class, emerged as the Best Overall Lifter in both the Raw Junior Raw and Men's Open Raw divisions. Going 9 for 9 with all his lifts and smashing a total of four (4) records on the day was Guyana's most decorated Sub-Junior lifter, Romeo Hunter (83kg) who was the lone Equipped lifter on the day. Also powering his way to four new records on the day was, 73-year-old Norman Brady who was the lone competitor in the 83kg Men's Master 4 Raw, division. Nicholas Teju, who won the 53kg Men's Junior Raw gold medal was also in recordbreaking mood and accounted for three new records. Four female lifters graced the competition and all did
themselves proud,- Mariah Bacchus 69kg Women's Junior Raw, Kendra Singh 57kg Women's Open Raw, Ronessa McAdam 69kg Women's Open Raw, all winners with Bacchus copping the silver medal in the 69kg Open competition. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, the 17-year-old Hunter who is the reigning 2023 World Sub Junior squat gold medalist, said that he was very gratified with his performance on the day. "I am very satisfied with my performance today since I was successful in all nine of my lifts and I am continuously making improvements to my total most of all. I am the only sub-junior to ever squat over 600 pounds, and bench press over 400 pounds in Guyana. I know that I still have a lot of work to do as the year ahead for me will be busy so I have to put in the hard work to make myself and my country even more proud." His new records are as follows; Squat 280kg (617.3lbs), Benchpress
Hunter squats 1, Hunter squats
Norman Brady, Nicholas Teju
182.5kg (402.3lbs), Deadlift 237.5kg (523.6lbs), Total 700kg (1540lbs). Brady's records are as follows; Squat 67.5kg (148.8lbs), Benchpress 70kg (154.3lbs), Deadlift 110kg (242.5lbs), Total 247.5kg ( 5 4 5 . 6 l b s ) . Teju set the following news records; Squat 145kg (319.6lbs), Deadlift 182.5kg (402.3lbs), Total 402.5kg ( 8 8 7 . 3 l b s ) . Meanwhile, the GAPLF is expressing gratitude to Fitness Express, E Master Corporation, and the Trophy Stall for their support in making the local seasonopening event of the Federation, a huge success. The Federation is also extending thanks to all the fans who came out and supported the event which was also attended by Carlos 'The Showstopper' PettersonGrifith who just returned from his debut at Sheffield24 where he broke the 93kg Squat World Record and held it for 15 minutes. Following is the list of the top performers in each weight class.
Nathon Hackett receives his prizes from Carlos Petterson-Grifith.
Females 1st 69kg Women's Junior Raw - Mariah Bacchus, Squat 120.0kg, Benchpress 52.5kg, Deadlift 115.0kg, Total 287.5kg 1st 57kg Women's Open Raw - Kendra Singh, Squat 92.5kg, Benchpress 40.0kg, Deadlift 102.5kg, Total 235.0kg 1st 69kg Women's Open Raw - Ronessa McAdam, Squat 112.5kg, Benchpress 50.0kg, Deadlift 150.0kg, Total 312.5kg 2nd 69kg Women's Open Raw - Mariah Bacchus, Squat 120.0kg, Benchpress 52.5kg, Deadlift 115.0kg, Total 287.5kg Males 1st 66kg Men's Sb-Jr Raw - Matthew Watinou, Squat 142.5kg, Benchpress 90.0kg, Deadlift 192.5kg, Total 425.0kg 2nd 66kg Men's Sb-Jr Raw - Omar Satar, Squat 157.5kg, Benchpress 100.0kg, Deadlift 162.5kg, Total 420.0kg 3rd 66kg Men's Sb-Jr Raw - Samir Abrahim, Squat 157.5kg, Benchpress 95.0kg, Deadlift 145.0kg, Total 397.5kg 1st 53kg Men's Junior Raw - Nicholas Teju, Squat 145.0kg, Benchpress 75.0kg, Deadlift 182.5kg, Total 402.5kg 1st 59kg Men's Junior Raw - Denesh Manbodh, Squat 130.0kg, Benchpress 80.0kg, Deadlift 145.0kg, Total 355.0kg 2nd 59kg Men's Junior Raw - Omari Kewley,
Squat 117.5kg, Benchpress 65.0kg, Deadlift 145.0kg, Total 327.5kg 1st 74kg Men's Junior Raw - Meshach Alexander, Squat 147.5kg, Benchpress 90.0kg, Deadlift 197.5kg, Total 435.0kg 1st 83kg Men's Junior Raw - Irshaad Ali, Squat 157.5kg, Benchpress 95.0kg, Deadlift 170.0kg, Total 422.5kg 2nd 83kg Men's Junior Raw - Justin Persaud, Squat 120.0kg, Benchpress 77.5kg, Deadlift 155.0kg, Total 352.5kg 1st 93kg Men's Junior Raw - Omali Vancooten, Squat 212.5kg, Benchpress 125.0kg, Deadlift 237.5kg, Total 575.0kg 2nd 93kg Men's Junior Raw - Nathon Hackett, Squat 197.5kg, Benchpress 107.5kg, Deadlift 257.5kg, Total 562.5kg 3rd 93kg Men's Junior Raw - Oslen Batson, Squat 200.0kg, Benchpress 120.0kg, Deadlift 220.0kg, Total 540.0kg 1st 59kg Men's Open Raw - Denesh Manbodh, Squat 130.0kg, Benchpress 80.0kg, Deadlift 145.0kg, Total 355.0kg 2nd 59kg Men's Open Raw - Omari Kewley, Squat 117.5kg, Benchpress 65.0kg, Deadlift 145.0kg, Total 327.5kg 1st 66kg Men's Open Raw - Matthew Watinou, Squat 142.5kg, Benchpress 90.0kg, Deadlift 192.5kg, Total 425.0kg 2nd 66kg Men's Open
Raw - Omar Satar, Squat 157.5kg, Benchpress 100.0kg, Deadlift 162.5kg, Total 420.0kg 3rd 66kg Men's Open Raw - Samir Abrahim, Squat 157.5kg, Benchpress 95.0kg, Deadlift 145.0kg, Total 397.5kg 1st 83kg Men's Open Raw - Kieron Abrigo, Squat 170.0kg, Benchpress 105.0kg, Deadlift 205.0kg, Total 480.0kg 2nd 83kg Men's Open Raw - Irshaad Ali, Squat 157.5kg, Benchpress 95.0kg, Deadlift 170.0kg, Total 422.5kg 3rd 83kg Men's Open Raw - Justin Persaud, Squat 120.0kg, Benchpress 77.5kg, Deadlift 155.0kg, Total 352.5kg 1st 93kg Men's Open Raw - Omali Vancooten, Squat 212.5kg, Benchpress 125.0kg, Deadlift 237.5kg, Total 575.0kg 2nd 93kg Men's Open Raw - Nathon Hackett, Squat 197.5kg, Benchpress 107.5kg, Deadlift 257.5kg, Total 562.5kg 3rd 93kg Men's Open Raw - Oslen Batson, Squat 200.0kg, Benchpress 120.0kg, Deadlift 220.0kg, Total 540.0kg 1st 83kg Men's Sb-Jr EQ Romeo Hunter, Squat 280.0kg, Benchpress 182.5kg, Deadlift 237.5kg, Total 700.0kg 1st 83kg Men's Master 4 Raw - Norman Brady, Squat 67.5kg, Benchpress 70.0kg, Deadlift 110.0kg, Total 247.5kg
Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 21, 2024
PAGE 33
Elite League Season Six Prep:
Referees, including FIFA four, attend one-day refresher workshop Fifteen registered referees took part in a one-day refresher course on February 17 to gear up for officiating a total of ninety games in Elite League Season Six scheduled to start on February 25. The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Refereeing Department training session was held at the Federation's National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara, and attended by FIFA Assistant Referee Kleon Lindey, lone female FIFA Assistant Referee Denisha Isaacs, FIFA Referee Shavin Greene and FIFA Futsal Referee Colin Abel. Also at the course were referees Gladwyn Johnson, Micah Erskine, Anthony Adams, and assistant referees Clenton Daniel, Otis Williams, Safiya Goulding, Brandon Cyrus, Mitera Thomas, Patrick December and Royden Ramsey. Along with invitees Miksha Crossman, Aliyah Antigua, Ebonie McNiel and Aquiba Raynolds. Conducted by assessors Ingram Johnson, Abdulla Hamid, Sherwin Moore, Tyrone Ty r r e l l , N a t a s h a L e w i s , Sherwin Johnson, Lenval Peart, and Colin Bowry, the training session comprised a theoretical classroom segment to update officials on law modifications and Elite League regulations, and field sessions, as well as fitness conditioning. Preparations are in full swing for the start of Season Six on February 25 featuring ten of the country's top clubs - defending champions Guyana Defence Force, Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force, Fruta Conquerors, Den Amstel, Buxton United, Ann's Grove, Santos, Monedderlust and Slingerz. Facilitator Hamid shared that the workshop was interactive, and that the majority of participants were up to date with the regulations. He noted that the officials are prepared to officiate
Officials going through their paces during the practical session.
"at the highest level" throughout the ninety games scheduled for the upcoming season. Games will be played at grounds in Georgetown, West Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara and Berbice. Match days, predominantly featuring double-headers, will be on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. The eagerly awaited opening match is scheduled to occur at the NTC under recently installed floodlights and on a renovated pitch. Referee Erskine reassured that the referees are committed to delivering "our best possible standard, ensuring the game is played in accordance with FIFA laws and regulations." The winning club will be awarded $2,000,000 in cash prize, with second, third and fourth place finishers receiving prizes of $1,200,000, $800,000 and $500,000, respectively. The Elite League stands as the zenith of local senior men's competition, serving as a pathway for players to be identified for the national team programme, as well as by regional and international clubs.
Swamy seeking stellar performances at AJM T20 tournament National youth all-rounder Leon Swamy will return to the Cotton Tree Die Hard team for the AJM Mash It Up T20 tournament which bowls off on Saturday (February 24) at the Bush Lot Sports Complex. Swamy, a left-handed batter who bowls brisk right-arm seam, is a product of the Tucber Park Cricket Club, but the all-rounder has built a solid reputation to dominate limited overs cricket. In the last AJM second division T20 tournament, Swamy was among the top performers. Swamy showed his prowess with scores of 54, 61 not out, 37 and 22 not out. With ball in hand, Swamy picked up 5-20 and 3-3 being his top bowling performance. “Well I'm looking to have a great all-round performance again and try to put my team in a good spot to win the competition for the second time” “The experience playing there was really entertaining and also
competitive and I also learned a lot. There was a lot of support at the ground and the atmosphere was really pleasing,” Swamy said. The young lad, who also plies his trade in the United States of America, has been putting in the work ahead of the AJM tournament. “I have been working on my game every day so going into the tournament there will be a lot of positives and I always back myself when I have to opportunity. I want to take my team over the line and win the competition again, and by doing so I have to take wickets and make runs,” Swamy explained. The 23-year-old Swamy, who represented Berbice at all junior levels, has been around cricket for quite a while, and he trotted on various one-day tournaments. “I have experience playing one day tournaments like this so, I just have to stick to the basics and just continue my training and wait for the opportunity, so when the day
Leon Swamy comes I'm ready to play hard cricket.” 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' Edward Sports Club, Achievers 'A' and Bush Lot Sports Club. The day's activity will commence at 09:00hrs (Continued on page 27)
2024 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 3…
Eagles face stern Stabroek Ballers clinch Mash test versus Windies Academy, as teams seek One-Night Street-Football C/ship to rebound from losses - Imlach to assume Harpy Eagles captaincy role, Anderson named deputy
Tevin Imlach
The winners Stabroek Ballers celebrate as they claim their prize after the contest.
GAPLF Novice/Juniors National Championship...
s t r o Sp Ronessa Mc Adam receives a Fitness Express hamper from Carlos Petterson-Grifith.
Nathon Hackett cops Best Lifter trophies as Hunter and Brady smash 4 records, Teju 3 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.