Kaieteur News

Six months later: Guyanese Critic, other contractor still to commence work on $1.7B pump station contracts - Mahipaul

There has been a Programme (PSIP) for the delay in the National Drainage and initiation of two Irrigation Authority’s

pump station (NDIA) capital expenditure. contracts awarded last year Specificinquiriesweremade to Satar Mohamed & Son regarding the status of pump Construction & H/Ware and station constructions Tepui Group Inc , which nationwide. includes Mikhail Rodrigues, E x p r e s s i n g popularly known as disappointment, Mahipaul “Guyanese Critic” valued at said, “To date, the Minister $1.7billion. has not honored the request”

The pump stations in addingthatonWednesdayhe question are the Belle Vue visited five sites which and Meten-Meer-Zorg pump revealed a stark absence of stations. progress.

OnThursday,Opposition In particular, Mahipaul MemberofParliament(MP), noted the lack of activity at Ganesh Mahipaul, raised the Belle Vue and Metenconcerns during Thursday’s Meer-Zorgpumpstations. Leader of the Opposition On September 15, 2023, Conference about the lack of Satar Mohamed & Son activityatthepumpstations. Construction & H/Ware Mahipaulsaidthelackof secured an $868 million action by the contractors has contract for the Meten Meer caused much concern over Zorg Pump Station, while the stalled infrastructure Tepui Group Inc , which projects. He reminded that includes Mikhail Rodrigues, Minister of Agriculture popularly known as Zulfikar Mustapha made a “Guyanese Critic,” landed commitment in the National an $865 million contract for Assembly on January 31, the Belle Vue Pump Station 2024, to furnish an updated onAugust14,2023. and comprehensive Public Minimal advancement S e c t o r I n v e s t m e n t was observed at other

locations. The Opposition awarded a $717 million c o m p l a i n e d a b o u t member said, “At the contract for the A-Line inconveniences caused by Pouderoyen pump station SluicePumpStationonApril delays and property damage site only about 10 piles is in 22,2022. allegedly stemming from an upright position for the Well Built Construction constructionactivities. piledrivingexercise.Asmall Service clinched a $650 As such, the Opposition progress was seen at the million contract for the member urged Minister CanalNo.1pumpstationsite CanalNo.1PumpStationon Mustapha to fulfill his while no progress at the A- the same date, with Spectre promise of delivering a Linepumpstationsite.” Construction Company detailed PSIP for NDIA’s Civcon Engineering earning a $981 million capitalexpenditure. Contractors, as per records contract for the Pouderoyen Mahipaul shared several f r o m t h e N a t i o n a l Pump Station on August 14, images from his recent visit Procurement and Tendering 2023. to the sites of the stagnant Administration Board According to Mahipaul, pump station projects in (NPTAB) website, was residents in the A-Line area RegionThree.

Pump Station at A-Line Sluice

No work commenced at Belle Vue pump station

Pump Station at Pouderoyen

No work commenced at Meten Meer Zorg pump station

Pump Station at Canal No. 1

Guyana sending oil to T&T for processing not the answer to regional energy security – VP Jagdeo

Despite a recent proposal by recommendation by Young at the believehoweverthattherecanbe affordable energy and reliable Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Guyana Energy Conference and synergies between Guyana, energy.” Minister for Guyana to dedicate a SupplyChainExpo. Suriname and Trinidad and Hefurthernotedhisbeliefin portion of its oil barrels for Jagdeo said, “Energy security Tobago and we are always the need for greater integration processing in that nation, in an for the region has to be looked at in leaving open, the possibility of while calling for the removal of efforttoaddresstheregionalenergy the context of affordability and collaboration…but the reality is

allbarrierstotrade.“Iwantusto security problem, it is not a viable competitiveness.Rightnow,weare that the other countries are work on removing all the solution says Vice President, Dr entitled to a number of barrels of smaller and have demand for barrierssothatthisregioncould BharratJagdeo. crudeaspartofprofitoilandwesell refinedproducts…” be producing all the food that During a press conference on those crude basically through a He added, “What those other we need for ourselves with Thursday, the official said Trinidad marketing arrangement that is nationsmayneedtoconsiderata Guyana of course playing a key and Tobago does not have a publicallytendered…” largerscaleisrenewableprojects and important role, not because functioningoilrefinery.Apartfrom He added, “We don’t refine thatcantieintotheirgrid.” ofanythingelse,butbecausewe that, he said the wider regional products here and the demand for Ahead of the Guyana Energy have a competitive advantage states that require refined products the Region is for refined products Conference and Supply Chain here,”saidthepresident. would find their external sources andwedon’thavearefineryexcept Expo, President Ali had

The Guyanese leader also forfuelimportmorecompetitiveas for Trinidad and that refinery has conducted an interview on the stressed that he intends for opposed to using Trinidad. He also beenmothballedsince2018.” event’s Energy Perspectives

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Guyana to be known for more noted that those nations would be The Vice President said no one Podcast, where he spoke about On this he said, “I don’t think thanjustoil. better off with renewable energy at this time is aware of what it Guyana’s role in regional energy we have a role, we have a “We want to be known as a solutions to tie into their respective would take for Trinidad to security responsibility We are part of a country with a diversified grids. rehabilitate that structure and bring Given the nation’s oil and gas region and I believe that part of our economic base that is providing Theofficialmadethisknownas it into production mode. He said wealth in the ExxonMobil- responsibility is to ensure that the leadershiponfood,climate,energy, herespondedtoquestionsaboutthe one is also not aware if Young’s operated Stabroek Block, Ali was region has reliable energy, and has the highest level of skill, measures or processes Guyana recommendation is the most cost told that many of Guyana’s affordable energy and we will be human resources, and of course, a wouldtaketotangiblycontributeto effectiveoption. regional partners are expecting working with our regional partners country that is the premier the energy security matter This While he holds those that it plays a leading role in on a mechanism through which we ecotourism destination,” the follows on the heels of a reservations, he said, “ I do regionalenergysecurity can help the region in having presidentconcluded.

‘Send

your gas resources and receive the return immediately’

- Trinidad’s Energy Minister urges Guyana

Tr i n i d a d a n d

onshore, be it the production opposed to if we were to T o b a g o ’ s of electricity, be it the collaborate?”

M i n i s t e r o f

production of fertilizer, be it Yo u n g t h e r e f o r e

E n e r g y a n d the production of LNG proposed, “...send your gas Energy Industries, Stuart (Liquefied Natural Gas) or resources and you receive Young has urged Guyana to any other pet-chem. All of the return immediately No make use of the gas those things cost billions of wait, no moratorium, no infrastructure already set up USdollars.” need for incentive, an in the twin island to swiftly

He said that while there immediate return on your monetize Guyana’s gas arecountriesthatwantLNG, natural resources that you resources. T&T has already built the t h e n u s e f o r t h e

He called on the country capacity,shippingroutesand infrastructure in your to consider the time and ironedouttheothertechnical countries as a return for the resourcesthatcouldbesaved aspects but just require people of your respective in partnering with its sister access to proven gas countries.” Caribbean Community

reserves.

The Trinidadian Energy (CARICOM) state on this

The Minister asked, Minister told the conference venture. “How long would it take the that as the owners of the

Young was delivering people who own those resources, countries are now remarksatthisyear’sEnergy resourcestogetthosereturns at a stage in history of Conference, hosted at the oftherevenuefromit?Don’t decision-making to take the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, you have to offer tax decisions for future Georgetown between holidays? Don’t you have to generationstobenefitfrom. February19and22underthe offer moratoriums? Don’t “It’s a pie, there’s t h e m e ‘ F u e l l i n g you have to offer incentives enough of the pie to go Transformation and time, but require policy “Consider this concept, a exploitation of for example for the expenditure of those around for everyone and it’s Modernization’. decisionsfortaxwaiversand new country that has just gas reserves. It’s going to billions? Don’t you have to all about fairness, it’s all He told participants of moratoriums that would not found new hydrocarbon take a while to be able to then put down the type of about equity and it’s all the conference on Day Two be required if the gas is resources and is now faced monetize gas reserves. You infrastructure for the about us being responsible that monetizing gas simplysenttoTrinidad. with the dilemma of what do have to bring it to shore, you shipping of it our etcetera for our own resources,” he resources can not only take Yo u n g r e a s o n e d , I do, how do I allow the have to create an industry and the recurring cost, as concluded

Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young (on podium) sharing remarks at Guyana’s Energy Conference

Tel:

The teachers’ union stands its grounds

The President of the Guyana Teachers’Union (GTU), Mr MarkLyte,hadamouthfultosayindefenseofstriking teachers, in calling on the PPPC Government to act accordingly. AccordingtoMr.Lyte,thePPPCGovernment knowswhatithastodoforthestrikingteachers,justlikeit hasdoneinthepast,whenthereweredifferentdemandsto be met. Further, the government knows what it should do nowtogetthosehungryteachersonthestreetsbackintothe classroom.

“We would like government to address the financial matters relating to teachers’salary That is the general cry and the general cry has come about because of the hike in costofliving,ourteachersarecomplaining.”

Thecostoflivingiscrippling,andnotjustforteachers,but forallthoseworkersinthiscountry,whoonlyhavetheirbase wages and salaries to live on monthly and not any helpful allowance Simplyrecallthefigurespublishedrecentlyabout ministersperchedonthehighsideofthelocaleconomicladder Wecansaywithareasonabledegreeofcertaintythatnotoneof themknowswhatitistobepoorinadailyparalyzingcostof livingregime Thinkofthedifferencethatoneofthosemore thanhalfadozenmonthlyallowancescouldmake,particularly themid-tierones,suchasforentertainmentoragardener The monthly rental allowance for some PPPC Government ministersismorethantheannualpayforordinaryGuyanese, includingentrylevelteachers Thisisnotaboutimbalance,but aboutwhatisgrotesque ItnowobviousthatGuyanaisataleof two vastly different societies: one that enjoys all the lavish opulenceinwhatisabuddingoilsuperpower,whiletheother, the masses in the population, has to manage is existence in a virtuallyimpoverishedcondition

OneofthedefensesadvancedbythePPPCGovernment is where is the money going to be found. This is strange, indeed,forinthefaceofthetrendofrecordannualbudgets, the government has still hustled to parliament to ram throughsupplementstothebudget.Inoneinstance,thiswas done before the first half of the year had elapsed, and the supplementary tool is one that has become well-used and well-worn. But today, with teachers striking, and schools hanging on through skeleton staff stopgap arrangements, thegovernmentisdeclaringitselftobestuckaboutwhatitis able to do, and what its options are. The debt ceiling has been raised, and most of the 2023 oil money is to be withdrawn, but leaders in the PPPC Government are claiming poverty They can build everything in sight to satisfy a number of considerations (most of them not wholesome),fillsomefancydreams,yetrefusetocometo grips with the reality of Guyanese living on the edge of poverty,andoftenhungry

The irony of living under the economic yoke of this PPPCGovernmentanditscallousleadersisthatthecriesof teachers,andthevoicesofpublicservants,areoccurringin aneconomythatistheenvyoftheworld. Noothercountry has numbers to match those of Guyana, but the small Guyaneseworkercannotseehiswaynorfindherbalance. We have a suggestion for government leaders. Since the suggestionbytheGTU’sLyteislikelytofallondeafears, there is still that $7B amount budgeted and approved, and whichnowsitsidlyinthegovernment’shand. Theofficial positionwasthatitwasasortofbackupfundforemergency situations. Wepointtothestrikingteachers,andassertthat if a situation of urgency is required, then there is one that suffices.

Though it troubles to table this, it has become increasinglyclearthatthegovernmentisnotcommittedto an honest resolution of the teachers’ strike. The PPPC Government seems more focused on teaching the teachers of Guyana a lesson on who has the power, and who is determinedtobringthemtotheirknees. Byanymeans,be suchbyanyhostileaction,orbyanylowandrustedweapon thatcanbedugupandbrandished.

Why is the Government of Guyana conniving with Exxon to hide the people’s oil reserves estimates?

DearEditor, Imagine if you didn’t know the amount of money in your family’s primary bank account for the past 2 years. Would you borrow money at exorbitant interest rates when you didn’t need to?Wouldyouskiponmeals for your family because you thought you didn’t have enoughmoney?

It is coming up on two years, since Guyana’s oil reserve in the Stabroek Block was estimated at 11 billionbarrelsinApril2022. In the first years of offshore exploration, Exxon used to provide progressive updates of estimates of the total petroleum reserves after every discovery, beginning with1billionbarrelsinMay 2015 However, seven announcements of oil discoveries in the Stabroek Block have been made public since April 2022 without any oil reserve update. To date, there have been a total of 33 announcements of oil discoveries in the Stabroek

B l o c k H e n c e , approximately20%oftheoil discoveries are not included in the estimate of 11 billion barrels of oil equivalents associated with Guyana’s offshoreoilreserves.

T h e O i l & G a s

Governance Network (www.oggn.org/about)

recommends that the government ministers in chargeoftheoilsector,need to remember the basics of business economics. Even the manager of a small neighborhood shop would know how much stock is in the shop in order to run a successful business. Exxon, though backstopped by the Government of Guyana, appears to dictate to our people that we are not deserving of our sovereign rights to know how much is our wealth and in our bank account!It so happens that expertise within OGGN is well versed in the fact that calculating reserves is the simplest of tasks that are performed soon after the exploratory well(s) is/are drilled, guided by the data collectedduringthedrilling.

Calculating reserves is a standard examination question given to first-year petroleumstudents.Ifafirstyear student can calculate reserves in a few minutes, whycan’tExxon?

Notwithstanding being abetted by the Government, Exxon plays the Guyanese people for dummies to believe that this oil reserve calculationissocomplicated to require years, especially when it was done instantly, in the past. As the saying goes, “mout’ open, story jump out”. In mouthing off

that they don’t have time to wasteintellingushowmuch oilweown,butonlytimeto make their money, simply proves what we say all the time: that Exxon’s only interest is in making money and not in Guyana’s interest and wellbeing. It therefore begs the question, why, and what kind of Government wouldwanttoconnivewitha foreigncompanytohideour god given wealth and the amountinourbankaccount?

Sadly, those in charge of oil policy in Guyana are openly standing on the side of Exxon by hiding new discovery figures These folks seem to forget they wereelectedbytheircitizens to serve the interests of Guyanese, not those of Exxon shareholders. There are many other instances where it is clear that entities in the Government of Guyana are siding with Exxon.Examplesinclude:

- the government’s joiningofforceswithExxon to fight against their own people, who are demanding that Exxon cover all costs associatedwithanoilspill.

- waving Exxon on to greedily produce oil 35% above the legal safe operating limits, thus enhancing the condition for anoilspill.

- secretly changing permitstotripledeployment

timeofthecappingstack(i.e. equipment which stops a well blowout) from three to nine days, allowing for a potentialextrasixdaysofoil gushingintotheocean.

- quietly altering environmentalpermitstothe d u m p i n g o f o i lcontaminated, toxic and radioactive water into the ocean, instead of following the international standard of reinjecting back into the groundand,

- changing permits to incentivize Exxon to make money from flaring by paying a paltry fee that is miniscule compared to the moneylostfromnotflaring.

AsconcernedGuyanese, we request that the government release updated figures on the total energy reserveswithinamonthofa new oil discovery It is cominguptotwoyearssince the last update of 11 billion barrels of oil equivalents in the Stabroek Block. Since that time, we have had at least seven major discoveries including Seabob, Kiru Kiru, Yarrow, Sailfin, Fangtooth SE, Lancet fish and Lancetfish2. If the first 26 major discoveries totalled 11 billion barrels, then the average discovery contains about 423 million barrels of oil.Ifwemultiply423

(Continuedonpage09)

Strike should await the law and teachers should educate themselves

DEAREDITOR, I am an admirer of Justice Sandil Kissoon’s sagacity However,Ibelieve the judge made a mistake thistime.

Ifthestatusquomustbe maintained, then it should return to work for pay Let the rights and wrongs be examined in court while the teachers return to their students. If this is a lawabidingsociety,thenallwill have to abide by the final decision.

Thestrikehasnopurpose now, because I understand the teachers are only asking for honest collective bargaining as in the Guyana Constitution, where the government employers show up and genuinely treat the GTU representatives respectfully

After the collective bargaining, strike or other actionisstillpossible.

There is hope that sense willnowprevailandwaiton thelaw

What I should like our teachers to understand, is that students must be taught byexample,correctlyandin context.

Correctly by example means that those teachers who might have been involved in helping rig elections should come clean and denounce the rigging theymighthaveseen.

And all teachers (not onlyMathsteachers)should publiclydistancethemselves fromawrongarithmeticthat denied that 33 is a majority of65.

It should enter the syllabus for teacher training

tohelpexpungetheshameit brought In context by examplemeansthatteachers must understand and teach that the current contract Guyana has with the oil companies is unfairly weighted towards the oil companies and ought to be renegotiated to help get fair wages that the governments saytheycan’tpay Teachers must become educated enough to recognizeandidentifythings thatarewrong.

E.g., it is wrong to say that the oil companies take all the risk, while we enjoy 52%profits. Theytakenorisk.Every ventureispaidforbycostoil charged to Guyana, which costiskeptasecretfromthe c i t i z e n s t o a v o i d accountability

Ifawellcomesupdry,it is Guyana who pays for the drilling. And the arithmetic of the 52% is wrong, brazenly blazed on billboards greeting visitors to the country, and perpetuated by our politicians, who don’t seem to realize that because of lackofring-fencing,thatcan only happen when the oil is runningoutandtheprofitisa percentageofalowreturn.

Thenextgenerationmust also become educated to c o p e w i t h t h e decommissioning and other expenses that will be inherited after the oil companies have left with 85.5%oftheoilextracted.

Yourssincerely, AlfredBhulai Long-serving teacher in Guyana

CDB announces partnership push for regional development

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) said it is stepping up its p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h international financing institutions to unlock resources to propel sustainable social and economicdevelopmentinits Borrowing Member Countries(BMCs).

Acting President, Mr Isaac Solomon outlined a slate of initiatives the Bank is implementing in c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h international development organisations while delivering a presentation on “Partnerships for Resilient Prosperity” during CDB’s Annual News Conference, onFebruary20,2024.

A major development is theGovernmentofCanada’s CAD58million‘Supporting Resilient and Green Energy’(SURGE) initiative fortheCaribbeanwhichwill provide financing to accelerate the Region’s sustainable energy transition Another collaborator is the Global

Partnership for Education, (GPE) the world’s largest education fund for lowerincome countries Since CDB’sdesignationasaGPE Grant Agency in 2023, the Bankhassecured$5million in grants to support education projects in GrenadaandSt.Vincentand theGrenadines.

TheBankExecutivealso cited an enhanced cooperation agreement with the Inter-American DevelopmentBankandIDB Invest for a new action plan for regional development focused on digital transformation, climate adaptation, disaster risk management, citizen and business security, food security, and private sector engagement Similarly, BMCswillalsobenefitfrom CDB’s accreditation as a technical partner of the Global Infrastructure Facility, a platform that attracts private investment forsustainableinfrastructure projects in developing countries.

Recognizing the scale of

the challenges, confronting the Region, while “the window for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the SDGs, is narrowing rapidly”, Mr Solomon said, “No institution on its own can achieve the mammoth task ahead Consequently, we mustintensifyourpursuitof partnerships that facilitate improved productivity, knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and the

mobilisation of finance.” CDB is also pursuing multiple initiatives with the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The Bank is managing the development of the GCFfunded Blue Co Caribbean Umbrella Coordination Programme devised to scale upfinancingandinvestment for transitioning to a lowemission, climate-resilient, blue economy across the region. The GCF has also financedthedevelopmentof

a Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification system for regional climate finance, another innovation being driven by CDB. The end product will improve tracking, management, and accountability for climate finance allocated for the Region.

“ U l t i m a t e l y , development is about creating the right conditions for the people of the Caribbean to achieve their

full potential, enjoy the highest quality of life, and have a secure future,” Mr. Solomon explained. “The Bank will leverage its leadership role in the Caribbean, and expand its affiliations – with governments, International Financial Institutions, donors,civilsociety,andthe privatesector–toenableour BMCs to surmount the barriers to sustainable development.”

Acting President, Mr. Isaac Solomon

NAREI to procure new tractors and trailers

T h e N a t i o n a l

Agricultural Research ExtensionInstitute(NAREI) is seeking to procure two new tractors and two new trailers. This was disclosed recently at the reading of bids at the National

Procurement and Tender Administration Board

(NPTAB)office. K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that four companies are vying for the contract They are Farm Supplies Limited, Rudisa Motor Company Guyana Inc , General Equipment Guyana Limited,and Massy MotorsGuyanaLimited.

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

MinistryofCulture,YouthandSport Designandsupervisionservicesforancillaryworks fortheAnnaReginaMulti-PurposeFacilities.

Consultancyservicesforthesupervisionofworks; constructionofmulti-purposehallsforLots1to3.

LandpreparationsservicesatAlbionandUitvlugtEstate.

Supplyanddeliveryof12,300ftheavy dutyelectricalcablesfortheAlbion EstatesPowerHouseProject.

NationalAgriculturalResearchExtension Institute(NAREI)Supplyanddeliveryoftwo newtractorsandtwonewtrailersforNAREI.

(Continued on page 21)

GuyanaSugarCorporation(GuySuCo)

GuyanaLivestockDevelopmentAuthority(GLDA) ConstructionoffenceatLSF,AgricultureRoad,MonRepos.

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

The oil spill guarantee saga

A US$2 billion oil spill guarantee, reportedly lodged by ExxonMobil remains hidden from the public.

This limited guarantee is a meager sum, enough to take care of little or nothing, should a massive spill occur offshore Guyana.

Instead of fighting with the Guyanese people for an unlimited parent guarantee from ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, our government is setting the nation up for bankruptcy by accepting this paltry sum.

What is perhaps worse is that the government and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have colluded to hide the terms of this guarantee which creates further unease in concerned Guyanese.

What is so sensitive about this guarantee that prevents it from coming to light? And why would any government that boasts of transparency continue to keep this document in its bosom?

Better salaries, working conditions will come but requires patience

President of Guyana, Dr of this country, my Irfaan Ali in his address to commitment to every farmer thenation,ontheoccasionof of this country, my Guyana’s 54 Republic commitment to every citizen Anniversary, renewed the of this country, is that People’s Progressive Party prosperitywillcomewithout C i v i c ’ s ( P P P / C ’ s ) a question, but it will take commitment to workers, time,itwilltakepatienceand urging that better salaries itwilltakesacrifices.” and working conditions will President Ali unveiled come as early as within the thatwithinthenextthreeand nextthreeyears. a half years, Guyana will see

The Head of State on the expansion of the Thursday evening, during economy which will be his feature address at the accompanied by better annual Flag Raising working conditions, more Ceremony, on the lawns of investment in human the Public Buildings in resource potential, welfare, Georgetown noted that he salaries and conditions of was from a family and work of all the people of the community of teachers and country have thousands of friends “Thisisacommitmentof thatareteachers. the People’s Progressive

- President Ali says in Republic Day address

To this end, he said, “My Party Civic This is my commitmenttoeveryworker commitment to the people of of this country – to every this country You need not to citizen of this country—is s e c o n d g u e s s t h i s commitments in less than said. Minister, Dr Keith Rowley nurses must have access to that prosperity will come, commitment. If you look at four years but we have The President’s remarks his plans to develop a the best quality of life, in but it will take time and all the commitments I made fulfilled those commitments c o m e e v e n a s t h e competitive and sustainable whichourfarmersmusthave patience, and it will take and this government made thatwemadetothepeopleof government has refused to economy access to the greatest sacrifices. I am the President three years ago, I can stand this country in less than four engage in the process of The President explained, productivecapacitythatthey of all our teachers and all of b e f o r e y o u a n d years and we are working collective bargaining with “We are building an can achieve, in which G u y a n a , a n d m y unconditionally say we have b e y o n d t h o s e the Guyana Teachers’Union economy to function in a research and development commitmenttoeveryworker not only kept all of those commitments,”thePresident (GTU),promptinganational world 2030 and beyond in becomes and foundation strike and cross-country w h i c h w e w i l l b e through which innovation is protestaction. competitive, in which we which, in which our country

President Ali was will be sustainable, in which will be prosperous and our however keen to note that we will be relevant, in which peoplewillbeprosperous.” government has recognized government efficiency will Ali also seized the the dedication of Guyanese, be at its best, in which opportunity to highlight the which will be rewarded with government transparency is achievements of his prosperityineveryhome. of paramount importance, in governmentinthehealthcare

TheHeadofStatedelved which our pensioners must sector, investments made into his vision for the retireindignity,inwhichour into the youth and sports country, sharing with the men and women in uniform facilities, and plans to audience, includingTrinidad must have access to the best strengthen community and and Tobago’s Prime quality of life, in which our householdsafety

President, Irfaan Ali (on podium) addressing the nation.

Spectators gathered on the lawns of Public Buildings to witness the annual th Flag Raising Ceremony in celebration of Guyana’s 54 Republic Anniversary

Words are getting in the way

The Opposition Leader seems averse to the use of the word “renegotiation”. Heisnotaloneinthisregard: the use of this word also gives nightmares to many governmentofficials.

TheOppositionLeader’s explanation is to the effect thattheword‘renegotiation’ has wider connotations than its appearance. He did not explainwhatthatmeant.

But he is correct in one s e n s e T h e s m a l l concessions which Jagdeo has clawed back for the country from the oil companies involved a process that cannot be classified as a rerenegotiation ’ Renegotiation involves actual changes to the wording of the contract. This has not happened under the PPPC government which had promised to renegotiate the Production Sharing Agreement between the oil companies and the GovernmentofGuyana.

In the case of the Opposition Leader, it is one thingtobedisinclinedtouse

the word ‘renegotiation’, anditisanotherthingtosay thatthecontractprovidesfor the government to ‘engage’ withtheoilcompanies.

The Production Sharing Agreement does not use the word ‘engage The term “engage”isoftenconsidered too ambiguous for use in contracts because it lacks precision and clarity regarding the specific obligations or actions required of the parties involved. Contracts require clear and unambiguous language to outline the rights, duties, and responsibilitiesofeachparty totheagreement.

Legal professionals typically advise against using vague terms like “engage” in contracts. They instead recommend employing language that clearly articulates the parties’ intentions and obligations to avoid ambiguity and ensure enforceability

The Production Sharing Agreement, signed by the APNU+AFC has stability clauses The relevant

stability clause relating to renegotiation states that:

“Exceptasmaybeexpressly provided herein, the Government shall not amend, terminate, declare invalid or unenforceable, require renegotiation of, compel replacement of substitutions or otherwise seek to avoid, alter or limit this Agreement without the prior consent of the Contractor While the Opposition Leader may not be comfortable with the word ‘renegotiation’, it is used and provided for in the contract What is not mentioned in the stability clausesistheword‘engage’. Butonehastoappreciatethe dilemma in which the Opposition Leader finds himself. He is the Leader of theAPNUwhichwaspartof a Coalition government that signed the controversial Production Sharing Agreement. If he calls for renegotiation, it is tantamount to being critical oftheveryagreementwhich theAPNU+AFCsigned.

Ironically, the AFC, the othermainCoalitionpartner

Why is the Government...

Frompage04 millionbarrelsby7,thenwe assume approximately 3 billion barrels of reserves are being hidden from the public. Or stated another way, at US$80/barrel of oil as much as US$240 billion in potential oil revenues are being hidden from the Guyanese people. To put thatinperspective,whenoil

production started in 2019, the national budget for that year was about US$1 5 billion. The recently passed 2024 budget is US$5 5 billion, which still only amounts to about 2% of the unreported oil reserves, we are anticipating. Therefore, OGGN requests the Government of Guyana to update the total offshore oil

reservefiguresbyincluding the last seven major discoveries made since 2022,now!

AlfredBhulai

AndreBrandli

KenrickHunte

DarshKhusial

JoePersaud

CharlesSugrim

On behalf of OGGN (www.oggn.org/about)

DEM BOYS SEH

‘Renegotiation’ is a word that causing cold sweat

Someofdempoliticians outdeh,demshakin’indey bootslikedemindemiddle of a quake when de word “renegotiation” mention It’s like sayin’ “Boo!” to a ghost dem jus’ can’t handle it. But lemme tell yuh somethin’, folks, dis word ain’t nothin’ but a harmless lil’ kitten playin’ indepoliticalsandbox.

Now, lemme break it d o w n f u h y u h Renegotiation,itsoundin’all bigandbad,likeitgotteeth sharper than a lion But really,it’slikeafluffybunny, harmless and innocent. It’s just talkin’ ‘bout sittin’ down, havin’a lil’chat, and makin’somechanges.Ain’t

nothin’ to be scared of, right? But dem politicians, oh boy, when dey hear dat word,deystartsweatin’like if a heatwave hit. Dey start fidgetin’, squirm in dey seats like dey on hot coal. Why? ‘Cause renegotiation mean dey gotta actually do somethin’, and dat ain’t somethin’ dey good at, if yuhcatchmedrift. See, dem politicians, dey like things nice and cozy, all wrapped up in a neat lil’ package Renegotiation,datjus’mess up de whole plan. It’s like throwin’ a wrench in de machinery everyting grindtoahalt,anddeyain’t knowwhattodo.

has supported calls for renegotiation It has not developed ‘goose bumps’ over the use of the word ‘renegotiation’.

The Leader of the Oppositionalsospokeabout the sanctity of contracts. He says that this is a feature of internationallaw

What the Leader of the Opposition needs to appreciate is that the principle of sanctity of contracts does not preclude renegotiation of contracts. An international lawyer, Melinda Janki, has pointed outtheprincipleof‘sanctity ofcontracts’doesnotcollide withrenegotiation.Whatthe ‘sanctity of contracts’ prevents is one party opting to change the terms of a contract without the consent oftheother Itdoesnotmean that both parties cannot renegotiate and agree to changes. This is what Janki wrote in an article in the StabroekNews,“Sanctityof contract’ stops ONE party fromchangingthetermsofa contract by itself. If you agree to do something you must do it You cannot

change your mind and tell theotherpersonthatyouwill not do what you promised.

‘Sanctity of contract’means that the Government cannot change the Petroleum Agreement by itself to give Guyana a better deal, and then tell Esso, Hess and CNOOC that they have to accept the new terms. That kind of bad behaviour is a classic ‘breach of contract.’

Itisnotarenegotiation.”

“People can make agreements and change agreements provided everybody who signed the agreementsaysokay

This is freedom of contract.

Itisafundamentallegal principle The Petroleum Agreement can be changed rightnowiftheGovernment, Esso, Hess and CNOOC all agree to change it. ‘Sanctity of contract’ does not stop them from changing (‘renegotiating’) the PetroleumAgreement.”

Sanctity of contracts is a principleincontractlawthat emphasizes the importance of upholding agreements made between parties. It

suggests that contracts are bindingandmustbehonored byallpartiesinvolved.

This principle stems from the idea that individuals and businesses should have confidence in the enforceability of their agreements.Thisconfidence fosters stability and predictabilityincommercial relationships.

The Production Sharing Agreement between the oil companies and the Government provides for and uses the word ‘renegotiation’. It does not provide for the parties to engage – whatever that means.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

But lemme tell yuh, folks, ain’t nothin’ wrong withalil’renegotiationnow and then. Sometimes, yuh gottashaketingsup,stirde pot, see what bubbles to de surface.It’slikecleanin’out yuh closet yeah, it’s a hassle, but once yuh done, yuhfeelin’freshandnew

So, next time yuh hear dem politicians tremblin’at dementionofrenegotiation, jus’give‘emalil’winkanda smile Tell‘emit’sallgonna bealright,likeputtin’abandaidonascratch ‘Causeatde end of de day, renegotiation ain’t nothin’ but a word a harmless lil’word dat don’t bite.

Americanstotherescue

All the signs are that theArgyle interior:Venezuelanskeepout,stay Arrowhead. The practical and screwed in right relative to Exxon head, Guyana would have gotten a Agreement is headed for the out, and dropout. Guyana gets the realistic have already recognized and other American interests, will big, bold, and beautiful American dustbin of local history The extrabenefitsofhavingahandleon the ones calling the shots here. It be allowed to see the light, given presence. Everybody should know Americansarecoming,anditlooks drug running, gold smuggling, and neverwasPresidentAli,andthough therightofway what I mean. So, let us all stop moreandmoreasiftheyarehereto armsmovement. Nomoreexcuses. he pretends not to be, former The airborne US cover over playing these games about stay Notcovertlyandquietly But What is there not to like about any president Jagdeo is even more Guyana mean a ‘no fly zone’ for hemispheric precedence and openly, and with a swish of in-the- of this, especially when an trapped and wrapped and strapped Venezuela. The people from the pioneering regional uneasiness face oomph. The men with many American air canopy has to a chair by the oil colonizers. I North extended a peace pipe to Look at what those bannas in the ribbons on their chests and medals incomparableutility? invite fellow Guyanese, clear- Maduroandhescuttleditbeforethe islands did to secure themselves dangling around their necks have For the purists who fret about headedandclean-sightedobservers smoke even got going. I think that through binding ties to our hostile been trekking to Guyana. I say a t h e l a w o f u n i n t e n d e d simply study the moves and words what Guyanese are going to have is neighbor It is every man on his warm welcome to them If consequences, and transforming of these two wunderkind Guyanese a defense pact without an official own, and may the nimbler of mind anybody has a problem, my thispeacefulpartoftheworldintoa leaders, and it is as plain as day pacthavingtobesigned. Nomessy andhoofwintheday Thisiswhere response should not require too potential proving ground, I ask about who are puppets and who are Senate wrangling. A base without Guyana finds itself. When word muchtointerpret. IfnottheYanks, themtogetreal. CheddiJaganpaid the puppeteers. What America an address. A treaty without ink. spread that the Lotto has been won, then who? I like the idea of $42 some hard dues with that, so why wants;Americawillget. One that is readable and available, look at how many parasites and billion for defense purposes not the same coming from this While there is quibbling and anyhow As the Americans blaze predatorscamewitharushtostorm (peaceful, of course), but that is not source and going in the other hedging about a military base anaggressivetrail,theBritsandthe the stockade. For all these reasons going to do too much for us in the direction? Hereisablindingreality somewhere on land, the equivalent Canuks are sure to be close behind. and underlying contexts, therefore, firepower department. Arespected check: we are nothing on our own. isabouttobeestablishedaloft. The The northerners and Europeans let us cease pretending at some andfearedone. Even our CARICOM buddies warships and port of call, and so want and need Guyana’s fossil fuel semblance of independence, The latest catching the bailed on us, despite the belated forth will follow, and are all going flows. It is cheap and it is close, neutrality, and masters of our own Guyanese public’s eye is this rearguard verbal conciliatory to be a part of the program, the andthedrattedSaudiArabianshave destiny When the oil came up on movement towards an air shield. I gestures. Here is another point intensified American presence drifted irreversibly into the China the horizon, Guyana went down am sure that the Venezuelan expressed on more than one here. Culturally,therewouldbeno camp. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin below it. Lovely state of affairs, watchers have not missed a beat, occasionbefore. TheoldGuyanais shock,astheyareagreatnumberof isn’t buying nor selling any of his isn’t? withcablesdescendingonCaracas. gone; perhaps never was, as Guyanese who are more American stocks. By ease of elimination, (The views expressed in this Callitwhatsuits:anairshieldorair conceived by some patriotic dopes. than I am. I nominate Bharrat Guyana is now the head prefect article are those of the author and cover, and it is needed. I prefer air The new Guyana, quite bluntly, is Jagdeo for poster leader number 1. keepingthingsrunningsmoothly do not necessarily reflect the cordon with a message written anextensionoftheRed,White,and Politically, that has already been Even if there was no Venezuela opinions and beliefs of this acrossthefriendlylocalskiesinthe Blue overshadowing the Golden decided: whoever has his head menacehangingoverthiscountry’s newspaper and its affiliates.)

GDF promotes 30 officers

Thirty Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officers have been promotedwitheffectfromJanuary1,2024.

InaccordancewithPart111Section16oftheDefenceAct 15:01 of 1977, Chief-of- Staff of the GDF Brigadier Omar Khan has announced that the President and Commander-inChief, Irfaan Ali, has approved the promotions of the 30 officers.

MajorGordonNedd,whohasbeenpromotedtotherankof ActingLieutenantColonel,headsthelistofpromotedofficers.

Substantive Majors Raymond Archer, John Mohanlall, and Jose Ferreira have also been promoted to the rank of ActingLieutenantColonel.

Further, Substantive Captain Lloyden Layne has been promoted to the rank of Substantive Major while Substantive Captains Stephen Castor, Texine Daw, and Kareem Graham havebeenpromotedtotherankofActingMajor

Substantive Lieutenants Garvin Douglas, Britany Van Lange,BerachahGarrett,HanisiChandler,TravisMarcellino, Brandi Johnson, and Ivor Semple who have been elevated in ranktoCaptain.

Additionally, Second Lieutenants Joel Harewood, Rawle Williams, Delmar Headley, Joel Glasgow, Hakeem David, Seanden David-Longe, DelonAbrams, Joshua Ferdinand and JeremyCharleshavebeenpromotedtotherankofSubstantive Lieutenant.

Meanwhile, in the Coast Guard, Substantive Lieutenant Commander Adrian McLean is heading the list of newly promoted Officers. He has been promoted to the rank of ActingCommander

Substantive Lieutenants (CG) Ronald Mc Intyre and Andre Kwang have been promoted to the rank of Substantive Lieutenant Commander while Substantive Sub Lieutenant Gerald Gomes has been promoted to Substantive Lieutenant (CG),theGDFsaid.

In the Coast Guard also, Mid-Shipman Jevon Reid has beenpromotedinranktoSubstantiveSubLieutenant,whileas it relates to the Guyana National Reserve, Substantive Lieutenant Sando George has been promoted to Substantive Captain.

Pouderoyen man injured in shooting incident following visit to child’s mother

A 37-year-old speed boat operator, identified as Patrick Grant, of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD) is hospitalisedafterhewasshotinthefootbyamanfollowinga visittohischild’smother

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the incident occurred on the reserved dam between ‘A’ and ‘B’ FieldSophia,EastCoastDemerara(ECD),intheearlyhours ofFebruary23,2024.

Granthadgonetovisithischild’smotheratanaddressin Sophia when the incident unfolded. While walking east, a man approached Grant from behind, brandishing a silver handgun. Despite orders to halt, Grant continued walking, prompting the assailant to fire two shots, striking him in the leftfoot.Thegunmanthenfledthescene.

Grant was rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. His condition has been reported as stable. At the scene, investigators recovered a spent9mmshell.

Investigationsareongoing.

Members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with President Irfaan Ali (centre seated)

“The atrocities in Gaza must come to an end now” - Pres. Ali

On the occasion of Guyana’s TH54 Anniversary as a Republic, President Irfaan Ali repeated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza. The President’s call comes weeks after G u y a n a ’ s P e r m a n e n t Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett registered the country’s call for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Gaza at the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

In his address at a flag-raising ceremony held in the compound of the Public Buildings on Thursday nightthePresidentsaid,“…Onour th54 Republic, we make a call once moretotheworldthattheatrocities inGazamustcometoanendnow.”

Ruble left behind following and Israeli Bomb attack on Gaza

He continued, “The killing consistent in its position on the must stop now The only solution is Israel/Palestineconflict. by Guyana, Rodrigues-Birkett told statement urged swift resolution of Rodrigues-Birkett said while aceasefireandforthetwocountries Guyana has, for years, called theinternationalmediathatGuyana thesituationtobenefitthoseinneed adding that although some to move towards a two-state for the two states to co-exist does not believe that “we should of assistance and emphasised that a Palestinians managed bombs and solution. That has always been our peacefully Such a solution to the not wait another day for that for a ceasefireispriority bullets, they still “face the dire fundamental position, and we call Israel/ Palestine conflict would ceasefire.” Rodrigues- Birkett was “Following developments in prospectofdeathfromstarvationor on all parties to move in this result in an independent State of at the time responding to questions the war and listening to the disease”. “Can the Council keep direction.” Palestine alongside the State of fromjournalistsatapressbriefing. briefings by UN agencies…one silent in these circumstances? Of The President reminded Israel.

The UN Security Council maybemovedtowonderwhethera course not! The international Guyanese that the small South Earlier this month, at a meeting meeting was convened later that bounty exists on the head of every community,andthisCouncilin American nation has been of the UN Security Council chaired dayandRodrigues-Birkettduringa Palestinian child, man or woman”, (Continued on page 19)

President Irfaan Ali

Spectators bask in the festivities of Guyana’s 54 Republic celebrations

beingbackinalongtimeand jaguars and the different moreIwantparty.” Iamluckytobehereduringa parts of Guyana that I didn’t The man added, “I come time which I can mash, I reallygettoknowabout.” with mi friend them and like think it is really nice,” she The woman described I don’t want this day done, I

By Christal Yong waittogouptheroadmoreto so far , it’s nice after 2020 to toldKaieteurNews. Friday’s celebrations as like how this year enjoymore.” comeoutandactuallyseethe Priyanka said, “I think “exciting” while adding, “I (Mashramani this year “It is very joyful, a lot of Adults and children alike floats again, it feeling like they [the bands that passed] wanttodance.” round)turnoutman.” vibrant colors. My family were all eager to witness the Mashagain.”

are beautiful. They are Another spectator told T h e t h e m e f o r andIhaven’tbeentomashin creative presentation of each Hussain enthusiastically representing the different Kaieteur News, “ I always Mashramani, 2024 is a while, and now coming colourful float and highlighted that she is partsofGuyana…Oneofthe deh when is Mash, it was “Celebrating our peoples back in a while to meet such encompassed revelers who excited to be a part of such floats had the Demerara only the COVID thing mess andourprosperity”. an exciting mash, it really gyrated to the mostly local festive activities with her Bridge [Demerara Harbour up mi party flow, but today, (See pictures from the brings back the liveliness in socamusic. children She said, “It’s Bridge] on it, even the the more floats I see, the Mash 2024 on centre) Mashramani, ” Delly Stacy, another spectator, really exciting to come out Husbands, a buoyant told Kaieteur News that the and let the children see and spectator said whilst ‘Mash’ festivities, gives her take part of what is h celebrating Guyana’s 54 “peaceofmind”. Mashramani. Last year it Republic anniversary along “This year look great, it wasn’t this nice, there is Church and Carmichael offers a peace of mind after morefloats,morepeople.” Streets, Georgetown on hard work,” the woman who Meanwhile, many lined Friday was accompanied by her the Mash parade route to

Hundreds braved the eight family members who observe the floats and morning sun and lined the were all dressed in vibrant creative costumes, among streets of Georgetown to colors. them Priyanka, an overseas look at the diverse costumes “The bands look great, based woman who has not on display by the 23 bands they look wonderful, I visited Guyana for some that participated in the enjoying this,” the excited time and was extremely annual Mashramani womansaid. pleased to experience celebrations. Nathalia Hussain, who Friday’sculturalexplosion.

Husbands told Kaieteur was with her family of four “This is my first mash; I News at about 11:45h that werepicnickingunderatree, think that it is amazing. Both “the bands are really, really, told Kaietuer News, of my parents are from nice I enjoying it, and can’t “Everything is looking nice Guyana. It’s my first time

Govt. will do feasibility study to determine if processing gas here or in Trinidad more cost effective – VP Jagdeo

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Prime Minister of Trinidad and the benefits would be immediate accepted gas is a transitional fuel,” it gets going with its deepwater Jagdeo disclosed on Thursday that Tobago,Dr KeithRowleyforthere for Guyana if it were to go this saidJagdeo. project. a feasibility study would have to be to be greater collaboration among route.

Where Trinidad is concerned, As he acknowledged that all done to determine if it is more cost regional partners on oil and gas

During his press conference on he said government is aware that possibilities will be properly effective to pipe some of Guyana’s development. Thursday, Jagdeo said it is indeed a the CARICOM nation is hunting examined, he also underscored that gas resources to Trinidad and Rowley had made this call fact that authorities here are intent for proven resources, given that its “everything has to be done on the Tobago located hundreds of miles during his participation at the on aggressively monetizing its gas owngasreserveisdwindling. basis of a feasibility study” to away for processing, or utilize a Guyana Energy Conference and resources. He said it is for this The Vice President said it is the understand how much each option floating platform for Liquefied SupplyChainExpowhichwasheld reason the government is seeking government’s intention to examine wouldcost.

Natural Gas (LNG) off Guyana’s attheMarriottHotelfromFebruary an experienced partner to work all options carefully, including the He stressed that decisions coast.

19to22. alongside ExxonMobil to push the possibility of moving gas to cannot be made based on good will

The Guyanese official made Rowley’s Energy Minister, developmentoftheresourcesinthe Trinidad versus processing it in or desire alone or else they would this comment in response to Stuart Young had also expounded StabroekBlock. Guyana for industrialization not be financially feasible. The remarks by Opposition Leader, on the need for collaboration as he “We are now in the process of purposes and possibly on a floating Vice President said such critical Aubrey Norton. During a press said Guyana could utilize selecting a core investor to work platform for LNG. Jagdeo said too decisions have to be determined on conference on Thursday, Norton Trinidad’s existing infrastructure with Exxon on this project to push that the government is also open to the basis of what is good for his had accused the PPP/C and expertise to process its gas them even faster on monetizing the examining potential areas of country and what will be viable in Government of ignoring the call by resources. Young had assured that gas because the world has now collaboration with Suriname when themarketplace.

Omai large gold find will boost economy - Pres. Ali

Before Canadian mining Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) gradingat2.15g/tgoldinthe company, Omai Gold Mines By 2026, Omai and three indicated category and 2.3 announced its updated other Canadian mining million ounces of gold Mineral Resource Estimate companies are expected to grading at 2.26 g/t in the (MRE)of2millionouncesof start gold production in their inferred category. This gold–thecompanymetwith respective mining projects in represents a notable increase President Irfaan Ali and Guyana. The company had compared to the previous disclosed that they are on said that their work resource estimate conducted track to return to their ‘glory completed thus far, has put in October 2022, with days’. them on track to become the indicatedouncesseeinga4%

DuringthePrivateSector next large-scale gold mine to uptick and inferred ounces Commission (PSC) Annual openinGuyana. experiencingasubstantial Dinner,thehead-of-statetold “It’s an 18 year mine so (Continued on page 20) the attendees, “There are the type of logistics for s o m e t r e m e n d o u s transport, logistics and the opportunities coming in spin off for the rest of the mining.Today(February5)I e c o n o m y w o u l d b e had a meeting with OMAI enormous,” President Ali forexample,theyarecoming told the private sector back on stream in the type of members.

numbers that you will hear Omai holds a 100% announcesoon.” interest in the gold project,

President Ali stated that whichencompassestwogold according to what the deposits: the shear-hosted company related to him, Wenot Deposit and the Omai’s new operation would adjacent intrusive-hosted be similar to their previous Gilt Creek Deposit The one in Guyana which started l a t e s t a s s e s s m e n t in the 1990’s. The mining incorporates expansions to company had wrapped up its the Wenot and incorporates operations here after 24 the previously disclosed Gilt years. In its prime, Omai Creek deposit, solidifying produced over 3.7 million the project’s potential for ouncesofgold. substantialgoldproduction.

In 2020, Omai returned The combined MRE to Guyana and has been from the Wenot and Gilt exploring their old gold Creek deposits now stands at mines located in Region 2.0 million ounces of gold

Wenot gold deposit in Guyana (Omai Gold Mines photo)

President Irfaan Ali

Thousands flock city to celebrate Mash 2024

…as 23 bands participated in annual float parade

Scenes from this year’s Mashramani parade.

Thousands flocked the city streets to witness this year’s Mashramani Costume parade which was dominated by governmentagencies.

There were 23 floats in this year’s parade which was held under the theme “Celebrating Our Peoples and Our Prosperity”.

The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport and GUYBI/Muneshwars Limited took the largest band of revelers to the streets for Mash 2024 with an astonishing 200 revelers each. Both were a part of the Large Full Costume category along with four other bands that had significantly smallernumbers.

Revelers were gyrating along the Mash route and entertaining the thousands of spectators who lined the roadwaytowitnessaburstofculture.

ThisyearGuyanacelebrates54yearsasaRepublicandthe floatparadedidnotdisappoint.

Kaieteur News provided coverage to the activities along the route and the first of four judging points located at the intersectionofChurchandCarmichaelStreets,Georgetown.

The Ministry of CultureYouth and Sport’s costumes were designedbyRandyMadray

The Queen of the Band was clad in a yellow and purple outfit and pulled a gigantic bronze guitar with musical notes, anartpencilandbrusheswhichdepictedthedifferentformsof thearts.

Theband’schoreographywasnothingshortofexcellentas the revelers did a synchronized routine to Guyanese Soca Artist,KadyKish’s,JuicyJuicy

The Ministry’s band was divided into two sections to accommodatethe200personswhoparticipatedintheparade.

(Continued on page 23)

Photo by Fidal Bassier

“The atrocities in Gaza must...

From page 12 plausible “imminent risk” that Palestinians particular, must spare no effort to end this requireprotectionandconcludedthatGaza’s cycleofbloodshed,”shecontinued. population was “extremely vulnerable. The Itwasreportedwidelyearlierthismonth, court reportedly acknowledged too that thatAlgeria,anon-permanentmemberofthe some of the emergency measures sought by U.N. Security Council, had requested a South Africa were essential to preserving council meeting to enforce an International Palestinianrights. CourtofJustice(ICJ)rulingregardingIsrael The ICJ did not order a ceasefire but and hinted that it will call for ceasefire in a ruled that Israel must take must steps to draftResolution. ThatcallbyAlgeriabefore preventgenocidalacts. the UN has since been vetoed by the United Other measures include punishing States. incitement to Genocide and immediately

A genocide case against Israel was enabling humanitarian relief in the Gaza brought before the ICJ on December 29, Strip. 2023bySouthAfrica.TheICJgaveitsruling Since the beginning of the war on on the case almost a month later on January October 7, it has reportedly displaced about 26,2023.

1.9 million people of Gaza’s 2.3 million

The court did not grant South Africa’s population. key request for a ceasefire in the region but Morethan25,700peoplehavealsobeen rejected Israel’s request to throw out the killed in the Israeli assault, mostly women genocide case. It found that there is a andchildren.

Omai large gold find will boost economy

From page 15 approximately 39% of the Gilt Creek deposit boasts 1.2 substantial increase in the 1.5 g/tAu between 1993 and for the project’s Preliminary 28% surge. Of particular Wenot resource now lies million ounces of gold in the mineral resource estimate, 2005, when the gold price Economic Assessment significance is the expansion west of the historical pit, indicated category and highlighting the noteworthy was less than US$400/oz.,” (PEA), currently underway of the Wenot deposit, with presenting an area ripe for 665,000 ounces of gold riseingoldgrades. the CEO noted, adding, “We and slated for release in the indicated resources rising by initial mining operations, inferred. Ellingham highlighted believe that with the current firstquarter 10% to 834,000 ounces and according to Omai Gold This publication had that the project’s contained Mineral Resource Estimate It was stated too that i n f e r r e d r e s o u r c e s Mines. reported that, Elaine ounces now surpass the total combined with the many baseline studies have been skyrocketing by 45% to 1.6 Situated 500 meters Ellingham, Chief Executive gold production from the benefits of a brownfields completed, paving the way million ounces, attributed to north of the Wenot deposit Officer (CEO) of Omai Gold former mine, achieved at project, that Omai is proving f o r s u b s e q u e n t heightened gold grades in and beneath the past- M i n e s , e x p r e s s e d comparable grades “The the potential to rival its environmental permit both categories Notably, producing Fennel pit, the satisfaction with the Omai Gold Mine produced historical status.” The 2024 applications and mining approximately 3.8 million mineral resource estimate license acquisitions upon ouncesatanaveragegradeof will serve as the foundation PEAcompletion.

NAREI to procure new tractors and trailers...

From page 06

SupplyanddeliveryofonenewSUVvehicle.

MinistryofHealth

GuyanaWaterInc. Supplyanddeliveryof32mmgalvanizedpipes.

WANTED VACANCY

Drivers, Porters and Salesman needed, experience will be an asset, Attractive salary offered. Call: 673-7373.

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 Domestic Worker required. Call: 677-4896.

Babysitter needed to work Monday to Saturday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Call: 623-6383.

One Hauler Driver needed, starting salary $14,000 daily. Call: 611-7088/ 639-6106.

One company Driver needed. Call: 685-1735.

Interested in renting space for restaurants in Georgetown. Call: 712-8070.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Contact: 649-0956.

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Toyota Hilux Vigo Manual Transmission 4WD. Call: 613-5628.

Nissan X-Trail 2008 $2.3

Neg and Mitsubishi 3 stage Crone canter 4m51 Engine Manual $3.5 Neg. Call: 6718845/ 638-4755.

Indian Overseas male seeks female 35 years & older.

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Vacancy at Vegetarian Garden for Factory Workers (part time). Call: 227-7714/ 223-3448. Email: info@vegeworld.net

Famous Flavors is hiring Kitchen Assistant. Call: 6014918.

One Maid to clean for the East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

Male Cleaner for Eccles. Call: 645-8443/ 615-9132.

One industrial Electrician needed. Call: 645-8443/ 6159132.

One Handy man & one night Watchman needed. Call: 6122125.

Vacancy exists for one night Security Guard to work with dogs in Georgetown area. Call: 656-0603/ 624-9505/ 225-5818.

Optometrist/ Refractionist to join medical/ Eyecare practice. Must be registrable & licensed in the Oecs. Email application: Optipharminc @gmail.com

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LEGAL NOTICE 1

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE GUYANA

REGULAR JURISDICTION 2023- HCDEM- CIV- FDA - 1313

BETWEEN: SURUJWANTIE

JAIKARAN, herein represented by her duly constituted attorney, Gowkarran Singh, agreeable with the Power of Attorney executed on the 21st July, 2023, deposited in the Deeds registry on the 3rd August, 2023 and numbered 4887 of 2023 Applicant -and--

JAGESHWAR RAMSAROOP, in her personal capacity as the Administrator of the estate of Ramkissoon Ramsarup also known as Ramkissoon Ramsaroop, deceased, who died on the 6th March, 2017, granted on the 22nd February, 2023, with Probate and Administration No. 2022-HC-BER-EST-210 Respondent Notice

TO: JAGESHWAR

RAMSAROOP

Lot 130 A, Woodley Park, West Coast Berbice, Guyana

TAKE NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application was filed on the 12th September, 2023 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana at Georgetown, Demerara by SURUJWANTIE

JAIKARAN in which the Applicant claims inter alia:

a.An order that the Respondent do administer the estate of Ramkissoon Rarnsarup also known as Ramkissoon Ramsaroop, deceased, in

accordance with the Last Will and Testament of the Ramkissoon Ramsarup also known as Ramkissoon Ramsaroop dated the 3rd November, 2009.

b.An order that the Respondent do pass Transport of the property located at Lot 130 A,Woodley Park, West Coast Berbice, Guyana, more fully described in the Deed of Transport No. 1216 of 1970 dated the 27th November, 1970 to the beneficiaries of the estate of Ramkissoon Ramsarup also known as Ramkissoon Ramsaroop UPON APPLICATION in person or by letter to Mr. Donavon A Rangiah Attomey-at- Law for the Applicant whose address for service and place at Lot 156 Charlotte Street, Lacytown. Georgetown, copies of the Fixed Date Application, filed herein, will be delivered or sent to you. AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within 42 days after the final publication of this notice, prepare an Affidavit in Defence in Form I 0C prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 20 I 6, serve it on the applicant’s attorney-at-law, to Mr. Donavon A. Rangiah whose address for service and place of business is at Lot 156 Charlotte Street. Lacytown, Georgetown. and file it with proof of service at the Registry at Georgetown, Demerara, not later than 4 days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your attorney-at-law must appear at the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file such affidavit and or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that this matter stand adjourned for the Honourable Mr. Justice Nareshwar Harnanan on 23rd April, 2024 at 9:00 am for hearing.

Dated this 5th day of February, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE 2

Filing Attorney: MS. KERRI BRUSCH GUYANA LEGAL AID

CLINIC

“Maraj Building”

185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 225-9238/ 225-9246

Email: legalaid@networksgy.com

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1739

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION

Petition No. FD-1739

Between:(WILLIAMS) ANTHONY Petitioner/ Applicant

-v(WILLIAMS)

SUBHASHANIE DEVI nee ALGU Respondent

TO: SUBHASHANIE DEVI WILLIAMS nee ALGU

Formerly of Lot 21 Temple Street, Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara.

Guyana TAKE NOTICE that on the 1st day of December 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by ANTHONY WILLIAMS

the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER

TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 29th day of January, 2024 the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web (online) AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown,

LEGAL NOTICE 2

Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions on Thursday the 28th day of March 2024 at 2:10 pm before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln. via Zoom. Zoom ID: 882 1097 6231 and Passcode: Court12

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 15th day of February, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE 3

Applicant in person: Kim

Devona Jacobs

Address: Lot 189 Section C Block Y Grove, East Bank Demerara

Tele: 592-604-7178

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-71 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION

Applicant No.: FD-71

Between:KIM DEVONA JACOBS

Applicant -andTYRONE T. WINTER Respondent

TO: TYRONE T. WINTER

Address Unknown TAKE NOTICE that on the 16th day of January, 2024 an Applicant Relating to Children was filed against you by KIM DEVONA JACOBS, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part

PEN PAL

82-85 Canon and 72-60 Canon for sale. Call:

LEGAL NOTICE 3

of an Order made on the 16th day of January, 2024 the Applicant was directed to effect service of his Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the worldwide web (online).

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents.

AND

FURTHER TAKE NOTICE

that if you desire to Defend this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file an Application Relating to Child, an Answer and/or Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the Application is scheduled for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 23th day of April, 2024 at 9:45am before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge via Zoom Meeting

ID: 845 1426 6584 and Password: 786 445.

IN DEFAULT of your filing a Reply to the Application Relating to Child, Statement of Arrangements for Children and/or Notice of Intention to defend the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting Custody. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 15th day of February, 2024.

LEGAL NOTICE 4

Filing Attorney: MS. RENEE Mc DONALD GUYANA LEGAL AID

CLINIC “Maraj Building”

185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 225-9238/ 225-9246

Email:

legalaid@networksgy.com

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-990 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION

Petition No. FD-990

BETWEEN:JULIAN (NICOLA FRANCENA) nee ROBINSON also known as NICOLA JULIAN

Petitioner

-v-

JULIAN (DERICK)

Respondent

TO: DERICK JULIAN

Side Line Dam, Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara

TAKE NOTICE that on the 22nd day of June, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by NICOLA FRANCENA

JULIAN nee ROBINSON

the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 6th day of February, 2024 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this

Senegal’s president says he’ll leave office in April, but gives no date for elections

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Senegal’s President Macky Sall said Thursday that he will end his term in April as expected, but he didn’t give a new date for the presidential election originally scheduled for Sunday.

Sall, who is wrapping up two terms in office and who has said he wouldn’t run again, postponed the election for 10 months citing unresolved disputes over who could run.

But his move was struck down by Senegal’s Constitutional Court as illegal.

Speaking to journalists Thursday on live television, Sall said he would end his term as scheduled on April 2. However, it was unclear if a new president could be elected before then.

The Constitutional Court ordered the government to set a new election date as soon as possible, but Sall’s government still hasn’t set the date.

Sall said Thursday that he would hold talks next week with political leaders, and af-

LEGAL NOTICE 4

Notice. TAKE NOTICE

that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Thursday the 24th day of April, 2024 at 10:45am before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin- Lincoln via Zoom Meeting ID:882 1097 6231 and Password: Court12

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 15nd day of February, 2024.

terwards a timeline for elections and what will happen after his mandate ends will become clearer.

“It is clear that the country can’t remain without a president.

The dialogue will determine what happens next and I hope that after this dialogue there will be a consensus,” he said.

Senegal has been seen as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, but disputes over the election have plunged the country into a political crisis that has sparked deadly protests.

At least three people have been killed by security forces and dozens injured. Opposition groups are keeping pressure on Sall to hold elections quickly, planning protests throughout the weekend.

Sall has been accused of trying to hold onto power, something the president has denied. Despite a lack of clarity on a new date, some Senegalese experts said Sall’s words Thursday showed his willingness to respect the Constitutional Council’s decision.

“I’m very pleased with this interview, which clarifies President Macky Sall’s inten-

Senegal President Macky Sall poses before an interview with The Associated Press at the presidential palace in Dakar, Senegal, Feb. 9 , 2024. Senegal’s President Macky Sall said Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, that he will end his term in April as expected, but he didn’t give a new date for the presidential election originally scheduled for Sunday. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui, File)

tions and desire to respect the Constitution and pursue his policy of appeasement and national reconciliation,” said Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, a West African think tank.

“If a new president isn’t chosen by the time Sall leaves office, the Constitutional Council will declare a power vacuum and the president of the national assembly will set a date,” Tine said.

Thousands flock city to celebrate Mash 2024...

From page 18

Those who were in the first section were clad in purple and yellow while those in the second half wore electric blue and white spandex costumes.

The Ministry of Education’s band followed. That ministry participated in the Medium Full Costume Category along with 11 other agencies, five of which were also government ministries.

The Education Ministry’s costumes were rich and depicted genies that tramped down the road. The vibrant red, gold and yellow outfits represented phoenixes as they gyrated down the road to Guyanese Soca Sensation, “Vanilla”.

The Ministry of Labour was a part of the Small Full

Costume Category along with the remaining four that made up the 23 bands. Their float spelled out “JOB” in capital letters, and revelers were decked in Royal Blue and Gold costumes.

The participants enjoyed their “labour party” as they gyrated to the songs of several Guyanese artistes along the Mash route and displayed their costumes before the judges at the four judges’ check points.

The Ministry of Agriculture showcased the agencies that fall within its ambit. The main costume depicted the Ministry’s Cut Flower Project while the revelers bounced around as lettuce, and farmers and farmers market.

Meanwhile, the Ministry

of Housing and Water proudly showcased its rose pink and gold costumes. The band was led by subject ministers Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues.

Minister Croal explained his ministry’s float to Kaieteur News.

“The one that just passed, is depicting out highways and you have the roundabout and of course that is speaking about connecting communities and bringing relief to people who traverse the country. So that has been in addition to our focus,” he said.

This year’s parade was dominated by government ministries. There were only two private bands that participated in the road march.

At least 40 people killed in central Gaza as Israel touts post-war plan

Aljazeera - Israel’s militaryhaskilledatleast40 Palestinians in attacks on centralGazaaheadofanew round of international talks to broker a truce and as Tel Aviv has outlined a plan for the enclave after the war ends.

The “heinous massacre” committed by Israeli forces in Deir el-Balah in the central part of the territory injured more than 100 people, Gaza’s government media office said in a statement late on Thursday, a d d i n g t h a t t h e overwhelming majority of casualties were women and children. “We hold the American administration and the international community, additionally to Israel, fully responsible for these ongoing crimes, and we call on the free world to immediately put an end to this war of extermination that the Israeli army is waging against civilians,” it said.

Reporting from Rafah in southern Gaza, Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum said residential homes were “attacked without any prior warning”inthestrikes.

Hamas said in a

statement on Friday that the attacks on homes “confirm to the international community that it [Israel] is a rogue entity that does not care about human laws and values”.

More than 29,000 Palestinians,mostlychildren andwomen,havebeenkilled bytheIsraeliarmysincethe startofthewaronOctober7, according to the Ministry of HealthinGaza.

Yet United States National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said late on Thursday that negotiations for a ceasefire andtheexchangeofcaptives held in the enclave for Palestinian prisoners had been“constructive”.

A Hamas delegation left Cairo,Egypt,onFridayafter threedaysoftalks,forwhich Israeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahudidnot sendrepresentatives.

Egypt and Qatarmediated negotiations are expectedtocontinuelateron Friday in Paris, with Israel also sending a delegation.A renewed ceasefire proposal could be crafted in the French capital, but the details are still unclear ‘Freedom to operate’ in

futureGaza

The US continues to fully back Israel’s war on Gaza as it pushes for a temporary ceasefire through international talks.

The deadly Israeli ground and air attacks on Gaza are continuing as Tel Aviv is carrying on with its plans for the future of the besieged enclave that run counter to what the US and other world and regional powers have said they want to see in the Palestinian territory Israel’s plan for after the war envisions the installation of “local officials” with no links to countries or entities who support “terrorism” to administer Gaza, according to a report by the Times of Israelonaplanpresentedby Netanyahu.

The report said that the Israeli military “will maintain an indefinite freedom to operate throughout the entire” Gaza Strip–similartoitsmilitary occupation of the remaining Palestinian territories across theWestBank.

Netanyahu’s plan also describes the “complete demilitarisation” of Gaza “beyondwhatisrequiredfor the needs of maintaining public order” and makes no mention of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which Washington wants to be in

Palestinians recover a body from the rubble of a destroyed house following Israeli air strikes in Deir el-Balah, the central Gaza Strip, on February 22, 2024 [Mohammed Saber/EPA]

control of the territory after thewarisover

The Israeli prime minister, who presented the document to his security cabinet, has previously said thatthePAwillnotbepartof afuturepost-warGaza.

Israel has also moved ahead with its plan to establish a “buffer zone” on the Palestinian side of its border with the strip, which will effectively shrink the territory’s frontiers, despite objections by the United Nations.Torealisethisplan, the Israeli military has been razing homes and buildings

along the envisioned zone using air strikes, large explosives planted by its ground forces and bulldozers.

Analyst Ben Friedman saidthatwhileUSSecretary of State Antony Blinken expresses concern for Palestinian lives in Gaza, Washingtonisnotwillingto “reallystanduptoIsrael”.

“In my opinion, that is threatening them with withdrawal of support, including financial support, if they don’t do what we asked them to do, ” Friedman, policy director at

the Defense Priorities think tank,toldAlJazeera.

“You have to threaten I s r a e l w i t h s o m e consequences if they don’t go along with what you’re asking Otherwise, it’s just sortofemptyrhetoricthat’s designed to look critical withoutactuallymakingany difference,”headded.

This week the US again vetoed a third resolution at the UN Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, which d r e w w i d e s p r e a d i n t e r n a t i o n a l condemnation

Israel’s PM Netanyahu lays out Gaza plan for after the war

BBC - Israeli Prime

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has laid out his visionforapost-warGaza.

Under his plan Israel would control security i n d e f i n i t e l y, a n d Palestinianswithnolinksto groups hostile to Israel wouldruntheterritory

The US, Israel’s major ally, wants the West Bankbased PalestinianAuthority (PA) to govern Gaza after thewar

Buttheshortdocumentwhich Mr Netanyahu presented to ministers last night-makesnomentionof thePA.

He has previously ruled out a post-war role for the internationally backed body

He envisages a “demilitarised”Gaza;Israel would be responsible for removing all military capability beyond that necessaryforpublicorder

There would be a

“Southern Closure” on the territory’s border with Egypttopreventsmuggling b o t h u n d e r - a n d overground.

And “de-radicalisation” programmes would be promoted in all religious, educational and welfare institutions.

Thedocumentsuggests Arab countries with experience of such programmes would be involved, though Mr Netanyahuhasnotspecified which.

Why is the Gaza war happening?

Under the plan Israel would also maintain security control over the entire area west of Jordan fromland,seaandair

Mr Netanyahu has been underpressure-athomeand internationally - to publish proposalsforGazasincehe began his military operation. He is keen to restore a crumbling

reputation as a leader who cankeepIsraelsafeandwill wanttoappealtorightwing hardliners in his coalition government.

A spokesman for Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the PA, said Mr Netanyahu’s plan was doomedtofail

Nabil Abu Rudeineh said: “If the world is genuinely interested in having security and stability in the region, it must end Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land and recognise an independent Palestinian state.”

M r N e t a n y a h u repeated his rejection of any unilateral recognition by Western countries of a Palestinianstate

O n F r i d a y U S Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US was o p p o s e d t o a n y reoccupation of Gaza by Israel as well as any

reductioninthesizeofthe territory.

“Gaza cannot be a platform for terrorism There should be no Israeli reoccupationofGaza.

The size of Gaza territory should not be reduced,” he said at a G20 ministers meeting in Argentina.

Meanwhile negotiators tryingtobrokeratemporary ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages are expectedtomeetinParis.

The US wants a deal in place before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins in just over a fortnight.

A n d , a s t h e humanitarian situation worsens in Gaza, there is international pressure too for the war to end. The Hamas-run Ministry of Health reports that more than 29,500 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since the war

beganinOctober.

Israel’s military offensive was triggered by Hamas’s unprecedented attackon7Octoberinwhich gunmen killed about 1,200 people - mainly civiliansand took 253 back to Gaza ashostages.

Overnight the head of theUNbodyresponsiblefor Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) warned that Gaza faces a “monumental disaster with grave implications for regional peace, security and human rights”.

In a letter to the presidentoftheUNgeneral assembly, Philippe Lazzarini said the agency “has reached breaking point,withIsrael’srepeated calls to dismantle Unrwa and the freezing of funding by donors at a time of u n p r e c e d e n t e d humanitarian needs in Gaza”.

Some of Unrwa’s

biggest donors suspended funding for the agency last month after Unrwa sacked several of its staff amid allegations by Israel that they had participated in the Octoberattacks.

MrNetanyahuaimsto close the agency as part of his post-war plan and replace it with - as yet unspecified - international aidorganisations.

And he has insisted that he will continue his war until Israel has dismantled Hamas and Islamic Jihad - the second largestarmedgroupinGaza -andallIsraelihostagesare returned.

At the end of 2023, Mr Netanyahu warned the war could go on for “manymoremonths”

Meanwhile the US has describedIsrael’sexpansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank as inconsistent with internationallaw

SportsMax team to film KFC Elite League season 6 opening night

SportsMax- the Caribbean’s foremost sports broadcaster, will film the highly awaited opening night of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) - KFC Elite League Season Six tomorrow, February 25.

A team of producers arrived in Guyana on February 21 to document the developments in football here, with the Elite League as the focal point.

They will document Sunday’s opening ceremony at the GFF National Training

Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara which will be attended by the ten Elite teams - defending champions Guyana Defence Force, Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force, Fruta Conquerors, Den Amstel, Buxton United, Ann’s Grove, Santos and the recently promoted, Monedderlust and Slingerz. The crew will also cover the exciting doubleheader featuring the matchups between Slingerz FC against Monedderlust FC, as well as Santos FC taking on the

Guyana Defence Force FC.

The final package will reach over 1.5 million households across twenty-six Caribbean territories on SportsMax and/or SportsMax2, CEEN TV, SportsMax+, SportsMax Apps, and the SportsMax YouTube Channel.

It will include in-depth insights into the present GFF administration, shedding light on their ongoing programmes and goals; Elite Clubs’ rich history through exclusive interviews with players and of-

Guyana kick off Concacaf U20 campaign with 4-0 defeat against Antigua

Saturday February 24, 2024

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Get-togethers with friends or meetings with a small group, if possible, should prove informative and enlightening today, Aries, although some of it may be a bit perplexing.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Today things could be rather hectic at work, Taurus. You'll probably be very busy and happy with whatever results you produce. You could tire yourself out,

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Some new information about an interesting field could have you browsing the web and looking through books to learn more, Gemini. This could involve law, philosophy,

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Today you might learn about new and creative ways to increase your income, Cancer, possibly involving technology in some way. So much new information could come your way.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Social events could put you in touch with interesting people in intriguing professions, Leo. You might get involved in some fascinating conversations that provide you with a lot of useful information.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

A friend or colleague could recommend some books that you want to read right away, Virgo. Be sure you take breaks and rest your eyes from time to time to avoid eyestrain and headaches today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Today your mind will be quick, insightful, and inspired, Libra. Your creative impulses should go a thousand miles an hour and ideas should pop in and out of your head like crazy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

If visitors are able to pop in and out during the day, Scorpio, you'll be in the right frame of mind to enjoy their company. Expect interesting news and stimulating conversation.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Don't be surprised if your inbox fills with email or your phone rings off the hook, Sagittarius. Friends, relatives, and colleagues could have great news and useful information.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It

Inspiration is the word for today, Capricorn. Your creative talent should blossom and motivate you to work on wonderful ideas. This could involve music, painting, decorating,

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

Today your physical and mental energy should be operating at a very high level, Aquarius. You probably won't spend much time inside if you can avoid it. Expect get-togethers

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Your intuition is likely to be very keen today, Pisces. Accurate psychic insights could come to you thick and fast. Your imagination is also strong, and you might come up with ideas to enrich your home,

ficials, and the amazing journey so far of the Golden Jaguars and Lady Jags.

The SportsMax team will film in various locations, including Georgetown, the East Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara, and Bartica. Of particular focus will be the Academy Training Centre (ATC) programme in Bartica.

GFF President Wayne Forde noted that the alliance with the Caribbean sports broadcasting brand presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent and potential of local players on a broader regional platform.

“Our collaboration with SportsMax is a significant stride in advancing the promotion of Guyanese footballers in the Caribbean, with a specific emphasis on our national teams, Elite League and grassroots initiatives.”

“The comprehensive coverage will also afford viewers a lucid insight into the varied initiatives integral to the GFF’s agenda for fostering the growth of football, and highlight the sport’s power to unite and positively impact lives.”

Sunday’s launch will also receive promotion in the upcoming days on SportMax Zone.

Ackeem Blake, Shashalee Forbes...

From page 28

the lone female in the 60m hurdles. Tyler Mason and Damion Thomas will go in the men’s event. Giano Thomas is named as the reserve.

Meanwhile, Stacey-Ann Williams and Charokee Young will take on the world’s best in the Women’s 400m. Rusheen McDonald will run the two-lapper for the men.

Williams and Young are also named among the relay squad that includes Junelle Bromfield, Stephenie-Ann McPherson, Andrenette Knight, Leah Anderson and Lanae-Tava Thomas.

In the field, Carey McLeod and Tajay Gayle have been selected to contest the long jump competition with Kimberly Williams will take on the triple jump.

Daniniel Thomas-Dodd and Rajindra Campbell will throw the shot put.

Former JAAA president Dr Warren Blake is the team manager with Maurice Wilson being the Technical Director.

Wilson will have on his coaching staff Reynaldo Walcott, Paul Francis, Orville Byfield and Mark Elliott.

The Concacaf Men’s Under-20 championship qualifiers got underway with 10 exciting clashes across the five groups.

In group B, Guyana Golden Jaguars came up against an experienced Antigua and Barbuda side yesterday.

They suffered a disappointing defeat in their opening match with goals credited to boot of Javauhn Parker, Aiden Jarvis, Christopher Douglas, and Javaughn Jarvis.

The young Jaguars went

down 4-0, unable to breach the Antiguan defene while conceding goals to Javauhn Parker (2'), Aiden Jarvis (16'), Christopher Douglas (18'), and Javaughn Jarvis (84').

Despite making some close attempts, the Antigua and Barbuda defence remained resilient, keeping a clean sheet against the Guyanese side, as the match concluded 4-0.

Looking ahead, Guyana aims to recover from the loss when they face El Salvador tomorrow Sunday, February 25.

BCB Under17 tournament...

Romesh Bharat hits two centuries to lead Rose Hall Hall Town A

to successive victories

- Leon Reddy takes hat-trick for Rose Hall Town B

Berbice youth player

Romesh Bharat struck 2 beautiful timed centuries to lead his team Rose Hall Town Bakewell A to victories in the Berbice CricketBoardUnder17inter club tournament The talented right-handed batsman scored 119 versus Skeldon and followed up with 130 versus Scottsburg at the Area H ground. His teammateRajTikatook5for 25 versus Scottsburg, while the promising all rounder Leon Reddy took a hat-trick toleadRoseHallTownBtoa 7 wicket victory overWhim bothinthesametournament.

Bharatalsoscoredavital48 not out to lead his team to victory over arch rival Port Mourant.

Against Skeldon, Rose Hall Town Bakewell A scored291alloutin50overs with Bharrat 119, Matthew Pereira 29 and Kulmalchan Ramnaris 18 being the principal scorers. In reply Skeldonwerebowledoutfor 179toloseby112runs.The

Romesh Barratt

best bowlers for Rose Hall Town Bakewell team were Ramnaris2for29,Bharrat3 for 31, Deeraj Ramjit 2 for 36andRajTika2for27. Rose Hall Town Bakewell B defeated Whim by 7 wickets at the Whim ground to register their first victory of the tournament afterlosingtoAlbionAinthe opening round match. Battingfirst,Whimamassed 139 all out in 33 overs with Melvin Deodat 31 and Dastrat 44. Ian Balkaran chippedinwith15.Medium pacer Leon Reddy took six for 31 from 10 overs, while

Darwin Mckenzie 2 for 23, off spinner Balraj Narine 2 for25supportedwell.

In response Rose Hall TownBakewellBreach144 for in 27 3 overs with national under13 player Tameshwar Deonadan finishing unbeaten on 46, whileReddyreach25notout tocompleteagoodallround performance. Arian Dastrat took two for 46 in a losing cause.

Playing against Scottsburg, Barratt stroked 15 sweetly time boundaries in his 113 to lead Rose Hall Town Bakewell A to a massive 315 all out in 49.3 overs He received vital contribution from national playerSohilMohammed24, RamzanKoobir24,Matthew Pereira 20, Akash Sookraj 15, Raj Tika 20, Rafael McKenzie 20 and Deeraj Ramjit 15 not out. Bowling forScottsburgRamotar2for 61 and Rovin Doodnauth 2 for33andDamahal2for53 were they successful bowlers in the sweltering

Linden basketball clubs meet this afternoon ahead of planned elections tomorrow

This afternoon, five Lindenbasketballclubshave called a meeting from 5.00pm at the Community Hard Court in Retrieve where they will plan for the elections for a new Linden Amateur Basketball

Association (LABA) administrative body to overlooktheplayingofclub basketball in the mining t o w n . Theseclubsrecentlydecided

to seek to correct the nonplaying of club basketball for over a year with the expectation that once more club basketball returns The clubs which are expected to be at this meeting this afternoon from 5.00pm are Block 22 Flames,Amelia’sWardJets, Retrieve Raiders, Kings and Victory Valley Royals.

Tomorrow (Sunday) the elections are to be staged

from 3.00pm and each club is entitled to send two representatives to vote at theseelections

There have been concernsaboutthelackorof competitiveclub basketball over the past year, which caused a recent meeting among those five clubs where it was unanimously agreedtogoaheadandelect a new body to administrate thegameinLinden.

Ackeem Blake, Shashalee Forbes lead Jamaica’s 19-member team to World Indoors

SportsMax -Ackeem Blake and Sashalee Forbes will lead Jamaica’s contingent to the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. Jamaica will compete in the 60m, 60m hurdles, 400m, 4x400m relay, 800m, long jump, triple jump and shot put at thechampionshipssettorunfromMarch1-3.

Blake, the second fastest Jamaican ever, willbeJamaica’ssolecompetitorintheMen’s 60m while Forbes and Briana Williams will contestthe60mdash.

OlympicbronzemedalistMeganTapperis (Continuedonpage27)

Ackeem Blake

heat.

In reply Scottsburg were shot out for 57 in 16 overs withRajTikaclaiming5for 25runswhileDeerajRamjit 3 for 8 from 4 overs and pacerRafaelMcKenzie2for 11.

Rose Hall Town Bakewell A defeated Port Mourant their lineup too decidethewinnerofzoneD. Port Mourant batting first amassed 122 all out in 27.3

overs after rain had forced the umpires to reduce the match to 30 overs for side. Vishal Williams top scored with a brilliant 56 which includedfivefoursandasix. He received support from Devendra Samaroo 20 and Robin Budwa10. The best bowlers for Rose HallTown Bakewell were Berbice u n d e r 1 5 s p i n n e r Kulmalchan Ramnaris 4 for 16, Romesh Barratt 2 for 16

and Deeraj Ramjit 2 for 13. Inresponse,Bharratledfrom the front with a fighting 48 not out to achieve victory of 28.2 overs at 125 for 8. He received support from Matthew Pereira Sohil Mohammed and Rafael Mckenzie who all scored 15 each. Devendra Samaroo2 for25,RovinBudwa2for16 andJacoob2for25werethe best bowlers for Port Mourant.

Trophy Stall (Canada) on board with Jumbo Jet for Mash Horserace

As the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC) eagerly prepares for the m u c h - a n t i c i p a t e d Mashramani Horse Race event this Sunday, February 25, the racing community is buzzing with enthusiasm thankstoagenerousdonation fromVictorSunichofTrophy Stall (Canada). Sunich has contributed trophies for the Champion Jockey, Trainer, and Owner, adding an extra layerofprestigetoanalready exhilaratingracingspectacle

The nine-race card promises a pulsating showcase of talent, featuringhorsesengagedin a thrilling 1,600-metre dash. The challenge is set, competitors must navigate thetracktwiceinthefastest time possible to claim victory and secure the mantleofchampion.

The excitement reached new heights last week with the opening of the entry stage.The third race day of

the season is set to feature renowned contenders, including the Guyana Cup winner, Easy Time, and the Sprint Classic champion, Spankhurst, headlining the competitivefield.

The event has garnered widespread support from horse racing enthusiasts, leadingtoanexpandedpool ofjockeys.Notableimports, suchasPhilInEcho(owned by Nand Persaud), Stolen Money (from Dennis Deoroop’s family stable), and Bossalina (owned by Deleep Esreepersaud), are set to add an extra layer of excitement to the mix Slingerz Brazilian-bred El Tarzan and Night Eyes

Jessica’s Pride complete the competitive lineup, promising a thrilling displayofspeedandskill.

The race has been designated as a handicap event, with the highest burden falling on Easy Time, a B3-classified horse carrying a top handicap

weight of 126 lbs. This dynamic introduces an intriguing element to the competition, as other runnersintheracewillcarry less weight than the formidable Easy Time. El Tarzan (D Class) and Bossalina (D2) emerge as the next highest classified horses in the field, predicting a gripping showdown.

Phil In Echo, unraced in Guyana, is one of the two ‘bridge’ runners, set to lead thechargefortheirhometown supporters on the horse racing Mash celebration raceday

Meanwhile,fanscanalso anticipate the debut of potentialstars,includingWest Indian-bred three-year-olds making their local debut. Oneofthehighlightswillbe the introduction of Rachel, the reigning champion Guyana-bred, promising an extralayerofexcitementto an already thrilling day of horseracingaction.

Rose Hall Town BakewellA

NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League...

Champions to be crowned on Sunday when Santos face Fruta Conquerors; Swan play Friendship for 3rd

The 5th edition of the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission (NSC) sponsoredRalphGreen/East Bank Football Association Under-11 League is anticipated to come to an exciting end on Sunday afternoon when the final is contested at the Agricola CommunityGround.

Set to battle for the championship trophy are

city sides Santos FC and FrutaConquerorswhichhad won their respective semifinal contests against East Bank clubs, Swan, and FriendshipAll-Stars.

Santoswaspushedtothe brink against Swan, that semi-final contest decided via kicks from the penalty mark after a riveting 2-2 regulation time duel Conquerors, on the other

hand,easedtoa2-0winover FriendshipAll-Stars.

All the players from the final four teams are guaranteed to walk away with something. The winner will cart off a beautiful trophyand12replicaswhile the losing finalists will receive12replicas.

Players from the third andfourth-placedteamswill each be presented with

medals while there will be six individual prizes on offer; the Most Valuable Player, Best Goalkeeper, Highest Goal Scorer, Most Promising Player, Most Disciplined Player, and the BestCoach.

The competition had initiallycateredfor16teams but only 14 competed, each team received branded and numbered tops along with

twofootballs.

Friendship All-Stars –Ezekiel Lynch, Jaden Glasgow, Christopher Hunte, Omario Welch, Mario Welch, Ronaldo Hubbard, Phillip Sealey, Andre Sullivan, Keon Yaw, Jahfree Davson, Trinity BruceandKeimoDepeazer Fruta ConquerorsGilbertFrank,KeionAlexis, Shines Authur, Kendo

George, Troyce Bascom, Fabio Kowlessar, Clive Jacobs, Dane Vancooten, Dazell Fernandes, Dontay Kowlessar, Kareem Milton andKenyattaSaul. Swan - Eleon James, Stefon Singh, Kevon Charles, Jonathan Charles, Avanish Hoosain, Marcus Andrews, Ezekiel Loncke, Samuel Loncke and Akeem Daniels.

Brazil’s Dani Alves gets 4-1/2 years for rape in Spain, will appeal

B A R C E L O N A , (Reuters) - Brazilian footballer Dani Alves was convictedofrapingawoman in the restroom of a Barcelonanightclubin2022 andsentencedto4-1/2years inprisonyesterday,whichhe willappeal.

The top court in Spain’s Catalonia region also orderedAlves,whohasbeen jailed on remand for over a yearandrepeatedlychanged his story, to pay 150,000 euros ($163,000) to the victim.

“The sentence considers it has been proven that the victim did not consent, and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven,” the court said inastatement.

Once his prison term ends, Alves, 40, will be under probation for five years.

But he will soon be able to request leave for short periodsfromtheprisonnear

Barcelonawhereheisbeing held once he has served a quarter of the sentence and meets other requirements, a courtofficialsaid.

The court said that as well as the victim’s testimony, it considered as evidence that she suffered a knee injury after Alves pushed her to the floor, as wellasAlves’behaviourand hersfollowingtheeventand the fact she suffered aftereffects.

The prosecutor had sought a nine-year prison termforAlvesandthevictim requested 12 years but the court landed on 4-1/2 years, saying it considered as a mitigatingfactorthathehad opted to pay the victim the compensation regardless of theoutcomeofthetrial.

Alves’ lawyer Ines Guardiola told reporters outside the court that her legal team was going to appeal.

“I still believe Alves is innocent,” she said, adding

that her client was “coping well.”

The victim’s lawyer, Ester Garcia, questioned whether it was fair that defendants with money should be able to pay for a lightersentence.

“I reserve the right to takelegalactionanditismy understanding that from a legal point of view there shouldbeanappeal,”Garcia said.

Even so, Garcia said her client was satisfied that Alveshadbeenfoundguilty

“In the end, they believed me,” the victim said, accordingtoGarcia.

The former Barcelona defender was arrested in January last year and has beeninprisonsincethen.He was taken to the courthouse on Thursday to hear the ruling, which came two weeks after the trial had concluded.

Alves changed his version of events several times. He initially denied knowing the woman, then saidshehadonlyperformed oral sex on him and eventually admitted to full intercourse but Alves claimeditwasconsensual.

DOMINANTTOPIC

The case has attracted significantattentionnotonly due to Alves’ profile but becausegenderviolencehas become an increasingly dominant topic in Spain’s publicdiscourse.

It has been one of the most high-profile trials in Spainsincealawwaspassed

in 2022 that made consent a keyelementinsexualassault casesandwidenedtherange ofprisontime.

Alves benefited from this law, introduced by Spain’s socialist-led government, as it carried a lower minimum sentence and reduced sentencing due tomitigatingfactors,aresult of merging the formerly distinct felonies of sexual abuseandaggression.

The law had to be amended in 2023 to remove a loophole which was used by hundreds of convicted rapiststoreducetheirprison terms or win early release, triggeringapoliticalstorm.

Equality Minister Ana Redondo told reporters the Alvesrulingshowedthelaw was working as it placed “consent at the centre of sexualrelationships”.

But Redondo added, withoutelaborating,thatshe would seek to improve the law to give maximum protection.

Inthesentence,thecourt concluded that the victim voluntarily entered the nightclub’s VIP restroom, but stressed that even if she was seen dancing closely with Alves publicly beforehand that did not imply she was giving her consent to everything that happenedafterwards.

“ T h e s e n t e n c e recognises what we’ve been saying all along: that the victim was telling the truth and that she suffered,” her lawyer David Saenz told reporters.

Alves, one of the most successful footballers in history having won more than 40 trophies for his country and clubs like Juventus, Paris St Germain and Barcelona, joined MexicansidePumasUNAM in 2022 for a reported 300,000 euros monthly salary

The club terminated his contractafterhisarrest.

($1=0.9203euros)

Fruta Conquerors U-11

Santos FC U-11

DaniAlves

BCB/Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi Trust Fund...

23 clubs receive cricket gear for youth development

Foster bids goodbye to Berbice cricket

The Berbice Cricket Board on Saturday last sharedoutmillionsofdollars worth of cricket gears to youth cricket clubs across the county in conjunction with famed Guyanese medical doctor Amarnath Dukhi.Thepresentationwas done under the BCB/Dr AmarnauthDukhitrustfund and was attended by representatives of the 23 clubswhobenefitedfromthe donationofgears.

BCB president Dr Cecil Beharry described the event as another red letter day in theongoingefforttodevelop

the game in the ancient county Dr Beharry, who replaced Hilbert Foster in December2023aspresident stated,thatthetrustfundwas developed when his predecessor in October last yearmetwithDr Amarnauth Dukhi a Barbican by birth and a strong follower of Berbice cricket. Mr Foster and Dr Dukhi agreed to set up a fund to assist clubs to fulfill their mandate to youths.

The clubs receiving donationsonSaturdaylastare:

Achievers CC, Cotton Tree CC, Police Sports Club,Bush

lot United Sports Club, Mt Sinai Cricket Club, Guymine SportsClub,EastBankBlazer, Tucber Park CC, Rose Hall CanjeCommunityCenterCC, Albion Community Center CC, Rose Hall Town Youth andSportsClub,PortMourant Community Center CC, Edinburgh Sports Club, Kendall’sUnionCricketClub, Whim Cricket Club, Scottsburg Cricket Club, Skeldon Community Center, KildonanCricketClub,Betsy ground Cricket Club #72 Cut andLoad,#73YoungWarriors and #69 Cricket Club The items handed over to the clubs were cricket balls, batting pads, batting gloves, wicketkeeping pads, wicketkeeping gloves, helmets,batrubbersandself protection equipment like thigh pads, seed guards and

forearm guards. Dr Beharry expressed thanks to Dr Dukhi for his timely assistance and called on the benefactors to use the gears fortheintendedpurpose.

Dr Dukhi,whoisafamed Neurosurgeon in Guyana, statedthathewasverypleased toassistinthedevelopmentof thegameinthecountyashewas a proud Berbician He started that he agreed to Foster’s requestwithouthesitationashe wasawareoftheprogressofthe gameinthecountywithplayers like Shamar Joseph, Kevlon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair and Ashmini Munisar emerging from the grassroots He expressedthankstohisfriends RyanPerreiraandStevenShim for supporting him in the project Dr Dukhi committed himself to supporting the administrationof Dr Beharry

andstatedthathewaswilling to sponsor two sports psychologists to work with promising youth players in Berbice to improve the mental aspect of their game.

Dr Dukhi also promised to assist with much needed coaching equipment in the future.

Former BCB president Hilbert Foster expressed delight at the presentation andstatedthatDr Dukhiwas a true friend of Berbice Cricket.Fosternotedthatthe Neurosurgeon had committed to sponsor major repairs to the No69 ground and has already sponsored the Berbice Under15 inter clubtournament.

Meanwhile, Foster announcedtotheaudiencethat after the completion of the ceremonythathewasquitting

all appointed positions on the Berbice Cricket Board as his main priorities were his club, and regaining his full health The former president was hospitalizedlastyearforclose totwomonthsandiscurrently attending therapy sessions in an attempt to regain full fitness

He stated that he had givenallhecouldtoBerbice Cricket and expressed confidence in the leadership skills of the present president.

His resignation was as chairmanofthespecialevent committee and member of the competition and marketing committee. BCB president Dr Beharry expressedgratitudetoFoster forhisyearsofservicetothe boardandwishedhimwellin thefuture.

CG United Women’s Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze

Regional Tournaments return to St. Kitts in 2024

SportsMax - The best women’s cricketers in the West Indies will be back in actionasCricketWestIndies (CWI)returnstoSt.Kittsfor thehostingoftheCGUnited Super50 Cup and the T20 Blazeregionaltournaments.

The CG United Super50 Cup matches will be played at three venues – Warner Park, the Conaree Cricket Centre,andSt.Paul’sSports Complexfrom4to25March with the 50 over matches startingat10amlocaltime.

The T20 Blaze will feature five full days of entertainment for the fans from 17 to 25 March at WarnerPark.

There will be three matchesperday–startingat 10am, 2:30 pm and 7 pm (underlights).

Barbados are the defendingchampionsinboth theCGUnitedSuper50Cup

and T20 Blaze. The other teams are the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Divas, Guyana,Jamaica,Windward Islands and hosts Leeward Islands.

The Tournament starts a busyyearfortheWestIndies Women, which see them play all their international matches away, starting with Pakistan inApril, Sri Lanka in June, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October, finishingwithatourofIndia inDecember

CWI’s Director of cricket, Miles Bascombe said,“Thisyear’sCGUnited Super50CupandT20Blaze willbeagreatopportunityto build on what we started in 2023,withthecreationofthe West Indies Women’s A c a d e m y a n d t h e commendable performance of the Under 19 Women’s

teaminthehistoricinaugural ICC Women’s U19 Cricket WorldCuplastyear.2024is a packed year in the women’scalendarwiththree awaybi-lateralseriesinAsia alongwithanICCWomen’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

The ladies have the perfect opportunity to put their names forward for selection into any of these s q u a d s b y t h e i r performances in the CG United Super50 and T20 Blaze tournaments. We are all looking forward to some scintillating performances overinSt.Kitts.”

Matches will be streamed LIVE on the Windies Cricket YouTube channelwithlivescorecards and ball-by-ball scoring on the Windiescricket.com live matchcentre.

F U L L M A T C H

SCHEDULE

CG United Super50 Cup

–playstartsat10am

Round 1: Monday 4

March

Leeward Islands vs Guyana

BarbadosvsJamaica

Trinidad & Tobago

DivasvsWindwardIslands

Round 2: Wednesday 6

March

Leeward Islands vs Jamaica

Guyana vs Windward Islands

Trinidad & Tobago

DivasvsBarbados

Round3:Friday8March

Trinidad & Tobago

DivasvsJamaica

GuyanavsBarbados

Windward Islands vs LeewardIslands

Round 4: Monday 11

March

Jamaica vs Windward Islands

Guyana vs Trinidad & TobagoDivas

Barbados vs Leeward Islands

Round 5: Wednesday 13

March

Trinidad & Tobago DivasvsLeewardIslands

JamaicavsGuyana

Barbados vs Windward Islands

CWI T20 Blaze (all matches played at Warner Park)

Round 1: Sunday 17

March

Leeward Islands vs Barbados–10am

Trinidad & Tobago DivasvsGuyana–2:30:pm

Jamaica vs Windward Islands–7pm

Round 2: Tuesday 19

March

Windward Islands vs Barbados–10am

Leeward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago Divas –

2:30pm

Jamaica vs Guyana –7pm

Round 3: Thursday 21

March

Trinidad & Tobago

DivasvsWindwardIslands–10am

Jamaica vs Barbados –2:30pm

Guyana vs Leeward Islands–7pm

Round 4: Saturday 23

March

Jamaica vs Trinidad & TobagoDivas–10am

Guyana vs Barbados –2:30pm

Leeward Islands vs WindwardIslands–7pm

Round 5: Monday 25

March

Windward Islands vs Guyana–10am

Leeward Islands vs Jamaica–2:30pm

Trinidad & Tobago DivasvsBarbados–7pm

Dr. Dukhi hands over gears to BCB president.

Clubs

Florida Cup 2024... Regal Legends ready to defend title

- FLSport providing live streaming

The 17th edition of the Florida Cup Cricket tournamentbegunyesterday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with three categories being contested.

Atvariousvenuesacross the US sunshine state 18 teams begin their quest for softball supremacy in the firstmajortournamentofthe year

Defending champions in the over-50 category, Regal Legends took on Orlando Legends in Miramar Park their opening fixture yesterday morning before turning their attention to Shaw’s Reality Legends in theafternoon.

The Mahendra Hardyal lead side will end their preliminary round of matches today, Saturday morning with a key clash againstMarineLegends,the other team that travelled

fromGuyana.

The semifinals will be thisafternoonwhilefinalsin all three categories will be tomorrow,Sunday

The other categories are for Masters players who are 40yearandolderandtheAllStar category which caters forplayersofanyage.

Hardyalwasconfidentof bagging another title in the Legends Category where he noted that the players are a settled bunch of eager guys that had some cricket heading into the Florida Cup.

T h e d e f e n d i n g championsarejoiningforces with New York Hustlers Legends for this tournament mainly because of the challenges of getting full squads to travel to every tournament.

Before leaving Guyana, RegalLegendsweregivena

Narendra

boost of confidence from popular YouTuber Danny Persaud with his channel, It’s Our Life ARD with a timelysponsorship.

Meanwhile, President of the South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL), Anoop Basdeo is expecting

Singh stars with the bat for Peters Hall

Demolition,Laluni,UprisingregisterwinsinEBCA40-Overcricket

The East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA) 40Over cricket championship witnessed thrilling encounters over last weekend, with victories secured by Demolition, Peters Hall, Laluni, and UprisingSportsClub.

At the Farm ground, Demolition emerged victorious against Ruimveldt by two wickets Ruimveldt’s top scorer, Danney Naranya, posted a solid 48 runs, including five 4’s and a six, while Jimol Marks added 24 runs (4x4) as they reached a total of 148-10 Demolition’s bowlers,BenardBailey(3-18) and Damion Sam (3-21), shone In response, Demolition reached 151-8, withLeonSwamy’sclassy49 runs(5x4,3x6)steeringthem tovictory

Meanwhile, at Canal #2 ground,PetersHalltriumphed overHerstelling-Aby26runs Peters Hall posted a total of 211-10, with Narendra Persaud’s impressive 72 runs (4x4, 5x6) and Yogendra Singh’scontributionof47runs (5x4, 2x6) In reply, Herstelling could only

manage 185-10, as Shane Persaudtook3-43,including threemaidens.

At Laluni ground, Laluni CricketClubfacedSilverBullet SC, with Laluni winning the matchwhilechasingatargetof 127-10 set by Silver Bullet Lalunireached133-2,thanksto Josiah Lim’s unbeaten halfcenturyof56runs(3x4)

The action then continued on Sunday at Laluni ground, where Uprising SC took on Patrewta Sawmill. Uprising posted171-10,withMichael Subadarcontributingagritty 36 runs and Jamal Norton adding 29 runs In response, PatrewtaSawmillwasbowled

out for 168, with Mohamed Baksh taking 4-20, and MiguelParksfinishingwith218

In the previous week, Continental Raptors defeated HerstellingBby9wicketsina low-scoring affair Lennox Andrews top-scored for Continentalwith52runs,and Rajendra Singh took 3-16 Demolition SC defeated Uprising by 55 runs, with Continentalposting181-10and SanjayAgloo leading the way with44runs Herstellingcould onlymanage126-10

The EBCA 40-Over cricketactionwillresumeon Saturday, March 2, at Farm, Canal #2, Laluni, and YMCAgrounds.

high levels of competition. “AsaLeague,wehavedone everything possible to ensure all teams have a fun and memorable weekend For the first time we will be havingLivestreamingonall threedaysofthetournament. All teams are eager and the

weather is in our favour,” Basdeostated.

The live streaming is beingdonebyFLSportwith Chief Executive Officer, John Ramsingh leading the commentary team The coverage will be carried on theGuyanaTVNetwork.

Florida Cup is the first majorSoftballtournamentof the year among teams from NorthAmerica and Guyana.

In July, teams take on the Independence Cup in New YorkandinNovemberteams endtheyearinGuyanaatthe PrimeMinister’sCup.

Dubai Tennis Championships: Sorana Cirstea beats Wimbledon champion for ‘biggest comeback’ win

BBC News - Sorana Cirstea achieved “the biggest comeback” of her career as she reached the D u b a i T e n n i s Championships semi-finals, alongwithIgaSwiatek.

Cirsteawasasetand5-1 down against reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova but recovered to earn a 2-6 7-6 (7-1)6-2victory Swiatek beat Zheng Qinwen 6-3 6-2 but Coco Gauffwasknockedoutafter losing 2-6 6-4 6-2 to Anna Kalinskaya.

In her match, 33-yearold Romanian Cirstea saved sixmatchpoints.

“To be honest, at a set and 5-1, I wasn’t thinking about winning anymore,” saidCirstea.

“Iwaslike,atleastmake itniceforthepublic,atleast makeitlongerandgivethem abitnicertennis.

“SomehowImanagedto get this win and I still don’t knowhowImanagedit.

“This has to be the biggest comeback of my career.”

CirsteawillplayJasmine Paolini in the semi-finals.

The Italian was awarded a walkover win over fourth seed Elena Rybakina, who withdrew from the tournament because of gastrointestinalillness.

World number one Swiatek’s win against Australian Open runner-up Zheng sets up a semi-final againstqualifierKalinskaya.

Russian Kalinskaya

followeduphervictoryover Jelena Ostapenko by seeing off US Open champion Gauff.

“I’m super happy about my game here,” said Kalinskaya.

“She’s a great player, a greatfighter Icouldfeelthe tensionuntilthelastpointso itwasveryimportantonmy side to stay calm and stay aggressive.”

With Gauff, Rybakina andVondrousova going out, itleavesSwiatekastheonly seedremainingintheevent.

Cirstea has reached her third WTA1000 semi-final with her progress in Dubai. (Reuters)

Regal Legends departed from the CJIA.

Mohamed Baksh took 4-20.

Narendra Singh (72) leads Peters Hall to 26 run victory over HerstellingA.

GFF distribute essential equipment, conducts talks on league regulations with KFC Elite League clubs

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical Director Bryan Joseph on Wednesday handed over vital equipment to representatives of the ten clubs participating in KFC EliteLeagueSeasonSixand heldin-depthtalksregarding amendments to the tournament’sregulations.

Duringastraightforward ceremony on February 21 at the GFF National Training Centre(NTC)inProvidence, East Bank Demerara, representatives of the defending champions, Guyana Defence Force, Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force, Fruta Conquerors, Den Amstel, Buxton United, Ann’s Grove, Santos, and the recently promoted

Monedderlust and Slingerz, were presented with balls, cones, bibs and coaches magnetboards.

M o r e o v e r , t h e

discussion,whichincludeda questionandanswersession, centred around changes to theregulations,includingthe introduction of player

i d e n t i f i c a t i o n cards/accreditation to facilitateeasyrecognitionof players during away matches. Joseph stated that

theequipmentdistributionis “a crucial component of our strategy to ensure thorough preparation for the tournament.”

“We also had a candid talk with the teams to clear theairregardingthechanges to the rules and regulations oftheleagueasweapproach

thekickoff.”

Thenewseasonwillkick off on February 25 at the NTC under newly installed FIFA approved floodlights and an enhanced playing surface.

A total of 90 games are scheduled to be played throughout Season Six at grounds in Georgetown, West Coast Demerara, East BankDemeraraandBerbice.

Elite squads have undergone rigorous training in the past few weeks, fuelling heightened excitement amongst fans anxious to witness the outcome of the opening night doubleheader

tomorrow

The action begins at 6 p.m.withSlingerzFCfacing off against Monedderlust FC, setting the stage for the evening’s pinnacle at 9 p.m. whenSantosFCclasheswith the formidable Guyana DefenceForceFC.

Root rescues England with controlled century in India

RANCHI, India, (Reuters)-JoeRootrescued England with a century on theopeningdayofthefourth test against India yesterday, steering the tourists to a respectable 302-7 after Akash Deep took early wickets.

The right-hander responded to the backlash against England’s ‘Bazball’ approachaftertheirdrubbing by 434 runs in the third test, withanunbeaten106notout whichbroughtEnglandback into the game from a precarious112-5atlunch.

Root’s own dismissal in Rajkot — playing a reverse scoop against Jasprit Bumrah — was seen as symptomatic of what is wrong with England’s ultraaggressivebatting.

Ollie Robinson was also unbeaten after a useful cameo of 31, relieving the pressureonBenStokes,who was earlier left to rue his decision to bat as England lost the top half of their batting order in the frenetic firstsession.

Thehosts’2-1cushionin

the five-match series allowed them to rest pace spearhead Bumrah, and Akash Deep became the fourth Indian to make his debutintheseries.

The right-arm seamer impressed immediately, sending opener Zak Crawley’s off-stump cartwheeling in his second over but his celebrations were cut short when the noballsirenwentoff.

The 27-year-old seamer soon got over that disappointment by striking twiceinthreeballs.

Akash dismissed Ben Duckettcaughtbehindfor11 with an angled delivery that prompted a tentative prod from the opener Akash waited for confirmation that he had not overstepped and beathischestincelebration.

Two balls later, Ollie Popefelllbwforaduck.

Crawley went after MohammedSiraj,hittingthe bowler for three fours in a row and following that up withahugesix.

EnterAkash, who ended Crawley’s run-a-ball 42 by

hitting the top of his offstump.“Iwasupsetwiththe no-ball not because it was my first test wicket,”Akash told the broadcasters afterwards.

“I was worried it could costussomerunsasCrawley was going after us. I was relieved to get rid of him soon.” Jonny Bairstow (38) has been unusually subdued

in the series and he squandered another start by attempting a sweep shot against Ravichandran Ashwinonlytobedismissed lbw Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Stokes lbw for three with the final delivery before the lunch break that stayedlow

With their top half back in the hut, England’s

capitulation on a spiteful pitchappearedonlyamatter oftime.

But former captain Root had other ideas and combined with Ben Foakes (47) in a century stand denying India any wicket in thesecondsession.

Siraj returned to remove Foakes and Tom Hartley after the tea break, but Root

could not be denied his 31st test hundred. Root was lot more judicious in his shotmaking, hitting nine foursinapatientknock.

Englandsaidleg-spinner Rehan was returning home forpersonalreasons.

Scores: England 302 for 7(Root106*,Robinson31*,

Akash 3-70, Siraj 2-60) vs India.

England’s Joe Root in action during his knock. (REUTERS/Amit Dave)

Team Reps take a photo with the gear that was handed over by the GFF

2024 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 3 Day 3 - GHE vs. WIA Sinclair 165*, bowlers leave Guyana Harpy Eagles in control with a day left - WIA require 268 runs for victory with 3 wickets left

Kevin Sinclair

s t r o k e d a majestic165not outtohelptheGuyanaHarpy Eagles inch closer to a possible victory, as theWest Indies Academy, with 3 wickets left and only a day remaining will need 268runs for a victory at the CoolidgeCricketGround.

Eagles piled on a whopping 415-7 in their secondinnings,afterSinclair led the way with a breathtaking knock of 165 notoutoff182deliveries.

The West Indies Test player crunched some 26 fours during his stay, which spannedthelengthofDay3. His overnight partner, Kemol Savory, was the Eagles next best scorer with 58withcontributionsfroma few of their lower-order batters.

WIA spinner Ashmead

Nedd was Guyana’s boogeyman, having tormentedhisoldteammates toclaim5-97.

At stumps, WIA were staring a possible defeat in the face, with 7 wickets down for 161 runs. Jordan Johnson tried to keep things togetherwithasolid54.

The pair of Nedd (2*) and Carlon Bowen-Tuckett (34*), will have immense workontheirhandscomethe finaldayofplaytoday

Eagles’ fast-bowler Isai Thorne was lethal, grabbing 3-32,whileSinclairsnatched 2 quick wickets to go along

with a scalp apiece from Gudakesh Motie and RonaldoAlimohamed.

Savory and Sinclair resumed with confidence as both batsmen reached fifty on day 3 to help stretch the lead.Savoryshruggedoffhis fortunes from the previous rounds to reach his fifty in quicktime.

Theleft-handerstroked8 fours and a six before holdingouttoacatchoffthe bowlingofBishop.Withthe century partnership broken, Sinclair continued onwards as he eventually reached his century,courtesyofpatience andtiming.

Guyana’s lead venture passed the 300-mark with Sinclair adding to his milestone Alimohamed continued to show his class as a key batsman down the order, smacking a pair of foursandsixesinhis34-ball 31whichfurtheraddedtothe punishment.

After blazing his way past the 150-mark, it took more guts from his countryman Nedd, to comprehensivelyknockover the centurion’s last partner, Permaul who departed for 29.

Final day action bowls offat10:00h.

Kevin Sinclair was outstanding with both bat and ball for the Harpy Eagles.