Kaieteur News

Auditors given 5 months to audit

ExxonM’s US$19.6B expenditure

…biggest cost recovery bill to date

By Renay Sambach

By March 2025, a team of local auditors, supported by international experts, is expected to complete the cost recovery audit of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’sUS$19.6billionin expenses, accumulated over three years and set to be recovered from revenues generated in the Stabroek Block.

The third audit of Exxon’s Stabroek Block expensesisbeingconducted by local consultants VHE Consulting and Martindale Consultants, with additional support from petroleum geologists from the Norwegian technical firm IKMAconaAS.

Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of

Natural Resources, Joslyn McKenzie, during the Ministry’s end-of-year press conference on Tuesday disclosed the auditors were allotted five months to complete the third audit of Exxon’s expenses The contract to audit Exxon’s expensesfortheperiod2021 to 2023 was awarded on October10,2024forthecost of$312million.

McKenzie said, “That’s the period 2021-2023, and the audit sum totals roughly about US$19 6 billion thereabouts This is the quantum spent for the three years right, and that audit commencedinNovemberof 2024 and is expected to be completed by March of 2025.” He noted that the auditors have commenced field activities He also

Missing man found dead in Parika hotel

A22-year-oldmanwhowasreportedmissingby relativesonMondaywasfounddeadonTuesdayata ParikaHotelontheEastBankofEssequibo(EBE).

The dead man was identified as Imran Hack of LeRessouvenir,EastCoastofDemerara(ECD).

HackwaslastseenaliveonSundaywhenheleft forParika.Reportsarethathetraveledtheretovisita girlfriend, who reportedly moved on due to the “rocky”natureoftheirrelationship.

Sunday night, relatives realized that something waswrongwhentheywereunabletomakecontact with Hack via phone and he did not return to his home.

On Monday, relatives filed a missing person’s report.OnFacebook,hisrelativesposted,“Helpus bringhomeImranHack”.

However,onTuesday,policedisclosedthatHack wasfounddeadatthehotel.

Investigators suspect that his death might be a case of suicide but they are awaiting an autopsy to determinehiscauseofdeath.

Hack’s relatives are calling for an impartial investigation because they believe that there is a possibilityoffoulplay.

Investigationsareongoing.

adequate.”

The earlier audits include British firm IHS Markit, which reviewed expenses totaling US$1.7 billion for the period 1999

to 2017, and VHE

Consulting, supported by SGS and Martindale Consultants,whichaudited US$7.3 billion for 2018 to 2020.

relationtothat.”

outlined that the petroleum geologists are doing the technicalaspectoftheaudit.

In accordance to the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) ExxonMobil, the operator of the Stabroek Block, and its partners Hess and CNOOC are allowed to recover 75% from the sale of oil to cover cost, before the remaining 25% is shared as profit between the oil companies and Guyana As such, the audit of the expenses recoverablebyoilcompanies iscrucialtoascertainifactual recoverable cost is being billedtothecostbank

When asked if the government is comfortable withtheshorttimelinegiven to auditors to review a substantial US$19.6 billion in expenses which is

DEAD: Imran Hack

significantly larger than the two previous audits, McKenzieresponded,“Asit relates to the duration, the duration is in keeping with the audit charter, and the GRA ensured us that the work will be completed within that timeframe. All the bidders who submitted their bids also said the same thing, that the timeframe is

ThePermanentSecretary also noted that the Guyana Revenue Authority is leading the audit with the Ministry of Natural Resources providing technical and regulatory support. He added, “Once wegettothestagewherethe report is submitted by the end of March, the GRAwill advise the Minister in

“The auditors have already submitted the entry andtheinceptionreportsand their entry documents to the Guyana Revenue Authority There’s been technical working sessions with the GRAandtheauditors,along with Exxon, who’s been providing all the necessary documents There is full cooperation on the part of Exxon, and so far, everythingisgoingsmooth,” McKenzie disclosed Further,heoutlinedongoing capacity-building initiatives tiedtotheauditformembers of the Ministry of Natural Resources, GRA, the Audit Office, Ministry of Finance, Bureau of Statistics, and others.

Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Joslyn McKenzie at the press conference on Tuesday

FLASHBACK! Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, handing over the contract to VHE Consulting auditors to conduct the second audit in the presence of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Joslyn McKenzie (DPI photo)

Kaieteur News

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456

Editor: NIGELWILLIAMS

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Signing off without seeing

Guyanese have come to appreciate that everything that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo does has the unknown about it. Unknown to them, but not unknown to Jagdeo. Most things that he gets involved in, lends his backing to have some hidden motive that surfaces long after The development involving tax waivers for ExxonMobil provides a study in the cleverness of Jagdeo, how he positions himself for later, regardless of the cost to Guyanese.

For the longest period, when Jagdeo and the PPPC were in the opposition, to mention the APNU+AFC Coalition in his presence, was to become a marked man. The Coalition was the worst with venom and rage dripping out of Jagdeo and his minions for that ruling group. Would this not be the last group to be found in Guyana that Jagdeo do any kind of business with, for any reason? Most Guyanese would have thoughtso,giventheheatofpoliticalpassionsandthebarely concealed contempt of both groups for one another But the unbelievable happened in that Jagdeo agreed to meet secretly with the APNU+AFC Coalition and added his supporttoablatantselloutofGuyana'sinterests.

Tax waivers involving billions of US dollars were put before then Opposition Leader Jagdeo and he quickly, seamlessly was onboard immediately The first thing to be saidisthatthecleverpoliticaloperatorthatisJagdeo,doesn't rush into situations or decisions with his eyes closed and his hands tied. He is not a man to be hurried, but one who functionsaccordingtohisowncalculations. Therewasabig calculation in that tax waiver pushed under his nose by the Coalition. Had he refused to give it his full backing, so that therewasunanimousparliamentaryapprovalofthewaivers, the word would have leaked straight back to ExxonMobil. The clearest message would have been sent about what Jagdeowasallaboutandwhichsideoftheoilfencehestood. Torefusetobackthetaxwaiverswouldhavelefthiminabad place with ExxonMobil, and the people in that company do notforget.

In effect, when Jagdeo agreed to meet secretly with the APNU+AFC Coalition to discuss tax waivers for ExxonMobil, he was already well into his slippery games. By lending the full weight of the PPPC to the tax waivers, what Jagdeo was doing was set himself up in a favorable light with the wheeler-dealers in ExxonMobil. He was already way ahead of the game; in that he was sending the strongest and clearest signals to ExxonMobil that he was looking out for what benefits the company. Even if the cost is in the US billions for the Guyana treasury, it didn't mean much to Jagdeo, given how far he would go to serve ExxonMobil's interests and please its bosses. For him to agree to the tax waivers without seeing or reading the terms and conditions of the ExxonMobil oil contract was an indication of how much he was already committed lock, stock, and barrel to the company In other words, whatever had to be done to keep ExxonMobil happy, it was as good as done.

It is incredible that a leader with the political depth and long experience of Jagdeo would blindly agree to those tax waivers. We say blindly because he claims not to have seen orreadtheoilcontract. Itisfairtosaythathecouldnothave known what its tax clauses said, but there he was giving away billions through waivers. As a former Minister of Finance,itissecondnaturetoJagdeothatassoonasheheard tax waivers for ExxonMobil, the gears in his head would start to grind. The tax waivers would amount to a huge amount of money, and the PPPC would be part and parcelof that heavy subsidy to ExxonMobil. If that was Jagdeo then, giving away to ExxonMobil lavishly when he had little power, what is to be expected of him today when he has accumulated so much unchecked power? Billions in tax waiverswerenothingtoJagdeothen. Whateverthenumber of billions for ExxonMobil today, don't expect Vice PresidentJagdeotohaveanyobjections.

To underestimate Maduro is to do so at the nation's peril

DearEditor,

As a nation, we cannot continue to trivialise the growing threats to Guyana's sovereignty under the leadership of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Time and again, Maduro has d

i s unwavering resolve to pursue Venezuela's baseless claimthatEssequibobelongs to them. His latest move to announce an election for a governor in Essequibo underscores the seriousness of his ambitions, while the Guyanese government's r e s p o n s e h a s b e e n disappointinglyinadequate.

T h e I r f a a n A l i administration appears perpetually caught in a reactionary mode. It was onlyafterpublicoutcryfrom sections of society and the parliamentary opposition that the government brought a motion to Parliament r

ff

ming G

n

's territorial integrity This move received unanimous approval Notwithstanding that motion, the regime has fallen silent on Venezuela, seemingly prioritising attacks on the Opposition and perceived local

adversaries over addressing Maduro's increasing aggression Such actions only deepen ethnic and politicaldivisionsratherthan fostering the inclusionary democracy mandated by Guyana'sConstitution.

The Jagdeo/Ali regime has consistently sown seeds of internal discord, while taking a lackadaisical approach to Venezuela's escalating hostility Sane voices in society, drawing from both historical and contemporary experiences, have called for a multipronged strategy to address Venezuela'sclaims.

This strategy must include the International Court of Justice (ICJ) p r o c e e d i n g s w h i l e maintaining robust national awareness through diverse channels, organisations, and individuals A unified purpose is critical, but when half the population feels excluded due to government policies that undermine their interests, a dangerous atmosphe

g cultivated.

Maduro is undoubtedly aware of the divisive

political environment in Guyana; a dynamic fostered during Bharrat Jagdeo's tenure and continues under Ali's administration This environment of hostility and division is unlike anything witnessed during the leadership of Forbes Burnham or Cheddi Jagan.

The Jagdeo/Ali regime seems more invested in maintaining internal rancour than in forging national unity

To underestimate Maduro is to do so at the nation's peril. In December 2 0 2 3 , M a d u r o outmanoeuvred President Ali. After initially vowing not to meet with Maduro or sign any agreement due to t h e o n g o i n g I C J proceedings,Alireversedhis position under the influence of St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. The result was the controversial "ArgyleAgreement,"amove that undermined Guyana's ICJ case. Even the United Nations had urged caution. WithMaduronowescalating hisdemandsoverEssequibo, the silence of Gonsalves, the self-proclaimed interlocutor, isdeafening.

President Ali must go back to the drawing board. He must abandon divisive politics, prioritise national unity, and reevaluate his stewardship of Guyana's sovereignty Learning from past leaders excluding Jagdeo, whose policies have caused significant harm to thenation—shouldbepartof this process. It is worth recalling that during Jagdeo's presidency, there was even consideration of grantingVenezuela access to the Atlantic Ocean through Guyana; a reckless idea for a country that is not landlocked.

M a d u r o ' s r e c e n t announcement to hold an election for a governor in Essequibo must be a wakeup call. This is not a time for business as usual Both d o m e s t i c a l l y a n d internationally,Guyanamust respondwithstrategicclarity anddeterminationonmatters of inclusionary democracy andsafeguardingthenation's territorialintegrity Anything less risks jeopardising the nation's sovereignty and unity

Lincoln Lewis

Border controversies and Amerindian communities

DearSir/Madam,

Asapoliticalactivistand member of the Indigenous Guyanesecommunity,Ihave been constrained to follow with careful attention developments in the critical m a t t e r o f t h e G u y a n a / Ve n e z u e l a territorial controversy Accordingly, I have been encouraged by a number of developments especially by the fact that both the Opposition and the Government hammered out a national position premised on the unity of our people in Octoberlastyear

The various countries, large and small, and international organisation which have come forward to support our cause is comforting The national position on the Border Controversy and the support gained for Guyana are a source of comfort and hope. ThisControversyconstitutes an existential threat to my country as a whole and sovereign State Only a united people can come throughadangerofthistype. This means that every segment of the population mustfeelitselftobeavalued member of the exercise to combat the steadily increasing Venezuelan aggression.

But I am sure that unity

can be improved and strengthened if we look carefullyatthepositionofall of our people in relation to theBorderControversy For let us be frank, there are problems with our “unified position.” Tobespecific,we need to look carefully at those communities which border the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I refer specifically to the Titled Indigenous Villages and other communities in Regions 1,7,8 and 9 Consider also, Region 2 which is easily accessible from Venezuela via the Atlantic and the Pomeroon River These communities face directly the discomfort of the decisions taken by Maduro and his regime, including the necessity to move from one region to another

The problem here is that the lack of the appropriate and logistical infrastructure has hampered leaders in t h e s e v i l l a g e s a n d communities from bringing certainty to the support that they can expect and give to residents. Not so long ago, there was what was called a Regional Policy which enabled them to provide information to the central government and receive guidance and instructions as to how they should respond

to the activities of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela which are injurious to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our nation. It is a matter of regret that the Border Policy which proved so effective in thepasthasbeenabandoned. I must urge the government tourgentlyrevivethispolicy Government must also ensure that matters affecting Guyana's hinterland and Indigenous Peoples' population in relation to the Border Controversy must be communicatedtotheminthe First Language(s) wherever necessary

D e v e l o p m e n t s i n

Venezuela since the Referendum laying claim to the Essequibo, the law formalizing the idea of “Guyana Essequiba,” the threat of elections to elect a Governor of this entity, the military buildup on Ankoko Island, and the building of the bridge joining the island to the main land of Venezuela, and, finally, the relentless propaganda against my country by Caracas have all unsettled my compatriots but especially those in the Indigenous Villages and communitieson, ornear,the frontier For example, after the launch of a series of

measures in December, includingtheattempttoseize the Essequibo, our Indigenous Villages and communities were pervaded by fear and apprehension.

T h e p u b l i c a t i o n “Mongabay” reported in December that these developments prompted fears “among dozens of Amerindian communities thattheconflictmaythreaten ongoing efforts to legally recognize their collective territorial lands or undermine their land titles in theAmazonregion.”

Nowthelandiscriticalto the identity and wellbeing of the Indigenous Peoples and therefore, the fears they are expressing ought to attract the immediate attention of the central government. It is past time, therefore, that the Essequibo region is given its owndevelopmentplanallied to a Security Regime which c a n p r o t e c t t h e s e communities and maintain the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country We have the resources and it is certainly not beyond our doing.Indeed,itisironicthat the county which is the source of most of our natural resource wealth, protected forests and fresh water is given least of the resources derived therefrom, for its (Continued on page 6)

DearEditor,

Numbers Matter

Reference is made here to remarks delivered on two separate occasions by the current Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), a third party that once hoped to strike a very important balance between the two major political parties. A third party that spoke highly of its credibility and ability to be the difference in a political landscape that it claimed was overtaken by lies, exaggerations, and omissionsofthetruth.

In the party's January 3 press conference, AFC Leader Nigel Hughes doubled down on his positionthattherewere1200 Afro-Guyanese men that “disappeared” with some or all of the responsibility being laid at the feet of the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) that wastheninoffice.

S u b s e q u e n t l y, a passionate young man named Nikhil Sankar questioned the validity of this number, sharing his view that the inflation of the numbers could be a direct attempt to reopen and even exacerbate the wounds caused by the horrendous crime wave that occurred from 2002-2006. Rightfully, Nikhil challenged the amount highlighted by the AFC leader, as it appears as if he expected Guyanese to believewhathesaidbecause hewastheonesayingit.

This debate sparked a desire for intense research in my mind. I began to ask myself real questions about theseallegeddisappearances of young black men like myself, and wondered how something of this magnitude couldhappenwithlittletono

authoritative and objective documentation of what transpired.

After doing some digging, I stumbled upon an impressively detailed article titled P r i s o n B re a k

Carnage: A Stabroek News I n v e s t i g a t i o n In its preamble, the dossier admitted that there was –and, apparently, there still is – what it terms a “heated disputation” surrounding “the number of persons who died in the violence following the 2002 jailbreak”.

Now, what is very important to note is that this dossier, possibly the only compilation of the deaths during the horrendous crime wave that is published and up for scrutiny, details 420 people who were killed. 151 were murdered by bandits, 239 killed in confrontations with law enforcement and in unexplained circumstances, and 30 security officers who l o s t t h e i r l i v e s A considerable proportion of those who were killed were of ethnicities other than Afro-Guyanese.

At the end of the first paragraph, Stabroek News admits that it may not have been able to capture every single death. However, the newspaper affirmed that those not embedded in the dossier “would only be a smallnumber”.

With this sort of information, one finds it increasingly difficult to understand how a political leaderwhointendstorunfor office in some form or the other would be so callous as to blurt out numbers that would only serve to instill fear in those listening about the magnitude of the events

thatunfolded.

Butthatisnotall.

On Friday last, after the challenge by Sankar, Nigel Hughes appears to dismiss the original number he doubled down on In response to a particular question posed to him, Hughes says: “If you're asking me to argue whether it is 1200, or 1100, or 1400, tomethat'ssecondary…”

I wish not to impute any impropermotivesofHughes or anyone else But the reality is simple – our young peopledeservethetruth.Ifit is that the argument of 1200

Afro-Guyanese men “disappearing” or being the subjects of extrajudicial killings actually forms the basis of fact, do not use yourself as the authoritative source. Compile your list and do not waver Show us, theyoungpeoplewhosevote you will clamour for at the end of this year, that you are worthy to be believed and that your word is your bond. Dispute the 420 people that Stabroek News put together in the dossier and point us in the direction of the more than 700 others that you assert were the victims of, in some way or other, politically-supported annihilation.

The young people of this country, especially those of African descent, can no

longer be misled.The power of the internet no longer allowsusto.

Finally, I want to condemn the attempts I have seen on Sankar for his bravery to ask, albeit vehemently, for a detailed breakdown of the numbers that appear to be inflated. I have seen him being called all kinds of names for being an Indo-Guyanese and for looking into this matter as intently as he has. Well, I hope that this letter disabuses the mind of anyone with the notion that as an Indo-Guyanese, he shouldnotbeasinterestedas heisinthismatter

He is not alone, and I am asking, as a young man of African descent, for the substantiation of the numbers presented to this country

It is time we put to rest, once and for all, this continuous reopening of the wound caused by this dreaded period of our country's history It is time that we allow the souls of those to get the respite they deserve, and for the families to find solace in the undisputed conclusion of thismatter

L e t ' s s t a r t b y underscoring that the numbersmatter

Yours sincerely, Shaquawn Gill

The Speaker should reinstate the word CORRUPTION, in Guyana's Parliament or show cause why not

DearEditor,

Reference is made to Ms. Amanda Walton-Desir's January 12, 2025, letter to this publication, of which, I fully endorse her plea to Guyana's Speaker of the House, Mr Manzoor Nadir, to allow the word corruption to be reinstated in speech delivery,inParliament.

Not sure if the Speaker was so directed or reserved autonomy to disallow the word corruption to be excluded in Parliamentary addresses.

Equally unsure as to why Mr Nadir so direct the word “ c o r r u p t i o n “ t o b e countermanded.

However, the word corruption is a complex issue withmultiplecauses.

POVERTY can lead to corruption especially in social and economic inequality

GREED itself lends to corruption

POOR GOVERNANCE begetscorruption

MECHANISMS precipitates corruption

ELECTIONS enkindles corruption …andthelistgoesonand on.

In totality, corruption can clothe itself in criminal activity or dishonesty that prejudices the rights of others.

In summation, and as a tax payer, I urge, should the Speaker Mr Manzoor Nadir, not reinstate the word “corruption” then he, Mr Nadir should investigate the dialectics that juxtaposes this contradictory word and adjudicatefurther

Respectfully, Jonathan Subrian Esq.

GTUC wants urgent electoral reforms ahead of 2025 elections

TheGuyanaTradeUnion Congress (GTUC) is calling for immediate reforms to ensurethat2025Generaland Regional Elections are free, fair, and transparent and conductedinanenvironment freefromcorruption.

The union has called for among other things, the sanitizationofthevoters'list, the introduction of biometric systems, the immediate release of the 2022 census, and comprehensive reforms to the Guyana Elections Commission(GECOM).

Additionally, the union through its President Norris Witter has called for a

Commonwealth foreign nationals residing in Guyana to be provided. He said the requested data must be broken down by nationality to ensure transparency in the electoralprocess.

Wi

ss conference held Tuesday at the Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown reiterated concerns raised by the GTUC in December about the integrity of the voters' list, which he said has grown from 660,000 electors in the 2020 to over 735,000 as published in the Preliminary

ListofElectorsthismonth.

The GTUC president said that PLE was revised multiple times but is deeply flawed and should be cleansed to ensure accurate representation of the electorate He expressed concerns over the continued lack of transparency regarding the 2022 census, whichisyettobereleased.

"Where is the 2022 census?" Witter asked while questioning, "What is the accurate ethnic distribution

President of the GTUC, Norris Witter

of our population? Why has the government not addressed these important questions?"

Further,Witterpointedto what the union considers to be “troubling information” gathered through its own investigations and that of international partners He said that there are discrepanciesinthePLEand pointed specifically to the Ogle Sugar Estate polling divisionwherethenumberof voters has increased from

just nine in 2020 to 119 accordingtothe2025PLE. Witter said that close observation of the list shows thatthemajorityofthevoters sharethesameaddress. “ the same address meaning they are all accommodating not residing,atthesameaddress. They are all males, and their occupations vary, but it is to note that of these 119, the vast majority comprise of labourers. The agency that (Continued on page 16)

Border controversies and Amerindian...

From page 5 defenceandwellbeing. This county is also home to thelargestblockofGuyana's Indigenous Peoples population. This obviously explains the protected forests, minerals, and remaining fresh water sources. I am sure, we can get the required technical assistance from friendly countries to complete a programme for the defence and economic development ofourEssequibo.

I want to proceed further withthematterasitrelatesto the disposition of the hinterland and Indigenous Peoples given the fear and angst with which they are afflicted. The fear to which allusion was made is more pervasivethanwethink.The “Mongabay” publication also pointed to “Amerindian Toshaos or village chiefs, in the Essequibo fear that a drastic shift in control of natural resources in this large belt of tropical forests m a y t h r e a t e n t h e i r traditional lands. All five chiefs interviewed told “Mongabay” that they are worried about their safety in the case of an invasion, a concern that extends to all villages The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), Guyanese NGO, told “Mongabay” that some familieshavealreadymoved away from their villages in searchofsecurity.”

The apparent lack of vigor of the Government in r e s p o n d i n g t o t h e provocations of the Venezuelan government is, to say the least, troubling. Why has the Government not gone on the diplomatic offensive?

We have done this with great success in the eighties, for example, and the paradigm exists for this Governmenttofollow

Itisclearthatwewillnot get much out of the Security Council where Venezuela hasstaunchsupportersinthe Russians and the Chinese. But what about the General

Assembly? After sixty years of independence, we must know how to organize ourselves within this organ in order to ensure a robust defence of our territorial integrityandsovereigntyina Globalenvironment.

It should not be difficult for this country, given its wide diplomatic networks, t o m o b i l s e t h o s e international organizations which support Indigenous Peoples, including The International Group for I n d i g e n o u s A ff a i r s (IWGIA).

It is necessary to dramatize to the peoples and Governments of the world thatthedecisionsandactions taken by the Venezuelan Government in relation to the Border Controversy with Guyana are having a deleterious effect on the livelihood, wellbeing, and cultural autonomy of the Indigenous peoples of my country

Of course, such a course of action must be premised ontheconveningofaspecial conference of Guyana's Indigenous Peoples at which appropriate resolutions can b e p a s s e d , a c t i o n recommended and taken Above all, practical action outlined, which can assist t h e s e v i l l a g e s a n d communities to respond to the ongoing tension and uncertainties in the regions adjoining (and easily accessible by) Venezuela. A robust and intelligent diplomacy will have a positive impact on our hinterland and Indigenous Villagesandcommunities.

I wish to submit that actions based on sound policy must be taken urgently in respect of the aforesaid villages and communities. Our solidarity in relation to Venezuela on the Territorial Controversy could be fractured. It is a known fact that, members of the Indigenous Villages and communities adjoining Venezuela, often have family members residing on

theothersideoftheborder Expressing support for Venezuela or engaging in activities inimical to the best interests of Guyana in these circumstances can be expected and must be managed.Wecannotruleout such a development, given the well documented neglect of these Villages and communities, and the reported heightened activity of Venezuela among them.

“Global Voices” another publication has already reported that Indigenous communities feel neglected and suffer from a lack of consultation over the question of Carbon Credits. The issue of the publication th dated the 30 December made this ominous observation: “But far from the capital, Georgetown, many unanswered questions remain, angering indigenous people who complain about being excluded from the debates on the use of their lands.”

President Maduro has announced that there will soon be elections for the Governor of “Guayana Essequiba.”

It is not in Guyana's tactical or strategic interests for our communities to be tempted to participate in this most significant affront to the dignity of the nation because they feel neglected over Carbon Credits or any other matter of important to theircommunities.

I want to urge the Government as the drama of the Border Controversy unfolds to give special attention and support to our Indigenous Peoples and hinterland residents, so that they do not feel trapped in a zoneofexistencewherethey aresubjecttothepropaganda and blandishments of the Maduro administration without countervailing actionfromourgovernment. Timeisnotonourside.

Sincerely, MervynWilliams, Former Member of Parliament.

Govt. reviewing Exxon’s application to increase oil production at 2nd and 3rd projects -OilMinister

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is currently reviewing an application made by

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the operator of the Stabroek Block,tofurtherincreasethe dailyrateofoilproductionat itssecondandthirdprojectsLizaTwoandPayara.

This was revealed by subject Minister, Vickram Bharrat during his end-ofyear press conference, hosted at the Guyana Forestry Commission’s Multicomplex Building, Kingston,Georgetown.

Optimization in the oil and gas sector refers to a process geared at enhancing oil recovery The company w o u l d a s s e s s t h e performance of the facilities forexistinglimitationsofthe installed equipment to determine how those could beimproved.

Minister Bharrat was joinedonTuesdaybyseveral senior officers at the head

During his three-hour long media conference,

MinisterBharratnotedthata request was received from Exxon to optimize productionattheLizaUnity and Prosperity Floating Production Storage and Offloadingvessels(FPSOs).

The Liza Unity operates the Liza Two project while Prosperityproducesoilfrom thePayaraproject.

According to the Minister, government has hired an independent consultant to assist in reviewing the application. Additionally, he noted that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also fully engaged in the process, since the noobjection would be tied to the environmental permit issuedbytheagency

t a b l e , i n c l u d i n g Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines (GGMC),NewellDennison, Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Joslyn McKenzie and head of the Guyana Forestry Commission(GFC),Edward Goberdhan.

He explained, “On our side to give final approval, we have contracted a thirdparty international consultant to look at this matter As soon as they would have concluded their report, we would be in a better position to either say n o o r y e s t o t h e optimization.”

The Minister did not say how much the company is looking to increase production by According to

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat during his end of year press conference

data on the Ministry’s website,Exxonisproducing approximately 660,000 barrelsofoilperday(bpd)at the three projects in operation.

The Liza One project is producing about 160,000 bpd; while Liza Two and Payara are producing about 250,000bpdeach.

Minister Bharrat noted that the Ministry will await the assessment by the EPA and the consultant before making a decision to approve the optimization request.

H e s a i d , “ T h e government is not against production. We have said thatfromdayonebutitmust

be done in a safe manner It must be done in a manner that will not cause any issue with equipment or with regardstotheenvironment.”

Bharrat added that if government is satisfied on those issues, it would then give its final decision Presently, he said the Ministry is awaiting the technical report from the EPAandtheconsultant.

Back in May 2024, Exxonindicateditsintention tocarryoutmodificationson the Liza Two vessel to accelerate its daily oil production.

At that time, Exxon’s Country Manager, Alistair Routledgesaidthatwhenthe FPSO goes offline in the third quarter of the year to facilitatethetie-inworksfor the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, the company will take advantage of the downtime to conduct maintenance and further debottleneckingactivities.

BanksDIHnetsover$10B inafter-taxprofitslastyear

The Banks DIH Group has recorded an after-taxprofitattributabletoshareholdersof the company of $10.563B last year an increase of $1.593B from the previous year, Chairman of the beverage giant, Clifford Reishassaid.

Banks DIH will host its shareholders meeting on January 25 and ahead of the conference the company released its annual report. In his report Reis said Banks DIH holdings Limited has recorded an overall increase of $2.470 billion for2024.

According to him the group saw a 17 % increase byrecordingaprofitbefore tax of $16 979 billion compared to $14 509 billionin2023.

According to the chairm

n the commencement of the operations of Banks DIH Holdings Inc. on July 19, 2024, the revenues for Banks DIH Limited for the period October 1, 2023 to July 18, 2024 was $39.079 billion while the revenue for Banks DIH Limited for the period July 19, 2024 to September 30, 2024 was $9.765 billion resultinginanoverallrevenuegenerationof $48.844billioncomparedto$44.048billion in 2023, reflecting an increase of $4.796 billionor11%.

compared to $11 393 billion in 2023, reflecting an increase of $2.009 billion or 17.63%.

Reis said the achievement is a testament to “our commitment, dedication and the strategicinitiativesweimplementedin2024. Our customer satisfaction programmes that wereimplementedduringtheyearhavealso seen significant improvement, thanks to our commitment to quality service and continuousimprovement.Italsoreflectsthe trustourcustomersplacein us and our unwavering focus on meeting their needs.”

Chairman Mr. Clifford Reis

The profit before tax for Banks DIH Limited for the period October 1, 2023 to July 18, 2024 was $10.544 billion while the profit before tax for Banks DIH Limited for the period July 19, 2024 to September 30, 2024 was $2.858 billion resulting in an overall profit before Tax of $13.402 billion

As it relates to dividends, the Board of Directors of Banks DIH Limiteddeclaredadividend of $0.60 per share unit which was paid to all Shareholders whose names appeared on the Share RegisterasatMay24,2024. The cost of this dividend payment was $509 9 million.

On October 30, 2024, a dividend payment of $0.60 per share unit was made to ShareholdersofBanksDIH Holdings Inc. The cost of this dividend payment was $509.9 million. The Board of Directorshasnowrecommendedadividend payment of $1.40 per share unit to our ShareholdersofBanksDIHHoldingsInc.

The total dividend paid to shareholder during the year was $2.60 per share unit. This resulted in an overall cost of $2.210 billion compared to $1.870 billion in 2023, anincreaseof$340millionor18.18%. Amongotherthings,BanksDIHLimited Continued on page 15

Members of the National Assembly should exercise civility towards their peers

The following

c o l u m n w a s published two years ago in response to the same controversy that is now beingresurrected:

There is a certain person inthegovernmentwhocanbe caustic criticizing members of the Opposition. On her Facebook page, she has been known to use strong adjectives and nouns to describe certain Opposition parliamentarians If those words were used in the National Assembly, they would have to be withdrawn a s c o n s t i t u t i n g unparliamentarylanguage.

What Members of Parliament say in the National Assembly is privileged. They cannot be sued over their pronouncements. They can take certain liberties without fear of a libel action. But parliamentarians are expectedtobepoliteandcivil whenaddressingeachother

The things that particular

person wrote on her Facebook page, against another honourable member, would not have been entertained in the National Assembly because the use of such words would have been deemed by the Speaker as unparliamentary It is therefore ironic that the particular member could say certain things in Facebook which cannot be said in the NationalAssembly

In order to ensure greater civilitywithintheLokSabha, India's parliament, a list of additional unparliamentary

w o r d s i s c o m p i l e d periodically Among the new list of words are “baloney”, “betrayal” , “cheat” , “cockroaches”, “coward”, “criminal”, “disgrace”, “hogwash”, “hypocrite”, “ l i a r ” , “ f o o l ” a n d “corruption”.

Thepublicationofthelist of unparliamentary words came under severe criticism in India Some persons vieweditasanattempttogag members of parliament and an affront to freedom of expression and privileged speechintheparliament.

Itwaslaterexplainedthat the words in question were not banned but merely represented a list of words which in the past had to be scrubbed from the public record of the proceedings of theLokSabha.

It was further explained that the rules of India's parliament permit the expunging of words which do not conform to the dignity befitting the National Assembly

T h e i s s u e o f unparliamentary language has arisen recently in G u y a n a ' s N a t i o n a l Assembly And rather than claiming that the words are proscribed from being used, itwouldbemuchbetterifitis clarified that the list of unparliamentary words are merely there to guide parliamentarians during their presentationsintheHouse.

A distinction needs to be m a d e I t w o u l d b e unparliamentary for certain words to be directed against

certain members For example, it would not be befitting the decorum expectedintheHouseforany member to be described of accused of being a “cheat” or “corrupt”.

The Standing Orders of the National Assembly is to theeffectthat,“Itshallbeout of order to use offensive and insulting language about members of the National Assembly”.

In order to ensure greater civility within the National Assembly, the Standing Orders require that Members be addressed with the word. “Comrade” appearing before their title or official designation or they be referred to as “Honourable Mr orMs…”

And it goes further to state that no Member of the National Assembly shall impute improper motives to any other Member of the National Assembly As such, no Member should describe another as “corrupt” or a “fool” But certainly, the former should be allowed to describe a government, past ofpresent.

If the word 'corrupt' is proscribed from being used in the House to characterize the actions of a government, it would make it impossible for a no-confidence motion to be debated since this is often the basis for tabling a confidence motion in the House.

Indeed, during the debate of the no-confidence motion against the APNU+AFC

r e g i m e , t h e w o r d

DEM BOYS SEH

Modern chaos, old-time madness

Dem boys seh we modern and backward at the same time. Guyana building fancy high-rise buildings that touching the sky Shiny, glassy, look like dem come out of a foreignmagazine.Butrightoutside,vendors selling on the pavement like is an open-air market. Yuh can't walk without dodging a stallsellingphonecasesorsomebodyfrying eggball. Fancy mall inside, sidewalk bazaar outside. Progress? Dem boys seh it looking morelikeconfusion.

We got four-lane highways now Lights bright,smoothconcreteandasphaltthatcost taxpayersanarm,leg,andhalfakidney Cars flying like dem in a Formula 1 race. But lo and behold, who yuh see clip-clopping in de middle of de road? A horse cart! Horse cart and BMW sharing the same road. Imagine yuh in a Tesla, cruising modern and clean, onlytogetstuckbehindadonkeycartloaded withcowmanure.Isthis2025or1925?

Dem boys seh we got fine dining spots popping up all over You can't pronounce half de name on de menu. But right next to demfancyeatery,somebodysellingcook-up

“corruption” and its derivatives were used no less than44times.

The context in which certain words are used needs t o b e t a k e n i n t o consideration.

in a styrofoam box from a pushcart Hygiene? Never heard of it. Dem food caverns breeding like mosquito. And de smell? Is a perfume that hit yuh harder than derisingcost-of-living. And talk about aesthetics. Government spending money like water to pretty up de town. But then yuh turn yuh head, and what yuh see?Abig, ugly pile of garbage all over Demboyssehgarbageindecitymultiplying faster than potholes, and that's saying something.We modern, dem boys seh, but weholdingontighttochaoslikeiswefamily heirloom. How we progressing when we walking backward? Yuh can't mix old-time bad habits with new-time development and expectanythingtomakesense.Isliketrying toservecaviarinacalabash.

Dem boys seh, we nation got potential, but we need fuh choose: modern or messy? Right now, we living in de best of times and de worst of times. One foot in de future, de otherstuckindepast.Andifwekeepthisup, wemightendupnowherefast. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

If certain words are used to disparage a member of the Assembly, they should be expunged and withdrawn, at the direction of the Speaker But greater latitude needs to be shown when these words are used to describe the government, either past or present.

It is easy to cast aspersions on the integrity of the Speaker But those who feel that something was said that ought to be expunged from the record and withdrawn, need to be reminded that they have a right to raise objections, on a point of order, to the use of unparliamentary language

This has been done before and those guilty have been asked to withdraw their remarks and for any offending remarks to be scrubbed from the public record. (The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h

n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Renegotiation–Workingwithandwithin,thecontract

Renegotiation. In the context ofthe2016Exxonoilcontract,the word is generating increasing heat across Guyana The main oppositionPNChasattractedsome of that heat, as passions intensify aboutoilandmoney,andequitable citizensharingintheirinheritance.

Thefactthat2025haselections written all over it ratchets up the pressure on politicians navigating their way through oil challenges, demandsoverthisoil,anddifferent visionsofhowitshouldbehandled.

Sifting through some of the PNC’spublicofferings,writtenand oral,itisnoticeablethatthegroup’s focushasbeenon‘engagement’of Exxon at the proper time. Instead of the in-the-face, drop dead, this way or no way attitude and approach, the PNC has opted for what is the more conciliatory approach.

Theconciliatoryratherthanthe confrontationalishowIseeit. The glovedhand,notthefoldedfist. No question that there is merit embedded. Putting myself in the PNC’sshoes,Ithinkthattheparty’s

leadership believes that renegotiation has too much of the ultimatumaboutit. Inotherwords, it has got to be this (renegotiation) anditcannotbeanythingelse. The issue with ultimatums is that once

laidonthetable,thereisnoturning back.

Exxonhastheupperhandwith that contract as confirmed by its taut language in Article 32 1 “Prior written consent” literally squeezes, channels, and confines Guyana into that narrowest of narrowspaces.

T h e P N C , f r o m i t s pronouncements, is clearly determinedtoworkwithandwork withinthiscontractopening. Ihear engage and bring to the table of discussion. Aboutmoreandbetter for Guyana and Guyanese from theirpatrimony

Renegotiation by other means, and without employing the word itself that is now so loaded. With expectation, and not without its shareofwrath.

Assomeonewhoovertheyears has advocated and insisted that communicationtowardsconsensus for cooperation is the preferred way, I appreciate the value in this lower key, more nuanced touch. Like I have said repeatedly, after the bullets and bombs and battlefields have all gone silent, there is usually only one pathway left. The table. Of sensible and reasonable men and tempered conversation.

Renegotiationhasitspotencies.

Renegotiation is a catchy, driving election campaign slogan. May even be an unmatched one, given thetemperofthetimes. Iamallfor it. ButIamalsoopenandbalanced enough to listen to alternative approaches There is the recognition that to start out with renegotiation as the be all and end allfirstcardistovirtuallyeliminate any fallback option, neutralizeany secondaryeffort.

The ability to rebound is narrowed to nonexistence. From the prospective of some, renegotiation is a declaration of war Thenwhat? Especiallyifthe adversarial party (other side) turns its back. “Prior written consent” nowtakesonevenmoreweight. It presentstheopportunitytoexplore theareasofdifferences,gainsome understanding, build some momentum.

Priorwrittenconsentopensthe door to conversation. Should whatever happens after that strike barrenground,thenIthinkthatthe inevitable march to renegotiation, with the fullest use of the word, is the only option left. It is that, or live with what has Guyanese in an economicstraitjacket.

Personally speaking, I believe that Exxon cannot be pleased that this thorniest, most volatile, and

very discreditable business (its lopsided deal) is playing out beforeaglobalaudience. Ifurther believe that it could be open to engagement. Iwouldbesurprised ifthecompanyhasnotworkedout its least cost response to ease the impatience with and rage against the2016contract.

The benefits would outweigh thecosttoExxon,andIamalmost certain that it knows so, has factored that into its calculations. Allthismaybeso,butthereisstilla major handicap for the PNC, and one that requires considerable groundwork, footwork, and spadeworkfromit.

Considering what the PPP opposition all but swore that it would do with oil should it be returned to office (“review and renegotiate”), and then failed abjectlytodoso,thisisthewallthat thePNChastoscale. Inanutshell, itisamatteroftrust.

When the PPP leadership is reminded of its commitments, a stringofcursesandcondemnations is what has followed. Guyanese aretroubledbythis. Iammorethan most. Forifaman,aleader,cannot stand fast to his word given, then what honor is left, what credibility could be assigned. This is the challengeforthePNCleadership.

The PPP’s failure has become its testing ground. Having been bitten deeply once with this oil, nobody wants to risk getting mauledasecondtime. Asmuchas the press is for instant and radical action(renegotiation),Idiscernthe plusesinskillfullyappliedenergies and wisdoms to get more for Guyanabyothermeans.

Guyanese have to believe in those means, and that is the key, alongwithExxon’sreceptivity In the context of this oil inheritance andelections,renegotiationissexy and inspiring, notwithstanding its fangs Engagement sounds subdued,evencelibate.

ThebottomlineisthatGuyana must get more from its great oil wealth. Theresultsmattermoreto methanthemeans. Thechallenge for Guyanese is trust. This is the PNC’sreality

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Bar Association calls for immediate appointment of Chancellor and Chief Justice

...‘says non-appointment untenable and unacceptable’

By Shania Williams

President of the Guyana Bar Association, Kamal Ramkarran on Tuesday called for the immediate appointment of Yonette

Cummings-Edwards and Roxane George-Wiltshire as the substantively chancellor of the judiciary and chief justicerespectively Hemadethecallsduring theopeningoftheLawYear

2025 at the Victoria Law

C o u r t S i n c e t h e constitutionalamendmentin 2001, Guyana has been without a substantive Chief Justice and Chancellor. FormeractingChancellorof

Gold production increases by 1,954 ounces from 2023 to 2024 - Govt. earned US$180M

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat disclosed on Tuesday that gold productioninGuyanasawamodestincrease of 1,954 ounces in 2024, from 432,113 ouncesin2023to434,067ouncesin2024.

Guyana’s gold industry has seen a noticeable decline in declarations over the pastfewyears. KaieteurNewshadreported that from 2019 to 2023, gold declarations dropped by approximately 209,000 troy ounces, according to the Bank of Guyana’s (BOG)annualreports.

“Forthefirsttimeinnineyears,wehave seen an increase in production from the previous year,” the minister said at his ministry’send-of-yearpressconference.

Despite the small rise in production, the total gold revenue for 2024 reached an impressive US$989.9 million, marking a significantUS$180millionincreaseoverthe previous year This can be attributed to high goldpricesthatwererecordedlastyear

Minister Bharrat disclosed the figures during a press briefing on Tuesday “This is an encouraging sign for our country, for the sector and for the stakeholders, so much so thatweareseeingnowthatanumberofkey stakeholders are expanding or restarting the miningoperations,andalsotheirnewplayers or new stakeholders entering the sector,” MinisterBharratsaid.

Moreover, he stated that the government isalsofocusingonimprovingrecoveryrates, particularly for small and medium-scale miners, whose rates currently stand at 40 to 45%. The lone-large scale producer Aurora GoldMine(AGM)hasseenrecoveryratesas highas95%.

Further,henotedthatsomemediumscale miners have now returned to the mining sector after expanding and exploring opportunitiesinothersectors.

degree it is a simple procedure.”

the Judiciary and Justice of the Court of Appeal, Carl Singh, retired in 2017 after serving 12 years. Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards has been acting sincethen.

Similarly, Justice Ian Chung served as acting Chief Justice, from 2010 to 2016 and was never confirmed Ramkarran during the ceremony, emphasised that it was time tobringanendtotheprolong uncertainty, calling the current situation “untenable and unacceptable ” “The situation is untenable and unacceptable, and it is not something we can continue tohavehappen,”Ramkarran declared.“Thereisnoreason that we should be here 20 years later without a Chancellor or Chief Justice. This is something that should not be accepted by anyone.”

Cummings-Edwards and George-Wiltshire have served with distinction and are well-qualified to be confirmed in the permanent positions they currently occupy “I certainly believe that the people who are performing the role of the Chancellor and CJ are the people who should be confirmed for the positions, anditshouldhappenassoon aspossible,”headded.

He also pointed out that Presidents of the Caribbean CourtofJusticehavepublicly calledfortheconfirmationof a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice, signaling the broader regional concern overthematter

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat at his ministry’s end-of-year press conference on Tuesday.

Notably, within the first three months of 2024, the BoG reported that the country’s golddeclarationdecreased.TheBoG’s2024 Half Year Report explained that total gold declarations declined by 10.3% to 188,160 troyounces,reflectinglowerdeclarationsby smallandmediumscaleminers.

The report said that, “The sole foreign company’s declarationgrew by 35.3 percent to 68,557 troy ounces, due to continued favourableperformanceintheirunderground miningoperations.”

Meanwhile, Central Bank said small and mediumscaleminers’declarationsdeclinedby 248percentto119,603troyounces,resulting fromdryweatherwhichaffectedminersinthe first quarter of the year while heavy rainfall stymiedoperationsinthesecondquarterofthe year. It was also explained that shortage of labourhasbeenachallengewithintheindustry as miners sought better opportunities within thepetroleumsubsector.

However, despite these challenges, the sub-sector was expected to grow slightly by 2.1%fortheyear

Ramkarran, a prominent advocateforjudicialreform, further asserted that both

The issue, according to Ramkarran, lies in the constitutional provision in Article 127(1) of the Constitution,whichrequires the President to obtain the approval of the Opposition Leader before making such appointments This provision has led to a deadlock, as successive governments have struggled to reach an agreement with opposition leaders Ramkarran noted, “During thattime,achildcouldhave been born, completed school, and even gotten a

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has already expressedformalsupportfor t h e s u b s t a n t i v e appointmentsofCummingsEdwards and GeorgeWiltshire, which is a necessary step in the constitutional process However, President Irfaan Ali and Attorney General Anil Nandlall have not providedanyexplanationfor thedelayinconfirmingthese appointments.As calls for a permanent resolution intensify, the future of the judicial leadership in Guyanaremainsuncertain.It isnowuptoPresidentIrfaan Ali and the Opposition Leader to come to an agreement, bringing an end to a situation that has plagued the country’s judicialsystemformorethan twodecades.

President of the Guyana Bar Association, Kamal Ramkarran

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards (podium) and Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire (2nd left). (News Room)

PigeonsshutdownCharlestown SecondarySchool Secondar

- as teachers down tools over health and safety concerns

ByChristalYong

Teachers at Charlestown

Secondary School on Tuesdaylargelystayedaway from the classrooms due to an infestation of pigeons, which they said is posing greatriskstotheirhealthand safetyandasweepercleaner oftheschoolwasattackedby thebirds.

In a statement late last evening the Ministry of

Education advised students, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders that, due to reports of the pigeon infestationclasseshavebeen suspendedfortheremainder of the week to address the issue.

“

committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for all students and teachers,” the statement

read.

Earlier in the day when this newspaper contacted MinisterofEducation,Priya Manickchand she said that the situation is being dealt with by the Chief Education Officer,SaddamHussain.

When contact was made withHussainhesaid“Icould but public servants do not talk to the press, you will have to go through our PS (PermanentSecretary)toget an official statement from theMinistryofEducation.”

When contact was made to a representative from the Ministry of Education, this publication was informed, “The Department of Education is aware of the issue and steps have been takentohaveitaddressed.”

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald said the situation has gone unaddressed de

e repeated reports to the Ministry of Education, leaving educators with no option but to take action.

McDonald described the infestation as a growing hazard, noting that the pigeons have become increasingly aggressive, attacking both students and teachers.

Duringaninterviewwith Kaieteur News, McDonald said: “the thing is according to the laws wherever you work, it must be safe and conducive…theMinistryof Education coupled with otheragenciestheyhavenot reallysoughttodealwiththe issue and it has moved from one level to another to another,wherethebirdshave

now become very vicious and they are attacking teachersaswellasstudents.”

In addition to the aggressive behaviour of the pigeons, the droppings and nests have created an unhygienic environment, posing serious health concerns to students and staff.

McDonald said she was pleasedthattheteachershad taken a stand on the issue, emphasising that the union wasfullysupportiveoftheir actions.Sheisconfidentthat a resolution would eventuallybereached.

However, she pointed out that while the students were away from school, the situation posed additional challenges McDonald explained that teachers would need to engage with thestudentsremotely,which would place a burden on parents.

CLEANERATTACKED

The situation took a disturbingturnonJanuary3, 2025, when a pregnant cleaner was pecked in her left eye while on duty She was immediately placed on medicalleave.

This incident highlights the dangers teachers and staff are facing daily, with some teachers even reporting the symptoms of illnesses linked to exposure topigeondroppings.

While on the scene on Tuesday, Kaieteur News observed a flock of pigeons gathered around the school, with teachers and students standing outside the building.

Further,teachersand Continuedonpage15

The pregnant woman who was attacked by a pigeon while she was on duty

Pigeon nests that are inside the school building

A classroom that is littered with pigeon faeces

‘We have all the evidence of Brutus trying to flee tr Guyana’

–MinisterBenn

The car that the Ministry of Home Affairs claimed Brutus was traveling in while trying to flee the country.

Amid allegations of embattled Assistant Commissioner of Police, Calvin Brutus trying to breach his bail agreement and flee Guyana, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn told Kaieteur News that he has evidence to supporttheclaim.

On December 21, 2024, the Ministry issued a statement claiming that Brutus, who is facing 250 financialcrimecharges,was stopped by police officers while attempting to enter BrazilviaLethem,Region9 on December 16, 2024 Brutus quickly refuted the allegation, insisting that he was not attempting to flee thecountry

In response, Brutus’s attorneys, including Eusi AndersonandDarrenWade, rejected the Ministry’s claims.Andersondemanded thattheMinistryprovidethe following evidence: the name of the officer who allegedly intercepted Brutus, records of the travel documents used at the first checkpoint, and footage showing the supposed violation of Brutus’s bail conditions Additionally, Anderson called for the release of photographs and video evidence from the police officers trailing Brutus to substantiate the Ministry’s account of events.Hefurtherdemanded a public apology and a retraction of the Ministry’s statement within 48 hours, byDecember21,2024. However,whenaskedby

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn

Kaieteur News on Monday whether the Ministry would retract its statement regarding Brutus allegedly attempt to flee the country, especially after a vehicle with a Brazilian registration number was found approaching the Takutu Bridge, Minister Benn respondedfirmly:“Wehave all the evidence against Mr Brutus; we have photos and videos.”

On December 23, 2024, theSpecialOrganizedCrime Unit (SOCU) filed an application to revoke Brutus’s bail, citing his alleged attempt to flee as a breachofhisbailconditions. The matter was heard by Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. During the hearing, the prosecution presented several reasons why Brutus’s bail should be revoked and indicated that witnesses would testify abouthisattempttoflee.The evidenceofBrutus’sattempt to leave the country was nevermadepublic.

However, on December 27, 2024 – four days laterSOCU with

providing no reasons to the court.

Meanwhile, in the latest update, Brutus sought permission from the Magistrate to return to Lethem to assist his father, who resides in the area.The request was granted, with theconditionthatBrutusnot leavethejurisdiction.

Embattled Assistant Police Commissioner, Calvin Brutus

SodturnedforGuyana’sfirstSchoolfortheDeaf

The sod was turned on Tuesday to mark the beginningofconstructionfor Guyana’sfirstschoolforthedeafwhich will be located in Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD), the MinistryofEducationdisclosed.

The $194.4 million project will be executed by Superior Supplies and General Construction and should be completedinninemonths.

The Ministry of Education in a statement issued on Tuesday evening said that this historic step in Guyana’s educational landscape is a commitment to inclusive education and the developmentofalllearners.

The $194,472,570 state-of-the-art facilitywillcaterto30learnerswhoare deaf,providinganurturingenvironment that celebrates and supports deaf culture.

“Thecontractfortheconstructionof

the building was awarded after it went throughtheprocurementprocessbyway ofpublictender Beyondbeingaschool, the facility will serve as a resource hub for deaf youth, fostering community connections and enabling personal growth,”theministrynoted.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, who was joined by Assistant Chief Education Officer responsibleforSpecialEducationNeeds and Development (SEND) Dr Keon Cheung and Senior Education OfficerSEND, Ms. Nikoya Alleyne at the sod turning event said that “this school is a testament to our government’s dedication to inclusivity and equal opportunitiesforalllearners.”

In her remarks she commended the DeafAssociationofGuyanaforitswork over the years and noted that the Government is working towards establishing more inclusive spaces

acrossthecountry

Director of the DeafAssociation of Guyana,Ms.SabineMcIntoshwasalso commended for her significant contributions.

Atthesimpleceremony,theministry sharedthatDr.Cheungunderscoredthe Ministry’s holistic approach to education, recognizing the importance of specialized support for learners with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).

“He highlighted that as part of this effort, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) has incorporated deafeducationintoitscurriculum.Deaf youths enrolled in the SEND program are now teacher candidates, with additional programs being offered by CPCE’s Disability Studies Department to train educators interested in teaching learners who are deaf,” the ministry reported.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand joined by Special Education Needs and Development (SEND) Dr. Keon Cheung, Senior Education Officer of SEND, Ms. Nikoya Alleyne, and Director of the Deaf Association of Guyana, Ms. Sabine McIntosh in turning the sod for the School of the Deaf at Cummings Lodge on Tuesday. (Photo, Ministry of Education)

“Highly unsafe environment” leads to relocation of Dorcas Club Nursery School students

TheMinistryofEducationannouncedonTuesdaythatthe Dorcas Club Nursery School, located at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara (ECD), will be relocated due to safety concerns

Thedecisiontomovetheschoolfollowsthediscoveryofa “highlyunsafeenvironment”forbothstudentsandstaffinthe rentedbuildingcurrentlyhousingtheinstitution

Inastatement,theMinistrysaidthatthefacilitywasfound tohavesignificantinfrastructuralissuesinAugust2024,which posedserioussafetyriskstobothchildrenandteachers

“Thelandladyhasnotaddressedtheconcernsandhasnot given any indication when those would be addressed,” the Ministrynoted

Inanimmediateresponse,theMinistrysaiditmovedthe staff and students to a nearby school with available space

However, a further review of the students’ registrations revealed that 16 of the 59 children are from the Dorcas Club catchmentarea,whiletheremaining43childrenresidewithin thecatchmentareasofsevenothernurseryschoolsnearby

“ThismeansthattheDorcasschoolisactuallyfurtheraway from their homes than the schools they now occupy,” the ministrysaid

Following consultations with parents, it was decided that the43childrenwhoresideoutsidetheDorcasClubcatchment area would be placed in the nearest nursery school to their homes As for the 16 children within the Dorcas Club catchment area, the Ministry has recommended that they be transferredtosuitableschoolsclosertotheirhomes

To facilitate the transition, all receiving schools have confirmed their capacity to accommodate the transferred children Additionally,theyhaveagreedtoacceptthechildren in their current Dorcas Club uniforms, ensuring that parents will not face any additional financial burden The Ministry mentioneditscommitmenttoengageparentsfurtherandwill host another meeting to provide updates and address any remainingconcerns

Decomposedbody ofmanfoundfloating inDemeraraRiver

Thedecomposedbodyofanunidentifiedmanwasfound floatingintheDemeraraRiveronTuesdaybyemployeesof theGuyanaPowerandLightIncorporated(GPL).

Theman’sbodywasfoundatabout07:15habout20feet west from the GPL Wharf on Water Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

“Onarrivalatthescene,thebodywasseenfloatingonits back,inthesaidriver,cladinabluejersey,”policereported. The body was then fished out of the river It was examined by police who stated that it was in a bad state of decomposition.

Thescenewasprocessedandphotographedandthebody taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Parlour where it awaitsidentificationandapost-mortemexamination. Investigationsareongoing.

Elections’fraudcasetobetriedsummarily

The2020electionsfraud casewillbetriedsummarily, Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty ruled on Monday

During proceedings at t h e G

y explained to both the prosecution and the defence that the decision to proceed summarily allowing the defendants to enter a plea was based on the considerable delay in the

over their heads for an extended period in the future.”

MagistrateMcGustyalso acknowledged that the previous magistrate, Senior Magistrate Leroy Daly, had ruled to proceed with the trial summarily at an earlier stage, and that this decision wasnot“manifestlywrong.”

that time summarily was manifestlywrong.”

She emphasized the courts’intention to expedite the case and avoid further delays in the administration of justice. By proceeding summarily, the trial will be conducted directly by the Magistrate, which may help reduce procedural delays. She also noted that if the court were to proceed with anindictableapproach,each charge would need to be dealt with separately, which

–ChiefMagistrate(ag)

At the last court hearing in December, Magistrate McGusty ruled that the case would start afresh in 2025. Withtheproceduraldecision now made, the trial is scheduled to begin on February 17, 2025, at 13:00hrs, with additional hearingsonFebruary18and 19, 2025, and further hearings planned for March

Acting Chief Magistrate, Faith McGusty

case, which was brought to courtin2021.

“It is the opinion of this court that it is within the publicinterestforthismatter to be proceeded summarily rather than indictably, given the time it has already spent before the court,” she stated addingthatherdecisionwas also made in the interest of thedefendantsasshedidnot want “this matter hanging

However,sheremindedboth the defence and prosecution thatthecourtwasnotbound byapreviousrulingmadeby another court at the same level.

“I know that, of course, this court is not bound to follow a decision made by another court at the same level,” McGusty explained while noting that “the court hadtolookatwhetherornot that court decision would havebeenmanifestlywrong.

Idonotbelievethatmysister magistrate’s decision to proceed with the matter at

couldprolongtheprocess.

In such a scenario, the case would be sent to the HighCourtafterpreliminary inquiries and sufficient evidenceisprovided.

Thedefenceteam,ledby Nigel Hughes was in favour for an indictable trial, while Special Prosecutor Dharshan Ramdhani KC (King’s Counsel) advocated forasummarytrial.

PigeonsshutdownCharlestown...

Frompage12 students alike have reported longstanding issues with the pigeons, which have taken over several classrooms, particularly on the upperflooroftheschool.Theclassroomsare littered with pigeon droppings and nests, creating an unhygienic and unsafe environmentforbothstudentsandstaff.

“When you look around, you will see whatishappening.Thishasbeengoingonfor years,butit’sgettingworse…”ateacheratthe schoolexpressed.

Cliffon Johnson, another school teacher explained that despite previous attempts to control the pigeon population, including the installation of mesh barriers, the problem persists.

“Over ten years (it has been happening) we can’t pinpoint which year it started but over the years it kept continuing. Yes, Yes, they (Ministry of Education) came they put up some mesh but it made no sense because the pigeons going through the mesh,” Johnsonsaid.

“Right now it’s mating season, coccidiosis is in the air, because those pigeonsarecarryingthecoccidiosisvirus,the mere fact that people scratching is coccidiosis. Most of the classrooms in the upper flat are affected,” another teacher explained.

PIGEONDROPPINGSONTHETABLE

At the school on Tuesday a few students showedup.Onestudentrecalled:“well,when

Iwasatschoolthepigeonfaecesusetobeon the table and desk, so if you don’t watch where you sitting, it use to be on your clothes…”

The student added: “So I came home on Friday and Saturday morning I start to get fever,andmyskinstarttogethotandIcould like barely move, I start to bringing up throwing up, and hardly eating. My mother gave me some medicine, so I am getting better.”

His friend, who was also exposed to the pigeon droppings, was sent home on Thursday last after experiencing similar symptoms. Furthermore, the situation has caused significant disruption in the learning environment. “Every day, we come in and have to clean our desks because the pigeons havemadeamess.

Sometimes, we even have to switch our furniture because the droppings don’t come off easily,” said the head prefect from Form Five. Another prefect added, “Sometimes duringclasswhenteachersareteachingthey will be flying and messing on people’s face, andshirt.”

Moreover, the upper floor classrooms, where the infestation is most severe, have been temporarily closed, and students have been moved to areas not affected by the pigeons.Despitethis,theinfestationremains a constant concern, with pigeon droppings still covering the walls and furniture in the affectedareas.

2025.

The case involves nine defendantsfacing19charges of conspiracy related to the March 2020 General and Regional Elections The accused include former G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) Chief Elections Officer

(CEO) Keith Lowenfield; formerReturningOfficerfor District Four Clairmont Mingo;formerDeputyChief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers; former Minister of Health Volda Lawrence; APNU+AFC’s Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith Joseph;andformerGECOM employees Sheffern

February, Enrique Liven, Michelle Miller, and Denise Babb-Cummings.

The charges allege that betweenMarch2andAugust 2, 2020, the accused conspired to manipulate the results of the 2020 elections at the Ashmins’ Building in Georgetown, defrauding the electorsofGuyana.

BanksDIHnetsover$10Binafter-tax...

Frompage8 successfully launched new products: XM Aged 25 Year Old Caribbean Finest Rum, ClassicBeer,MinuteMaidFruitCoolerand Kings’Danishpastry,whichhavebeenwell receivedbyitscustomers.

These innovations not only reinforced the company’s position as industry leaders, but also pave the way for future growth opportunities.

On the operational side, Reis said the company focused on the processes so as to increase efficiencies. This has allowed the company to reduce cost, while maintaining high standards of quality He said too that Banks DIH Limited and the General Workers’ Union were able to conclude negotiationswithinthirtyhoursofmeetings.

“This can be recorded as an historical achievement,whichhasresultedinincreased Salaries/Wages and benefits for all employees,”thechairmansaidinhisreport.

During the year, Reis said capital works werecompletedincludingtheupgradeofthe No. 1 and No. 2 Soft Drink Plants making both plants Coca Cola compliant as well as facilitating the production ofMinuteMaidFruitCoolers.

The Beer Plant underwent an overhaul of the Labeler, Unpacker and Packer Systems. He said too that the Utilities Services including SteamGeneration,ThirstPark Water,CarbonDioxide(COz)

Plant,EngineRoomandLightRefrigeration were all upgraded with new equipment. In the Building aspect of the operation, the Elevated Car Park was commissioned and officially opened on July 26, 2024 Additionally,hesaidseveralotherbuildings, including“ourLindenandBarticaBranches andIndustrialSiteLocation,wereupgraded. Further, there was the commencement of a NewStoresStructureonMandelaAvenue.”

“As part of our route-to-market programme, our transportation capabilities were enhanced with the acquisition of new trucks and forklifts. Hundreds of coolers, freezers and water dispensers were once again distributed to Mom-and-Pop Shops, Supermarkets, Grocery Stores, Offices, Hospitals and Government Departments nationwide.Asthecompanyreflectedonits growth it said it is looking forward to the 2025 financial year, there is cause to celebrate the resilience of the group in overcoming the many challenges presented, Mr Reissaid.

The Blood Bank is always in need of ‘O’ Positiv blood type

NBTS never stops taking ‘O’ Positive type

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MassaraVillagetogetnew$182Msecondaryschool

The Macushi village of Massara in the North Rupununi Region Nine will soon welcome its first secondary school building whichwillbebuiltatacostof $182million.

The project which is being undertaken by the MinistryofLocalGovernmentand Regional Development was awardedrecentlythroughthe National Procurement and TenderAdministrationBoard (NPTAB)office. Accordingtoinformation provided by the agency, the schoolwillbeconstructedby Osbert and Sons Construction. Along with the school, NPTAB released that a contractwasalsoawardedforthe construction of a seven Apartment Teachers’ Quar-

tersinthevillage.Thatproject will be executed by 3D Construction at a value of $78,383,760.Toshao Arnold Bartholomew told Kaieteur News on Tuesday that the request for the school was madesometimeagogiventhe challenges faced by children in his village and neighbouringcommunities.

ToshaoBartholomewdisclosed that there is a secondary school in the community of Annai which is some distance away that the students from his village attend to obtain a secondary education.

“One challenge would have been transportation both rainy season and dry season transportation wise and children do not have transportation to travel up there (toAnnai) and some of the children do not want to stay in the dorms in Annai, and most of them go to school from home,” he related.

With a population of 584

residents, the Toshao stated that about 50 students from his village attend the Annai Secondary School. They would mostly travel by motorcycle or bus to attend school which he said takes approximately45minutes.

Meanwhile, he said that the new secondary school whencompletedwillnotonly eliminate this challenge for Massara students but for those students from nearby communitiesandsatellitevillages.

Kaieteur News understands that with the construction of the new secondary school in Massara, students from Yakarinta, Kwaimatta, Toka and Taushida Villages will no longerhavetotravellongdistances to get to school.

Massara is one of the seven new secondary schools that will be established in Region Nine. The other villages that will benefitareKarasabai,Tabatinga,

Yupukari,Nappi,Maruranau, and Katoka.

The Education Ministry has embarked on an aggressiveprogrammetoensurethat the nation’s children have access to secondary education by constructing several secondary schools across the country The Government had set 2025 as the target to achieveUniversalSecondary Education(USE).

Education Minister Priya Manickchand at her end-ofyear press conference recently announced that since hergovernmenttookofficein 2020,approximately$31.5billion has been spent on the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of schools (all levels) across the country

Notably, she said since 2020 a total of 37 secondary school projects have been undertaken. Some of the schools have either been completed or are under construction.

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UK anti-corruption minister resigns over ties to ousted Bangladesh PM

LONDON, Jan 14

(Reuters) - The British ministerresponsibleforfinancial services and fighting corruption resigned on Tuesday after weeks of questions over her financial ties to her aunt Sheikh Hasina, ousted last year as prime minister of Bangladesh.TulipSiddiq,42, had repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and Prime Minister Keir Starmer said last week he had full confidence in her.The resignation of a second government minister in two months is a blow to Starmer, whose approval ratings have plunged since his Labour Party won a general electioninJuly Siddiq was handed the portfolio for financial servicespolicyaftertheelection, a role that included responsibility for measures against money-laundering.In a letter to Starmer, Siddiq said she was resigning because her position was “likely to be a

distraction from the work of the government”.The government’s ethics adviser said in his letter to Starmer releasedatthesametimethat although Siddiq had not breachedtheministerialcode ofconduct,hefounditregrettable she was “not more alert to the potential reputational risks”fromherfamily’sclose association with Bangladesh.“Youwillwantto considerherongoingresponsibilities in the light of this,” he said.Starmer swiftly appointedEmmaReynolds,who was a pensions minister, to Siddiq’srole.Hasina,whohad ruledBangladeshsince2009, isbeinginvestigatedthereon suspicion of corruption and money laundering. Hasina and her party deny wrongdoing.Siddiq was namedinDecemberaspartof Bangladesh’s investigation into whether her family were involved in siphoning off fundsfromBangladeshiinfra-

structure projects.

The anti-corruption commission alleged financial irregularities worth billions of dollars in the awarding of a $12.65 billion nuclear power contract, saying Hasina and Siddiq may have benefited. After facing further scrutiny over the use of propertiesinBritainlinkedtoHasina and her supporters, Siddiq referred herself to the government’s independent ethics adviser.Siddiq lived in a north London property giventoherfamilyin2009by Moin Ghani, a Bangladeshi lawyer who has represented Hasina’s government, documents filed with Companies House and the Land Registry show

She also acquired a separate property in London in 2004, without paying for it, fromadeveloperlinkedtothe Awami League, Hasina’s political party, the Financial Times reported this month.

GTUC wants urgent electoral reforms ...

From page 6 recruitedthemfromabroadis paying their rent and bills. That agency is the PPPC government,” Witter said at theunion'spressconference. Additionally, the GTUC called on the GECOM to introduce biometrics to enhance the electoral process. Though the union did not elaborate on its reasons, it said that the use of biometricswillaidintheelimination of skullduggery

In November 2024, GEOCOM stated that it is deliberating on the feasibility of implementing biometricsystemsforvoterregistrationandidentificationatpolling stations.

This follows a study on the use of electronic fingerprintcapture,whichwaspresented to the Commission. However,duringdiscussions inNovember2024,GECOM's commissioners were divided on how to proceed. Some felt stakeholder consultationsshouldprecede any internal discussions, whileothersproposedsimultaneous consultations with stakeholders.

Ultimately, GECOM's Chairperson, Justice (Ret'd) ClaudetteSingh,decidedthat the Commission should first reach an understanding of thesystem'sfeasibilitybefore engaging with stakeholders. She said once GECOM has a

clear position, it will consult withstakeholdersonwhether the biometric system should be introduced.

The Opposition parties have been advocating for the introduction of biometrics to ensureacleanvoters'listand to prevent impersonation ahead of the 2025 elections. The Government, while supportiveofenhancingtheelection system, said it is concerned about preventing voter disenfranchisement.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo emphasized that any decision regarding the systemshouldbelefttoGECOM, which will ultimately decide on the most suitable approach for the elections.

Gaza ceasefire ‘closer than ever’, Hamas says it is still awaiting Israeli maps

DOHA/CAIRO/JERU

SALEM,Jan14(Reuters)Negotiators were trying to clinch agreement on Tuesday on the final details of a ceasefire in Gaza after marathontalksinQatar,with mediators and the warring sides both saying a deal was closerthanever

However, after more than eight hours of talks, a senior Hamas official told Reuters late on Tuesday that the Palestinian group was still waiting for Israel to submit maps showing how its forces would withdraw fromGaza.

“ ( H a m a s ) h a s n ’ t delivered its response yet (to the ceasefire plan) because the occupation (Israel) has not submitted the maps that will show the areas to which its forces will withdraw,” said the official, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivityoftheissue.

He added the maps included Israeli withdrawals fromtheNetzarimareainthe middle of the Gaza Strip, to allow the return of the displaced people to their homes,Jabaliainthenorthof the tiny territory, the Philadelphi road along the southern border with Egypt, and Rafah, also near that border

Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed AlAnsari earlier told a news conference that talks on the final details were underway after both sides were presentedwithatext.

U S President Joe Biden,whoseadministration has been taking part alongside an envoy of president-elect Donald Trump,saidadealwasclose.

Hamas said the talks had reached the final steps and that it hoped this round of negotiations would lead to a

deal after mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

An Israeli official said talks had reached a critical phase although some details needed to be hammered out: “We are close, we are not thereyet.”

Militant group Islamic Jihad,whichisseparatefrom Hamas and also holds hostages in Gaza, said it was sending a senior delegation that would arrive in Doha on Tuesday night to take part in final arrangements for a ceasefiredeal.

“The deal would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel and allow us to s i g n i f i c a n t l y s u rg e humanitarian assistance to t

suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started,” Biden saidonMonday If successful, the phased

Palestinians look on at the site of an Israeli strike on a tent camp for displaced people, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, January 14, 2025. REUTERS/Ramadan Abed

ceasefire - capping over a year of start-and-stop talkscould halt fighting that decimated Gaza, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, made most of the enclave’s population homeless and is stillkillingdozensaday

That in turn could ease tensions across the wider Middle East, where the war has fuelled conflict in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq, and raised fears of all-out war between IsraelandIran.

Israel would recover around 100 remaining hostages and bodies from among those captured in the Oct 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas that precipitated the war In return it would free Palestiniandetainees.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who gave a speech in Washington outlining a vision for governing the Palestinian territories after the war, said it was up to Hamas to accept adealthatwasalreadysetfor implementation.

‘LIGHT AT THE END OFTHETUNNEL’

Families of hostages in Israelwereonedge.

Meirav Leshem Gonen, whose 24-year-old daughter Romiwasshotandseizedby gunmen at a music festival, told Radio 103 the family hadbeenpicturingherreturn

formonthsas“thelightatthe endofthetunnel”.

“Wehavetokeepourfeet on the ground. But on the other hand our heads are in theclouds.”

An Israeli official said the deal’s first stage would see the release of 33 hostages,includingchildren, women including some female soldiers, men above 50, and the wounded and sick. Israel would gradually and partially withdraw some forces.

APalestinian source said Israel would free 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in the firstphaseover60days.

Families of hostages unlikely to be in the first group remained anxious. As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefed relatives of some hostages, others protestedoutsidehisoffice.

“The prime minister should bring a deal that includes all the hostages, including my son,” said Ruby Chen, whose soldier son, Itay, was killed in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, his bodysinceheldinGaza.“He saved many people, he doesn’t deserve to rot in Gaza.”

Israel launched its assault in Gaza after Hamasled fighters stormed across its borders on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and

taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israelitallies.

Since then, Israeli forces havekilledmorethan46,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Palestinian healthofficials.

Only one ceasefire has been held so far, lasting for a single week in November 2023, during which around half of the hostages, including most women, children and foreign labourers, were freed in return for Palestinian detainees.

Both sides have been committed in principle for months to the prospect of a ceasefire accompanied by a swap of remaining hostages for detainees. But previous talks foundered over the stepsthatwouldfollow,with Hamas rejecting any deal that stopped short of bringing a permanent end to the war, while Israel said it would not end the war until Hamasisdismantled.

Tr u m p ’s J a n 2 0 inauguration is now widely seen as a de facto deadline for a ceasefire agreement. Trump has said there would be “hell to pay” unless hostages held by Hamas are freed before he takes office, while Biden has also called for a final push for a deal beforeheleaves.

OneconfirmeddeadinBarticabikeaccidents

The first accident, accordingtoreportsreaching Kaieteur News, took place on Sunday morning while the second took place on Monday

Initialreportsarethattwo persons were killed while tworemaincritical.

KaieteurNews,however, hasonlybeenabletoconfirm the death of one of the victims. Details surrounding theaccidentsarestillsketchy and up to press time, police were yet to respond to questionsaboutthem.

Public-spirited citizens

in

sent cell phone recorded videos of the victims being

to the hospital to

NewsonTuesday The stretch of concrete

roadatFiveMilewaslittered with wrecked motorcycles and seemingly unconscious victims lying on the roadway bleeding from injuries to their heads and bodies. One of the victims was seen lying in a drain beside the road. Meanwhile, a member of the Community Policing Group (CPG) told Kaieteur News that motorcycle accidents are quickly becoming an epidemic in Barticaespeciallyamongthe youths. “Even the hospital is complainingaboutitbecause ahighpercentageofaccident victims are motorcycle related,” the CPG member said while adding, “It was only time before something tragiclikethishappened.”

At least one person has

followingtwobikeaccidents that took place at Five Mile Bartica,RegionSeven.

rushed

Kaieteur

Confirmed dead

the Bartica bike accidents.

US$54M contract awarded to construct new West Dem Hospital

AUS$54.1millioncontracthas been awarded for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art West Demerara Regional Hospital, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) hasannounced.

The contract was awarded on December31,2024toCAMCEand Sinopharm Int’l (China CAMC Engineering CO Limited and China Sinopharm International Corporation), a consortium for US$54,169,883.76.

The contractor was awarded following a national bidding process.

The project being undertaken by the government through the Ministry of Health is for the ‘DesignandBuild’ofthehospital. It was reported in the media, that Sinopharmintl- CAMCE are no

s to Guyana’s construction industry Sinopharmintl and CAMCE are currently the contractors undertaking the construction of the six regional hospitals across thecountry

Kaieteur News reported that the plan to build the new hospital follows President Irfaan Ali’s

announcementinSeptember2024.

The hospital, located in Region Three,hasbeenundergoingseveral upgrades including the constructionofanewmortuaryand the acquisition of equipment for laparoscopic surgeries. However, despite the improvements over the years, President Ali said that the hospital can no longer meet the demands of the growing regional

economy

“Now with this growth, we know that the West Demerara Hospital has now outgrown its time. It has outgrown what it was built for. It does not meet the modern,efficient,reliableneedsof the citizens of Region Three,” the Presidentstated.

Following the President’s announcement, the Ministry of

Health issued a tender seeking a contractortoundertaketheproject.

Three bidders from China submitted their proposals for the contract, they were China CAMC

Engineering CO. Limited (CAMCE) and Sinopharmintl (China Sinopharm International Corporation), a consortium; Shandong High-Speed Dejian Group Inc.; and Qingjian Group

Co.Limited.

Subsequently, a tender was issued for supervision services of the project that aspect is yet to be awarded.

Meanwhile, Kaieteur News understandsthattheconstructionof the new hospital is part of the government’s plan to provide world-class healthcare service acrossthecountry

Foreign Link players call for Darts Association to step up

With the Championship Darts Latin America and Caribbean (CDLC) Tours nearing its first official weekend of the 2025 season, t h e G u y a n a D a r t s Association (GDA) has yet to decide on a local qualifier to select a two-member team to represent Guyana at the tour which will advertently provide participants a chance to secure spots at the 2025 DartsWorld Cup. In an optimistic request, the Foreign Link Darts Club (FLDC) has already expressedinterestinsending a four-member team to p a r t i c i p a t e i n t h e Caribbean/Latin America event.

The first of three weekends on the Tour is

scheduled for April 24-27 in Panama City, Panama. The next two legs are set for July and October in Grand Bahamas and Santiago, Chile, respectively Notably, these tours provide players with opportunities to qualify for the World Darts Championship. Meanwhile, tensions between the GDA and players persist, as the association continues to display a clear disconnect to playerconcerns.Activedarts clubs like the Foreign Link DC are stepping in to bridge the gap However, this disconnect has led to financialburdensonplayers.

According to club members, the cost per trip ranges from two to three million Guyana

dollars per trip, a figure that players often have to cover out of pocket with minimal to no support from the association.

This raises important questions: Does the GDA have clear criteria for player participation in local and international competitions? If so, how can players meet these criteria, and what kind of support does the association provide for such events?

Is this an issue of poor leadership, or is it a structuralproblemwithinthe organisation? These questions can only be answered by the person who sits at the helm of the association.

Guyana currently boasts

Wednesday January 15, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19

Paperwork regarding money might need attention today, Aries, as you could be planning to entertain visitors. These are apt to be exciting people bringing good news andinterestinginformation

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

Youmightspendhoursonthe phonetoday,Taurus,possibly discussing opportunities to perform services for others. Your mental and physical energyshouldbehigh.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

New, exciting opportunities to earn more money might come your way today, Gemini perhaps through new fields Colleagues could bringinformation.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Friendships or love relationships formed today are rooted as much in intellectual compatibility as emotionalattraction,Cancer

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You're generally intuitive, Leo, but today you could be sosensitivetoothersthatyou pickuponjustabouteverything

Stay away from hospitals or policestationsifyoucan

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

Expect a busy day, Virgo. You're likely to spend a lot of time in the car running errands and paying visits, perhaps related to projects.A number of phone calls might havetobemadetofriends.

two standout darts players, Norman Madhoo and Sudesh Fitzgerald (both of the FLDC), who have represented the nation at the highest levels of the sport. Despite their achievements, the association seems to undervaluetheirtalent.

Hosting local qualifiers would not only provide playerswithmoregametime but also give them opportunities to compete against top talents from countries like Chile, Brazil, Jamaica, Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and the Bahamas. Participation in the CDLC Tours ultimately increases the chances of

securing spots at the World Championship Is this a common goal of the association? One may ask. This question is yet to be answered.

It is high time the local governing body (Darts) takes decisive action to resolve the ongoing rift between players and the association.TheGDAhasan obligation to establish a fair and structured system that supports and nurtures talent, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to excel inthesport.

The FLDC, for its part, has already begun working on a budget to facilitate the participation of four members in the first two

CDLC Tour events in Panama and Chile. Despite the association's lethargic response, members of the darts community are calling on the GDA to fulfill its responsibilities.

According to an FLDC spokesperson, several attempts have been made to engagewiththeassociation's president to address these issues, but no tangible solutions have been proposed.

As the 2025 season approaches, it remains to be seen whether the GDA will stepuptochampionthesport and support its players or continue to let the sport struggle under its current frailty

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Today you might want to put one last burst of effort into a project,asthiscouldmakeabig difference to your income and status, Libra It could put you beforethepublicinsomeway

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

So many ideas are flooding your mind today that you might have trouble sorting them out if you don't write themdown,Scorpio.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Acopiousamountofphysical and mental energy could focusonpsychic,metaphysical, or spiritual activities today, Sagittarius. You're feeling especially intuitive. You could almostreadminds.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Social events and group activities are likely to take up most of your day, Capricorn You could come into contact withsomanypeopleyoumaynot beabletokeeptrackofthemall

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

Today you might work on a lot of writing, Aquarius. It might be your own or editing theworkofothers.Youcould find what you're doing excitingandstimulating.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

If you've been thinking of takingalongtripbyair,Pisces, thisisthedaytostartplanningit -orevenleave,ifyoucanwork it in Your excitement and anticipation are high, and your senseofadventureisatapeak

Three West Indians...

From page 27 these officials have been identified as having high potential. We are confident that they will perform well and that some will progress to officiate at the higher levels of the game,” he added.

T h e t o u r n a m e n t , scheduled to bowl off on January 18, will feature representation from 14 nations, including Qatar, Ireland, the USA, and Oman.

West Indies young women's outfit are scheduled to open their account on January 19 a g a i n s t d e

championsIndiainGroupA. They will then face Sri Lanka on January 21, before closing the group stages against the host on January 23.

U

(Bangladesh), Gayathri Ve

, Narayanan Janani (India), Aidan Seaver (Ireland), Nitin Bathi (Netherlands), R

(Netherlands), Rahul Asher (Oman), Saleema Imtiaz (Pakistan), Shivani Mishra (Qatar), Kerrin Klaaste (South Africa), Dedunu De Silva (Sri Lanka), Vijaya Prakash Mallela (USA), Candace La Borde (West Indies), Maria Abbott (West Indies), Forster Mutizwa (Zimbabwe) Match referees: David Gilbert (Australia), Dean Cosker (England), Trudy Anderson (New Zealand), ReonKing(WestIndies)

Race for GFF Elite League qualification narrows down to final four

-Pele,Potaro,LakeMainstayandDeterminators tobattleforEliteLeagueberths

With a coveted berth in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League Season Seven on the line, four exciting teams are set to clash for spots in the GFF Elite League Qualification playoff's final. Atthispoint,PotaroStrikers,PeleFootball Club (FC), Mahaica Determinators Football Club, and Mainstay Goldstars Football Club would have advanced to semi-finals stage, schedule for today, Wednesday, January 15.The first semifinalpitMahaicaDeterminatorsFCagainst Pele FC at the National Training Centre, while Lake Mainstay FC take on Potaro

Strikers at the Bartica Community Centre Ground in the second matchup. Both games promise high-intensity action as teams vie for a placeinSaturday'sfinal,January18.

The final will determine which team secures promotion to the 2025 Elite League. However, loserwillhaveasecondchancetojointheleague by facing Ann's Grove United, the ninth-place finisher from Season Six, in a single-game playoff.IfAnn'sGroveUnitedloses,theywillbe relegated,makingroomforanewclub.

The GFF Elite League Season Seven kicks off in March 2025, promising exciting football actionfromthenation'stopteams.

BCB organize practice session for female cricketers to select teams for county duty

Th e B e r b i c e Cricket Board (BCB), which has control of over soft or hard ball cricket activities in the Ancient County, has commenced preparations for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) senior female inter countytournaments. The preparations are for the T20 and 50 overs cricket

competitions respectively Thesecompetitions,whichis also expected to involve Essequibo and Demerara, is slated to begin on the 29th January2025.

The BCB in an effort to get themselves in order is inviting all female cricketers to attend a 2-day elite training session at the Rose Hall Community Center

ground in East Canje on

Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th January The sessions are expected to beginfrom15:00hrsor3PM. All female cricketers are urgedtoattend.

Anumber of coaches and selectors attached to the BCB are will be in attendance.

(Samuel

Whyte)

Nationalbasketballteamdownto...

From page 26

critical step in Guyana's preparations to defend their title at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship, with Singh revealing that the GBF is planning its ownversionoftheNationsCupinMay,with three other CBC teams competing in Guyana.

“Thisyearpromisestobeoneofthemost active and exciting periods for Guyana's National Basketball Team,” Singh said. “We're eager to see how this team performs

and how these tournaments will shape the futureofbasketballinourcountry.”

Both Singh and Coach Hooper believes that the Nations Cup will undoubtedly test Senior Men'sTeam as they prepare for backto-backgamesagainstregionalrivals.

According to Hooper, with a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, Guyana is poised to make a strong statement in Paramaribo, and the players are eager to seizetheopportunitytorepresenttheirnation ontheinternationalstage.

TerrenceAliNationalOpenscheduletofistoffthisFriday

T h e G u y a n a B o x i n g Association (GBA) is set to fist off the Terrence Ali National Open Championship,aneventthatmarks the conclusion of the 2024 boxing season and the commencement of the2025season.Thechampionship will commence from Friday, January 17, through to Sunday, January 19, at the National GymnasiumonMandelaAvenue.

Initially scheduled for December of last year, the tournament was unfortunately postponed but is now expected to feature strong participation from top gyms across the country These include the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force, YoungAchievers, Pace and Power, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Rose Hall, Andrew Lewis Gym, Pocket Rocket, New Amsterdam

Academy, Vergenoegen, and Republicans.

Headliningthecompetitionwill be world-rated boxers Desmond Amsterdam, Abiola Jackman, and Colin Lewis, among other notable names. The Terrence Ali National Open Championship is recognized as the premier event on Guyana's local boxing calendar, providing a critical platform for athletes transitioning from amateur to professionalranks.

This year's tournament holds special significance as it is the first major event under the GBA's purview since the passing of Terrence Poole, the association's long-serving technical director, on October 3, 2024 Poole was instrumental in the GDF's dominance in local boxing and served as their head trainer His

absence is a key storyline heading into the championship, raising questions about whether the GDF canmaintainitssupremacywithout hisguidance.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle highlighted the dual importance of the event, stating, “As the most important local event in our discipline, the Terrence Ali National Open Championship has thedistincthonourofservingasthe conclusion of the 2024 season and the beginning of the 2025 calendar ofactivities.Thechampionshiphas historically functioned as a link or conduit between amateur and professional competitions, and its significance has appropriately increasedwitheachiteration,given that it showcases the best of Guyana and provides an insight into our current and near future in

professionalranks.”

Reflecting on the impact of Terrence Poole's passing, Ninvalle added, “One of the main topics that will be covered and examined during the tournament is whether GDF can continue to dominate. Boxing is a deeply personal sport, where the bond between a coach andtheirfightersiscritical.Acoach is not just a strategist but also a mentor, confidante, and source of inspiration Terrence Poole's contributions to the GDF's success were immeasurable, and it will be intriguing to see how the team adaptsinhisabsence.”

Ninvalle also emphasized the roleofthecoachinaboxer'scareer, stating,“Behindeverychampionor successful pugilist is a dedicated team, with the coach as the central

The National Open will commence at 7 p.m. each evening, with weigh-ins scheduled for tomorrow,Thursday,January16,at thesamevenue.

figure who engineers that success. Terrence Poole guided the GDF to the pinnacle of local boxing, and now the spotlight will be on the current champions to carry on his legacy.”

GBAPresident, Steve Ninvalle

National basketball team down to 15 after intense trials

After two gruelling days of trials at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the Guyana National Basketball Team has been narrowed down to 15 players, signalling the first step towards a criticalinternationalcampaign.

Head Coach Adrian Hooper, alongside assistant coach Marlon Rodrigues,hasthechallengingtask of leading this talented squad to the Nations Cup tournament in Paramaribo, Suriname, from January 24–27.There, Guyana will square off against Suriname and Grenada in what the Guyana Basketball Federation promises to beanexcitingstarttotheyear

The shortlisted players include Stanton Rose (Untouchables), Orlan Glasgow (Royals), Harold Adams (Royals), Travis Belgrave (Eagles),NikkoloiSmith(Ravens), Domair Gladstone (Untouchables), Shane Webster (Colts), Jermaine Slater (Kobras), Denzel Ross (Eagles), Oquacey Shortt (Colts), Kimol Grimmond (Untouchables), Zian Gray (Eagles), Jushawn

Head Coach Adrian Hooper addressing the players after the final day of the GBF two-day trials at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Bayley, Yannick Tappin (Royals), andShamaarHuntley(Ravens).

Initially, 23 players were invited to trials, making the final selection process an exceptionally competitiveone.

Reflecting on the trials, Coach Hooper said, “These two days have been intense. The players brought their A-game, making my job of narrowing down the roster extremely difficult. But that's a

good problem to have. It shows the depthoftalentwehaveinGuyana.”

The selection is far from over, however The team will undergo two more training sessions this weekbeforethefinal12playersare announcedonFriday

“We're committed to selecting the best-possible team, not just to compete, but to win,” Hooper added.“I'mconfidentthatwhenwe regroup this weekend and head to

Suriname, these players will be ready to give their all and make Guyanaproud.”

The tournament in Suriname holds immense significance, not just for the players but also for the broader basketball community in Guyana.

Michael Singh, President of the GBF, expressed his excitement for the Nations Cup, emphasizing its importance as a developmental and

preparatoryevent.

“This tour is the start of early preparations for our national team, and it provides an excellent opportunity to measure the standard of our local game,” Singh said. “By focusing on our locally based players for this tournament, we aim to identify and develop talenthereathome,givingthemthe exposure needed to compete at the international level. This approach will allow us to integrate overseasbased players into future engagements with a stronger foundation.”

Singh also highlighted the impact of the ongoing One Guyana Premier Basketball League, adding that “Our players have been competing at a high level domestically, and this has provided theGBFwitharobustpooloftalent towork with.TheNationsCupwill give us valuable insights into how our local players match up against regionalcompetition.”

The Nations Cup serves as a (Continued on page 24)

Three West Indians among officials for ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup

SportsMax - Three West Indians have been named among the 20 match officials appointed for the ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup, set to take place in Malaysia.

Trinidad and Tobago's Candace La Borde, who officiated the semi-finals and final of the 2023 edition, which saw India being crowned champions, headlines the list.

She will be joined by the first qualified Vincentian female umpire, Maria Abbott, andformerWestIndiespacerturnedofficial, Reon King of Guyana, in representing the Caribbeanattheglobaltournament.

Bangladeshi umpire Shathira Jakir Jessy, a trailblazer in her home country, is alsoamongtheappointedofficials.Shathira wasthefirstfemaleumpireappointedbythe Bangladesh Cricket Board and recently stoodatthe2024Women'sT20AsiaCup.

DedunuDeSilva,whowasalsoapartof the officiating team for the inaugural tournamentfinal,alsomakesareturn.

SouthAfrica's Kerrin Klaaste will make her second appearance as an umpire at the tournament, while India's pioneering officials, Narayanan Janani and Gayathri Venugopalan, have been selected for the first time. Both made history as the first womentoumpiremen'sdomesticfixturesin India.

Shivani Mishra, who became the first

Trinidad and Tobago's

Candace La Borde

female on-field umpire to officiate in a men's T20I in January 2019, is also part of theofficiatingteam.

Sean Easey, ICC's senior manager in charge of umpires and referees, praised the diversity of the appointed officials and expressedconfidenceintheirabilities.

“Congratulations to the umpires and match referees who have been selected for this event. These individuals have earned selection by performing well in bilateral cricket. It is a wonderfully diverse group, just like the game that they represent,” Easeysaid.

“Similar to the players at this event, (Continued on page 23)

Archery Guyana makes history with Physiotherapist at Nationals

For the first time in the historyofArcheryGuyana,a professional physiotherapist was present at the Archery Nationals, providing essential support to athletes duringtheprestigiousevent.

This groundbreaking initiative, organised by Archery Guyana, is a testament to the Federation's commitment to athlete w

performancestandards.

T h i s h i s t o r i c collaboration was made possible thanks to the invaluable support of Ms. Vanessa Wickham of the National Sports Clinic and Dr Ariane Mangar from the MinistryofHealth.

Physiotherapist Stowell Barry, a skilled professional with a passion for sports therapy, delivered tailored treatments to the athletes, ensuring their optimal p e r f o r m a n c e a n d minimizinginjuryrisks.

“We are thrilled to have taken this important step forwardinathletecare,”said President Vidushi Persaud-

McKinnon of Archery Guyana “This initiative underscores our dedication to supporting our athletes bothonandoffthefield.

Special thanks go to Ms. Vanessa Wickham, Dr Ariane Mangar, and the Ministry of Health for makingthispossible.

We also commend the except

ork of physiotherapist Stowell Barry, who played a pivotal role in ensuring the success ofthisinitiative.”

The essential role of the physiotherapist in sport is criticalatalllevels.

Our goal is to provide the best treatment and rehabilitation of injuries to

athlete's pre, post and during competition and to provide

through injury prevention, maintenance and recovery interventions.

The National Sports Clinic commits to working with Archery Guyana and we are excited to be a part of this great collaboration Archery Guyana remains committed to further integrating sports science intoitsprogrammes.

B y c o n t i n u o u s l y enhancing support for athletes, the Federation is paving the way for greater achievements in the sport, b o t h l o c a l l y a n d internationally

Dr Ariane Mangar

Vanessa Wickham

participate

T

Eagles forward Travis Belgrave

and

during the GBF two-day trails.

Proposed FLDC team to

at CDLC Tours (L-R)

Dean Prasad, Christopher Lochan, Sudesh Fitzgerald, Norman Madhoo and Lalchand Rambharose.

(left)

Kobras 'big man' Jermain Slater head-to-head