K
AIETEUR Qatar PM says Tuesday Edition NEWS ‘good progress’ in Gaza truce, captives’ negotiations January 30, 2024 - Vol. 17 No. 05
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ExxonMobil surpasses
major production milestone for Liza 1 & 2 - data show
Norton: Guyana should
Man carrying baby in arms not have currency with 700% knocked down by motorbike shortage increase in exports The injured motorcyclist and Ken lying on the road shortly after the accident
Motorcyclist dies after crashing into parked truck on Soesdyke-Linden Highway Dead: Eric Williams
GCCI urges overhaul of Guyana Stock Exchange amid complaints from Banks DIH
‘Stop hiding behind sanctity of contract, renegotiate the Exxon deal’- Sherod Duncan tells PPP
‘Crying shame citizens have to rely
on leaked audit reports to know findings of Exxon's expenses’
- Opposition MP
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Tuesday January 30, 2024
Kaieteur News
‘Stop hiding behind sanctity of contracts - Sherod Duncan and renegotiate the Exxon deal’ tells PPP A
lliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP), Sherod Duncan on Thursday urged government to desist from hiding behind the excuse of 'sanctity of contracts' and renegotiate the 2016 Petroleum Agreement, as promised in the PPP's 2020 Manifesto. Duncan was at the time delivering his thoughts on the 2024 Budget, presented by the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on January 15 and themed “Staying the Course: Building Prosperity for All.” The Parliamentarian opened his presentation with a Biblical quote on being “almost persuaded” when he drew reference to the government's stance as it relates to the oil deal signed by the former APNU+AFC
Coalition administration. The then Opposition had committed to a renegotiation of the oil contract on several occasions but now argues that the contract is inviolable. However, Duncan in his presentation told the National Assembly that the government must stop hiding behind the excuse of 'sanctity of contracts'. “You promised in your extract of a campaign manifesto, you were going to amend that Production Sharing Agreement, because we don't know about making deals. Three and a half years later, you have not changed a word, you have not changed a line...sanctity of contracts, we have now gone behind that sacred veil . You have declared sanctity of contract (because) you can't fulfill your promise that you have said in your campaign manifesto...” the
AFC Parliamentarian, Sherod Duncan Parliamentarian said. Further, Duncan urged the government to stand on its promises and amend the contract for a better deal rather than “hide behind sanctity of contracts”. Leading up to the 2020 Elections, the party while in Opposition, excited the Guyanese people with its plans to have the American oil giant, ExxonMobil return to the table so that the oil
contract would be more beneficial to the citizenry. The citizens still remain desperate for changes to the deal. Just after taking office President Irfaan Ali along with his ministers turned a blind eye to the renegotiation of the oil contract while insisting that the contract cannot be changed because the government has to maintain the sanctity of
contract. The government has a rg u e d t h a t s h o u l d i t approach the oil company for a renegotiation, it could send the wrong signal to potential investors - that the country would not stick to the contractual agreements it makes. In addition, the government often references the Stability Clause included in the oil deal. Article 32 of the contract, which lists conditions for 'Stability of the Agreement' states at 32.1 that “Except as may be expressly provided herein, the Government shall not amend, modify, rescind, terminate, declare invalid or unenforceable, require renegotiation of, compel replacement or substitution, or otherwise seek to avoid, alter, or limit this Agreement without the prior written consent of Contractor.” Civil society activists
have voiced their concerns on numerous occasions regarding the contract and its “unfair” provisions to the Guyanese citizens - the true owners of the oil and gas resources. Notably, Article 32 of the deal was in existence before the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) took office. This means that the then Opposition was well aware of this provision when it made the promise to renegotiate the contract. Nonetheless, printed on page three of the party's eight-page 2020 Manifesto is a promise of “Securing the Benefits of Oil and Gas for All Guyanese”. As part of its plans, the party noted, “To ensure that our oil resource is managed responsibly, the PPP/C will: immediately engage the oil and gas companies in better contract administration/ renegotiation.”
Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo to be catalyst for further local content development The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, scheduled to be held at the Marriott Hotel from February 1922, is poised to play a crucial role in promoting strategic partnerships between local and international businesses while also fostering economic development, organisers have said. Themed “Fuelling transformation and modernisation,” this event is rapidly emerging as a leading conference in the hemisphere, while emphasising the significance of local participation in the oil sector. Specifically making these points yesterday was Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat. He was part of a press briefing at the Marriott Hotel which shared updates on preparations thus far for the event. Bharrat highlighted the government's support, noting that it aligns with its vision for local leadership in the nation's oil sector development. “...Since taking office in August 2020, we have emphasized the need to create more opportunities for Guyanese and their businesses. As a new oilproducing country, we took a significant step towards enacting Local Content legislation. This move is substantial, considering
that many countries, some with decades or even centuries of production experience, are still at the policy stage without concrete legislation,” the minister said. With the establishment of Guyana's Local Content Secretariat, Bharrat noted that the country has successfully retained millions of dollars locally. Reports from contractors and licensees to the Secretariat show that there were 3,938 local hires since January 2022 with 785 in the first six months of 2023 alone. The hires span various roles, including 824 as plant and machine operators, 1,203 professionals, and 485 technicians, totaling over 6,000 Guyanese employed in the sector. Furthermore, annual plans from these groups amount to an estimated US$721 million in procurement of goods and services and training for 2023, surpassing the previous year's US$700 million. “The implementation of the Local Content Law has allowed us to foster numerous joint ventures and partnerships and…the Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo will build on this,” Minister Bharrat added. Guyana's Chief Investment Officer at the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop emphasized
- Minister Bharrat the conference's role in showcasing partnership opportunities in the oil and non-oil sectors. “From the theme of the conference alone and given its expanded focus of a supply chain expo, it is clear that we are a regional powerhouse with much to offer,” he said, pointing out Guyana's use of oil resources to propel growth in agriculture and manufacturing. Head of the Private Sector Commission, Komal Singh, also underlined the importance of developing a robust logistics hub to support the oil sector, particularly the gas-to-energy project when it comes on stream in 2025. As for CEO of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Kurt Baboolall, he announced the participation of 30 sponsors, including major industry players like ExxonMobil and Hess. He also noted that there are 200 exhibitors registered thus far, with 21 countries expected to be represented at the event. The conference will also feature over 66 distinguished speakers, including world leaders such as Qatar's Prime Minister
Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani; Suriname's President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi; Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister, Keith Rowley; and The Bahamas' Prime Minister, Phillip Davis. Guyana will be represented by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, VicePresident Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister Vickram Bharrat, Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, and Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips. The CEO also highlighted the participation of Pulitzer prizewinning author and energy expert, Daniel Yergin. Importantly, the conference
will include panel discussions on various topics such as “Shaping the Future of Energy: Trends and Challenges,” “Balancing Economic Growth with Environmental Sustainability,” “Building Resilient Supply Chains in the Face of Disruptions,” and “Developing a Workforce for the Future.” Another focus will be on “Investing in Guyana: Growing Opportunities.” Updates from the oil and gas sector will be provided by figures like Alistair Routledge of ExxonMobil Guyana, Professor Suresh Narine from CGX Energy Inc, and Clarence Nelson Drake of LINDSAY CA Inc Petronas Staatsolie.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday January 30, 2024
PAGE 03
Crying shame citizens have to rely
on leaked audit reports to know findings of Exxon’s expenses O
pposition Member of Parliament (MP), Shurwayne Holder recently criticized the Guyana Government for its poor handling of two audit reports on ExxonMobil's expenses in the Stabroek Block. During his contribution to the 2024 budget debate last week, Holder said it is a crying shame that the government has not made the reports public; that the citizenry must hope and pray that media houses secure leaked copies and share the contents with the nation. Holder also found it concerning that the nation remains in the dark about the direction the government will take in recouping disputed sums outlined in those reports. Holder said, “We see a pernicious attitude that is
Opposition Parliamentarian, Shurwayne Holder reflected in Guyana's cost oil audits, where we in the opposition had to fight along with civil society and the media to get the government even to agree to audit
(Exxon's bills). We have to fight to get the government to also release the audit (reports).” The parliamentarian added, “And when the first
audit (report) finally came into the public domain it had to come on the back of a leak to the press. We s a y t o t h e government shame. We say
to the government that that attitude is unpatriotic.” It would be recalled that the first audit report was prepared by IHS Markit. It found US$214M in disputed costs after examining Exxon's billions totalling US$1.6B expended from 1999 to 2016. Holder said it is saddening that throughout the debate, no government member thought it prudent to provide the nation with a status report on this matter. He lambasted the administration for failing to say if government is moving to arbitration and when. “If the government wants to show the Guyanese people that it is committed to safeguarding their rights it must assemble an appropriate team, fund them and treat this issue with the same urgency that it spends those same hundreds of
– Opposition MP Shurwayne Holder millions of US dollars. Even further, it is nonsensical to borrow millions of US dollars when you have moneys available for you to retrieve. The government must take this seriously and we will stand with every patriotic Guyanese to hold their feet to the fire until they fulfill their duty,” said Holder. The MP also raised concerns about the fact that the second audit report is yet to be released for the public's review. This audit which looked at US$7.3B in expenditure from 2018 o 2020 was conducted by local consortium of Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc., with the backing of global firms SGS and Martindale Consultants.
Kaieteur News
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EDITORIAL
Abuse of women in and out of Parliament Last week as part of the news cycle were reports of government ministers hurling insults at female opposition Members of Parliament during the budget debates. This has become a known feature of behaviour by our law makers over the years and although it is utterly repugnant to hear a woman being called a stripper in the August House, the conduct of the two identified ministers who allegedly committed the act is not surprising to many. The opposition also is not above reproach on this matter, for many times our reporters told of the nastiness that passes for heckling during the parliamentary sittings. The Speaker, Manzoor Nadir has been criticised for not doing much to curb the excesses, but we believe he too has probably become so disgusted with both sides of the house that he has given in to resignation. What was also worrying is the fact that during the course of the debates last week the assembly invited students from the various schools to observe the proceedings. There was a time when adults, particularly those in public and influential offices, took great care as to how they were perceived by society. Children ensured that they did not disgrace the family or do anything that would cause their parents to see them in a less than positive light. When these values are no longer considered sacred or are being discarded, condemnation of any untoward behaviour of the younger generation becomes hypocritical. It is often said children learn what they see and model themselves after their seniors, but what has been seen in Parliament is nothing to model. The insults, especially given that they were aimed at women MPs also behoove us to again at the situation regarding violence against women. The fact that there is discussion about eliminating violence against women means that it more than exists. Beyond any doubt, violence against women is a frightening phenomenon, a settled culture, in Guyana. The evidence is in media reports, official numbers, whispers that are never heard. Thankfully, violence against women locally is not one of those issues that has been torn apart by the push and pull of politics. It is not what could be defended, nor what could be dressed up and peddled for some meaningless advantage. It is undeniable that women in Guyana are being felled by the scourge of violence, probably at harrowing proportions. Though Guyanese should be numbed by now at the grim toll of violence against women here, they are not. Because each new report of episodic violence still provokes dismay at the trail of wreckage, and the wounding afflictions heaped on other brutalised women, and families left to pick up the pieces as they grieve. The women wonder when their day of doom would come, when their haunting fears would materialize unmanageably. The families of those who have lost a mother, a sister, a daughter, a mentor, and a comforter wonder how they will cope, when the beacon and strength in their lives are gone forever. Instead of progress being registered in the march towards the elimination of violence against women, the sad reality is that it is the women who are being eliminated one at a time, and too many of them. Some shaky progress has been made in the fight against violence meted out to women. But more is needed to challenge and override the culture that views women as sitting ducks, hence inviting targets. Leaders at the national level have to be prime examples of the way women must be treated. When they practice high standards by word and attitude and deed, then the bar is raised on all Guyanese men and women, about what is acceptable, and what should be condemned and resisted. The road is uphill, but it has to be traveled if some progress is to be recorded in the elimination of violence against women in Guyana. Men must hold men accountable, and women must be right there. Stop the violence is a two-way street, and it involves a revolutionary change of mind in this country.
Tuesday January 30, 2024
Sensational Shamar Joseph DEAR EDITOR There are cricket memories in my mind that I will never ever forget, Some I have witnessed in person, some I have seen on television and some I listened to on the radio. But none can compare to what I saw on television in the early hours of Sunday 28th of January, 2024. I had the privilege of seeing my hero Alvin Kallicharran make his first test century on debut at Bourda against New Zealand in 1972. Earlier that same series I was absolutely blown away by Sir George Lawrence Rowe making 214 and 100 unbeaten on his test debut at Sabina Pak, Jamaica. In 1977 I listened keenly to the radio as Colin Everton Croft destroyed Pakistan on test debut with devastating fast bowling to claim 8 wickets for 29 runs. A certain Barbadian by the name of Joel Garner also made his debut in that test
match and the two of them went on to accompany Andy Roberts and Michael Holding to form the most feared pace quartet in cricket history. C u r t l y A m b r o s e ’s ’ devastating 7 wickets for 1 run at the WACA against Australia in 1993 was special just as his 6 wickets for 24 runs in Trinidad to help bowl out England for 46 runs in the 1993-1994 series. And no one can forget how he partnered Courtney Walsh to stun South Africa in 1991 at Bridgetown Barbados during the latter’s return to test cricket and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Then the best fast bowler that ever lived Malcolm Marshall blew demolished England at Headingly with a broken thumb and his left wrist in cast. They referred to him as the “one arm bandit” And Tony Cozier agreed with me when I said that the best display of fast bowling ever
seen was at Bourda in 1991 when Marshall bowled Border a few runs short of 50 after a stubborn partnership with Geoff Marsh. But what I saw in the early hours of Sunday morning during the day and night test match played with the pink ball at the GABBA in Brisbane Australia, between a young West Indies team verses Australia, the World’s #1 test team, will forever be etched in my memory and be regarded as the best ever performance by a West Indian fast bowler. Shamar Joseph, in only his second test match, with a damaged toe, in obvious pain, bowled 11.5 overs and literally obliterated the Australian batting with figures of 7 wickets for 59 runs and essentially ended a 27 year drought of West Indies winning a test match in Australia. The result was that West Indies successfully defended 216 runs and won by 8 runs which shocked the
Australian public and the entire cricketing world. After that Starc’s toe cruncher in the first innings, like most individuals, I had written him off and had little or no hope of West Indies successfully defending that total. But like a true warrior S h a m a r J o s e p h demonstrated tremendous grit, determination, selfbelief and testicular fortitude and used his young but experienced cricketing brain and did the impossible. When I saw him for the first time in the 2023 CPL at Providence, I was impressed with his action among other things but felt that he needed a few seasons to be ready for the big times. I am glad that I was wrong and I look forward to the day when I will be sitting in the stands of the Shamar Joseph Cricket Stadium at Palmyra, Berbice to see him destroy teams for the West Indies. Yours truly Eric whaul
Some questions for the Mahdia Inquiry Commissioners DEAR COMMISSIONERS We refer to your Report dated January 2024 on the fire that engulfed the dormitory for girls in Mahdia, Region 8, on 21 May 2023. We continue to mourn the loss of 20 children who perished while under the State’s care. We are concerned by your assertion – ‘we concluded that an individual intentionally set the fire’ (p. 6). Since the Commission of Inquiry was not a Court of Law receiving evidence, and since you claim to have received confidential evidence during closed sessions, your Report has patently created bias against a child, and without disclosing any supporting evidence. This is unacceptable. Noting in Article 7 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, cap.19:03, 1933/1997: “It shall be the duty of the commissioners, after taking such oath or affirmation, to make a full, faithful, and impartial inquiry into the matter specified in such commission”, we request answers to several substantial areas that remain unaddressed in your report. We ask that you inform the public why the following questions were not covered during the 3-months-long Commission of Inquiry
(CoI). The dormitory for female students at the Mahdia secondary school A1 When was the dormitory built? To what published standards of construction? Who had the building contract? Who was the supervising engineer? A2 What materials were used for interior lining of the walls and for the ceiling? Were these materials sold as flameproofed? Where and when were these linings cleaned/maintained/replace d? A3 When was the dormitory building last inspected, apart from the Fire Service check in February 2023? A4 Who controls the budget for construction and maintenance of State schools? A5 Where are the published accounts on the original construction, and on all repairs and maintenance? A6 Where are the lists of requests for materials for repairs and maintenance? What was done about each list, when and by whom? A7 Where is the report by the Fire Service on a forensic study of the dormitory fire of May 2023? A8 Why was there no formal Coroner’s Inquest into the 20 deaths in the
dormitory fire? M i n i s t r y o f Education/Ministry of Local Government B1. Why did the Minister of Education commission a second study in September 2021 when the Ministry already had the Ed Caesar report commissioned in 2015 and delivered to the Ministry of Education on 28 April 2017? Why did the Minister of Education not immediately implement the recommendations of the Caesar report as the CoI noted there was already a gap of three years in which nothing had been done? B2. If dormitories in 24 State secondary schools could be rehabilitated for GYD 3 billion according to the Deen Engineers report to the Ministry of Education of 24 May 2022, why did the Ministry of Education not apply immediately for either Contingency Fund money or a supplementary budget, given the urgency expressed by Deen? At least three Financial Papers were prepared for the Minister of Finance in 2022 in support of the supplementary budgets of that year. The total budget for the year 2022 was GYD 552.9 billion, while only GYD 3 billion could have rehabilitated those dormitories. There does not
appear to have been any shortage of money. B3. Why did the Cabinet allocate only GYD 882 million to the Ministry of Education in 2022 to implement the Deen report? Or did the Cabinet allocate more but the government insisted on a rapid response and the remaining spend could not be organised? Regional Executive Officer/Regional Educational Officer C1. Where was the House supervisor/House mother for the Mahdia female dormitory before and during the fire on 23 May 2023? – The CoI does not appear to have interviewed her, and does not report on her presence or absence during the evening of that day after the reported altercation with one student. Fire Service D1 How much money was allocated for equipment of the Mahdia fire station, in which budget? How much was actually spent and on what? D2 Who was responsible for equipment supply to the Mahdia fire station before the arrival of staffer Ryan Scott in July 2022? D3. Why was the decrepit fire tender not replaced after the reports (Continued on page 06)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday January 30, 2024
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Our president’s African award and Govt attitude towards UG DEAR EDITOR This week I intended to comment on the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government’s behaviour towards the University of Guyana (UG) that is very much in keeping with its approach towards all African-orientated organisations, including the International Decade for People of African DescentGuyana, which was established by the United Nations to uplift the Africans globally, that it cannot dominate. Then came notice of the African Prosperity Network’s intention to bestow some kind of African Global Leadership Award to President Irfaan Ali in light o f G u y a n a ’s e n v i a b l e position as the fastest growing economy in the world and how that new prosperity is shared along the principles of equity and probity. The invitation was apparently from the organization’s founder and chairman Mr. Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, who also claimed that the PPP government’s emphasis of ‘ t h e n e e d f o r u n i t y, inclusivity and shared prosperity in Guyana’s multiracial society is highly commendable.’ Had Dr. Ali
written the above for himself he might have forgotten that he had successfully ‘navigated the recent peak of border tensions between Guyana and neighbouring Venezuela’! Superficially, Guyana is now the ‘fastest growing economy in the world’ and all sorts will flock to its doors and today, particularly if one is in a nationally influentially position, it is not difficult to establish an international nongovernmental organization with some reasonable level of success and to arrange awards to the politicallystressed and self-interested. So, given the history and current behaviour of the PPP towards Africans, the above kind of psychophonetic diatribe piqued my interest and I Googled ‘founder of the African Prosperity Network’ to find an answer. Mr. Otchere-Darko is a cousin of the President of Ghana, is also the founder of the Danquah Institute, a thinktank that champions the principles and beliefs of the ruling New Patriotic Party and has become influential as a vociferous champion of his cousin’s polities against critics both internal and external to the party. The comments of a former Ghanaian Chief
Justice, Sophia Akuffo, went viral when Darko criticized the retired legal luminary for joining the protests to get the government to exclude pensioner bondholders from the controversial Domestic Debt Exchange. She carried a placard demanding that the government pay the yields to the pensioners because these people needed the money to purchase medicines and pay utility bills and rent. Her response to Otchere-Darko was that she would not trade insults with a ‘pin-brain’ who was merely ‘a disturbance’ (Former CJ Calls Gabby A ‘Disturbance’ https://yen.com.gh/politics/ 2 2 8 11 8 - s o p h i a - a k u ff o replies-gabby-otcheredarko-cj-calls-gabby-adisturbance). Notwithstanding the source of this extremely debasing comment, I needed to delve further and found that later in 2023, there were calls for the attorney general to investigate Mr. OtchereDarko for his involvement in illegal mining. He was cited in a former minister’s report for allegedly influencing the release of some Chinese miners. The report claimed that Mr. Otchere-Darko was aware of the destruction his clients were engaged in and yet chose to use his privileged position to protect
them and their destructive activities. According to the attorney involved in the case, the attorney general should have asked Mr. Otchere-Darko to present all the mining leases he had allegedly claimed his clients possessed during his phone call with the former minister, failing which he should be charged with ‘deceit of a public officer.’ All this sounds very familiar: all countries and races have people who simply seek opportunities where they exist regardless of the harm, they may cause. This matter is also a reminder of the part some Africans played in most of us being in the diaspora today. It is also indicative of the kind of company the PPP needs to sustain in its attempt to hoodwink the world that it has substantial African support in Guyana as it continues upon its autocratic pathway towards ethnic dominance. What is taking place at the University of Guyana is a sufficient reminder of the P P P ’s e t h n i c a g e n d a . Recently, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo is reported to have questioned the quality of the graduates coming out of the university, which the PPP government has had under its control for about
three decades. In 2003, just after the PPP drive for ethnic dominance began, the late vice chancellor of UG, Professor Dennis Irvine, suggested a way forward. He argued that in the final analysis, the pre-requisites for a top-class university are top class staff and top-class facilities and that UG should make as its priority the recruitment of quality staff, the professional development of existing staff and the rehabilitation of the physical facilities, especially the library and laboratories. According to him, ‘This is something the government should be prepared to fund, and in discussion with the relevant authorities the University should make it clear that the developments which it envisages, and which it sees as making a significant contribution to socio-economic development, will only be possible if the University has the kind of solid foundation on which to build’ (‘Higher Education and Economic Renewal-A Critique and Alternative Proposal’) The PPP regime did quite the opposite. It set about starving the university of funds. In delivering the Dr. Dennis Irvine Lecture in 2004, I said that according to
the UG 2004 audited accounts, when the GDP per capita was about US$804, it spent on average about US$1,000 per student per year and that this was a worthy effort. While Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago were spending about 64, 71 and 70 percent of GDP per capita per student, Guyana’s expenditure was about 106% of GDP per capita. Bearing in mind that the following numbers are for tertiary education and are normally biased in favour of the universities, this still meant that in dollar terms Guyana was being outspent. In 2001, Barbados spent about US$5,150, Jamaica about US$1,492 and Trinidad and Tobago about US$3,700 per student per year. Today Guyana has a GNP of more than US$17,000 and according to a rough estimate, UG is spending less than US$2,000 per capita, but the regime is finding funds to spend almost the same amount it gives to UG on some autocratic scholarship arrangement called the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL)! This hardly reflects ‘the need for unity, inclusivity and shared prosperity in Guyana’s (Continued on page 06)
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Tuesday January 30, 2024
GWI to spend $38M to drill Did the APNU/AFC have a two new wells in Reg. One “comprehensive agriculture plan”
T
he communities of Black Water Savannah and Mabaruma Settlement in Region One will benefit from new water wells this year, the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) has said. The water company has set aside some $38.2 million to execute the projects. In an advertisement, GWI stated that the new well slated for Mabaruma Settlement is estimated to be drilled for $19.6 million, while the structure for Black Water Savannah is estimated to cost $18.6 million. D u r i n g t h i s y e a r ’s budget presentation, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with the Responsibility for Finance, D r. A s h n i S i n g h h a d mentioned that government spent a total of $16.8 billion last year to improve water quality and supply systems across the country. This year, government has budgeted $22.5 billion for further
when they were in Government?
advancements in the water sector. Kaieteur News understands that the aim of drilling these wells is to achieve 100 per cent access to water services in all hinterland and riverain communities by 2025, which is in keeping with the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goal (SDG). This publication had reported recently that 25 Hinterland villages located in Regions One, Three, and Seven will soon benefit from new water wells, as the Guyana Water Inc. tenders for $478.1 million in projects.
DEAR EDITOR This year’s budgetary debates are quite an entertainment, especially from the opposition’s side of the house. I sat there listening attentively to the parliamentarians on the o p p o s i t i o n ’s s i d e a n d wondered to myself if this is the best we can muster as members of the opposition? If that is their attempt to dissect the budget presented by the Hon. Minister Ashni Singh then my friends, we are in deep trouble. Which brings me to the Hon. Vinceroy Jordon’s presentation, this “engineering technician” that worked at GWI speaking about agriculture and the developmental plan the agriculture ministry has for the future and for the country is the joke of the century. Jordan is telling the house that what is needed is “comprehensive agriculture
plan and program” that will take into consideration every region in Guyana but these people selective choose not to remember when they were in office and what happened to agriculture then. Did they have a “comprehensive agriculture plan”? Did they cater or provide relief for small- and large-scale farmers? Did they check to see the “harsh reality on the ground” when they closed the sugar estates and sent thousands of sugar workers out of a job? Jordan wants to talk about the “harsh reality on the ground” as if Noel Holder, the former Agriculture Minister served any purpose during his tenure, in fact agriculture was dead, there were no plans to catapult agriculture to what it is today. He touched on food security and mentioned the hydroponics and shade house projects that benefit
hundreds of youths. I would like for mister Jordon to highlight what they did for youths, particularly in the area of agriculture. He speaks of his party’s plan to extend agriculture to every region, but agriculture is already flourishing in every region, I am convinced that these people do not have anything to criticise. The APNU/AFC government had five years to show what could be done for agriculture, it was an opportunity for them to develop the sector but what did they do with it? Waste it! Standing in Parliament to criticize a budget that caters for every sector and subsector while making empty promises of what they will do if allowed to govern again, will not suffice. The people won’t be fooled twice. Yours Sincerely Fawaz A. Harry
Some questions for the Mahdia... From page 04 submitted to the Chief Fire Officer in August 2022? D4. Why did the Fire Service not apply immediately for either Contingency Fund money or a supplementary budget to equip the Mahdia fire station and to replace the decrepit fire tender in September 2022? D5. Why did the CoI report not mention that the bowser for the Mahdia fire station was away in Lethem ‘to assist with preparations for the National Independence Flag Raising Ceremony on May 25’ on the critical day of 21 May 2023? The photograph in the Demerara Waves article shows the bowser washing the streets of Lethem. Which is more important: remaining present in Mahdia to protect people or road cleaning in Lethem? CoI report
E1. This report has obvious gaps in its response to the poorly-drafted terms of reference provided after a 3-months’ delay by the Office of the President. Why were there no technical experts appointed to or interviewed by the Commission of Inquiry, as provided for in section 10 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act? E2. Did the 3-person CoI team read the Phase 1 report on the Grenfell Tower fire in London? That fire occurred on 14 June 2017, the Commission of Inquiry was ordered on 15 June and created on 28 June 2017, and the Phase 1 report was issued publicly on 30 October 2019. The Grenfell Tower report is a model report on how to conduct an official Inquiry into such a disaster, when the concerns of the affected families were at last addressed in culturally
appropriate ways. This report was highly critical of the London Fire Brigade for poor organisation and decision-making. E3. The sections on issues and recommendations in the final pages of the report of the Mahdia CoI contain some information and allegations not mentioned in or supported by the body of the report. These sections should be withdrawn or re-written to a professional standard matching the human rights accorded in Guyana’s National Constitution. Signatories Vincent Adams Alfred Bhulai Andre Brandli Janette Bulkan Immaculata Casimero Darsh Khusial GHK Lall Joe Persaud Vanda Radzik Charles Sugrim Charlene Wilkinson
Our president’s African award... From page 05 multiracial society’. In passing, I note that this appears to be the second time, first time honours by these organisations, are being awarded to our president. His immediate predecessor had a predisposition to collect honorary doctoral degrees and not to be outdone, the president appears to have
set his sights on the even more questionable quest of accumulating ‘honours’. Mr. President be careful, the subjective nature and the forward/backwards payments for these kinds of awards usually makes them more of a ‘disturbance’! Regards Dr Henry Jeffrey
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N False LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNnarrative ...B NT...BLU N T U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B BBLU T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U L N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Tuesday January 30, 2024
Kaieteur News
“As I understand it, the US$2B guarantee is not the substantive matter in the courts. The provision of a full parent company guarantee is what is being decided upon. So, the issue of it being subjudice is a false narrative now being generated by the government…surely as their attorney, Datadin would have known whether or not making the document public would have legal implications.” – MP Shurwayne Holder
PAGE 07
Kaieteur News
PAGE 8 10
Tuesday Monday January May 02, 30,2022 2024
Banks DIH still seeking tax write-off similar to what was granted to DDL by GRA
L
eading player in the manufacturing industry in Guyana, Banks DIH Limited is still engaging the High Court's attention, seeking tax write-offs that the company believes it is entitled to – similar to what was granted to its competitor – the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL). The case was filed in April 2016 against the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). Banks DIH in its recently published annual report stated that the proceedings are pending in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature. According to the Board of Directors Report on April 1, 2016, GRA consented to a substantial tax write-off for a local manufacturing company (DDL). Acting on legal advice, Banks had written to GRA claiming that it was entitled under Article 149D of the Constitution to be treated equally by the state as it treated the local manufacturing company's liability. However, GRA did not respond favourably. Banks DIH said that as a result, acting on legal advice, it caused to be filed in the High Court of Guyana, legal proceedings against the GRA and the Attorney General of Guyana. The beverage giant is asking for “…a declaration that Banks DIH Limited is entitled under Article 149D of the Constitution to have the Guyana Revenue Authority treat its liability for
Consumption Tax for the years 20012006 and its liability to Excuse Tax for the years 2007-2016 equally or materially in similar manner as the Guyana Revenue Authority treated a local manufacturing company's liability for the same taxes during the same periods as embodied in the Consent Order dated 1st April, 2016.” In April 2016, DDL announced that an amicable settlement had been reached with the GRA to resolve a longstanding dispute over Consumption Tax that began since in 2002. The settlement followed an extended legal battle between DDL and GRA arising out of the Consumption Tax assessment levied against the company by then CommissionerGeneral Khurshid Sattaur in January 2009, in the sum of $5,392,020,753. This assessment was immediately challenged in the High Court by DDL, through its lawyers, Miles Fitzpatrick, S.C. and Timothy Jonas. According to reports, DDL and GRA were able to recommence negotiations for a resolution of the methodology for a calculation of Consumption Tax (and its successor, Excise Tax). A deal was reached for DDL to settle for $1.5 billion. In 2002, DDL had disclosed, it had raised a legal challenge against the GRA on the methodology adopted by the latter for the assessment of Consumption Tax. In February 2005,
the High Court ruled in favour of DDL. The GRA subsequently appealed that decision, and on July 31, 2008, the Guyana Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed GRA's appeal. Following the dismissal of the appeal, the GRA commenced a new assessment in August 2008 and, notwithstanding attempts by the parties at resolving the matter, on January 16, 2009, GRA then issued a new claim in the amount of $5.392 billion.
Vendor remanded for stealing gold bangle from woman at Stabroek Market
Guyana should not have currency shortage with 700% increase in exports O p p o s i t i o n L e a d e r, Aubrey Norton has expressed concern over the complaints of foreign currency shortage in Guyana. The lack of United States (US) dollars at cambios has been persistent, although government officials continue to deny the existence of the issue. During his contribution to the 2024 Budget Debates on Friday, Norton stated, “A major lifeblood of our economy is international trade. As a country that relies heavily on foreign trade, we must be concerned as to what the changes in our economy mean for the acquisition and distribution of foreign currency.” He explained that the new concentration of the economy reveals that two industries, oil and gold, generated 94% of foreign earnings in 2023. He said the existing data suggests that oil can exceed
- Norton the 90% share of foreign earnings that it was responsible for in 2023 in the near future. To this end, Norton said, “While we bask as a country in the financial glow of the oil industry, one must wonder what role the current policy on the management and use of foreign generated earnings might be playing in determining access to foreign currency for the business community and the wider society. This is another issue not addressed in this Budget.” The Leader of the Opposition said it is important and incumbent on the government to manage this situation properly so that the local private sector can access foreign exchange to grow their businesses. According to him, “Shortage of foreign currency should not abound
Kelvin Thomas hiding his face at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton in a country where export revenues have grown by over 700% in less than four years and its trade balance has shifted from a deficit in 2019 to a surplus of over US$6.5B in 2023.” He noted that by “blindly supporting” the investment priorities of the government, private sector entities might be serving as the architect of their own inability to access foreign currency to conduct
their business. Norton reasoned, “The government's insistence that cement, sand, and stone must dominate the consumption pattern of the country ought to cause consternation among Guyanese. Our foreign exchange management must facilitate the development of the local private sector in the noninfrastructure sector.”
A Stabroek Market vendor, who is accused of stealing a gold bangle from a woman, was on Monday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse. T h i r t y - f o u r- y e a r- o l d Kelvin Thomas of Lot 56 Norton Street Lodge, Georgetown, and father of four, pleaded not guilty to the larceny charge that stated he allegedly stole a gold bangle valued $150,000 from a
woman at the Stabroek Market on January 22, 2024. During the court proceedings, the prosecutor objected to bail noting that the victim identified the accused to police and that the stolen gold bangle was retrieved. Bail was also objected, due to the nature and gravity of the offence committed. Senior Magistrate Nurse denied bail and the accused was remanded to prison until February 27, 2024 when he is scheduled to return to court.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday January 30, 2024
PAGE 09
The business class is fighting back!
G
uyana was fortunate to host 6 matches for the T20 World Cup slated to be hosted in the Caribbean and the USA in June of this year. Guyana will host five preliminary matches and one semifinal. Guyana was lucky to snare a semifinal game. Had the organizers taken a walk down Regent Street or near the iconic Stabroek Market, they may have pulled all the matches from Guyana. The situation with illegal pavement and roadside vending has become so deplorable that it will eventually threat Guyana’s ability to host international matches. Who wants to come to Guyana to have to experience the disorder and chaos that has crept over the capital city because of the illegal vending situation? The situation with illegal vending has been allowed to get totally out of control. Many illegal vendors now feel that they have an entitlement to set up shop wherever and whenever they want. And they have forced in the country that egg them on. Vendors are now of the opinion that because they have been given approval to vend and because they pay a cleaning fee to the municipality that this legitimizes their operations. It does not.. Two of the readymade excuses that have been made in the past are about many of the vendors being single parents and whether those who want them removed are forcing them into criminality. But how does
that justify illegal vending in any part of the world? The landscape of vending has changed from the time when it was small hucksters making a hustle. If you drive down Regent Street early in the morning, you would be surprised at the amount of vendors who own their vehicles and who drive and park on that street. People are now of the opinion that they can simply go and prop themselves anywhere to sell. And most of these vendors are not poor people. But within the vending establishment, there has also been a significant change. The majority of the persons who are vending in front of businesses on the roads and parapets are not poor people. Poor people do not possess millions of dollars in stocks and do not turnover hundreds of thousands of dollars each week. Poor people cannot afford to spend millions of dollars to build and outfit food caravans. Poor people cannot afford the cost of a canter from which to do business. Poor people cannot afford some of the equipment that is being used in roadside food vending. Elements within the lower middle class are taking over vending. These are not poor persons; they have substantial assets and they are taking over the vending on pavements parapets and on the roadside where, in some cases, permanent businesses are being established. Georgetown will die
unless the situation is remedied. It is now a freefor-all in the city. There is no progress to be had in running a city in this manner. It is not safe at all to venture on to Georgetown’s crowded pavements. Walking with a haversack is now a high-risk activity. The encroachment by illegal vendors creates an environment in which robbers thrive. The vendors’ illegal structures and its accoutrements obscure criminal acts from the view of public spirited citizens, some of whom may be inclined to come to the rescue of victims. One letter writer has described walking on our overrun pavements as walking through a dark hole. This column has said it is like traversing a gauntlet, one that is becoming increasingly dangerous. Illegal vending is also hurting the financial fortunes of City Hall. Illegal vending has cast a shadow over the C i t y ’s m a r k e t s a n d businesses. The inside of our markets are now like ghosts towns with numerous abandoned stalls. It’s a bitter irony that those who contribute their fair share – the legal vendors within the market – are suffocated by those operating outside the bounds of legality. Illegal vending is the culprit because shoppers no longer have to enter the markets to get items; everything is now available on the pavements and roadsides. S o m e o f t h e l a rg e
DEM BOYS SEH
Dem FDI giving we mo F than DI Guyana gat some farrin firm wah plundering we resources. Dem gat all kind of fancy names some dat sound nice, except when deh start fuh layoff dem workers. And is dem small number of jobs wah dem does create wah does kerfuffle some of dem big boys. Dem head does leff dem body when dem hear about de jobs. De easiest way fuh get tax concession in Guyana is fuh use de magic words: ‘ jobs’ deh. Dem fools wah does run de country does tell de people how dem attracting FDI – foreign
direct investment. Dem boys seh some of dem FDI nah come hay fuh help we. Dem come hay fuh rape we resources, exploit we workers and mek money. Dem like vampire and old higue. Dem does suck yuh dry. Dem boys nah wan hear about FDI no more. Dem wan here bout LDI – local direct investment. De local people gat de money fuh invest. If dem invest in we gold and we diamond and we oil and we bauxite, den the money nah gun get send to farrin. It gan remain right hay and mek we country rich. De local banks flooding
with money. Dem does talk how dem liquid. Dem gat de cash but not much to invest it in. And pun top of dat de government does gat fuh pay billions of dollars each year fuh sop up de money so that de cost of living nah raise. Dem boys calling fuh LDI- local direct investment. Dem wan see locals get a piece of de action. Dem foreign company dredging out we gold and bauxite, digging out we diamond and when dem done, the country mo bruk than when de FDI did start. Talk half. Leff half!
companies in Guyana are being forced to move to the courts to have the illegal vendors removed from in front of their premises. This action is belated but will be welcome by the tens of thousands of shoppers who refuse to go anywhere
near downtown because of the situation on our pavements (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10 S
UTH
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
LALL
Tuesday Monday January May 02, 30, 2022 2024
H@RD TRUTHS
BY GHK LALL
Parliament - house of serious business or house of horrors, punks
H
e a r y e , honourable members of the people's house. That would be parliament. The children are watching and listening. Their parents are hustling to remove them from the scene of the crime. Unbecoming and untoward. Upsetting and undermining. Of standards, and the dignity of the National Assembly. Everyone knows the score, what is expected and must be delivered with respect to acceptable conduct. Since it's early January could everyone (and I mean everyone) make a New Year's resolution: better behaved I will be. Come what may, there will be no deviating from sworn commitment. To be candid, I am paddling low in the water regarding optimism. There was little to work with in recent times, and in this first month of 2024, the verbal fisticuffs and bodily rowdiness have already been put on exhibition. I read that the opposition had a poor showing during Dr. Ashni Singh's budget presentation. I read that Guyana's Dr.
Frankenstein of money (that's allowed, isn't it?) fell for the baiting, and took time off from his presentation, and the revelry was on. Bacchanal in January, and it was not in the streets, but in the August House of the people. It has been reduced to a bawdy House; and the poor people didn't matter if one were to give a critical review of Dr. Singh's budget opera. If that was all, there could have been moving on, but not a full week has passed, and the door of decency caved in, ethical decorum was called for, but doggedly absent. This time the Honorable Speaker of the House has been called to the carpet for being unbalanced. I think it fits smoothly, given his consistent practice, the long history compiled under the tilt of his gavel. I hope Guyanese would have no difficulty interpreting my choice of 'tilt' re his refereeing in the house that now reminds of Madison Square Garden, with a boxing (or hockey) match in full swing. The charge against the Speaker is that he is erratic
with time allocated to members on the PPP Government side when such allocations are compared to that of the opposition benches. In the span of less than a week, the first round saw cries to drown out and disrupt have had their day, with the retaliatory coming from brother Ashni. The second session now has this clash and concern over time and fairness, with the Speaker in the center of the spotlight. From my perspective, in the manner of the opposition during the budget reading, the Speaker does not look like the copacetic has visited him in many a long, torrid parliamentary season. I have more bad news. The atmosphere does not give the impression that things are going to get any better. My impression is that members from both sides are itching to have a go at those across the aisle. What place dignity when derision is beloved for the sting that it delivers? When derogation is more cherished for the upheavals that it provokes. Somebody
Iwokrama wins two awards at Visit Rupununi's award ceremony The Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (Iwokrama) received two awards at the recently held Visit Rupununi awards ceremony held at Lethem last Saturday evening. Iwokrama is grateful for this recognition by Visit Rupununi for Best Lodge 2023(Iwokrama River Lodge) and Best Cook 2023 (Iwokrama's Chef Colin Browne). In a press release the centre said it has been serving guests for almost 25 years and these awards are testament to the hard work, commitment and dedication of Iwokrama's staff almost all of whom come from the surrounding local indigenous communities. “Over the years Iwokrama has built capacity in many residents of the North Rupununi area in various tourism and other related disciplines. Tourism training includes tour guiding, rangering, drivers and boat captains, hospitality and food and beverage amongst others,” the release noted. Colin Browne is a professionally trained Chef who has served Iwokrama for almost 17 years and is known for his culinary skills throughout the region and country. The tourism team is led by veteran Tourism Manager Michael Patterson for almost eight years and who is also a highly trained Iwokrama Ranger. Iwokrama has also been helping develop community tourism
operations both on the coast and in the hinterland through support from ExxonMobil Foundation and other donors. To support the tourism thrust by the Government of Guyana through the Low Carbon Development Strategy, the Centre will be investing in more accommodation facilities and new products in 2024 and beyond. Already new tours for fishing and hiking have been launched in 2023 with the support of the Guyana Tourism Authority and a biking tour is currently in development. The Centre also plans to roll out a health and wellness facility, including a yoga Centre. The Centre achieved Good Travel Seal Certification for its tourism operations in 2023 and recently retained international certification for its sustainable forestry operations. Special thanks also go out to the Iwokrama tourism team for delivering these sterling results especially our team members from the local communities and our community partners, the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB). Without them, these accolades could not have been achieved. The Centre would also like to offer its appreciation to Visit Rupununi and the Guyana Tourism Authority for their support in achieving these results. Iwokrama remains grateful to the Government of Guyana for their continued valuable and ongoing support of the Centre.
has to say it, and since there are no volunteers, then it is my heavy duty to announce and pronounce. Why add to the madness of the mob and denounce? Here I go: we have what we in Guyana's parliament for standards because we have the kind of people who carry on just like that (and worse) in everyday life outside of the vaunted assembly. No training nor grooming. No self-respect that serves as timely restraint, no matter the temptation. No discipline, for the National Assembly is now seen as a free for all, a place to vent and to exact vengeance. Guyanese cannot pretend at ignorance, for they have been privy to many previews over a bunch of Thursdays. Since I am not on Facebook, or any social media dark alleys, the political powers in
parliament, and their dirty tricks people can rave and rant to their heart's content. My reaction is still the same: what's the problem, bub? Can't take the truth? Have to prove self? Be my guest. Nonetheless, parliament must still strive for the pristine amid the profane, for some degree of brightness to replace the dullness of more than a few dim bulbs. Notwithstanding all the PhDs and JDs and DDs (is there one?), there are some real deluded and unhinged people in parliament. I can deal with that; but it is the dangerousness in some of those stalwarts that causes a pause. Do these good folks, these Guyanese hoping to be spoken of in the same breath as greatness, have what it takes to work tirelessly and unselfishly to restore parliament to the hallowed
gathering for the interests of the people that it once was? Though there are considerable doubts, I still urge that the effort is made, the energy expended, if only to set an example for the children, and manifest a modicum of respect for the elderly. Some members must suppress their riotous nature, others must roll with the blows that come. If they do, there will be a parliament which all can be proud of. If not, Guyanese will not have what could rightfully be called a functioning parliament. Only a place that is overpoweringly perverted. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
30 police officers to undergo training in India on forensic investigations
T
he government is p l a c i n g significant investments into building its forensic capabilities to enhance the administration of justice. As part of this effort, some 30 officers of the Guyana Police Force, and five officers from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will soon travel to India on fully paid scholarships to receive training in forensic interviews. This was announced by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, at the opening ceremony for the two-day restorative justice training, at the Guyana Police Force Officers' Mess Hall, Eve Leary, Georgetown, on Monday. “We are investing in these programmes and policies right across the divide. You can attest to the dozens of police and prison officers and social workers who are being sent on training across the globe so they can return here and impart this knowledge to others in the discharge of their functions. We have recognised that we have to change our approach to investigation if we are to be
successful,” the Attorney General stated. He highlighted that with the advent of more innovative and intricate advancements in technology, criminals are exploring creative ways to commit infractions, and as such, the state apparatus must be versed in new areas to curb these acts. “We are concentrating more on forensic policing, using scientific methods and technological approaches, as well as human resources training to combat crime, because with the technological changes that are taking place across the globe, crime has not remained stagnant and static. The criminal has wised up, and the criminal takes advantage of the technological changes and the sophisticated apparatus that we have now and they use them to commit crime. In the face of that, we can't have the same type of approach to policing which we may have had 30 and 40 years ago,” he explained. The Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) also features a range of programmes in the areas of forensic investigation that dozens of
police and probation officers have pursued, according to the AG. On Saturday last, approximately 30 officers of the Guyana Police Force graduated from the American University of Peace Studies, completing programmes in Forensic, General, and Clinical Psychology. These investments in the forensic investigation arena are aimed at building a highly skilled and qualified law enforcement arm, equipped with the necessary tools to combat crime at all levels. The government has recruited four highlyqualified forensic experts for the next three years, to boost operations at Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL). The experts have a variety of skills in areas including ballistics, handwriting and fingerprint analysis, and crime scene forensics, among other areas. Another feature of this dedication to boosting the forensic capacity is the government's engagement with the University of Guyana to integrate these experts' knowledge into crafting a training programme in the field. (DPI)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday January 30, 2024
PAGE 11
Over 600 public officers still to declare assets to integrity commission Six hundred and twenty eight public officers are yet to make declarations to the Integrity Commission in keeping with the law that promotes transparency. The officers are required to make a declaration of personal assets. This was revealed when the Commission released a chart via its website recently which outlined how many
officers submitted their declarations. According to the chart for last year alone out of 1580, 952 public officials made declarations to the commission, while the remaining 628 persons have yet to do so. Those outstanding should have submitted their declarations on or before the due date of June 30. While the Commission has not
given any detail as to identify of the public life defaulters, the names of those persons will be released if they continue to be in default. Kaieteur News had previously reported that the names of 184 regional officials have been published in the official gazette for failing to declare their assets to Integrity Commission. Integrity Commission
had published a list of persons who as of August 4, 2023 failed to make their submission for the 2022 declarations period of July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022. The names were published in keeping with section 9 of the Integrity Commission Act. After it was reconstituted in 2022, the Integrity Commission published a
The chart available on the website of the Integrity Commission DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED DECLARATION YEARS
TOTAL INVENTORIZED SPECIFIED PERSONS IN PUBLIC LIFE
NUMBER
2018
1305
833
2019
1239
2020
PERCENTAGE (%)
DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED
NUMBER
PERCENTAGE (%)
64
472
36
799
64
440
36
1300
733
56
567
44
2021
1564
897
57
667
43
2022
1514
1042
69
472
31
2023
1580
952
60
628
40
notice in the daily newspapers calling on Public Officials to declare their assets by the end of the year. However, a four-month extension in 2022 for the submission of declarations by public officials to the Integrity Commission, 828 submissions are reportedly still outstanding. The Commission had pointed out that included in the 828 defaulters for 2022, are 17 Members of Parliament (MPs). There are
an additional 104 people from ministries and 493 from agencies and departments. The commission had promised that if declarations are still not received, they would seek prosecution of the defaulter. The Integrity Commission was put in place to improve public confidence in the integrity of persons in public life by administering and enforcing the Integrity Commission (Continued on page 17)
Man who led police to recover stolen phone tells Magistrate he was helping the victim
Nathaniel Martin (Blue jersey)
Fire razes two Berbice bussiness
Two businesses at Springsland Village, Corentyne, Berbice were destroyed by fire on Monday morning. According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) the call reporting the fire was received at 09:35 hrs and Water Tender #101 from the Corriverton Fire
Station, supported by Water Tender #78 from Rose Hall, and their crews responded.The fire crew arrived at 09:39 hrs. at the scene and it was observed that one building was already destroyed while another was aflame. The fire originated at Mahin and Sons
Upholstery, then extended to The Ritz Hotel and Bar, subsequently impacting Vishnu's. Firefighters managed to contain and eventually extinguish the fire but by this time the damage had been done, with only a portion of the hotel and bar still standing.
A 22-year-old man who was on Monday charged with larceny, told the Georgetown Magistrates' Court that he was innocent of the charge. The man, Nathaniel Martin of Lot 169 Middle Road, Georgetown is accused of robbing Richard Balchan of a Samsung phone valued $35,000 and $5000 in cash on Brickdam, Georgetown, January 26, 2024.However, when he made his first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse, Martin who led police to the location where the stolen phone was recovered, said that he was helping the victim. Martin told the court that he saw when the victim was robbed. “I did not come close to this guy (Victim), I saw when the man pull him towards the bus, and take the phone.” Martin added that the victim then tried to pay the robber $5000, pleading
with him to not take the phone; however the thief grabbed both the phone and cash and made good his escape. Further, Martin told the court that 15 minutes after Balchan went to file a report at the police station about the incident, police arrested him. He said the police said he matched the description provided by Balchan. Following his arrest, Martin led police to a location, where the phone was recovered. He was later taken to the police station and placed in custody. Meanwhile, the prosecutor objected to bail being granted to Martin due to the nature and gravity of the offence. Bail was also objected to for these reasons: the accused took police to where the stolen item was being kept and because he was identified by the victim. Martin was remanded to prison until February 17, 2024.
PAGE 12
Kaieteur News
Tuesday January 30, 2024
Exxon surpasses major production milestones data show for Liza 1 & 2 R
ecent updates f r o m t h e Ministry of Natural Resources reveal that ExxonMobil's offshore oil projects are producing significantly more oil than their stated capacities. This observation in the Liza 1 and Liza 2 projects indicates that ExxonMobil may very well continue this trend moving forward. The Liza 1 project, utilizing the Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, was initially designed for production of 120,000 barrels per day (bpd), later optimized to 150,000 bpd. However, data from December indicates that the project consistently exceeded this limit, with a peak reaching as high as 163,000 barrels on December 17. This is 13,000 bpd more than its current capacity, and 43,000 bpd higher than the capacity the project was built to deliver. Similarly, the Liza-2 project, which started in February 2022 with a capacity of 220,000 bpd, was also optimized to produce 250,000 barrels daily, as reported by Hess officials. Yet, in December 2023, it exceeded this number on many days, and peaked at more than 256,000 bpd on December 14. This is 6,000
bpd higher than its stated capacity, and 36,000 bpd higher than its original capacity. The Payara project, which began production in November 2023, has quickly increased its production. With ExxonMobil estimating five months for the project to reach its capacity of 220,000 bpd, Payara reached 100,000 bpd in November, then exceeded 180,000 bpd by the end of December, showing the potential to reach its capacity much sooner than expected. In fact, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat said at an event yesterday that this project is expected to reach full capacity by February, thereby taking Guyana's output to 600,000 barrels of oil per day. I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e s e developments suggest that ExxonMobil might continue this trend of pursuing production beyond initial capacities through debottlenecking. The combined production capability of Liza 1 and Liza 2, initially estimated at 400,000 bpd, effectively stands at approximately 420,000 barrels per day, based on observed production figures. As the oil company continues this status quo, concerns have been raised a b o u t w h e t h e r
The Prosperity FPSO
The Liza Unity FPSO
s
ExxonMobil's strategy of rapid project development and ramp-up might compromise safety standards. In response,
The Liza Destiny FPSO
ExxonMobil ha always iterated that safety remains a critical aspect of its operations. Delivering on this assurance will be crucial
as the company prepares to bring additional projects online in the Stabroek Block, where it holds a 45% stake. Hess (owned by Chevron)
and CNOOC hold 30% and 25% stakes, respectively, in these projects. The upcoming Yellowtail project is slated to begin in 2025, followed by the Uaru project in 2026. The Whiptail project is also awaiting government approval. Each of these projects has a projected capacity of 250,000 bpd, which, when achieved, will collectively add 750,000 bpd to Guyana's oil production rate. This expansion would significantly elevate Guyana's position in the global oil market, taking its capacity to produce oil for export, well above 1.2 million bpd. The company's ability to maintain safety standards amid such aggressive expansion remains a point of keen focus for industry stakeholders.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday January 30, 2024
PAGE 13
STEMGuyana a display of youths brimming with technological prowess – Min Edghill Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag with youths from the Future Innovators Expo hosted by STEMGuyana Organisation on Saturday
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill interacting with youths from the Future Innovators Expo hosted by STEMGuyana Organisation on Saturday
M
inister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill said Guyanese youths are brimming with technological prowess, during the Future Innovators Expo hosted by STEMGuyana on Saturday. The expo welcomed youths from various regions to display their talents and innovations while fostering a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics.One noteworthy project that caught the minister's attention was the group from Lake Mainstay that is developing a robot designed to pick and plant pineapples. H e n o t e d t h e transformative nature of such projects, highlighting how these innovations allow young people to contribute to development without the traditional connotations associated with farming.
“I would've never thought about that but I guess young people these days would've been in a world contributing towards development without looking like they are farmers. Hands clean, high technology and it just shows that once we get people to stimulate thinking… it makes a big difference,” the minister stated.Minister Edghill
pledged his commitment to these kinds of initiatives while envisioning a future where more organisations can contribute to shaping the minds of the youth. “Whatever I can do to help that expansion, I sure want to play a role. I think there is a paradigm shift and I would like to see this replicated in more places. I applaud the organisations that want to
Duo found guilty of murdering Rose Hall grocer
T
wo men were on Monday found g u i l t y o f murdering grocer Lomenzo Johnny from Rose Hall back in February 2020. case against Satram Kushlay and Bilall McLennon was heard at the Berbice High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon. Sentencing for the nowconvicted killers has been deferred until February 20, 2024, at 15:00 hours, when a probation and other social impact reports will be presented to the court. Attorneys-at-Law Kevin Morgan and Alaira MurphyGoodman are the defense attorneys while State Counsel Muntaz Ali presented the case for the prosecution. Johnny lost his life during the course of a robbery at his home, and on the morning of February 27, 2020, he was found with his feet bound together by black shoe laces. The man also had
expand their clubs up to a hundred. And this is good for Guyana, it is good for our modernising, it is good for our transformation, it is good for the next level of technology,” he expressed. Meanwhile, the public w o r k s m i n i s t e r congratulated the Guyana National Robotics Team, who participated in the World Robotics Competition in Singapore last year,
competing against over 100 teams. The team's outstanding performance led them to the finals, where they faced off against 18 teams securing fifth place. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag was also present at the event and reiterated the government's commitment to support initiatives that contribute to national development. (DPI)
Screengrab from video footage of the man being snatched away from his car and robbed
Convicted killer: Bilall McLennon
Man snatched from car and robbed Convicted killer: Satram Kushlay
Murdered, Lomenzo Johnny
what appeared to be strangulation marks on his neck on a farm at area 'AA', Portuguese Quarters, Port Mourant, a short distance from where he lived. He had a bloodied face and a puncture wound was above his left eye. His cause of death would later be determined as multiple injuries.
The home where he lived alone was ransacked and there were no signs of forced entry. The intruders however took a safe that was located in the top flat of the home. The grocer was seen alive for the last time around 19:30 hours on the evening of the previous day, when he went for his routine exercise through the street.
Police are now on the look-out for two motorbike bandits who on Sunday on Fourth Street, La Penitence, snatched a man away from his car and robbed him of his cellular phone and some cash he had in his pocket. The robbery took place during the morning hours and was caught on security cameras mounted on nearby buildings. It appeared as if the bandits were waiting close by for their victim to return to his car. As he walked towards the car the pillion rider did so too. While
opening his car door to enter, the bandit pulled out what looked like a knife from his pants waist and snatched the victim from behind and tossed him to the ground among some tall grass on the parapet. The bandit then held him down and relieved him of his valuables before running back towards his accomplice waiting on the bike. Both men then sped off, leaving their victim visibly shocked with his hands in the air. Investigations are ongoing.
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Tuesday January 30, 2024
Georgetown District Children's 2024 Mashramani competition launched One of the primary schools dancing in the religious belief category
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he Georgetown District Children's 2024 M a s h r a m a n i Competition was launched on Monday at the National Cultural Centre (NCC). This year, the celebration is being observed under the theme 'Celebrating our peoples and our prosperity.' Declaring the monthlong event officially opened was
Principal Education Officer, Emmanuel Bridgewater, who anticipates that this year's event would be even more exciting than other years, as private schools will be involved. According to Bridgewater, the department received entries for the various categories of the competition from many of the private schools across the city, while
Primary school children in attendance at the launching of the 2024 Georgetown District Children's Mashramani Competition
almost all public schools sent in theirs. “As soon as the theme was confirmed and shared with us our teachers began to prepare children for these competitions. The activities planned…for children are dances, masquerades, poetry, costume competition, choir presentation, and physical display,” the education official stated. He said the competition will see
both the primary and secondary performing at the venue, while the nursery schools will host their competition at local community grounds near them. Primary school students participated in the dance competition on Monday, which was divided into the categories of religious beliefs, games we play, old days, and fantasy.
New Amsterdam Hospital gets $16M retrofitted NICU
The newly retrofitted $16 million Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the New Amsterdam Hospital.( Photo courtesy, Ministry of Health) Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony at the newly commissioned $3 million Dental Clinic at the Cumberland Health Centre.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the New Amsterdam Hospital, Region Six is now better equipped to treat and accommodate more patients following its recent $16 million upgrade. The rehabilitated facility was commissioned by Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony and regional officials on Saturday. Kaieteur News understands that initially, the facility had five beds but is now retrofitted with twelve beds. The NICU is also furnished with backup oxygen lines and modern equipment, including pediatric and neonate ventilators, infusion pumps, incubators, and radiant warmers. Dr. Anthony said the Ministry of Health has implemented a programme to expand the NICUs at all regional hospitals. This growth will contribute to saving several premature infants and delivering highquality care to infants across the country. Earlier this year, the Minister of Health participated in the commissioning of the $38million retrofitted NICU at the Suddie Hospital, Essequibo (Continuned on page 17)
The hosting of Mashramani competitions in all regions across the country is done annually to get the children involved in the celebration of Guyana becoming a Republic state. As such, Republic Day is celebrated each year on February 23. However, the Ministry of Education hosts various celebrations to commemorate the event leading up to the date. (DPI)
Motorcyclist dies after crashing into parked truck on Soesdyke-Linden Highway
The bike involved in the accident.
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22-year-old motorcyclist died on Monday night after he crashed into the back of a parked container truck at Dora on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. Dead is Eric Williams of Red Road, Long Creek, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. Reports are that the truck, bearing registration GAC4010 was parked without any lights when Williams rode into the vehicle
Dead: Eric Williams while riding his motorcycle bearing registration CL9722 around 20:00hrs on Monday. Williams reportedly died on the spot. Reports are that the truck had broken down at the time.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday January 30, 2024
PAGE 15
Man carrying baby in arms knocked down by motorbike By Shervin Belgrave
A
man identified only as Ken was on Monday afternoon struck down by a speeding motorcycle while crossing the road at Saffon Street with his two month-oldson in his arms. The accident took place close to 17:00hrs while Ken, his wife and other relatives were heading towards the market to purchase some items. He was reportedly knocked down next to the pedestrian crossing. Eyewitnesses said that his wife and family had already made it
safely across the road with him following closely behind when an XR motorcycle heading south slammed into him. They alleged that Ken held onto his baby and put his body on the line to take most of the impact in an attempt to save the child from pitching or falling onto the paved road. “He tried to make the baby fall on him”, one eyewitness claimed while adding that his efforts were not enough to prevent the baby from being forced out of his hands as he fell on the road. The eyewitnesses rushed out into the traffic to pick up (Continued on page 16)
Police to foster more community relations this year - Min Benn
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn (left) and Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken (right) Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn Monday said his ministry will continue to pursue the government's manifesto promise of ensuring and promoting safer communities by reducing crime in 2024. During a televised interview on the ministry's Facebook page, Minister Benn disclosed that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has seen a consistent reduction in crime and other deviant behaviours. “These figures are very critical for our country, given the fact that perhaps we are now more attractive in relation to the questions of economic growth, and in relation to the opening up of new industries and new undertakings,” he stated. Moving forward, the GPF will be more intentional about collaborating with civil society and the general public and the force has already begun making good on this intention. The GPF has partnered with more than 17 n o n - g o v e r n m e n t organisations (NGOs), several government ministries and agencies, and even faith-based organisations, in an effort to achieve its mandate. M e a n w h i l e , Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken explained that these partnerships will continue to be extended to the grassroots level, empowering communities to contribute to the shared goals. “When we
are moving, we are moving as a body. When we are going to the communities, the cooperate sector, they're coming with us, and so I think we are doing policing from a more contemporary perspective,” the top cop noted. He stated that the force also intends to strengthen marine capacity, noting that there will be an acquisition of 17 state-of-the-art boats, which will serve a myriad of needs while serving at a moment's notice. “We have all the structures in place now. What we're going to be doing is ensuring that the CCU (Cooperative Communications Unit) moves into every department, every division, [and] interview the man in the street. Feedback is critical for us,” Commissioner Hicken stated. Additionally, the ministry's Permanent Secretary (PS), Andre Ally believes that the GPF's 2024 budgetary allocation of $30.3 billion will continue to equip law enforcement to cater to the needs of communities countrywide. The PS, who was also among the interviewees, stated that some of the funds will go toward continued infrastructural development, by rebuilding, renovating, and constructing various policing facilities. Director of Prison, Nicklon Elliot and Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham were also present. (DPI)
The injured motorcyclist and Ken lying on the road shortly after the accident
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Tuesday January 30, 2024
Kaieteur News
Rice production to top 710,000 MT this year- Min. Mustapha
W
WANTED
VACANCY
SERVICES
2 Porters needed in grocery store. $5000 per day. Call: 223-9677.
Male Cleaner for Eccles. Call: 615-9132/ 645-8443.
Business/ residential PFSGYD$58M, Visa Application, advertisements, graphics design, passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 626-7040.
Drivers, Porters and Salesman needed, experience will be an asset, Attractive salary offered. Call: 673-7373.
Kitchen assistant, chef, Salesperson and housekeeper needed. Call: 659-5559.
General Manager Needed for the Interior at 6th Dredge. Call: 696-9854 or 223-7165.
Experienced Salesperson, knowledge in writing bills, stocktaking and cashing & 1 General Domestic. Apply at Keyfood Mc. Doom Village.
We are looking for part-time: Serving staff, Bartenders, Janitor & Full time: Handyman, Handy woman. Call: 227-5536/ 651-9793.
Live-in Housekeeper needed to cook, clean and do laundry in Virgina, USA. Free room and boarding offered. Call: 845-325-8241.
Drivers needed. Must have licence for Car, Van & Minibus. Call: 623-6383/ 227-1964.
Receptionist and Hotel Attendant needed at Hick's Ville Hotel. Email: info@ vegeworld.net or Call: 2310951/ 231-0952.
Wanted Cleaners, Bartenders, Servers and prep Cook for restaurant. Call: 226-7392 Mon-Fri between 9am-4pm. Wanted! Male & Female workers preferably from WBD, for packaging pasta and chowmein. $4100 per day. Call: 611-7839. Workers to work on cash crop farm. Salary $6000 per day. Call: 679-7552. One Painter needed. Call: 615-9132. One Hauler Driver needed, starting salary $13,000 daily. Call: 611-7088 for more information. Housekeepers needed. Apply to: Woodlands Ltd. Email: hr@woodlandshospital.com
One Bodywork man needed. Call: 675-9988. Farm Manager to oversee and manage a farm on the East Bank, accommodations available. Call: 227-0373/ 223-9888. One Accounts Clerk, must have experience and be able to function in a fast paced environment. Call: 227-0373/ 223-9888. Vacancy exist for a Graphic Designer, Pharmacy technician & Billing Clerk. Email: globalhealthsuppliesinc @gmail Pharmacy Technician needed at Essential Care Pharmacy and Supercentre. Email: essentialcarepharmacy @yahoo.com 1 Janitor, Handyman and Farmer needed to work at Hujjatul Ulama, # 74 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Call: 335-3749.
LAND FOR SALE 44X80 located at Policeman Street, Dairy. 2 minutes away from Harbour Bridge, $11 mil neg. Call: 677-4286.
Customer Service Representative/ Dispatcher to work at a reputable taxi service. Call: 621-9356.
Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.
FOR SALE Tundra for sale, GKK5670. 1.8 Mil neg. Call: 668-5034. House lots for sale in gated community, no down payment. $50,000 monthly. Call: 622-1957. House lots & commercial plot for sale available at Blankenburg W.C.D. Call: 652-0251/ 650-0402.
VEHICLES FOR SALE 1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Contact: 649-0956. 1 Toyota Allion, Pioneer DVD, CD & USB deck, reverse camera, alarm, low milage. Excellect condition. Call: 649-0956.
ith significant investments and sustained policy management in the agriculture sector, Guyana’s rice sector is moving apace as the production is expected to increase to 710,000 metric tons in 2024. This was underscored by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha during his budget debates presentation, on Wednesday, at the National Assembly. “And this year, again, we set a target of 710,000 tons to increase production from 653,000 tons. That is the progress I am talking about. We brought out a new variety which is called the zinc-enriched, biofortified rice. Today, those varieties are being given to farmers. That variety will attract preferential prices around the world. That is the kind of thing we are doing,” the agriculture minister further underlined. In 2023, the rice sector recorded an increase of 7 per cent with a production of 653,706 metric tonnes. This signifies an increase in the production of 43,111 metric
From page 15 the child quickly. There was not much abrasion seen on his skin but a section of his head was severely swollen. As for his father, he was reportedly bleeding profusely from an injury to the back of his head. A public-spirited-citizen called an ambulance immediately and assisted by placing a blanket under his head to sap up the blood and slow down the bleeding. A short distance away laid the motorcyclist close to his bike with multiple injuries to his face and body. Concerned about the baby’s condition, publicspirited citizens rushed the child to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation in car
Volkswagen in excellent condition, Price: $2.7 mil neg. WhatsApp: 648-5626 or Call: 621-9356.
FOR RENT FOR SALE/RENT
DRESSMAKING
All sizes loaders, excavators & rollers, concrete pump & mixer trucks, mobile crane and Howo 30 ton dump trucks. Call: 650-0402/652-0251
Learn to cut & sew at Enid's Dressmaking certificate classes located 66 Sixth St. Albertown. All sewing done here! Call: 643-7966/ 223-9106.
1 Lexus SUV, forklifts 3.5 tons diesel truck weigh scales -(60 tons,40 ft) Low bed trailers60 tons,triple axle. Call: 6653880.
Place to rent for business at Vreed-en-Hoop junction. Suitable for church, lessons, storage bond, office & other. Call: 603-6400.
D&I and land rental charges from $3,500 to $15,000? When we took a motion to the Parliament, you used your one seat majority to defeat the motion,” Minister Mustapa informed the House. As promised, when government assumed in 2020, the D&I charges were reversed to their original rates. As a result of this, almost $1.3 billion was immediately placed into the hands of farmers in Region Five. Farmers have also benefited from the distribution of seed paddy and availability of more farmlands to increase yields. A number of facilities have been built and upgraded to aid in the nation’s rice production. This year, $1.3 billion will is budgeted to be expended by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to support increased production and productivity of the rice industry. With a budgetary allocation of $97.6 billion in 2024 to further stimulate the agricultural sector, the government is unwavering in its commitment towards the sector’s transformation diversification, and expansion. (DPI)
Man carrying baby in arms knocked... for immediate medical attention. Meanwhile others stayed behind with the severely injured Ken and the motorcyclist awaiting the ambulance. They were outraged because an ambulance attached the Guyana Fire Service took almost half an hour to arrive at the scene. “That is why people does dead in this place look how long this ambulance coming like dem gon come when these people done dead”, they argued. The Emergency Response Team (EMT) in response claimed that a first caller did not give them the right directions and they ended speeding off to another location. It was only when they returned a call from a second caller that they
learnt where the accident scene was. Both men were still conscious when they were rushed to the city hospital. Kaieteur News learnt that Ken and his family are from a Region Seven village and had only travelled to Georgetown earlier that morning. They stopped at the Amerindian Hostel on Princess Street and decided to visit the La Penitence Market when tragedy struck. His relatives said that Ken travelled with his young family for a medical check-up at the hospital but they did not expect that he and his baby would have to be rushed there with serious injuries that could be life threatening.
Over 600 public officers still... FOR RENT
55"X 100" land located at Eccles AA. $57 mil. Call/ WhatsApp: 592-608-5141/ 686-4846.
tons in 2023 as compared to 610,595 in 2p022. Guyana earned approximately $45.2 billion in exports in 2023 over $3 billion more than in 2022. Minister Mustapha explained that the PPP/C government will continue to implement various measures to bring immense relief to the farmers, as compared to the previous government where land rental and drainage and irrigation (D&I) charges were increased for the farmers. In contrast to the previous government where land rental and drainage and irrigation (D&I) fees were raised for farmers, Minister Mustapha clarified that the PPP/C government will continue to undertake numerous measures to provide significant assistance to the farmers. “The Panama payment is still outstanding, US$7 million. You left the farmers in debt. That is the legacy of the APNU/AFC. But I want to tell you that this PPP/C government will recoup that money for the farmers in our country. Do you remember the pressure you put on the farmers, especially in Region Five for
Eccles industrial estate, commercial property, $15,000 USD per month. 9675 sq ft on a 20,000 sq ft lot. Call/ WhatsApp: 592-608-5141/ 686-4846.
Land development Hyundai R140 long reach excavator & 1.5 sack ransom cement mixer. Call: 657-9237/ 6155669.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
One family apartment for rent at Eccles, EBD. Call: 592-6531003.
Parfaite Harmonie, transferable with foundation. Price $6.7 mil. Call 670-8788.
From page 11 Act which comprises the Code of Conduct, and Declarations of income, assets, and liabilities. The body assists in the improvement of the standards of good governance, transparency, and accountability in government. In accordance with the law, the Integrity Commission is duty bound to receive and verify the accuracy of declarations of financial affairs from public officials. The Integrity Commission Act states that, anyone who fails to make a declaration without reasonable cause shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of $25,000 and to imprisonment for a term of not less than six months nor more than one year.
Section 2, Chapter 22 states specifically, “Any person who—(a) (i) fails, without reasonable cause, to file with the Commission or the President, as the case may be, a declaration which he is required to file in accordance with the provisions of this Act; or (ii) knowingly files with the Commission or the President a declaration that is not complete or is false in any material particular; or (b) fails, without reasonable cause, to comply with a request made under section 18 or 21 (2) by the Commission, the President or a Tribunal, within the time specified there for by the Commission, the President or the Tribunal, as the case may be, or gives incomplete or false information pursuant to the request.”
Tuesday January 30, 2024
GCCI urges overhaul of Guyana Stock Exchange amid complaints from Banks DIH
T
he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the operations at the Guyana Stock Exchange (GSE), expressing deep concern over its current state and its impact on the local business community. Access to financing is a significant challenge for businesses in Guyana, and the GSE plays a crucial role in providing a transparent and efficient marketplace for companies to raise capital, invest, and grow. In a press statement on Monday, GCCI said it has consistently advocated for the reform of the capital markets and the stock exchange in Guyana to address issues related to infrastructure, technological advancements, and regulatory frameworks. The lack of essential infrastructure and a modern regulatory framework at the GSE are seen as compromising the financial health of businesses, restricting their ability to attract investments, and hindering their growth potential, the GCCI said. The GCCI emphasises the urgency of rehabilitating the GSE to align with the nation’s rapid growth and development. GCCI also called on the Guyana Association of Securities Companies and Intermediaries Inc., and the Guyana Securities Council (GSC) to prioritise the modernisation of GSE infrastructure, incorporating technologically advanced best practices to ensure a more efficient and transparent trading environment. During the 68th Annual General Meeting of Banks
DIH Limited on Saturday, concerns about the apparent lack of synchronization between positive company developments and share prices were raised. Banks DIH Chairman, Clifford Reis, expressed worry about the trading of shares on the GSE, noting that despite positive developments within the company, share values were not increasing as expected. Reis highlighted the trading dynamics on the GSE, pointing out instances of shares being sold without substantial financial evidence. He proposed the establishment of an odd-lot market to prevent small transactions from impacting overall share values. The lack of a new operational system since the GSE’s establishment in 1998 prompted Banks DIH to consider taking action to protect shareholders’ investments. Notably, Reis did not reveal what the company’s plan is to fix the aforementioned. The Chairman also addressed concerns about the last trades on the GSE consistently being the lowest, attributing it to the Stock Exchange publishing all securities transactions. Reis called on the Guyana Securities Council and GSE to fulfill their mandate for orderly market growth. Notably, the Chairman called for the implementation of an odd-lot market, as seen in other Caribbean territories, to safeguard pension schemes from financial hits due to declining share prices. He warned that companies with defined benefit schemes relying on shares could face challenges meeting obligations to pensioners without such market measures in place.
New Amsterdam Hospital gets $16M... From page 14 Coast. Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony also commissioned the $3million Dental Clinic at the Cumberland Health Centre in Region Six. The Dental Clinic aims to serve residents of Cumberland and its neighboring communities by offering comprehensive dental care. “At the end of last year across the country, we did close to two hundred and twenty thousand procedures and that was unheard of before. And that is because just like how we have eight Centres open here in Region Six, we have been doing this across the country, opening up new centres, improving
what we have and so forth,” the Minister of Health said at the ceremony. Dr. Anthony disclosed that in Georgetown, the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre was also refurbished. He said that there are now nine cubicles for dental works in the lower flat of the Centre while the upper flat has a special paediatric section as well as an area for surgical care. Meanwhile, Director General of the Ministry of H e a l t h , D r. Vi s h w a Mahadeo, praised the Cumberland Health Centre team for their dedication, while urging them to reinstate Health Centre Day.
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Tuesday January 30, 2024
Qatar PM says ‘good progress’ in Gaza truce, captives’ negotiations (Aljazeera) - Qatar’s prime minister has said “good progress” was made during a meeting between intelligence officials from Egypt, Israel and the United States over the weekend to discuss a possible deal to secure a truce in the IsraelHamas war and the release of captives held by Palestinian groups in Gaza. Spy chiefs from the three countries, which have been leading negotiations on agreements to pause fighting since the start of the war on October 7, met over the weekend in the French capital Paris. The sides discussed a potential deal that would include a phased truce that would see women and children released first and humanitarian aid entering the besieged Gaza Strip, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Thani confirmed on
Monday. “We are hoping to relay this proposal to Hamas and to get them to a place where they engage p o s i t i v e l y a n d constructively in the process,” the prime minister said during an event hosted by the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC, the US. Qatar’s prime minister also said that Hamas had demanded a permanent ceasefire as a precondition to enter negotiations. “I believe we moved from that place to a place that potentially might lead to a ceasefire permanently in the future,” he said. Al Thani said that talks are “in a much better place than where we were a few weeks ago”. Around 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 after the group’s fighters launched a surprise attack from Gaza on southern Israel, killing at least 1,139 people,
according to Israeli figures. Israel responded with a devastating bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza, killing more than 26,600 people, according to Palestinian health officials. Qatar and the US led negotiations of a previous weeklong truce in late November that saw more than 100 captives released by Palestinian groups in Gaza and more than 200 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons released in exchange. Since then, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under increasing pressure on multiple fronts, as families of the captives call for a deal to secure the return of their loved ones, as members of his far-right ruling coalition push for an escalation of the war, and as key ally the US has criticised Israel over the civilian death toll in Gaza.
Last week, Netanyahu rejected a proposal by Hamas to end the war and release captives in exchange for withdrawing Israeli forces, releasing prisoners and accepting the armed group’s governance of Gaza. The Israeli prime minister said that accepting Hamas’s conditions would mean leaving the armed group “intact” and that Israel’s soldiers had “fallen in vain”. He has often said that only a maximum pressure campaign would spur the group to release all the captives. The Qatari prime minister noted that his country is not “a superpower that can impose something on a party,” in response to earlier claims by Netanyahu that Qatar has failed to use its
A deal was discussed including a phased truce that would see women and children released first and aid entering the besieged Gaza Strip, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Thani confirmed on Monday [Screengrab/Al Jazeera] leverage to pressure Hamas. Doha hosts Hamas’s political office and is the main residence of senior political official Ismail Haniyeh. “We are using our good
offices to connect, bridge gaps, to come up with some alternatives. And this way has worked,” he said, referring to previous mediations facilitated by Qatar.
US drone attack: Death of US troops ratchets up pressure on Biden (BBC NEWS) The death of three US servicemen and injuring of many others, turns up the heat in an already febrile region and ratchets up the pressure on the US commander-in-chief, President Joe Biden. This marks the- first time American troops have been killed by enemy fire since the Israel-Gaza war erupted. And it may be the first time during this current crisis that Washington has to take such a hard look at such a difficult decision: where and how should it strike Iran? Washington will want to send the strongest of messages to Tehran, which it blames for the fires now burning everywhere from Lebanon to Yemen. But it will also want to avoid sparking an even more dangerous escalatory spiral of strikes and counterstrikes. This moment seems to have been all but inevitable. Since mid-October, US military installations in Iraq and Syria have repeatedly come under attack by Iranbacked militias, injuring a growing number of US soldiers. The US has retaliated, at least eight times, by hitting targets in both countries. It was only a matter of time before American lives were lost on this low-intensity, but
Missiles and rockets were fired at the US Al Asad air base last Saturday high-risk, battlefield. In his first response, President Biden left no doubt where the blame lies this time. The drone attack on Tower 22, a small outpost along Jordan’s border with Syria, was the work of “radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.” Iran has shot back, denying any responsibility. Referring to what Tehran calls “resistance groups,” a foreign ministry spokesman insisted “they do not take commands (from Iran) in their decisions and actions about how to support Palestine.” Iran’s allies across this region have all been trained and armed by its Islamic Revolutionary
Guards Corps (IRGC) or been instructed on how to arm themselves. This web of contacts has tightened in recent years in their so-called “axis of resistance” and the IsraelGaza conflict has visibly strengthened this military alliance of radical non-state actors. But each actor has its agency, its own agendas and ambitions. In Iraq, most of the assaults appear to have been carried out by groups aligned in the umbrella grouping, named the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. Retaliatory strikes are complicated by the fact that some are also part of Iraq’s own armed forces.
Tuesday January 30, 2024
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Tuesday January 30, 2024
Fixtures confirmed for Super Six stage of U19 Men’s World Cup 2024 - West Indies to play Sri Lanka and Australia SportsMax - With the group stage done on Sunday, 12 teams remain in contention for the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup 2024 as the tournament enters the Super Six phase. Qualified Teams The Super Six will involve the top three sides from each of the four round-robin groups, with teams progressing from Groups A and D comprising one Group, and those from B and C the other. Crucially, each team carries forward the points and NRR they earned against fel-
low Super Six qualifying teams. The six teams to make it from Groups A and D are India, Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Nepal. South Africa, England, West Indies, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe progress from Groups B and C. USA, Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland – the four teams who didn’t make the second stage of the tournament – will contest in playoffs for the last four places. Super Six format
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Kaieteur News
The teams will play two matches in the Super Six stage against their opponents from the corresponding group who finished in a different position in their group. That means India (toppers of Group A) will face off against New Zealand (second position in Group D), and Nepal (third position in Group D). The top two sides from the two Super Six groups will then progress to the semi-final stage. The two semi-finals are scheduled to be held on 6 and 8 February. The final is
Tuesday January 30, 20234 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You'll notice that your emotions are coming to a monthly climax today, Aries. Don't be alarmed but do be cautious about lashing out at people for no reason. You may feel on edge.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This is a terrific day for you, Libra, and you'll find that there is a great deal of power at your disposal. This is a day of new beginnings. You have the opportunity now to start over.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Extremes is the name of the game now, especially for you, Taurus. Today the emphasis is on action. You're the one to call to get the job done. You won't wait another second to simply go for it.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The fire is raging today, so be careful, Scorpio. Try not to be too impulsive in your actions. Your natural tendency may be to lash out against others without really thinking about the consequences.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be adventurous and strike out into new territory, Gemini. Be a pioneer. Work to make some new discoveries in the world. Today isn't a day to worry about consequences.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Go for the gold, Sagittarius. Today marks the beginning of the rest of your life. Treat it with respect. You may be on a crusade and your combative instincts could be working overtime.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Certain situations may be difficult to deal with today as they take an emotional spin, Cancer. You're getting anxious.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may feel as if someone is poking you today, Capricorn, urging you to get up and get moving. Don't be surprised if someone seems to be picking on you for no reason.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You should find that the general mood of the day is favorable to your personality style, Leo. Take this opportunity to present more of your thoughts and ideas to the world.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This is a great day for you to get up on stage and make your presence known, Aquarius. Let people know that you're the leader of the pack.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) The fog has lifted and you're ready to take off, Virgo. The dreaminess you may have experienced lately has been nice, but now it's time to get moving again.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This is a good day to add spark to your life, Pisces. If things have seemed boring and stagnating lately, you may need to infuse a bit of excitement into the situation.
set to take place on 11 February, with all three knockout games set to take place in Benoni. Below are the complete fixtures of the Super Six Stage: 30 January India v New Zealand in Bloemfontein Sri Lanka v West Indies in Kimberley Pakistan v Ireland in Potchefstroom 31 January Nepal v Bangladesh in Bloemfontein Australia v England in Kimberley Zimbabwe South Africa in Potchefstroom 02 February India v Nepal in Bloemfontein West Indies v Australia in Kimberley South Africa v Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom 03 February Pakistan v Bangladesh in Benoni New Zealand v Ireland in Bloemfontein England v Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom The West Indies will begin the Super Six third in group two with two points thanks to their group stage win over England, trailing Sri Lanka (2) and Australia (4).
Cricket Equipment... From page 24 Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru and Dennis M a n g r u , Vi s h a l Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies, Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, R o s h a n Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Chin Singh, Denesh Chandrapaul, Davo Naraine of UK, Dr Cecil Beharry, Raj Mathura, Raj Bharrat, Latch Mohabir and family, Suresh Dhanai, Vishal Nagamootoo, Moses Nagamootoo, Regal Sports Store, Omkar Singh, Parmanand Dhaniram, Denanauti Singh, Krishna Rengensamy, Ishwar Singh, Ricky Deonarain of 4R Bearings, Terry Mathura, Kennard Verapen and NY Pioneer Cricket Club and Derek Kallicharran. We thank the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture. Distribution will continue. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
Peshawar Zalmi signs West Indies hero Shamar Joseph for ninth season of Pakistan Super League SportsMax - Well, that didn’t take long! Just over 24 hours after bowling the West Indies to a pulsating eightrun victory over World number-one Test team Australia, 24-year-old Guyanese fast bowler Shamar Joseph is already banking buck, having been signed by Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) set to begin next month. Joseph, Player of the Series in the just-concluded twoTest series against Australia, famously took 7-68 as the West Indies bowled out Australia for 207 to hand the West Indies a narrow but hardfought victory inside four days. It was the West Indies’
first Test victory in Australia since 1997. His performance in the series where he took 13 wickets, caught the eye of Peshawar Zalmi’s owners who have signed Joseph for the entirety of the tournament. Zalmi has initially announced Joseph’s signing as a partial replacement for England fast bowler Gus Atkinson. Meanwhile, Johnson Charles was among the other players brought in by PSL sides in the supplementary and replacement draft. Karachi Kings have replaced Kieron Pollard, who is partially unavailable, with left-arm spinner Zahid Mahmood.
Cricket Equipment Guyana... From page 25 bargain for. The sun! It was hot, but it’s also normal for Cyclist as 99% we cycling with hot weather. The most beautiful moment is seeing everyone cycling together as one Guiana’s as one family one mission one movements, we will create a clean environment true cycling for the three Guiana.” “The response was overwhelming as cyclist was excited and looking forward for this event since December. We had a total of 50 Cyclist from Guyana, some did half
the journey and 17 did the full journey, the total Cyclist that participated from all the countries is about 180 Cyclist some did part some did the full journey. We (the club) are satisfied with everything especially the support from all the cycling groups and team from all the countries but there’s always room for improvement,” Alleyne concluded. Cyclists are already talking what we can do to make this event bigger and better, we need more support from private sector and governments to make the movement more recognized.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 22
Tuesday January 30, 2024
Shamar Joseph - His Future In West Indies Cricket Shamar Joseph WI Cricket Rockstar. (ESPNcricinfo)
By Colin E. H. Croft Everyone in the cricketing world, especially in Guyana, particularly in Baracara, Upper Canje River, Berbice, more than 250 miles south-south-east of Georgetown, and former West Indies cricketers everywhere, plus the rest of the diaspora of Guyana and the Caribbean, are so excited, celebrating the magnificent cricketing success of Shamar Joseph, the newest fast bowling prodigy of Guyana’s and WI’s cricket firmament. Long may Shamar Joseph’s efforts, fitness, focus, bravery, understanding and success be present. Not since Guyanese Reon King, whose Test debut was against South Africa at Centurion, SA in 1999, or Jamaican Franklyn Rose, whose Test debut was against India at Sabina Park, Jamaica in 1997, and, more recently, Alzarri Joseph of Antigua & Barbuda, whose Test debut was against India at Gros Islet, St. Lucia in 2016, has a young fast bowler tantalized the cricketing appetites like Shamar Joseph is doing now. Shamar Joseph is a naturally loose, electrifying, brilliantly fit, properly fed with real, natural “country” foods, and fabulously focused fast bowler nurtured on hard work. Like great world heavyweight boxing champions “The Greatest” Muhammad Ali, “Big” George Foreman and “Iron” M i k e Ty s o n , S h a m a r Joseph’s efforts at regularly
felling trees helped his shoulder strength, core elasticity and overall fitness. While those boxers may have chosen that strength training for their ring welfare, Shamar Joseph used his natural surroundings and efforts to assist his father at logging in order to feed his family and relatives. Sometimes we do not even know how beneficial what is happening at any time can really be to any of us. Remember that word “Biomechanics”? Every “country” boy or girl crossed trenches, wider creeks and even rivers too, balancing on felled coconut trees and floating logs, or swinging on ropes and tree branches, in our youth, in Guyana, in the 1960s and 1970s. Some of us learned to swim after falling into those trenches, some forty (40) feet wide, some populated with alligators and piranha fish. Little did we know that our many sojourns would be described by afancy practice called”Biomechanics”! What a find is Shamar Joseph. Credit must go to my former WI team-mate, the Most Honorable Desmond Haynes, WI’s Chairman of Selectors. He did suggest to me, in Antigua & Barbuda for 2023’s regional tournament, that he had been impressed by “your Guyanese boy” Shamar Joseph, when he played for Guyana’s “Harpy Eagles”. Thank you, the Most Honorable Dessie. S h a m a r J o s e p h ’s determination, enthusiasm,
superb fitness, and unbounded energy shone through in Australia, despite being latterly handicapped by a serious toe injury. Along with his WI vicecaptain, fellow fast bowler, namesake Alzarri Joseph, now a veteran with 32 Tests and 92 Test wickets, these two could galvanize this young West Indies squad to unbelievable, at this time unimaginable, heights. Mr. Richard “Ricky” Skerritt, former Cricket West Indies President, reminded me, immediately on WI beating Australia for the first time in Australia since 1997, that Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph could be the next Sir Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, almost reincarnated, to become the best fast bowling pair in the world, since the two “Josephs” are the newer leaders of the present WI fast bowling pack. Mr. Skerritt suggested: “No-one that I know seriously expected West Indies to win a Test match in Australia any time soon. I would have been happy with the team just showing some skills and plenty of pride. That is what makes this 2ndTest match victory easily the most impressive Test cricket win of the 21st century.” I fully agree. I was optimistic but expected nothing like what transpired. He re-educated me into realizing that Shamar Joseph’s spell of 7 – 68, from 11.5 consecutive overs, was the best WI return since Sir Curtly’s 7 – 25, from 18 overs, in which Sir Curtly actually got those 7 wickets while conceding only one further run, (off 32 deliveries), in 1992/93 at Perth, Western Australia. Both were brilliant fast bowling spells! I r o n i c a l l y, S h a m a r Joseph had replaced the venerable Jason Holder, who was absent from Australia. If Shamar Joseph listens to the voices of that brilliant servant to WI cricket, Kemar Roach, plus his vice-captain Alzarri Joseph, and, when he returns to the fold, Jason Holder, players that Shamar Joseph should now trust, then he will learn much about fast bowling. Shamar Joseph has become an instant cricketing superstar in these two Tests versus Australia. Therefore, many entities, friendly and dangerous too, will come out
Lester King - Roy Gilchrist - Wes Hall - All West Indies Fast Bowlers. of the woodwork now, vying for his cricketing and adjunct services. Only Shamar Joseph himself can decide what he really wants from cricket and how he will go about achieving those goals. However, if he continues well, without any severe ‘natural’ injuries, calypsos and credits will be written about him for many years to come. His thirteen (13) wickets, in his first two Tests ever, compares well to my sixteen (16) wickets in my first two Test matches ever, against Pakistan in 1976/77, making Shamar Joseph easily the best, seriously unknown (this guy never played “Youth”/”Under 19" cricket) fast bowling find of the last 25 years anywhere, even on par there with India’s own present fast bowling maestro, Jasprit Bumrah. Said one observer drolly; “Shamar Joseph is the best thing that has been discovered in Guyana since its oil!” For Australia v WI 2023/24 series, Shamar Joseph had only five First Class games total, but he has shown, like many in the past, that he is fearless. That too compares well with me, who had six First Class games before my First Test, but his experience is behind the great Michael Holding’s, who had just four First Class games before his first Test, also against Australia 1975/76, and on par with another great former WI fast bowler, Joel Garner, who had five First Class games before his first Test, with me, against Pakistan 1976/77. I did manage 125 Test wickets in my 27 Tests, but if Shamar Joseph even comes close to being what Michael Holding, who had only four (4) wickets after his first two
Tests but ending up with 249 Test wickets from 60 Tests, or what Joel Garner, who had ten (10) wickets in his first two Tests, ending up with 259 wickets from 58 Tests, were as fast bowlers, and cricket thinkers too, then Shamar Joseph will eventually be considered a WI “Great” fast bowler in the future too. Only time will tell, but what a tremendous talent Shamar Joseph has been so far. He is a real throw-back to those heady days of one of MY best WI and World fast bowlers EVER, that uberleader and pioneer of WI’s massively successful barrage of fast bowlers over t h e a g e s , S i r We s l e y Winfield Hall. I have been very fortunate to witness Test cricket since first seeing Sir Wes, Sir Charlie Griffith, Sir Gary Sobers, Rohan Kanhai and Lance Gibbs demolish Australia at Bourda, Georgetown, in April 1965. Since then, I have witnessed, mostly in person, 250 plus Test matches around the world, except for Bangladesh. Shamar Joseph has unbelievable enthusiasm and determination, as did Sir Wes. Like my BEST WI fast bowler EVER, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Shamar Joseph always looks, as the Japanese suggest, “happy in his work” on the cricket field, even if Sir Curtly always looked more like Clint Eastwood exterminating ‘vermin’, than Sean Connery eliminating the opposition with a disarming smile. Who knows? In time, Shamar Joseph could be:”Joseph.... Shamar Joseph” ala “Bond..... James Bond”. Maybe he is already there!! Shamar Joseph’s efforts
in that 2nd innings of Test No 2, with that obvious toe injury, have made him into a brave “Young Legend” in his first Test series. The last time that I saw such a young, raw brilliant, talented fast bowler, was Trinidad & Tobago’s Ian Bishop, whom I first saw bowl in September 1989. Had he not suffered serious injuries, Bishop would have been the Caribbean’s best fast bowler ever. That is Shamar Joseph’s greatest worry right now. With many cricket games around, of all types and lengths, temptations all, and his now obvious visibility, Shamar Joseph will have to understand, appreciate and decide what and where he wants to be in cricket. F o r t u n a t e l y, w i t h nutritionists, exercise therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, etc., and much technology around, including assistance from Artificial Intelligence (AI), becoming fit and staying fit, while always difficult, are also ‘team’ efforts. For now, Shamar Joseph deserves all accolades afforded him; “Man of the Match - Test No 2” and “Player of the Series Australia v West Indies 2023/24”. Luckily for him and WI cricket, West Indies does not have another Test series until July 2024, when WI will play Tests versus England at Lord’s, Trent Bridge and Edgbaston, so he will have time to recuperate from his toe injury and to appreciate being appreciated. If fully fit, Shamar Joseph could be very special for WI cricket for the next ten years. We all hope that there is much more to come from him. Only time will tell! Enjoy!
Kaieteur News
Tuesday January 30, 2024
PAGE 23
NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League – Semis
Friendship All-Stars upset Kick Start Academy; Swan, Fruta Conquerors and Santos through The semi-final dye has been cast for the 2022 e d i t i o n o f t h e NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green Under-11 League following four breathtaking quarterfinal match-ups on Saturday last at the Agricola Ground. Whilst Fruta Conquerors scored all the goals in their 61 triumph over Eagles FC of S t e w a r t v i l l e , We s t Demerara, the upset of the day was Friendship All Stars’ 1-0 win over the previously undefeated Kick Star t Academy of Den Amstel. Qualifying as the secondbest team from Group A, behind winners, Santos, the East Banks lads knew that the task of holding off Group B winners, Den Amstel would have been a tough
Dane Vancooten (right) and Dontey Kowlessar - Fruta Conquerors FC. one, but they showed up on the day and delivered the knock-out punch to the u n s u s p e c t i n g , We s t Demerara team. In their three wins, Kick Star Academy scored well over 10 goals, more than doubling Friendship’s 4 in their three matches. But on
Saturday, goals dried up for Kick Start Academy owing to some solid defending by the Friendship team. When it seemed like the game was heading to kicks from the penalty mark, Shameer Azeem had other ideas, and his shot just outside the goal area on the left side squeezed
Stephon Singh (right), Kevon Charles and Eleon James - Swan FC. into the back of the nets to the shock of the Den Amstelbased team but the delight of the Friendship players. The winning goal came in the 29th minute. It was a tough day at the office for the West Demerara-based teams as neither of them was able to advance. Pouderoyen went
down to Santos FC 0-2 with goals either side of play from Aron Vasconcellos and Malachi Alleyne. The Linden Soesdyke Highway-based Swan FC continued their unbeaten run with another impressive win, turning back the challenge of Vengy FC, 50. Eleon James and Stephon
Singh scored a double apiece with the other off the boot of Kevon Charles. Fruta Conquerors, riding on a fivefor from the dominant Dane Vancooten, brushed aside Eagles FC of Stewartville, 61, the other was scored by Dontey Kowlessar; Eagles’ lone response was an own goal which was scored by Vancooten. Teams are now focused on the task of winning their respective semi-final matches which will be contested on Saturday at the Agricola Ground. This is the first time that an entire agegroup tournament is being played at this venue and the community is very grateful for this opportunity afforded them.
GCB U15 Inter-county Round 1
GCB U15 Inter-county Round 2…
All-round Khan inspires comeback win for Berbice
Intense second round bowls today at DCC, Malteenoes
- Lewis (160), Ram (117) help Demerara maul Select XI by 265 runs Arif Khan cracked a brisk 37 while grabbing 3 wickets to help Berbice seal an emphatic come-frombehind win over Essequibo Sunday at the Malteenoes Cricket Club Ground. Berbice U15 batted first and posted 137-10 thanks to a magnificent all-round game produced by Khan, who scored 37 off 23 balls with five fours and a six. Kumulchan Ramnarais (20) and Lakeram Singh (14) were the other main scorers on show for Berbice. Essequibo bowled with conviction, led by spinner Jathniel Nurse who helped himself to 3-9. Erron Benjamin (3-22) was the other key wicket-taker alongside Dennis Crossman who captured 2-14, capping off a tremendous performance with the ball by Essequibo. The Cinderella County boys however failed in their bid to make light work of the total, eventually being routed for 125 in 32 overs. Justin Dowlin almost pulled off a daring win for his team, scoring 45 in a losing effort. Bomesh Lall (23) and Nurse (8), tried to get their team home, with no success. Match MVP Khan, who earlier dug his team out of hole with the bat, returned to bowl a champion spell as he
Arif Khan accepts his MVP award from Grantley Culbard. snared (3-29). He supported Ramnarais, who played his role well as he returned 3-18 and Feeaz Baksh (1-18), hurrying Essequibo who were at one point 105-4 before losing wickets in a cluster. Demerara U15 beat Select XI by 265 runs Demerara racked up an imposing 402 for 3 off 50 overs after Captain Emmanuel Lewis slammed a mind-blowing 160 with 12 fours and a mind-boggling 13 sixes. Another centurion, Parmeshwar Ram clobbered
117 with 13 fours and a pair of sixes, as they put on a show against the Select XI. Bowling for the Select XI was led by Gilbert Griffith who had 2-51, while Danvir Seegobin grabbed 1-52. In reply the Select XI were mowed down for 137 all out in 43 overs. Rivaldo Pareira hit 31, Seegobin returned to score 23 and Arif Maramootoo 19, toiled in pursuit of the mammoth total. Lewis wrapped up his MVP day by grabbing 3-12 and Anek Haimnarine 2-20.
Centurions Parmeshwar Ram (left) and Emmanuel Lewis (right) pummeled the Select XI on Sunday.
Following an epic opening round of the GCB U15 Inter-county tournament, action continues with more breathtaking action set to headline today. Essequibo will take on the mighty Demerara at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Ground. The Cinderella County boys will be keen on making amends after allowing the Berbicians to pull off a come from behind win. Demerara had a monster game with Parmeshwar Ram and Emmanuel Lewis
smacking hundreds and will be keen on utilizing their current form against Essequibo. Over at the Malteenoes Ground, Berbice will be keen on making a strong comeback, having let Essequibo off the hook, as their batting order will need to apply themselves more come today. The Select XI will want to recover from a massive loss which they suffered at the hands of Demerara, sharing similar goals with their opponents as both teams seek a turnaround. Action bowls off at 9:30hrs.
Vishok Persaud dominates Endurance Race meet at South Dakota
M
otor racing a c t i o n returned at the South Dakota Circuit on Sunday, as Vishok Persaud emerged victorious at the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) Endurance Race meet. Driving his KTM X-Bow, Persaud completed a staggering 100 laps in a time of two hours, 35 minutes, and 27 seconds, reasserting his dominance on the track. Not only did Persaud claim the overall victory, but he also set a new Endurance racing lap record, clocking an impressive 1:22.42s. Powered by ENet, Persaud additionally holds the Group 4 lap record at
1:16.691s, further solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the region. Last year at the ‘Dakota 100,’ Persaud showcased his prowess by being the sole driver to conquer the 100 laps. Piloting a black Lotus Exige, he completed the race in two hours, forty minutes, and 29.956 seconds (2:40:29.956). In a closely contested race, Mohamed Shiraz Roshandin secured the second position, completing 98 laps in a time of 1:28.892s, followed by Adrian Fernandes with a time of 1:30.882s. In the 0-1500cc category, 16 year old, Anthony Evelyn emerged victorious, completing 91
laps in 1:35.588s. Roshandin showcased his skills once again, taking the top spot in the 1501cc – 1600cc category. Richard Hamid showcased his prowess in the 1601cc2000cc class, completing 85 laps in 1:40.993s to secure the first position. Persaud continued his dominance in the unlimited class, further establishing his reputation as a formidable racer. The first round of the GMR&SC Dakota 100 Endurance Series set the bar high for the rest of the season, promising an exhilarating racing season filled with heart-pounding action with Vishok Persaud standing out as the undisputed champion of the event.
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday January 30, 2024
KARCC Guyana/Suriname Group ride hailed a success
Cyclists assembled for group photo at the Kitty (roundabout) to embark on grueling four-leg Cross Country Group ride which culminated at the Suriname-Cayenne border in Albina Suriname.
T
he recently concluded Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club (KARCC) Guyana to Suriname Group Ride received widespread acclaim as it wrapped up at the Albina border in Suriname Synday. This four-day cycling event witnessed a diverse group of riders, both young and old, successfully completing the challenging journey for the fifth consecutive time. The expedition commenced on Thursday last, with around 50 cyclists
gathering at the Kitty Seawalls roundabout. They embarked on a 105mile trek to the iconic Berbice Bridge, with some completing half the distance and an impressive 17 cyclists conquering the entire route. The second leg commenced the following day (Friday) at the Moleson Ferry Service in Suriname at 11:00 hours. Cyclists set off on a 75-mile journey to Nickerie, showcasing their endurance and determination. Saturday marked the beginning of the third leg at the Coronie stop-point in Paramaribo. The
Scenes from KARCC Cross-country Group ride.
challenging 85-mile stretch witnessed a formidable group of pacers sprinting to t h e K F C Wa t e r k a n t . Returning on Sunday at the KFC start-point, the cyclists initiated the fourth and final leg from Paramaribo to Albina, covering the 90-mile home-stretch journey and concluding at the Albina Border. The event not only celebrated the physical prowess of the participants but also showcased the camaraderie and passion within the cycling community. The success of the KARCC Guyana to
Suriname Group Ride underscores the dedication and spirit of adventure shared by cycling enthusiasts in the region.
Meanwhile, President of the KARCC, Gavin Alleyne expressed his satisfaction for the ride, saying, “All three countries are happy to
participate and would like more countries to take part in this event once a year. Yes! It was more that we were (Continued on page 21)
Night Warriors win WCC/Untouchable Sounds U19 40-over tourney Night Warriors skipper Golcharran Chulai collects the winning prize from former Good Success skipper Saleem Khan.
Night Warriors won the Wa k e n a a m C r i c k e t Committee / Untouchable Sounds U19 40-over tournament which concluded recently at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground in Good Success. They won the fivematch series against Storm Troopers 4-1. In the fourth encounter, Night Warriors won by 26 runs. Night Warriors took first strike and managed 212-3 from their reduced quota of
30 overs due to rain. Justin Dowlin struck an unbeaten 80 with six fours and two sixes off 87 balls while Nazam Mohamed made 49 not out which came off 31 balls and included four fours and three sixes. The pair added 101 for the third wicket to steady the innings nicely. Earlier, opener Vivek Ramnarine made 30, Golcharran Chulai 16 and Mohandass Surujpaul 12 as Shahid Mohamed, Gladewin H e n r y J r. a n d A a r a v
Mohandass Surujpaul (left) receives the best bowler trophy from Navishaul Pooran.
Sukhram had one wicket each. Openers Bomesh Lall and Henry put on 62 to get the chase off to a steady start, but when Henry was caught at the wicket by Dowlin off Medium pacer Nazaam Mohamed for 25, Storm Troopers lost their way as wickets fell at regular intervals. Henry’s knock included four fours and one six, while Lall hit eight fours and two sixes in a top score of 53 off 29 balls. Wayne Gookool was the
only other batter that offered any resistance with 39 which contained seven fours and one six as Storm Troopers were bowled out for 186 in 29.1 overs. Mohamed, Jonathan Barry, Feyyad Baksh had one wicket each. In the final encounter of the five-match series, Night Warriors won by 93 runs. Night Warriors batted first and posted 207-9 from their reduced quota of 25 overs following an early morning s h o w e r. Tr i v e l E v a n s
Justin Dowlin (left) accepts the best batsman prize from Ricardo Adams.
smashed seven fours and a similar number of sixes in an attacking 90 off 46 balls, while Justin Dowlin made 46 from 43 balls with eight fours. Mohandass Surujpaul chipped in with 18 as Tomesh Persaud claimed 339, while there was one each for Gladewin Henry Jr., Shahid Mohamed and Devendra Hansraj. Storm Troopers were restricted for 114-6 in reply. Wayne Gookool scored 34 with two fours and one six while Shahid Mohamed
made 31 which included three fours and one six. Evans captured 3-13 and Surujpaul 3-32. Evans was named man-of-the-match while Dowlin was the tournament’s leading batter with 199 runs. Surujpaul was the leading wicket taker with 11 scalps. Secretary of the WCC Nazeer Mohamed expressed gratitude to the sponsor overseas based Salim Hassan, a former Good Success Sports Club and Wakenaam youth player.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday January 30, 2024
PAGE 25
GBTI GCC, Saints Seniors crowned 2024 Bounty/Antonio’s Grill hockey champions SHC Men’s team crowned 2024 Bounty-Antonio’s Grill hockey tournament Men’s champion.
GBTI GCC Women’s team wraps up the 2024 Bounty-Antonio’s Grill Women’s title with decisive 2-0 victory against Saints.
T
he GBTI GCC Wo m e n ’s a n d SHC Senior Men’s teams emerged as champions in the recently concluded 2024 Bounty/Antonio’s Grill oneday hockey tournament at the National Stadium in Providence on Sunday. The tournament showcased thrilling performances in both the M e n ’s a n d Wo m e n ’s
divisions. In the Women’s final, GBTI GCC secured a 2-0 victory against Saints Sensation, with Jasmine Anassah from the Woodpecker Hikers honored as the Most Promising player. Abosaide Codogan was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. On the Men’s side, Saints Hockey Club
(SHC) S’Team claimed the victory in a gripping 3-2 match against Pepsi Hikers. Robert France of the Pepsi Hikers received the MVP award, while SHC S’Team’s Leroy Geer earned the Most Promising Player accolade. The tournament kicked off at 9:00 hours, featuring exciting clashes between GBTI GCC and YMCA OFHC in the women’s division, as well as a Men’s
Group B clash between Bounty GCC and GCC Pitbulls. A total of 13 teams participated in the tournament; four Women’s and nine Men’s team. After almost 30 games before the conclusion of the 2024 tournament, GBTI GCC dominated YMCA OFHC 40 in the semi-final to secure a spot in the Women’s final. In the final, Abosiade Codogan (19') and Alysa Xavier (6')
played crucial roles as GBTI GCC clinched a 2-0 victory over Saints Sensation, securing the 2024 championship. Across in the Men’s division, Saints Senior’s displayed a successful outing, scoring a total of 15 goals. Leroy Geer played a key role as they journeyed to the 2024 title. Perhaps, the highlight of the Men’s division was the
all Saints semi-final match, with Saints Scorpions battling SHC S’Team to a goalless draw. SHC S’Team emerged as favourites, securing a brilliant 2-1 victory in penalty shootouts. In the Men’s final, SHC faced Pepsi Hikers, boasting a dominant record, Saints secured an emphatic 3-2 victory, claiming the Men’s title.
Cricket Equipment Guyana provides cricket shoes for young cricketer through Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana” Shamar Apple, arguably one of the best cricketers at the Under15 level in Guyana, was the latest to benefit from this joint initiative between Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana. He was the recipient on pair of cricket shoes compliments of Cricket Equipment Guyana. Apple is a wicketkeeper and a dashing left handed opening batsman who hits the ball with immense power. A student of St. Winifred Secondary School, he represents the progressive Transport Sports Club at all levels. After decent returns at the recently concluded DCB Inter Association Under15 Tournament, he was selected to represent Demerara Under15 team which will compete in the GCB Inter County Competition set to commence on January 28, 2024. The popular sports store is located at Bel Air
Rubis Gas Station, Rupert Craig Highway. At a simple ceremony h e l d r e c e n t l y, S h a w n Massiah thanked the sponsor for once again coming on board to support this initiative and young cricketers in Guyana. Massiah wished Apple best of luck who in reply thanked this project for the assistance, noting that many players who benefited in the past went on to represent Guyana and even the West Indies with Shamar Joseph being the latest. Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $370,000 in cash, thirteen colored cricket uniforms, two trophies, eighteen pairs of cricket shoes, thirty one pairs of batting pads, thirty three cricket bats, twenty nine pairs of batting gloves, twenty four thigh pads, three pairs of wicket keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest
Shawn Massive (left) presenting the cricket shoe on behalf of the project to Shamar Apple.
guards, two boxes, ten cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one softball cricket bat and ten boxes of white balls. In addition to the above, over $600,000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket keeper/batsman. All cash collected is being used
to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time. To date, seventy young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefited from five gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, twenty nine bats, three boxes, six helmets,
twenty six pairs of cricket shoes, seventeen pairs of batting pads, twenty three thigh pads, one bat rubber, twenty nine pairs of batting gloves and three pairs of wicketkeeping gloves. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wa k e n a m C r i c k e t Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club thirteen color uniforms while RHCCCC received three boxes of balls, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails. Other beneficiaries are The Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem and youth coach, Travis Persaud, softball teams in the Upper Corentyne area, No.65 Young Titans, Just Try CC,
Wa k e n a a m C r i c k e t Academy, National fast bowler Shemar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk and Shamar Apple. Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well managed cricket clubs with a youth programme will also benefit. We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of We s t I n d i a n S p o r t s Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, (Continued on page 21)
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Vishok Persaud dominates Endurance Race meet at South Dakota
Shamar Joseph has been signed by Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League.
Peshawar Zalmi signs West Indies hero Shamar Joseph for ninth season of Pakistan Super League
Vishok Persaud collects his first place trophy after Sunday’s Endurance Meet. (Jeremy Jagroop photo)
NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League – Semis... Friendship All Stars (Blue) in control against the previously undefeated Den Amstel.
Friendship All-Stars upset Kick Start Academy; Swan, Fruta Conquerors and Santos through Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.